Summary

Current Position: US Representative of MI 4th District (formerly the 2nd) since 2015
Affiliation: Republican
Former Positions: State Senator from 2011 – 2014; State Delegate from 2003 – 2008
District:  Western Michigan. Barry, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola counties, as well as portions of Eaton, Kent, Midland, Muskegon, Ottawa and Wexford counties.    
Upcoming Election:

Moolenaar is a chemist, and worked at Dow Chemical Company for eight months before entering politics.

Featured Quote: 
Congress should never allow the money of hardworking taxpayers to be used to end the lives of unborn children. We should continue to protect unborn children and keep the Hyde Amendment. #HydeSavesLives

Moolenaar: “Michigan Farm Convoys Represent the Best of America”

OnAir Post: John Moolenaar MI-02

News

About

Source: Government page

John Moolenaar 1Congressman John Moolenaar represents the residents of Michigan’s Fourth Congressional District. He is currently a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Moolenaar brings years of leadership experience in the private and public sectors to Congress. He has worked as a chemist and business development director, and as a school administrator.

As a public servant, Moolenaar has been elected to the Midland City Council, the Michigan House of Representatives, and the Michigan Senate. Moolenaar was born and raised in Midland, where he now lives with his wife, Amy, and together they have raised six children. He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hope College and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.

Personal

Full Name: John Moolenaar

Gender: Male

Family: Wife: Amy; 6 Children

Birth Date: 05/08/1961

Birth Place: Midland, MI

Home City: Midland, MI

Religion: Protestant

Source: Vote Smart

Vote Smart

MPA, Harvard University, 1989

BS, Chemistry, Hope College, 1983

Political Experience

Representative, United States House of Representatives, Michigan, District 4, 2015-2023

Candidate, United States House of Representatives, Michigan, District 2, 2022

Candidate, United States House of Representatives, Michigan, District 4, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020

Senator, Michigan State Senate, District 36, 2011-2014

Candidate, Michigan State Senate, District 36, 2010

Representative, Michigan State House of Representatives, District 98, 2003-2009

Candidate, Michigan State House of Representatives, District 98, 2002, 2004, 2006

Member, Midland City Council, 1997-2000

Professional Experience

Director, Business Development, Dow Chemical Company

Chemist/Industry Specialist, Dow Chemical Company

Administrator, Midland Academy of Advanced and Creative Services

Assistant, Office of Senator Bill Schuette, Michigan State Senate

Director, Small Business Center, Middle Michigan Development Corporation

Director, Business Development, MiTECH, 2009-2010

Adjunct Professor, Saginaw Valley State University, 2009

Offices

Washington, DC Office
117 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Cadillac Office
201 North Mitchell Street
Suite L4
Cadillac, MI 49601
Phone: (231) 942-5070
Fax: (231) 876-9505

The Cadillac office is a satellite office.
It is staffed from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with time reserved for lunch at noon.

Visitors are encouraged to call ahead, as staff may be working in the district.  If immediate assistance is needed, please contact the Midland office.

Midland Office
200 East Main Street
Suite 230
Midland, MI 48640
Phone: (989) 631-2552
Fax: (989) 631-6271

Contact

Email: Government

Web Links

Politics

Source: none

Finances

Source: Open Secrets

Committees

Congressman John Moolenaar is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

The House Committee on Appropriations is considered to be one of the most powerful committees in Congress and it is responsible for writing legislation that formally sets the funding levels for departments, agencies, and programs in the federal budget. As a member of this committee, Moolenaar serves on following three subcommittees:

The subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

  • This subcommittee has oversight over the Department of Agriculture, including its Office of Rural Development.

The subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies

  • This subcommittee has oversight of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Education.

The subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government

  • This subcommittee has oversight of the Department of the Treasury, the Executive Office of the President, and the federal judiciary.

The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party is responsible for assessing the threats to the economy and national security posed by the government of China and proposing plans to ensure a strong American future.

Congressman Moolenaar is the co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus and the Congressional Chemistry Caucus. As the co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, Congressman Moolenaar works to ensure parents have a right to be involved in their children’s education. As the co-chair of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus, he works to recognize how important chemistry is to our everyday lives and economy.

New Legislation

Learn more about legislation sponsored and co-sponsored by Congressman Moolenaar.

