By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, who has represented the Zeeland area in Congress for 14 years, has ruled out a run for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan in next year’s election.
Huizenga, a resident of Holland Township, announced in a post on his X social media account July 23 that he would not run for the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.
“After careful consideration with Natalie (his wife) and my family, as well as in consultation with President Trump, I have decided against a bid for U.S. Senate in Michigan,” Huizenga announced on his post. “I am proud of our effort and am grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement I received from Michiganders across our great state. I look forward to announcing my future plans later this year.”
Huizenga was first elected to Congress in November 2010, replacing former Rep. Pete Hoekstra, whom Huizenga once worked for as a legislative aide. He served in the Michigan House of Representatives for six years before becoming a congressman.
In his last November’s election, Huizenga defeated Democratic challenger Jessica Swartz of Kalamazoo, capturing 55 percent of the vote. Swartz and another Democrat, state Sen. Sean McCann of Kalamazoo, have already announced they will run for Huizenga’s seat again in the 2026 election.
The field of candidates currently running for Peters’ Senate seat includes Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost to Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin in last November’s election, and four Democrats – U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, former House Speaker Joe Tate and 2018 gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Zeeland Record
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, who has represented the Zeeland area in Congress for 14 years, has ruled out a run for the open U.S. Senate seat in Michigan in next year’s election.
Huizenga, a resident of Holland Township, announced in a post on his X social media account July 23 that he would not run for the Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.
“After careful consideration with Natalie (his wife) and my family, as well as in consultation with President Trump, I have decided against a bid for U.S. Senate in Michigan,” Huizenga announced on his post. “I am proud of our effort and am grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement I received from Michiganders across our great state. I look forward to announcing my future plans later this year.”
Huizenga was first elected to Congress in November 2010, replacing former Rep. Pete Hoekstra, whom Huizenga once worked for as a legislative aide. He served in the Michigan House of Representatives for six years before becoming a congressman.
In his last November’s election, Huizenga defeated Democratic challenger Jessica Swartz of Kalamazoo, capturing 55 percent of the vote. Swartz and another Democrat, state Sen. Sean McCann of Kalamazoo, have already announced they will run for Huizenga’s seat again in the 2026 election.
The field of candidates currently running for Peters’ Senate seat includes Republican Rep. Mike Rogers, who narrowly lost to Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin in last November’s election, and four Democrats – U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, former House Speaker Joe Tate and 2018 gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Victory Sponsors Legislation to Stop Robocall Scams
State Sen. Roger Victory has sponsored legislation to strengthen enforcement against robocall scams by creating specific rules telephone solicitors must follow and allowing civil actions for violations.
“We must put a stop to the robocall scams that take advantage of Michigan consumers, including senior citizens,” said Victory, R-Hudsonville. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to improve consumer protections and safeguard our residents from malicious, unfair solicitations.”
Senate Bills 351-355 would:
• Create explicit rules that telephone solicitors must follow to better protect consumers.
• Prohibit telephone solicitors from blocking caller ID or displaying misleading names, phone numbers or area codes.
• Allow the attorney general to investigate and pursue civil actions for alleged violations or noncompliance.
• Impose penalties and fines of up to $75,000 for telephone solicitors who target vulnerable residents.
The five-bill package has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection.
“We must put a stop to the robocall scams that take advantage of Michigan consumers, including senior citizens,” said Victory, R-Hudsonville. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to improve consumer protections and safeguard our residents from malicious, unfair solicitations.”
Senate Bills 351-355 would:
• Create explicit rules that telephone solicitors must follow to better protect consumers.
• Prohibit telephone solicitors from blocking caller ID or displaying misleading names, phone numbers or area codes.
• Allow the attorney general to investigate and pursue civil actions for alleged violations or noncompliance.
• Impose penalties and fines of up to $75,000 for telephone solicitors who target vulnerable residents.
The five-bill package has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection.
Huizenga Bill to Strengthen Fisheries Passes House
By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
A bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland Twp., to strengthen the Great Lakes fisheries industry has passed the House by an overwhelming margin.
The House on July 22 approved H.R. 1917, the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act, which was introduced by Huizenga and two of his fellow Michigan lawmakers, Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton. The legislation passed on a vote of 360-57.
The legislation would establish a program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work with state and tribal governments to implement mass marking of fish at hatcheries across the Great Lakes.
“Recreational fishing generates significant revenue for small businesses across Michigan while also allowing anglers and families to make memories that last a lifetime,” said Huizenga, who is Republican co-chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. “Establishing a Great Lakes Mass Marking Program will improve the effectiveness of our fisheries while enhancing the environmental, scientific, and recreational benefits that healthy fish populations provide. This bipartisan initiative is a win for both the economy and the ecology of the Great Lakes.”
Mass marking is the practice of tagging large numbers of fish that are raised in hatcheries to distinguish them from the wild fish population. Currently, only about 41 percent of hatchery fish are marked, said Dingell, who is the Democratic co-chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force.
