Bill Huizenga

Huizenga Announces Nearly $14.5 Million Investment in Battle Creek VA

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) announced the Battle Creek VA Medical Center will be receiving $14,497,160 to modernize, repair, and improve buildings on its campus as part of the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) Program. In January, the Trump Administration announced the largest NRM allocation ever at $4.8 billion. The NRM program funds one-time maintenance projects for facilities, equipment or infrastructure that are not part of routine, recurring maintenance. These projects include significant maintenance, replacements or upgrades needed to maintain operational capability and advance health care delivery. Specifically, the Battle Creek VA Medical Center will be receiving funding that enhances HVAC systems, improves overall building safety, replaces elevators in multiple buildings across the campus, and installs two additional sump pumps. “I am glad to see these important investments being made to improve infrastructure, safety, and care at the Battle Creek VA,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Our veterans deserve the best care available and that can’t happen unless we invest and make improvements to the facilities where our veterans receive care.” “Under President Trump, VA is putting Veterans first, and this historic investment underscores that fact,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Improved facilities, equipment and infrastructure mean better care for Veterans, and these funds will enable VA to achieve that goal.”

UNANIMOUS: Bipartisan Huizenga Legislation to Curb AI Chip Smuggling Passes Committee

Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed bipartisan legislation, H.R. 3447, the Chip Security Act, introduced by Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI). This legislation passed by a unanimous vote of 42-0. The Chip Security Act requires advanced chip manufacturers to implement technical security measures to detect and prevent smuggling to unauthorized countries and end-users. This legislation responds to ongoing reports of AI chips being smuggled into China, where they are used to power state-controlled AI projects. Despite current export controls, smuggling networks and front companies continue to move U.S.-made chips into restricted countries. Last week, the Department of Justice filed charges against three individuals for conspiring to violate US national security lase by smuggling billions of dollars of advanced AI chips to China. Additionally, last fall, the Department of Justice announced it has indicted three Chinese nationals for smuggling high-tech chips to China via third party countries like Thailand and Malaysia. “The Chip Security Act enhances protections on AI chip exports by scaling up best security practices and encouraging innovative technologies,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga, Chairman of House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee. “This bill directly supports the Trump Administration’s AI action plan recommendations and benefits from both administration technical assistance and industry feedback.” “If we're going to export advanced AI chips, we need confidence that they don’t end up in the hands of the Chinese military,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast. “We’re continuously talking about Chinese espionage, Chinese theft, and Chinese diversion over and over again. We can’t allow this to happen.” “America has the best semiconductors in the world and we must defend our advantage over China, which is actively working to break the law and smuggle American chips. The Chip Security Act will make it harder to steal from us, and it will protect American jobs and industry. This legislation also advances President Trump’s AI Action Plan by implementing location verification and denying our adversaries access to compute power. Thank you to Chairman Mast, Congressman Huizenga, and the House Foreign Affairs Committee for advancing this legislation,” said China Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar. The Chip Security Act is led in the Senate by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR). Find out more information about the Chip Security Act, here.

VIDEO: Huizenga Confirms Funding for Harbor Towers in Benton Harbor, Discusses Homelessness in Kalamazoo with HUD Secretary Turner