Issues

Source: Government page

Congress should lead by example to reduce federal spending and the national debt. Since 2010, Congress has passed legislation to freeze the pay of legislators. Members of Congress and their staff are also required to participate in the health care exchanges set up by the Affordable Care Act.

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A Red Barn on a Farm
As a lifelong resident of mid and northern Michigan, I understand the importance of the agriculture industry to the state. Agriculture is the economic backbone of many communities throughout Michigan’s Fourth Congressional District and has been instrumental in the state’s economic recovery.

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scissors cutting a credit card
The hardworking families of mid and west Michigan understand how to balance their checkbook and it’s about time the federal government does the same. Excessive spending in Washington has been unchecked for too long, and as a result, our nation faces over $30 trillion in debt. Plain and simple, our obligations are growing faster than our ability to pay them.

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Closeup shot of a young man writing on a note pad
Scientific and technological discoveries have made our country a global economic leader. I support efforts aimed at spurring innovation, which will lead to economic growth and create jobs for the American people. Additionally, I believe we should encourage our children to become the scientists and engineers of tomorrow. I support efforts to increase access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs in order to inspire children to pursue these fields.

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oil rig and sunset
Our nation’s long-term energy policy must be aimed at reducing prices for American families and businesses. I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that utilizes our nation’s abundant domestic resources so we can continue to be an energy-independent nation.

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United Nations flags
American leadership ensures global stability. We must use all possible diplomatic tools to partner with our allies and further the interests of the American people. We must also hold countries and organizations accountable for their actions and use sanctions when necessary to show the resolve of United States to stand up to rogue regimes that wish to harm our country.

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Satellite Photo of the Great Lake, Centered on Michigan
I strongly support the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Since the initiative was launched in 2010, GLRI funds have been used to support over 3,000 restoration projects to improve water quality, protect and restore native habitat, fight invasive species, and prevent beach closings. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure funding for protecting the Great Lakes.

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stethoscope on a clipboard
I am a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the subcommittee with oversight of HHS and its response to the opioid crisis. I support funding for states to combat the opioid crisis and I have also backed legislation funding research into new pain relief treatments so patients can safely recover without the risk of addiction. I have also supported funding that will help our country find cures for cancer and Alzheimer’s. These diseases rob us of our loved ones and we must continue research that will bring us closer to finding life-saving treatments.

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Business man hand drawing a graph
Michigan has a talented workforce and world-leading manufacturing base, and we can keep it that way by promoting opportunities in the skilled trades. I am committed to ensuring residents have the opportunity to learn career and technical skills that are vital to applying for good-paying jobs.

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A picture of a baby
I believe that everyone has an unalienable right to life and that life begins at conception. We must work to protect life and ensure that every child has the opportunity to live life to the fullest.
The men and women of our Armed Forces deserve the best resources and support possible to carry out their mission to keep America safe. I am committed to ensuring our troops have the tools and training they need to be effective wherever and whenever they are called upon.

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A deer blind
As a supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe the right to bear arms is a fundamental principle upon which the founders built our nation. This right must be preserved for future generations.

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Congressman Moolenaar with Senior Citizens
I believe that Congress must keep the promises made to our nation’s seniors. While many programs, like Social Security and Medicare, face problems with their long-term financial solvency, any changes to these programs must should only be made if they do not affect the benefits retirees and individuals nearing retirement receive.

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tax form and coins
Tax reform is essential to strengthening the economy in Michigan and across the nation. Congress must continue its work to end waste, fraud and abuse in the tax code. Simplifying the tax code will help families keep more money in their pockets and help small businesses create more jobs.

More Information

Services

Source: Government page

District

Source: Wikipedia

Michigan’s 2nd congressional district is a United States congressional district in Western Michigan. The current 2nd district contains much of Michigan’s old 4th congressional district, and includes all of Barry, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola counties, as well as portions of Eaton, Kent, Midland, Muskegon, Ottawa and Wexford counties.[5] Republican John Moolenaar, who had previously represented the old 4th district, was re-elected to represent the new 2nd in 2022.

