The 2010 Midterm Elections secured a majority for Republicans in the House of Representatives, while Democrats struggled to maintain their majority in the Senate.

Two of the Republicans newly elected to the House of Representatives are also alumni of the Young Leaders Conference.

Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Young Leader 2009

Bio

Bill was born on January 31, 1969 and grew up in Zeeland, Michigan. He began his career in the private sector, as a realtor, after graduating from Calvin College. In 1996, he was offered a job as Congressman Pete Hoekstra's Director of Public Policy. There, he gained a deeper understanding of the needs of his home state, and in 2002, he decided to run for office himself. From 2003-2008, Bill represented Michigan’s 90th District, and in 2010, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District.

Platform

1. Job creation is achieved through lower taxes and less regulation.

2. Our nearly $14 trillion in national debt should be reduced by balancing the budget and eliminating excess spending except when absolutely necessary, such as in times of war or national emergencies.

3. The recent bank bailout was the wrong route to take. The financial crisis was caused in part by over-regulation, and the bailout has added even more regulation.

4. No futher action is needed by Congress to address climate change, as there is not sufficient scientific evidence to support it. "Cap and Trade" legislation stifles economic growth.

5. Under current taxation levels, future Social Security benefits cannot be paid. It is not sustainable to subsidize the system, but there are other options for reform.

6. Abortion should be prohibited.

7. Illegal immigration can be curbed by sealing our borders and later introducing a guest worker program.

8. Congress should repeal President Obama's health care law and introduce a market-based solution to the health care crisis.

9. One of our essential freedoms is "the right to bear arms" as stated in the Second Amendment, and a national "right to carry" law should be instated.


David Rivera (R-FL), Young Leader 2003

David was born in New York City on September 16, 1965 and moved to Florida at the age of nine. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida International University in 1986, and his MPA in 1994. Rivera has worked in politics since 1988, beginning with a position as a legislative assistant to US Senator Connie Mack, and later as Public Affairs Director for the Valladeres Foundation, as special Assistant to the Director of the United States Information Agency's Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and as Director of National Political Affairs and Director of Hispanic Outreach for the Republican Party of Florida. He was first elected to the Florida House in 2002, and after serving four terms, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida’s 25th District in 2010, defeating Democrat Joe Garcia (Young Leaders Class of 2004).

Platform

1. Lowering taxes will encourage business owners to start hiring again.

2. The Second Amendment grants us the fundamental right to bear arms, and this right should be protected.

3. To fight illegal immigration, we must secure our borders and penalize employers who hire illegal immigrants.

4. The United States should support Israel with foreign aid because they stand as a beacon of freedom in the Middle East.

5. Pressure should be put on Iran to discourage uranium enrichment and weaponry programs.

6. President Obama's health care legislation breaks his pledge to not raise taxes on American making less then $250,000 per year, by imposing a mandate tax on Americans and employers who do not purchase health insurance.

7. Promote renewable energy as well as exploring traditional energy sources.