Yesterday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, secured a commitment from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner that Harbor Towers in Benton Harbor is on track to receive much needed federal funding for renovations in March. In 2024, Huizenga called on the Biden Administration to meet its commitment to residents of Harbor Towers regarding both standard of living as well as overall safety. Huizenga has consistently fought for the residents of Harbor Towers after touring the property with Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Mohammad. Additionally, Congressman Huizenga thanked Secretary Turner for talking to Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson on challenges facing the community pertaining to homelessness and invited the Secretary to visit Southwest Michigan. Video of Congressman Huizenga and Secretary Turner’s conversation as well as a transcript of the dialogue in available below. On Securing Funding for Harbor Towers Congressman Bill Huizenga: Secretary Turner, good to see you again, and I appreciate your attendance here today. And first I want to say thank you for speaking with me last week on the phone and, and about our shared priorities and especially state of low-income housing in my district. And I also appreciate your staff who took the time for a call with the Mayor of Kalamazoo, David Anderson and an organization called Integrated Services of Kalamazoo to discuss homelessness and homeless projects and programs that we have. Back specifically though, I do also want to highlight a project in Benton Harbor, Michigan in my district, it's called Harbor Towers dating back to 2011. Residents have been complaining about the conditions that they have experienced there, including no heat, hot water, security concerns. In 2024, I visited the property myself with Mayor Marcus Muhammad to bring attention to a housing development that has long been neglected. We got the ball rolling then and it's my understanding that the funding for this project is set to close in March of this year. And I just want to get your commitment that you are going to work with me and the fine folks there to see that project through. Secretary Scott Turner: Yes sir, Congressman, thank you. You know, we are more than willing to work with you in your office to make sure that the people that are living there are living in the best conditions possible and that we are stewarding well over taxpayer dollars and carrying out HUD's missions. Huizenga: And both of those things can happen. Huizenga: We can be both a steward and provide proper housing for those folks. And that is, it's an important component of this. So, I appreciate your support and I know the residents of Harbor Towers will be very, very glad to hear that that much needed funding has been secured. And lastly, I'd love to invite you to the fourth district. It's one of the most beautiful districts that you'll ever see. I don't care what my other colleagues say. But I do highly recommend sometime in the spring, maybe the summer Benton Harbor is right on the shores of Lake Michigan. Love to get you there. Love to get you to Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, Cereal City USA, where we can take a look at a few of those projects that are in the district. Huizenga: I look forward to working hopefully with your schedule on that. And there's lot of folks that get support in Michigan, but I think it's important that you come to Southwest Michigan to see some of those challenges that we have. On HUD Oversight of Local Housing Authorities Huizenga: Something you and I have discussed in the past, and I know you touched on in your testimony, and I believe the Chair brought up in his opening statement. But I wanted to give you an opportunity to expand on your, on the work HUD is doing to hold local housing authorities accountable. So, could you please expand on that work? Secretary Turner: Sure. Thank you. You know, we came in a lot during the Biden Administration. A blind eye had been turned to transparency and accountability in our public housing authorities. We have 3,800 public housing authorities around our country, urban and rural, and we came in with the idea and the intention to hold public housing authorities accountable for those that live inside of public housing authorities, the living conditions inside of public housing authorities. And so, we've been working with Department of Homeland Security and other federal agency partners to make sure that those that are living inside of HUD funded properties are indeed American citizens, that they are upholding the living conditions that they're supposed to be upholding for our people that live inside of those public housing should be safe housing. And so, we have a task force. We announced a new hotline that people can call if there's nefarious activity going on in our public housing authorities. 1-800-347-3735 is a number that people can call to our hotline with the Office of Inspector General. There's drug trafficking, there's sex trafficking, there's domestic violence. There's all kind of things that are going on criminally inside of housing authorities, and I'm not willing to turn the blind eye to that anymore. But we need to protect our women, our children, and our families to be safe in housing authority. So, I unapologetically want to say we're going to root out crime and come for those who are doing criminal and nefarious activity. Because we will not stand for that any longer, sir. Huizenga: Amen. Thank you for that. The folks that they're supposed to be serving deserve that.

Huizenga Leads Bipartisan Bill to Redesignate Temporary Protected Status for Burma

Position: The release advocates for redesignating Burma for Temporary Protected Status, arguing that the Trump Administration's termination of TPS was misguided because Burma remains unsafe due to ongoing civil war, junta violence, and political repression. The sponsors contend that forcing Burmese refugees to return would violate humanitarian obligations and put lives at risk.

