{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"IN\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-applauds-president-trump-signing-tax-relief-law", "Dr. Bucshon Applauds President Trump on Signing Tax Relief into Law", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after President Trump signed the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (H.R. 1) into law:\n\t\t\t\tThis is a great day for all hardworking Americansandfulfillsa promise made to the American people by President Trump and House and Senate Republicans. Tax relief will jumpstart the economic engine of America, and as it roars back to life it will bring rising wages, new opportunities, andensure that all Americans  especially Middle Income Americans  benefit froma thriving, competitive, and growing economy.\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=630", "Dr. Bucshon Applauds President Trump on Signing Tax Relief into Law", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after President Trump signed the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (H.R. 1) into law:\r\nThis is a great day for all hardworking Americans and fulfills a promise made to the American people by President Trump and House and Senate Republicans. Tax relief will jumpstart the economic engine of America, and as it roars back to life it will bring rising wages, new opportunities, and ensure that all Americans  especially Middle Income Americans  benefit from a thriving, competitive, and growing economy. \r\n  \r\nCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=733", "Messer Calls on Senate to Release Sexual Harassment Payouts", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, Dec. 22, 2017)  U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today called on the U.S. Senate to publicly release information about tax dollars used to settle sexual harassment claims against members of the Senate.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, Dec. 22, 2017)  U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today called on the U.S. Senate to publicly release information about tax dollars used to settle sexual harassment claims against members of the Senate.\r\nPolitico reported yesterday that while the House has release its settlement totals going back a decade, the Senate is refusing to do so.\r\nThe Senate should not shield its members from the consequences of their own actions, Messer said. It was never OK that taxpayer dollars were used to settle harassment claims against members of Congress, and we need to get to the bottom of it. The Senate should immediately release this information to taxpayers, empower the victims and make sure it does not happen again.\r\nThe Committee on House Administration recently disclosed that more than $340,000 in taxpayer funds was used to settle sexual harassment and discrimination claims against House members going back to fiscal year 2008. This disclosure followed an Associated Press report that the government has paid more than $17 million in taxpayer money over the last 20 years to settle sexual harassment claims and other workplace violations filed by employees of Congress.\r\nIn November, Messer filed legislation that would stop this taxpayer-funded slush fund, and ensure victims of harassment by members of Congress arent silenced by non-disclosure agreements.\r\nThe bipartisanEmpowering Victims of Sexual Misconduct Act would release Congressional staff from current non-disclosure agreements signed as part of a sexual assault settlement with a Member of Congress, and prohibit non-disclosure agreements like this in the future. It would also prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims by a member of Congress or employee of the House or Senate. Additionally, the bill would require members who used taxpayer dollars to settle a previous claim to fully reimburse the U.S. Treasury out of their own pocket.\r\nVIDEO of Messer speaking on the House floor about his legislation can be found HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/the-top-indiana-politics-stories-of-2017", "The top Indiana politics stories of 2017", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana didn't haveany major elections in 2017, so it was a quiet year in politics, right?Think again.\nHere are the top stories in Indiana politics in 2017:\nJan. 29- Rep. Susan Brooks doesn't support immigration executive order\nWhen President Trump signed an executive order on immigration, barringcitizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States, it set off a firestorm of protests and backlash.\nButRep. Susan Brooks (R-IN05) was one of the only Indiana Republicans in Congress not to outright support the executive order on immigration. Brooks said she agrees more needs to be done, but said \"However, I do not believe in discrimination, I do not support a religious test for immigrants or refugees, and I do support our nation's refugee resettlement program.\"\n...", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/historic-tax-cuts-for-hoosiers-signed-into-law", "Historic Tax Cuts for Hoosiers Signed into Law", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CARMEL, IN Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN05) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law:\nThe signing of these historic tax cuts into law is a win for people who need tax relief the most: middle-income families. By doubling the standard deduction, increasing the Child Tax credit, lowering the threshold for the medical expense deduction, continuing graduate student tuition exemptions and reducing the tax burden on all taxpayers, Hoosiers in the Fifth District will soon take home more of the money they work so hard to earn. I applaud my colleagues in the House, members of the Senate and the Administration for their commitment to delivering a fairer and simpler tax code to hardworking Americans before the start of the new year.\nTo watch Brooks latest episode from her video series What Im Hearing focusing on tax reform, click here.\nFor policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, click here. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/law-enforcement-mental-health-and-wellness-act-of-2017-heads-to-the", "Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 Heads to the Presidents Desk", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "CARMEL, IN Late last night, the Senate passed H.R. 2228, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, which would help agencies create and improve mental health services for law enforcement officers. The bill was introduced earlier this year in the House of Representatives by Susan Brooks(R-IN),Val Demings(D-FL),Doug Collins(R-GA),Bill Pascrell(D-NJ) andDave Reichert(R-WA).\nWith the passage of the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 out of the Senate, our nations police officers are one step closer to receiving the necessary support and access to mental health services that will help them cope with the trauma they experience daily on the job, said Brooks, former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. I am grateful for the leadership of Indiana Senators Joe Donnelly and Todd Young to get this bill passed out of the Senate and for their continued commitment to supporting the well-being of the Hoosier law enforcement community. I encourage the President to swiftly sign this bipartisan legislation into law because ensuring the safety of our police officers is critically important.\nIt is our job to ensure that every law enforcement officer has the help and resources they need to effectively deal with stress and mental health challenges, so that our officers can continue to keep us all safe, said Demings, former Police Chief with 27 years of law enforcement experience. I applaud my colleagues for their work and urge the President to swiftly sign this bill into law.\n\"My father was a Georgia State Trooper, and we are both excited to see the Senate pass the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act, championed by my friend Congresswoman Susan Brooks and passed in the House last month, said Collins. In this season of reflection, Congress is right to prioritize the unique wellness needs of the law enforcement community, who voluntarily enter dangerous, stressful situations for the sake of their neighbors each day. I look forward to seeing this thoughtful legislation reach the president's desk.\"\n\"The brave men and women in law enforcement put themselves in difficult, dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening situations every day, said Pascrell. I am pleased that this bill is on its way to becoming law because it will help provide our law enforcement officers with resources they need to effectively do their jobs to keep our communities safe. We must work to decrease the stress on law enforcement officers, which can have a big impact on officers physical and mental well-being. This bill is an important step forward in ensuring that officer mental wellness is a priority from the day of hire to the day of retirement.\nAfter a 33-year career in law enforcement, I know first-hand the importance of providing critical mental health and wellness services for our first responders, said Reichert. Our nations law enforcement face significant trauma on a regular basis as they dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. We have seen how these services help our military members, and now it is time that we provide the same help for those who serve us here at home. I am pleased to see the Senate pass this essential bipartisan, bicameral legislation to bring much needed health care to those who put their lives on the line each day for our safety.\nThe Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 is the companion bill toS.876, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Todd Young (R-IN).\nWe are pleased that our bipartisan legislation to support the mental health and wellness of our law enforcement officers will soon become law, said Donnelly and Young. Our law enforcement officers work every day to keep our families and communities safe, and its important we ensure they have access to the mental health services they need to remain ready to serve.\nThe Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 would direct the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop resources to equip local law enforcement agencies to address mental health challenges faced by officers. The bill would also make grants available to initiate peer mentoring pilot programs, develop training for mental health providers specific to law enforcement mental health needs, and support law enforcement officers by studying the effectiveness of crisis hotlines and annual mental health checks.\nCongresswoman Brooks record on her support of the law enforcement community in Indiana is well known, said William Owensby, President of the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police. It became more apparent to the nation as she cosponsored the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act that passed last night. The legislation will enable the nations officers to help identify and treat issues that arise from the stresses of protecting the citizens of this great nation. Many thanks to her and to Congresswoman Demings for their support in the House of this important piece of work.\nThis legislation is supported by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the National Association of Police Officers (NAPO), the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), and the Sergeants Benevolent Association.\nTo learn more about the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, read Brooks op-ed in the Indy Star here. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/taxreform-signed/", "Walorski Statement on President Signing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 22, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Statement on President Signing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act \n Historic Tax Reform Law Will Cut Taxes for Americans at All Income Levels, Boost Economic Growth and Job Creation \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law:\n President Trump has signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law, which means hardworking Hoosiers at all income levels will be getting a tax cut. Middle-income Americans will be able to keep more of the money they earn, and businesses will be able to grow, invest, hire more workers, and raise wages. This law fulfills our promise to deliver a fair and simple tax code that puts working families first and gives them a better shot at the American Dream. \nBACKGROUND\nThe House and Senate earlier this week passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1, the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It passed the House with Walorski's support by a vote of 227 to 203. Video of Walorski speaking on the House floor in support of this historic tax reform bill is available here.\nBigger Paychecks\nAmerican taxpayers send too much of their hard-earned money to Washington, making it harder for middle-income families to thrive. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act means bigger paychecks for hardworking families, more money in their pockets, and more flexibility in how they use it.\n \nLowers income tax rates for Americans at all income levels, with rates of 0, 10, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, and 37 percent.\nRoughly doubles the amount of income excluded from taxes, with the standard deduction increasing to $24,000 for married couples and $12,000 for individuals.\nSupports families by expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 and preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Adoption Tax Credit.\nMakes no changes to critical retirement savings options like 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts.\nMaintains important education benefits like student-loan interest deductions and expands 529 accounts so families can save for elementary, secondary, and undergraduate education.\n \nFairer Taxes\nThe tax code is overly complicated and full of special interest carve-outs and loopholes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminates special interest tax breaks and makes the tax code simpler so people can spend less time filing their taxes.\n \nSimplifies the tax code so most individuals and families can file their taxes as easily as filling out a postcard.\nEliminates special-interest loopholes while maintaining important middle-class tax incentives.\nContinues important tax deductions for middle-income Americans, including for charitable contributions, home mortgage interest, medical expenses, and state and local taxes up to $10,000.\nEliminates Obamacare's individual mandate penalty so no one is forced to buy a health insurance plan they don't want.\nProtects family farms and small businesses from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption.\n \nMore Jobs\nOur outdated tax code makes it harder for businesses to create jobs and compete in the 21st century economy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help businesses grow, invest, and hire more workers, and it will keep America competitive in the global economy.\n \nLowers taxes on small businesses by offering a 20 percent deduction on business income earned by S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships.\nEnsures tax relief is targeted to Main Street job creators by establishing strong safeguards.\nHelps businesses invest and expand by allowing full and immediate expensing of new equipment and by preserving the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans.\nLowers the corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent, below the average among industrialized nations.\nLevels the playing field for American workers by ending incentives to send American jobs, manufacturing, and profits overseas.\nSupports Made in America innovation by maintaining the Research and Development Tax Credit.\n \nFor more information about tax reform, visit walorski.house.gov/taxreform.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-and-rep-scott-peters-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-340b", "Dr. Bucshon and Rep. Scott Peters Introduce Bipartisan Legislation, 340B Protecting Access for the Underserved and Safety-Net Entities Act (340B PAUSE Act)", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after introducing 340B Protecting Access for the Underserved and Safety-Net Entities Act(340B PAUSE Act) (H.R. 4710), a bipartisan bill, with Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) to address growing concerns with the 340B drug discount program:\n\t\t\t\tThe 340B program is an important tool that helps hospitals and other covered entities meet the healthcare needs of patients. Over the past decade, the program has grown substantially and has operated with little transparency or oversight. Given the tremendous growth in the program, Congress needs to ensure this program is operating as intended. The 340B PAUSE Act temporarily pauses new enrollment of Disproportionate Share Hospitals into the 340B discount drug program and requires basic data reporting - similar to the data reporting required of other 340B participants. I want to ensure the programcontinues to be viable long-term, and that hospitals are adequately serving low-income and uninsured patients. A temporary pause on further expansion, combined with reporting, will provide additional information to complement work the House Energy and Commerce Committee has already begun.- Dr. Bucshon \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNote: Critical access hospitals, sole community hospitals, and rural referral centers would not be affected.\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=629", "Dr. Bucshon and Rep. Scott Peters Introduce Bipartisan Legislation, 340B Protecting Access for the Underserved and Safety-Net Entities Act (340B PAUSE Act)", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after introducing 340B Protecting Access for the Underserved and Safety-Net Entities Act(340B PAUSE Act) (H.R. 4710), a bipartisan bill, with Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) to address growing concerns with the 340B drug discount program:\r\nThe 340B program is an important tool that helps hospitals and other covered entities meet the healthcare needs of patients. Over the past decade, the program has grown substantially and has operated with little transparency or oversight.  Given the tremendous growth in the program, Congress needs to ensure this program is operating as intended.  The 340B PAUSE Act temporarily pauses new enrollment of Disproportionate Share Hospitals into the 340B discount drug program and requires basic data reporting - similar to the data reporting required of other 340B participants.  I want to ensure the program continues to be viable long-term, and that hospitals are adequately serving low-income and uninsured patients. A temporary pause on further expansion, combined with reporting, will provide additional information to complement work the House Energy and Commerce Committee has already begun.- Dr. Bucshon \r\n\r\nNote: Critical access hospitals, sole community hospitals, and rural referral centers would not be affected.\r\n  \r\nCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=732", "Messer to Author Legislation Expanding 529 Savings Plans to Homeschool Families", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, Dec.  21, 2017)  U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) announced today he will introduce legislation to ensure homeschool families can use 529 savings plans to cover education expenses.\r\n\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017)  U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) announced today he will introduce legislation to ensure homeschool families can use 529 savings plans to cover education expenses.\r\nThe newly passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act originally included a provision that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Messer had fought for to allow families, including homeschoolers,to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged education savings plan designed to help families save for costs of education.\r\nHours before the final vote on the tax bill, however, Senate Democrats specifically targeted homeschool families by raising a procedural objection that ultimately excluded them from the 529 expansion.\r\n\"In a last ditch effort to obstruct the President's tax cut plan, Senate Democrats targeted a provision that would have helped two million homeschooled students across America,\" Messer said. \"All this tactic did was delay final passage of the bill by one day, but it will hurt homeschooled children long-term. This is unacceptable.Our legislation will make sure homeschool families have the same opportunities and resources that every other student has.\r\nMesser has introducedlegislation expanding 529 savings plansin every session of Congress since hes been elected. As founder and co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, Messer has championed expanded choice for parents and consistently fought for more opportunities for students.\r\nIn Indiana, roughly 40,000 students are homeschooled.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/nielsen-inspires-action-on-mental-health", "Nielsen inspires action on mental health", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Taylor Nielsen, a Lebanon Police Officer who has inspired many by coming forward with her struggle against Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), continues to prove that one voice can inspire action.\nA recently passed Lebanon Police Department policy and bill in U.S. House of Representatives were both inspired, at least in part, by Nielsens story.\nThe LPD policy was passed by the Lebanon Board of Works in November and will provide several new resources for officers who are suffering from job-related or personal mental health struggles.\nLPD Assistant Chief Brad Bailey said the policy is about 90 percent Nielsens doing, as she researched polices from nearby departments in places such as Indianapolis and Noblesville and created a policy that can work for LPD officers.\nThe policy puts in writing what LPD has been striving to communicate that it is okay to have feelings, and that having a mental illness does not make you less of police officer or less of a person.\nThe policy outlines that a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team will be activate to debrief officers involved in high-stress incidents, such as situations involving a fatality of a child, involvement with a person known to officers, mass causalities, a natural disaster or other incident that could have a lasting impact on mental health.\nThe team will hold a group therapy session to debrief officers involved in an incident that prompts the team to activate. The session will be mandatory for responding officers and take place at the conclusion of the investigation of the incident.\nAnother team, to be called the Peer Support Team (PST), will be available to support officers who want to talk about any concern, whether job-related or from his or her personal life. The PST will be trained to identify signs of common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse.\nEven with the policy in place, Nielsen said more reassurance will be needed to make officers comfortable with coming forward.\nThey need to realize, that we have all of these things to protect us, like gloves and vests, but we have nothing to protect our minds, Nielsen said.\nBailey said there is a generational divide when thinking about mental health. He said young officers like Nielsen are more likely to seek help, while older officers are likely to brush off mental illness as weakness.\nNielsen hopes the policy will facilitate an end to that line of thinking.\nThe post-treatment and confidentiality part is going to be huge, Nielsen said. There is still a stigma to it. We have officers in the old-cop mentality mode who dont want to reach out for help. But once we start adding these confidential resources for officers, there will be a lot more people who can be helped.\nAs for the law enforcement mental health bill recently passed by congress, in an announcement celebrating passage of the bill, U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) specifically mentioned Nielsen as a reason she sponsored the bill.\nIn the Fifth District, Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsens daughter, also a police officer, tried to take her own life because she was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after responding to a case involving the murder of a mother and her 4-year-old son, Brooks said. Nielsens daughter did not have access to services that could help her process and cope with the horrific situation she faced that day. The passage of the Law Enforcement Mental Wellness Act through the House of Representatives  ensures that we are one step closer to supporting the men and women in law enforcement with the resources they need to stay healthy while selflessly serving our communities and keeping us safe.\nThe bill, titled the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, passed the House in November and the Senate in May. The House version was sponsored by Brooks, Val Demings (D-Fla.), Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Dave Reichert (R-Wash.).\nThe senate version of the bill was sponsored by Senator Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) and supported by Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.).\nThe bill directs the U.S. Department of Justice to report on mental health policies that could be adapted from the military and veterans affairs for law enforcement agencies.\nThe DOJ is also directly to consult with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop educational resources for mental health providers regarding the culture of law enforcement agencies and therapies for mental health issues common to law enforcement officers.\nThe DOJ must also review crisis hotlines, research annual mental health checks; examine the mental health and wellness needs of federal officers; and ensure that recommendations, resources, or programs under this bill will maintain confidentiality.\nNielsen said she is grateful to those who have taken up the issue nationally and hopes that bill can soon become law.\nIts definitely a huge stepping stone and will provide great resources for officers nationwide, Nielsen said. Hopefully we can get it to the presidents desk.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=728", "Rep. Messer Speaks on House Floor Ahead of Final Tax Bill Vote", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON (Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017)  U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today spoke on the House floor ahead of the final vote on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowers taxes on middle-class Hoosiers, and updates Americas tax code for the first time in 31 years.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON (Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017)  U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today spoke on the House floor ahead of the final vote on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowers taxes on middle-class Hoosiers, and updates Americas tax code for the first time in 31 years.\r\nMesser voted in the House today to send the bill to President Trumps desk.\r\nWith the passage of President Trumps tax plan, working Hoosiers will see more jobs, bigger paychecks, and a fairer, simpler tax code, Messer said on the House floor. The proof is in the paycheck, and the truth is an average Indiana family will see a tax cut between one thousand and two thousand dollars with this plan.\r\nMessers remarksandVIDEOof his speech are available below:\r\nMr. Speaker,\r\nToday is an exciting day for the people of Indiana. \r\nWith the passage of President Trumps tax plan, working Hoosiers will see more jobs, bigger paychecks, and a fairer, simpler tax code.