{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"IN\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://carson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/carson-statement-on-his-attendance-at-the-icna-chicago-convention", "Carson Statement on Attending the ICNA Chicago Convention", "2014-12-31", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "INDIANAPOLIS - Today, Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson released the following statement in response to his attendance at the ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America) Chicago convention last weekend.\nOn Saturday, December 27, I attended the ICNA Chicago convention to deliver a speech on the importance of civil engagement and developing leaders in the community. \u00a0\u00a0\nOn Sunday, December 28, I learned that ICNA had also scheduled me to sit on a Ferguson panel Saturday night \u2013 which I had not planned on participating in.\u00a0 At no point had I ever confirmed to attend any other events other than the dinner.\u00a0 Any reference to my participation or appearance on the Ferguson panel during the ICNA conference is not factual.\nAs a former law enforcement officer with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security in the anti-terrorism unit, it is critical that Americans know that I would never associate with any individual or organization trying to harm the United States of America or its citizens.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-attending-icna-chicago-convention", "Carson Statement on Attending the ICNA Chicago Convention", "2014-12-31", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", "carson", "https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "INDIANAPOLIS - Today, Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson released the following statement in response to his attendance at the ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America) Chicago convention last weekend.\n\nOn Saturday, December 27, I attended the ICNA Chicago convention to deliver a speech on the importance of civil engagement and developing leaders in the community.\n\nOn Sunday, December 28, I learned that ICNA had also scheduled me to sit on a Ferguson panel Saturday night \u2013 which I had not planned on participating in. At no point had I ever confirmed to attend any other events other than the dinner. Any reference to my participation or appearance on the Ferguson panel during the ICNA conference is not factual.\n\nAs a former law enforcement officer with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security in the anti-terrorism unit, it is critical that Americans know that I would never associate with any individual or organization trying to harm the United States of America or its citizens.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:44:12Z"], ["http://visclosky.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/visclosky-announces-2015-town-forums", "Visclosky Announces 2015 Town Forums", "2014-12-29", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Peter Visclosky", "V000108", "visclosky.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Visclosky Announces 2015 Town Forums\nLocal students to lead the Pledge of Allegiance\nMerrillville, IN- Congressman Visclosky announced today that he will hold 12 Town Forums throughout Indiana\u2019s First Congressional District during the month of January.\u00a0\nVisclosky hosts the Town Forums each year as an avenue to hear directly from constituents and to provide an update on issues facing the region and the country.\n\u201cI host these annual Town Forums so that I may share updates on the previous and forthcoming legislative sessions and, moreover, to hear from the public on the important issues of today,\u201d said Congressman Pete Visclosky.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nAs in previous years, local students will lead the Pledge of Allegiance and introduce Visclosky to their communities.\u00a0 Each student will give a brief introduction speech that will include information on the history and economy of the First Congressional District.\n\u201cSome of Northwest Indiana\u2019s best and brightest will join us during the 2015 Town Forums.\u00a0 I am excited to have their participation throughout the week, and I appreciate their willingness to take an active role in our democratic process.\u201d\nCongressman Visclosky\u2019s 2015 Town Forum Schedule:\nThursday January 15, 2015: \n10:00 a.m. CST-Michigan City: Michigan City-City Hall, 100 East Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, Indiana 46360\n12:00 p.m. CST-Chesterton: Westchester Public Library, Library Service Center, 100 West Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, Indiana 46304\n2:00 p.m. CST-Valparaiso: Porter County Government Center, County Commissioners\u2019 Chambers, 155 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383\n4:00 p.m. CST-Portage: Portage City Hall, 6070 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368\n6:00 p.m. CST-Hobart: Hobart Community Center, 111 East Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342\nFriday January 16, 2015:\n10:00 a.m. CST-Crown Point: Crown Point Library, 122 North Main Street, Crown Point, Indiana 46307\n12:00 p.m. CST-Highland: Wicker Park Social Center, 2215 Ridge Road, Highland, Indiana 46322\n2:00 p.m. CST-Hammond: Purdue University Calumet, Student Union Library Building, Room With a View, 2200 169th Street, Hammond, Indiana 46323\n4:00 p.m. CST-East Chicago: East Chicago City Hall, Council Chambers, 4525 Indianapolis Boulevard, East Chicago, Indiana 46312\n6:00 p.m. CST-Gary: Gary YWCA, 150 West 15th Avenue, Gary, Indiana 46407\nSaturday January 17, 2015:\n12:00 p.m. CST-St. John: St. John Town Hall, 10955 West 93rd Avenue, St. John, Indiana 46373\n2:00 p.m. CST-Merrillville: Merrillville Town Hall, 7820 Broadway, Merrillville, Indiana 46410", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/save/https:/visclosky.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/purdue-university-calumet-2014-year-in-review", "Purdue University Calumet 2014 Year in Review", "2014-12-24", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Peter Visclosky", "V000108", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Saving page now...\nhttps://visclosky.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/purdue-university-calumet-2014-year-in-review\nAs it appears live December 6, 2017 3:44:46 PM UTC\n  \n  \n    \n          \n      \n    \n      \n          \n        \n    \n  \n    \n                Purdue University Calumet 2014 Year in Review", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/bill-that-supports-troops-is-now-the-law", "Bill that Supports Troops is Now the Law", "2014-12-24", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill that Supports Troops is Now the Law\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Wednesday, December 24, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            It\u2019s popular for members of Congress to say that they \u201csupport the troops,\u201d but backing those words with thoughtful, meaningful action is what really matters.\r\nThe passage of the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Act of 2014 promises real assistance to members of the military, putting the focus on helping them get mental health support and reducing military suicides. On Friday, President Obama signed the bill, which is part of the National Defense Authorization Act.\r\nThe bill is the second version of a measure introduced last year by Indiana Sen. Joe Donnelly. Donnelly\u2019s commitment to preventing suicide among military members \u2014 and his hard work in support of those who serve in general \u2014 has been unwavering.\r\nNamed for a National Guardsman from Farmland, Ind., who shot himself to death while on leave in 2009, the bill requires annual, face-to-face mental health assessments for all active duty, reserve and National Guard service members. Currently, the military focuses mental health services on deploying and returning troops, even though research indicates that suicide is more common among soldiers who never deploy.\r\nThe need for such support is reflected in these sobering figures: Last year saw the combat deaths of 132 service members, while 475 members took their own lives.\r\nIn introducing the measure, Donnelly noted that \u201cthere is not one solution, no cure-all to prevent military suicide. But this problem is not too big to solve.\u201d\r\nAnd the passage of the Jacob Sexton Act Military Act of 2014 is a significant step in preventing such tragic losses. In a statement, Donnelly calls the legislation he fought for \u201ccommon sense change (that) will ensure we are focusing not only on our Armed Forces\u2019 physical readiness but also mental readiness.\u201d\r\nIt\u2019s no less than the men and women who protect this country deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/mental-health-funding-could-get-boost-in-states-budget", "Mental-Health Funding Could Get Boost in State's Budget", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In 2012, Indiana cut more than $24 million, or 9 percent, from its mental health budget, according to a report published by the National Alliance on Mental Health.\nIt was the second biggest state cut to mental health funding in the country, next to Illinois.\nSince then, state legislators haven\u2019t upped funding, making Indiana one of only eight states that didn\u2019t increase mental-health spending in 2014, according to a NAMI state legislation report.\n\u201cThe state has not been good at adding to the federal dollars that we get for mental health,\u201d said Stephen McCaffrey, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Indiana. \u201cWe don\u2019t put a lot of money into mental health and substance abuse in Indiana.\u201d\nBut the state\u2019s withering mental-health spending could see a boost in the upcoming budget, which will be voted on next year.\nRep. Mike Karickhoff, R-Kokomo, who will serve as the Budget Subcommittee Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, said most of the funding for mental-health services will come out of the $11 million appropriated to enact criminal sentencing reform, which legislators passed last year.\nHe said the question now is how and where to allocate that funding to provide local authorities the resources they need to properly treat mental-health problems.\n\u201cSeveral discussions have taken place about what the needs of our local facilities might be, because different counties require different resources,\u201d he said. \u201cThe challenge the legislature always faces will be how to equitably deploy those resources, and what best practices are available in other counties that can be replicated statewide.\u201d\nRep. Steve Davisson, R-Salem, who served as chairman of a mental health summer study committee and was appointed to the Ways and Means Committee, said he anticipates more money will be budgeted for mental health spending next year, beyond the money allocated for sentencing reform.\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got to put money into this. There doesn\u2019t seem to be any other option,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we can get to the root of our mental-health problems, we can prevent a lot of crime and recidivism in the state. Every dollar we invest will probably pay us huge dividends down the road.\u201d\nMental Health America\u2019s McCaffrey said his organization will be pushing legislators to not only increase funding, but look at restructuring how the state\u2019s mental-health system operates to provide proactive treatment.\n\u201cIn mental health, we always treat people like they\u2019re in stage four,\u201d he said. \u201cIn cancer, it\u2019s bad news if you wait to get treatment until stage four, but that\u2019s what we do in mental health. We get bad results, and then we\u2019re surprised.\n\u201cWe need to be smart in the way we put our systems together so that they\u2019re integrated and do what we want them to do, and we\u2019ve never done that.\u201d\nDavisson said he\u2019s working on some bills aimed at bolstering the state\u2019s mental-health services, including one that would give clinicians and psychiatrists an incentive to offer telemedicine \u2014 a way to provide clients with counselling and treatment via online video conferencing.\nHe said teleconferencing allows people in rural communities, where there aren\u2019t any mental-health services, to access care from mental-health providers in cities like Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.\nMost insurance providers don\u2019t pay for telemedicine appointments, Davisson said, which deters clinicians from offering the service.\nHis bill would require insurance companies to pay out the same amount for telemedicine appointments as regular, face-to-face sessions with a counselor or psychiatrist.\n\u201cTelemedicine is really expanding,\u201d Davisson said. \u201cThere\u2019s lots of opportunities there for getting more mental-health treatment to people.\u201d\nOn the federal level, a proposed House bill that would have brought sweeping changes to the nation\u2019s mental-health system failed to get a vote, but U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, who serves Greentown and Tipton, said she hopes to get the bill back onto the floor next year.\n\n\tThe Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act aimed to increase access to inpatient psychiatric care, clarify privacy rules for families of the mentally ill and promote alternatives to long-term inpatient care, such as court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment.\n\tThe 135-page document was written and sponsored by Pennsylvania Rep. Tim Murphy, who worked for three decades as a psychologist.\n\tBrooks, who will serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, which would oversee the legislation, said she\u2019ll push to get the bill back into the committee and work to see it become law.\n\t\u201cThis is really important legislation that we need to continue working on,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen you have bills that are this significant and this transformative to national systems, sometimes it can take a couple of sessions of Congress to change, and that can be frustrating. A lot of work has been done on this bill, and I want to help strengthen it.\u201d\n\tBrooks said the bill wouldn\u2019t just create more access for people suffering from a mental illness. In the end, she said, it would save money by keeping people out of jail, probation and other federally subsidized programs.\n\t\u201cIf we can put more funding into mental-health programing and mental-health systems, at the end of the day, it will save us money,\u201d she said. \u201cIf people get to a stable place where they can maintain jobs and take care of themselves, as they want to do, that\u2019s going to help decrease funding in other areas.\u201d\n\tCarson Gerber can be reached at 765-854-6739,carson.gerber@kokomotribune.com\u00a0or on Twitter @carsongerber1.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/life-after-war", "Life After War", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Life After War\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Monday, December 22, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            Mika Brzezinski talks to a military panel about the difficulties veterans face transitioning back to civilian life. The panel talks about PTSD and VA policies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/tully-sen-joe-donnelly_indianas-man-in-the-middle", "Tully: Sen. Joe Donnelly — Indiana’s Man in the Middle", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tully: Sen. Joe Donnelly \u2014 Indiana\u2019s Man in the Middle\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Matthew Tully\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Monday, December 22, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            His party is about to be tossed from power in the U.S. Senate, the result of a brutal election year for Democrats, but Sen. Joe Donnelly of Indiana smiled over a plate of eggs Friday morning and said that, for him, life in the minority offers quite an opportunity.\r\nWhy? Because the rules in the glacially paced Senate often require not a majority of votes, but 60 votes, for anything to move. So while Republican\u2019s 54-seat majority might have the Fox News crowd all giddy, it won\u2019t mean a lot without crossover votes from moderates like Donnelly.\r\n\u201cThey are going to have to have at least six Democrats on everything,\u201d Donnelly said as we talked at the City Cafe Downtown. \u201cSo I think I\u2019m in a great position \u2014 in the middle.\u201d\r\nShortly after the November elections, Donnelly said he approached Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the incoming majority leader, and told him that, \u201cI am here to help you get things done.\u201d\r\nTo be more specific, the lawmaker from Northern Indiana told me that this is what that means: \u201cOn the crazy stuff here or there, on either side, I\u2019ll pass. But on the jobs stuff, on the common sense stuff, on the stuff we should all be able to agree is good for the country, I\u2019ll be there. I just want to get things done.\u201d\r\nNow before my conservative friends fill my inbox with outrage at calling anyone to the left of Ted Cruz a moderate, let me be clear: Like other moderates, Donnelly votes most often with his own party. That\u2019s not a sin (though some will disagree), and it doesn\u2019t disqualify him from moderate status. Just as it didn\u2019t disqualify his Republican predecessor, Richard Lugar.\r\nDonnelly is a gun rights supporter, and he votes more like a conservative Republican on abortion issues. He\u2019s a fiscal conservative in many ways, and he\u2019s certainly no great environmentalist. But beyond the wedge issues, the true spirit of a moderate is about something deeper. It\u2019s about a willingness to work with the other side to get things done and to accept the reality that compromise is usually the answer.\r\nLugar believed that and Donnelly, elected in 2012, believes that. And it would be nice if more lawmakers in Washington believed that; if they did, perhaps Congress\u2019 approval ratings wouldn\u2019t be as paltry as its list of recent accomplishments.\r\nOf course, it\u2019s easier to be a moderate when the politics of your state demand it. Politicians such as Evan Bayh and Joe Donnelly can win statewide; Elizabeth Warren could not. So Donnelly\u2019s stance is both appreciated and a requirement of the job.\r\n\u201cFor me, it\u2019s about being in the position Hoosiers elected me to be in,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s about being in the middle and going (to Washington) and trying to support common sense, and not to worry about the parties.\u201d\r\nAnd, so, in what many have labeled one of the least productive congressional sessions in history, Donnelly ended the 2014 session with a significant first-term legislative victory. It\u2019s significant because it could help a lot of people and because of what it symbolizes.\r\nThe legislation is named after an Indiana National Guard member named Jacob Sexton, a 21-year-old who committed suicide in Muncie in 2009. It seeks to give soldiers and veterans more support and encouragement in their darkest days and to proactively identify looming crises. It comes amid a flurry of reports detailing a disturbing and heartbreaking increase in suicides among service members current and former.\r\nThe bill will require mental health assessments each year for those in the service, and it calls for a federal report that will examine existing programs to see if they are working and, likely, to suggest new ones. It seeks to erase the unfair stigma that so often is tied to the decision to seek counseling.\r\n\u201cWhat has to happen,\u201d Donnelly said, \u201cis we have to show (service members and veterans) that this is not a sign of weakness. Part of the focus here is to make them know that there is nothing wrong with talking to someone.\u201d\r\nNot to get carried away, but the legislation\u2019s success is a sign that, even in Washington and even in this toxic political era, things can get done. To get this done, Donnelly teamed up with a Republican, Roger Wicker of Mississippi. And he worked methodically to build support from a vast array of sources: military and health organizations, Democrats and Republicans, and veterans and family members of those serving.\r\n\u201cIt was done the classic way things should be done out there,\u201d Donnelly said. \u201cWith my Republican friend and I sitting down saying, \u2018let\u2019s get this done.\u2019\u201d\r\nWhen portions of the original bill were spiked by more senior senators, Donnelly said he had a choice to make: He could either compromise and get most of what he wanted or let his legislation die out of political stubbornness, as many other bills have.\r\nHe chose compromise. It was a wise choice.\r\n\u201cThat culture has been gone for a long time,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been in this period where people in Washington say they have to get everything they want or they are going to hold a press conference and stomp their feet up and down.\u201d\r\nThat\u2019s indeed been the way of Washington of late, but it\u2019s gotten the country nowhere. And it\u2019s a reminder of why Indiana was smart two years ago to send Joe Donnelly to the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/icymi-donnelly-discusses-sexton-act-on-morning-joe", "ICYMI: Donnelly Discusses Sexton Act on Morning Joe", "2014-12-22", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Donnelly Discusses Sexton Act on Morning Joe\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 22, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIndianapolis, Ind. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly discussed his military suicide prevention legislation, the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act \u2013 now law \u2013 on MSNBC\u2019s Morning Joe. The Sexton Act, introduced by Donnelly, was signed into law on Friday as part of the national defense bill. \u00a0\r\nThe Sexton Act will require annual mental health assessments for all servicemembers\u2014Active, Reserve, and Guard; maintain strong privacy protections for servicemembers; and require a Pentagon report to evaluate existing military mental health practices and provide recommendations for improvement.\u00a0\r\n\r\nWatch the full interview here.\r\nFor more information on the Sexton Act, visit: www.donnelly.senate.gov/Jacob-Sexton-Act.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\t\tDonnelly_Press@Donnelly.Senate.Gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/donnelly-sexton-act-is-law", "Donnelly: ‘Sexton Act is Law’", "2014-12-19", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donnelly: \u2018Sexton Act is Law\u2019\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPresident Obama signs Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act into law as part of annual national defense bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 19, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIndianapolis, Ind. \u2014U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly welcomed his signature legislation, the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act of 2014, being signed into law today by President Obama as part of the national defense bill.\u00a0 The Sexton Act requires an annual mental health assessment for all servicemembers. \u00a0\r\n\r\nDonnelly and the Sextons in Indianapolis today\r\nDonnelly said, \u201cToday, we honor the memory of a young man who was taken from us too soon.\u00a0 In remembering Jacob, we seek to prevent another servicemember\u2019s family from experiencing the tragedy of suicide.\u00a0 I have worked alongside Jacob\u2019s parents, Jeff and Barb, for two years now, and their strength continues to inspire my work.\u00a0 Starting next year, every servicemember\u2014Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve\u2014will receive an annual mental health assessment.\u00a0 Also, we will evaluate which prevention or intervention programs are working in hopes of future expansion.\u00a0 I am grateful for the support of many individuals who and organizations that stood with me throughout this effort, but most of all for Jeff and Barb, who continue to share their story to help prevent future tragedies.\u201d\r\nJeff Sexton said, \"The day they passed the bill would have been Jacob\u2019s 27th birthday. And I can\u2019t think of a better birthday present for him or a better Christmas present for all the men and women and their families in the military that suffer every day from PTSD, head injuries, any kind of mental illness. And hopefully this may change the stigma and bring out the help that our men and women need.\u201d\u00a0\r\nThe Sexton Act will:\r\n \r\nRequire annual mental health assessments for all servicemembers\u2014Active, Reserve, and Guard.\u00a0 Right now, the best and most consistent screening is happening only for those within the deployment cycle which can leave non-deployed members of the Active, Reserve, and Guard components underserved.\r\nMaintain strong privacy protections for servicemembers. \u00a0We must ensure that seeking help remains a sign of strength by protecting the privacy of the servicemember coming forward.\u00a0 The privacy of servicemembers would be ensured by guaranteeing medical privacy protections for these mental health assessments.\r\nRequire a Pentagon report to evaluate existing military mental health practices and provide recommendations for improvement. This report, which is due to Congress within a year of enactment of the bill, would help identify which programs are working and which need to be fixed. A specific focus of the report will be identifying successful peer-to-peer programs that address the need for a more bottom-up approach to identifying warning signs and combatting stigma in each of the Services, with the intention of future expansion.\r\n \r\nSpecialist Jacob Sexton was a member of the Indiana Nation Guard from Farmland, Indiana. Jacob took his own life at the age of 21 in a Muncie movie theater while home on a 15-day leave from Afghanistan.\u00a0 In early 2013, Jeff Sexton heard Senator Donnelly talk about the need to improve efforts to prevent military suicide during a Senate Armed Services hearing.\u00a0 Jeff emailed the senator\u2019s office about his and his wife Barb\u2019s personal experience with military suicide, losing their son Jacob. Jeff wrote in his email, \u201cI\u2019m willing to help any way I can.\u201d\u00a0 Senator Donnelly called Jeff, and with his and Barb\u2019s blessing, they worked together on legislation named after Jacob that aims to help end the scourge of military suicide.\r\nFor more information on the Sexton Act, visit: https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/Jacob-Sexton-Act\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\t\tDonnelly_Press@Donnelly.Senate.Gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/susan-brooks-committees-record-of-success-fuels-growth-innovation", "Susan Brooks: Committee's record of success fuels growth, innovation", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As your representative in Congress, my goal is to make life better for you. I came to Congress to be a problem solver and consensus builder \u2014 to increase the number of opportunities open to Hoosiers and to all Americans. That\u2019s why I\u2019m looking forward to serving on the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the 114th Congress. This impactful committee is focused on indentifying solutions that will make us stronger and more secure as a state and as a nation.\n\tThe Energy and Commerce Committee is the oldest standing committee in Congress. It has a broad jurisdiction that includes oversight of policies related to health care, energy, manufacturing, telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, environmental quality and trade.\n\t\n\tUnder the leadership of Chairman Fred Upton, R-Michigan, in the 113th Congress, the committee has passed 90 bills in a bipartisan fashion and has seen 37 of those bills signed into law by the president. In the next Congress, it will build on this bipartisan record of success by addressing several pressing matters, including:\n\t\u2022 How the U.S. can spur a new era of medical innovation that prolongs and saves lives;\n\t\u2022 How we can work together to unleash our nation\u2019s energy abundance and attract new energy jobs;\n\t\u2022 How we can make government more efficient and more prepared to promote and safeguard the well-being of our citizens.\n\tAll of these questions are intrinsically connected to goals 5th District Hoosiers have spoken to me about time and again: health care reform, job creation, energy security and government accountability.\n\tThe Energy and Commerce Committee has already taken several powerful steps to address these concerns, and many others. On health care, its bipartisan 21st Century Cures initiative is focused on maintaining and extending America\u2019s edge in medical innovation by finding new and improved treatments for some of our most devastating diseases. This collaborative endeavor will bridge the gap between the science of cures and the way we regulate them by carefully examining the three stages of bringing new treatments to market: discovery, development and delivery. Through an extensive information-gathering and outreach process, the hope is to identify real policy changes that can extend and save lives.\n\tOn energy, the committee is working to build the Architecture of Abundance needed to harness the benefits of our rich energy resources. The committee has fought tirelessly for the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project with wide bipartisan backing that will support up to 40,000 jobs and produce 830,000 barrels of domestic oil each day. Construction of the pipeline, and other energy infrastructure projects, will also make gas and electricity more affordable for Indiana families and will mean more equipment orders for our many Hoosier manufacturers. Legislation authorizing construction of the pipleline originated in the Energy and Commerce Committee and has been passed by a bipartisan margin in the U.S. House.\n\tOn the oversight front, committee members have been consistent and powerful advocates for taxpayers, working to identify and fix government waste, fraud and abuse. As we seek to lower our $18 trillion national debt and confront mounting national security and public health challenges, this mission is more critical than ever. Our government can and should be more efficient and accountable. As the committee continues its oversight work, I will use my experience as a former federal prosecutor and current member of the House Ethics Committee to contribute to this effort.