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia and Co-Chair of the Congressional Burma Caucus, introduced bipartisan legislation to redesignate Burma for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). On November 25th, 2025, the Trump Administration terminated the designation of Burma for TPS, concluding that Burma no longer meets the designation criteria. This termination is effective on January 26, 2026. “The Department of Homeland Security’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Burma deeply misconstrues the reality of the situation on the ground,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “The most recent junta-run sham election should be viewed as a rigged farce and nothing more. The United States must recognize that the junta cannot possibly meet the standard of holding a free and fair election while they murder innocent Burmese civilians who disagree with them. Forcing Burmese who have legally taken refuge in the United States to return to an ongoing civil war is antithetical to the purpose of TPS. As Co-chair of the Congressional Burma Caucus, I am proud to champion this legislative effort and call on the Trump Administration to reverse their misguided decision.” This bill was co-led by Reps. Ami Bera (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), Co-Chair of the Congressional Burma Caucus, and Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY). “Extending TPS for Burmese nationals is a matter of basic humanity and common sense,” said Rep. Ami Bera. “Thousands of individuals who fled violence and repression in Burma are taking refuge in the United States. They are raising families, contributing to our economy, and strengthening our communities. Forcing them to return to a country still gripped by war and instability would put their lives at risk. The United States must continue to stand with the Burmese people and ensure that those taking refuge in our nation can remain until peace and stability returns to Burma.” “It is inhumane to send people back to Burma as the junta continues to kill people,” said House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks. “Once again, the Administration’s rationale for ending TPS is inconsistent with reality – Burma is not safe. Congress must step in to ensure that we’re not sending men, women, and children back to be faced with imprisonment, torture, and death.” “The Administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Burmese citizens is a death sentence for those being forced to return to an ongoing armed conflict and genocide,” said Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove. “The United States has a moral obligation to protect people fleeing violence, deprivation, and persecution. That responsibility is precisely why the TPS program was created. I am proud to join Rep. Huizenga in introducing this crucial legislation to reinstate TPS for Burma.” “Since the end of World War II, the people of Burma have endured escalating humanitarian crises resulting from its ongoing civil war. Hundreds of thousands of Burmese fled their country to find safe haven here in the United States and have since put down roots; starting businesses, raising families, and becoming integral parts of our communities, including in Minnesota’s Fourth District. Ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for these individuals puts them in serious danger – this bipartisan legislation corrects this mistake and redesignates Burma for TPS so that these individuals can remain safely in the United States.” – Congressional Burma Caucus Co-Chair Betty McCollum “Western New Yorkers know firsthand that our communities are stronger when we support families, especially those who are fleeing violence and working hard to build their lives in America,” said Rep. Tim Kennedy. “Stripping temporary protected status from our Burmese neighbors and sending them back to a wartorn country leaves a void in the communities they’ve strengthened, the workplaces they sustain, and the local economies they help grow, and it betrays our values. I am proud to co-lead this critical legislation to reverse the administration’s decision and do the right thing by redesignating TPS for Burma.” Temporary Protected Status was originally created by Congress in 1990. Under current law, the Secretary of Homeland Security can designate a country for TPS for certain periods if the country meets one or more of the following conditions, subject to periodic review: (1) ongoing armed conflict (2) environmental disaster; or (3) extraordinary and temporary conditions in a foreign state that prevent its nationals from safely returning, unless the Secretary finds that allowing its nationals to temporarily stay in the United States is against the U.S. national interest. On November 19, 2025, Congressman Huizenga hosted a joint subcommittee hearing titled “No Exit Strategy: Burma’s Endless Crisis and America’s Limited Options,” where Huizenga discussed the horrors on the ground and the junta’s attempts to host a sham election. You can view his remarks here.

The 3% Resolution: Huizenga, Peters, Smucker, Quigley Introduce Bipartisan Budget Deficit Reduction Measure

Position: The resolution establishes a bipartisan fiscal target to reduce the federal budget deficit to 3% of GDP or lower, framing deficit reduction as necessary to address unsustainable national debt and protect long-term economic security.