\r\nThe scare tactics of my Democratic colleagues come from a tired playbook written decades ago. Its old-style class warfare politics, tired arguments that are just not true.\r\nThe proof is in the paycheck, and the truth is that an average Indiana family will see tax cuts between one thousand and two thousand dollars under this plan.\r\nLet me say that again: despite the rhetoric, working families will see a tax cut of between one thousand and two thousand dollars under todays tax plan.\r\nChild tax credits will double to two thousand dollars per child, the standard federal deduction will double too.\r\nWe get rid of the unpopular and unfair Obamacare individual mandate tax so now, Hoosiers will not be taxed depending on their healthcare decisions.\r\nJob creators will see tax cuts too, making Americas small businesses and Americas big businesses competitive in the global economy and better able to create good-paying jobs.\r\nAll of this is good news for Indianas working families.\r\nWith todays tax cuts, help is on the way.\r\nThank you, Mr. Speaker.\r\nI urge my colleagues to support this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/event/hendricks-county-fairgrounds", "Government Agency Representative Meet", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "My office will be hosting an event with representatives from various government agencies.\nFederal Agencies:  \n\tInternal Revenue Service (IRS)  \n\tSmall Business Administration (SBA)  \n\tDepartment of Veterans Affairs (VA)\nLocal Agencies:  \n\tHendricks County Senior Services  \n\tCICOA Aging and IN Home Service  \n\tHendricks County Health Department\nThe Hendrick's County Sheriff's office will be providing a prescription drug takeback service to allow you to responsibly dispose of unused prescriptions.\nMap It", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/donnellys-no-vote-on-tax-package-will-be-campaign-issue", "Donnelly's no vote on tax package will be campaign issue, Brooks joins other Hoosier Republicans in supporting legislation", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ANDERSON  Indianas congressional delegation voted along party lines in passing the first tax reform legislation in 31 years.\nRepublican Party majorities in the House and Senate delivered President Donald Trump his first major legislative victory since taking office in January.\nSen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., joined fellow Democrats in voting against the legislation, and that vote is sure to be a hot topic during his re-election bid in 2018.\nDuring a visit to Anderson earlier this year, Vice President Mike Pence called on Donnelly to support tax reform and President Trump made the same plea during a visit to Plainfield.\nThe reasons I oppose this bill are plain and simple, clear and commonsense: Instead of providing a tax cut that overwhelmingly benefits the middle class, this bill cuts taxes for the wealthiest Americans while raising taxes on a majority of families making less than $75,000 in the coming years, Donnelly said. Instead of closing tax loopholes like the shameful one that allows Wall Street hedge fund managers to pay a lower tax rate than a Hoosier firefighter, than a Hoosier teacher, than a Hoosier policeman, or a Hoosier steelworker This bill preserves these giveaways.\nTwo House members, Reps. Luke Messer and Todd Rokita, are among a number of Republicans seeking their partys nomination in the May primary to run against Donnelly.\nAll seven Republican members of the House from Indiana voted for the legislation. Democrats Andre Carson and Peter Visclosky voted no.\nHoosiers deserve a pay raise, Messer said. But, Sen. Donnelly voted against Indianas working families when he opposed President Trumps tax cut plan. Sen. Donnelly says he works for Indiana, but time and again, he votes with Washington liberals to block the president's agenda.\nMesser said working people will see more jobs, bigger paychecks and a fairer simpler tax code.\nThe proof is in the paycheck, and the truth is an average Indiana family will see a tax cut between one thousand and two thousand dollars with this plan, he said.\nRokita said he voted for pro-growth tax reform that will provide needed relief to American families and allow Hoosiers to keep more of their hard-earned money.\nThis historic tax reform is going to help the American people keep more of their hard-earned money, create more opportunity and make American businesses more competitive at home and abroad, he said. With President Trumps leadership on this legislation, we are going to unleash our countrys economic potential.\nRep. Susan Brooks, R-5th District, which includes all of Madison County, said passage of the legislation was a monumental day for the country.\nFor the first time in 31 years, weve simplified the tax code and passed significant tax cuts to benefit American families, workers and businesses, she said. I believe our communities thrive when our colleagues, neighbors, friends and loved ones have the freedom to pursue their dreams.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is family focused and allows taxpayers to plan for their futures, Brooks said. It will lower the tax burden for many individuals and families in Indiana so Hoosiers can keep more of their hard-earned money.\nBrooks noted the legislation eliminates the so-called marriage penalty, increasing the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 and expands the medical expenses deduction for those who face high medical bills.\nSettling for the status-quo is not an option, she said. I am proud of my vote today that will help provide security for families and small businesses across the nation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/taxreform-congress/", "Walorski Statement on Sending Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to Presidents Desk", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 20, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Statement on Sending Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to President's Desk \n Congress Passes Historic Tax Reform Legislation, Now Awaiting President Trump's Signature \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, sending it to President Trump for his signature:\n Hardworking Hoosiers send too much of their hard-earned money to Washington and spend too much time figuring out their taxes. Today we are turning away from the status quo and fixing a broken system that for too long has held our country back.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will let middle-income Americans keep more of the money they earn. It will boost our economy and help businesses grow, invest, hire more workers, and raise wages. It will deliver a fair and simple tax code that puts working families first. And now it is on its way to President Trump's desk. \nBACKGROUND\nThe House and Senate both passed the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1, the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It passed the House with Walorski's support by a vote of 224 to 201.Video of Walorski speaking on the House floor in support of this historic tax reform bill is available here.\nBigger Paychecks\nAmerican taxpayers send too much of their hard-earned money to Washington, making it harder for middle-income families to thrive. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act means bigger paychecks for hardworking families, more money in their pockets, and more flexibility in how they use it.\n \nLowers income tax rates for Americans at all income levels, with rates of 0, 10, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, and 37 percent.\nRoughly doubles the amount of income excluded from taxes, with the standard deduction increasing to $24,000 for married couples and $12,000 for individuals.\nSupports families by expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 and preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Adoption Tax Credit.\nMakes no changes to critical retirement savings options like 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts.\nMaintains important education benefits, including student-loan interest deductions, and expands 529 accounts so families can save for elementary, secondary, and undergraduate education.\n \nFairer Taxes\nThe tax code is overly complicated and full of special interest carve-outs and loopholes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminates special interest tax breaks and makes the tax code simpler so people can spend less time filing their taxes.\n \nSimplifies the tax code so most individuals and families can file their taxes as easily as filling out a postcard.\nEliminates special-interest loopholes while maintaining important middle-class tax incentives.\nContinues important tax deductions for middle-income Americans, including for charitable contributions, home mortgage interest, medical expenses, and state and local taxes up to $10,000.\nEliminates Obamacare's individual mandate penalty so no one is forced to buy a health insurance plan they don't want.\nProtects family farms and small businesses from the Death Tax by doubling the amount of the current exemption.\n \nMore Jobs\nOur outdated tax code makes it harder for businesses to create jobs and compete in the 21st century economy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help businesses grow, invest, and hire more workers, and it will keep America competitive in the global economy.\n \nLowers taxes on small businesses by offering a 20 percent deduction on business income earned by S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships.\nEnsures tax relief is targeted to Main Street job creators by establishing strong safeguards.\nHelps businesses invest and expand by allowing full and immediate expensing of new equipment and by preserving the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans.\nLowers the corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent, below the average among industrialized nations.\nLevels the playing field for American workers by ending incentives to send American jobs, manufacturing, and profits overseas.\nSupports Made in America innovation by maintaining the Research and Development Tax Credit.\n \nFor more information about tax reform, visit walorski.house.gov/taxreform.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=239", "Banks and Bipartisan Group Seek Funding for A-10 Wings", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "December 15, 2017  Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, joined a bipartisan group of 20 House members to urge Senate appropriators to fund wing production for A-10C \"Warthogs\" in a letter sent today. The 122nd Fighter Wing located in Indianas Third District flies A-10s out of the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base.\r\r \r\rThe fiscal year 2018 (FY18) National Defense Authorization Act, recently signed in to law by President Trump, fully-authorized the Air Force's request to restart A-10 wing production. This initiative was funded in the House's FY18 defense appropriations bill but not in the Senate version of the legislation. The letter sent today by Congressman Banks and 19 other members asks the Senate to fund production.\r\r \r\rThe letter can be found here and the full text is below: December 15, 2017\r\r \r\rChairman Cochran, Chairman Frelinghuysen, Vice Chairman Leahy, and Ranking Member Lowey:\r\r \r\rWe write to express our grave concern regarding the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittees omission of a $103 million Air Force unfunded requirement to restart A-10C Thunderbolt II wing production in its fiscal year 2018 (FY18) funding bill. The A-10C is currently one of the most utilized aircraft across multiple theaters, and this requirement was specifically included in FY18 House and Senate National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs), the FY18 NDAA conference report, and the House-passed defense appropriations bill. This funding must be secured in any final FY18 spending package in order to prevent a critical capability gap in the operational fleet.\r\r \r\rAs you may know, the Air Force has taken the A-10C out of sunset status (after mothballing the equivalent of five squadrons, leaving only nine deployable squadrons in the inventory) in the face of growing security threats and increased operational tempo in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Korean Peninsula. The A-10 Warthog has continued to be instrumental in U.S. contingency operations around the globe, including just south of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) for critical anti-armor capabilities against North Korea, deploying to Eastern Europe and the Baltics in the face of Russian aggression, conducting missions in the South China Sea in the face of illegal Chinese military expansion in the region, and fighting the Islamic State (ISIS). In fact, as of August 30th of this year, the Warthog had dropped roughly 20 percent of all munitionsmore than any other aircraftin the fight against ISIS, and had flown 14 percent of all sorties deployed since counter-ISIS operations began in 2014.\r\r \r\rFurthermore, the A-10 is uniquely designed for life-saving missions like Close Air Support (CAS) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). The former protects troops in harms way while the latter involves rescuing downed pilots or other isolated personnel from enemy territory before they become prisoners of war. A-10 pilots specifically specialize in these missions because only the A-10 has the lethality, loiter time, and survivability to succeed in each of these mission sets.\r\r \r\rCongress has taken clear and concrete steps to preserve the remaining A-10C fleet over the last several years. In FY16, Congress: fully funded the fleet, prohibited the use of any funds to retire any additional A-10s; required the Air Force to maintain a minimum of 171 combat-coded A-10s; and directed the Air Force to commission an independent assessment of the required capabilities and mission platform to replace the A-10.\r\r \r\rThe FY17 NDAA and defense appropriations bill continued this trend by: preserving the current fleet of 283 A-10s; again requiring a minimum of 171 combat-coded A-10s; mandating adequate maintainers and a regular depot schedule; protecting A-10s in the boneyard from premature destruction; and asking for a plan in conjunction with the FY18 budget request to prevent any A-10s from becoming unflyable due to wing deterioration. Congress also required the Air Force to conduct a comparison or fly-off between the F-35A and the A-10C in CAS, CSAR, and Forward Air Control-Airborne (FAC-A) missions and prevented any retirements until the full operational test and evaluation (OT&E) for the F-35A is complete and an analysis is done by the Air Force on missions gaps. This exercise has yet to occur.\r\r \r\rThe FY18 NDAA also established a requirement for the Air Force to maintain no less than 1,970 fighter aircraft. The A-10 is a vital part of maintaining this force.\r\rHowever, 110 A-10C aircraftone-third of the fleetare in desperate need of wing set replacements in order to safely continue mission assignments into the coming years. 173 A-10s have already received new wings. But, as the Air Force was considering whether to decommission the A-10 fleet, the contract for wing production was allowed expire before the remaining 110 wing sets could be completed. In September, Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, said the Air Force would be forced to start grounding some A-10s beginning in 2018 because their wings will have reached the end of their service life. Yet, in October, Gen. Pawlikowski also confirmed that the Air Force has re-geared up the A-10 depot line in order to sustain the A-10 fleet indefinitely.\r\r \r\rNow that the Air Force has confirmed that it plans to maintain the A-10 fleet well into the foreseeable future, the remaining 110 wing sets must be delivered as soon as possible. The A-10remains the only aircraft in the U.S. military specifically designed for CAS and CSAR. If one-third of the A-10 fleet were to be grounded, it would create a significant capability gap at a time when our servicemembers are facing increasing threat environments. This $103 million would allow the revival of a wing production line and begin the process of supplying these 110 aircraft with the new wings they need to keep flying safely in the future until we have a proven, tested replacement for its capabilities.\r\rCongress has clearly willed over recent fiscal years that the A-10C fleet be sustained in its entirety. Further, this wing funding was a top Air Force Unfunded Priority List item specifically added into both the House and Senate FY18 defense authorization bills, the FY18 NDAA conference report (which will soon be signed into law by President Trump), and the FY18 House defense appropriations bill, which passed the House in July. As such, we urge you to include this funding in any final spending package for FY18 in order to keep these battle-tested aircraft in the air and in the fight. Sincerely,\r\r \r\r###\r\r \r\rInterested members of the media may contact Andrea Palermo at andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=240", "Banks Supports Historic Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks Supports Historic Tax Reform Legislation \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 19, 2017\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      Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today released the following statement after voting for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Conference Report:\r\r \r\rToday is a good day for the future of the American dream. By passing this legislation, Congress has delivered on its promise to deliver sweeping tax reform to the American people for the first time since 1986. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will provide middle-class tax relief while promoting investment, job creation and sustained economic growth. It will lead to bigger paychecks for workers across our country and restore Americas global competitiveness. I commend Speaker Paul Ryan, Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady and members of the Conference Committee for their hard work that made this day possible. I look forward to swift passage in the Senate and President Trump signing this historic legislation into law.\r\r \r\rThe Conference Report to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives 227-203. The bill includes a series of provisions that will simplify the tax code and lower rates, allowing Hoosiers to keep more of their hard-earned money. The final bill also doubles the standard deduction to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples respectively, while also expanding the Child Tax Credit. Businesses will experience much needed relief through a new deduction for pass-through entities, allowing Hoosier small businesses to make new investments. The legislation also boosts Americas global competitiveness by lowering the corporate tax rate to 21 percent.\r\r \r\r###\r\r \r\rInterested members of the media may contact Andrea Palermo at andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov. \r\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://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-votes-favor-tax-relief-all-hardworking-americans", "Dr. Bucshon Votes in Favor of Tax Relief for All Hardworking Americans", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after voting for theTax Cuts & Jobs Act(H.R. 1):\n\t\t\t\tOur tax code is broken. Hardworking Hoosier taxpayers are being unfairly punished with a tax code that has become too costly, complex, unfair and is full of loopholes and special interest tax breaks that rewards the well-connected. Instead, we need a tax code that encourages the growth of American jobs, American wages, and American taxpayers. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will do just that, delivering a simpler, fairer, and flatter tax code.\n\t\t\t\tThe Tax Cuts & Jobs Act will help Hoosier families by lowering all federal income tax rates, significantly increasing the standard deductionby doubling itto $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 married couples, and expanding the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000. Under this proposal, the typical family of four will see a tax cut of $2,059. Additionally,American businesseswill see a lower corporate tax rate of 21% - the lowest rate since 1940, the ability to write off the full costs of new equipment, and a new rate structure for smaller and medium sized businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships.\n\t\t\t\tIt has been 31 years since the tax code has been reformed and todays status quo does not put hardworking Americans first. Millions of hardworking Americans have been struggling for far too long to earn a living and get ahead. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will give hardworking taxpayers and job creators the biggest boost this country has seen in a generation, resulting in a healthy economy here at home with increasing job creation, rising wages, and more money in the paychecks of Americans. This will enable millions of Americans to keep more of their money to save, invest, or spend and achieve their version of the American Dream.\n\t\t\t\tPolicy Highlights can be found HERE.\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 1 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be found HERE.\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=627", "Dr. Bucshon Votes in Favor of Tax Relief for All Hardworking Americans", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after voting for the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (H.R. 1):\r\nOur tax code is broken. Hardworking Hoosier taxpayers are being unfairly punished with a tax code that has become too costly, complex, unfair and is full of loopholes and special interest tax breaks that rewards the well-connected. Instead, we need a tax code that encourages the growth of American jobs, American wages, and American taxpayers. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will do just that, delivering a simpler, fairer, and flatter tax code.\r\nThe Tax Cuts & Jobs Act will help Hoosier families by lowering all federal income tax rates, significantly increasing the standard deduction by doubling it to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 married couples, and expanding the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000. Under this proposal, the typical family of four will see a tax cut of $2,059. Additionally, American businesses will see a lower corporate tax rate of 21% - the lowest rate since 1940, the ability to write off the full costs of new equipment, and a new rate structure for smaller and medium sized businesses organized as S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships.\r\nIt has been 31 years since the tax code has been reformed and todays status quo does not put hardworking Americans first. Millions of hardworking Americans have been struggling for far too long to earn a living and get ahead.  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will give hardworking taxpayers and job creators the biggest boost this country has seen in a generation, resulting in a healthy economy here at home with increasing job creation, rising wages, and more money in the paychecks of Americans. This will enable millions of Americans to keep more of their money to save, invest, or spend and achieve their version of the American Dream.\r\nPolicy Highlights can be found HERE.\r\nH.R. 1 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be found HERE.\r\n  \r\nCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=726", "Rep. Messer Votes in Support of Tax Cuts", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON (Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017)  U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowers taxes on middle-class Hoosiers and updates Americas tax code for the first time in 31 years.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON (Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017)  U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today voted in favor of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act,which lowers taxes on middle-class Hoosiers and updates Americas tax code for the first time in 31 years.  \r\n\r\nUnder this plan, most middle-class families will see savings of between$1,000 to $2,000.\r\nOne of President Trumps key campaign promises was to cut taxes for working Americans and today we delivered, Messer said. Under this plan, Hoosier families will see bigger paychecks, fairer taxes, and more jobs.\r\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which passed the House today, simplifies the tax code and lowers tax rates across the board for individuals, families and job creators. The plan increases the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 and increases the amount of money protected from taxes by roughly doubling the standard deduction from $6,500 to $12,000 for individuals and from $13,000 to $24,000 for married couples. It also preserves the adoption tax credit, the home mortgage interest deduction, and the charitable giving deduction.\r\nAdditionally, the bill allows families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education, which will expand choice for parents and opportunities for students. Messer has introduced legislation similar to this in every Congress since hes been elected.\r\nThe bill also eliminates Obamacares individual mandate, which Messer has long championed and pushed for as the final bill was being written. According to theInternal Revenue Service, nearly 140,000 Hoosiers paid the individual mandate penalty in 2015. Of those, more than 80 percent earned less than $50,000 per year.\r\nObamacares individual mandate is crushing middle-class Hoosiers, Messer said. By repealing it, we are bringing relief to low and middle-income Americans who have had to pay fines simply because they cant afford skyrocketing premiums.\r\nPart of Messerslegislationto eliminate tax credits for illegal immigrants,which will save U.S. taxpayers $29.8 billion,is also included in the final bill. It ensures that the children claimed by those receiving the Child Tax Credit have a valid Social Security Number. Messer plans to file legislation to ensure only taxpayers with a valid Social Security Number can claim the Child Tax Credit.\r\nThe Senate now must vote to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act before it goes to the presidents desk.\r\nVIDEO of Rep. Messer speaking previously on the House floor urging support for the tax cut plan can be foundHERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-historic-tax-cuts-hoosiers", "Rokita: Historic Tax Cuts For Hoosiers", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tTUESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2017\n\n Rokita: Historic Tax Cuts For Hoosiers \n\nWashington, DC--Congressman Todd Rokita announces the historic passage of tax reform through the House of Representatives.\nThis historic tax reform is going to help the American people keep more of their hard earned money, create more opportunity and make American businesses more competitive at home and abroad. With President Trumps leadership on this legislation, we are going to unleash our countrys economic potential, said Rokita.\nTax Reform has been endorsed by:\n National Association of Home Builders\nNational Federation of Independent Businesses\nNational Association of Manufacturers\nU.S. Chamber of Commerce\nUPS\nAmericans for Tax Reform\nBusiness Roundtable\nClub for Growth\nFaith and Freedom Coalition\nFreedomWorks\nHeritage Action\n To see additional endorsements, click here.