\n\tI\u2019m also proud that my friend and colleague, Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Indiana, will be joining the Energy and Commerce Committee as well. I look forward to working with him to be a voice for Hoosiers as we collaborate with our colleagues on vital legislation.\n\tIn the meantime, I encourage you to visit\u00a0www.energyandcommerce.house.gov\u00a0to learn more about the committee\u2019s history, role and work. I want to hear your thoughts on the issues we\u2019re tackling.\n\tIt\u2019s an honor to serve my fellow Hoosiers, and I will take on this new assignment with a keen focus on making a positive impact in your lives and jump-starting a new era of growth and innovation for our nation.\n\t\u00a0\n\n\tRep. Susan W. Brooks represents Indiana\u2019s 5th Congressional District, which includes eastern Howard and much of Tipton counties. Contact her at 202-225-2276.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-rep-susan-brooks-looks-back-on-first-term", "U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks looks back on first term", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0After Susan Brooks was elected to Congress in 2012, political handicapper Stuart Rothenberg said GOP leaders would be nuts not to take advantage of her.\n\"She's personable, articulate and has a good head on her shoulders \u2014 exactly what the Republican Party needs,\" Rothenberg wrote.\nThe party did put Brooks to work. Brooks, of Carmel, was one of only a handful of freshmen to chair a subcommittee. She was appointed to a special panel to investigate the 2012 attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya. And she was assigned to sit in judgment of her new colleagues as a member of the House Ethics Committee, an unenviable assignment that nonetheless shows that House leaders consider her trustworthy.\nIn the next Congress, Brooks will serve on the sought-after House Energy and Commerce Committee with jurisdiction over health, energy and other issues important to business, including the state's influential pharmaceutical and medical device industries.\nBrooks talked with USA TODAY about her first term and the advantages and responsibilities Republicans will have next year when they will take over the Senate and expand their majority in the House.\nQuestion: When you were sworn into office, Congress' approval rating was 14 percent. It's now 16 percent. Is that progress?\nAnswer:\u00a0Obviously it's not the progress that the American people are hoping for, but the fact that our approval rating is slightly up is a small victory. But it's certainly not satisfactory. Part of why I ran \u2014 and one of our themes during the campaign \u2014 was trying to restore some confidence in Congress. The fact that only 16 percent of the American people like the way we do our job isn't good enough for me.\nThere were opportunities in my first term that I have tried to take to restore some of that confidence in Congress. One was accepting the appointment to the Ethics Committee. ... That is a type of assignment that actually I hope allows my constituents to realize that members of Congress are certainly not above the law, not above the rules, and that's what this committee is in place to do.\nQ: How difficult is it to sit in judgment of your colleagues, particularly as a new member?\nA:\u00a0It's been helpful to be a part of a deliberative group that works in a very bipartisan way to determine appropriate punishments or to determine whether to close investigations. We work through very, very difficult subjects that affect the reputations of our members and affect their careers, and I think it could set a precedent for how other tough issues are dealt with in Congress. So I've seen that it can be done.\nQ: Did you ever feel your colleagues treated you differently because you're on the Ethics Committee?\nA:\u00a0I have not felt that. Other members feel sorry for those of us who are on the committee because they know it is not an easy assignment. But they often also thank us for doing it because they wouldn't want to do it, honestly.\nQ: You've been involved in government at the city level (as deputy mayor of Indianapolis) and as a U.S. attorney. What have you learned about this level of government service?\nA:\u00a0This has been an entirely new experience. What I've been a bit frustrated about at times is that, as bills are being worked through Congress, things that seem very common sense ... don't always make it through the process.\nOne of my bills, a computer science education act, we're going to try to push again. I've got 120 bipartisan co-sponsors. It's to try and encourage more computer science education in our K-12 system and allow federal dollars to flow more freely to computer science education. I think it's a smart bill, not just for the future, but our schools need it now.\nQ: You voted with fellow Republicans 97 percent of the time last year and 95 percent of the time this year on votes that split the two parties. How should your constituents who are Democrats view that record?\nA:\u00a0While yes, the Republican Party may have voted that way as a party, we are trying to promote an agenda that is positive for all American people, whether they're Republican, Democrat, independents and those who don't vote. We're trying to take up policies led by a Republican-led House that truly have benefits across all political spectrums. Most of the votes that we take up are very focused on promoting jobs and the economy, global competitiveness, national security issues, ensuring we have a strong military \u2014 these are the types of things that are behind our votes.\nQ: Your biggest split with most House Republicans was on your vote last year to end the partial government shutdown and avoid a default on the nation's debt. There was a lot of pressure to vote against the deal by conservative groups that target Republicans in primaries. How difficult was it for you to vote for it?\nA:\u00a0It was an important vote. I felt that we had fought and had tried to put up votes prior to that vote to demonstrate what we knew was our constituents' unhappiness with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. But at the end of the day, to be honest, the government shutdown period was very much a low point in governing for me during my first term. I wish it hadn't happened. But it did happen.\nCertainly, the Republican Party did not get from that shutdown what they were hoping, which were some concessions in the Affordable Care Act. ... I felt that my constituents wanted me to vote to reopen the government and not to default on the debt.\nQ: There's a view that the Republican Party is divided between the \"purist\" wing and the \"pragmatist\" wing. Is that a fair description?\nA:\u00a0I do think there are splits within our conference and within the party that are often demonstrated on some of these tougher votes. That's an interesting way to describe how and why people vote. I think at the end of the day, particularly with respect to the Republican conference, we want the same things. We want to lower our country's debt. We want to keep the country safe. We want jobs and the economy to be strong. But I think we have a difference in how we get there.\nQ: You were appointed to the House committee investigating the 2012 attack on the American consulate in Benghazi, Libya. The panel will continue its investigation next year, even though the GOP-led House Intelligence Committee concluded last month that the Obama administration responded appropriately to the attacks. Why should this probe continue?\nA:\u00a0The House Intelligence Committee's report was actually only focused on the intelligence part of the administration's role. It did not address the State Department's role or the White House's role ... so that's why our work is continuing. It really will heat up again beginning with a hearing in January. I think you will begin to see more regular hearings than what we've had thus far because there still are many questions that remain.\nQ: Your biggest committee assignment next year will be the Energy and Commerce Committee. Have you already started hearing from businesses, particularly those in Indiana, about issues they want the committee to address?\nA:\u00a0Absolutely. I have heard from the health care community. ... Repeal of the medical device tax (included in the Affordable Care Act) is significant for the state of Indiana. That is a top priority.\nI have also heard from the energy sector ... (which) is very excited about my placement on the committee as well.\nI'm also on the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee. With Indiana being one of the top manufacturing states in the country, I'm anxious to talk to a lot of manufacturers ... (to find out) what are the regulatory issues, what are the tax issues, that are impeding their growth?\nQ: You've also already started working on mental health issues. Is there a reason that's a priority for you?\nA:\u00a0From the time I started the practice of law in 1985, and my extensive background in the criminal justice system, so much of what the criminal justice system deals with stems from mental health issues. ...\nWe look at many of the mass shootings, we look at many of the crime issues in this country \u2014 particularly one-on-one, whether it's domestic violence crimes, whether it's anything often involving hostages. These often have at their root mental health issues, and we don't identify them early enough, we don't then deal with them, we don't give the families the tools they need to deal with them.\nIt's something that I think is going to get more and more attention, and I'm pleased to be a part of it.\nQ: On a personal note, how have you settled into Washington? I understand you furnished your apartment with leftovers from your daughter's dorm room.\nA:\u00a0Yes, but here's what's so funny. I'm moving apartments because they've raised my rent a few times. It's a very expensive city to live in. So I'm moving to another studio apartment to try to save a little money. So that furniture is moving with me.\nQ: Did you go to the White House holiday reception for members of Congress?\nA:\u00a0I did. My niece, who is sharing my studio apartment with me right now, as she's job-searching, was my guest. We had a lovely time. It was really fun.\nQ: Did you have any bipartisan holiday wishes for the president?\nA:\u00a0Well, I thanked him for his service to the country, but because my niece had graduated from the University of Chicago ... I think they were excited to have a University of Chicago young person standing there more than me. (The president lived in Chicago before his move to the White House in 2009).\nQ: What do you expect will happen in your next term, after Republicans take charge of the Senate and expand their majority in the House?\nA:\u00a0I'm very confident that we can work together to really govern responsibly, and I'm excited about the 114th Congress, in large part because of that. I see that we can get things done, and with Republican leadership in the Senate, I'm excited about the possibilities. But with the opportunity comes that responsibility. We have to do it. And shame on us if we don't.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/donnelly-and-heitkamp-urge-congressional-leaders-to-work-together-pass-meaningful-immigration-reform", "Donnelly and Heitkamp Urge Congressional Leaders to Work Together, Pass Meaningful Immigration Reform", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donnelly and Heitkamp Urge Congressional Leaders to Work Together, Pass Meaningful Immigration Reform\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 18, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.\u2014U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging them to work together to pass meaningful immigration reform.\r\nThe senators wrote, \u201c\u2026we disagree with the President\u2019s decision to act unilaterally to make such significant policy changes in this area and have expressed concern about the impact this action may have on the potential for comprehensive immigration reform.\u201d\u00a0\r\nThey went on to say, \u201cThe way to fix our immigration system is for Congress to pass bipartisan, common sense legislation. We encourage you to reconsider the Senate-passed comprehensive immigration reform bill in the next Congress or use it as a starting point for a future compromise.\u201d\r\nFull text of the letter follows.\u00a0 To see the signed letter, click here.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nDecember 17, 2014\r\nDear Leader Reid, Leader McConnell, Speaker Boehner, and Minority Leader Pelosi,\r\nLast month, President Obama announced several executive actions intended to address a number of important issues with our nation\u2019s current immigration system. We agree that our immigration system is broken and in need of reform. As members of the United States Senate, however, we disagree with the President\u2019s decision to act unilaterally to make such significant policy changes in this area and have expressed concern about the impact this action may have on the potential for comprehensive immigration reform.\r\nThe way to fix our immigration system is for Congress to pass bipartisan, common sense legislation. By enacting legislation we can change the law to adequately secure our borders, modernize our visa system, and permanently address the millions of undocumented immigrants who are currently living in our country. To date, Congress has failed to do its job. Despite bipartisan support for action in both chambers and the passage of bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform in the Senate, the House failed to address this issue. We encourage you to reconsider the Senate-passed comprehensive immigration reform bill in the next Congress or use it as a starting point for a future compromise.\r\nAs we prepare for the 114th Congress, we are committed to working in a constructive, bipartisan manner to enact long-term solutions to the challenges facing our country. We need a practical plan that strengthens our borders, addresses the systemic problems with our legal immigration policies, and provides a tough, fair process for those who want to earn the opportunity for citizenship. These are issues that deserve the utmost attention in the new Congress. In that spirit, we strongly urge you to work together to pass meaningful immigration reform.\r\nSincerely,\r\nJoe Donnelly \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Heidi Heitkamp  United States Senator \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0United States Senator\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\t\tdonnelly_press@donnelly.senate.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/donnelly-announces-committee-assignments-for-114th-congress", "Donnelly Announces Committee Assignments for 114th Congress", "2014-12-18", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donnelly Announces Committee Assignments for 114th Congress\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tWill serve on Armed Services, Agriculture, Aging and Banking Committees\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 18, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tGranger, Ind. \u2014Today, U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly announced his committee assignments for the 114th Congress.\u00a0 He will continue to serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Agriculture Committee, and Special Committee on Aging.\u00a0 Starting next year, he will also serve on the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.\r\n\u201cI look forward to continuing my work on behalf of servicemembers on the Armed Services Committee, especially in the area of mental health,\u201d said Donnelly.\u00a0 \u201cFurther, there is ongoing work in the Agriculture Committee to properly implement the five-year Farm Bill and meet the needs of our ag sector.\u00a0 We have more to do in the Aging Committee, also, in the area of the protecting seniors from scams and fraud.\r\n\u201cFinally, I look forward to the new opportunity to represent Hoosiers on the Banking Committee.\u00a0 From this new committee, I will be able to address issues affecting Indiana financial institutions and their customers, economic development, housing, and export financing.\u201d\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\t\tDonnelly_Press@Donnelly.Senate.Gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//newsroom/past-e-newsletters/wrapping-up-2014", "Wrapping up 2014", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend, As your representative in Congress, I take a great deal of pride in knowing that you have chosen me as your voice on matters of importance to you.\u00a0 Throughout the year, your thoughts and concerns have been invaluable and I have made a point of sharing them with my colleagues as we work to move our country forward.\u00a0 It has been an incredible honor to work hard every day on behalf of you, your family, and our community. Here are a few highlights of what we accomplished together in 2014: Military and Veterans: \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Introduced and passed the Military Suicide Reduction Act, H.R. 1463, legislation that helps protect the mental health of deployed service members.\u00a0 This bill is expected to be signed into law by President Obama within the next couple of weeks. \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki in May asking for a review of VA facilities in Indiana in light of problems discovered at facilities nationwide.  \n\tRead a copy of the letter here: https://carson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-andr-carson-ensuring-top-notch-care-at-va-must-be-priority \u2022\u00a0 As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, co-authored the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which trains and equips our troops, strengthens housing and health care resources, provides a pay raise, and otherwise supports service members and their families. Jobs and the Economy: \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Helped to connect unemployed Hoosiers with hiring businesses through my fifth annual job fair.\u00a0 This year we hosted over 1280 job seekers and 78 employers. \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Hosted a Youth Opportunity Fair to connect Marion County youth with summer programs, internships, volunteer opportunities and jobs. \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Introduced H.R. 4876, the Emerging Business Encouragement Act of 2014, in the U.S. House of Representatives.\u00a0 This bill would help emerging businesses compete for federal contracts and obtain access to federally backed loans as they get off the ground. Hoosier Priorities: \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Helped secure over $12 million dollars in grants for local non-profits throughout Indiana\u2019s 7th Congressional District. \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Held more than 800 legislative and constituent meetings in my Washington D.C. and Indianapolis offices. \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Reserved tours for over 1,750 constituents to Washington D.C. landmarks. As we close out this year, I want to thank you again for trusting me to represent you in Washington.\u00a0 I look forward to continuing our fight for a stronger community, city, and country in 2015. Finally, as this is the last Carson Courier for 2014, I want to wish you a safe and happy holiday season and Happy New Year! Regards, Andr\u00e9", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/winning-the-peace", "Winning the Peace", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The suicides of servicemen and servicewomen are just as tragic as the deaths on the uncertain battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan.\u00a0And as those conflicts have wound down, the suicide rates have remained high.\r\nInstead of collateral damage, they have become the main event: In 2013, 132 soldiers and Marines died in war; 475 took their own lives.\r\nIndiana Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly has been in the forefront of those fighting to draw attention to military suicide and prevent those pointless deaths. Now The Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Act of 2014, a\u00a0second version of\u00a0legislation Donnelly\u00a0first introduced last year, is on its way to becoming law.\r\n\u201dIt\u2019s been a two-year journey for the senator,\u201d said Elizabeth Shappell, Donnelly\u2019s communications director. \u201cWe\u2019re so excited to put out the good news.\u201d But as Shappell emphasized, the bill Congress\u00a0passed\u00a0last week is just a beginning.\r\nThe bill is named for a 21-year-old Indiana National Guardsman from Farmland, a small town near Muncie, who shot himself to death in a movie theater while he was home on leave in 2009. Sexton\u2019s family saw no signs of distress in Jacob before the tragedy, but his father, Jeff, said they later learned that others in his unit had seen some problems.\r\nOften, those in the military have been reluctant to speak about problems, and their comrades have avoided flagging\u00a0potentially suicidal behavior because of the stigma that mental health problems can carry.\r\nDonnelly, who plans a ceremony with the family in Indianapolis later this week, wrote the bill to make it easier for soldiers\u00a0with problems to be identified and to receive help.\r\nThe measure will require that every active-duty and reserve serviceman and servicewoman receive a mental health assessment every year. It sets strict privacy protections, so that military personnel who need help can seek and receive it without potentially derailing their careers. And the act directs the Pentagon to assess all the mental health and suicide-prevention programs now operating with the military and report to Congress within a year.\r\n\u201c(Donnelly) wants to test what\u2019s working, what\u2019s not, what sort of programs should be expanded,\u201d Shappell said. \u00a0\r\nDonnelly also wants to take on the catastrophic problem of suicides by military veterans. More than 20 vets kill themselves every day. It\u2019s a problem that may not get better without better solutions.\u00a0\r\nThe Sexton Act seemed to be on its way to passage after Donnelly managed to get it tied into the Defense Appropriations Act for the coming year. \u00a0Even the current do-little Congress would not fail to pass that measure, though\u00a0Donnelly still had to shepherd\u00a0his act\u00a0through final\u00a0defense-spending negotiations between the House and Senate this month.\r\nThe Clay Hunt Act, named for a 28-year-old Marine veteran from Houston who killed himself in 2011, may not fare as well. That act would help veterans get access to mental health services and require military agencies to assess the effectiveness of their programs for veterans. It passed the House, but it has been held back from a Senate vote because one senator objected to its $22 million pricetag.\u00a0\r\nCongress, which customarily has no problems voting billions of dollars for war, needs to spend more of its time as Donnelly has, trying to see that our psychologically wounded warriors get the help they need. This is a battle that will not end when the last soldier leaves Iraq, or Afghanistan, or Syria. The veterans of our post-9/11 wars will be with us until near the end of this century, and they have earned not only our\u00a0respect and gratitude, but the right to regain their psychological health.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/donnelly-applauds-senate-passage-of-able-act", "Donnelly Applauds Senate Passage of ABLE Act", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donnelly Applauds Senate Passage of ABLE Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBipartisan bill creates tax-free savings accounts for disabled Americans\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 16, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C.\u00a0\u2014 U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly praised Senate passage of the\u00a0Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, a bill to create tax-free savings accounts for individuals with disabilities that he co-sponsored and helped pass. The bill passed tonight in the Senate by a vote of 76 to 16 as part of a larger bill, H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, after passing the House last week, and now goes to the President to be signed into law.\r\n\u201cIn Indiana, we know that disabilities shouldn\u2019t be a roadblock to pursuing your dreams,\u201d said Donnelly. \u201cThe savings accounts this legislation creates will help Americans with disabilities save for things like education, transportation, and even housing. I have been proud to support the ABLE Act, and I am glad to see it pass with bipartisan support.\u201d\r\nMore than 100 organizations support the legislation, including Arc of Indiana, the National Down Syndrome Society, and Autism Speaks.\r\nJohn Dickerson, Executive Director of The Arc of Indiana, said, \u201cThe ABLE Act provides families and people with disabilities an important option in saving for the future.\u00a0 People with disabilities want the opportunity to be as independent as possible whether that means continuing their education or owning their own home.\u00a0 The ABLE Act will provide them with those options.\u00a0 We appreciate the perseverance of the sponsors of this legislation in not giving up and creating this opportunity.\u201d\r\nCurrently, U.S. law prohibits those claiming disability from having more than $2,000 in assets in order to continue receiving Social Security, Medicaid, and other benefits; making it difficult for disabled individuals to save for the future. By giving disabled Americans access to tax-free savings accounts, the\u00a0ABLE Act\u00a0would provide eligible individuals the same types of flexible savings options that other Americans have through college savings accounts, health savings accounts, and individual retirement accounts.\r\nThese savings accounts will supplement, but not replace, benefits provided through Medicaid, Social Security, private insurance, and other sources. The money saved in these accounts must be used for qualified disability expenses, including: education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology and personal support services, health, prevention and wellness, and other approved expenses.\r\nDonnelly co-sponsored similar legislation in the 112th\u00a0Congress while serving in the House of Representatives.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\t\tDonnelly_Press@Donnelly.Senate.Gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-votes-solve-issues-brought-him-hoosiers-and-restrain-federal-spending", "ROKITA VOTES TO SOLVE ISSUES BROUGHT TO HIM BY HOOSIERS AND RESTRAIN FEDERAL SPENDING", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tDECEMBER 11, 2014\n\u00a0\n ROKITA VOTES TO SOLVE ISSUES BROUGHTTO HIM BY HOOSIERS AND RESTRAIN FEDERAL SPENDING \n\u00a0\nCongressman Rokita: \u201cHoosiers around Indiana and District 4 spoke, and I listened. Everywhere I\u2019ve gone I\u2019ve heard about a radical EPA and corrupt IRS.\u00a0 This bill cuts those agencies dramatically.\u00a0 I heard about the proposed Waters of the U.S. regulation that would hurt Hoosier farmers and by extension \u2013 all of us.\u00a0 This bill blocks that regulation.\u00a0 I\u2019ve heard to keep the fight up against ObamaCare.\u00a0 This bill prevents any new money from funding the law, and actually cuts portions of the law like the Independent Payment Advisory Board.\u00a0 This is a good bill with dozens of gains to be locked in. Not only does this bill take us back to Bush-era discretionary spending levels, it also reduces our deficit by nearly $1 trillion from six years ago.\u00a0 While not perfect, this is a step forward.\u201d\nWashington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Representative Todd Rokita (IN-4) voted for an omnibus spending bill today that locks in major policy wins for Hoosiers and avoids a government shutdown.\u00a0\nSpecifically, Rokita highlighted the changes in store for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) under the bill.\u00a0 The EPA would be cut by $60 million \u2013 the fifth consecutive year for agency cuts, and a 21 percent reduction since 2010.\u00a0 Staffing levels would be taken back to before the rise of the internet \u2013 1989 to be exact.\u00a0 The IRS would see cuts nearing $350 million, taking that agency back to 2008 levels, and prohibiting them from targeting organizations based on their political beliefs or exercising their First Amendment rights.\u00a0\nIn addition to spending cuts, this bill prohibits the EPA\u2019s regulation of farm ponds and irrigation ditches \u2013 a concern Rep. Rokita has heard from farmers and property owners in recent months.\u00a0 It provides school districts flexibility from onerous lunch regulations and necessary relief from ill-conceived rules imposed by the federal government on Hoosier truck drivers.\nRokita also understands many Hoosiers want to stop President Obama\u2019s executive amnesty.\u00a0 \u201cI believe the President has brazenly ignored the Constitution and the will of the American people, which is why I voted on legislation last week to block the President\u2019s action.\u201d Instead of welcoming an outright veto or shutting down the government weeks before Christmas, Rokita believes the best course of action is to challenge the executive authority with legislation that can actually get to the President\u2019s desk, given an incoming Republican-led Senate next year.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nThe omnibus spending bill passed the House with a vote of 219-206. The bill adheres to the terms of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, which reduces discretionary spending by $165 billion since 2010, saving taxpayers $2.13 trillion over the next ten years.\u00a0 In an effort to protect the retirement of nearly one million Americans with savings in multi-employer pension plans, including at least 2,200 Hoosiers, this bill also empowers unions to make the tough choices necessary to maintain plan solvency.