Yesterday, Bipartisan Fiscal Forum (BFF) Co-Chairs Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Scott Peters (D-CA), in addition to Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), and Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), led the BFF Steering Committee to introduce the bipartisan House Resolution (H.Res.981) establishing a clear fiscal goal: reducing the federal budget deficit to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) or lower. Known as the “3% Resolution,” this measure proves growing bipartisan agreement that Congress must adopt a concrete, achievable target to begin restoring fiscal discipline and confronting the nation’s escalating debt crisis. With the federal deficit hovering around 6% of GDP in Fiscal Year 2025, national debt at historic levels, and other warning signs flashing across the economy, the 3% Resolution boldly calls out these facts and outlines a straightforward, no-nonsense framework for action to put the nation on a more sustainable fiscal path and protect future generations from severe economic consequences. You can read the text here. The 3% Resolution is also cosponsored by the entire BFF Steering Committee: Reps. Ed Case (D-HI); Steve Womack (R-AR); Jimmy Panetta (D-CA); Erin Houchin (R-IN); Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA); Blake Moore (R-UT); Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA); Dusty Johnson (R-SD); Jared Golden (D-ME); Ron Estes (R-KS), as well as House Budget Chairman and BFF Co-Chair Emeritus Jodey Arrington (R-TX). “The 3% Resolution demonstrates that Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle recognize not only the unsustainable trajectory of our national debt, but the urgency in which it needs to be addressed as well,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum. “This resolution sets a fiscal benchmark and emphasizes a disciplined budget process. Adopting this measure will help prioritize federal spending today while protecting the financial wellbeing of the next generation of Americans. This is not an aspirational target; it is the minimum standard necessary to preserve America’s long-term economic security.” "Our country borrows nearly $2 trillion every year just to pay our expenses. As government borrowing grows, there will be less money available in the system to help San Diegans afford homes, invest in their businesses, or take out loans. We cannot let bad fiscal policy crowd out working families. In order to get America's fiscal house in order, we need to clearly define what success looks like. If we reduce our annual borrowing to 3 percent of the total size of our economy, we will set a goal and benchmark we can look at every year to evaluate: are we doing better or worse than last year? I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this resolution and make clear Congress is serious about getting our economy back on track," said Congressman Scott Peters (D-CA), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Fiscal Forum. “We are on an unsustainable fiscal path, and the window to change course before risking a sovereign debt crisis is rapidly closing. But this challenge is still solvable—and setting a realistic fiscal target that has bipartisan buy-in is critical towards putting our nation back on stable footing,” said Congressman Smucker (R-PA). “This resolution builds on ongoing efforts in Congress to address the national debt by establishing a bipartisan benchmark for responsible fiscal governance. Reducing our budget deficit to 3 percent of GDP or less is an achievable goal that, if reached, would have a great impact on stabilizing our debt and growing our economy. Our debt is the greatest long-term threat to our nation, and fixing our fiscal trajectory is essential to securing America’s economy for generations to come.” “Years of reckless budgeting have brought the national debt to an unsustainable level. If left unchecked, interest on the debt will crowd out spending on defense, health care, and every other government service,” said Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL). “We must establish aggressive, realistic goals like a 3 percent deficit-to-GDP ratio to reign in our nation’s debt and ensure future generations are not handed a fiscal crisis.” In addition to the entire BFF Steering Committee cosponsoring the legislation, the 3% Resolution gained significant support right out of the gate. This resolution is a first step toward fixing our fiscal trajectory and will help build bipartisan consensus in favor of a sustainable budget framework. A fiscal goal should be aggressive enough to help fix the problem but realistic enough to be achievable, which is exactly what this resolution encourages. I am hopeful that this resolution will serve as a catalyst toward reducing deficits and I commend Representatives Huizenga (R-MI), Peters (D-CA), Smucker (R-PA) and Quigley (D-IL) for introducing it. Policymakers should get to work on putting in place the necessary policies to get the national debt on a downward sustainable path, taking no options off the table. — Maya MacGuineas, President, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget Reining in the deficit is essential for protecting taxpayers and preserving economic opportunity. This bipartisan resolution by Reps. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Scott Peters (D-CA) establishing a 3 percent deficit-to-GDP goal over five years provides a meaningful benchmark for getting our fiscal house in order. The best way to meet this target is for Congress to pursue thoughtful, long-term spending reforms and tax policies that encourage investment, work, and innovation. The resolution also gives the Congressional Budget Office an important role in assessing how major legislation would affect progress toward meeting these deficit-reduction goals, helping to keep lawmakers on track. — Demian Brady, Vice President of Research, National Taxpayers Union Foundation The United States is adding debt faster than ever due to a fundamental, structural imbalance between spending and revenue in our budget. This bipartisan resolution not only recognizes the urgency of taking action on fiscal solutions, it outlines a critically important budget process for setting a meaningful fiscal target that would put us on a much stronger and more sustainable path for the future. — Brett Loper, Executive Director, Peterson Solutions Fund The House is right to rally around a 3 percent deficit target. It isn’t a moonshot; it’s the minimum viable level of protection a modern economy needs to avoid drifting into a debt crisis. Getting back under 3 percent isn’t fiscal heroism but merely the price of keeping optionality, stability, and control in our own hands. Still, in an environment where leadership continues to duck the issue, we congratulate Reps. Huizenga, Peters, Smucker, and Quigley and thank them for their leadership. — William Glass, Policy Director, Millennial Debt Foundation The nation’s large and growing debt hurts everyday Americans — driving up costs for families and weighing down future growth. By rallying around a 3%-of-GDP deficit target, Representatives Peters, Huizenga, Smucker, and Quigley are charting a bipartisan path toward a brighter economic future. BPC Action urges Congress to get serious about our unsustainable debt and adopt this goal. — Michele Stockwell, President, BPC Action Only Congress can fix federal finances. That’s why it’s good to see an emerging new framework from Representatives Huizenga, Peters, Smucker, and Quigley: reduce the deficit to 3 percent of GDP through an effective congressional budget process with credible backstops. Building consensus on the goals can open the door to serious conversations about how to get there. — Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy, Americans for Prosperity