\nTo learn more about this groundbreaking legislation, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/us-rep-susan-brooks-chair-of-ethics-committee-talks-broken-investigation", "U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks, Chair Of Ethics Committee, Talks \"Broken\" Investigation Process", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Republican Congresswoman Susan Brooks represents Indianas Fifth District, which includes urban, suburban and rural counties, and the north side of Indianapolis.\nBrooks is also chair of the House Committee on Ethics. WFYIs Drew Daudelin met with Brooks to ask her about the recent string of sexual harassment allegations in Washington, and attempts to investigate them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/americans-will-soon-keep-more-of-their-paychecks-historic-tax-cuts-pass", "Americans Will Soon Keep More of Their Paychecks: Historic Tax Cuts Pass the House of Representatives", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WATCH Brooks advocate for tax reform on behalf of Fifth District Hoosiers on the House Floor earlier today, here.\nWASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN05) issued the following statement regarding the House's final passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act conference report:\nToday is a monumental day for our country. For the first time in 31 years, weve simplified the tax code and passed significant tax cuts to benefit American families, workers and businesses.\nI believe our communities thrive when our colleagues, neighbors, friends and loved ones have the freedom to pursue their dreams. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is family focused and allows taxpayers to plan for their futures. It will lower the tax burden for many individuals and families in Indiana so Hoosiers can keep more of their hard-earned money.\nWeve provided unprecedented tax relief for American families by eliminating the marriage penalty, increasing the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child, and expanding the medical expenses deduction for those who face high medical bills.\nOur bill improves saving opportunities for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education. This bill does not tax graduate students on any reduced or free tuition they may receive from their institution.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is about encouraging the establishment and expansion of American small businesses. It allows for immediate expensing of new equipment to grow and improve their operations and provides a 20 percent deduction on pass-through businesses. Small businesses and start-up companies need the lower tax rates this bill delivers in order to thrive and prosper so they can create jobs, raise wages and grow our economy.\nSettling for the status-quo is not an option. I am proud of my vote today that will help provide security for families and small businesses across the nation.\nFor individuals and families, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: \n Significantly increases the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals and $24,000 for married couples in order to protect roughly double the amount of what you earn each year from taxes;\n\tRetains popular retirement savings options such as 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) so Americans can continue to save for their future\n\tImproves savings vehicles for education by allowing families to use 529 accounts to save for elementary, secondary and higher education;\n\tProvides support for graduate students by continuing to exempt the value of reduced tuition from taxes;\n\tExpands the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for single filers and married couples to help parents with the cost of raising children;\n\tPreserves the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help families care for their children and older dependents;\n\tPreserves the Adoption Tax Credit so parents can continue to receive additional tax relief as they open their hearts and homes to an adopted child;\n\tProvides relief for Americans with expensive medical bills by expanding the medical expense deduction for 2017 and 2018 for medical expenses; and\n\tContinues and expands the deduction for charitable contributions so people can continue to donate to their local church, charity, or community organization.\n For job creators, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: \n Retains the low-income housing tax credit that encourages businesses to invest in affordable housing so families, individuals, and seniors can find a safe and comfortable place to call home;\n\tPrevents American jobs, headquarters, and research from moving overseas by eliminating incentives that now reward companies for shifting jobs, profits, and manufacturing plants abroad;\n\tPreserves the Research & Development Tax Credit that encourages our businesses and workers to develop cutting-edge Made in America products and services;\n\tModernizes our international tax system so Americas global businesses will no longer be held back by an outdated worldwide tax system that results in double taxation for many of our nations job creators; and\n\tRetains the tax-preferred status of private-activity bonds that are used to finance valuable infrastructure projects.\n Brooks, along with 31 of her colleagues, advocated on behalf of graduate students and sent two letters to House and Senate leadership during the conference committee meetings, urging the leaders from both chambers to retain the income exclusion for graduate tuition waivers and university employee tuition waivers in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Fortunately, both provisions were retained in the final bill and allow graduate students and university employees to continue to receive tuition reductions without having it count as income.\nBrooks also urged leaders in the House and Senate leadership through another letter, along with 39 of her colleagues, to support the inclusion of Private Activity Bond interest deductibility. The loss of this provision would have effectively ended the supply of affordable housing construction across the country and severely handicapped the ability of states and localities to continue to fund critical infrastructure and community improvements. Brooks is proud the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that passed the House today includes the Private Activity Bond interest deductibility.\nFor more policy highlights of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, click here. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/taxreform-final/", "Walorski Votes for Final Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 19, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Votes for Final Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act \n House Passes Historic Tax Reform Legislation; Senate Set to Send Bill to President's Desk \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today voted for the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 1, the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which passed the House by a vote of 227 to 203. The legislation now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass this evening.\nAhead of the vote, Congresswoman Walorski spoke on the House floor in support of this historic tax reform bill. Video of Walorski speaking on the House floor is available here. The full text of her remarks is below.\n Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\nIf you believe the rhetoric you hear, you may think this bill means the world is ending. I guarantee you, it's not.\nThe truth is this tax cut bill means a brighter future for the hardworking Americans who will have more money in their pockets and a better shot at the American Dream.\nHere are the facts: we're cutting taxes for Americans at all income levels. We're doubling the standard deduction. We're doubling the child tax credit and preserving the adoption tax credit. We're keeping deductions for charitable giving, mortgage interest, medical expenses, and student loan interest. We're improving 529 education savings accounts and leaving retirement savings alone.\nPeople will be able to keep more of the money they earn and spend less time filing their taxes.\nMr. Speaker, this isn't just a good bill  this is a great bill. This isn't the apocalypse  it's a new day in America.\nI urge my colleagues to make history and support this momentous bill. I yield back. \nFor more information about tax reform, visit walorski.house.gov/taxreform.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/iran-finances/", "Walorski Votes to Shed Light on Iranian Regimes Finances", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, December 14, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Votes to Shed Light on Iranian Regime's Finances \n House Passes Bills to Boost Transparency of Regime Leaders' Assets, Oversight of Aircraft Sales to Iran \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) this week voted for two bills to shed greater light on the Iranian regime's finances amid its continued support for terrorism.\nIran continues to be the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, Congresswoman Walorski said. The House has passed several bills this year to strengthen sanctions on the regime and crack down on the Hezbollah terrorists it supports. Now we are taking action to shed light on the regime's finances, hold its leaders accountable, and counter Iran's dangerous and destabilizing activities.\nBACKGROUND\nH.R. 1638, the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, would require the Department of the Treasury to report to Congress on the total assets of Iran's senior political, religious, and military leaders, including the probable sources of these assets and how they are used. The increased transparency would aid efforts to stop money laundering and terror financing. H.R. 1638 passed the House on Wednesday by a vote of 289 to 135.\nH.R. 4324, the Strengthening Oversight of Iran's Access to Finance Act, would require the Treasury to report to Congress on financial transactions related to the sale of commercial passenger aircraft to Iran. The 2014 nuclear agreement with Iran lifted a decades-old ban on these sales. The Treasury would have to certify the transactions would not benefit Iranians involved with developing weapons of mass destruction, supporting terrorism, or contributing to human rights abuses in Syria. H.R. 4324 passed the House on Thursday by a vote of 252 to 167.\nIn October, the House passed several pieces of legislation to strengthen sanctions over Iran's illicit missile development program and support for terrorism.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=724", "Messer Bill to Help More Transfer Students Earn Degrees Included in Higher Ed Package", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer\u2019s (IN-06) bipartisan legislation to help more community college transfer students earn degrees was included as an amendment, by unanimous consent, to a broader higher education package that passed the House Committee on Education and the Workforce this week. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer\u2019s (IN-06) bipartisan legislation to help more community college transfer students earn degrees was included as an amendment, by unanimous consent, to a broader higher education package that passed the House Committee on Education and the Workforce this week.\r\nThe bill is supported by Ivy Tech Community College, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Student Veterans of America and others.\r\nTuesday night, the Committee voted to include Messer\u2019s proposal -- originally introduced as the Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2017 in September, -- as part of the Higher Education Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4508, the PROSPER Act). Messer\u2019s proposal would make it easier for students to earn a degree through a \u201creverse transfer,\u201d where students who transferred from a community college to a four-year-institution but haven\u2019t completed a bachelor\u2019s degree, can apply those additional credits back toward an associate\u2019s degree.\r\nThe provision would streamline credit sharing between community colleges and four-year institutions so transfer students can be notified when they become eligible to receive an associate\u2019s degree through a reverse transfer.\r\n\u201cAn associate\u2019s degree can make a huge difference for working Hoosiers,\" Messer said. \"By making it easier for transfer students to combine credits and get a degree they\u2019ve earned, Hoosiers will have more opportunities to get good-paying jobs and succeed in today's workforce.\"\r\nMore than 30 percent of students who transfer from a community college to a 4-year institution drop out before completing a bachelor\u2019s degree. But often, they\u2019ve earned enough for an associate\u2019s degree if those credits are transferred back. Between 2003 and 2013, nearly two million transfer students nationwide who were eligible for an associate\u2019s degree were not awarded diplomas. Associate degree holders earn about $400,000 more in a lifetime than someone with only a high school diploma.\r\nIvy Tech Community College President Sue Ellspermann has been a leading advocate of reverse transfers and is urging support of Messer\u2019s legislation.\r\n\u201cStreamlining the Reverse Transfer process is in the best interest of students who earned a credential which they deserve,\u201d said President of Ivy Tech and former Lieutenant Governor of Indiana Sue Ellspermann. \u201cThousands of students transfer to different schools annually in Indiana, both in-state and out-of-state. We owe it to our students to help them improve their lives and award them for the work they have already done.\u201d\r\nIvy Tech has awarded 270 associate degrees to students over the last two years through reverse transfer, but Ellspermann says many others could be eligible.\r\nMesser\u2019s bill would amend the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which currently regulates the sharing of student credit information between higher education institutions, to make the process more open and efficient.\r\nA full list of the bill\u2019s supporters is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=238", "Banks Statement on NDAA Signing by President Trump", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks Statement on NDAA Signing by President Trump \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 12, 2017\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      Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today made the following statement after the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2018 by President Trump:\r\rThe federal governments duty, above all else, is to protect American citizens, said Banks. With the signing of the FY18 NDAA today, President Trump and Congress have followed through on a core duty. I thank my fellow members of the House Armed Services Committee for their hard work on this critical piece of legislation. Our nations military readiness is at dangerously low levels, and its difficult for our armed forces to act if we do not provide them with the proper resources. The NDAA signed by the president today exceeds the administrations initial budget request and begins to address some of these funding gaps. This legislation gives our troops their largest wage increase in nearly eight years, significantly boosts active duty end strength for each branch of service and increases funding for military facilities and new oversight tools, including the Department of Defenses first audit.\r\r###\r\rInterested members of the media may contact Andrea Palermo at andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov. \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://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-s-clean-energy-bill-unanimously-passes-house", "Dr. Bucshons Clean Energy Bill Unanimously Passes House", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after the House of Representatives unanimously passed\u00a0his clean energy bill, the Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act (H.R. 2872):\n\t\t\t\t\u201cHydropower provides benefits in the form of jobs, economic investment, improved public health, and resource conservation. It\u2019s also a great source of American-made energy. In the Eight Congressional district alone, there are six non-powered dams that could be modernized to produce clean energy. Unfortunately, unnecessary government red tape is preventing us from taking advantage of clean renewable energy from hydropower at existing non-powered dams.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\u201cThe Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act cuts through the red tape and instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create an expedited permitting process that will result in a final decision on an application in two years or less. Streamlining the permitting process for qualifying non-powered dam projects represents an important first step in modernizing our existing infrastructure. This small but important step\u00a0will incentivize\u00a0investments in hydropower development, allowing us to take advantage of clean, American-made energy.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=625", "Dr. Bucshons Clean Energy Bill Unanimously Passes House", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after the House of Representatives unanimously passed his clean energy bill, the Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act (H.R. 2872):\r\nHydropower provides benefits in the form of jobs, economic investment, improved public health, and resource conservation. Its also a great source of American-made energy. In the Eight Congressional district alone, there are six non-powered dams that could be modernized to produce clean energy. Unfortunately, unnecessary government red tape is preventing us from taking advantage of clean renewable energy from hydropower at existing non-powered dams. \r\nThe Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act cuts through the red tape and instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create an expedited permitting process that will result in a final decision on an application in two years or less. Streamlining the permitting process for qualifying non-powered dam projects represents an important first step in modernizing our existing infrastructure. This small but important step will incentivize investments in hydropower development, allowing us to take advantage of clean, American-made energy.\r\n  \r\nCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=723", "Messer Pushes to Repeal Obamacare Individual Mandate in Final Tax Bill", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) recently sent a letter urging members of the tax cut bill Conference Committee to repeal the Obamacare individual mandate as part of the final bill.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) recently sent a\u00a0letter\u00a0urging members of the tax cut bill Conference Committee to repeal\u00a0the Obamacare individual mandate as part of the final bill.\r\nThe U.S. Senate included the individual mandate repeal in its plan, but it was not part of the House-passed version.\r\nThe Obamacare individual mandate\u00a0requires U.S. citizens to have health insurance or pay a fine. This year, the minimum fine was $695 per adult. According to the\u00a0Internal Revenue Service, nearly 140,000 Hoosiers paid the individual mandate penalty in 2015. Of those, more than 80 percent had incomes less than $50,000.\r\n\"The Obamacare individual mandate is a tax on low and middle income Hoosiers, plain and simple,\"\u00a0Messer\u00a0said. \"It's outrageous\u00a0that the federal government continues to penalize folks who can't afford Obamacare's skyrocketing health insurance premiums. We should immediately repeal\u00a0this burdensome Obamacare mandate and deliver much-needed relief to middle-class Hoosiers. Our best shot at accomplishing\u00a0this is to include it in the final tax cut plan.\"\r\nThe Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee on Taxation recently estimated that eliminating the individual mandate would reduce federal budget deficits by $338 billion over the next ten years.\r\n\u201cUntil enactment of Obamacare, the federal government had never required individuals, as a condition of lawful residence in the United States, to purchase a product from a private company,\u201d the letter, which was signed by more than 70 House members, reads.\r\nMesser has consistently fought for the repeal of the individual mandate and supported President Trump\u2019s calls for its repeal in November.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/press-release/prosper-act-opening-door-make-american-students-best-world", "PROSPER Act: Opening the Door to Make American Students the Best in the World", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tTUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017\n\u00a0\n PROSPER Act: Opening the Door to Make American Students the Best in the World \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC--Today, Congressman Todd Rokita will participate in the markup of the PROSPER Act to improve career readiness for Hoosiers by bettering higher education institutions.  \n\t\u00a0\n\u201cWhen our kids leave college they need to be ready for the career path they choose--but today, not all of our students are ready. This reform is going to help give students and parents the reassurance that their degrees are workforce relevant. It will also help students financially by focusing on simplifying the student aid process, focusing on consolidation and simplification of loans, and overall bringing down the cost of education.\u201d \n\u00a0\nThe PROSPER Act includes major changes to the Department of Education bureaucracy as a result of Rokita\u2019s efforts. The PROSPER Act calls for a consolidation and elimination of duplicative programs and, as a result of \u00a0Rokita\u2019s efforts, this consolidation would also eliminate jobs from these programs. Rokita also wrote part of the legislation that would limit the power of the Secretary of Education because the power to influence education is better placed at the state and local level.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe U.S. Department of Education has too much power and there\u2019s too much bureaucracy--it is getting in the way of our kids and their futures,\u201d said Rokita. \u201cThe PROSPER Act is about creating an environment that helps students prosper by eliminating harmful bureaucracy, simplifying the student aid application and approval process, encouraging educational innovation, and truly opening the door to make American students the best in the world. Through the PROSPER Act our students will be given more opportunity.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe PROSPER Act also:\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Advocates for the First Amendment Rights of Students by reminding universities that they should be upholding students\u2019 free speech rights\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Eliminates duplicative student aid programs\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Simplifies the burdensome FAFSA form and process\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Promotes financial counseling to help students make better financial decisions regarding their loans\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Enhances accountability and transparency\n\u00a0\nWatch the markup by clicking here.\n\u00a0\nFor more information on the PROSPER Act, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-president-trump-following-through-his-promises-our-military", "Rokita: President Trump is Following Through on His Promises to Our Military", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tTUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2017\n\u00a0\n Rokita: President Trump is Following Through on His Promises to Our Military  \n\u00a0\nCongressman Todd Rokita released the following statement after President Trump signed the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act into law.\n\u201cWe have the best military in the world and now with this legislation our troops will have resources they need to protect us, and they will receive the care and pay they deserve. By signing this legislation, President Trump is following through on his promises to strengthen our military and make our world a safer place.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-bipartisan-re-refining-bill-passes-house-of-representatives", "Brooks Bipartisan Re-Refining Bill Passes House of Representatives", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -\u00a0Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 1733, a bill introduced by Congresswoman Susan Brooks and Congressman Joe Kennedy (D-MA). This bipartisan bill directs the Secretary of Energy to review and update a federal report on the energy and environmental benefits of the re-refining of used lubricated oil. Congresswoman Brooks issued the following statement after today\u2019s vote:\n\u201cI am proud the House of Representatives passed this bill with bipartisan support today because Americans across the country daily operate motor vehicles that rely on lubricated oil to run safely and efficiently. Our country is already re-refining lubricated oil through a process which rids the oil of harmful contaminants and restores the oil to its original effectiveness. Some of the nation\u2019s largest vehicle fleets recycle used oil for re-refining and procure re-refined oil, including the Department of Defense, U.S. Postal Service, National Park Service, and state and local authorities.\n\u201cIn order to fully understand the benefits of recycling lubricated oil, we need an up-to-date report from the Department of Energy that will provide members of Congress with updated information that will better allow us to develop energy saving and environmentally conscious policy in connection with how our nation uses and reuses lubricating oil. Having an updated report will also allow companies in Indiana and across the country to have a better understanding on how they can anticipate the needs of the federal government and provide the best quality product for American consumers.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/medical-device-tax-relief/", "Walorski Introduces Bill to Provide Relief from Job-Killing Medical Device Tax", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 12, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Introduces Bill to Provide Relief from Job-Killing Medical Device Tax \n Obamacare Tax on Innovative Health Products Would Hit Hoosier Manufacturers, Destroy Jobs \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today introduced legislation to suspend Obamacare's medical device tax for five years.\nThe job-killing medical device tax would have a devastating impact on Hoosier workers and patients across the country who depend on life-saving medical innovation, Congresswoman Walorski said. I am committed to permanently ending this burdensome tax. As we continue working toward repeal, we must protect workers and patients by preventing it from taking effect.\nBACKGROUND\nWalorski joined Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) in introducing H.R. 4617, which would provide relief for five years from Obamacare's 2.3 percent excise tax on medical device sales. Congress in 2015 delayed the tax for two years, but it is set to take effect once again in 2018. The House has also passed legislation to permanently repeal the tax.\nH.R. 4617 was among several bills introduced by members of the Ways and Means Committee aimed at protecting American families and job creators from Obamacare taxes set to take effect in 2018.\n \nH.R. 4618, introduced by Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.), provides relief for two years from the tax on over-the-counter medications, expanding access and reducing health care costs by once again allowing for reimbursement under consumer-directed accounts.