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-statement-on-fiscal-year-2015-omnibus-appropriations-bill", "Brooks Statement on Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement after voting in favor of the fiscal year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill:\n\u201cThis legislation keeps the government open while further securing the savings negotiated in the Ryan-Murray budget deal. The House of Representatives has outlined and provided for clear and smart priorities such as national defense, veteran services, public health and education. It has also taken a stand against burdensome federal bureaucracies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) whose regulations mean less jobs and higher bills for Hoosiers. Since the Department of Homeland Security is only funded through February of 2015, the next Congress is provided additional opportunity to explore options for holding this Administration accountable for unlawful executive actions on immigration.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0\u00a0\nFunding for government agencies is divided between 12 appropriations bills. The omnibus funds the government through September of 2015 by passing 11 of these 12 appropriations bills. Seven of these bills were previously passed by the House after receiving more than 79 hours of debate. Funding for the Department of Homeland Security is provided through a Continuing Resolution that will sunset on February 27, 2015.\n  \n\tKey pieces of the omnibus include a one percent pay raise for members of the armed forces, additional funding for military readiness and more resources to better serve patients in the VA hospital system. Vital funding is also supplied to fight Ebola at home and abroad while the maximum PELL grant for higher education students is raised to $5,830. The omnibus cuts EPA funding for the 5th year in a row, reduces funding for Obamacare\u2019s Independent Payment Advisory Board by $10 million and prevents the Army Corps from regulating farm ponds and irrigation ditches under the Clean Water Act. To learn more about the legislation, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/news/video-and-audio/view/joe-announces-anticipated-senate-passage-of-the-jacob-sexton-military-suicide-prevention-act", "Joe Announces Anticipated Senate Passage of the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Joe Announces Anticipated Senate Passage of the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act \n            On December 10, 2014, Joe joined supporters of the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act to announce anticipated Senate passage of the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/donnelly-wicker-sexton-act-will-soon-be-law", "Donnelly, Wicker: ‘Sexton Act will soon be law’", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donnelly, Wicker: \u2018Sexton Act will soon be law\u2019\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSenate passes Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act as part of national defense bill\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 12, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2014U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) welcomed the Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today with support from both parties. The national defense bill includes their Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act of 2014, which would require an annual mental health assessment for all servicemembers. \u00a0The bill now heads to President Obama to be signed into law.\r\nDonnelly said, \u201cThis is outstanding news: the Jacob Sexton Act will soon be law. After nearly two years of working on this effort with Jacob\u2019s parents Jeff and Barb, we will honor the memory of Jacob by positively impacting servicemembers\u2019 lives.\u00a0 This common sense change will ensure we are focused not only on our Armed Forces\u2019 physical readiness but also mental readiness.\u00a0 We make strides in the effort to reduce the stigma of seeking help\u2014truly, it is a sign of strength.\u00a0 We accomplished this with strong bipartisan support, and I thank my friend, Senator Wicker, for working with me to get this done.\u201d\r\nWicker said, \u201cThe \u2018Jacob Sexton Act\u2019 will provide our service members with an array of new tools to get the mental health services they need and deserve. We must address this growing problem before it gets any worse. Too many American families will celebrate this holiday season without their loved ones. I am proud to be a part of this effort.\u201d\r\nThe Sexton Act will:\r\n \r\nRequire annual mental health assessments for all servicemembers\u2014Active, Reserve, and Guard.\u00a0 Right now, the best and most consistent screening is happening only for those within the deployment cycle which can leave non-deployed members of the Active, Reserve, and Guard components underserved.\r\nMaintain strong privacy protections for servicemembers. \u00a0We must ensure that seeking help remains a sign of strength by protecting the privacy of the servicemember coming forward.\u00a0 The privacy of servicemembers would be ensured by guaranteeing medical privacy protections for these mental health assessments.\r\nRequire a Pentagon report to evaluate existing military mental health practices and provide recommendations for improvement. This report, which is due to Congress within a year of enactment of the bill, would help identify which programs are working and which need to be fixed. A specific focus of the report will be identifying successful peer-to-peer programs that address the need for a more bottom-up approach to identifying warning signs and combatting stigma in each of the Services, with the intention of future expansion.\r\n \r\nSpecialist Jacob Sexton was a member of the Indiana Nation Guard from Farmland, Indiana. Jacob took his own life at the age of 21 in a Muncie movie theater while home on a 15-day leave from Afghanistan.\u00a0 In early 2013, Jeff Sexton heard Senator Donnelly talk about the need to improve efforts to prevent military suicide during a Senate Armed Services hearing.\u00a0 Jeff emailed the senator\u2019s office about his and his wife Barb\u2019s personal experience with military suicide, losing their son Jacob. Jeff wrote in his email, \u201cI\u2019m willing to help any way I can.\u201d\u00a0 Senator Donnelly called Jeff, and with his and Barn\u2019s blessing, they worked together on legislation named after Jacob that aims to help end the scourge of military suicide.\r\nFor more information on the Sexton Act, visit: https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/Jacob-Sexton-Act\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\t\tDonnelly_Press@Donnelly.Senate.Gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/senate-approves-donnelly_boozman-language-authorizing-a-gulf-war-memorial-heads-to-presidents-desk", "Senate Approves Donnelly – Boozman Language Authorizing a Gulf War Memorial, Heads to President’s Desk", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senate Approves Donnelly \u2013 Boozman Language Authorizing a Gulf War Memorial, Heads to President\u2019s Desk\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tNational Memorial Would Honor Those Who Fought in Operations Desert Storm and Shield\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 12, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2013The Senate today passed legislation that would authorize the construction of a National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial, originally introduced by U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and John Boozman (R-AR). The memorial would honor American servicemembers who fought during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. The legislation, as part of the national defense bill, passed the House last week and now goes to the President to be signed into law.\r\nDonnelly said, \u201cFor the thousands of Hoosiers and for all Americans who served in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, this memorial will honor their courageous service and sacrifice. I am pleased that after working with my friend Senator Boozman, our bipartisan legislation to create a national memorial is now headed to the President to be signed into law. I look forward to the day when our Desert Storm and Desert Shield veterans can visit their memorial.\u201d\r\nBoozman said, \u201cThe men and women who served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield deserve this honor and recognition in our nation\u2019s capital. I\u2019m proud to work with Senator Donnelly in support of this memorial that shows our nation\u2019s appreciation for all Americans who fought to defend freedom in the Gulf War. It\u2019s been far too long for this tribute but soon we\u2019ll be able to pay our respects at a national memorial.\u201d\r\nScott C. Stump, President of the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association, said, \"The passage of the National Desert Storm and Desert Shield War Memorial Act leaves us honored, humbled, and thankful to Senators Boozman and Donnelly for their hard work and\u00a0bipartisan efforts throughout this entire process. We look forward to creating a place of honor and remembrance for all who served. Most importantly, this memorial is dedicated to our fellow Desert Shield and Desert Storm veterans who gave their lives on behalf of\u00a0every American.\"\u00a0\r\nA native of Clay Township in St. Joseph County, Indiana, Stump attended Indiana State University and served as a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps during Operations Desert Storm and Shield. In 2011 Stump had an idea to honor those he served with overseas. He joined with two of his fellow servicemembers to co-found an organization in Arkansas which became the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association. Over the past few years, Stump and the organization have advocated for an Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield memorial and raised money for its construction.\r\nDuring the 1990\u20131992 Gulf War, more than 700,000 American servicemembers were deployed and nearly 400 lost their lives. These servicemembers fought with the support of more than 30 other coalition countries to liberate the citizens of Kuwait from more than seven months of invasion and occupation by Iraqi forces. This legislation will allow the National Desert Storm Memorial Association to create a commemorative work in Washington D.C. to honor those who served.\r\nThe bill has received wide-ranging support after Senators Donnelly and Boozman introduced the Senate version of the legislation (S. 995) on May 21, 2013. Servicemembers, veterans, members of the international allied coalition, as well as veterans\u2019 organizations including AMVETS and the American Legion have endorsed the creation of the memorial. As with all memorials on federal property, Congress must authorize the land within Washington D.C. for the site. No federal funds would be used for the construction of the memorial. Private funds would be raised by the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\t\tDonnelly_Press@donnelly.senate.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-to-join-allisonville-elementary-students-for-hour-of-code", "Brooks to Join Allisonville Elementary Students for Hour of Code", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) will celebrate Computer Science Education Week by joining Allisonville Elementary School students for their \u201cHour of Code\u201d event on Friday, December 12, 2014 from 1:15 \u2013 2:15 PM. The \u201cHour of Code\u201d challenges students and adults of all ages to take a one hour computer coding tutorial. So far 64,700,940 individuals in over 180 countries have participated.\nThe Congresswoman will address a group of 5th grade students before joining them for their official \u201cHour of Code.\u201d She has introduced the Computer Science Education Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, bipartisan legislation aiming to increase computer science education opportunities for students in k-12 classrooms across the nation.\nFor more information about the Hour of Code, please visit: www.hourofcode.com.\u00a0 Computer Science Education Week runs from December 8-14, 2014. Visit www.csedweek.org/ to learn more.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nWHO: \u00a0Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5)  \n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Allisonville Elementary School administrators, educators and students WHAT: Hour of Code WHERE: Allisonville Elementary School  \n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a04900 East 79th Street  \n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Indianapolis, IN 46250 WHEN: Friday, December 12 from 1:15 \u2013 2:15 PM", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=426", "Dr. Bucshons Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dr. Bucshon's Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Bill \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        December 11, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r    \r    \r    Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana who was recently selected to serve as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress, released the following statement after the House passed the Omnibus Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2015.\rDr. Bucshon stated:\rEffective government means taking advantage of what is possible and achieving significant conservative policy wins where the opportunity exists, especially in divided government. This bipartisan legislation avoids an irresponsible government shutdown and prevents us from losing ground on hard fought conservative policies debated and passed on the House floor and supported by the American people.\rWhile this bill is not perfect, we negotiated a big win for sound, conservative policy. All government functions are funded for a year, with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security, which we temporarily fund until February when a Republican controlled House and Senate will be in the best position to directly challenge the President's unilateral actions on immigration. Challenging the President now with a Harry Reid controlled Senate will not be successful and will jeopardize all of our conservative policy wins.\rThis bill helps protect Hoosier farmers and our energy industry from reckless regulations, significantly cuts the EPA, gives schools who are struggling to implement the Administration's school lunch standards more flexibility, prevents funding for more ObamaCare waste, and supports efforts to defeat and destroy ISIL. Overall, we protect taxpayers and ensure their hard-earned dollars are spent efficiently and effectively. I look forward to achieving more significant gains and returning to the regular appropriations process next year under a Republican-controlled Congress.\rHIGHLIGHTS: \rAgriculture:\r Prevents the Army Corps of Engineers from regulating farm ponds and irrigation ditches under the Clean Water Act, protecting many Hoosier farmers\rExempts livestock producers from burdensome EPA greenhouse gas regulations, and relieves livestock operations from EPA permitting requirements\rAmends Dodd-Frank swaps push out requirements to protect farmers and other commodity producers from having to put down excessive collateral to get a loan, expand their business, and hedge production\rRestricts the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) from implementing certain regulations that would allow harmful government interference in the private market for the livestock and poultry industry\r Ebola:\r Includes $5.4 billion to help fight and eradicate Ebola in the United States and abroad\r Education:\r Increases special education grants to states by $25 million\rIncreases the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,830\r Energy:\r Strategically targets funds to ensure a balanced investment in fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy to help secure American energy independence and lower energy prices for families and businesses\rNo funding for the Green Climate Fund\rRequires the Administration to report to Congress on federal agency obligations and expenditures on climate change programs\r EPA:\r Slashes funding for the EPA for the fifth consecutive year, a 21 percent reduction since Republicans took control of the House\rReduces staffing at the agency to the lowest level since 1989, reduction of over 2,000 positions since Republicans took control of the House\rRejects a White House proposal for $66 million in new, expanded EPA regulatory programs\r Fiscal Responsibility:\r Freezes funding for the House of Representatives, Member offices and Committees\rMarks $176 billion in spending reduction since Republicans took control of the House, targets funds to most effective and important programs and cuts lower-priority programs\rBlocks pay raise for the Vice President and senior political appointees\r Foreign Affairs:\r Includes new reporting requirements to ensure the Secretary of State keeps Congress informed on Iranian nuclear regulations\rNo funds to Palestinian Authority unless they act to counter incitement of violence\rProhibits aid to Libya until the Secretary of State confirms Libyan cooperation in the Benghazi investigation\r Guantanamo Detainees:\r Prohibits funds from being used to transfer detainees from Guantanamo Bay to the United States, specifically the federal prison facility in Terre Haute. Also prohibits funds for the construction, acquisition, or modification of a facility in the United States to hold detainees\r Immigration:\r Temporarily funds the Department of Homeland Security, the department tasked with carrying out President Obama's executive immigration action, until the end of February when Congress will be in the best position to directly challenge to the President's unilateral actions on immigration\r IRS:\r Cuts almost $346 million from the IRS and prohibits funds for improperly disclosing confidential taxpayer information, unnecessary conferences, and targeting groups based on their political ideology\r Local governments:\r Includes $373 million in funding (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) to local governments to help offset losses in property taxes due to large areas of nontaxable federal lands benefiting multiple counties in Southern Indiana\r Manufacturing:\r Prioritizes U.S. manufacturing and emerging technologies by including H.R. 2996, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act, which passed the House unanimously this year\r Military/ Veterans:\r Funds a 1% pay raise for our troops and fully funds the cost-of-living allowance shortfall for military retirees\rProvides significant funding to help end the VA's disability compensation claims backlog by the end of 2015\rRescinds $41million dollars from the Department of Veterans Affairs for performance bonuses\r ObamaCare:\r Prevents taxpayer bailout of ObamaCare's risk corridor program, which subsidizes health insurer losses \rCuts the unelected, Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), which is tasked with making cuts to the Medicare program\rBlocks the Prevention and Public Health Fund from being used as an ObamaCare slush fund\rIncludes no new or increased funding for ObamaCare\r Ports/Waterways:\r Provides significant funding for Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund activities\r Pro-Life:\r Maintains all existing pro-life policy and anti-funding provisions\rRequires ObamaCare plans to tell customers if they provide abortion services\r School lunch regulations:\r Peels back the Administrations' restrictive school lunch regulations that have created hardship and uncertainty for school districts in the 8th District\rAllows $21.3 billion in required mandatory funding for child nutrition programs. Of this amount, $25 million is directed to help schools purchase needed equipment to operate the program. This funding will provide for an estimated 7.7 billion school breakfasts, lunches and snacks for 31 million children who qualify for the program\r Second Amendment:\r Maintains important protections of the Second Amendment\rProhibits the EPA from regulating the lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle\rProhibition on implementation of UN Arms Trade Treaty\r More details about the bill can be found here - http://appropriations.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=393925.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-questions-officials-on-veterans-homelessness/", "Walorski Questions Officials on Veterans Homelessness", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 11, 2014\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02), member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, questioned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials during a hearing on veteran's homelessness regarding a report released last week that found a hotline established to help homeless veterans missed thousands of opportunities to provide assistance.\nThe VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report concerning the VA's Homeless Hotline Call Center, which costs over $3 million a year, failed to answer, check on, or provide services to tens of thousands of veterans who called its help line.\nWalorski, and members of the committee, heard from officials in order to determine if the VA has taken necessary actions to provide homeless and at-risk veterans with appropriate housing, healthcare, and training and employment opportunities.\nThe OIG report is embarrassing to our nation's brave men and women, Walorski said. Almost 50,000 veterans experience homelessness on any given night and yet we can even help the ones who reach out for help. This is another example of the persistent lack of accountability at the VA and cannot continue.\nKey findings from the report included:\n \nThe OIG found that of the nearly 80,000 phone calls made to the hotline, there were roughly 40,500 missed opportunities where the Call Center either did not refer the Homeless Veterans' calls to VA medical facilities.\nThe Inspector General could not account for a significant amount of the counselors' time.\nCounselors often did not log in or did not spend the entire day logged into the Call Center telephone system.\nCounselors who worked the night shift were not logged into the telephone system and were unavailable to answer calls an average of 4 hours each night.             \n \nIt's clear this call center, which is costing American taxpayers millions of dollars,  is failing our nation's finest. I hope Secretary McDonald will move quickly to enact the recommendations from the report and look forward to receiving an update in the coming weeks and months, said Walorski.\nClick here to watch Walorski's remarks.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana, where she serves as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Budget Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/news/video-and-audio/view/joe-announces-expected-senate-passage-of-the-jacob-sexton-military-suicide-prevention-act", "Joe Announces Expected Senate Passage of the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Joe Announces Expected Senate Passage of the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act \n            On December 10, 2014, Joe joined supporters of the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act to announce that he expects the bill to pass the Senate this week as part of the National Defense...", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/donnelly-seeks-to-end-the-tragedy", "Donnelly Seeks to 'End the Tragedy'", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donnelly Seeks to 'End the Tragedy'\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n                \r\n                His legislation aimed at military suicides set for Senate vote\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                    By:\u00a0\r\n                    Brian Francisco\r\n                \r\n            \r\n            \r\n                \r\n                \r\n                \r\n            Thursday, December 11, 2014\r\n            \n\t\n\r\n            \r\n            WASHINGTON \u2013 More U.S. soldiers, sailors and airmen are being lost to suicide than to combat, U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly said Wednesday.\r\nDuring 2013, he said, 475 members of the military took their lives, compared with 132 killed in battle.\r\n\u201cThat\u2019s happened two years straight now,\u201d Donnelly, D-Ind., said at a Capitol Hill news conference, adding that 2014 has followed a similar pace.\r\n\u201cWe have to break the chain. We have to end the tragedy,\u201d he said.\r\nDonnelly, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has sponsored legislation requiring yearly mental health assessments for all active, National Guard and Reserve members of the military.\r\nHis proposal is incorporated into the defense bill that comes before the Senate for a vote today or Friday. The House approved the bill last week.\r\nDonnelly\u2019s measure, called the Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act, is named for an east-central Indiana soldier who, at age 21, fatally shot himself in 2009 in a Muncie movie theater while on leave from his deployment to Afghanistan.\r\nMilitary suicides \u201calso happen to young men and women who have never been overseas, who have never been deployed,\u201d Donnelly said. \u201cAnd so this is a servicewide problem.\u201d\r\nCurrently, he said, mental health screenings are required only for troops on a deployment cycle. His legislation includes provisions to safeguard the privacy of personnel who seek and receive mental health treatment, and it calls for the Pentagon to evaluate and report on its mental health practices.\r\nPete Duffy, legislative director of the National Guard Association of the United States, said the Guard had the highest suicide rate among military branches in 2013 \u2013 33.4 suicides for every 100,000 troops. Sexton was a Guard member from Farmland in Randolph County.\r\nBy comparison, the national suicide rate in 2012 was roughly 13 deaths for every 100,000 people, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which has endorsed Donnelly\u2019s legislation.\r\n\u201cWe\u2019re going to have the assessments. Now we need to have funded programs to address mental health concerns when they are discovered in the assessments,\u201d said Duffy, a retired Army colonel.\r\n\u201cThe tragedy to Jacob, Jacob\u2019s family, the losing (military) unit, the loss of readiness cannot continue.\u201d\r\nMembers of advocacy groups for suicide prevention, mental health, military families and family therapy also spoke in favor of Donnelly\u2019s bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.\r\nDonnelly said he can\u2019t tell how his legislation, if signed into law, might affect recruitment and re-enlistment.\r\n\u201cBut I will tell you that if I were in the service at this time and knew that I had the option to have somebody to talk to and it wouldn\u2019t be stigmatized, that seeking help would actually be considered a strength, I would think that would be a plus for continuing (military) service,\u201d he said.\r\nEarlier, Donnelly said the assessments also might uncover mental health problems that can lead military personnel to cause harm to others.\r\n\u201cThis can help in case after case after case, not only suicide but also for those who are facing challenges \u2013 that they have somebody to talk to and maybe prevent them from taking it out on somebody else,\u201d he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/article/in-depth-sen-joe-donnelly-explains-bill-to-prevent-military-suicides", "In-Depth: Sen. Joe Donnelly Explains Bill to Prevent Military Suicides", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "They put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. But sometimes the biggest challenge service men and women face is when they come home.\r\n\r\nSadly, it's led to a spike in suicides by combat veterans, and Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly has a new bill aimed at curbing that.\r\n\r\nEyewitness News Laura Kirtley speaks with Senator Donnelly about his proposed bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/newsroom/press/donnelly-new-military-suicide-numbers-incredibly-concerning-reinforce-importance-of-passing-jacob-sexton-act", "Donnelly: New Military Suicide Numbers ‘Incredibly Concerning,’ Reinforce Importance of Passing Jacob Sexton Act", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Joe Donnelly", "D000607", "www.donnelly.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Donnelly: New Military Suicide Numbers \u2018Incredibly Concerning,\u2019 Reinforce Importance of Passing Jacob Sexton Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t224 Servicemembers have taken own lives in first six months of 2014 according to new Pentagon report\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 11, 2014\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWashington, D.C. \u2014\u00a0U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly released the following statement in response to the Department of Defense\u2019s (DoD) new report on military suicides through the first six months of 2014. The DoD report comes as the Senate is on the verge of passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including Donnelly\u2019s bipartisan Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act. The Pentagon reported on Thursday that 224 servicemembers took their own lives from January through June of this year, including 144 active component servicemembers, 38 reserve servicemembers, and 44 National Guard members.\r\nDonnelly, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said, \u201cIt\u2019s incredibly concerning how many servicemembers we are losing to suicide. Any servicemember lost is one too many. There are commonsense steps we can take to address the scourge of military suicide, and I hope that one step we take yet this week is passing the Jacob Sexton Act.\u201d\r\nThe national defense bill, including the Sexton Act, is anticipated to pass the Senate by the end of this week. The Sexton Act seeks to help prevent military suicide by requiring annual mental health assessments for all servicemembers, including Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve; maintaining strong privacy protections for servicemembers; and requiring a Pentagon report to evaluate existing military mental health practices and provide recommendations for expansion and improvement.\u00a0 The Sexton Act is named after Indiana National Guardsman Jacob Sexton, a native of Farmland, Indiana, who took his own life in 2009 while home on a 15-day leave from Afghanistan.\r\nFor more information on the Sexton Act, click here.\r\nFor two straight years, we have lost more servicemembers to suicide than combat.\u00a0 According to the Pentagon, in 2012, 522 servicemembers took their own lives, while we lost 316 in combat. Last year, a record number in the National Guard took their own lives, and we lost 474* servicemembers overall, more than three times the number killed in combat.