“The implementation of mass marking will help us better understand the fish populations of our Great Lakes and the cultural, economic, recreational, and food benefits they provide,” Dingell said. “This bill provides the tools needed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a mass marking program for every hatchery fish in the Great Lakes region, which will allow fishery managers to collect valuable, timely information, ultimately improving the effectiveness and efficiency of hatchery operations and fishery management.”
The legislation now goes to the U.S. Senate.
Zeeland Record
A bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland Twp., to strengthen the Great Lakes fisheries industry has passed the House by an overwhelming margin.
The House on July 22 approved H.R. 1917, the Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act, which was introduced by Huizenga and two of his fellow Michigan lawmakers, Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton. The legislation passed on a vote of 360-57.
The legislation would establish a program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to work with state and tribal governments to implement mass marking of fish at hatcheries across the Great Lakes.
“Recreational fishing generates significant revenue for small businesses across Michigan while also allowing anglers and families to make memories that last a lifetime,” said Huizenga, who is Republican co-chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force. “Establishing a Great Lakes Mass Marking Program will improve the effectiveness of our fisheries while enhancing the environmental, scientific, and recreational benefits that healthy fish populations provide. This bipartisan initiative is a win for both the economy and the ecology of the Great Lakes.”
Mass marking is the practice of tagging large numbers of fish that are raised in hatcheries to distinguish them from the wild fish population. Currently, only about 41 percent of hatchery fish are marked, said Dingell, who is the Democratic co-chair of the House Great Lakes Task Force.
“The implementation of mass marking will help us better understand the fish populations of our Great Lakes and the cultural, economic, recreational, and food benefits they provide,” Dingell said. “This bill provides the tools needed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a mass marking program for every hatchery fish in the Great Lakes region, which will allow fishery managers to collect valuable, timely information, ultimately improving the effectiveness and efficiency of hatchery operations and fishery management.”
The legislation now goes to the U.S. Senate.
Northern Michigan Receives Disaster Declaration from Ice Storm
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced July 23 that President Donald Trump has approved Michigan’s request for a disaster declaration to help communities impacted by the historic ice storm in Northern Michigan earlier this year.
The devastating storm knocked out power and communications and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris.
“With this initial support, we can help communities recover costs associated with cleanup efforts. I want to thank the president and our congressional delegation for supporting our request, and I look forward to collaborating further on much-needed additional resources,” Whitmer said. “Michiganders across the state stepped up to help our neighbors, and while other parts of our request remain under review, we will continue advocating together to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild.”
The declaration opens the path to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public assistance in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Kalkaska, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The administration continues to review the request for Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance under Category F.
“I’m pleased that funding is coming to Northern Michigan to bolster the ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm this March,” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said. “The state of Michigan and local emergency managers continue to work hard because this job is not finished, and I’ll keep fighting to help our communities get the resources they need to bounce back stronger.”
“President Trump’s approval of a major disaster declaration for the counties impacted by March’s devastating ice storm is welcome news,” said U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet. “I’m grateful to his administration for working to get this done. This long-awaited decision unlocks critical resources to help our communities recover and rebuild as quickly as possible. It’s been a true team effort - from local agencies to state and federal partners.”
On March 31, Whitmer declared a state of emergency to respond to the storm’s impact. The declaration initially covered 10 counties and was expanded to include 12 counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties.
Whitmer also deployed the Michigan National Guard to provide more personnel and specialized equipment to help with ice storm recovery efforts in northern Michigan. Lastly, the governor declared an energy emergency in the Upper Peninsula to help expedite delivery of fuel and other critical supplies to impacted areas.
On May 16, Whitmer submitted a formal request for a major disaster declaration to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild from the historic ice storms that hit the region hard in late March. The governor also traveled to the White House to meet with President Trump, advocating for federal assistance for Northern Michigan. The governor previously asked for an emergency declaration, which would authorize up to $5 million in immediate public assistance to support emergency efforts, including debris management needs.
Whitmer will continue working with the administration to pursue further relief from FEMA, and her request for IA remains under review by the federal administration. IA can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. She will also seek resources for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
The devastating storm knocked out power and communications and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris.
“With this initial support, we can help communities recover costs associated with cleanup efforts. I want to thank the president and our congressional delegation for supporting our request, and I look forward to collaborating further on much-needed additional resources,” Whitmer said. “Michiganders across the state stepped up to help our neighbors, and while other parts of our request remain under review, we will continue advocating together to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild.”
The declaration opens the path to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public assistance in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Kalkaska, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The administration continues to review the request for Individual Assistance (IA) and Public Assistance under Category F.
“I’m pleased that funding is coming to Northern Michigan to bolster the ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm this March,” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said. “The state of Michigan and local emergency managers continue to work hard because this job is not finished, and I’ll keep fighting to help our communities get the resources they need to bounce back stronger.”