\nH.R. 4620, introduced by Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), provides relief in 2018 from the Health Insurance Tax that drives up health care costs, if the insurer provides the plan holder with a premium rebate and delays the tax in 2019 for all insurers.\nH.R. 4619, introduced by Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), provides needed relief from the Health Insurance Tax, for 2 years for health care plans regulated by Puerto Rico.\nH.R. 4616, introduced by Reps. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), delivers three years of retroactive relief and one year of prospective relief from the harmful employer mandate paired with a one-year delay of the Cadillac Tax.\n \nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=237", "Banks Introduces Resolution Honoring Pulitzer Prize-Winning WWII Correspondent Ernie Pyle", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks Introduces Resolution Honoring Pulitzer Prize-Winning WWII Correspondent Ernie Pyle \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 8, 2017\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      Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) introduced H. Res. 648 last night to designate August 3, 2018 as National Ernie Pyle Day in honor of native Hoosier and Pulitzer Prize-winning World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle. Ernie Pyle is one of the most beloved and respected war correspondents in our nations history, said Banks. His reporting consistently showed the courage and sacrifices of our nations service members during World War II. There is no better way to celebrate the legacy of this distinguished Hoosier than to dedicate a national day in his honor. Indiana Senators Todd Young and Joe Donnelly previously introduced a Senate version of the resolution.\r\rAfter studying journalism at Indiana University, Ernie Pyle, served as a correspondent in Indiana and later overseas during World War II. Beginning his career at La Portes The Daily Herald, Mr. Pyle would go on to receive the Pulitzer Prize for his distinguished reporting of WWII in 1944. During his tenure as a war correspondent, he worked alongside our soldiers in the field to produce work that properly commemorated a soldiers courage and sacrifice.\r\r  \r\t### Interested members of the media may contact Andrea Palermo at andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov.\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://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=236", "Banks Recognizes WWII Hero Joe George on Anniversary of Pearl Harbor", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today spoke on the House floor to honor Joe George, a sailor who showed exceptional bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor and saved six men trapped on the USS Arizona.\r\nClick here or on the image below to view Congressman Banks speech.\r\nText of the speech follows:\r\nThank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Joe George, a sailor who showed exceptional bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor.\r\nJoe defied direct orders from his superior officer and saved the lives of six men trapped on the embattled USS Arizona.\r\nMr. Speaker, for years Joes family and two veterans he saved have petitioned the Navy to acknowledge his bravery.\r\nI first heard his story from Warsaw, Indiana middle school students Keller Bailey, Jason Benyousky, Ryun Hoffert, Geoffery Hochstetlar and their advisor Richard Rooker regarding their National History Day project.\r\nI introduced a resolution that highlights Joes courage and calls for the Navy to recognize his selfless actions during the attack.\r\nMr. Speaker, I am pleased that the Navy recently announced that Joe George will be posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his heroism.\r\nJoe George is an American hero and a shining example of the courage of the Greatest Generation.\r\nThank you Mr. Speaker, I yield back.\r\n###\r\nInterested members of the media contact Andrea Palermo at andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=234", "Banks Praises Presidents Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Capital of Israel", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks Praises Presidents Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Capital of Israel \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 6, 2017\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      Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today made the following statement regarding President Trump formally recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel:\r\rTodays announcement by President Trump re-affirms the special relationship between the United States and Israel. For thousands of years, Jerusalem has been the center of Jewish heritage and life. Recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital sends a strong message to the world that America stands with our cherished ally. It is great to have a president who is finally enforcing the law passed by Congress in 1995 recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital.\r\r###\r\rInterested members of the media may contact Andrea Palermo andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov.\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://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=235", "Banks Supports Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks Supports Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act \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 6, 2017\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      Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today released the following statement after voting for the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act:\r\rProtecting the constitutionally-guaranteed Second Amendment rights of Hoosiers is one of my top legislative priorities. While I would have preferred that the legislation voted on today  which contains two separate issues  be debated separately, the reciprocity reforms in this bill are too important not to support. This bill will give law-abiding citizens the ability to protect themselves when traveling across state lines, a significant step forward in exercising our Second Amendment rights. I will continue to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners. Background:  \r\tThis legislation passed the House today 231-198. The bill would affirm that Americans who are legally qualified to carry concealed handguns in one state can also carry in other states who allow their residents to do so. The legislation also paves a path forward for appealing wrongful National Instant Criminal Background Check System denials and addresses record inaccuracies. The legislation is also supported by the National Rifle Association.\r\r### Interested members of the media may contact Andrea Palermo and andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov.\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://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-votes-defend-second-amendment-rights-hoosiers", "Dr. Bucshon Votes to Defend Second Amendment Rights of Hoosiers", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 (H.R. 38):\n\t\t\t\t\u201cThe Founding Fathers understood that an individuals\u2019 right to bear arms, which is a right explicitly guaranteed by our Constitution, is essential to securing our personal freedoms.\u00a0 The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act ensures that the Constitutional rights of Americans do not end simply because they cross a state. \u00a0Any citizen who possess a valid concealed carry permit in one state can legally carry their firearm into another state.\u00a0 They would still have to adhere to established state and local laws.\u00a0 This is no different than the way a driver\u2019s license issued in one state is good in another state.\u00a0 I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and will continue fighting to protect this vitally important Constitutional right.\u201d \n\t\t\t\tNOTE: Dr. Bucshon is a cosponsor of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-votes-expedite-va-investigations", "Dr. Bucshon Votes to Expedite VA Investigations", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 \u00a0Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after the House passed the Enhancing Veteran Care Act (S. 1266):\n\t\t\t\t\u201cRecently the VA has been under investigation for providing substandard care and putting the wellbeing and safety of its patients at risk.\u00a0 Our veterans should be able to count on receiving high-quality health care when they visit the VA because it\u2019s care they\u2019ve earned through their service to our nation in uniform.\u00a0 The Enhancing Veteran Care Act is yet another step that Congress is taking to hold the VA accountable and ensure veterans are receiving high-quality care by authorizing the use of outside nonprofit organizations that accredit health care organizations to investigate the care provided at VA medical centers.\u201d\u00a0Dr. Bucshon continued,\u00a0\u201cOur veterans deserve not only our respect and gratitude, but also our attention and action.\u00a0 I look forward to President Trump signing this into law so that we take yet another step to ensure our veterans are receiving the care they have earned through their service to our nation.\u201d\u00a0 \n\t\t\t\tFor more information on the Enhancing Veteran Care Act, click\u00a0HERE.\n\t\t\t\t115th\u00a0Congressional Legislation Signed into Law\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 3819: The Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 3218: The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017\n\t\t\t\tH.R.\u00a02519: The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act\n\t\t\t\tH.R.\u00a02288:\u00a0The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 1329: The Veterans\u2019 Compensation COLA Act of 2017\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 244: HIRE Vets Act\n\t\t\t\tS. 1094: The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017\n\t\t\t\tS. 114: A bill to authorize appropriations for the Veterans Choice Program\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 369: Eliminating the Sunset Date of the Choice Act\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=717", "Rep. Messer Issues Statement on President Trump Declaring Jerusalem Capital of Israel", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Messer Issues Statement on President Trump Declaring Jerusalem Capital of Israel \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,\r\n        December 6, 2017\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\n      \r\n        WASHINGTON (Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) issued the following statement today in support of President Trump\u2019s decision to declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON (Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) issued the following statement today in support of President Trump\u2019s decision to declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel.\r\n\"I support President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This recognition is long overdue,\" Messer said. \"Hoosiers agree that Israel is our most important ally in the region, and\u00a0President Trump's decision reaffirms our commitment to stand with the Jewish State.\"\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://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=719", "Messer Votes to Protect Second Amendment Rights for Gun Owners Across State Lines", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Messer Votes to Protect Second Amendment Rights for Gun Owners Across State Lines \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,\r\n        December 6, 2017\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\n      \r\n        WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today voted in favor of legislation he co-sponsored that protects the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners across state lines.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today voted in favor of legislation he co-sponsored that protects the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners across state lines.\r\nMesser spoke on the House floor in favor of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act before it passed the House of Representatives.\r\n\u201cThe right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental freedom guaranteed by our Constitution.\u201d Messer said. \u201cHoosiers get it: law-abiding gun owners have a right to defend themselves and that right should not end at the state line.\u201d\r\nUnder the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, if a law-abiding person has a concealed carry permit in one state, they may carry their gun in any other state that allows their own residents to do so.\r\nVIDEO of Messer speaking on the floor in support of the legislation can be found below and\u00a0HERE.\r\n\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://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-fights-concealed-carry-reciprocity", "Rokita Fights for Concealed Carry Reciprocity", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tWEDNESDAY, \u00a0DECEMBER 6, 2017\n\u00a0\n Rokita Fights for Concealed Carry Reciprocity  \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC--Congressman Todd Rokita fights to protect our right to bear arms through concealed carry reciprocity. Rokita\u2019s statement is below.\n\u201cFor too long, Washington elites have tried to take away our lawful right to gun ownership. H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act will ensure that the rights of all law-abiding Hoosiers to bear arms will be respected no matter which state they visit. Today\u2019s bill helps protect our Second Amendment rights.\u201d\nH.R. 38 passed the House of Representatives today. It would allow people with a state-issued concealed carry license or permit to be able to carry their handgun or firearm in other states as long as the individual follows local laws.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-jerusalem-capital-israel-us-embassy-rightfully-belongs-there", "Rokita: Jerusalem is the Capital of Israel, the US Embassy Rightfully Belongs There", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tWEDNESDAY, \u00a0DECEMBER 6, 2017\n\u00a0\n Rokita: Jerusalem is the Capital of Israel, the US Embassy Rightfully Belongs There \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC--Congressman Todd Rokita stands with President Trump in recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and taking action to move the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to the capital.\n\u201cJerusalem is the capital of Israel and the United States embassy rightfully should reside there. While presidents from both parties have called for this recognition of Israel, President Trump is the first president to take action. President Trump and I are strong allies of Israel and I will continue working to maintain and enhance this relationship.\u201d\nPresident Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on Wednesday. While the U.S. embassy will not immediately relocate from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the State Department will start creating plans for this move. Representative Rokita had previously cosponsored H.R. 257, the Recognition of Jerusalem as the Capital of the State of Israel Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/34-house-republicans-tell-paul-ryan-to-fix-daca-before-christmas", "34 House Republicans tell Paul Ryan to fix DACA before Christmas", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Nearly three dozen House Republicans asked House Speaker Paul Ryan Tuesday to pass legislation this year that creates a permanent legislative solution to the expiring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.\n\"While we firmly believe that Congress must work to address other issues without our broken immigration system, it is imperative that Republicans and Democrats come together to solve this problem now and not wait until next year,\" the 34 lawmakers wrote in a letter to Ryan. \"Reaching across the aisle to protect DACA recipients before the holidays is the right thing to do.\"\nRepublican Main Street Caucus Chairman Rodney Davis of Illinois and other caucus members joined the group to call for Ryan to move quickly to pass a bill. But that still leaves out more than 200 other House Republicans who did not join the effort.\n\"This letter shows many Republicans are serious about finding a permanent solution to solving the DACA issue as President Trump has urged Congress to do,\" Davis said in a statement. \"However, we want to work with leadership to craft a solution that will pass, not play political games or hold government funding hostage like some of our Democrat counterparts.\"\nRepublicans on the letter were Mark Amodei, Joe Barton, Susan Brooks, Mike Coffman, Ryan Costello, Carlos Curbelo, Rodney Davis, Jeff Denham, John Faso, Brian Fitzpatrick, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, Will Hurd, John Katko, Charlie Dent, Peter King, Adam Kinzinger, Leonard Lance, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Frank LoBiondo, Mia Love, Tom McArthur, Pat Meehan, Dan Newhouse, Bruce Poliquin, Dave Reichert, Mike Simpson, Chris Smith, Elise Stefanik, Chris Stewart, Scott Taylor, Glenn Thompson, Fred Upton, David Valadao, and Mimi Walters.\nFormer President Barack Obama created DACA through an executive order in 2012. The program allows younger illegal immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children to stay in the country and work.\nIn early September, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Trump administration would wind down the program and end it March 5, 2018, giving Congress a six-month head start to approve a new version of the program through legislation. Congress must pass legislation in order to continue legal protections and work permits for the 795,000 initial recipients and 900,000 renewed recipients, although Trump has hinted he could delay the March 5 deadline.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/zchs-junior-wins-congressional-app-challenge", "ZCHS junior wins Congressional App Challenge", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Will Schrepferman, a Zionsville Community High School junior, recently won the Congressional App Challenge with a mobile application he created that helps connects high school students to school organizations and activities.\nThe Congressional App Challenge is a competition for districts across the nation intended to promote student engagement in computer science and coding. Students of any age in the 5th District could create an app on a platform of their choice.\nThe \u201cZCHS Clubs\u201d app is available in the Google Play Story and students can use it to find detailed information on clubs and organizations throughout the high school.\nThe three judges were Dr. Jennifer Coy, Chairwoman of the Department of Computer Science at Anderson University, Kenneth Pascascio, Curriculum Engineer and Instructor at the Eleven Fifty Academy and Mr. Corey Sharp, Director of Purdue Polytechnic \u2013 Anderson Campus.\n\u201cThis application is in a league of its own,\u201d Pascascio said in his evalution. \u201cIt\u2019s tailored for high schoolers who want to be connected with clubs on their campus.\u201d\nHe added that the user interface guides the user well.\n\u201cI was really impressed by this application \u2013 from the user interface to the use of source control to keep an online repository for the code base,\u201d he said.\nShrepferman will receive $250 in Amazon Web Services credits to use towards hosting his app on the Amazon hosting site. His YouTube video will also be featured on the House.gov website and in a rotating display in the tunnel between the Cannon House Office building and the Capitol.\nAccording to the CAC website, the idea was first introduced in 2013 when the House passed Academic Competition Resolution of 2013. This year is its third official year and included more than 200 districts throughout the nation. Each district\u2019s winner will be invited to the House of Code reception this spring to demonstrate their app in front of members of Congress and other CAC winners.\nLast year\u2019s winner from the 5th District was Jack Sutton from Hamilton Southeastern High School for his app, Leon, which was designed to shorten the process on doing background research for a specific company\u2019s stock.\nRep. Susan Brooks, R-5th District, awarded Shrepferman his winning certificate at ZCHS on the morning of Dec. 4 to kick off Computer Science Education Week.\n\u201cWill is a bright, thoughtful and engaged student and I look forward to seeing his work on display in the halls of Congress and on the U.S. House of Representatives website,\u201d Brooks said in a statement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/brooks-statement-supporting-president-s-declaration-naming-jerusalem-the", "Brooks Statement Supporting Presidents  Declaration Naming Jerusalem the Capital of Israel", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -\u00a0Today, Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks issued the following statement in support of President Trump\u2019s decision to declare Jerusalem as the capital of Israel:\n\u201cJerusalem has long been the home to Israel\u2019s seat of government, and today\u2019s declaration only reaffirms the United States\u2019 commitment to supporting this successful democracy and our closest ally in the Middle East. I applaud President Trump\u2019s dedication to supporting the Jewish State and its people, and believe relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem would further promote peace and stability in Israel.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-brooks-bipartisan-re-refining-bill-passes-energy-commerce-full", "VIDEO: Brooks Bipartisan Re-Refining Bill Passes Energy & Commerce Full Committee", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WATCH Brooks\u2019 remarks from today\u2019s markup in support of H.R.1733 here.\nWASHINGTON, D.C. -\u00a0Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR), passed H.R. 1733, a bill introduced by Congresswoman Susan Brooks and Congressman Joe Kennedy (D-MA). This bipartisan bill directs the Secretary of Energy to review and update a report on the energy and environmental benefits of the re-refining of used lubricated oil. Congresswoman Brooks issued the following statement after this morning\u2019s vote:\n\u201cLike many Hoosiers, I believe in the value of recycling many products. There are so many benefits to recycling lubricating oil. I am proud to have introduced a bill that is aimed at saving energy and protecting the environment in connection with how we use and reuse lubricating oil, such as motor oil. The re-refining process removes contaminates from used oil and blends additives to restore the oil to its original effectiveness. Used oil can even be re-refined infinitely, and re-refined oil is suitable for use in all types of gas and diesel engines.\u00a0\n\u201cDespite the unambiguous benefits of re-refining used oil, the United States lags well behind other developed nations in the amount of used oil that is re-refined and procured. Ensuring Congress has up-to-date data on the value of recycled oil will allow legislators to better make decisions when investigating environmental and energy policy moving forward. I\u2019d like to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the Energy and Commerce Committee for their support of this bipartisan bill that is environmentally conscious and supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy.\u201d\nFor more information on today\u2019s Energy and Commerce markup, including a background memo, archived webcast, amendments, vote tallies, and text of legislation, click\u00a0here.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/concealed-carry-reciprocity/", "Walorski Votes for National Concealed Carry Reciprocity", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, December 6, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Votes for National Concealed Carry Reciprocity \n House Passes Bill to Allow Concealed Carry Across State Lines, Strengthen Background Checks \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today voted to allow law-abiding gun owners with a concealed carry permit to exercise their rights when traveling across state lines.\nAmericans don't lose their Second Amendment rights when they cross state lines, and they shouldn't lose their concealed carry rights either, Congresswoman Walorski said. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act will protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners and allow those qualified to carry a concealed firearm to do so in any state that allows it.\nBACKGROUND\nState laws and regulations have created a confusing patchwork of reciprocity agreements for concealed carry permit holders. The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38), which passed the House by a vote of 231 to 198, would allow any law-abiding gun owner with a valid, state-issued concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm in any state that allows concealed carry.\nEach state would still determine its permitting requirements, and individuals would have to abide by state local concealed carry laws. Nothing in the bill would change who is eligible to possess a firearm, and it would exclude anyone who is prohibited by federal law from owning or carrying a gun.\nH.R. 38 also includes a bipartisan measure to help law enforcement prevent dangerous criminals from obtaining firearms. Based on the bipartisan, bicameral Fix the NICS Act (H.R. 4477), these provisions would strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by ensuring federal and state authorities report criminal history records to NICS as existing law requires.\nThe bill would penalize federal agencies that fail to report relevant criminal records, incentivizes states to improve reporting, and directs federal funds to ensure domestic violence records are accurately reported. It would also require the Bureau of Justice Statistics to report to Congress whether current criminal penalties already cover the use of bump-fire stocks to commit violent crimes.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/taylor-force-act/", "Walorski Supports Restricting Aid Until Palestinian Authority Stops Terror Payments", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, December 5, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Supports Restricting Aid Until Palestinian Authority Stops Terror Payments \n House Passes Bipartisan Taylor Force Act to Press Palestinian Authority to End Pay for Slay Policy \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today supported bipartisan legislation to restrict aid to the Palestinian Authority until it stops paying jailed terrorists and the families of deceased terrorists. The House passed H.R. 1164, the Taylor Force Act, by unanimous voice vote.\nThe Palestinian Authority spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year rewarding terrorists and inciting attacks on innocent Israelis and Americans. This barbaric practice must end, Congresswoman Walorski said. The Taylor Force Act will put pressure on the Palestinians to stop these terror payments, and it will ensure American taxpayers aren't subsidizing terrorism.\nBACKGROUND\nThe Palestinian Authority has paid an estimated $1.1 billion over the last four years to terrorists and their families. Under existing law, the U.S. reduces economic assistance to the Palestinian Authority as a result of these payments, but the pay to slay policy has continued. The Taylor Force Act, which Walorski cosponsored, would dramatically increase pressure to end this practice.