Huizenga Statement on the Capture of Nicolas Maduro

Position: Congressman Huizenga praises a U.S. military operation to apprehend Nicolas Maduro and calls for U.S. recognition of Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as Venezuela's legitimate president.

| U.S. House of Representatives Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display Skip to Content Email Me facebook x (formally Twitter) Instagram YouTube Meet Bill Biography Committees Services Help with a Federal Agency Leave a Comment Request a Flag Federal Job Postings Request a Tour Grant Information --> Internships Presidential Greetings Service Academy Nominations More Services Issues Issues Vote Record Sponsored / Co-Sponsored Bills News In the News Press Releases Videos Photos --> Huizenga Huddle Contact Leave a Comment Signup for the Huizenga Huddle District Information Interactive Map Subscribe facebook x (formally Twitter) Instagram YouTube Financial Services Committee Menu search Submit Press Releases Huizenga Statement on the Capture of Nicolas Maduro Share on Facebook Share on X Print this Page Share by Email Washington, January 3, 2026 Tags: Homeland Security Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement regarding the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Overnight, the United States conducted a successful military operation to apprehend Nicolas Maduro for crimes committed against the American people. This operation was carried out with precision, professionalism, and decades of intelligence. I want to thank the brave men and women who carried out their mission with skill and courage. These are decisive hours for the Venezuelan people. Anyone connected with Maduro should be viewed as illegitimate. The United States should recognize Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the rightful winner of the past election, as President and work with him in this time of transition until the Venezuelan people can hold a free and fair election. Related News UNANIMOUS: Bipartisan Huizenga Legislation to Curb AI Chip Smuggling Passes Committee March 26, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Huizenga Nominates 14 Students from Allegan, Gobles, Holland, Hudsonville, Kalamazoo, Mattawan, Portage, St. Joe, and Wayland to U.S. Service Academies January 7, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases House Passes Bipartisan, Bicameral Defense Bill Including Huizenga Provisions to Overhaul the State Department, Counter China, Enhance NATO Commitment December 10, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Huizenga Statement on $400 Million Investment for SMRs at Palisades December 2, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

Huizenga Statement on Elections in Burma

Position: Congressman Huizenga characterizes the upcoming elections in Burma as a sham overseen by the junta without genuine opposition participation, and calls on ASEAN countries to refrain from legitimizing the election outcome.

| U.S. House of Representatives Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display Skip to Content Email Me facebook x (formally Twitter) Instagram YouTube Meet Bill Biography Committees Services Help with a Federal Agency Leave a Comment Request a Flag Federal Job Postings Request a Tour Grant Information --> Internships Presidential Greetings Service Academy Nominations More Services Issues Issues Vote Record Sponsored / Co-Sponsored Bills News In the News Press Releases Videos Photos --> Huizenga Huddle Contact Leave a Comment Signup for the Huizenga Huddle District Information Interactive Map Subscribe facebook x (formally Twitter) Instagram YouTube Financial Services Committee Menu search Submit Press Releases Huizenga Statement on Elections in Burma Share on Facebook Share on X Print this Page Share by Email Washington, December 29, 2025 Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement regarding elections in Burma. As long as the junta is overseeing the election process in Burma and refuses to allow true opposition candidates, any election under these circumstances should be viewed as nothing more than a sham. I call on all ASEAN countries to refrain from legitimizing this staged and predetermined outcome.

Huizenga Statement on Coordinated Strike Against Terrorists, Protecting Christians in Nigeria

Position: The representative supports U.S. military action in coordination with Nigeria to counter terrorist threats against Christians and moderate Muslims, citing the need for timely U.S. intervention in humanitarian crises.

| U.S. House of Representatives Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display Skip to Content Email Me facebook x (formally Twitter) Instagram YouTube Meet Bill Biography Committees Services Help with a Federal Agency Leave a Comment Request a Flag Federal Job Postings Request a Tour Grant Information --> Internships Presidential Greetings Service Academy Nominations More Services Issues Issues Vote Record Sponsored / Co-Sponsored Bills News In the News Press Releases Videos Photos --> Huizenga Huddle Contact Leave a Comment Signup for the Huizenga Huddle District Information Interactive Map Subscribe facebook x (formally Twitter) Instagram YouTube Financial Services Committee Menu search Submit Press Releases Huizenga Statement on Coordinated Strike Against Terrorists, Protecting Christians in Nigeria Share on Facebook Share on X Print this Page Share by Email Washington, December 25, 2025 Today, in coordination with the Nigerian government, President Trump and the U.S. Military took decisive action to protect Christians from radical Islamists in Nigeria. The Congressional Delegation I led to Nigeria this past weekend provided insight that some attitudes inside the Nigerian Government are beginning to turn in favor of protecting Christians — in addition to taking actions against those terrorizing Christians and moderate Muslims. As I have said previously, the US was too late in Rwanda and too late in South Sudan. This strike demonstrates the United States is taking the targeted killings in Nigeria seriously.