Wikipedia

John Robert Moolenaar (/ˈmlənɑːr/ MOLE-ən-arr; born May 8, 1961)[citation needed] is an American chemist and politician serving as a U.S. representative from Michigan since 2015, representing the state’s 2nd congressional district since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2003 to 2008 and the Michigan Senate from 2011 to 2014.[1]

Early life and education

Moolenaar was born on May 8, 1961, in Midland, Michigan.[2] His family is of Dutch ancestry. He graduated from Hope College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry.[3] He later earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University in 1989.[3]

Career

Moolenaar worked at Dow Chemical Company as a chemist for eight months before entering politics.[4] He was a member of the Midland City Council from 1997 to 2000. He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2002, where he served three terms. In 2010, he was elected to the Michigan Senate, where he served one term.[5][6]

In 2014, Moolenaar ran for the United States House of Representatives seat representing Michigan’s 4th congressional district. He won the Republican primary election in August, defeating Paul Mitchell,[7] and the general election in November.

In December 2020, Moolenaar signed an amicus brief before the United States Supreme Court in Texas v. Pennsylvania, et al., which sought to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election results.[8]

Elections

Moolenaar was elected to represent the 36th district in the Michigan State Senate in 2010. He defeated Democrat Andy Neumann in the November 2 general election, 56,634 votes to 32,154.

Moolenaar ran in the 2014 election for the U.S. House to represent Michigan’s 4th District. He won the Republican nomination in the August 5 primary against Paul Mitchell and Peter Konetchy. He defeated Jeff Holmes (D), Will Tyler White (Libertarian) and George Zimmer (U.S. Taxpayers) in the November 4 general election.

U.S. House of Representatives

Committee assignments

For the 118th Congress:[9]

Caucus memberships

Political positions

In December 2020, Moolenaar was one of 126 Republican members of the House of Representatives to sign an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election, in which Joe Biden defeated[14] incumbent Donald Trump. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case on the basis that Texas lacked standing under Article III of the Constitution to challenge the results of an election held by another state.[15][16][17]

In 2022, Moolenaar voted against the Respect for Marriage Act.[18]

References

  1. ^ 2011-2012 Michigan Manual: State Senator John Moolenaar
  2. ^ “John Moolenaar [1961]”. New Netherland Institute. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  3. ^ a b “MOOLENAAR, John”. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  4. ^ “Biography”. house.gov. December 11, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
  5. ^ Gonzales, Nathan L. (November 21, 2014). “Freshman Class Filled With Losers”. Roll Call. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  6. ^ “Meet Senator Moolenaar – Senator John Moolenaar”. Senator John Moolenaar. Archived from the original on October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  7. ^ “Sen. John Moolenaar defeats Paul Mitchell in 4th District congressional Republican primary race”. MLive.com. August 6, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
  8. ^ “Motion of U.S. Representative Mike Johnson and 105 Other Members for leave to file amicus brief” (PDF). Supreme Court of the United States. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  9. ^ “Committees and Caucuses | Congressman John Moolenaar”. January 3, 2021.
  10. ^ “Member List”. Republican Study Committee. Archived from the original on January 1, 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  11. ^ “Members”. Republican Main Street Partnership. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  12. ^ “Members”. U.S. – Japan Caucus. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  13. ^ “Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute”.
  14. ^ Blood, Michael R.; Riccardi, Nicholas (December 5, 2020). “Biden officially secures enough electors to become president”. AP News. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  15. ^ Liptak, Adam (December 11, 2020). “Supreme Court Rejects Texas Suit Seeking to Subvert Election”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  16. ^ “Order in Pending Case” (PDF). Supreme Court of the United States. December 11, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  17. ^ Diaz, Daniella. “Brief from 126 Republicans supporting Texas lawsuit in Supreme Court”. CNN. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  18. ^ Bobic, Igor (July 19, 2022). “These 157 House Republicans Voted Against Protections For Same-Sex Marriage”. Huffington Post. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Michigan’s 4th congressional district

2015–2023
Succeeded by

Preceded by

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Michigan’s 2nd congressional district

2023–present
Incumbent
Preceded by

Chair of the House Chinese Communist Party Committee
2024–present
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by

United States representatives by seniority
167th
Succeeded by


    Wikipedia

    John Robert Moolenaar (/ˈmlənɑːr/ MOLE-ən-arr; born May 8, 1961)[citation needed] is an American chemist and politician serving as a U.S. representative from Michigan since 2015, representing the state’s 2nd congressional district since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2003 to 2008 and the Michigan Senate from 2011 to 2014.[1]

