Hoekstra's couch museum-bound

HOLLAND, Mich., Feb. 7 (UPI) -- A Michigan museum said the couch former Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich., slept on during his years in Congress will be displayed as an example of "Dutch frugality."

The Holland Museum in Holland, Mich., said Hoekstra's couch, which served as his Washington bed for the last eight of his 18 years in office, was a logical addition to the museum's collection, The Detroit News reported Monday.

"It's the perfect symbol of Dutch frugality," said Thea Grigsby, the museum's executive director.

Hoekstra was well-known for sleeping on his office couch long before sofa sleeping became a popular symbol for cost-cutting on Capitol Hill. Fellow Michigan lawmakers Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga of Zeeland and Democratic Rep. Hansen Clarke of Detroit cited Hoekstra's sleeping arrangements as inspiration for their own couch-bound habits.

The museum said it paid $1,600 for the black leather couch.