Huizenga, McDonald Rivet Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Rural Housing Affordability

Position: The release advocates for H.R. 6720, which expands the definition of rural communities eligible for Farm Credit System home loans by raising the population threshold from 2,500 to 10,000, to improve housing affordability and accessibility in rural areas.

Yesterday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI) introduced H.R. 6720, the Fostering the Availability in Rural Markets of (FARM) Home Loans Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation would improve housing affordability in rural communities. By updating the numerical definition of what constitutes a rural community – raising it from a population of 2,500 to 10,000 – this bill will provide Southwest Michigan residents greater accessibility to affordable financing options. “Whether it’s a farm operating loan or a home loan, having access to capital through the Farm Credit System is critical for communities across rural areas of Southwest Michigan,” said Congressman Huizenga. “The FARM Home Loans Act modernizes outdated financing options for Michiganders who proudly fuel and depend on agricultural production. Updating this one-size-fits-all statute will spur economic growth and job creation in rural areas, while improving housing options in agricultural communities.” “Buying a home is one of the great promises of the American Dream, but for too many, that promise is out of reach. We need to fix the housing crisis and break down the barriers that hold rural families back,” said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. “Our bill will make thousands of American homes eligible for farm credit loans, bringing those families one step closer to making their dream of homeownership a reality.” The FARM Home Loans Act has garnered support from organizations critical to the agriculture community. “We appreciate Congresswoman Kristen McDonald‑Rivet and Congressman Bill Huizenga for championing and introducing Farm Credit’s FARM Home Loans Act,” said Travis Jones, CEO of GreenStone Farm Credit Services. “This effort will help deliver attainable, quality housing in rural communities and support the people and businesses that want to live, work, and raise their families in rural communities.” “Farm Credit Council thanks Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet and Bill Huizenga for introducing this important legislation. Finding a lender to purchase a home in a rural community is often difficult because of the unique qualities of rural properties,” said Christy Seyfert, President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council. “Allowing Farm Credit to serve the credit needs of home buyers in rural communities with populations of up to 10,000 will ensure more Americans are able to move to or remain in rural areas which will ensure the continued vitality of rural communities.”

House Passes Bipartisan, Bicameral Defense Bill Including Huizenga Provisions to Overhaul the State Department, Counter China, Enhance NATO Commitment

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement after the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 312-112. This legislation is a bipartisan agreement between the House and Senate to enhance our national security by building a ready, capable, lethal fighting force to deter our adversaries and protect the United States. Importantly, this NDAA includes multiple provisions authored by Congressman Huizenga that address China and Strategic Ports (H.R. 1701), NATO defense spending, and a historic overhauling and streamlining of the public diplomacy arm of the State Department (H.R. 5251). The legislation now heads to the Senate. “Overall, this bipartisan agreement strengthens our national security, provides our troops with a well-deserved pay raise, and enhances our military readiness,” said Congressman Huizenga. “My bipartisan Strategic Ports Reporting Act allows the United States to not only evaluate the strategic investments by China, but more importantly counter China’s expansionist policies in the Western Hemisphere. This NATO provision strongly reinforces the American position that our European Allies meet their new spending commitments of 3.5% on defense and 1.5% on military infrastructure. Lastly, my bipartisan provisions to overhaul public diplomacy and strategic communication at the State Department will make the United States more effective at countering adversaries and promoting American Leadership.” “This restructuring has been needed for years, and I am proud to have delivered these crucial reforms to enhance American Diplomacy and improve our ability to address threats to our national security,” continued Congressman Huizenga. “By streamlining the public diplomacy structure at the State Department, it will align personnel, budgets, and regional teams across the globe under a single chain of command. This will help ensure messages are integrated, disciplined, and strategically directed. Importantly, this overhaul also requires annual reports to Congress that include clear metrics, benchmarks, and adversary-response assessments which will enhance the ability of Congress to conduct oversight over the State Department and more effectively weigh in on matters of national security. Additionally, these reforms require and enforce results-based management across educational and cultural exchanges, aligning them with strategic priorities and foreign policy outcomes making the State Department as a whole more efficient and more effective.”