    Early life and education

    Moolenaar was born on May 8, 1961, in Midland, Michigan.[2] His family is of Dutch ancestry. He graduated from Hope College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry.[3] He later earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Harvard University in 1989.[3]

    Career

    Moolenaar worked at Dow Chemical Company as a chemist for eight months before entering politics.[4] He was a member of the Midland City Council from 1997 to 2000. He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2002, where he served three terms. In 2010, he was elected to the Michigan Senate, where he served one term.[5][6]

    In 2014, Moolenaar ran for the United States House of Representatives seat representing Michigan’s 4th congressional district. He won the Republican primary election in August, defeating Paul Mitchell,[7] and the general election in November.

    In December 2020, Moolenaar signed an amicus brief before the United States Supreme Court in Texas v. Pennsylvania, et al., which sought to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election results.[8]

    Elections

    Moolenaar was elected to represent the 36th district in the Michigan State Senate in 2010. He defeated Democrat Andy Neumann in the November 2 general election, 56,634 votes to 32,154.

    Moolenaar ran in the 2014 election for the U.S. House to represent Michigan’s 4th District. He won the Republican nomination in the August 5 primary against Paul Mitchell and Peter Konetchy. He defeated Jeff Holmes (D), Will Tyler White (Libertarian) and George Zimmer (U.S. Taxpayers) in the November 4 general election.

    U.S. House of Representatives

    Committee assignments

    For the 118th Congress:[9]

    Caucus memberships

    Political positions

    In December 2020, Moolenaar was one of 126 Republican members of the House of Representatives to sign an amicus brief in support of Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit filed at the United States Supreme Court contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election, in which Joe Biden defeated[14] incumbent Donald Trump. The Supreme Court declined to hear the case on the basis that Texas lacked standing under Article III of the Constitution to challenge the results of an election held by another state.[15][16][17]

    In 2022, Moolenaar voted against the Respect for Marriage Act.[18]

    References

    1. ^ 2011-2012 Michigan Manual: State Senator John Moolenaar
    2. ^ “John Moolenaar [1961]”. New Netherland Institute. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
    3. ^ a b “MOOLENAAR, John”. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
    4. ^ “Biography”. house.gov. December 11, 2012. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
    5. ^ Gonzales, Nathan L. (November 21, 2014). “Freshman Class Filled With Losers”. Roll Call. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
    6. ^ “Meet Senator Moolenaar – Senator John Moolenaar”. Senator John Moolenaar. Archived from the original on October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
    7. ^ “Sen. John Moolenaar defeats Paul Mitchell in 4th District congressional Republican primary race”. MLive.com. August 6, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
    8. ^ “Motion of U.S. Representative Mike Johnson and 105 Other Members for leave to file amicus brief” (PDF). Supreme Court of the United States. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
    9. ^ “Committees and Caucuses | Congressman John Moolenaar”. January 3, 2021.
    10. ^ “Member List”. Republican Study Committee. Archived from the original on January 1, 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
    11. ^ “Members”. Republican Main Street Partnership. Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
    12. ^ “Members”. U.S. – Japan Caucus. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
    13. ^ “Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute”.
    14. ^ Blood, Michael R.; Riccardi, Nicholas (December 5, 2020). “Biden officially secures enough electors to become president”. AP News. Archived from the original on December 8, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
    15. ^ Liptak, Adam (December 11, 2020). “Supreme Court Rejects Texas Suit Seeking to Subvert Election”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
    16. ^ “Order in Pending Case” (PDF). Supreme Court of the United States. December 11, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
    17. ^ Diaz, Daniella. “Brief from 126 Republicans supporting Texas lawsuit in Supreme Court”. CNN. Archived from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
    18. ^ Bobic, Igor (July 19, 2022). “These 157 House Republicans Voted Against Protections For Same-Sex Marriage”. Huffington Post. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
    U.S. House of Representatives
    Preceded by

    Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
    from Michigan’s 4th congressional district

    2015–2023
    Succeeded by

    Preceded by

    Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
    from Michigan’s 2nd congressional district

    2023–present
    Incumbent
    Preceded by

    Chair of the House Chinese Communist Party Committee
    2024–present
    U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
    Preceded by

    United States representatives by seniority
    167th
    Succeeded by