\r\n[*The Pentagon report released on Thursday adjusted the number of servicemembers lost to suicide in 2013 to 474 servicemembers from the previously reported 475.]\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t Press Contact \n\t\t\t\t\tDonnelly_Press@Donnelly.Senate.Gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-announces-committee-slate-adds-transportation-retains-key-posts-education-and", "ROKITA ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE SLATE: ADDS TRANSPORTATION; RETAINS KEY POSTS ON EDUCATION AND BUDGET PANELS", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tDECEMBER 10, 2014\n\u00a0\n ROKITA ANNOUNCES COMMITTEE SLATE: ADDS TRANSPORTATION; RETAINS KEY POSTS ON EDUCATION AND BUDGET PANELS \n\u00a0\nCongressman Rokita: \u201cIn an era when our country is experiencing a crumbling transportation infrastructure and struggling to pay for its repairs due to our crippling debt, I am prepared to accept this challenge. I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring common sense and fiscally responsible methods for funding our nation\u2019s transportation and infrastructure projects the right way.\u00a0 In Indiana, the Crossroads of America, we have practiced these approaches \u2013 and they work.\u201d\nWashington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Representative Todd Rokita (IN-4), has been selected to join the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the U.S. House of Representatives. Rokita begins his duties with his new committee assignment when the 114th United States Congress begins in January 2015.\n\"I'm pleased to welcome my good friend from Indiana to the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee,\u201d said Bill Shuster, Chairman of the Committee. \u201cRepresentative Rokita is a proven and effective leader, and will bring a wealth of ideas and expertise to the table as we tackle some of our country\u2019s greatest challenges.\u00a0I know Todd is principled, yet pragmatic \u2013 both of which will benefit the Committee in the 114th\u00a0Congress, as well as his constituents in Indiana.\"\nRokita has also been re-selected to serve on the House Budget Committee and the Committee on Education and the Workforce, where he currently chairs the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. Rokita brings a depth of knowledge to tackling a U.S. transportation network that has increasingly fallen apart due to historic debt and bureaucratic interference. Recently, states have led the efforts to improve infrastructure through unique and innovative methods.\n\u201cI entered Congress to address our staggering and irresponsible budget situation in order to leave a stronger America for our children and our grandchildren,\u201d said Rokita. \u201cWe are now increasingly facing the same issue with our nation\u2019s infrastructure \u2013 the threat of leaving our posterity with highways, bridges, and communities that are falling apart without the means to repair them.\u201d\nRokita joins the committee tasked with oversight over all modes of transportation, from aviation to trucks to railroads, as well as jurisdiction over water resources, the Coast Guard, and development of economically depressed areas. As a former two-term statewide officeholder in Indiana, Rokita has seen first-hand the successes of Hoosier outside-the-box thinking that led to the largest infrastructure program in his state\u2019s history \u2013 Major Moves \u2013 which funded critical projects to advance the Hoosier economy.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-celebrates-computer-science-education-week", "Brooks Celebrates Computer Science Education Week", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement in recognition of Computer Science Education Week:\n\u00a0\u201cRight now, students and educators across the nation are celebrating Computer Science Education Week. This is a perfect time to ignite a passion for innovation, learning and technology in our youngest generation of Americans. In today\u2019s world, computer science transcends industries and opens doors to all kinds of new and exciting occupations. I hope more students will take an active interest in computer science and encourage their classmates to do so as well.\u00a0\nThis week is also a time to renew our push for more computer science education opportunities in our K-12 classrooms. I\u2019m proud to have introduced the bipartisan Computer Science Education Act, which will redefine computer science as a core academic subject in our federal education laws. Doing so will give local school leaders more flexibility to purchase new technology, provide vital educator professional development and offer more Computer Science Advanced Placement classes. As our nation prepares to fill millions of new computing jobs, we must remove barriers that prevent students from learning 21st century skills. This is critical to unleashing the unlimited potential of America\u2019s workforce.\u201d\u00a0\nComputer Science Education Week runs from December 8 \u2013 14, 2014. For more information, please visit: https://csedweek.org/. The Computer Science Education Act \u2013 House Resolution 2536 \u2013 was introduced in June of 2013 and has 120 cosponsors. For more information on the legislation, click here.\u00a0\nCongresswoman Susan W. Brooks represents the 5th District of Indiana. She is the Congressional Co-Chair of the Women\u2019s High Tech Coalition (WHTC). Visit www.womenshightech.org to learn more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-applauds-legislation-to-lower-military-suicide-among-troops-veterans/", "Walorski Applauds Legislation to Lower Military Suicide among Troops & Veterans", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 9, 2014\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  In an effort to reduce the number of veterans and troops who commit suicide, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) today supported legislation she co-sponsored to increase access and improve the quality of mental health care administered to veterans.\nH.R. 5059, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act, helps to reduce the number of military and veteran suicides by providing greater access to mental health care. According to the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA), 22 veterans commit suicide every day.\nEvery day, veterans take their own lives and I've experienced this same tragedy in my district. Our brave servicemen and women face a number of challenges when transitioning back to civilian life. They shouldn't have to navigate a bureaucratic nightmare within the VA in order to receive help.  We must improve the access and effectiveness of mental health care available to our returning heroes, Walorski said.\nThe bill was named in honor of Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran, Clay Hunt who took his own life after battling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after his service overseas. Hunt relied on the VA for care and received a 30 percent disability rating for his PTSD. He appealed the rating and encountered administrative obstacles, including the VA losing his files. Hunt took his life weeks later. Five weeks after his death, and 18 months after filing an appeal with the VA for his PTSD rating, his appeal was approved.\nClay embodied what it meant to live a life of service, both in and out of uniform. Together, we can change this system so no other veteran ever has to endure what thousands of veterans have gone through, including Clay, Walorski said.\nSpecifically the bill:\n \nRequires suicide-prevention programs within the Defense Department and VA undergo a third-party evaluation.\nExamines which mental health programs could be improved.\nRequires a website be established that focuses on mental health services for veterans.\nEncourages improved collaboration between the VA and outside veteran's advocacy groups.\n \nEarlier today, Walorski spoke on the floor of the U.S. House in favor of the bill.  She also heard testimony from Hunt's mother who testified before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee in July. The bill now heads to the Senate for further action.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana, where she serves as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Budget Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/save/https:/visclosky.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/port-of-indianas-shipments-on-pace-to-near-all-time-record", "Port of Indiana's Shipments on pace to near all-time record", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Peter Visclosky", "V000108", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Saving page now...\nhttps://visclosky.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/port-of-indianas-shipments-on-pace-to-near-all-time-record\nAs it appears live December 6, 2017 1:54:02 PM UTC\n  \n  \n    \n          \n      \n    \n      \n          \n        \n    \n  \n    \n                Port of Indiana's Shipments on pace to near all-time record", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-statement-on-nomination-of-ashton-carter-as-secretary-of-defense/", "Walorski Statement on Nomination of Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense", "2014-12-05", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 5, 2014\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) issued the following statement following today's nomination of Ashton Carter as Secretary of Defense:\nAs a member of House Armed Services Committee,  I have worked with Ashton Carter previously and believe he is fully capable of performing his new duties as Secretary of Defense. Like his three predecessors, he must provide a strategy to protect our nation and our allies while the president continues to cut the defense budget.  I look forward to working with him after his Senate confirmation.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana, where she serves as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Budget Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/carson-statement-on-the-passing-of-william-bill-mays", "Carson Statement on the Passing of William (Bill) Mays", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "INDIANAPOLIS \u2013 \u201cTonight, we lost a leader who dedicated his life to our community.\u00a0 As a businessman, philanthropist, and activist, Bill Mays helped improve the lives of countless Hoosiers throughout his life. I pray that God gives peace and comfort to his wife, Rose, his daughters Kristin and Heather, and to the countless others for whom Bill is \u201cfamily.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/house-passes-carson-mental-health-bill", "House Passes Carson Mental Health Bill", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015, which included provisions authored by Congressman Carson to protect the mental health of deployed service members.\u00a0 The NDAA containing Congressman Carson\u2019s \u00a0provisions is expected to pass the Senate next week before making its way to the President\u2019s desk to become law.\nSpecifically, Congressman Carson\u2019s bill aims to provide mid-deployment assessments to detect and begin treatment of mental health issues that arise while overseas and could negatively impact performance or become life threatening.\u00a0 Currently, service members only receive mental health screening before and after deployment. The 2015 NDAA includes provisions from Carson\u2019s H.R. 1463, the Military Suicide Reduction Act, which was endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Association of the United States Navy, and American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.\u00a0 \u00a0This is the culmination of an effort that began in 2011, when Carson first authored legislation mandating that service members deployed in combat receive mid-deployment mental health assessments.\u00a0 He has introduced and passed through the House similar provisions every year since.\u00a0\n\u201cToday, we know more than ever about the unseen wounds of war,\u201d said Congressman Carson.\u00a0 \u201cIf left untreated, these issues contribute to higher rates of domestic violence, substance abuse, homelessness, and suicide\u2014especially when combined with financial and relationship difficulties that are common among deploying service members.\u00a0 By mandating regular screening during deployment, when injuries and trauma are most likely to occur, we can improve the likelihood of early detection and treatment. After years of repeated deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, it is time for us to reflect on lessons learned and find ways to better support our deploying service members.\u201d\u00a0\nIn 2011, the NDAA included language from the Service Members Mental Health Screening Act, which ensured that mental health assessments holistically consider records originating from past units, and the Military Families Financial Preparedness Act, which helped prepare separating service members and their families for the financial challenges of civilian life. \u00a0This bill was signed into law by President Obama in December 2011.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-passing-william-bill-mays", "Carson Statement on the Passing of William (Bill) Mays", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", "carson", "https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "INDIANAPOLIS \u2013 \"Tonight, we lost a leader who dedicated his life to our community. As a businessman, philanthropist, and activist, Bill Mays helped improve the lives of countless Hoosiers throughout his life. I pray that God gives peace and comfort to his wife, Rose, his daughters Kristin and Heather, and to the countless others for whom Bill is \"family.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:44:12Z"], ["https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-carson-mental-health-bill", "House Passes Carson Mental Health Bill", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", "carson", "https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015, which included provisions authored by Congressman Carson to protect the mental health of deployed service members. The NDAA containing Congressman Carson's provisions is expected to pass the Senate next week before making its way to the President's desk to become law.\n\nSpecifically, Congressman Carson's bill aims to provide mid-deployment assessments to detect and begin treatment of mental health issues that arise while overseas and could negatively impact performance or become life threatening. Currently, service members only receive mental health screening before and after deployment. The 2015 NDAA includes provisions from Carson's H.R. 1463, the Military Suicide Reduction Act, which was endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Association of the United States Navy, and American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. This is the culmination of an effort that began in 2011, when Carson first authored legislation mandating that service members deployed in combat receive mid-deployment mental health assessments. He has introduced and passed through the House similar provisions every year since.\n\n\"Today, we know more than ever about the unseen wounds of war,\" said Congressman Carson. \"If left untreated, these issues contribute to higher rates of domestic violence, substance abuse, homelessness, and suicide\u2014especially when combined with financial and relationship difficulties that are common among deploying service members. By mandating regular screening during deployment, when injuries and trauma are most likely to occur, we can improve the likelihood of early detection and treatment. After years of repeated deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, it is time for us to reflect on lessons learned and find ways to better support our deploying service members.\"\n\nIn 2011, the NDAA included language from the Service Members Mental Health Screening Act, which ensured that mental health assessments holistically consider records originating from past units, and the Military Families Financial Preparedness Act, which helped prepare separating service members and their families for the financial challenges of civilian life. This bill was signed into law by President Obama in December 2011.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:44:12Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-supports-financial-security-independence-for-disabled-americans/", "Walorski Supports Financial Security & Independence for Disabled Americans", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 4, 2014\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) supported helping individuals with disabilities by voting for H.R. 647, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act'.   The bill, which Walorski co-sponsored, allows families to create tax-free savings accounts, similar to college savings accounts, for their child with disabilities to allow them to be economically self-sufficient when they enter adulthood.\nMany American families currently enjoy tax incentives to save for future expenses including college, retirement, and other life events, said Walorski. Sadly, our tax code does not provide the same options to people with disabilities, leaving them with few choices to save for their future.\nThe legislation is intended to ease the financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities by amending Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Service Code to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing, and transportation. The bill does not replace, rather supplements the benefits provided through private insurance, Medicaid, the supplemental social security income program, the beneficiary's employment, and other sources.\nThis bill is about so much more than just a savings account, Walorski said. Finally, we can level the playing field for everyone, especially for the millions of Americans with autism and other disorders who want the ability to one day live on their own, receive an education and find a job.\nH.R. 647 passed the House by a vote of 404-17 and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=427", "Dr. Bucshons Subcommittee Assignments for the 114th Congress", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana who was recently selected to serve as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress, will serve on three of the influential panel's subcommittees. Bucshon will join the Subcommittees on Environment and Economy, Health, as well as Oversight and Investigations.\rRep. Bucshon released the following statement regarding his new posts:\rI am looking forward to joining these important Subcommittees to help continue the committee's bipartisan record of success, said Bucshon. As a physician, I will have the unique opportunity to help shape healthcare legislation that expands access and improves quality of care for all Americans. I am also pleased to join the Subcommittees tasked with exploring the intersection of regulations and the economy to protect vital jobs and our environment as well as rigorous oversight of agencies like HHS, EPA, and FDA to protect taxpayers. \rUpon announcing the new assignments, Committee Chairman Fred Upton said:\rOur subcommittees are truly the legislative and oversight engines of the Energy and Commerce Committee, delivering an impressive record of bipartisan accomplishment. They ask the tough questions, explore big ideas, and generate policies to grow our economy and get bureaucracy out of the way so America can thrive in the 21st Century, said Upton. The members who will serve on each of our subcommittees will together offer a mix of policy experience and expertise, dogged oversight to protect taxpayers, and fresh new ideas to modernize cumbersome agencies and laws. I am excited about the good work our team will deliver in the coming year.\rBucshon's statement following his appointment to the full committee can be found here - http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-serve-house-energy-and-commerce-committee.\rBACKGROUND: \rThe Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee. Today it has responsibility for the nation's telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce. It oversees multiple cabinet-level Departments and independent agencies, including the Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, Commerce, and Transportation, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission.\rThe Subcommittee on Environment and Economy has jurisdiction over: All matters related to soil and water contamination, including Superfund and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; the regulation of solid, hazardous, and nuclear wastes, including mining, nuclear, oil, gas, and coal combustion waste; emergency environmental response; industrial plant security, including cybersecurity; the regulation of drinking water (Safe Drinking Water Act), including underground injection of fluids (e.g., deep well injection or hydrofracking); toxic substances (Toxic Substances Control Act); noise; and all aspects of the above-referenced jurisdiction related to the Department of Homeland Security.\rThe Subcommittee on Health has jurisdiction over: Public health and quarantine; hospital construction; mental health; biomedical research and development; health information technology, privacy, and cybersecurity; public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) and private health insurance; medical malpractice and medical malpractice insurance; the regulation of food, drugs, and cosmetics; drug abuse; the Department of Health and Human Services; the National Institutes of Health; the Centers for Disease Control; Indian Health Service; and all aspects of the above-referenced jurisdiction related to the Department of Homeland Security.\rThe Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations has responsibility for: Oversight of agencies, departments, and programs related to the jurisdiction of the full committee, and for conducting investigations.\r*Information provided by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Find out more here  www.energycommerce.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://visclosky.house.gov//media-center/statements/please-note-our-new-office-location", "Please note our new office location", "2014-12-02", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Peter Visclosky", "V000108", "visclosky.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Our new office is at 2328 Rayburn Building.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//newsroom/past-e-newsletters/choosing-safe-toys-for-holiday-giving", "Choosing Safe Toys for Holiday Giving", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,  \n\t\u00a0\nWith the holiday season in full swing, many parents, grandparents, and friends are busy shopping for the special children in their lives. On the top of many of those lists are toys. With thousands of children\u2019s products on the market each year, it is important to make sure no one gets hurt from an unsafe toy.  \n\t\u00a0\nOver the past several years, stronger rules have helped get some of the most dangerous children\u2019s products off the market.\u00a0 Improvements made by Congress to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act have tightened lead limits and phased out dangerous phthalates.\u00a0 These safeguards, along with safety-conscious steps taken by many toy makers and sellers have led to 30 toy recalls in fiscal year 2014, compared to 172 recalls in 2008.  \n\t\u00a0 \u00a0\nKeeping our children safe and healthy will ensure a more joyous holiday season for everyone. To learn more about product recalls or to report a dangerous product, go online to www.saferproducts.gov or call the Consumer Product Safety Commission Hotline at (800) 638-2772.  \n\t\u00a0\nIn addition, be sure to checkout\u00a0  https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/investigations/mailfraud/fraudschemes/mailtheft/tipthieves.aspx\u00a0for tips on how to ensure your packages and mail stay safe this holiday season.\n\u00a0\nI am honored to serve in Congress on behalf of Hoosier families like yours. \u00a0I value your ideas and look forward to hearing from you.\n\u00a0\nRegards,\u00a0\nAndr\u00e9\n\u00a0\nINSIDE SCOOP\nICYMI:\nThis Thanksgiving, my daughter and I joined thousands of Hoosiers at the annual Mozel Sanders Thanksgiving dinner.\u00a0 With the help of over 2,000 volunteers, 40,000 meals were delivered to people throughout Central Indiana!\n \n\t\u00a0 \nCOMING UP:\nOne of the most rewarding aspects of being your Representative is having the opportunity to help you cut through red tape with federal agencies.\u00a0 While my district office is centrally located, I realize it can be difficult or inconvenient at times to visit.\u00a0 That is why I am committed to ensuring the resources my office offers are more accessible by bringing these services closer to you.\n\u00a0\nThis week, my staff will be holding office hours on Thursday, December 4, from 4-6 p.m at the Indianapolis Public Library - Wayne Branch.\u00a0 (198 S. Girls School Road Indianapolis, IN 46231)\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nMy office is able to assist with a range of issues dealing with any federal agency, including the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Medicare, Immigration, and others.\u00a0 Hope to see you there!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-comments-on-obama-administration-s-decision-to-extend-talks-with", "Brooks Comments on Obama Administrations Decision to Extend Talks with Iran", "2014-12-01", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) made the following comments on the extension of U.S. led negotiations on Iran\u2019s nuclear program:  \u201cI am deeply concerned about the precedent the Obama Administration\u2019s second extension of talks with Iranian leadership sets, and worry about what message this decision sends to both our allies abroad and the Mullahs in Iran. The Iranian economy has already markedly improved since the talks began, and providing an additional $700 million a month in relief will only further weaken our negotiating position while allowing this State Sponsor of Terrorism to push closer toward a nuclear weapon.  This indecisive action is unacceptable and directly undermines our strategic interests and those of our allies.\u00a0 More pressure, not less, is needed to make it abundantly clear that America will not accept a nuclear armed Iran under any condition, and that we will not sacrifice our commitment to human rights or abandon our fight against terrorism for short term political expediency.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/carson-statement-on-the-ferguson-grand-jury-decision", "Carson Statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Decision", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson issued the following statement in response to the decision of the Ferguson Grand Jury not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown:\n\u201cTonight, my prayers are with the Brown family who lost their son far too soon.\u00a0 No parent should have to live through such an ordeal.\n\u201cAs a young African American man, I can relate to the frustration being felt on the streets of Ferguson.\u00a0 The history of our nation, past and present, is plagued with incidents of bigotry and discrimination in our justice system. Racial injustice continues to afflict our communities and with each incident like this one, old wounds are reopened.\u00a0 The feelings felt tonight are real and cannot be discounted.\n\u201cAs a former law enforcement officer, I respect our system of justice but also recognize its shortcomings.\u00a0 We have a long way to go to guarantee our country\u2019s children of color are protected equally under the law, in every instance, in every\u00a0neighborhood, all across our country. No community should have to doubt whether justice has prevailed when a decision like this one is handed down.\u00a0\n\u201cTonight is the start of a long and difficult process, not simply of overcoming the pain felt in Ferguson, but of honestly assessing how justice is provided across our country.\u00a0 This process starts with peaceful protests and\u00a0 ends with lasting reform that protects all Americans equally, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.\u00a0 This will not be easy or quick. But what is clear is that this march towards a better, more equitable country cannot start with violence.\u00a0 It is my hope that all Americans can respect the Brown\u2019s family request for peace and use this tragedy to advocate for real and lasting change.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/carson-statement-on-the-resignation-of-defense-secretary-hagel", "Carson Statement on the Resignation of Defense Secretary Hagel", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson issued the following statement in response to the announcement that Charles \u201cChuck\u201d Hagel will step down as Secretary of Defense once a successor is confirmed:\n\u201cAs the 24th Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel has worked each and every day to protect and ensure the safety of our country. As a decorated Vietnam War veteran, president of the World USO, Deputy Administrator of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Senator, and Secretary of Defense, Hagel\u2019s career has been filled with public service and advocacy on behalf of our men and women in uniform.\n\u201cAs a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have always appreciated Secretary Hagel\u2019s honest assessment and advice, especially in difficult circumstances.\n\u201cI am grateful for his leadership and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/brooks-gop-must-show-it-can-govern", "Brooks: GOP must show it can govern", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ANDERSON \u2014 Republicans have to demonstrate to the American people that they can govern in a manner that will benefit all Americans, according to U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, R-5th District.\nBrooks won election to a second term in the U.S. House on Nov. 4 with 65 percent of the vote in the 5th District, which includes all of Madison County.\nDuring the off-year election, the Republican Party strengthened its majority in the U.S. House and gained control of the U.S. Senate.\nDuring a telephone interview with The Herald Bulletin, Brooks said that the GOP-controlled Congress has to remind the American people that they are not going to give in to everything requested by President Barack Obama.\n\u201cThere will be tension because of the significant oversight of the executive branch by the Congress,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have to make sure that the administration through the federal agencies doesn\u2019t pass rules and regulations that are hurting America.