“President Trump’s approval of a major disaster declaration for the counties impacted by March’s devastating ice storm is welcome news,” said U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet. “I’m grateful to his administration for working to get this done. This long-awaited decision unlocks critical resources to help our communities recover and rebuild as quickly as possible. It’s been a true team effort - from local agencies to state and federal partners.”
On March 31, Whitmer declared a state of emergency to respond to the storm’s impact. The declaration initially covered 10 counties and was expanded to include 12 counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties.
Whitmer also deployed the Michigan National Guard to provide more personnel and specialized equipment to help with ice storm recovery efforts in northern Michigan. Lastly, the governor declared an energy emergency in the Upper Peninsula to help expedite delivery of fuel and other critical supplies to impacted areas.
On May 16, Whitmer submitted a formal request for a major disaster declaration to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild from the historic ice storms that hit the region hard in late March. The governor also traveled to the White House to meet with President Trump, advocating for federal assistance for Northern Michigan. The governor previously asked for an emergency declaration, which would authorize up to $5 million in immediate public assistance to support emergency efforts, including debris management needs.
Whitmer will continue working with the administration to pursue further relief from FEMA, and her request for IA remains under review by the federal administration. IA can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. She will also seek resources for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Nessel, Hertel and DNR
The House Oversight Committee has authorized State Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Twp., to subpoena Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Director Elizabeth Hertel and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The Oversight Committee’s vote July 22 to authorize subpoenas on some of Michigan’s highest public officials clears the path for what will be the most extensive use of the Legislature’s subpoena power in Michigan history.
“House leadership agreed to seek these subpoenas because we take our commitment to making our state government more transparent and accountable seriously,” said DeBoyer, who chairs the Oversight Committee. “We are tired of seeing government actors with no regard for the public face zero accountability. That is not how representative government ought to work, and it ought to stop. If it wasn’t clear before that we are not messing around, it should be now.”
The subpoenas on Nessel, Hertel and the DNR were authorized for a variety of reasons, all relating to alarming allegations of government misconduct. DeBoyer pointed to Nessel’s case as particularly concerning. The subpoenas on the attorney general relate to potential criminal activity by a top Democrat official and an organization with ties to a member of Nessel’s family. Both cases appear to have been buried and never properly investigated.
The Secretary of State sent a criminal referral to the Attorney General’s office with allegations that an organization called Bipartisan Solutions used a fraudulent dark money scheme to fund a ballot initiative co-chaired by a close member of Nessel’s family. Despite refusing to investigate this potential crime, Nessel is currently seeking criminal penalties against a Republican Party-associated political fundraiser for nearly identical charges.
“The people of Michigan are understandably wary of politicians using the powers of government to punish their political opponents and get their friends off the hook,” DeBoyer said. “There’s a lot we have yet to learn about Dana Nessel’s decisions, but that is exactly why we are seeking a subpoena on her office. This investigation will allow us to uncover the truth and learn about any potential misconduct.
“Regardless of what occurred, we need to be absolutely certain that our state’s highest-ranking law enforcement official is not helping her friends and family evade the law. If the attorney general has nothing to hide, she should welcome transparency into her house.”
The Oversight Committee’s vote July 22 to authorize subpoenas on some of Michigan’s highest public officials clears the path for what will be the most extensive use of the Legislature’s subpoena power in Michigan history.
“House leadership agreed to seek these subpoenas because we take our commitment to making our state government more transparent and accountable seriously,” said DeBoyer, who chairs the Oversight Committee. “We are tired of seeing government actors with no regard for the public face zero accountability. That is not how representative government ought to work, and it ought to stop. If it wasn’t clear before that we are not messing around, it should be now.”
The subpoenas on Nessel, Hertel and the DNR were authorized for a variety of reasons, all relating to alarming allegations of government misconduct. DeBoyer pointed to Nessel’s case as particularly concerning. The subpoenas on the attorney general relate to potential criminal activity by a top Democrat official and an organization with ties to a member of Nessel’s family. Both cases appear to have been buried and never properly investigated.
The Secretary of State sent a criminal referral to the Attorney General’s office with allegations that an organization called Bipartisan Solutions used a fraudulent dark money scheme to fund a ballot initiative co-chaired by a close member of Nessel’s family. Despite refusing to investigate this potential crime, Nessel is currently seeking criminal penalties against a Republican Party-associated political fundraiser for nearly identical charges.
“The people of Michigan are understandably wary of politicians using the powers of government to punish their political opponents and get their friends off the hook,” DeBoyer said. “There’s a lot we have yet to learn about Dana Nessel’s decisions, but that is exactly why we are seeking a subpoena on her office. This investigation will allow us to uncover the truth and learn about any potential misconduct.
“Regardless of what occurred, we need to be absolutely certain that our state’s highest-ranking law enforcement official is not helping her friends and family evade the law. If the attorney general has nothing to hide, she should welcome transparency into her house.”