\nH.R. 1164 would restrict U.S. aid for the West Bank and Gaza that directly benefits the Palestinian Authority until the State Department can certify payments to terrorists and their families have stopped and the Palestinian Authority is taking steps to end terrorist attacks against Americans and Israelis.\nThe bill is named for Taylor Force, a 28-year-old U.S. Army veteran who was stabbed to death by a Palestinian terrorist in Israel last year.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=714", "ICYMI: Messer Discusses Tax Cut Plan\u2019s Latest Progress on Fox News", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Messer Discusses Tax Cut Plan\u2019s Latest Progress on Fox News \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      \u201cThe most important priority is delivering tax cuts for working people in America\u201d \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,\r\n        December 4, 2017\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\n      \r\n        ICYMI U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) joined Fox News this afternoon to discuss the latest progress on President Trump\u2019s tax cut plan.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      ICYMI U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) joined Fox News this afternoon to discuss the latest progress on President Trump\u2019s tax cut plan.\r\n\u201cIn the end, what matters is we cut taxes for working Americans, we modernize this tax code and we keep this economy moving,\u201d Messer said during the interview. \u201cThis is a great opportunity and we need to get it done.\u201d\r\nThe House will vote later today on a motion to go to conference with the Senate on the tax cut bill to reconcile the differences between the legislation each chamber passed.\r\nThe House tax cut bill includes Messer\u2019s effort to eliminate tax credits for illegal immigrants, ensuring that\u00a0only taxpayers with a Social Security Number that is valid for work can claim the Child Tax Credit.\r\nMesser also discussed the latest on funding the government, DACA and other news topics.\r\nRep. Messer\u2019s full interview on Fox News can be found below and\u00a0HERE.\r\n\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://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-introduces-stopping-lawless-actions-politicians-act", "Rokita Introduces Stopping Lawless Actions of Politicians Act", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tMONDAY, \u00a0DECEMBER 4, 2017\n\u00a0\n Rokita Introduces Stopping Lawless Actions of Politicians Act \nLegislation Will Enact Criminal Penalties for Politicians Obstructing Federal Immigration Enforcement Efforts\n\u00a0\nWashington, DC\u2014Congressman Todd Rokita introduced the SLAP Act (H.R. 4526, the Stopping Lawless Actions of Politicians) to hold lawless state and local politicians accountable with criminal penalties for working to obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts:\n\u201cThe American people are rightfully infuriated watching politicians put their open-borders ideology before the rule of law, and the safety of the people they represent. Politicians don't get to pick and choose what laws to comply with. \u00a0Americans are dying because politicians sworn to uphold the law refuse to do so,\u201d Congressman Rokita said. \u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s time the federal government gets serious about enforcing immigration laws and holding politicians accountable who conspire to break them.\"\u00a0 \u00a0\nViolators of this law could be sentenced to 5 years in federal prison and be fined up to $1 million. This elitist mentality that everyone is not equal under the law must come to an end. These politicians want one set of rules for hard working Americans, but a different set of rules for illegal immigrants, and themselves.\u00a0\u00a0\nCongressman Rokita opposes amnesty, supports building a wall and securing the border and voted for Kate\u2019s Law to crackdown on sanctuary cities.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=233", "Banks Praises Senate for Moving Tax Reform Forward", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks Praises Senate for Moving Tax Reform Forward \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 2, 2017\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\nCongressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today made the following statement following the passage of tax reform legislation in the Senate:\r\nWhile work remains to be done, the Senates important vote brings us one step closer to providing tax relief to the middle class, lowering taxes on small businesses and making our corporate tax code competitive with the rest of the world. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that the conference committee produces a bill that takes the best components of the House and Senate plans, such as fully repealing the estate tax, eliminating Obamacares individual mandate, simplifying the tax code to fewer brackets, and immediately lowering corporate and individual tax rates. Hoosiers should get to keep more of their hard-earned dollars.\"\r\n###\r\nInterested members of the media may contact Andrea Palermo andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov.\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://rokita.house.gov/editorial/12-2-17-rokita", "12-2-2017 Rokita Report", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 115th Congress.\u00a0 I trust this finds you and your family well, as we work together to bring Hoosier common sense to Washington.\nFor daily updates, please take a moment to \"Like\" my Facebook page by clicking here \u00a0or follow me on Twitter if you prefer \u00a0@ToddRokita.\n In this week's Rokita Report \n Protecting Taxpayers from Secret Settlements\nIndianapolis Service Club\nStopping Human Trafficking on Our Roads\nRokita Reading\n \nProtecting Taxpayers from Secret Settlements\nAmericans are sick and tired of the special treatment given to members of Congress.\u00a0 Taxpayers should never fund hush money used to protect the careers of politicians faced with allegations of sexual harassment.\u00a0 That is why I worked with Congressman Ron DeSantis of Florida to write bipartisan legislation that would put an end to taxpayers footing the bill to cover up harassment allegations against members of Congress.\nOur bill, the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act, includes\u00a0common-sense reforms such as:\n Prohibiting the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims.\nDisclosing all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance on its website (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed).\nRequiring perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest.\nProhibiting non disclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims.\nPermitting victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed non disclosure agreement.\n This week, the House passed a resolution by voice vote that requires all Members of the House and our staff to undergo training for anti-harassment and anti-discrimination.\u00a0 I strongly supported this resolution and cosponsored it.\u00a0\nIndianapolis Service Club\nOn Monday, I addressed the Service Club of Indianapolis.\u00a0 Members of the club are Hoosiers who served in the armed forces and seek to sustain high standards of patriotism and service in our society.\u00a0 I shared with them my gratitude for their service.\u00a0 They not only served our nation, but continue to have a guiding hand in shaping our nation today with their civic engagement.\nBefore my remarks, I made sure to meet with members of the Service Club of Indianapolis to hear directly from them on their concerns.\nI spoke about how when they served in the armed forces, they protected our American Exceptionalism.\u00a0 In defense of our nation, they defended the rights that we still stand for - freedom, the American way of life, and the self-governance that is built into our system.\u00a0 Our Constitution exists to protect, not grant, these rights and remains the best document to do so that the world has ever seen.\u00a0 After their military service, members of the Service Club of Indianapolis have engaged in civic service \"to foster and perpetuate the principles of Americanism.\"\u00a0 They engage in the some of the free activities made possible only by their service and sacrifice.\u00a0 We honor all service-members by preserving our freedoms and keeping our Republic.\nStopping Human Trafficking on Our Roads\nHuman trafficking is a horrible crime.\u00a0 It denies people their\u00a0freedoms and\u00a0tries to deprive\u00a0them of their dignity.\u00a0 According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, it is the fastest-growing and the third-largest criminal activity in the world.\u00a0 In the House, we are addressing this issue\u00a0with great urgency.\u00a0 The full\u00a0House has\u00a0passed over a dozen bills this year that address this topic.\u00a0 This week, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved two more bills on this issue.\nThe No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act would prohibit felons who have used a commercial vehicle to commit a human trafficking felony from operating a commercial vehicle.\u00a0 This is a common sense reform that prevents bad actors from returning to their crimes.\nThe Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act focuses on the prevention of human trafficking.\u00a0 The bill would designate a human trafficking prevention coordinator at the U.S. Department of Transportation.\u00a0 This individual would be tasked with increasing outreach, education, and reporting efforts on human trafficking at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.\nBoth bills passed committee\u00a0by voice vote and I look forward to supporting them before the full House of Representatives soon.\nRokita Reading  A clickable offering of books and articles that I've read recently and highly recommend, as we strive together to \"Keep the Republic.\"\nAs Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, I recognize the importance of being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.\u00a0 As such, we should\u00a0focus our assistance on helping elevate our fellow citizens and not creating dependence on government.\u00a0 An informative article on this topic is this week's Rokita Reading.\u00a0 What FDR Knew About Welfare was published in the Wall Street Journal and was written by James Payne of the Independent\u00a0Institute.\nPayne discusses his experience at a symposium of social workers and how the title of one session for at-risk youths,\u00a0\"A Hand Up Not A Handout,\" provided a \"jarring reminder of how far the country has traveled in thinking about welfare.\"\u00a0 According to Payne, \"handouts can leave recipients less capable of taking care of themselves by lowering the drive to work.\"\u00a0 This is because \"to thrive, human beings need healthy expectations and\u00a0purposeful challenges.\"\nGood policy, doesn't leave people dependent on government but elevates them by solidifying\u00a0the dignity of work.\u00a0 Older generations understood this.\u00a0 Octavia Hill, who spent a lifetime helping London's poor in the late 19th century, said that personal relationships and quid pro quo arrangements were vital.\u00a0 Franklin D. Roosevelt said that \"continued dependence upon relief induces a spiritual and moral disintegration fundamentally destructive to the national fiber.\"\u00a0\nThank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts to bring Hoosier common sense to Washington. Take care.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,    \n\t\t\t\t\tTodd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/taxreform-senate/", "Walorski Statement on Senate Tax Reform Passage", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Saturday, December 2, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Statement on Senate Tax Reform Passage \n House Will Vote Monday to Begin Conference to Finalize Legislation \nMISHAWAKA, Ind.  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after the Senate passed tax reform legislation:\n Hardworking Hoosiers send too much of their hard-earned money to Washington and spend too much time figuring out their taxes. That's why the House passed historic tax reform legislation that would boost our economy, simplify the tax code, level the playing field for American workers, and let middle-income families keep more of their paychecks. Now the Senate's action has brought us yet another step closer to getting tax reform across the finish line, and I look forward to working together to send President Trump a bill to sign. \nBACKGROUND\nIn November, the House passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which would overhaul the nation's tax code, cut taxes for Americans at all income levels, and spur job creation and business investment.\nThe House on Monday will vote on a motion to go to conference, the next step in the process of reconciling differences between the House and Senate versions of tax reform legislation and sending a final bill to the president's desk.\nFor more information about tax reform, visit walorski.house.gov/taxreform.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=231", "Banks: Congress Cannot Allow Medical Device Tax to Go Back Into Effect", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks: Congress Cannot Allow Medical Device Tax to Go Back Into Effect \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 1, 2017\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      Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today urged his colleagues to take swift action to permanently repeal the federal tax on medical devices, which is set to go back into effect one month from today on January 1, 2018. One month from today, this misguided tax will go back into effect unless Congress acts. Allowing this tax to be implemented again will hurt job creation in Indiana and stifle health care innovation. There is broad, bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress for a permanent repeal of the medical device tax, and there is no reason for further delay. Preventing this tax from going back into effect should be a top congressional priority this month.  ###      Media inquiries may be directed to Andrea Palermo at andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov. \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://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=232", "Banks: Jerusalem is Rightful Capital of Israel", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks: Jerusalem is Rightful Capital of Israel \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 1, 2017\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        Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today made the following statement regarding news reports that the Trump administration will announce plans next week to declare Jerusalem the capital of Israel:  Recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital not only sends a strong message to the world, but is also the most rational move considering a majority of Americas diplomatic work already takes place in this holy city. President Trump is right to enforce the 1995 law recognizing Jerusalem as Israels capital and to stand with our cherished ally.  ###  Interested members of the media may contact Andrea Palermo andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov. \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://rokita.house.gov/press-release/prosper-act-making-sure-our-workforce-ready-and-able", "The PROSPER Act: Making Sure Our Workforce Is Ready and Able", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tFRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017\n\u00a0\n The PROSPER Act: Making Sure Our Workforce Is Ready and Able \u00a0 \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC--Congressman Todd Rokita, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, voiced optimism upon the introduction of the PROSPER Act-- the Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform Act.\n\u201cThe PROSPER Act is about reforming higher education to help past, present and future Hoosiers by making sure Hoosiers are ready and able to fill or create jobs throughout our district, state, and country. These reforms are critical because student debt and tuition prices continue to rise and are at historic levels. The American people have lost faith in our colleges\u2019 and universities\u2019 abilities to properly prepare our students for the real world,\u201d said Rokita.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/taxpayer-settlements/", "Walorski Introduces Legislation to Prohibit Taxpayer-Funded Settlements by Members of Congress", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday, December 1, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Introduces Legislation to Prohibit Taxpayer-Funded Settlements by Members of Congress \n H.Res. 642 Requires Repayment of Office Funds, Public Disclosure of Sexual Harassment Settlements \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today introduced legislation that would prohibit members of Congress from using their taxpayer-funded office budgets to settle sexual harassment claims.\nTaxpayer dollars should never be used to cover up wrongdoing, Congresswoman Walorski said. It's time to put an end to secret, taxpayer-funded settlements over harassment claims in Congress. This legislation would prohibit members of Congress from using their office budgets to settle sexual misconduct cases, and it would shed light on abuses of the system by making settlements public while protecting the identity of accusers.\nBACKGROUND\nH.Res. 642 would prohibit the use of funds from House office budgets, known as the Members' Representational Allowance, to settle cases involving sexual harassment and misconduct claims against members of Congress or their staff. It would retroactively require the accused individual to personally repay any office funds used in such settlements.\nThe resolution would also direct the House Administration Committee to publicly disclose online any new settlements it approves involving sexual harassment allegations against members of Congress or their staff. Each disclosure would include a description of the violation, the identity of the subject of the claim, and the amount of the settlement, while protecting the identity of the accuser.\nThe House on Wednesday unanimously approved new rules mandating anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training for all members of Congress and their staff. H.Res. 630 requires each member, officer, and employee of the House of Representatives to undergo a training session on workplace rights and responsibilities each session of Congress.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=712", "Messer Introduces Legislation Protecting Victims of Sexual Assault and Harassment", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, Nov.  30, 2017) \u2014 After announcing plans earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today filed legislation to better protect victims of sexual assault and harassment in Congress.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, Nov.\u00a0 30, 2017) \u2014 After announcing plans earlier this week, U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today filed legislation to better protect victims of sexual assault and harassment in Congress.\r\nMesser\u2019s bill would ensure victims aren\u2019t silenced by non-disclosure agreements, and prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims with members of Congress.\r\n\u201cMembers of Congress should not treat taxpayer dollars like a slush fund to settle sexual harassment charges, and my legislation would put a stop to it,\u201d Messer said. \u201cIt would also empower the victims who want to tell their story to come forward and do so.\u201d\r\nThe Empowering Victims of Sexual Misconduct Act would release Congressional staff from current non-disclosure agreements signed as part of a sexual assault settlement with a Member of Congress, and prohibit non-disclosure agreements like this in the future. It would also prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims by a member of Congress or employee of the House or Senate. Additionally, the bill would require previous settlements that were paid out with taxpayer dollars involving members of Congress to be reimbursed to the U.S. Treasury.\r\nThis effort by Messer follows recent reports that Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) settled a sexual harassment complaint with a former staff member using taxpayer dollars. The Associated Press reports that the government has paid more than $17 million in taxpayer money over the last 20 years to settle sexual harassment claims and other workplace violations filed by employees of Congress.\r\nMesser spoke on the House floor Wednesday urging support for his legislation and joined Fox News\u2019 Dana Perino this week to discuss the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/brooks-young-bicameral-measure-to-improve-mental-health-care-for-law-0", "Brooks, Young bicameral measure to improve mental health care for law enforcement advances", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced by Republicans from Indiana U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks and Sen. Todd Young to support law enforcement mental health programs moved a step closer to becoming law with unanimous passage in the House this week.\n\u201cOur police officers face a culture of silence when it comes to mental health challenges, and they need better access to mental health services to help them cope with unforgettable situations,\u201d Brooks said.\nThe Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, S. 867, unanimously passed the Senate in May. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) joined Sen. Young in introducing the measure. The House on Tuesday passed its companion bill, H.R. 2228, which Rep. Brooks introduced along with Reps. Val Demings (D-FL), Doug Collins (R-GA), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Dave Reichert (R-WA). The House-passed version was slightly different and so the bill now moves back to the Senate for consideration.\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation is focused on supporting the mental health and wellness of the law enforcement officers who go to work every day protecting our families and communities,\u201d Young and Donnelly said in a joint statement.\nThe bill would offer grants for law enforcement peer mentoring pilot programs, direct the U.S. Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services to develop mental health provider resources specifically geared toward law enforcement mental health challenges, and study effectiveness of annual mental health checkups and crisis support hotlines.\nPassage of the bill \u201censures that we are one step closer to supporting the men and women in law enforcement with the resources they need to stay healthy while selflessly serving our communities and keeping us safe,\u201d Brooks said.\nYoung and Donnelly added, \u201cWe thank Congresswomen Brooks and Demings for joining us in this effort and laud the House of Representatives for taking this step. We will continue working together to get this bill to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\u201d\nLaw enforcement organizations have voiced their support of the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act.\nFraternal Order of Police (FOP) National President Chuck Canterbury said, \u201cThis bill came to be when Senators Joe Donnelly and Todd Young reached out to us to see what more could be done to help law enforcement officers struggling to cope with the stresses of their profession. This legislation is the first step in making sure we do everything we can to improve the mental wellness of our nation\u2019s law enforcement officers.\u201d\nIn addition to the FOP, the legislation is endorsed by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the National Association of Police Officers, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, and other organizations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/indiana-on-harassment-reps-say-your-tax-money-shouldnt-be-used-for-hush", "Indiana on Harassment: Reps Say Your Tax Money Shouldn't Be Used for Hush Money", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.--Sexual harassment in Congress must not be tolerated, said several Indiana representatives Wednesday, voting on a resolution that requires anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training for all members of Congress, each session.\nThe resolution, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, passed the House.\n\u201cIt is absolutely unacceptable to be subjected to harassment or discrimination of any kind, anywhere,\" said Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Ind.), chair of the House Ethics Committee. \"Today\u2019s vote in the House of Representatives is an important and appropriate first step to educate Members of Congress and their staff on inappropriate workplace actions and how to report such conduct.\"\n\u201cEven still, we must do more to protect the victims from this conduct while ensuring due process for the accused. I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House to improve the workplace called the People\u2019s House and the conduct of those who work in it. With the passage of this resolution, we are one step closer to expressing to the nation that sexual harassment in any capacity is wrong and must be prevented and stopped.\u201d \n\u201cThe House resolution today is a step in the right direction, but it\u2019s clear more must be done.\u201d said Rep. Luke Messer said on the House floor.\u00a0\nMesser recently announced plans to introduce legislation to ensure victims of sexual assault and harassment aren\u2019t silenced by non-disclosure agreements, and prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims with members of Congress.\n\u201cWe must stop taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims against members of Congress and victims should be released from non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from coming forward and telling their story.\u201d\n\u201cAs the father of four children, including two daughters, I believe this is an additional step that can be taken to ensure that anyone working for a Member of Congress in the House of Representatives does so in a positive, professional environment, free of harassment,\" said Rep. Larry Bucshon, a physician who said he ran a medical practice where sexual harassment was unacceptable.\n\"It is imperative that we not stop here - the system for harassment complaints in the House must be reformed in a way that does not deter and stifle victims of harassment from coming forward. Those who are found to have committed harassment in the workplace should not be protected from the consequences of their actions by the secrecy and payouts from the Office of Compliance. This has been secret and unknown not only to the public, but to Members of Congress as well.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/farmbill-priorities/", "Walorski Outlines Farm Bill Priorities", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 30, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Outlines Farm Bill Priorities \n Shares Priorities with Ag Chairman Based on Feedback from Hoosier Farmers \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today sent House Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway a letter outlining priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill. Walorski served on the Agriculture Committee in the 114th Congress, chairing the Nutrition Subcommittee.