\u201d\nBrooks said what legislation is passed through 2016 will depend on how willing Obama is to work with the Republican Party.\n\u201cWe are preparing for next year,\u201d she said of when the GOP takes control of both houses of the Congress. \u201cWe\u2019re on the same calendar as the Senate. The leadership is working together, which is good for the American people.\u201d\nShe said bills passed in the House will get a hearing in the Senate and won\u2019t be delayed as has been the case in the past few years.\nLegislation that Brooks expects to be considered early in 2015 is the Keystone Pipeline, which she said has bipartisan support in the House. The bill was defeated in the Senate last week by one vote.\n\u201cThis is a pro-jobs, pro-economy bill,\u201d she said.\nBrooks expects the Republican-controlled Congress to tackle tax reform, with Rep. Paul Ryan leading the effort.\n\u201cHe (Ryan) brokered the deal with the Senate Democrats that ended the government shutdown,\u201d she said. \u201cHe has a good track record.\u201d\nBrooks said one area of tax reform that will benefit Indiana is the repeal of the medical device tax, a part of the Affordable Care Act.\nShe expects changes in the Affordable Care Act but was unsure if there would be one bill to repeal Obamacare or individual bills making changes to the law.\n\u201cWe will try to repeal it again,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cBut we have to have a replacement plan attached to it.\u201d\nBrooks said people are starting to see increases in health insurance premiums.\n\u201cThis was not a good piece of legislation for the American people,\u201d she said of the president\u2019s landmark legislation.\nBrooks said a change will be a return to the 40-hour, full-time work week, which she said cost people money by employers cutting their hours to 30 hours a week.\nAny replacement legislation has to include provisions for people with pre-existing conditions and for allowing a child to stay on their parents' insurance until the age of 26, she said.\n\n\tBrooks said a high priority will be national security with the continued growth of the Islamic State terrorist group, Ebola and the nuclear capabilities of Iran.\n\t\u201cWe\u2019re still waiting on the president to conclude negotiations with Iran,\u201d she said. \u201cThere is also concern about Russian aggression in the Ukraine.\n\t\u201cThis is serious times for national security,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cWe want to have a strong military and no terrorists in our midst.\u201d\n\tFollow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 640-4863.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/hundred-attend-memorial-for-indiana-aid-worker", "Hundred attend memorial for Indiana aid worker", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "INDIANAPOLIS\u00a0\u2014 An Indiana aid worker beheaded by Islamic State militants in Syria was praised for his humanitarian work Sunday during a memorial service attended by hundreds that included readings from the Bible and the Quran.\nPeter Kassig, who took the first name Abdul-Rahman after converting to Islam during captivity, was remembered as a good man, son, student and volunteer who dedicated himself to helping others and lived a short but full life.\n\"We're not here because of how he passed,\" said Hazem Bata, executive director Islamic Society of North America in Plainfield. \"We're because of how he lived. We're here because of the type of man he chose to be. We're here because of his selflessness.\"\nThe 26-year-old Indianapolis man was captured last year in eastern Syria while delivering relief supplies to refugees of Syria's civil war. Kassig, a former U.S. Army ranger who had served in Iraq in 2007, had returned to the Mideast in 2012 and founded a relief organization to help war victims.\nHis parents, Ed and Paula Kassig of Indianapolis, learned of their son's capture last year, but did not disclose his c0.0aptivity while family and friends quietly worked to secure his release. In October, their son appeared in another video released by the Islamic State group that showed the beheading of a fellow aid worker, Britain's Alan Henning. The militants vowed that Kassig would be next, leading his parents to plead publicly for mercy while stressing his humanitarian work and conversion to Islam.\nThe Muslim community rallied around them, participating in prayer vigils and rallies urging his captors to follow the Quran's teachings that prohibit Muslims from killing other Muslims.\nSpeakers at Sunday's 80-minute service at Clowes Hall at Butler University, which Kassig briefly attended before moving to the Middle East, praised him for his humanitarian work and urged others to use his life as inspiration.\n\"Our hearts broke with the news of not only his death, but the brutal and barbaric way in which it occurred,\" said the Rev. Bill Hoopes, pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, which the Kassig family attends. \"Many of us had hoped deeply that Peter would be the exception. That he would be the one his captors would be set free.\"\nHoopes challenged those at the service to do more than pray that those who killed Kassig and Syrian President Bashar Assad be brought to justice.\nAmong those attending the service were Gov. Mike Pence, Sens. Joe Donnelly and Dan Coats, Rep. Susan Brooks and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. Donnelly said he never met Kassig, but said over recent months of meeting Kassig's parents and friends feels he got to know Kassig's spirit.\n\"It's the spirit of believing things can get better. That together we can make a difference,\" Donnelly said. \"He was an extraordinary in every way.\"\n  Read more at https://www.wral.com/kassig-recalled-as-man-who-sought-to-help-others/14214314/#beYBS4HPKeoBuV3A.99", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-ferguson-grand-jury-decision", "Carson Statement on the Ferguson Grand Jury Decision", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", "carson", "https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson issued the following statement in response to the decision of the Ferguson Grand Jury not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown:\n\n\"Tonight, my prayers are with the Brown family who lost their son far too soon. No parent should have to live through such an ordeal.\n\n\"As a young African American man, I can relate to the frustration being felt on the streets of Ferguson. The history of our nation, past and present, is plagued with incidents of bigotry and discrimination in our justice system. Racial injustice continues to afflict our communities and with each incident like this one, old wounds are reopened. The feelings felt tonight are real and cannot be discounted.\n\n\"As a former law enforcement officer, I respect our system of justice but also recognize its shortcomings. We have a long way to go to guarantee our country's children of color are protected equally under the law, in every instance, in every neighborhood, all across our country. No community should have to doubt whether justice has prevailed when a decision like this one is handed down.\n\n\"Tonight is the start of a long and difficult process, not simply of overcoming the pain felt in Ferguson, but of honestly assessing how justice is provided across our country. This process starts with peaceful protests and ends with lasting reform that protects all Americans equally, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. This will not be easy or quick. But what is clear is that this march towards a better, more equitable country cannot start with violence. It is my hope that all Americans can respect the Brown's family request for peace and use this tragedy to advocate for real and lasting change.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:43:56Z"], ["https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-resignation-defense-secretary-hagel", "Carson Statement on the Resignation of Defense Secretary Hagel", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", "carson", "https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson issued the following statement in response to the announcement that Charles \"Chuck\" Hagel will step down as Secretary of Defense once a successor is confirmed:\n\n\"As the 24th Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel has worked each and every day to protect and ensure the safety of our country. As a decorated Vietnam War veteran, president of the World USO, Deputy Administrator of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Senator, and Secretary of Defense, Hagel's career has been filled with public service and advocacy on behalf of our men and women in uniform.\n\n\"As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have always appreciated Secretary Hagel's honest assessment and advice, especially in difficult circumstances.\n\n\"I am grateful for his leadership and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:43:56Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074526/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/editorials/transforming-common-days-into-days-of-thanksgiving", "Transforming common days into days of Thanksgiving", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "One of my favorite quotes about Thanksgiving comes from a celebrated Christian writer, William Arthur Ward, who once said, \u201cGratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving...and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.\u201d\u00a0\nThanksgiving Day gives us a yearly reminder to count our God-given blessings.\u00a0 It\u2019s a time to focus on what we have, rather than on what we don\u2019t.\u00a0 President Lincoln exemplified this attitude of gratitude.\u00a0 He had countless reasons to be downtrodden and ungrateful.\u00a0 America was torn by civil war.\u00a0 Brothers were fighting brothers.\u00a0 And, the future of the great American experiment was in jeopardy.\u00a0 Yet, Lincoln was the first President to declare Thanksgiving Day a national holiday.\u00a0 He said in 1863, \u201cThe year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come\u2026the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.\u201d\u00a0 Lincoln spoke these words during one of the most difficult times in our young nation\u2019s history.\u00a0 Yet, he found reasons to be thankful.\u00a0\nToday, America faces different, but still difficult challenges.\u00a0 Too many middle class families are struggling to make ends meet.\u00a0 The future of our health care structure remains uncertain.\u00a0 Our immigration system is in desperate need of reform, and our national security continues to be threatened by terrorists who seek to destroy our way of life.\u00a0\u00a0 Yet, these challenges are mere obstacles. They present yet another opportunity to prove to the world that America will rise to meet our challenges and emerge even stronger than before.\u00a0\u00a0\nThe desire for freedom of religion and speech, the respect for the rule of law, and the belief that government should not intrude on the everyday lives of its citizens are the very ideas that brought the Pilgrims to this land.\u00a0 These principles are the key to bringing prosperity back to our great country.\nBecause of the profound foresight of our Founding Fathers, we have a system of government that protects these ideals.\u00a0 And, for that I am truly thankful.\u00a0 I am also thankful this Thanksgiving season for the opportunity to serve the people of Indiana\u2019s 6th Congressional District.\u00a0 You have placed a lot of trust in me, and I work every day to represent our shared Hoosier values here in Congress.\u00a0 I\u2019m grateful for my family.\u00a0\u00a0 My wife and children bring joy to my life every day.\u00a0 And, finally, I\u2019m thankful for our nation\u2019s challenges, because they provide us with an opportunity to grow and improve this great country and work every day to enhance the lives of its citizens.\u00a0 So, let\u2019s enjoy the holiday season with friends and family, and then get back to work to ensure this nation of ours remains great for this generation and the next.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=431", "Dr. Bucshon's Statement on President Obamas Unilateral Executive Action", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dr. Bucshon's Statement on President Obama's Unilateral Executive Action \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington, DC,\r\n        November 21, 2014\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      \r    \r    \r    Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, released the following statement regarding President Obama's unilateral executive action on immigration.\rDr. Bucshon released the following statement:\rWe need to fix our nation's broken immigration system  this is something on which we all agree. That being said, any attempt to act on immigration reform must go through Congress, not executive decree. The President has argued he does not have the authority to act alone over 22 times, yet last night he announced a plan to ignore the rule of law by acting unilaterally.\rThe President's announcement is not about policy, it's about partisan politics. He had the opportunity to pass his amnesty plan when his party controlled the House and Senate during the first two years of his presidency, but they did not act. Instead of ignoring the American people after an election, the President should work with Congress on common-sense legislation that secures our borders and reforms our broken immigration system. \r    \r      \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206041052/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-statement-president-obama%E2%80%99s-unilateral-executive-action", "Dr. Bucshon's Statement on President Obamas Unilateral Executive Action", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, released the following statement regarding President Obama\u2019s unilateral executive action on immigration.\nDr. Bucshon released the following statement:\n\u201cWe need to fix our nation\u2019s broken immigration system \u2013 this is something on which we all agree. \u00a0That being said, any attempt to act on immigration reform must go through Congress, not executive decree. The President has argued he does not have the authority to act alone over 22 times, yet last night he announced a plan to ignore the rule of law by acting unilaterally.\n\u201cThe President\u2019s announcement is not about \u00a0policy, it\u2019s about partisan politics. He had the opportunity to pass his amnesty plan when his party controlled the House and Senate during the first two years of his presidency, but they did not act. \u00a0Instead of ignoring the American people after an election, the President should work with Congress on common-sense legislation that secures our borders and reforms our broken immigration system.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/carson-statement-on-president-obama-s-executive-action-on-immigration", "Carson Statement on President Obamas Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07) released the following on President Barack Obama's Executive Action on immigration:\n\u201cTonight President Obama set forth a bold plan to secure our nation\u2019s borders, help keep families together, and expand our economy.\u00a0 The President\u2019s action was a necessary step in a Republican Congress that has refused to take up immigration reform. However, our country must come together to pass an immigration plan that will be successful. It is my hope that the President\u2019s executive actions will push Congress to bring legislation to the floor under regular order.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//newsroom/past-e-newsletters/enroll-indiana", "Enroll Indiana!", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\u00a0\nEnrollment has begun for Indiana residents seeking health insurance through the federal health exchanges established under the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0 \u00a0If you or someone you know is uninsured, visit www.healthcare.gov \u00a0to apply for coverage for 2015.\u00a0 Even if you signed up for health insurance last year, shop around, you may find a plan that better fits your needs and budget this year.\nThere is also in-person assistance in our area to help you navigate through this process.\u00a0 Click here\u00a0 to find assistance near you.\u00a0\nThe last day to enroll for coverage that begins on January 1, 2015 is December 15th.\u00a0 If you are unable to enroll during the November 15th \u2013 December 15th enrollment period, you have until February 15th, 2015 to apply for coverage that will begin on March 1st, 2015.\u00a0\nIf you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office. The telephone number is 317-283-6516.\n\u00a0\nRegards,\n\u00a0\nInside Scoop: \nEarlier this month, I had the privilege of meeting Marilyn Shank, one of thousands of Hoosiers benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. Marilyn and her husband are saving $1,200/month on health insurance thanks to the ACA.\u00a0\nDo you have an ACA success story? Tell us your story and Congressman Carson might share your story too! Email aca07@mail.house.gov", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-named-to-energy-and-commerce-committee", "Brooks Named to Energy and Commerce Committee", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement today regarding her selection to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 114th Congress: \n\u00a0\n\u201cThe Energy and Commerce Committee has broad jurisdiction over issues of significant importance to all Americans and particularly in the sectors of health care, energy, telecommunications and manufacturing.\u00a0 Under Chairman Fred Upton\u2019s leadership, the committee has a proven track record of bipartisan success. I look forward to serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee in the 114th Congress as we work to grow our economy, increase energy production and promote medical innovation.\u00a0 \n  I am also extremely pleased to be serving on this committee with my friend and colleague, Representative Larry Bucshon (R-IN8). It\u2019s great news for the state of Indiana to have two Hoosiers on this impactful committee.\u201d\nEnergy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (MI-6) released the following statement congratulating Congresswoman Brooks: \u201cI am excited to welcome Congresswoman Brooks to the Energy and Commerce Committee. Her diverse background, strong work ethic and ability to build consensus will serve our team well. We are going to hit the ground running next year as we continue our efforts to create jobs, promote life-saving cures, unleash America\u2019s energy abundance, protect families, and foster growth in this new era of innovation.\u201d For more information on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, go to: https://energycommerce.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-statement-on-president-obama-s-executive-action", "Brooks Statement on President Obamas Executive Action", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement in reaction to this evening\u2019s immigration executive action announcement from President Obama:\u00a0 \n\u201cI remain committed to effective and lasting immigration reform that fixes a clearly broken system. But we must do this through a collaborative process that allows everyone to make their voices heard rather than the \u2018go it alone\u2019 approach outlined by President Obama this evening. This is not how a representative government should work. \nTonight, the President directly contradicted his own previous statements to the American people on the role of Congress and the executive branch in altering our nation\u2019s immigration laws. We must now explore both legislative and legal options to ensure the White House does not exceed its constitutional authority.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=432", "Dr. Bucshon to Serve on House Energy and Commerce Committee", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, was selected to serve as a member of the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress.\r\tDr. Bucshon released the following statement:\rI'm honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress, said Bucshon. I look forward to working with Chairman Upton and the rest of the committee to advance sound policy related to healthcare, energy, and telecommunications. With my first-hand experience as a physician; the importance of the Hoosier coal industry to our low-cost energy and economic vitality; Indiana's robust and growing manufacturing sector, and the critical need to improve our broadband capabilities for education, business, industry, and rural development, this appointment offers me a platform to advocate for issues of key importance to our district, state, and country. I'm excited to get to work.\rCommittee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) stated:\r\"We have a great team in place and I am excited to welcome Dr. Bucshon to the Energy and Commerce Committee, said Upton. Dr. Bucshon's background in medicine and his experience representing an energy-rich district adds a unique strengths and perspective that will help further our bipartisan record of success in the new Congress. We are going to hit the ground running next year as we continue our efforts to create jobs, promote life-saving cures, unleash America's energy abundance, protect families, and foster growth in this new era of innovation. I'm happy to have Dr. Bucshon as a part of that effort.\rBACKGROUND: \rThe Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee. Today it has responsibility for the nation's telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce. It oversees multiple cabinet-level Departments and independent agencies, including the Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, Commerce, and Transportation, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission. Find out more here  www.energycommerce.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=502", "Background on President Obama's executive overreach on immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tonight, President Obama is set to deliver a prime time address where he will outline his plan for unilateral executive action that will ignore or change existing law related to immigration  action the Washington Post claims will expand the authority of the executive branch into murky, uncharted territory.\rIn advance of the speech, I thought it would be helpful to provide background on the issue. The President has, in the past, repeatedly argued that he does NOT have the legal authority to act without Congress.\rIn fact, the Speaker's office has compiled a list of 22 statements made by the President claiming he cannot do what he now plans to do.\rThe Washington Post gave the President an upside-down Pinocchio, their worst rating, for what the publication deemed a flip-flop by the President.\rPreviously he said that was not possible, using evocative language that he is not a king' or the emperor.' Apparently he's changed his mind. The president earns an upside-down Pinocchio for his flip-flop. (Washington Post; 11/18/2014)\rIn the same article, the Post highlighted these previous assertions made by President Obama claiming he does not have the authority to act alone:\rUnivision Town Hall, March 28, 2011: The executive branch's job is to enforce and implement those laws.'\rInterview with Univision, Jan. 31, 2013: I'm not a king'\rGoogle Hangout, Feb. 14, 2013: I'm not the emperor of the United States'\rInterview with Noticias Telmundo, Sept. 17, 2013: There is a path to get this done and that is through Congress.'\rWhat do the American people think about executive action by President Obama? 48% oppose it while only 38% support it.\rInstead of acting unilaterally, the President should listen to the American people and work with Congress on common-sense reforms.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-president-obamas-executive-action-immigration", "Carson Statement on President Obama\u2019s Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", "carson", "https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07) released the following on President Barack Obama's Executive Action on immigration:\n\n\"Tonight President Obama set forth a bold plan to secure our nation's borders, help keep families together, and expand our economy. The President's action was a necessary step in a Republican Congress that has refused to take up immigration reform. However, our country must come together to pass an immigration plan that will be successful. It is my hope that the President's executive actions will push Congress to bring legislation to the floor under regular order.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:43:56Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-statement-on-president-obamas-announcement-of-executive-action-on-immigration/", "Walorski Statement on President Obamas Announcement of Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 20, 2014\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) issued the following statement tonight after President Obama's announcement to act unilaterally on immigration reform:\nAt a time when Americans want Washington to work together, I'm disappointed that instead of working with Congress to find real solutions, the president has decided to abuse his executive powers, break the law and ignore the Constitution at the expense of resolving a national crisis.\nThis week, I joined with the Republican Women's Policy Committee and sent a letter to President Obama urging him to abandon any unconstitutional executive actions on immigration reform and instead work with Congress and the people of this great nation.\nThere is no question that the current immigration system is broken and there is a growing need for reform, but denying members of Congress and the American people an opportunity to offer any input only jeopardizes the chance of finding real, workable solutions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201230/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/353", "Stutzman Supports New Manufacturing Act", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman Supports New Manufacturing Act \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 4795 the Promoting New Manufacturing Act. The following remarks are as prepared for delivery.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cMr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Promoting New Manufacturing Act.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cMr. Speaker, for too long the Obama economy has remained weak and the American worker has suffered the consequences. Too many people are struggling to find work and provide for their families. They want to know when things are finally going to pick up.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cWe in Congress have a responsibility to help create an economic environment that allows individuals to succeed and businesses to grow. And we can achieve that kind of success by cutting back on job killing regulations, removing bureaucratic red tape, and increasing transparency. That is what today\u2019s bill is all about.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cAs a representative from Indiana, I understand that a strong manufacturing industry is absolutely crucial to our national and \u00a0local economy. The third congressional district, the place that I call home, is one of the top manufacturing districts in the entire Congress.\u00a0 This bill will not only bring new opportunities to Hoosier families, but to families all across America. \r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cStrengthening our manufacturing industry should not be a partisan issue. And today, we have an opportunity to stand together and support legislation that will help create jobs and move our economy in the right direction.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cI would like to thank Whip Scalise, Chairman Upton, and the members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce for their hard work on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Thank you.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201236/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/354", "Statement on President's Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Statement on President's Executive Action on Immigration \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued this statement ahead of President Obama\u2019s announcement to pursue executive action on immigration.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cBy taking executive action and refusing to work with a new Congress, President Obama has willingly chosen to ignore the voices of American voters and is setting a dangerous precedent for future administrations. Our Founders created a system of checks and balances so that no one branch of government could overstep its power. While we are a nation of immigrants, we are also a country that believes in the rule of law.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cThe President\u2019s actions are nothing more than a blatant disregard for the Constitution. It is this type of action that fosters distrust among public officials, and adds to the toxicity of Washington. The American people want both parties to work together and find ways to solve our problems. President Obama should sit down with members of Congress so that we can find areas of common ground and fix our broken immigration system.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206043701/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-serve-house-energy-and-commerce-committee", "Dr. Bucshon to Serve on House Energy and Commerce Committee", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, was selected to serve as a member of the influential House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress.\n\tDr. Bucshon released the following statement:\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 114th Congress,\u201d said Bucshon. \u201cI look forward to working with Chairman Upton and the rest of the committee to advance sound policy related to healthcare, energy, and telecommunications.\u00a0 With my first-hand experience as a physician; the importance of the Hoosier coal industry to our low-cost energy and economic vitality; Indiana\u2019s robust and growing manufacturing sector, and the critical need to improve our broadband capabilities for education, business, industry, and rural development, this appointment offers me a platform to advocate for issues of key importance to our district, state, and country. I\u2019m excited to get to work.\u201d\nCommittee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) stated:\n\"We have a great team in place and I am excited to welcome Dr. Bucshon to the Energy and Commerce Committee,\u201d said Upton.