Blog: The Huizenga Huddle: Sept. 13, 2013

Statement

What's Happening In Washington:

This week, Congress returned to session in Washington as Syria, ObamaCare, and spending battles grabbed headlines across the country.

On the House floor, the legislation I thought you would be most interested in this week is H.R. 2775. Also known as, the No Subsidies Without Verification Act, H.R. 2775 closes a major verification loophole in ObamaCare that could potentially leave taxpayers on the hook for $250 billion in fraudulent subsidy payments. This bill passed the House on Thursday by a vote of 235-191 and following House passage, Senator Tom Coburn introduced a companion bill in the Senate. Everyone in Washington claims they are for rooting out waste, fraud and abuse. The House has acted, I hope the Senate will do the same.

In Somber Remembrance:

This week also marked the 12th anniversary of the horrific attacks that took place on September 11th. On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues in the House and Senate on the East Front steps of the Capitol in remembrance of the lives lost, the courage of our nation's first responders and our men and women in uniform serving across the globe.

Additionally, I shared some of my own thoughts on September 11th on Facebook. You can read and comment if you would like to HERE.

This week also brought heartbreak close to home. On September 9th, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield was killed in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop in Mason County. My colleague Dr. Dan Benishek and I spoke on the House floor this week to honor Trooper Butterfield's memory and thank him for his service and sacrifice. Below is the video of us talking on the floor:

In The News:
Audio - On WOOD Radio 1300 I discussed how I don't believe President Obama's speech on Syria changed many people's minds
Audio - On 1340 WJRW I spoke with Dave Jaconette about life 12 years after September 11th and the ongoing situation in Syria
Audio - On Holland's Home Town Station WHTC, Gary Stevens and I talked about Syria, immigration reform, the ongoing budget battles & the QE policies being employed by the Federal Reserve
Video - On Michigan's Big Show I gave my reaction to Russian President Putin's opinion piece in the New York Times and discussed the relationship between Syria and Russia.
Michigan Minute:
Gov. Rick Snyder to attend funeral of fallen trooper Paul Butterfield
Wyoming swimmer earns spot on USA Swimming National Team
Bell's Brewery coming to Grand Rapids
Grand Traverse Pie Co. gets national attention on ABC
Beckmann: Our veterans need more help than they're getting
The Road Ahead:

As the battles to defund ObamaCare and reduce Washington's out of control spending continues to heat up, I will do my best to keep you up to date. That being said, I wanted to make sure to inform you that this week I signed on as a co-sponsor to H.J.Res. 62 - the Stability, Security and Fairness Resolution.

This legislation, introduced by Tom Graves of Georgia, defunds and delays ObamaCare until 2015 and ensures the government's doors stay open for the next fiscal year.

Additionally, H.J. Res. 62 makes sure our troops in the field, their families at home and our veterans are prioritized by including the House passed appropriation bills that address Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email or call my office.

In Case You Missed It:
The Associated Press highlights another example of ObamaCare doing the opposite of its intended purpose of lowering health care costs.
Politico reports on unions charging that ObamaCare is jeopardizing the 40 hour work week and could eliminate patient's choice of doctors.

Source