\nBased on feedback from Hoosier farmers across Indiana's 2nd District, Congresswoman Walorski urged Chairman Conaway to protect crop insurance, reduce and eliminate regulatory hurdles, promote U.S. agriculture exports, support voluntary conservation efforts, prepare for disease outbreaks, fix flaws in critical agriculture programs, support research and innovation, and invest in rural broadband.\nWalorski also expressed strong support for maintaining the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) as part of the Farm Bill and working toward improvements based on the findings of the comprehensive review the Agriculture Committee and Nutrition Subcommittee conducted in the last Congress.\nThe full text of the letter is below.\n \nNovember 30, 2017\nThe Honorable K. Michael Conaway\nChairman\nHouse Committee on Agriculture\n1301 Longworth House Office Building\nWashington, DC 20515\nDear Chairman Conaway,\nThank you for giving me the opportunity to let you know the priorities for Indiana's 2nd District as you begin your work on the 2018 Farm Bill. It was an honor to serve with you on the Agriculture Committee in the 114th Congress, and your effort to reach out to Members is yet another demonstration of your commitment to a fair, open, and thorough process.\nThe 2nd District has a very diverse agricultural makeup that includes corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, poultry, eggs, tomatoes, lumber, spearmint, and much more. The following priorities, listed in no particular order, are based on feedback I received from farmers in my district on the vast array of issues they face and their priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill.\nProtect Crop Insurance: This crucial backstop for farmers and ranchers should not suffer any further cuts.\nReduce and Eliminate Regulatory Hurdles: Agencies should rely on the best available science in their decisions and be more intentional about consulting with farmers and ranchers on the impact of proposed and existing rules. The runaway regulatory regime of the Obama administration put great burdens on farmers and ranchers  unnecessary and duplicative rules should be eliminated to the greatest extent possible.\nPromote U.S. Agriculture Exports: The U.S. trade surplus in agriculture is due in part to programs like the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program, which help farmers and ranchers access new foreign markets. Exports are as important as ever at a time of low commodity prices and falling farm incomes.\nSupport Voluntary Conservation Efforts: My home state of Indiana is a national leader in voluntary conservation programs, and any additional funding flexibility will allow the Hoosier state to continue to innovate and lead with tailored solutions to local issues.\nPrepare for Disease Outbreaks: The 2014-2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) ravaged the poultry and egg industries and served as a reminder of the devastating consequences a disease outbreak, but HPAI isn't the only threat  a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak could be similarly devastating. We must continue to invest in and improve research, preparedness, mitigation, detection, and response to HPAI, FMD, and other diseases.\nFix the Margin Protection Program (MPP) and ARC-PLC: Farmers in my district have voiced strong concerns that the Margin Protection Program (MPP), Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program, and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program are not working as intended. While the reasons for the failures and solutions vary, a strong and reliable safety net is needed, and these programs must be more effective.\nEnsure a Strong Research Title: USDA research is vital to growing crops more efficiently and effectively, protecting animals and crops against diseases, improving environmental stewardship, discovering new production practices, and studying the way Americans consume our agricultural products.\nInvest in Rural Broadband: Our lives are becoming increasingly digital, and farm operations are no different. Unfortunately, internet speeds in rural America greatly lag behind urban and suburban areas. Further investment in rural broadband initiatives can help bridge this gap.\nFinally, I want to make a special note on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). As you know well, we worked together very closely to comprehensively examine this program in the 114th Congress when I chaired the Nutrition Subcommittee. Dozens of hearings have shown that SNAP is a crucial part of the safety net, that the program works, and that there are improvements that can be made. First and foremost, the Nutrition Title must remain a part of the Farm Bill so that we can make these improvements based on the thorough hearing process. When it comes to SNAP, I also hope that the Farm Bill will:\nAllow more innovation and local solutions with strong and impartial follow-up studies;\nFacilitate sharing of best practices among states;\nTighten program integrity to increase confidence in state error rate measurements;\nHelp recipients bridge out of the safety net and into a job; and\nEncourage recipient access to healthy food using incentives rather than harsh limitations.\nThank you again, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership and for giving me the opportunity to share what the hardworking Hoosier farmers in my district view as priorities in the 2018 Farm Bill. Should additional issues arise, I will make sure to reach out to you to make you aware. In the meantime, I wish you the best of luck as this process begins.\nSincerely,\nJACKIE WALORSKI\nMember of Congress\n \nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-s-statement-bipartisan-legislation-mandating-anti-harassment", "Dr. Bucshons Statement on Bipartisan Legislation Mandating Anti-Harassment Training for Members of Congress and Staff", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation (H. Res. 630), which he cosponsored, that mandates each Member, officer, and employee of the House of Representatives complete training in workplace rights and responsibilities each Congress:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\u201cPrior to coming to Congress, I served as the president of a medical practice that employed over 100 people, including physicians, nurses, and other professionals.\u00a0 I know from my private sector experience that creating a dynamic and outstanding work environment is necessary to recruit and retain the best and brightest employees, and that harassment in the workplace of any kind is unacceptable and only serves to foster a toxic work environment.\u00a0 It\u2019s a philosophy I brought with me to Congress and why language addressing this issue has been in my Congressional office policy handbook from the beginning. Due to recent issues regarding harassment in the workplace that have come to light, we have taken the additional step of mandating everyone \u2013 including myself \u2013 working for the Office of the Eighth Congressional District of Indiana to complete training on preventing and recognizing harassment in the workplace offered by the Office of Compliance.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cAs the father of four children, including two daughters, I believe this is an additional step that can be taken to ensure that anyone working for a Member of Congress in the House of Representatives does so in a positive, professional environment, free of harassment. It is imperative that we not stop here - the system for harassment complaints in the House must be reformed in a way that does not deter and stifle victims of harassment from coming forward. Those who are found to have committed harassment in the workplace should not be protected from the consequences of their actions by the secrecy and payouts from the Office of Compliance. This has been secret and unknown not only to the public, but to Members of Congress as well. Mandating this training is an important step, but by no means can we stop here. Further reforms to Congressional workplace policies, in regards to the reporting and adjudication of harassment complaints, must be completed.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tRemarks by Speaker Paul Ryan HERE\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=708", "Messer Votes to Make Sexual Harassment Training in Congress Mandatory", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Messer Votes to Make Sexual Harassment Training in Congress Mandatory \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Plans to File Separate Legislation to Stop Tax Dollars from Being Used in Sexual Assault Settlements \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,\r\n        November 29, 2017\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\n      \r\n        WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, Nov.  29, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today voted in favor of a bipartisan House Resolution requiring all House members and staff to complete mandatory anti-harassment training during each session of Congress.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, Nov.\u00a0 29, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today voted in favor of a bipartisan House Resolution requiring all House members and staff to complete mandatory anti-harassment training during each session of Congress.\r\nMesser spoke on the House floor in favor of the resolution and urged Congress to do more to stop sexual harassment.\r\n\u201cThe House resolution today is a step in the right direction, but it\u2019s clear more must be done.\u201d Messer said on the House floor. \u201cWe must stop taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims against members of Congress and victims should be released from non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from coming forward and telling their story.\u201d\r\nMesser recently announced plans to introduce legislation to ensure victims of sexual assault and harassment aren\u2019t silenced by non-disclosure agreements, and prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims with members of Congress.\r\nVIDEO of Messer speaking on the floor in support of the resolution and his legislation can be found below and\u00a0HERE.\r\n\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://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-desantis-write-legislation-end-taxpayer-funded-cover-sexual-harassment", "Rokita, DeSantis, Write Legislation to End Taxpayer-Funded Cover Up of Sexual Harassment", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nCONTACT: 202-225-5037\nWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2017\n\u00a0\nRokita, DeSantis, Write Legislation to End Taxpayer-Funded Cover Up of Sexual Harassment \u00a0\n\u00a0\nWashington, DC--Congressman Todd Rokita released the following statement after working with Congressman Ron DeSantis (FL-6) to write bipartisan legislation to help ensure justice for victims of sexual harassment and put an end to taxpayers footing the bill to cover up allegations against members of Congress: \u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cAmericans are sick and tired of the special treatment given to members of Congress,\" said Congressman Rokita. \u00a0\u201cThis legislation will help get justice for victims, and prevent taxpayer dollars from being used as hush money to protect the careers of politicians faced with allegations of sexual harassment. When it comes to draining the swamp, this is a great place to start.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\nThe Rokita-DeSantis Legislation does the following:\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prohibits the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Discloses all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance on its website (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed)\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prohibits non disclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Permits victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed non disclosure agreement\n\u00a0\nEarlier today, the House passed a resolution by voice vote that would require all Members of Congress and their staff to undergo training for anti-harassment and anti-discrimination. This is legislation Rokita strongly supports. Along with Congressman Rokita, Congressman Banks, Brooks, Bucshon, Messer, Visclosky and \u00a0Walorski are also on this bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-brooks-supports-resolution-to-combat-harassment-and-discrimination", "VIDEO: Brooks Supports Resolution to Combat Harassment and Discrimination in the Peoples House", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WATCH Brooks\u2019 remarks in support of the Resolution on the House Floor here.\nWASHINGTON, D.C. -\u00a0Today, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan Resolution, introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Comstock (R-VA), which mandates anti-harassment and anti-discrimination education for all Members of Congress and their staff during each session of Congress. Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN), a co-sponsor of the Resolution, released the following statement:\n\u201cIt is absolutely unacceptable to be subjected to harassment or discrimination of any kind, anywhere. Today\u2019s vote in the House of Representatives is an important and appropriate first step to educate Members of Congress and their staff on inappropriate workplace actions and how to report such conduct.\n\u201cEven still, we must do more to protect the victims from this conduct while ensuring due process for the accused. I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House to improve the workplace called the People\u2019s House and the conduct of those who work in it. With the passage of this resolution, we are one step closer to expressing to the nation that sexual harassment in any capacity is wrong and must be prevented and stopped.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/prevent-harassment-congress/", "Walorski Backs Measure to Prevent Harassment in Congress", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 29, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Backs Measure to Prevent Harassment in Congress \n Plans to Introduce Legislation Prohibiting Taxpayer-Funded Settlements for Misconduct Claims \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today supported requiring all members of Congress and their staff to undergo training aimed at preventing harassment and discrimination in the congressional workplace.\nEvery workplace should be free of harassment, discrimination, and mistreatment  and Congress is no exception, Congresswoman Walorski said. My office has long had a strict, zero-tolerance policy against harassment and discrimination, but we need greater transparency and accountability in Congress. The measure we passed today is a critical step toward ensuring all House employees are treated with dignity and respect, and soon I will introduce legislation to prevent the use of taxpayer dollars to cover up wrongdoing.\nBACKGROUND\nH.Res. 630 requires each member, officer, and employee of the House of Representatives to undergo a training session on workplace rights and responsibilities each session of Congress. Walorski was a cosponsor of the bipartisan resolution, which passed the House by unanimous voice vote.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=229", "Banks: Congress Should Lead by Example, Do More to End Sexual Harassment", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "November 27, 2017 Congressman Jim Banks today called on Congress to take several steps to prevent and respond to sexual harassment on Capitol Hill.  Banks is supporting bipartisan legislation  the Member and Employee Training and Oversight On (ME TOO) Congress Act  that would require Congress to update its protocol for reporting sexual harassment, to mandate anti-harassment training for members and staff, and to provide better support for victims and whistleblowers. Banks also plans to support legislation currently being drafted by Rep. Ron DeSantis (FL-06) that would prohibit members from using taxpayer dollars to settle sexual harassment claims and require transparency regarding how much taxpayers have paid out to victims.  Members of Congress should not be above the law, and American taxpayers should not pay for the misbehavior of our elected officials, Banks said. Over the last 20 years, settlements have cost taxpayers $17 million  a number that should undoubtedly be zero. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and it is time for more congressional accountability and transparency to end this misconduct.  Capitol Hill should be a safe workplace for all, and as the peoples representatives, we should lead by example. I have completed the sexual harassment training provided by the House and asked my entire staff to do the same. Every single member of Congress should support measures to increase prevention training and strengthen reporting protocols.  ###  Media inquiries may be directed to Andrea Palermo at andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=230", "Banks: Time to Maximize Pressure on North Korea", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks: Time to Maximize Pressure on North Korea \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 28, 2017\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        Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement regarding North Korea firing a ballistic missile near the coast of Japan:  The Kim regime has demonstrated time and again that it will not give up its nuclear ambitions or slow its aggression toward our allies. Todays ballistic missile launch further affirms that President Trump was right to recently re-designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism. Its time to maximize the diplomatic pressure we can put on North Korea, including even tougher sanctions. The United States cannot sit by while this rogue nation advances its ballistic capabilities, and we must use every available tool to protect our homeland and allies.  ###  Media inquiries may be directed to Andrea Palermo at andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov. \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://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=706", "ICYMI: Messer Joins Fox News to Discuss His Legislation to Protect Victims of Sexual Assault in Congress", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Messer Joins Fox News to Discuss His Legislation to Protect Victims of Sexual Assault in Congress \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Bill would also stop tax dollars from being used in sexual assault settlements  \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,\r\n        November 28, 2017\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\n      \r\n        ICYMI U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) joined Fox News this afternoon to discuss his legislation to stop taxpayer dollars from being used to silence victims of sexual assault and protect members of Congress.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      ICYMI U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06)\u00a0joined Fox News this afternoon to discuss his\u00a0legislation\u00a0to\u00a0stop taxpayer dollars from being used to silence victims of sexual assault and\u00a0protect members of Congress.\r\n\u201cIt was never OK that taxpayer dollars would be used to silence these victims,\u201d\u00a0Messer\u00a0said in the interview. \u201cIf a victim wants the opportunity to speak out and tell their story, they should be allowed to do so\u2026we should empower the victim.\u201d\r\nMesser\u2019s bill would release Congressional staff from current non-disclosure agreements signed as part of a sexual assault settlement with a Member of Congress, and prohibit non-disclosure agreements like this in the future. It would also prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims by a member of Congress or employee of the House or Senate.\r\nRep. Messer\u2019s full interview on Fox News can be found below and\u00a0here.\r\n\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://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-condemns-north-korea-after-pyongyang-launched-ballistic-missile", "Rokita Condemns North Korea After Pyongyang Launched a Ballistic Missile", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tTUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017\n\u00a0\n Rokita Condemns North Korea After Pyongyang Launched a Ballistic Missile  \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC--Congressman Rokita released the following statement condemning North Korea after they launched a ballistic missile.\n\"North Korea is a terrorist nation. This regime continues to demonstrate it is a threat to regional stability, our allies and the United States. The last several decades have proven no amount of appeasement will change that. President Trump is right to aggressively confront North Korea with diplomatic and economic pressure while leaving all military options on the table to keep our nation safe.\"\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-unanimously-passes-law-enforcement-mental-health-and-wellness-act", "House Unanimously Passes Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -\u00a0Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2228, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, which would help agencies create and improve mental health services for law enforcement officers. The bill was introduced earlier this year by Susan Brooks\u00a0(R-IN),\u00a0Val Demings\u00a0(D-FL),\u00a0Doug Collins\u00a0(R-GA),\u00a0Bill Pascrell\u00a0(D-NJ) and\u00a0Dave Reichert\u00a0(R-WA).\n\u201cOur police officers face a culture of silence when it comes to mental health challenges, and they need better access to mental health services to help them cope with unforgettable situations,\u201d said Brooks. \u201cIn the Fifth District, Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen\u2019s daughter, also a police officer, tried to take her own life because she was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after responding to a case involving the murder of a mother and her 4-year-old son. Nielsen\u2019s daughter did not have access to services that could help her process and cope with the horrific situation she faced that day. The passage of the Law Enforcement Mental Wellness Act through the House of Representatives today ensures that we are one step closer to supporting the men and women in law enforcement with the resources they need to stay healthy while selflessly serving our communities and keeping us safe.\u201d\n\u201cAs a former Chief of Police, with 27 years in law enforcement, I know all too well that our law enforcement officers respond to some of the most horrific scenes and situations without regard to their own personal safety,\u201d said Demings. \u201cThis important piece of legislation would ensure that agencies are better equipped and officers have the resources needed to more effectively deal with the stress and mental health challenges associated with the job.\u201d\n\u00a0\u201cAs the son of a Georgia State Trooper, I never forget that members of the law enforcement community voluntarily enter dangerous, stressful situations each day, and they do this for the sake of their neighbors,\u201d said Collins. \u201cIt\u2019s my privilege to join the House in supporting the unique wellness needs of these men and women. They continue to invest in making our communities safer, and the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act invests in providing practical resources to support officers in their work.\u201d\n\u00a0\u201cWe all know the brave men and women in law enforcement put themselves in difficult, dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening situations every day,\u201d said Pascrell. \u201cIt is absolutely critical that we provide our law enforcement officers with all the resources they need to effectively do their job to keep our communities safe. We must work to decrease the stress on law enforcement officers, which can have a big impact on officers\u2019 physical and mental well-being. I am pleased that the House passed our bipartisan bill to ensure officer mental wellness is a priority from the day of hire to the day they retire.\u201d\n\u201cHaving served in law enforcement for 33 years, I know first-hand the importance of providing critical mental health and wellness services for our first responders,\u201d said Reichert. \u201cOur nation\u2019s law enforcement face significant trauma on a regular basis as they dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. We have seen how these services help our military members, and now it is time that we provide the same help for those who serve us here at home. I am proud that the House of Representatives passed this essential bipartisan legislation today to bring much needed health care to those who put their lives on the line each day for our safety.\u201d\nThe Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017 would direct the Department of Justice, Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop resources to equip local law enforcement agencies to address mental health challenges faced by officers. The bill would also make grants available to initiate peer mentoring pilot programs, develop training for mental health providers specific to law enforcement mental health needs, and support law enforcement officers by studying the effectiveness of crisis hotlines and annual mental health checks. The bill recently passed the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-VA).\nThis legislation is supported by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the National Association of Police Officers (NAPO), the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), and the Sergeants Benevolent Association.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=704", "Messer to Author Legislation Protecting Victims of Sexual Assault and Harassment", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Monday, Nov.  27, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) announced today he will introduce legislation to help protect victims of sexual assault and harassment in Congress.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. (Monday, Nov.\u00a0 27, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) announced today he will introduce legislation to help protect victims of sexual assault and harassment in Congress.\r\nMesser\u2019s bill would ensure victims aren\u2019t silenced by non-disclosure agreements, and prohibit taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims with members of Congress.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s not OK that taxpayer money is used to silence victims of sexual harassment,\u201d Messer said. \u201cIf these victims want to tell their story, they should be empowered to do so.\u201d\r\nThis effort by Messer follows recent reports that Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) settled a sexual harassment complaint with a former staff member using taxpayer dollars. The Washington Post reports that the government has paid more than $17 million in taxpayer money over the last 20 years to settle sexual harassment claims and other workplace violations filed by employees of Congress.\r\nMesser\u2019s bill would release Congressional staff from current non-disclosure agreements signed as part of a sexual assault settlement with a Member of Congress, and prohibit non-disclosure agreements like this in the future. It would also prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to settle sexual harassment claims by a member of Congress or employee of the House or Senate.\r\nMesser also supports the bipartisan Member and Employee Training and Oversight On Congress Act, which would make sexual harassment training mandatory for all members and staff.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/editorial/11-23-2017-rokita-report", "11-23-2017 Rokita Report", "2017-11-23", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 115th Congress.