\u00a0 \u201cDr. Bucshon\u2019s background in medicine and his experience representing an energy-rich district adds a unique strengths and perspective that will help further our bipartisan record of success in the new Congress. We are going to hit the ground running next year as we continue our efforts to create jobs, promote life-saving cures, unleash America\u2019s energy abundance, protect families, and foster growth in this new era of innovation. I\u2019m happy to have Dr. Bucshon as a part of that effort.\u201d\nBACKGROUND: \u00a0\nThe Committee on Energy and Commerce, the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee. Today it has responsibility for the nation's telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce. It oversees multiple cabinet-level Departments and independent agencies, including the Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, Commerce, and Transportation, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Trade Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission.\u00a0 Find out more here \u2013 www.energycommerce.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206071413/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/background-president-obamas-executive-overreach-immigration", "Background on President Obama's executive overreach on immigration", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Tonight, President Obama is set to deliver a prime time address where he will outline his plan for unilateral executive action that will ignore or change existing law related to immigration \u2013 action the Washington Post claims will \u201cexpand the authority of the executive branch into murky, uncharted territory.\u201d\nIn advance of the speech, I thought it would be helpful to provide background on the issue. The President has, in the past, repeatedly argued that he does NOT have the legal authority to act without Congress.\nIn fact, the Speaker\u2019s office has compiled a list of 22 statements made by the President claiming he cannot do what he now plans to do.\nThe Washington Post gave the President an \u201cupside-down Pinocchio,\u201d their worst rating, for what the publication deemed a flip-flop by the President.\n\u201cPreviously he said that was not possible, using evocative language that he is not a \u2018king\u2019 or \u2018the emperor.\u2019 Apparently he\u2019s changed his mind. The president earns an upside-down Pinocchio for his flip-flop.\u201d (Washington Post; 11/18/2014)\nIn the same article, the Post highlighted these previous assertions made by President Obama claiming he does not have the authority to act alone:\n\u201cUnivision Town Hall, March 28, 2011: \u2018The executive branch\u2019s job is to enforce and implement those laws.\u2019\u201d\n\u201cInterview with Univision, Jan. 31, 2013: \u2018I\u2019m not a king\u2019\u201d\n\u201cGoogle Hangout, Feb. 14, 2013: \u2018I\u2019m not the emperor of the United States\u2019\u201d\n\u201cInterview with Noticias Telmundo, Sept. 17, 2013: \u2018There is a path to get this done and that is through Congress.\u2019\u201d\nWhat do the American people think about executive action by President Obama? 48% oppose it while only 38% support it.\nInstead of acting unilaterally, the President should listen to the American people and work with Congress on common-sense reforms.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074549/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-messer-congratulates-rep-brooks-and-dr-bucshon-on-energy", "Congressman Messer congratulates Rep. Brooks and Dr. Bucshon on Energy & Commerce Committee appointments", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Congressman Luke Messer released the following statement after Dr. Larry Bucshon and Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks were appointed to serve on the Committee on Energy and Commerce:\n\u201cCongratulations to my good friends and Indiana colleagues Congresswoman Brooks and Dr. Bucshon on their appointments to the Energy and Commerce Committee.\u00a0 Their expertise and insights will be a great asset to this important panel that has jurisdiction over issues that are vital to our state and have a significant impact on the everyday lives of Hoosiers.\u00a0 I look forward to their good work in the 114th Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141206074613/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-messer-blasts-president-obama-s-executive-amnesty-plan", "Congressman Messer blasts President Obamas executive amnesty plan", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) released the following statement in anticipation of President Obama\u2019s announcement tonight that he will grant amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants currently living in the United States:\n\u201cAs the President said a year ago, he is \u2018not a king.\u2019 He\u2019s also not an \u2018emperor.\u2019 The American people won\u2019t stand for it and neither will those of us who were sent to Congress to represent them.\u00a0 We must stop this President from ignoring the Constitution, and I will do whatever necessary through the legislative process to block him from granting blanket amnesty.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/release-president-signs-rokita-led-child-care-modernization-bill-law", "Release - President Signs Rokita-Led Child Care Modernization Bill Into Law", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nNovember 19, 2014\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n PRESIDENT SIGNS ROKITA-LED CHILD CARE MODERNIZATION BILL INTO LAW \n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nChairman Rokita: \u201cThe people sent the message on November 4th\u00a0to \u201cget something done.\u201d\u00a0 Here is Exhibit A.\u00a0 This bi-partisan bill empowers parents to build better lives for themselves and their families through access to safe and affordable child care.\u201d\n\u00a0\nWashington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Representative Todd Rokita, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, saw a chief priority, the reauthorization of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program (CCDBG), signed into law by the President today.\n\u201cThe reauthorization of this welfare-to-work program gives moms and dads child care choices while they work to eliminate long-term dependency on welfare programs. This assistance provides an opportunity to improve the lives of both current and future generations,\u201d said Rokita, Chairman of the Subcommittee that oversees the program.\nRokita shepherded passage of the bi-partisan reauthorization of the CCDBG program, which will break families away from the long-term dependency of federal welfare programs by ensuring them the dignity of work or training for a career as a requirement for program participation. The reauthorization modernizes the CCDBG program by implementing necessary safety standards for child care providers.\n\u201cThis is an example of the leadership necessary to reduce the power of the regulatory state and restore the law-making process to the proper branch of government,\u201d said Rokita.\nDuring the bill signing, the President vowed to abandon his proposed child care regulations due to passage of this bill. \u201cAccess to quality child care empowers people so they can build better lives for themselves and their families,\u201d Rokita stated.\nThe CCDBG program helped 36,600 Hoosier children from 19,300 families in 2013. It was first authorized in 1996 and provides funds to states to help low-income families access child care. Parents receive funds in the form of vouchers or certificates to pay the child care provider of their choice.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205201242/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/352", "Stutzman Congratulates Cameron Memorial Community Hospital", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman Congratulates Cameron Memorial Community Hospital \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement about the new Cameron Memorial Community Hospital.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cSince Cameron Memorial first opened its doors in 1926, it has been a leader in the fields of health and medicine. For over eighty years, the hospital\u2019s staff members have been an important part of our community, dedicating themselves and making it their mission to administer high quality care to the people of Indiana, as well as to our neighbors in northwest Ohio, and southern Michigan.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cThis new facility will allow them to strengthen that dedication by providing Cameron Memorial with the necessary resources and equipment to expand its services, and continue the Hoosier tradition of caring for others; a tradition we can all be proud of. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this new facility, and congratulate Chairman Dave Goodwin, President Greg Burns, the doctors, nurses, and staff members of Cameron Memorial for their hard work and commitment to the wellness of others.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/carson-statement-on-the-loss-of-abdul-rahman-peter-kassig", "Carson Statement on the Loss of Abdul-Rahman (Peter) Kassig", "2014-11-16", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"My deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Abdul-Rahman Kassig, formerly known as Peter. The brutality shown to Kassig is in stark contrast to the bravery he displayed while serving his nation as an Army Ranger and dedicated humanitarian.\u00a0\u00a0My prayers are with the family and those still suffering under the violence in the Middle East.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-statement-loss-abdul-rahman-peter-kassig", "Carson Statement on the Loss of Abdul-Rahman (Peter) Kassig", "2014-11-16", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", "carson", "https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "\"My deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of Abdul-Rahman Kassig, formerly known as Peter. The brutality shown to Kassig is in stark contrast to the bravery he displayed while serving his nation as an Army Ranger and dedicated humanitarian. My prayers are with the family and those still suffering under the violence in the Middle East.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:43:56Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-congratulates-messer-on-election-to-house-leadership", "Brooks Congratulates Messer on Election to House Leadership", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement congratulating Representative Luke Messer (R-IN6) on his election to House Leadership: \u201cRepresentative Messer will be an effective and energetic leader for the House Republican Policy Committee. He has been an excellent freshman class president, encouraging discussion and action on important issues and making sure everyone has a chance to share their perspective. I know this experience will serve him well in his new role. I\u2019m also extremely encouraged that a member of Indiana\u2019s delegation will be part of the House Republican leadership team in the 114th Congress. Congratulations to my good friend and colleague on this exciting and noteworthy accomplishment.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-time-to-build-keystone-xl-pipeline", "Brooks: Time to Build Keystone XL Pipeline", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement after voting in favor of House Resolution 5682, legislation approving the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline: \n\u201cSix years have passed since the Keystone XL Pipeline application was submitted to the U.S. State Department. For six years, Americans have been waiting to unleash the potential of our nation\u2019s energy abundance. For six years, working class families have been waiting to benefit from the jobs this project will create. For six years, Indiana\u2019s manufacturers have been waiting to fill work orders the construction of this pipeline will bring. It\u2019s time to build the Keystone XL Pipeline.\nToday, the House once again passed bipartisan legislation to ensure the Keystone XL Pipeline is built. This legislation will create thousands of American jobs and lower energy prices for American families. It\u2019s time for Senate Democrats and the President to listen to the American people and join the House in moving this project forward.\u201d\u00a0\n  \n\tFor more information on the Keystone XL Pipeline, go to: https://energycommerce.house.gov/content/keystone-xl.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/walorski-supports-legislation-to-approve-keystone-xl-pipeline/", "Walorski Supports Legislation to Approve Keystone XL Pipeline", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, November 14, 2014\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWASHINGTON, D.C.  Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02) released the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 5682:\nMy House colleagues and I overwhelmingly supported a plan to create 9,000 shovel-ready jobs for hardworking Americans. Not only will this project contribute $3 billion toward the US economy, but it will also strengthen our energy security. I urge my Senate colleagues to take swift action in passing this legislation that will give Americans access to a safe, stable supply of oil from an important trading partner.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District in Indiana, where she serves as a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, House Armed Services Committee, and House Budget Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141114190232/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/350", "Stutzman Signs Letter Opposing Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman Signs Letter Opposing Executive Action on Immigration \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Stutzman joined 62 of his House colleagues in urging leaders of the Appropriations Committee to prohibit funds for any executive action to grant amnesty. Below is a quote from Congressman Stutzman. A copy of the letter can be found here.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cIn light of last week\u2019s elections, it is clear the American people are demanding a return to the checks and balances granted by our Constitution. Any executive action taken by President Obama would circumvent the legislative process, set a bad precedent for future administrations, and run counter to the wishes of voters. Congress should reassert its role as the lawmaking body, continue to debate solutions for our immigration system, and block any funding that would allow President Obama to unilaterally rewrite immigration law through executive fiat.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141114203734/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/351", "Stutzman Supports Keystone XL Pipeline", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman Supports Keystone XL Pipeline \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 5682, approving the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cToday, I proudly voted to begin the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project with bipartisan support that will strengthen our energy security by lowering oil imports from the Middle East, and bolster our economy by creating thousands of new jobs.\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cThe American people deserve to have leaders in Washington who are focused on passing common sense legislation that will promote economic growth and strengthen our national security.\u00a0With a firm understanding that the building of this pipeline achieves both, the House has supported legislation to begin its construction nine times. \u00a0With the passage of this bill, I am hopeful President Obama will finally realize its benefits and sign it into law. After six years of waiting, it\u2019s long past due.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141115020216/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/indiana-rep-luke-messer-wins-key-house-gop-post", "Indiana Rep. Luke Messer wins key House GOP post", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Indiana Rep. Luke Messer was elected Thursday to the No. 5 House GOP leadership slot, a position he said he will use to show Republicans can help working families.\n\u201cWe need a positive agenda, so we\u2019re not defined by just what we oppose,\u201d Messer said after his colleagues elected him chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee for the next Congress.\nMesser called the panel the party's \u201cengine for policy development.\u201d\n\u201cIt will give our area a bigger voice in the national debate,\u201d the Shelbyville Republican told Indiana reporters.\nMesser beat New York Rep. Tom Reed 137 to 90 after Georgia Rep. Rob Woodall was knocked out on the first ballot.\nBoth Reed and Woodall have served two years more than Messer, who is finishing his first term.\nIndiana Rep. Todd Young said Republicans recognized that Messer is \u201can incredibly capable person\u201d with a \u201cstrong policy mind and a real clear grasp of politics.\u201d\nKentucky Rep. Thomas Massie called Messer \u201cprobably the best listener I have met here in Congress.\u201d\n\u201cHe\u2019s always able to articulate what I think better than what I can,\u201d Massie said after the election. \u201cHe\u2019s also committed to working very hard at this job.\u201d\nMesser said the bill lawmakers are voting on this week to approve the Keystone XL pipeline is a \u201cgreat start\u201d to advancing an agenda that will help working families. He also wants to make changes to the Affordable Care Act while working toward a broader repeal.\n\u201c(Former Indiana Gov.) Mitch Daniels always said elections are green flags, not checkered flags, so now the hard work begins,\u201d Messer said.\nThe election was held behind closed doors in a House office building as Republicans lunched on Subway sandwiches.\nMesser's wife, Jennifer, was present as Indiana Rep. Susan Brooks and two other colleagues gave nominating speeches for Messer. Jennifer Messer had to leave to pick up their three children from school while the ballots were being cast so Messer sent a \"We won\" text to the family, who hurried back.\nMesser, 45, has served as president of his GOP freshman class and had been the first of the three candidates to announce he was running for the policy job. He had emphasized that he wanted to use the position to help lawmakers produce and advance legislation.\n\u201cHe worked very hard,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cI think he talked to almost everyone in our conference.\u201d\nMesser also contributed more than $100,000 to congressional candidates and to the campaign arm of House Republicans. And he sent aides to help several campaigns.\nThe current chairman of the policy committee, Oklahoma Rep. Jim Lankford, was elected to the Senate last week.\nGov. Mike Pence, who is Messer's predecessor and the last Hoosier to serve in GOP leadership, had written a letter to his former colleagues on Messer's behalf.\nPence called Messer a \"principled conservative\" and a \"strong messenger.\"\n\"He knows that message matters and plays an integral role in our ability to deliver for the American people,\" Pence wrote in his support letter.\nIn addition to gaining a seat at the leadership table, Messer will have a budget of about $80,000 to pay for support staff and materials.\nAlthough he has just one term under his belt, Messer gained Capitol Hill experience as an aide in the 1990s. He also served in the Indiana General Assembly and was executive director of the Indiana Republican Party.\nAsked if he hopes to move up the leadership ladder, Messer said his philosophy has been to \"do your current job and do it well and you never know what doors might open later.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-tours-4th-district-hear-hoosiers-their-hometowns", "ROKITA TOURS 4TH DISTRICT TO HEAR HOOSIERS IN THEIR HOMETOWNS", "2014-11-11", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nNovember 7, \u00a02014\nContact: Brendan Thomas  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-0664  \n\tE-mail: brendan.thomas@mail.house.gov\nROKITA TOURS 4TH DISTRICT TODAY TO HEAR HOOSIERS IN THEIR HOMETOWNS\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Todd Rokita toured Indiana\u2019s 4th District today, visiting eight towns from Brownsburg to Rensselaer to hear Hoosiers closer to their homes. In Kokomo, Kentland, Monticello, Greencastle, West Lafayette and Crawfordsville, too, he told his constituents, \u201cI get my marching orders from you\u201d \u2013 before he travels to Washington, D.C., next week to plan a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda with a new Congressional class.\n\u201cThe House has passed over 300 pieces of legislation, dozens of them jobs bills, many bi-partisan, which Harry Reid has refused to bring to a vote in the Senate,\u201d explained Rokita in Brownsburg. \u201cAmerica replaced him because they want action, not more paralysis. The Republican majority in the House and now Senate will fulfill its duty to govern \u2013 something the Senate Democrats refused to do under Harry Reid\u2019s reign.\u201d\nThe House Budget Committee member is hopeful for legislative action on a number of priorities, which may include moving ahead with the Keystone Pipeline, repealing ObamaCare\u2019s medical device tax, and reforming K-12 education policy. Rokita also serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education, and he led negotiations to help pass the Student Success Act in 2013.\u00a0 The bill was the first in 13 years to reauthorize federal K-12 education law, but sits idly in the Senate. \u201cThis is going to be an active 114th Congress,\u201d he said. \u201cHoosiers are demanding free-market solutions to problems from education to economic regulation. \u00a0We\u2019re going to deliver results.\u201d\nRokita spoke with Hoosiers over breakfast, lunch and dinner at a variety of local restaurants and diners. In Monticello, he talked with constituents about enacting Indiana\u2019s model reforms on the federal level. \u201cSince I was Indiana\u2019s Secretary of State, Hoosiers have been driving conservative policy at the national level. \u00a0That record will only continue into the 114th Congress, as I continue fighting for all people so that they can build better lives for themselves and their families,\u201d he said.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//newsroom/past-e-newsletters/honoring-service-and-sacrifice", "Honoring Service and Sacrifice", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\u00a0\nThis week as we commemorate the 61st\u00a0Anniversary of Veterans Day, I\u2019d like to reflect on what General Douglas MacArthur said during a speech:\u00a0 \u201cThe soldier, above all others, is required to practice the greatest act of religious training\u2014sacrifice.\u201d\u00a0 That sacrifice is embodied in extraordinary Hoosiers who have worn the uniform of the United States of America.\u00a0\nThere are approximately 476,000 veterans living in Indiana. Just as they stood watch on our behalf, we have a moral obligation to support them. It is with their contributions in mind that I have authored the Military Suicide Reduction Act, Military Mental Health Empowerment Act, and the Service Members Mental Health Screening Act, all of which improve mental health services available to our service members and help them diagnose and treat devastating mental health issues before returning home. I have also been an advocate for the necessary reforms to take place within the VA so that Hoosier veterans can get the care they deserve in a timely manner.\nIt is my privilege to be a champion for veterans in Congress and I will continue to work with my colleagues to support veteran programs. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will continue to focus on the needs of our military in Indiana and across the nation\u2014to keep them safe in combat and support them on their return home.\u00a0\nGod Bless all of our veterans, past, present and future, and God bless our troops and military families serving today.\n\u00a0\nRegards,\nInside Scoop: Thank you! \nLast week, I was honored and humbled to be elected to continue to serve my neighbors, friends and family in the District where I was born and raised.\nI am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the last several years, but our work is not done.\u00a0\u00a0My focus in Indianapolis will not waver from looking for ways to help create jobs, cut crime and grow the economy.\u00a0\nToday, I am renewing my commitment to every Hoosier - regardless of race, income, or who you love -\u00a0I will continue to work hard to make things better for you and your family in Indianapolis.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141111185628/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/349", "Stutzman Signs Letter Pressing for Further Democratic Reforms in Burma", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman Signs Letter Pressing for Further Democratic Reforms in Burma \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S.Congressman Marlin Stutzman joined a bipartisan group of House members signing a letter to President Obama calling on him to pressure leaders of the Burmese government to pursue democratic advancements, economic reforms, and expand human rights. Below is a quote from Congressman Stutzman and a copy of the letter.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cIt is time for the Burmese government to end its oppressive policies. While progress has been made, the government needs to establish truly open democratic reforms and recognize the rights of all its country\u2019s citizens. In Northeast Indiana, we are happy to call many from Burma neighbors and friends. When President Obama visits Burma later this week, he should use it as an opportunity to promote the values of freedom and to urge for more positive changes from the Burmese government.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tDear President Obama,\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tWe are deeply concerned about the situation in Burma, including stalled reforms, back-tracking on core commitments and the government\u2019s targeting of ethnic and religious minorities with shocking policies of hate and discrimination. We strongly urge you to insist during your second trip to the country that these issues be addressed and make clear that the United States will not support full normalization of our relations absent genuine change.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tWith respect to stalled reforms, we understand the current government claims it will hold elections in late 2015. Yet, over a year before the election and despite the fact that President Thein Sein\u2019s own party dominates the committee that would initiate Constitutional changes, the military-backed Constitution continues to arbitrarily bar the leader of the opposition party, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, from being eligible to compete on equal footing for the Presidency.\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tThis has created a situation in which the election cannot by definition be fully free, fair or credible because the Burmese people can\u2019t elect a leader of their own choosing. This same constitution also guarantees 25% of seats in parliament lie in the control of the Commander in Chief. This cannot be the basis of a truly democratic society.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tWe are also deeply concerned about the increasing number of political prisoners and detainees.\u00a0President Thein Sein and his advisors have made a clear commitment to the international community that they will release all prisoners.\u00a0Yet, the number of political prisoners has steadily increased since the beginning of this year, while those who have been released are still forced to serve suspended sentences \u2013 a situation which discourages them from participating in politics because they could be returned to prison, for decades, at any moment.\r\n                      \r\n                      \tMeanwhile, there are growing concerns that the press freedom is being eroded.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tLong sentences were recently handed down to investigative journalists, and a climate of fear is growing amongst those who wish to report on key issues relating to the Burmese economy and society. This has led the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for the country to say \"In recent months many of my interlocutors have seen the shrinking of that space for civil society and the media.\u201d\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tFurther, we are concerned about the government\u2019s treatment of ethnic and religious minorities, as attacks against the Kachin, Shan and others illustrate.\u00a0Tens of thousands, including Christian Kachin, remain stuck in stark internal displacement camps where the government refuses to allow unimpeded international humanitarian aid. Land grabs are also endemic and are a clear threat to change.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tAnd, it has become clearer than ever that Thein Sein\u2019s government is provoking and catering to anti-Muslim violence, circulating a draft plan that would force even more Rohingya Muslim men, women and children into internment camps. The draft plan\u2019s clearly stated intention of interning the Rohingya follows violence that has already displaced approximately 140,000 people over the past two years. This is not an isolated issue but the latest in a series of decisions by Thein Sein\u2019s government impacting minority Muslims \u2013 including proposing discriminatory laws to parliament, maintaining restrictions on even the most basic freedoms like movement and marriage, and still preventing Doctors Without Borders from operating freely and fully to provide life-saving care to people with no other services. This has now become a clear pattern interrupted mainly by promises, but insufficient action, to end the discrimination and violence. That has resulted in horrifying images of emaciated and dying children.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tThe United States should not continue to support significant advancements in our relations under these conditions.\u00a0The constitution must be amended to ensure that the Burmese people can choose their own leader, attacks on ethnic minorities must come to an end, and the government and military must responsibly participate in national reconciliation efforts. Urgently, the Burmese government must put an immediate end to its policy of keeping the minority Rohingya population stateless, displaced, and in a constant state of humanitarian crisis.