Higgins & Huizenga named co-chairs of Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group

House appointments made to binational working group

Congress members Brian Higgins and Bill Huizenga were appointed by House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as co-chairs of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group. The collective is comprised of a coalition of elected leaders from both countries “committed to advancing dialogue on policies of mutual interest. Bilateral issues of discussion include trade, border management, Great Lakes, security and economic opportunity.”

Higgins said, “As the world continues to deal with a multitude of challenges related to the pandemic, now is an especially critical time for conversation and collaboration between the U.S. and Canada. We look forward to working with our Canadian counterparts to reopen the border and support efforts that help both countries recover.”

Huizenga said, “The United States and Canada share a unique relationship that encompasses countless issues, including our shared values, economic ties and security interests. Whether it is working together on issues pertaining to the Great Lakes, trade or reopening the border, I look forward to discussing these topics with our Canadian counterparts and advancing solutions that benefit both our nations.”

Higgins’ Western New York district includes the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls, borders Canada and is comprised of four international crossings. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, including its subcommittee on trade and is also co-chair of the congressional northern border caucus.

Huizenga’s Western Michigan district borders Lake Michigan. He is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and serves as Co-Chair of the Great Lakes Task Force.

Congress members Jack Bergman (R-MI-1), Tim Burchett (R-TN-2), Peter DeFazio (D-OR-40, Suzan DelBene (D-WA-1), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN-1), Rick Larsen (D-WA-2), Andy Levin (D-MI-9), Joseph Morelle (D-NY-25), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-5) and Pete Stauber (R-MN-8) were also appointed to serve as members of the binational working group.