\u00a0 I trust this finds you and your family well, as we work together to bring Hoosier common sense to Washington.\nFor daily updates, please take a moment to \"Like\" my Facebook page by clicking here \u00a0or follow me on Twitter if you prefer \u00a0@ToddRokita.\n   In this week's Rokita Report \n Happy Thanksgiving\nGrissom Keeps Hoosiers Secure\nPreserving the Adoption Tax Credit\nSupporting the President on North Korea\n   Happy Thanksgiving\nAs Hoosiers and as Americans, we have much to be thankful for.\u00a0 We have a great state and a great nation.\u00a0 Thanksgiving is a proud American tradition.\u00a0 George Washington proclaimed a thanksgiving celebration in 1789 to be \"a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God.\"\u00a0 The\u00a0holiday is a chance for us to spend time with family and\u00a0friends\u00a0to\u00a0express our gratitude for the blessings we have in life.\nI am thankful for much this Thanksgiving.\u00a0 I am extremely grateful for my family.\u00a0 My wife, Kathy, is a wonderful and devoted mother.\u00a0 Our boys, Teddy and Ryan, are our sunshine and the love of our lives.\u00a0 I am also\u00a0honored to serve as your Representative in Congress.\u00a0\nOur government is something for which we should all be truly grateful.\u00a0 It is a rare blessing to live in a nation like ours.\u00a0 We have guarantees for our freedom and our liberty, but also a responsibility to protect these rights and to better our nation for future generations.\u00a0 I wish you and your loved ones a happy Thanksgiving.\n  Grissom Keeps Hoosiers Secure\nOn Tuesday, I visited Grissom Air Reserve Base.\u00a0 Grissom is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing (ARW).\u00a0 With a combined workforce of 1,800 civilians and military personnel, it is also the third largest employer in North Central Indiana.\u00a0 Colonel Larry Shaw serves as the commander of the Hoosier Wing and I appreciated the chance to hear his insights.\nThe 434th ARW provides mid-air refueling to long-range bombers, fighters, and cargo pilots.\u00a0 They provide support to all major commands of the Air Force as well as to the Navy, Marines, and our allied nations.\u00a0 Because of the strategic role and location of Grissom, the Hoosier Wing is one of the busiest refueling units in the Air Force.\u00a0 The Hoosier Wing has provided vital support for recent military operations, including in Afghanistan and Iraq.\nThe 434th ARW is working hard protecting Hoosiers at Grissom Air Reserve Base.\u00a0 A special thanks to Colonel Larry Shaw, who serves as the commander of the Hoosier Wing.\nMy visit was a chance to see the great work of the 434th ARW and to bring the gratitude of all Hoosiers to those who serve just ahead of Thanksgiving.\u00a0\u00a0\n  Preserving the Adoption Tax Credit\nThis week especially, I think about my family and what a blessing it is.\u00a0 I also reflect on how parents work hard to protect and fight for their children.\u00a0 Parents who choose adoption, also face a large financial burden at the onset of the adoption on top of the costs of\u00a0raising a child.\nThe adoption tax credit is a tool that allows parents to find relief from the expenses that accompany adoptions.\u00a0 As Indiana\u2019s Secretary of State, I served as the state\u2019s top official in certifying adoptions.\u00a0 In this role, I saw both the joys and the burdens adopting families face.\u00a0 We must ensure that middle and low-income families can feel financially comfortable choosing adoption.\nFor this reason, I wrote a letter to the Chairman Kevin Brady of the Ways and Means Committee stating the importance of the Adoption Tax Credit.\u00a0 I also worked with the Republican Study Committee and other partners to ensure that this credit was part of the House tax reform bill that passed last week.\u00a0 I look forward to working with my colleagues to protect this credit and the families that choose adoption.\n  Supporting the President on North Korea\nWe have a President who is leading on the international stage, something that I am truly thankful for.\u00a0 Global leadership requires tough decisions and strong actions.\u00a0 This week, we saw this as President Trump announced that he will designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.\nThere is no question that North Korea has engaged in acts of terrorism, including the mistreatment of Americans and\u00a0dangerous threats it makes\u00a0against other nations.\u00a0 These acts, and more, endanger the United States and the security of our allies.\u00a0 I fully support President Trump declaring North Korea a state sponsor of terror and taking steps to increase sanctions against Pyongyang.\u00a0 North Korea must be held accountable for their actions, including the way they treat their own people.\n  Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts to bring Hoosier common sense to Washington. Take care.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,    \n\t\t\t\t\tTodd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=701", "Messer Applauds Education Department for Restoring Pell Grants to ITT Tech Students", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, Nov.  21, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today applauded the Trump Administration and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos for retroactively restoring Pell Grant eligibility to the approximately 16,000 students nationwide who were using the grants to attend Indiana-based ITT Technical Institute when it abruptly closed last fall.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, Nov.\u00a0 21, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today applauded the Trump Administration and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos for retroactively restoring Pell Grant eligibility to the approximately 16,000 students nationwide who were using the grants to attend Indiana-based ITT Technical Institute when it abruptly closed last fall.\r\nMesser\u00a0led the charge\u00a0to assist these students after ITT Tech's closure, urging the Department of Education to restore their Pell Grant eligibility so they could continue their degrees elsewhere. The Education Department\u00a0responded to Messer's request, and earlier this year, Secretary DeVos\u00a0announced plans to carry it out along with Pell Grant restoration for other school closures.\u00a0\r\n\u201cFor many low-income students, Pell Grants are their best shot to attend college and secure a better future for themselves,\u201d\u00a0Messer\u00a0said. \u201cI appreciate Secretary Betsy DeVos and the Trump Administration for doing right by these students and ensuring they have a path forward to continue their education.\u201d\r\nNearly 300,000 students at 841 schools that closed between 2001 and 2016 -- including ITT Tech -- have now had their Pell Grant eligibility restored by the Education Department.\r\nFederal Pell Grants are provided to low-income students pursuing post-secondary education, and lifetime eligibility for the need-based grants is limited.\r\nFollowing ITT Tech\u2019s closure, Messer also introduced legislation to restore GI Bill benefits to 7,000 veterans impacted by ITT Tech's closure. In August, President Trump signed this bipartisan legislation\u00a0into law\u00a0as part of a landmark GI Bill reform package. Messer's legislation will also assist veterans impacted by future school closures.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/brooks-rokita-expect-tax-reform-to-pass", "Brooks, Rokita expect tax reform to pass", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "PENDLETON \u2013 Two members of Indiana\u2019s congressional delegation are optimistic tax reform legislation will be enacted before the end of the year.\nRep. Susan Brooks, R-5th District, and Rep. Todd Rokita, R-4th District, both expect the first tax reform legislation to be adopted in three decades will provide a savings to middle-class families and small businesses.\nBrooks was in Pendleton on Monday to meet with area residents and believes the momentum from the House passage of tax reform legislation last week will carry over to the Senate.\n\u201cI\u2019m very optimistic,\u201d she said. \u201cI think the Senate will pull together. There is a good chance of passage because, unlike health care reform, the leadership in both chambers are in sync when it comes to timing.\u201d\nRokita said the Senate shouldn\u2019t change a thing in the bill passed by the House.\n\u201cThis will create jobs and is targeting working families making less than $50,000,\u201d he said.\nBrooks said if tax reform is achieved by the end of the year people will see an increase in their paychecks starting in January because of the lower tax rates.\n\u201cThe full impact won\u2019t be realized until the 2018 taxes payable in 2019, but there should be an increase in the weekly paychecks,\u201d she said.\nAs proposed in the House bill, the number of tax rates would be reduced from seven to four.\nBrooks said the average Hoosier family should see a savings of $2,132 and a family of four with an income of $59,000 will see a savings of $1,280.\nThe tax reform measure is expected to create 18,975 full-time jobs in Indiana, she said.\n\u201cThis is significant,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cIt will simplify the filings with the IRS. The focus is on the middle class and small businesses.\u201d\nAs proposed, the standard deduction will increase from $6,000 to $12,000 for individuals and from $12,000 to $24,000 for married couples. The standard deduction for children will increase from $1,000 to $1,600.\nRokita said the House bill caps at $10,000 the amount in state and local taxes that can be deducted from the federal taxes.\n\u201cWhy should Hoosiers subsidize the blue states like New York and California that have high local income and property tax rates?\u201d he asked.\nBrooks said the tax rate on small businesses will be reduced to 25 percent and only 9 percent for start-up companies. The corporate tax rate would be reduced from 39 to 20 percent.\n\u201cThis will help keep jobs in the country,\u201d she said. \u201cCompanies will not be lured overseas.\u201d\nBrooks said phasing out the inheritance tax will help family farms and small businesses from having to pay up to 40 percent in taxes.\n\u201cThe House bill is pro growth, pro economy and pro families,\u201d she said.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-supports-trump-administration-decision-relist-north-korea", "Dr. BucshonSupports Trump Administration Decision to RelistNorth Korea as a State Sponsor of Terrorism", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Evansville, IN) \u2013 Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement in support of President Trump\u2019s announcement that his administration would be\u00a0relisting\u00a0North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism:\n\t\t\t\t\u201cI fully support\u00a0President Trump\u2019s\u00a0decision to\u00a0relist\u00a0North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.\u00a0\u00a0North Korea\u2019s continued aggression towards the United States\u00a0and its neighbors in\u00a0Asia is unacceptable. We must do all we can to protect Americans and our allies across the world, and relisting North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism will allow the U.S. to apply maximum diplomatic and financial pressure in hopes of peacefully removing the threat posed by Kim Jong-un\u2019s rogue regime.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tBACKGROUND\n\t\t\t\tNorth Korea had been previously designated as a state sponsor of terrorism from 1988 until 2008.\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0The House of Representatives\u00a0has taken action in recent months to increase pressure on rogue regimes and give the administration more tools to counter the North Korean threat.\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 3898, the\u00a0Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act, would sanction foreign banks that do business with any entity that helps fund the Kim Jong-un regime\u2019s dangerous activities, including its nuclear and missile programs. The bill, named for the American student tortured to death by the North Korean regime, would impose the strongest sanctions ever on the regime and its financial supporters.\u00a0\u00a0H.R. 3989 was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 415-2 on October 24, 2017, and has yet to be acted upon by the United States Senate.\n\t\t\t\t\tH.R. 3364, the\u00a0Countering Adversarial Nations Through Sanctions Act, strengthens sanctions on rogue regimes, including North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs.\u00a0\u00a0H.R. 3364 was signed into law by President Trump on August 2, 2017.\n\t\t\t\t\tH.R. 1644, the\u00a0Korean Interdiction and Modernization of Sanctions Act, would impose sanctions on North Korea, specifically targeting its shipping industry and entities abroad that use North Korean slave labor.\u00a0\u00a0This legislation was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 419-1 on May 4, 2017, and later incorporated into H.R. 3364.\n\t\t\t\t\tH.R. 479, the\u00a0North Korea State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act, would require the State Department to decide whether to formally designate North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism.\u00a0\u00a0This legislation was passed by the House of Representatives on a 394-1 vote on April 3, 2017, and has yet to be acted upon by the United States Senate.\n\t\t\t\t\tH.Res. 92\u00a0would condemn North Korea\u2019s intercontinental ballistic missile development program, which violates UN Security Council resolutions.\u00a0\u00a0This resolution was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 398-3 on April 3, 2017.\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-supports-trump-declaring-north-korea-state-sponsor-terrorism", "Rokita Supports Trump Declaring North Korea a State Sponsor of Terrorism", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tMONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2017\n\u00a0\n Rokita Supports Trump Declaring North Korea a State Sponsor of Terrorism \n\u00a0\nDanville, IN--Congressman Todd Rokita released the following statement after President Trump announced that he will designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism.\n\"There is no question that North Korea has engaged in acts of terrorism endangering the United States and the security of our allies. I fully support President Trump declaring North Korea a state sponsor of terror and increasing sanctions against Pyongyang. North Korea must be held accountable for their actions, including the way they treat their own people.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/nkorea-terror/", "Walorski Statement on Designation of North Korea as State Sponsor of Terrorism", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Monday, November 20, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Statement on Designation of North Korea as State Sponsor of Terrorism \nMISHAWAKA, Ind.  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after President Trump announced North Korea would be redesignated as a state sponsor of terrorism:\n I strongly support President Trump's decision to designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism, a critical tool for holding this rogue regime accountable. Congress will continue working with the administration to counter Kim Jong-un's dangerous and destabilizing actions and to protect the safety and security of the American people. \nBACKGROUND\nCongress has taken action in recent months to increase pressure on rogue regimes and give the administration more tools to counter the North Korean threat.\n \nH.R. 3898, the Otto Warmbier North Korea Nuclear Sanctions Act, would sanction foreign banks that do business with any entity that helps fund the Kim Jong-un regime's dangerous activities, including its nuclear and missile programs. The bill, named for the American student tortured to death by the North Korean regime, would impose the strongest sanctions ever on the regime and its financial supporters. It passed the House in October.\nH.R. 3364, the Countering Adversarial Nations Through Sanctions Act, strengthens sanctions on rogue regimes, including North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs. It was signed into law in August.\nH.R. 1644, the Korean Interdiction and Modernization of Sanctions Act, would impose sanctions on North Korea, specifically targeting its shipping industry and entities abroad that use North Korean slave labor. It passed the House in May.\nH.R. 479, the North Korea State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act, would require the State Department to decide whether to formally designate North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism. It passed the House in April.\nH.Res. 92 would condemn North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile development program, which violates UN Security Council resolutions. It passed the House in April.\n \nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/editorial/11-17-2017-rokita-report", "11-17-2017 Rokita Report", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend,\nThank you for the opportunity to update you on the work of the 115th Congress.\u00a0 I trust this finds you and your family well, as we work together to bring Hoosier common sense to Washington.\nFor daily updates, please take a moment to \"Like\" my Facebook page by clicking here \u00a0or follow me on Twitter if you prefer \u00a0@ToddRokita.\n   In this week's Rokita Report \n Tax Reform Passes the House\nStrong Support for Tax Reform\nCelebrating\u00a0Veterans Day\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n   Tax Reform is a\u00a0Win\u00a0for Hoosiers\nOn Thursday, the House passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\u00a0 This bill is\u00a0about the middle class and helping elevate ordinary American families.\u00a0 The proposed reforms would lift Indiana's economy and create 20,000 new jobs in the next decade.\u00a0 Middle-class families in Indiana will have their after-tax income lifted by $2,468.\nThe last time we rewrote the tax code was in 1986.\u00a0 Since then, thousands of amendments have been issued and created a patchwork that favors the politically connected.\u00a0 This bill offers real reforms and wins including:\n Saving the average family of four over $1,000 a year.\nSimplifying the tax code, so that for the 2018 year most families could file on a postcard.\nDoubling the standard deduction that most Hoosiers rely on.\nLowering the individual tax rates for low and middle-income Americans.\nCreating a new Family Credit expanding\u00a0the child tax credit to $1,600.\u00a0 Nearly 60,000 residents of the 4th Congressional District claim this credit.\nRepealing the death tax that burdens family businesses and farms.\nExpanding 529 education plans for K-12 education to help parents choose the best school for their kids.\nAllowing business to expand by immediately writing off the cost of new equipment.\nReducing the tax rate for small businesses to the lowest rate since World War II.\n Getting to this point has been an open and cooperative process.\u00a0 Last year, House Republicans unveiled the Better Way policy agenda on tax reform.\u00a0 Earlier this year, frameworks were released by the House and the President.\u00a0 In September, the House, Senate, and President Trump released a unified framework that underlined our shared goals for tax reforms.\u00a0 The House used this framework to write our legislation.\nI have expressed support\u00a0for additional efforts to make the bill even better.\u00a0 I joined with my Republican Study Committee colleagues to call for using this as a chance to end the Individual Mandate, which forces Hoosiers to buy health insurance and the repeal of which would save the government over $300 billion in ten years.\u00a0 I wrote to Ways and Means\u00a0Chairman Kevin Brady asking that he keep the adoption tax credit because it allows middle and low-income Americans to choose life and I am pleased that it was restored in\u00a0the bill that\u00a0passed the House on Thursday.\nAfter passing the House, tax reform will be considered by the Senate.\u00a0 When both the House and Senate pass the same bill, the legislation will head to President Trump's desk for his signature.\n  Strong Support for Tax Reform\nThe House's tax reform bill has the support of major free market advocacy organizations\u00a0and job creators including:\n American Farm Bureau Federation\nAmericans for Tax Reform (ATR)\nAssociated Builders and Contractors (ABC)\nBusiness Roundtable\nFamily Research Council (FRC)\nFreedomworks\nNational Association of Manufacturers (NAM)\nNational Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)\nNucor Steel Corporation\nU.S. Chamber of Commerce\n It's important to hear from Hoosier job creators and their national organizations on this bill.\u00a0 Last week, Vice President Mike Pence was back in Indiana to pitch the Republican plan to overhaul the tax code at TKO Graphix in Plainfield.\u00a0 I was at TKO Graphix in October to receive the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Spirit of Enterprise award for my support of pro-growth, pro-jobs legislation.\n  Celebrating Veterans Day\nSaturday was Veterans Day, but ceremonies in Indiana were held throughout the long\u00a0weekend.\u00a0 It was an honor to attend the \"Celebration of Veterans\" in\u00a0Lafayette.\u00a0 The event included lunch, remarks, and performances at the Thomas Duncan Hall.\u00a0 It was great to recognize some local\u00a0Hoosier veterans and heroes.\nAttending Lafayette's \"Celebration of Veterans\" I thanked many of our servicemembers and their families for their sacrifices.\nIn addition to the Lafayette celebration, Team Rokita attended several\u00a0events across Indiana's 4th Congressional district.\u00a0 We\u00a0attended ceremonies in\u00a0Carroll County, Cass County, Hendricks County, Jasper County, and Morgan County.\u00a0 All of us were honored to attend these events on behalf of all Hoosiers.\nI \u00a0also shared a message about the importance of Veterans Day and why we must recognize the sacrifices that our servicemembers and their families make with local newspapers including the Hendricks County Flyer.\u00a0 Did you know that this year alone Blue Star Mothers, an organization consisting of the mothers of servicemembers, have already sent more than 137,000 letters to members of our armed forces, and sent almost 75,000 care packages?\u00a0 That's the dedication that a mother's love will\u00a0bring.\n  Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts to bring Hoosier common sense to Washington. Take care.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\tSincerely,    \n\t\t\t\t\tTodd Rokita", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-votes-historic-tax-reform", "Dr. Bucshon Votesfor Historic Tax Reform", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed\u00a0the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act\u00a0(H.R. 1):\n\t\t\t\t\u201cThe status quo is simply not working for hard-working Americans.\u00a0The 70,000 pages of the current tax code are littered with special interest loopholes\u00a0that benefit the few Americans who can afford to take advantage of them at the expense of middle-income families.\u00a0Our nation has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world and an outdated international tax system \u2013 which hurts the ability of American businesses to compete in a global economy.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\u201cHoosier\u00a0families and businesses want and deserve a tax code that is fairer, flatter, simpler, and protects American jobs\u00a0and paychecks. This is exactly the reform that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver.\u00a0Under this plan, hard-working American families will, on average,\u00a0get\u00a0a $1,182\u00a0tax cut enabling them to keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.\u00a0\u00a0By simplifying the tax code, this plan will allow the majority of Americans to file their taxes on a post card.\u00a0 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\u00a0will also level the playing field for American businesses struggling to compete in a global marketplace and protect American jobs \u2013 growing paychecks for current workers and spurring the creation of new jobs here at home.\u00a0\u00a0The American people want a growing economy that boosts wages and job opportunities \u2013 and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will do just that.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=692", "Messer Votes in Support of Tax Cuts for Working Hoosiers", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON (Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today voted in favor of  the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowers taxes on middle-class Hoosiers and overhauls America\u2019s tax code for the first time in 31 years.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      WASHINGTON (Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) today voted in favor of \u00a0the\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,\u00a0which lowers taxes on middle-class Hoosiers and overhauls America\u2019s tax code for the first time in 31 years.\r\nMesser spoke in support of the bill shortly before it was voted on and passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\n\u201cToday is a huge victory for working Americans. The tax cut plan the House passed will deliver more jobs, fairer taxes and a bigger paychecks for Hoosier families,\u201d\u00a0Messer\u00a0said. \u201cThis tax cut will let Indiana\u2019s families keep more of their hard-earned money, and make it a little easier to raise their children, buy a home and save for their future. Now, the U.S. Senate needs to act, prove to the American people it can get something done, and keep its promise to Hoosiers.\"\r\nThe\u00a0Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\u00a0simplifies the tax code and lowers tax rates across the board for individuals, families and job creators. The plan increases the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600, a 60 percent increase. Additionally, the legislation roughly doubles the amount of money protected from taxes by increasing the standard deduction. It also preserves the adoption tax credit and the home mortgage interest deduction.\r\nThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce\u00a0estimates\u00a0the plan will lead to more than 20,000 new jobs in Indiana and will increase after-tax income for middle-class Hoosier families by more than $2,400.\r\nMesser\u2019s legislation eliminating tax credits for illegal immigrants is also\u00a0included\u00a0in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It ensures that only taxpayers with a Social Security Number that is valid for work can claim the Child Tax Credit.\r\n VIDEO of Rep. Messer speaking on the House floor today urging support for the tax cut plan can be found HERE\u00a0and below:", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/press-release/tax-reform-passes-house-offering-real-change-hoosiers", "Tax Reform Passes the House Offering Real Change for Hoosiers", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tTHURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2017\n\u00a0\n Rokita: Tax Reform Passes the House Offering Real Change for Hoosiers.  \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC--Congressman Todd Rokita released the following statement after helping pass tax reform in the House.\n\u201cTax reform is about the middle class. It is about helping the families that have been left behind by the government. By passing this tax reform legislation through the House, we have made it possible for families, farmers, and taxpayers to keep more of their hard earned money.