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tThe United States should continue to engage diplomatically, but must recognize and act upon these important issues.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tWe urge that these issues remain at the top of your agenda in Burma and that you seek specific steps to resolve them. These issues are directly within the power of the current government and military to change, and unless they do so Burma will not be making the transition that was promised to the world and that the Burmese people deserve.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tSincerely,\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tJoseph Crowley\r\n                      \r\n                      \tSteve Chabot\r\n                      \r\n                      \tTrent Franks\r\n                      \r\n                      \tJames P. McGovern\r\n                      \r\n                      \tJoseph R. Pitts\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tPeter T. King\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tLuis V. Guti\u00e9rrez\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tJim McDermott\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tGerald E. Connolly\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tGrace Meng\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tCarolyn B. Maloney\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tChris Van Hollen\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tJudy Chu\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tPeter A. DeFazio\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tEleanor Holmes Norton\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tJames R. Langevin\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tJames P. Moran\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBarbara Lee\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tDana Rohrabacher\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tCharles B. Rangel\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBobby L. Rush\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tAlbio Sires\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tNydia M. Vel\u00e1zquez\r\n                      \r\n                      \tJohn F. Tierney\r\n                      \r\n                      \tGregory W. Meeks\r\n                      \r\n                      \tGwen Moore\r\n                      \r\n                      \tTed Poe\r\n                      \r\n                      \tSam Farr\r\n                      \r\n                      \tHakeem S. Jeffries\r\n                      \r\n                      \tDavid N. Cicilline\r\n                      \r\n                      \tChellie Pingree\r\n                      \r\n                      \tAlan Grayson\r\n                      \r\n                      \tChristopher H. Smith\r\n                      \r\n                      \tEdward R. Royce\r\n                      \r\n                      \tRosa L. DeLauro\r\n                      \r\n                      \tStephen F. Lynch\r\n                      \r\n                      \tMichael M. Honda\r\n                      \r\n                      \tJerrold Nadler\r\n                      \r\n                      \tMarlin A. Stutzman\r\n                      \r\n                      \tWilliam R. Keating\r\n                      \r\n                      \tEliot L. Engel\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tMatt Cartwright\r\n                      \r\n                      \tScott Perry  \r\n                      \tMatt Salmon", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-statement-on-indiana-chamber-of-commerce-government-leader-of-the", "Brooks Statement on Indiana Chamber of Commerce Government Leader of the Year Award", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) released the following statement after receiving the Indiana Chamber of Commerce \u201cGovernment Leader of the Year\u201d Award this evening at the organization\u2019s 25th Annual Awards Dinner: \n\u201cI\u2019m honored to receive this award from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the diverse Hoosier employers it represents. It\u2019s also incredibly humbling to share this recognition with previous recipients such as former Governor Mitch Daniels and Senator Richard Lugar.\nIndiana is home to so many vibrant and growing sectors of our national economy. With strong leadership at all levels in both the private and public sector, we are well positioned to succeed in the global competition for jobs and prosperity. As a member of Congress, I will continue to be a passionate voice for Indiana\u2019s employers and the hard working Hoosiers so key to their success. It\u2019s vital our nation\u2019s policy makers work together to expand economic opportunity for all Americans and create a better climate for business expansion and job creation throughout the nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141107190601/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/348", "Stutzman Statement on October Jobs Report", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman Statement on October Jobs Report \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued this statement following the release of the October jobs report.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cI am happy to see that more Americans found work in the month of October.\u00a0However, the sad reality is that tens of millions of people are still struggling to find a good paying job. They deserve an economic environment that will allow them to find opportunities, provide for their families, and build a bright future.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cIt has become explicitly clear that more taxes, more regulations, and more spending do not provide a formula for growth. We need common sense conservative reforms that will stimulate the economy and create jobs. Determined to turn things around, House Republicans have passed dozens of jobs bills that are still stuck in the Senate. This kind of obstruction has only slowed our recovery. \u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cNow that the midterm elections are over, I am hopeful that politics and partisanship will be put aside and both parties can come together to enact legislation that will strengthen America both at home and abroad.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-epa-abandon-harmful-farm-regulations", "ROKITA TO EPA: ABANDON HARMFUL FARM REGULATIONS", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representative Todd Rokita is again leading the charge to stand up for Hoosier Farmers. Today, the Congressman called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to abandon its \u201cNavigable Waterways\u201d rule, which could potentially allow the agency to regulate Hoosiers\u2019 puddles and front yards.\n\u201cThe EPA is using flawed economic and scientific data, bypassing court decisions, to control private property,\u201d said Rokita, making his official comment to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Army Corps of Engineers Secretary John McHugh, federal officials responsible for implementing the change.\nThe Congressman, who represents Indiana\u2019s 4th District, exposes serious problems with the EPA proposal.\u00a0 \u201cThis rule intrudes on the very basic functions of operating a farm,\u201d he said, pointing out that farmers would not be the only Hoosiers affected: Homeowners could be punished for fertilizing their land. In addition to more fees and penalties, they would probably all pay more for specialists to reduce their confusion.\u00a0\nRokita questioned the timing of the EPA\u2019s proposal, as the agency presented it on the same day as its scientific study. He challenged the EPA\u2019s claim that regulations would generate $100 million of annual economic activity. \u201cOnly in Washington, where bureaucrats have no sense of time or money, would they come up with such a number,\u201d said the member of the House Budget Committee.\nTwo Supreme Court decisions in the past decade have limited the meaning of \u201cnavigable waters\u201d under the Clean Water Act. To define the term, Rokita co-sponsored the Defense of Environment and Property Act. He supports the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act, as well, limiting EPA powers and requiring more accountability to states. \u201cThis Administration prefers to operate by executive order, but I\u2019m fighting to make sure it abides by the Constitution and Indiana,\u201d he said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/congresswoman-brooks-how-do-we-start-to-feel-secure-again", "Congresswoman Brooks: 'How do we start to feel secure again?'", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks visited Noblesville today, speaking to the Chamber of Commerce and its members at its October Luncheon about Congress' goals in the upcoming term, particularly focusing on different types of security issues. Brooks said security is something she hears people show concern with more and more.\u00a0 \"Our country is built on bringing people together and believing in our future,\" Brooks said. \"How do we fix it? How do we start to feel secure again? I do think Congress has a role to play in security: economic security, personal security, retirement security, and national security.\" Brooks continued, saying that things like a strong middle class and tax reform are major players in repairing economic security. Going along with personal security, Brooks spoke of creating a stronger, more educated and more skilled workforce and the creation of the jobs to match. \"We know that we have far too many young people coming out of our high schools and even coming out of our colleges who truly have no idea...what the jobs are in your businesses or in you sectors,\" Brooks said, speaking to the crowd. Brooks said she believes that major changes need to be made concerning retirement security. \"There are a lot more tools now for retirement security, but still we have far too many Americans relying on Social Security,\" she said. \"That is not sustainable for the future. Doing nothing isn't an option. Hopefully in this next Congress, we'll get to some changes in Social Security and Medicare.\" Saving the biggest issue and topic for the end, Brooks spoke extensively about national security, concentrating on ISIS and the Ebola virus. \"I knew Al Qaeda, when I started, was the top terrorist organization,\" she said. \"ISIS wasn't even mentioned in 2013, and now ISIS is the largest growing, well-funded and most tech-savvy terrorist organization in the world.\" About Ebola, she said, \"We just need to be prepared in a way unlike we have been in the past. (The two political parties) do come together, although I know it's hard to imagine, on some of the federal government's most critical roles, and we need to come together on these things.\" Overall, Brooks said she was confident for changes and progress in both chambers of Congress.\u00a0 \"I am optimistic about our prospects,\" she said. \"We are a country that we've got to pull out of the pessimism. I know we're in a pessimistic mood, but we can overcome it with action and with results.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/state-federal-leaders-addressing-sexual-assault-on-indiana-campuses", "State, federal leaders addressing sexual assault on Indiana campuses", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Preventing sexual assault on Indiana\u2019s college campuses is getting the attention of state and federal political leaders and policy makers.\nOn Monday, the Commission for Higher Education convened a meeting attended by\u00a0representatives of 21 Indiana colleges and universities\u00a0\u2014 including Indiana State University\u00a0\u2014\u00a0as well as\u00a0sexual assault prevention advocates and elected officials. Among those participating were Teresa Lubbers, Indiana\u2019s commissioner for higher education, fifth district Congresswoman Susan Brooks; and State Rep. Christina Hale, D-Indianapolis.\n\u201dI think it was a very positive thing that this meeting took place,\u201d said Hale, who has been outspoken on the issue of sexual assault prevention. \u201cI\u00a0think it\u2019s significant we had leaders from both sides of the aisle convening to get something done about this problem in Indiana.\u201d\u00a0\nHale is a Democrat, while Brooks and Lubbers are Republicans (Lubbers previously served as an Indiana state senator).\nAmong other things,\u00a0\u201cWe\u2019re trying to align state and federal policy and talk with our college and university leaders, including Title IX directors, to see what they need from us to help make their efforts successful,\u201d Hale said.\nOne issue that Hale would like to address through state legislation is a definition of consent, modeled after language in a new California law.\nIn California, when a campus sexual assault is investigated,\u00a0the definition of consent requires \u201can affirmative, conscious and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity.\u201d\u00a0The legislation says silence or lack of resistance does not constitute consent, and someone who is drunk, drugged, unconscious or asleep cannot grant consent.\nThe Commission convened the meeting because the issue of sexual violence on college campuses is receiving much attention by policy makers at both the state and federal levels, Lubbers said. Legislation enacted, and proposed, have implications for students and colleges.\n\u201dWe felt it was an important topic for the Commission to engage with partner colleges and universities,\u201d she said, crediting Hale as being instrumental in calling attention to the issue.\n<\\z188888893127441>\u201dWe wanted to hear from colleges about their practices,\u201d Lubbers said, \u201cand whether there are areas for improvement in what the federal government is considering or gaps in state policy.\u201d\u00a0\nBrooks, who is a sponsor of the proposed federal Campus Accountability and Safety Act, used the meeting as a listening session to hear from campus leaders who work directly with the issue.\n\u201dSexual assault is a very real problem on our college campuses. I believe we must improve coordination between victims, victim advocates, law enforcement and our universities,\u201d Brooks stated in an email Friday. \u201cI was pleased to join Commissioner Lubbers and nearly 100 administrators from 21 Indiana colleges and universities who participated in Monday\u2019s campus sexual assault discussion.\u201d\nThe meeting provided an opportunity to learn what can be done at the federal level to\u00a0\u00a0lessen the incidents of sexual assault on campuses and\u00a0\u00a0improve the processes when an assault does occur, Brooks said.\n\u201dSchools need to be supported in developing a clear process to follow when an assault occurs that protects the rights of the victims and the rights of the accused. I believe Indiana\u2019s higher education institutions take this issue very seriously and will continue working on proactive solutions,\u201d she stated. \u00a0\u201cWhat I also heard on Monday and what students have told me is that addressing sexual assault must come from the bottom up rather than the top down. We must engage and educate students about how to protect themselves and their peers.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\nThe proposed Campus Accountability and Safety Act takes aim at sexual assaults on college and university campuses by strengthening accountability and transparency for institutions and establishing stiff penalties for non-compliance with the legislation\u2019s new standards for training, data and best practices.\nOne summary states: \u201cCurrently, an American woman who attends college is more likely to be a victim of sexual assault than a woman who does not\u00a0attend college. At the same time, institutions of higher education across the country do not have an incentive to acknowledge\u00a0the problem publicly or address it proactively. The current oversight of the federal laws has the perverse effect of encouraging\u00a0colleges to under-report sexual assaults. The bipartisan Campus Accountability and Safety Act will create incentives for\u00a0schools to take proactive steps to protect their students and rid their campuses of sexual predators.\u201d\u00a0\nThe summary is from the website of U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, a senate sponsor of the bill.\nAccording to an article in the Christian Science Monitor, the Campus Accountability and Safety Act aims to\u00a0hold college campuses more accountable for preventing sexual violence and supporting students who come forward.\u00a0\n\u2022 It would require colleges to provide confidential advisers to students in the wake of a sexual assault.\n\u2022 It would boost enforcement of current laws and address underreporting.\u00a0\n\u2022 Schools would not be allowed to sanction students who reveal a violation such as underage drinking in the course of reporting a sexual assault.\n\u2022 All campus personnel who investigate sexual assaults and participate in disciplinary hearings would have to receive specialized training on the nature of such crimes and their effects on survivors.\n\u2022 To improve transparency, all colleges and universities would have to administer a standardized survey on sexual violence, and the results would be published online. This would not only help parents and prospective students, but would also help track national progress on reducing sexual violence on campuses.\n\u2022\u00a0Campuses would be required to create memorandums of understanding with local law enforcement to clarify responsibilities and better share information.\u00a0\nSchools that violate various requirements would face penalties of up to 1 percent of their operating budgets. The federal government has had the option of withholding all federal aid, but it has not done so. The new provision is considered more enforceable. The bill would increase penalties for Clery Act violations to up to $150,000 per violation from the current penalty of $35,000.\nAmong those attending Monday\u2019s\u00a0meeting was Michele\u00a0Barrett, ISU assistant police chief. One purpose of the session was to get feedback from college representatives about the proposed federal law and potential problems or concerns, she said.\u00a0\n\u201dAt ISU we\u2019re pretty up-to-date on everything,\u201d Barrett said. But not all campuses are, and some don\u2019t have their own police departments and must rely on outside police agencies to respond to crimes.\nHale said the goal of all of those attending is to prevent and reduce sexual assaults on campuses and to make campuses safer places. But in moving toward that goal, \u201cWe have to take a moment and learn more about the problem ...\u00a0You can\u2019t develop good policy without talking to people at the grass roots.\u201d\nSue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or at\u00a0sue.loughlin@tribstar.com\u00a0Follow Sue on Twitter @TribStarSue", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/in-the-news/us-rep-brooks-supports-ebola-quarantine", "U.S. Rep. Brooks supports Ebola quarantine", "2014-10-31", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ANDERSON \u2013 U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks believes health care workers treating patients with the Ebola virus should be quarantined in West Africa.\nBrooks spoke at the Anderson Rotary Club\u2019s weekly luncheon Tuesday at Anderson Country Club, where she presented Ann Hardacre with a copy of the remarks read into the Congressional Record honoring Hardacre\u2019s late husband, Bill.\nThe Ebola virus is the No. 1 health care and national-security concern, Brooks said.\n\u201cThe health care providers are on the front line,\u201d she said. \u201cThis is a disease we were not prepared for. We will get it right.\u201d\nBrooks, chairman of the subcommittee on emergency preparedness, said she sent a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supporting a quarantine of health care workers.\n\u201cThe CDC should send a letter to all airlines not to allow those workers to board. It should be a no-travel policy,\u201d she said. \u201cI prefer there be a quarantine in West Africa.\u201d\nIf health care workers and members of the military exposed to the Ebola virus return to the United States, they should be placed in quarantine for 21 days, she said.\nBrooks said officials are still learning about the virus and that mistakes have been made.\n\u201cTo prevent a pandemic in this country, we need to determine the right procedures,\u201d she said.\nBrooks noted that in 2009 President Barack Obama eliminated the position of special assistant to the president on bioterrorism, a position she believes should be reinstated.\nShe said Ron Klain, who was named the Ebola czar by Obama, doesn\u2019t have the background to deal with bioterrorism and should report to a special assistant to the president.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rep-rokita-and-house-take-action-stop-ebola-us", "REP. ROKITA AND HOUSE TAKE ACTION TO STOP EBOLA IN U.S.", "2014-10-30", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 30, 2014\nContact: Brendan Thomas  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-0664  \n\tE-mail: brendan.thomas@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\n REP. ROKITA AND HOUSE TAKE ACTION TO STOP EBOLA IN U.S. \n\u00a0\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Todd Rokita is leading the way with his House colleagues to protect Americans from Ebola in the absence of firm leadership from the Administration.\n\u201cThe President is refusing to do the obvious, to ban flights from Ebola-infected countries and suspend travel visas to prevent carriers from arriving in the United States,\u201d said Rokita. This week he and 26 other congressmen sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to take action against Ebola, including mandatory quarantines for travelers from affected areas.\n\u201cCongress must again lead efforts to address Americans\u2019 concerns about a public health and safety threat,\u201d said the Congressman, who has made previous calls for a flight ban and visa suspensions. \u00a0\u00a0\nRepresenting Indiana\u2019s 4th District, he has signed on to be a leading co-sponsor of the Stop Ebola Act, a legislative solution to the Administration\u2019s slow response from House members Sam Johnson and Kenny Marchant of Texas, where two nurses contracted the disease, after President Obama said it was unlikely to reach the U.S.\u00a0\nThe Centers of Disease Control and Prevention admitted it failed to send expert teams with necessary equipment to Dallas when the country learned of a dying patient from Africa there. \u201cThis President is downplaying our legitimate concerns about Ebola due largely to his miscommunication,\u201d said Rokita. \u201cHe\u2019s simply not giving this dangerous situation the seriousness it deserves.\u201d\nMore recently, federal authorities failed to prevent a foreign aid worker returning from West Africa with Ebola from entering New York City. After the President accused governors of New York and New Jersey of over-reacting, they relaxed their mandatory quarantines for returning doctors and nurses.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//newsroom/past-e-newsletters/working-to-end-breast-cancer", "Working to End Breast Cancer", "2014-10-28", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to pause and honor the brave women in our lives who are struggling with, have survived, or may have lost their battle with breast cancer.\u00a0\nWhile significant advancements have been made in the treatment and early detection of breast cancer in recent years, it remains the second most deadly cancer among women. \u00a0 The American Cancer Society estimates that one in eight women living in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during the course of her life. \u00a0\u00a0\nRecently, I supported legislation that would help ensure patients receive adequate support after undergoing breast cancer surgery. \u00a0The bill requires health plans to cover hospital stays for at least 48 hours following a mastectomy or lumpectomy and at least 24 hours following a lymph node removal. Furthermore, if passed, it would require insurance providers to cover all secondary consultations, when necessary.\u00a0\nIn addition, I belong to the House Congressional Cancer Caucus. This bi-partisan group of lawmakers is committed to creating national policies that advance cancer research and improve the treatment and diagnosis of this disease. \u00a0\nTogether, we can make a difference and end breast cancer. Please don\u2019t hesitate to contact me on this or any other federal issue of importance to you.\nRegards,\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nAndr\u00e9 Carson\n\u00a0\nINSIDE SCOOP:\u00a0Would you like to intern for Congressman Carson?\nCongressman Carson is currently seeking college students or recent graduates wishing to gain experience in a fast-paced congressional office for a full-time or part-time Spring Semester Internship. We are seeking motivated, organized, and reliable individuals to assist the legislative and administrative staff with day-to-day duties in our Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. offices. Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter detailing availability, one short writing sample and at least two references to\u00a0In07Internship@mail.house.gov. Please specify if you are interested in our Indianapolis or Washington, D.C. internship. We\u2019re looking forward to hearing from you!\nOpportunity for our Students:\u00a0\nThis is a reminder that military academy nomination applications are due on Saturday, November 1st. Each year it is my privilege to nominate exceptional young men and women to our nation's service academies.\nFor more information visit:  https://carson.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations\nVoting: Our Privilege and Responsibility\u00a0\nOne of the greatest privileges of being an American citizen is the opportunity to voice your opinion through the electoral process.\u00a0 Below are important dates for Indiana voters:\u00a0\n\u00a0\u00a0\nMonday, November 3, 2014 \u2013 Early voting ends (Noon)  Tuesday, November 4, 2014 \u2013 General Election Day", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141026184718/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/347", "Stutzman to Attend ICU Press Conference in Fort Wayne", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Stutzman to Attend ICU Press Conference in Fort Wayne \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman will participate in a press conference for the re-opening of the ICU at the Northern Indiana VA hospital in Fort Wayne on Saturday, October 25th.\u00a0 The event will take place in the auditorium from 9:30 -10:00 AM.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tBackground: In October of 2012, due to staffing shortages and questionable administration of care, the Fort Wayne VA put a pause on offering inpatient services. In response, the next month Congressman Stutzman and then-Congressman Donnelly requested the VA Office of the Inspector General review of the overall quality of care and management at the Fort Wayne hospital, investigate the issues leading to the suspension of inpatient care, and determine what measures would be needed to reopen the facility to normal operations.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \tAfter two years of corrective actions and oversight, the Fort Wayne VA hospital is ready to completely resume inpatient services and reopen its intensive care unit (ICU).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/press-release-rep-rokita-advances-highway-i-69-development-indiana-summit", "PRESS RELEASE -- REP. ROKITA ADVANCES HIGHWAY I-69 DEVELOPMENT AT INDIANA SUMMIT", "2014-10-22", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 22, 2014\nContact: Brendan Thomas  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-0664  \n\tE-mail: brendan.thomas@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\n REP. ROKITA ADVANCES HIGHWAY I-69 DEVELOPMENT AT INDIANA SUMMIT \n\u00a0\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 At yesterday\u2019s I-69 Summit at Indiana University in Bloomington, Congressman Todd Rokita joined fellow Indiana Congressmen Todd Young and Larry Buschon for a panel discussion of their state\u2019s major north-south highway. Transportation leaders from as far as Texas and Canada attended the discussion, which the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce organized to highlight I-69\u2019s importance to Indiana and North America.\n\"I\u2019ve been committed to this important infrastructure project since my very first days as Indiana\u2019s Secretary of State, visiting all of our 92 counties,\u201d\u00a0said Rep. Rokita, a member of the House I-69 Caucus. \"My\u00a0support is stronger than ever for this project, because Indiana is the Crossroads\u00a0of America and our infrastructure needs to continue to\u00a0reflect that.\"\nAs a member of the House Budget Committee, Rokita said he\u2019s working to ensure the long-term stability of federal highway funding.\nCongress designated the I-69 route, running through Indiana from Canada to Mexico, as a national priority in the 1990s. Five of its six sections are fully paid for or financed. Three are complete, but Section 6 to Indianapolis is incomplete and lacks funding.\n\u201cA bigger issue than shrinking fuel taxes is our federal government\u2019s unsustainable spending. Mandatory entitlements on auto-pilot consume two-thirds of our federal budget and will consume it entirely,\u201d Rokita said. \u201cSo that they and our infrastructure remain for our next generation, I\u2019m working to reform those programs.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//newsroom/past-e-newsletters/medicare-open-enrollment-happening-now", "Medicare Open Enrollment Happening Now", "2014-10-21", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\n\t\t\t\tFor nearly fifty years, Medicare has provided millions of Hoosiers with quality and dependable health care in retirement.\n\t\t\t\tThat is why I am pleased to tell you that the Medicare open enrollment period has begun for 2015.\u00a0 If you are satisfied with the Medicare coverage you have, you don\u2019t need to do anything at all. If you are currently a Medicare beneficiary, you remain eligible and will continue to receive Medicare benefits.\u00a0 However, if you are interested in making changes to your Medicare plan or need to sign up for 2015 coverage, you should do so before the enrollment period closes on December 7, 2014.