WINONA LAKE - Third District U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman held an open house Monday in Winona Lake.
Stutzman met with more than 100 constituents for three hours at his district office at The Boathouse Restaurant, Winona Lake.
Stutzman serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, Committee on the Budget and Committee on Veterans Affairs.
He represents Kosciusko, DeKalb, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben and Whitley counties, as well as parts of Allen and Elkhart counties.
Stutzman said it is exciting to open his Winona Lake office.
"We are trying to make sure we are accessible, and want to be readily available for those who need help," Stutzman said.
Stutzman said the budget committee met last week. Stutzman said there was not a budget last year, and so the committee is working to get a budget out by May or April.
Stutzman discussed jobs and said he has talked to business owners who are concerned with taxes and regulation.
"The FDA is one that prohibits job growth right here in Kosciusko County with the medical device industry tax because they can't get new products to market," Stutzman said. "The innovation of new ideas that have come out of such a great sector are going to start going oversees because they can't get through the bureaucratic process and red tape continues to hold them up."
Stutzman said jobs cannot continue to be exported because of the federal government.
He also addressed pro-life issues. He said he is co-sponsoring a bill with Congressman Mike Pence that would eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood.
"A controversial issue like abortion should not have taxpayer funding go toward the organization," Stutzman said.
Dane Miller, founder and retired CEO of Biomet and Winona Lake resident, said he was honored Stutzman could visit the Winona Lake office that is next to his office.
"I am honored that his district office is next to mine, and it's a real pleasure to see someone like him in the commitment he has made to our district and community now serving in Washington," Miller said.