\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tBelow are some helpful resources courtesy of Medicare.gov that will guide anyone interested in participating.\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tMedicare Plan Finder -- Here you can review, compare, and join a 2015 plan using your zip code or through a more personalized search.\n\t\t\t\t\tEnroll in a Medicare Plan -- Visit this page if you already know the name of the plan you want to join.\n\t\t\t\t\tCheck Your Enrollment -- Use this tool to check your current and future enrollment.\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tRemember, this is the only time you can change your plan this year, so take this opportunity to find an option that works for you or your eligible family member. Please don\u2019t hesitate to contact me on this or any other federal issue of importance to you.\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tRegards,\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tAndr\u00e9 Carson\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tInside Scoop: Constituent Services:\u00a0 Help with Veterans services\n\t\t\t\tEarlier this month, my office was able to help James, a local veteran, receive $35,000 in retroactive pay after he had waited nearly a year for a hearing.\u00a0 Once James contacted my office, we were able expedite the process for a hearing, which James received three months later.\u00a0 After the VA ruled in favor of James, he received the back pay he was owed less than a month later.\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tOpportunity for our Students: \n\t\t\t\tThis is a reminder that military academy nomination applications are due on Saturday, November 1st. Each year it is my privilege to nominate exceptional young men and women to our nation's service academies.\n\t\t\t\tFor more information visit:\n\t\t\t\thttps://carson.house.gov/constituent-services/military-academy-nominations", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/brooks-hosts-hoosier-roundtable-on-ebola-preparedness", "Brooks Hosts Hoosier Roundtable on Ebola Preparedness", "2014-10-21", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) and newly appointed Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., joined Hoosier state, local and medical leaders today for a roundtable discussion on Indiana\u2019s preparedness for the Ebola virus. The 90 minute session gave attendees the opportunity to discuss precautions and procedures already in place and provide their input on the federal response and how federal government agencies can be most helpful to them as they train and prepare. \u201cToday\u2019s gathering provided a vital opportunity for key stakeholders to discuss coordinated efforts to protect Hoosiers from this serious public health threat,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cIf Indiana is confronted with a case of Ebola, it\u2019s important for federal, state, local and medical officials to be on the same page and ready to respond with a cohesive plan of action. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I also wanted to provide Hoosier leaders an opportunity to share their thoughts on the guidance and assistance being provided by federal agencies.\u201d \u201cThe State Health Department, along with federal and local officials, has been working around the clock to ensure that Indiana is prepared to effectively respond to a case of Ebola in Indiana, should we have one,\u201d said Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D. \u201cAs we demonstrated with the first North American case of MERS-CoV earlier this year, Indiana has excellent public health infrastructure and communication channels in place to effectively treat and contain emerging diseases, including Ebola.\u201d Last week, Congresswoman Brooks called upon the CDC to add individuals exposed to the Ebola virus to the Do Not Board list administered by the TSA. To see her letter to CDC Director Tom Frieden, click here. She also joined several House Committee on Homeland Security colleagues in requesting the temporary suspension of visas of individuals from high risk countries until the outbreak is under control within these countries.\u00a0To read the full text of this letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024000835/http://stutzman.house.gov/press_releases/346", "Statement on Parkview Hospital Investment", "2014-10-21", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Marlin Stutzman", "S001188", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Statement on Parkview Hospital Investment \n                      \r\n                      \tWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman issued the following statement after visiting the Parkview Hospital Randallia campus for the announcement of a new $55 million investment.\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cEarlier today I was thrilled to be at Parkview Hospital\u2019s Randallia campus for the announcement of a new $55 million investment to its facilities. It is so important that our hospitals and health care providers have what they need for a variety of services and that is exactly what this investment will do. Parkview has been a leader on many fronts, providing care for newborn babies, cancer treatment, behavioral health and neurosciences among others and investments like these will allow it to remain one of the best health care centers in Indiana.\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u00a0\r\n                      \r\n                      \t\u201cNot only will this investment help expand treatment for those who need care, it will also create good paying jobs that are so important to our local economy. I would like to congratulate Mike Packnett, Ben Miles, Tom Kimbrough, and the rest of the Parkview community for all of their hard work and for making today possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://rokita.house.gov/press-release/press-release-rokita-calls-greater-protection-ebola-threat", "PRESS RELEASE -- ROKITA CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION FROM EBOLA THREAT", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "October 20, 2014\nContact: Brendan Thomas  \n\tPhone: (202) 225-0664  \n\tE-mail: brendan.thomas@mail.house.gov\n\u00a0\n ROKITA CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION FROM EBOLA THREAT \n\u00a0\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Because the President has acted slowly to protect Americans, Representative Todd Rokita and bi-partisan members of the House and Senate have proposed practical solutions to stopping the spread of Africa\u2019s deadly Ebola virus in the United States.\n\u201cHoosiers, concerned about Ebola, as well as misleading information from the Administration, expect quicker action,\u201d said Rokita. \u201cI support a ban on flights from infected countries, visa suspensions, as well as stronger screenings at our ports of entry, including airports and border crossings.\u201d\nIn August, the Congressman was one of the first to raise the possibility of a public health crisis, before two Dallas healthcare workers contracted Ebola from a foreign traveler. \u201cThe president stated Ebola was unlikely to reach the U.S. and failed to take precautions,\u201d said Rokita. \u201cWhen it did reach us, our hospitals were unprepared, and his Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] even permitted a nurse with symptoms to fly.\u201d\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to restore confidence in our public health infrastructure, as other countries have done,\u201d said the Congressman. \u201cWe need to do a much better job of monitoring who\u2019s coming in and out of our country, and make sure our health care professionals have proper training to identify public health threats,\u201d said Rokita.\nThe Congressman, a House Budget Committee member, added that the CDC and National Institutes of Health waste millions of taxpayer dollars researching massage techniques, for instance, rather than fatal diseases. Over the last five years, the two agencies have dedicated just six percent of the $3 billion they have received to epidemiology and laboratory capacity. \u00a0\n\u201cWhile Ebola is out of control in Africa, federal spending here in the U.S. is out of control and jeopardizing our safety,\u201d said the Rokita. \u201cI\u2019m committed to reforming federal bureaucracies that have forgotten their true purpose.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###\n\u00a0\nhttps://rokita.house.gov/", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024024438/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lawmaker-urges-for-more-to-be-done-on-ebola", "Lawmaker urges for more to be done on Ebola", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "SHELBYVILLE, Ind.--While federal government officials and officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to address the Ebola issue, a lawmaker who represents Shelby County said more should be done.\n\tU.S. Rep. Luke Messer, who represents Shelby County in the 6th Congressional District, urged Ebola Czar Ron Klain to help lead the effort to combat Ebola immediately.\n\t\n\t\t\u201cWe all know the old saying \u2018an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.\u2019 There are steps we could be taking right now to prevent the spread of Ebola before it becomes a widespread health care crisis in the U.S.,\u201d Messer said in a press release issued by his staff.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tMesser joins U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, R-Indiana, as urging for more to be done. Brooks, who hails from Carmel and chairs a House panel on emergency preparedness, urged the CDC to block people from flying for at least three weeks if they\u2019re a health care worker who has treated an Ebola patient.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tIn a letter to the CDC, Brooks wrote, \u201cGiven the deadly nature of this virus and its long incubation period, the Do Not Board list can serve as an added layer to protect public health and prevent a tragic situation from becoming much worse.\u201d\n\t\n\t\n\t\tMesser called on the Obama administration to implement the following: issue a temporary travel ban into the U.S. from countries where Ebola is widespread and temporarily stop issuing visas to travelers from West African nations.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\u201cI\u2019m mindful of the concerns about banning travel from West African nations. But until we have demonstrated the capacity to contain Ebola in this country, we shouldn\u2019t continue to allow unfettered travel between West Africa and the United States,\u201d Messer said.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tCDC Director Tom Frieden told the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee last week that the Obama administration has not ruled out imposing restrictions on travel to and from West Africa to protect Americans from the disease.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tMesser has asked for a requirement for American Ebola patients to be treated at designated high-risk facilities and require the CDC to develop a contingency plan in the event of a widespread Ebola outbreak in the U.S.; Require mandatory monitoring of all individuals traveling from West Africa to the U.S. and an expansion of airport screenings of international flights at additional U.S. airports.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tOnce the protocols are in place, any travel or visa bans could be lifted, according to Messer.\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\u201cThese protocols won\u2019t be cheap, but America must provide whatever resources and funding is necessary to ensure we stop this deadly virus. Ebola is not only a national security threat; it is a threat to the world community that has to be stopped at its source,\u201d Messer said.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tThe Associated Press contributed to this report.\n\t\n\t\n\t\tPaul Gable is the editor of The Shelbyville News. Follow Gable on Twitter @PaulGableTSN.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=381", "Dr. Bucshon Comments on Ebola Outbreak", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(EVANSVILLE, IN)  Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, called for a temporary travel ban from West African countries affected with Ebola.\r\tDr. Bucshon released the following statement regarding the ongoing Ebola outbreak:\rWe are thankful for the selfless acts of Americans who have answered the call to help their fellow citizens and people around the world. Our thoughts are with the healthcare workers who have contracted Ebola and we pray for a healthy recovery. \rAs we work to get a firm handle on the Ebola outbreak, it is acutely critical that we do everything in our power to control and contain this disease. Enhancing airport screenings is not a sufficient response. I believe a temporary ban on travel into the United States for individuals who have traveled from or live in affected West African countries is a prudent and proper response. \rWhile the first cases were transports into the United States, we have subsequently seen the virus spread within the hospital setting. Therefore, we must implement more specific, diligent training and treatment protocols to protect our healthcare workers and communities and prevent any further spread of Ebola within the United States.\rWe need to work together on decisive actions and should avoid attempts to turn this challenge into a political issue. The United States has the best healthcare system in the world and we are uniquely positioned to lead in eradicating Ebola. \r \tBACKGROUND: \r\tTravel Ban:\r\tU.S. military personnel are now authorized to quarantine soldiers assisting in the Ebola mission. According to CNN, U.S. military commanders are being given the authority to quarantine troops for 21 days at a Defense Department facility where they will be monitored for signs of the disease and treated if they do contract the virus, a Defense Department memo explained. (CNN; 10/15/2014)\r\tOn Wednesday, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) and Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Ranking Member John Thune (R-South Dakota) called for a travel ban and sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson requesting a specific plan to address the Ebola outbreak.\r\tHouse Action:\r\tOn his blog, Speaker of the House John Boehner outlined actions taken by the House and its committees to assist and assess the government's response to the Ebola outbreak. That information can be found here - http://www.speaker.gov/ebola.\r\tFunding:\r\tSome, like the NIH director, have made political claims regarding funding for Ebola research. Contrary to these claims, the Republican-led House of Representatives has acted decisively and consistently when it comes to efforts to combat the deadly disease, even providing more funding than requested for the agencies on the front lines of the fight against Ebola. (Speaker's Blog; 10/16/2014)\r Center for Disease Control (CDC) funding: For FY 2014, CDC received $6.9 billion. The House actually authorized more funding than the White House requested and this figure is an 8% increase from 2013.\r  National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding: For FY 2014, NIH received $30.14 billion. The appropriated funding for NIH has nearly doubled since 2000.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141017212715/http://messer.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-luke-messer-calls-on-the-administration-to-show-decisive", "Congressman Luke Messer calls on the Administration to show decisive leadership to combat Ebola", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 Today, Congressman Luke Messer welcomed the President\u2019s appointment of Ebola Czar, Ron Klain, to help lead the effort to combat Ebola.\u00a0 He also called on Klain to show decisive leadership and act quickly to combat the spread of this deadly virus.\n\u201cWe all know the old saying \u2018an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,\u2019\u201d said Congressman Luke Messer. \u201cThere are steps we could be taking right now to prevent the spread of Ebola before it becomes a widespread health care crisis in the U.S.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\nCongressman Messer called on the Administration to implement the following protocols:\n Issue a temporary travel ban into the United States from countries where the Ebola virus is widespread.\n\tTemporarily stop issuing visas to travelers from West African nations.\n \u201cI\u2019m mindful of the concerns about banning travel from West African nations,\u201d said Congressman Messer. \u201cBut, until we have demonstrated the capacity to contain Ebola in this country, we shouldn\u2019t continue to allow unfettered travel between West Africa and the United States.\u201d\nCongressman Messer believes taking the following steps will better prepare the nation to contain the Ebola virus.\u00a0 Once these protocols are in place, any travel or visa bans could be lifted:\n Require American Ebola patients to be treated at designated high-risk facilities and require the CDC to develop a contingency plan in the event of a widespread Ebola outbreak in the U.S. Currently, there are four facilities in the U.S. properly equipped to handle Ebola patients.\u00a0 Anyone infected with Ebola should be transferred to one of these facilities.\u00a0 If these facilities reach capacity, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) should have a contingency plan in place to determine where additional patients should be treated.\u00a0\u00a0 The health care workers at these designated hospitals should be trained and properly equipped to protect themselves from infection and prevent transmission to the general population.\n\tRequire mandatory monitoring of all individuals traveling from West Africa to the U.S.\u00a0 Anyone who has traveled between West Africa and the U.S. should be required to check-in at the closest health care facility on a regular basis to be physically examined until the 21-day incubation period has passed and it is determined they have not been infected with the Ebola virus.\u00a0\n\tExpand airport screenings of international flights at additional U.S. airports. \u00a0Currently, Ebola screenings are being conducted at five international airports\u2014JFK (New York), Dulles (Washington, D.C), O\u2019Hare (Chicago), Liberty International (Newark), and Hartsfield-Jackson (Atlanta). Additional screening should be conducted at the next tier of international airports that have a high number of inbound international flights on which individuals potentially infected with Ebola could be onboard.\n \u201cThese protocols won\u2019t be cheap, but America must provide whatever resources and funding is necessary to ensure we stop this deadly virus,\u201d said Congressman Messer.\u00a0 \u201cEbola is not only a national security threat; it is a threat to the world community that has to be stopped at its source.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024014821/http://bucshon.house.gov/press-release/dr-bucshon-comments-ebola-outbreak", "Dr. Bucshon Comments on Ebola Outbreak", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "(EVANSVILLE, IN) \u2013 Congressman Larry Bucshon, a physician from Southern Indiana, called for a temporary travel ban from West African countries affected with Ebola.\u00a0\n\tDr. Bucshon released the following statement regarding the ongoing Ebola outbreak:\n\u201cWe are thankful for the selfless acts of Americans who have answered the call to help their fellow citizens and people around the world. Our thoughts are with the healthcare workers who have contracted Ebola and we pray for a healthy recovery. \n\u201cAs we work to get a firm handle on the Ebola outbreak, it is acutely critical that we do everything in our power to control and contain this disease. \u00a0Enhancing airport screenings is not a sufficient response. I believe a temporary ban on travel into the United States for individuals who have traveled from or live in affected West African countries is a prudent and proper response. \u00a0\n\u201cWhile the first cases were transports into the United States, we have subsequently seen the virus spread within the hospital setting.\u00a0 Therefore, we must implement more specific, diligent training and treatment protocols to protect our healthcare workers and communities and prevent any further spread of Ebola within the United States.\n\u201cWe need to work together on decisive actions and should avoid attempts to turn this challenge into a political issue. The United States has the best healthcare system in the world and we are uniquely positioned to lead in eradicating Ebola.\u201d\u00a0 \n\tBACKGROUND: \u00a0\n\tTravel Ban:\n\tU.S. military personnel are now authorized to quarantine soldiers assisting in the Ebola mission.\u00a0 According to CNN, \u201cU.S. military commanders are being given the authority to quarantine troops for 21 days at a Defense Department facility where they will be monitored for signs of the disease and treated if they do contract the virus, a Defense Department memo explained.\u201d (CNN; 10/15/2014)\n\tOn Wednesday, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pennsylvania) and Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Ranking Member John Thune (R-South Dakota) called for a travel ban and sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson requesting a specific plan to address the Ebola outbreak.\n\tHouse Action:\n\tOn his blog, Speaker of the House John Boehner outlined actions taken by the House and its committees to assist and assess the government\u2019s response to the Ebola outbreak. That information can be found here - http://www.speaker.gov/ebola.\n\tFunding:\n\tSome, like the NIH director, have made political claims regarding funding for Ebola research.\u00a0 Contrary to these claims, \u201cthe Republican-led House of Representatives has acted decisively and consistently when it comes to efforts to combat the deadly disease, even providing more funding than requested for the agencies on the front lines of the fight against Ebola. (Speaker\u2019s Blog; 10/16/2014)\n Center for Disease Control (CDC) funding: For FY 2014, CDC received $6.9 billion. The House actually authorized more funding than the White House requested and this figure is an 8% increase from 2013.\n  National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding: For FY 2014, NIH received $30.14 billion. The appropriated funding for NIH has nearly doubled since 2000.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://susanwbrooks.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/reps-brooks-and-hudson-urge-cdc-to-update-do-not-board-list", "Reps. Brooks and Hudson Urge CDC to Update Do Not Board List", "2014-10-16", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Susan Brooks (R-IN), Chairman of the Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications Subcommittee, and Richard Hudson (R-NC), Chairman of the Transportation Security Subcommittee, released the following statements after urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to place individuals who have been exposed to the Ebola virus on the Do Not Board list enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for a minimum of 21 days:\n\u201cThis step is necessary to protect the health of the American people,\u201d said Brooks. \u201cWe cannot allow individuals who may have been exposed to the Ebola virus to compromise the safety of airline passengers or the general public. While I am confident in our ability to manage this significant public health challenge, it\u2019s extremely vital that the CDC and other government agencies take smart and decisive steps to limit potential risks.\u201d\u00a0\n\"It is important that everyone remain calm and understand that the risk of an Ebola outbreak in this country remains extremely low,\u201d said Hudson. \u201cThat being said, it is absolutely critical that we examine our protocols and utilize every layer of security to protect public health and prevent a tragic situation from becoming worse. In light of the Dallas health care worker\u2019s ability to board a commercial flight while being monitored for signs of infection, I am urging the CDC to temporarily restrict the travel of all individuals being monitored or under quarantine.\"\nThe Do Not Board list should include any health care worker assigned to the treatment of an Ebola patient, or other person being monitored as a result of possible exposure.\nTo learn more, click here to read the letter to CDC Director Tom Frieden.\nYesterday, Congresswoman Brooks and several House Homeland Security Committee colleagues called on the Administration to temporarily suspend the visas of individuals from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone until the outbreak of the Ebola virus is under control within these countries.\u00a0 To read the full text of this letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://carson.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-carson-helps-secure-grant-to-reduce-unemployment", "Congressman Carson helps secure grant to reduce unemployment", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "INDIANAPOLIS - Today, Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson announced that EmployIndy is the recipient of an $8.3M grant on behalf of the Department of Labor to help reduce long-term unemployment in the region. The grant which runs through 2018, will create Employ Up, a program designed to train Hoosiers in STEM-related skills in an effort reduce the need for H-1B visas.\u00a0\nIn July, Congressman Carson wrote a letter of support to the Department of Labor in support of the grant request and expressing his thanks for the good work being done by EmployIndy.\n\u201cThis funding is critical for unemployed Hoosiers to begin receiving the specialized skills and education needed to pursue a career in STEM/technical occupations,\u201d said Carson.\u00a0 \u201cThe City of Indianapolis and the larger Marion County area have seen tremendous growth in technical industries, including information technology and healthcare.\u00a0 These two industries account for over 21,000 job openings per year, a large number of which are being filled by foreign workers through the H-1B visa program, instead of our local residents.\u201d\n\u201cWith 80 percent of STEM-related occupations requiring some form of post-secondary certification or degree, we cannot ask our area employers to hire local residents unless we have a pipeline to supply them with the qualified talent they require,\u201d said Brooke Huntington, president and CEO of EmployIndy.\u00a0 \u201cEmploy Up will target a population that has had difficulty re-engaging in the workforce and provide them with pathways to successful careers in industries that will continue to grow and drive our region\u2019s growth into the future.\u201d\u00a0\nThe Employ Up program will begin in April 2015, and will serve residents with a combination of assessment, training, and employment services.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-helps-secure-grant-reduce-unemployment", "Congressman Carson helps secure grant to reduce unemployment", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", "carson", "https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "INDIANAPOLIS - Today, Congressman Andr\u00e9 Carson announced that EmployIndy is the recipient of an $8.3M grant on behalf of the Department of Labor to help reduce long-term unemployment in the region. The grant which runs through 2018, will create Employ Up, a program designed to train Hoosiers in STEM-related skills in an effort reduce the need for H-1B visas.\n\nIn July, Congressman Carson wrote a letter of support to the Department of Labor in support of the grant request and expressing his thanks for the good work being done by EmployIndy.\n\n\"This funding is critical for unemployed Hoosiers to begin receiving the specialized skills and education needed to pursue a career in STEM/technical occupations,\" said Carson. \"The City of Indianapolis and the larger Marion County area have seen tremendous growth in technical industries, including information technology and healthcare. These two industries account for over 21,000 job openings per year, a large number of which are being filled by foreign workers through the H-1B visa program, instead of our local residents.\"\n\n\"With 80 percent of STEM-related occupations requiring some form of post-secondary certification or degree, we cannot ask our area employers to hire local residents unless we have a pipeline to supply them with the qualified talent they require,\" said Brooke Huntington, president and CEO of EmployIndy. \"Employ Up will target a population that has had difficulty re-engaging in the workforce and provide them with pathways to successful careers in industries that will continue to grow and drive our region's growth into the future.\"\n\nThe Employ Up program will begin in April 2015, and will serve residents with a combination of assessment, training, and employment services.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T22:43:40Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 800, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "IN", "p2": "2014"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IN&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 657, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IN&year=2014&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 143, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IN&year=2014&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IN&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 800, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IN&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IN&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "IN", "label": "IN", "count": 800, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2014", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IN&year=2014", "results": [{"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 800, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IN", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2014-10-15,https~3A~2F~2Fcarson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fcongressman-carson-helps-secure-grant-reduce-unemployment", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=IN&year=2014&_next=2014-10-15%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fcarson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fcongressman-carson-helps-secure-grant-reduce-unemployment&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 158.84098829701543, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}