\u201d\nThe average American family of four making the median household income will receive a $1,182 tax cut. For Indiana, tax reform is estimated to add 20,787 jobs over the next ten years.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hoosier-david-broecker-of-indiana-biosciences-research-institute", "Hoosier David Broecker of Indiana Biosciences Research Institute Testified Before #SubCommTech", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN05) participated in an Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing where members discussed the potential economic, technological, and societal impacts of fifth generation (5G) mobile broadband.\nDavid Broecker, founding President and CEO of Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, testified before the subcommittee and shared how 5G has the potential to revolutionize American competitiveness.\n\u201c5G means the opportunity for faster emergency response times that can save lives, smart cities, remote surgery, and unleashing the potential of the anticipated 50 billion new internet of things connected devices coming online by 2020,\u201d said Brooks. \u201cIndiana is one of thirteen states that have enacted state legislation to streamline the deployment of small cell networks and Indianapolis is an AT&T test site for 5G evolution build-out.\u00a0 I am excited for what the future will bring because we have brilliant leaders like David who are working to save and improve lives through medical innovation.\u201d\nTo watch Brooks\u2019 ask questions during today\u2019s hearing, click here.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nNovember 16, 2017\n#SubCommTech Examines 5G and the Future of\u00a0\n\tMobile Broadband\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013\u00a0The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, chaired by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), held a\u00a0hearing\u00a0today on the potential economic, technological, and societal impacts of fifth generation (5G) mobile broadband.\u00a0\nIn her\u00a0statement\u00a0submitted for the record, Chairman Blackburn highlighted the promise of the 5G revolution, \u201cThe potential benefits include: enhanced mobile broadband that can provide speeds that are 10 to 100 times faster than what exists today; ultra-low latency communications that are necessary for mission-critical applications like autonomous vehicles and remote surgery; and the massive machine-to-machine communications that constitute the \u201cInternet of Things.\u201d According to Cisco, there will be nearly 50 billion IoT devices connected by the year 2020. Taken together, the applications of 5G promise to revolutionize manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, city management, power generation and distribution, as well as law enforcement and emergency response. \u201c\nFull Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR)\u00a0discussed\u00a0overcoming obstacles to unleashing the necessary spectrum for 5G,\u00a0\u201cNone of applications enabled by 5G technology will be possible without adequate spectrum, and all the rhetoric around the race to 5G will be for nothing if we do not update the Communications Act to allow the Federal Communications Commission to deposit upfront payments from prospective spectrum auction bidders directly with the Treasury. Current law prevents the Commission from doing so. I want to applaud the Chairman of this Subcommittee for including provisions in the FCC Reauthorization bill to allow the Commission to do so.\u201d\nResponding to Chairman Blackburn\u2019s question about 5G\u2019s potential impact on manufacturing, David Broecker, CEO of Indiana Biosciences Research Institute,\u00a0commented, \u201cIf we don\u2019t do this, manufacturing will go elsewhere. It will continue to go outside the United States because it is a global opportunity for companies to go other places, to set up new manufacturing and manufacturing of the future. I think 5G enables us to become even more competitive than we have. When you look at the future of the innovation that\u2019s possible, we can capture that, making it here in the great states that all of you represent.\u201d\u00a0\n\u2026\nFor more information on today\u2019s hearing, including a background memo, witness testimony, and archived webcast, click here. \nTo read the complete Energy and Commerce press release, click here. \n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/relief-is-on-the-way-historictax-reform-passes-house", "Relief Is on the Way: Historic Tax Reform Passes House", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013\u00a0Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN05) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed\u00a0The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\n\u201cThis is an historic day for the American people. Hardworking men and women have been burdened by our country\u2019s broken and outdated tax code for far too long. And to ease that burden, today, the House of Representatives voted to provide Americans across the country with a fairer, simpler and modernized tax code that prioritizes the needs of families and encourages job creation throughout the United States. Relief is on the way.\n\u201cThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act supports Hoosier families. It establishes a new Family Credit, which includes expanding the Child Tax Credit, doubles the standard deduction and retains popular retirement savings plans. Soon, Hoosiers will be able to keep more of their paychecks and better plan for their futures.\n\u201cThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act encourages job creation and economic growth in our country, instead of incentivizing companies to move overseas. Small businesses and start-up companies need the lower tax rates this bill delivers in order to thrive and prosper so they can create jobs and grow our economy.\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote is an important step to provide taxpayers in the Fifth District much needed relief. I am proud to have voted for a tax reform plan that is pro-family and pro-business. I encourage the Senate to vote for tax cuts for all taxpayers in this country, especially those who need it most: low- and middle-income families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/taxreform-passage/", "Walorski Votes for Tax Cuts & Jobs Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 16, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Votes for Tax Cuts and Jobs Act \n House Passes Historic Tax Reform Legislation \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after supporting H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which passed the House by a vote of 227 to 205:\n Hardworking Hoosiers send too much of their hard-earned money to Washington and spend too much time figuring out their taxes. Today we are one step closer to changing that.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act delivers a fair and simple tax code that will let working families keep more of their paychecks. And it will help American businesses grow, invest in our communities, hire more workers, and raise wages.\nI look forward to working with the Senate to send tax reform legislation to President Trump's desk so hardworking Americans have a better chance to live the American Dream. \nBACKGROUND\nCongresswoman Walorski on Wednesday spoke in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on the House floor. Video of her remarks is available here.\nBigger Paychecks\nAmerican taxpayers send too many of their hard-earned dollars to Washington, making it harder for middle-class families to thrive. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act means bigger paychecks for hardworking families, more money in their pockets, and more flexibility in how they use it.\n \nLowers income tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to 0, 12, 25, and 35 percent. It would maintain a 39.6 percent rate on high-income Americans.\nRoughly doubles the amount of income excluded from taxes, with the standard deduction increasing from $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples and from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals.\nSupports families by expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600, providing a $300 credit for each parent and non-child dependent, and preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and Adoption Tax Credit.\nMakes no changes to critical retirement savings options like 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts.\nStreamlines higher education benefits so families can save for college and other education expenses.\n \nMore Jobs\nOur outdated tax code makes it harder for businesses to create jobs and compete in the 21st century economy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help businesses grow, invest, and hire more workers, and it will keep America competitive in the global economy.\n \nLowers the tax rate on small businesses to no more than 25 percent, the lowest rate on Main Street job creators in nearly 80 years.\nProvides additional tax relief for small businesses and startups with a lower rate of 9 percent on their first $75,000 in income.\nEnsures tax relief is targeted to local job creators by establishing strong safeguards.\nHelps businesses invest and expand by allowing full and immediate expensing of new equipment and by preserving the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans.\nLowers the corporate tax rate from 35 to 20 percent, below the average among industrialized nations.\nLevels the playing field for American workers by ending incentives to send American jobs, manufacturing, and profits overseas.\nSupports Made in America innovation by maintaining the Research and Development Tax Credit.\n \nFairer Taxes\nThe tax code is overly complicated and full of special interest carve-outs and loopholes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminates special interest tax breaks and makes the tax code so simple most people can file on a postcard-size form.\n \nSimplifies the tax code so most individuals and families can file their taxes on a postcard-like form.\nEliminates special-interest loopholes while maintaining important middle-class tax incentives.\nContinues important middle-class tax deductions, including for charitable contributions, home mortgage interest, and state and local property taxes up to $10,000.\nProtects family farms and small businesses from the Death Tax by immediately doubling the exemption and repealing the Death Tax fully in 2023.\n \nLearn more at walorski.house.gov/taxreform.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/press-release/rokita-proposes-tax-reform-amendment-protect-medical-innovations-and-jobs", "Rokita Proposes Tax Reform Amendment to Protect Medical Innovations and Jobs", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2017\n\u00a0\n Rokita Proposes Tax Reform Amendment to Protect Medical Innovations and Jobs \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC--Congressman Todd Rokita offered up an additional amendment to tax reform legislation that would repeal the medical device excise tax.\n\u201cMedical device companies in Indiana generate more than $10 billion in economic output annually and they employ more than 20,000 Hoosiers. These same companies spend millions of dollars researching new ways to improve healthcare for our country and the entire world,\u201d said Congressman Rokita. \u00a0\u201cElimination of this excise tax means helping Hoosiers keep their jobs, and it also means the door for medical innovation remains open.\u201d\nThe Medical Device Excise Tax was created to support Obamacare, however Obamacare has already failed. This tax does not have a tangible benefit. Governor Eric Holcomb similarly supports removal of the medical device tax.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-congressional-caucus-for-women-s-issues-meets-with-0", "Bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Womens Issues Meets with Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Susan Brooks", "B001284", "susanwbrooks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Today, members of the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus for Women\u2019s Issues joined Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to discuss the future of infrastructure in the United States.\nRepresentatives Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Lois Frankel (D-FL), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus for Women\u2019s Issues, provided the following statements:\n\u201cIndiana truly is the crossroads of America,\u201d said Brooks. \u201cIn order to ensure our goods can be transported efficiently and families can travel safely from one place to the next, it is critical that our infrastructure is modernized. I\u2019d like to thank Transportation Secretary Chao for sharing her insights and expertise as we look for ways in Congress to improve our nation\u2019s infrastructure and invest in the future of our roads, bridges, airports and more.\u201d\n\u201cIt was an honor to meet with Transportation Secretary Chao to discuss the need to repair our crumbling roads and bridges and modernize our infrastructure,\u201d said Frankel. \u201cThese investments put people to work, and where transportation goes, communities grow.\u201d\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/taxreform-speech/", "Walorski Speaks on House Floor in Support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Wednesday, November 15, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Speaks on House Floor in Support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act \n The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver pro-growth tax reform to the families, farmers, manufacturers, and workers in my district. \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today spoke in support of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, on the House floor. The House on Thursday will vote on the tax reform bill.  \nVideo of Congresswoman Walorski speaking on the House floor is available here. The full text of her remarks is below.\n I can't tell you how grateful I am to cast a vote to move our tax code one step closer to its first overhaul in 31 years.\nWe know the tax code is broken. The American people the tax code is broken. They're reminded every time they look at their paycheck.\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will deliver pro-growth tax reform to the families, farmers, manufacturers, and workers in my district.\nFor families, we're delivering tax cuts so that hardworking Hoosiers can keep more of their hard-earned money. We're enhancing the Child Tax Credit, preserving the Adoption Tax Credit, encouraging retirement savings, and streamlining 15 different education tax incentives.\nWe're delivering a tax code so simple most Americans can file taxes on a postcard. In my district, 80 percent of filers already take the standard deduction. They will be able to keep even more of their money, because the standard deduction is doubled, and most itemizers will now be able save time, money, and stress by taking the double standard deduction instead. No one's ever excited to file their taxes, but I'm all for a simpler, quicker process that makes it much more pain-free.\nH.R. 1 helps job creators grow. Small businesses get a lower rate and more simplicity. Family businesses passed down for generations won't have to worry about the estate tax anymore. And America will be a more attractive place to do business. Our antiquated tax code keeps investment and jobs out. This bill incentivizes companies to bring profits back, to locate facilities here, and grow American jobs and raise wages.\nI was so proud to vote for this bill in the Ways and Means Committee, and I'm proud to be a part of this House that is delivering another crucial step towards tax cuts, simplicity, and fairness. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back. \nFor more information about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, visit walorski.house.gov/taxreform.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-votes-rebuild-and-strengthen-armed-forces-supports-national", "Dr. Bucshon Votes to Rebuild and Strengthen Armed Forces, Supports National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after voting for the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report (H.R. 2810):\n\t\t\t\t\u201cOur military\u00a0safeguards\u00a0the freedoms we\u00a0enjoy as Americans.\u00a0To carry out their mission, our troops must be properly equipped and taken care of.\u00a0\u00a0This year\u2019s NDAA authorizes\u00a0the funding needed to ensure our troops have the equipment and resources they need, authorizes\u00a0the largest pay increase to our troops in eight years, increases the size of multiple branches of the armed forces, and permanently preserves payments to more than 60,000 surviving military spouses. As a former Navy reservist for nearly a decade, it is important to me that we provide our brave servicemen and women with the tools they need to get the job done.\u201d\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://rokita.house.gov/press-release/keeping-our-promises-repealing-obamacare-and-reforming-our-tax-code", "Keeping Our Promises by Repealing Obamacare and Reforming Our Tax Code", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Todd Rokita", "R000592", "rokita.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  \n\tCONTACT: 202-225-5037  \n\tTUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2017\n\u00a0\n Keeping Our Promises by Repealing Obamacare and Reforming Our Tax Code \n\u00a0\nWashington, DC--Congressman Todd Rokita cosponsored an amendment to repeal the Obamacare individual mandate. Rokita said, \u201cObamacare is one of the most insidious pieces of legislation and it continues to damage Hoosiers every day. By repealing the individual mandate, we are giving the people choice and saving $338 billion in taxpayer dollars. \u00a0The government never should have required the American people to purchase healthcare. That is not their job.\u201d\nCongressman Todd Rokita signed onto Congressman Mark Walker\u2019s (NC-6) legislation to repeal the Obamacare individual mandate. Congressman Jim Banks (IN-3) and Larry Bucshon (IN-8) are also cosponsoring this amendment.\u00a0 \u00a0\n\u201cWe are keeping our promises to the American people by repealing Obamacare and pushing forward to create real tax reform that helps all Hoosiers, and all Americans,\u201d concluded Rokita.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/ndaa-fy18/", "Walorski Votes to Send National Defense Bill to Presidents Desk", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tuesday, November 14, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Votes to Send National Defense Bill to President's Desk \n Served on Conference Committee for Bipartisan Bill to Boost Defense Funding, Give Troops Pay Raise \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after the House passed the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report (H.R. 2810):\n Our most important responsibility is the national defense, and this bill gives our servicemembers the tools, training, and support they need to keep us safe.\nIt gives our troops their biggest pay raise in eight years. It boosts military resources after years of underfunding. And it restores our Armed Forces to full strength.\nI was honored to serve on the conference committee that negotiated this bipartisan bill, and I am committed to working with President Trump to ensure we continue investing the resources necessary to rebuild our military and protect our national security. \nBACKGROUND\nThe House voted to agree to the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2810, NDAA for FY2018, by a bipartisan vote of 356 to 70. The Senate is expected to follow suit in the coming days and send the annual defense policy bill to the president's desk. Walorski served on the conference committee that negotiated the final version of the legislation.\nRebuilding Our Military\n \nAuthorizes $699.9 billion in defense funding, an increase of $26 billion over the president's budget requests.\nAims to close the readiness gap by boosting investment in maintenance, training, restoration, and modernization.\nIncreases the size of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard to restore the Armed Forces to full strength.\nReforms Pentagon acquisition process, including provisions similar to a Walorski-authored amendment to improve program efficiency.\n \nSupporting Our Troops\n \nFully funds the 2.4 percent pay raise servicemembers are entitled to under the law  the biggest in eight years.\nProvides support and resources to help address the unique challenges military families face, such as relocation and licensing.\nPermanently extends Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance for surviving military spouses.\n \nKeeping Our Nation Safe\n \nMaintains existing prohibitions on closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay or transferring terrorist detainees to U.S. soil.\nProvides critical resources to confront threats around the world and destroy terrorist networks such as ISIS and al-Qaeda.\nBoosts missile defense funding to counter increasing threats from hostile nations like North Korea.\n \nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-s-statement-nomination-alex-azar", "Dr. Bucshons Statement on Nomination of Alex Azar", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after President Trump announced his nomination of Alex Azar as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:\n\t\t\t\t\u201cI\u00a0commend\u00a0President Trump for his\u00a0decision to nominate Alex Azar as Secretary of Health and Human Services.\u00a0His leadership experience in both government and the private sector gives him a unique perspective that will be an asset to the American people as we continue working to address the health challenges facing Americans today, whether it\u2019s the opioid crisis that is destroying lives and communities or ensuring that Americans can access affordable and high-quality health care of their choice.\u00a0\u00a0I\u00a0urge the United States Senate to quickly confirm him.\u201d\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tIn 2001, the Senate confirmed Azar by voice vote to serve as General Counsel at HHS.\n\t\t\t\tIn 2005, the Senate confirmed Azar by voice vote to serve as Deputy Secretary at HHS.\n\t\t\t\tAs Deputy Secretary, Azar was the chief operations officer for the largest civilian cabinet department in the U.S. government with over 66,000 employees and a budget of nearly $700 billion.\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=687", "Rep. Messer Discusses Impact of GI Bill Reform at Veterans Roundtable", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "GREENFIELD, Ind.  (Monday, Nov. 13, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) held a veterans roundtable in Greenfield today to discuss a new law, which takes effect tomorrow, that will restore GI Bill benefits to veterans who were attending ITT Technical Institute when it closed last fall.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      GREENFIELD, Ind. \u00a0(Monday, Nov. 13, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) held a veterans roundtable in Greenfield today\u00a0to discuss a new law, which takes effect\u00a0tomorrow,\u00a0that will restore GI Bill benefits to veterans who were attending ITT Technical Institute when it closed last fall.\r\nMore than 7,000 veterans nationwide were impacted by ITT Tech's closure. Messer\u2019s provision, which was signed into law by President Trump in August, restores benefits to these veterans if they were unable to transfer their credits to a different institution. The new law also applies to veterans impacted by future school closures.\u00a0\r\n\u201cWhen ITT Tech closed its doors, thousands of veterans were left with no degree or path forward,\u201d\u00a0Messer\u00a0said. \u201cOur servicemen and women count on these benefits to help them start a career and build a life after serving our country. The least we could do was make sure they got that chance.\u201d\r\nMesser was joined at the roundtable by Jason Nyikos, a U.S. Navy veteran from Greenfield who had to start his degree completely from scratch after spending two years at ITT Tech.\u00a0\u00a0Representatives from Veterans Education Success, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans Upward Bound in Richmond and the IUPUI chapter of Student Veterans of America also attended the roundtable, which was held at the Greenfield VFW.\u00a0\r\n\"To spend two years of my life at a place with nothing to show for it was one of the biggest disappointments,\u201d\u00a0Nyikos\u00a0said. \"I'm glad these benefits will be restored and that other veterans won't have to go through this in the future.\"\r\nVeterans Education Success helped organize the event.\r\n\"This is a big win for veterans. Not only will this new law help the thousands of veterans who were attending ITT Tech when it closed continue their education, it will help veteran students impacted by school closures in the future,\u201d said\u00a0Sean Marvin, legal director of Veterans Education Success.\r\nFollowing ITT Tech\u2019s closure, Messer\u00a0introduced legislation to restore GI Bill benefits to veterans impacted by school closures, like ITT Tech. In August, President Trump signed this bipartisan legislation\u00a0into law\u00a0as part of a landmark GI Bill reform package.\r\nThe broader GI Bill reform legislation\u00a0eliminates time-based caps on education benefits, allowing veterans to use them whenever they want over their lifetime. It also provides significant increases in GI Bill funding for veterans, surviving spouses and dependents, and allows veterans to take advantage of high technology training. Messer\u2019s provision takes effect\u00a0Tuesday, Nov. 14. The VA plans to\u00a0notify\u00a0those who may qualify for benefit restoration and provide instructions to request restoration of benefits. Veterans can check for updates at the GI Bill webpage\u00a0https://benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/ForeverGIBill.asp\u00a0or call the Education Call Center at\u00a01-888-442-4551.\r\nPhotos for use can be found and downloaded HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-s-statement-veterans-day", "Dr. Bucshons Statement on Veterans Day", "2017-11-10", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Evansville, IN) \u2013\u00a0Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement commemorating Veterans Day:\n\t\t\t\t\u201cEvery year on November 11th\u00a0we celebrate Veterans day, taking time to thank those who selflessly put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we enjoy. Today, there are over 20 million American men and women that have the distinct honor of being called a Veteran.\n\t\t\t\t\u201cAs a Navy Reservist for nearly a decade, I have the greatest respect for the brave men and women of our armed forces that answered the call to serve. Putting on the uniform of the United States of America, the greatest team on Earth, is truly an honor that is unmatched.\n\t\t\t\t\u201cAside from preserving our freedoms, veterans serve as community leaders, and understand the meaning of servant leadership. We owe our veterans more than just one day out of the year, but we can proudly come together today as one nation to say, thank you. From my family, my staff and myself, we want to thank all Veterans that have served to protect the continued future of the United States of America.\"\n\t\t\t\t115th\u00a0Congressional Legislation Signed into Law\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 3819: The Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 3218: The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017\n\t\t\t\tH.R.\u00a02519: The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act\n\t\t\t\tH.R.\u00a02288:\u00a0The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 1329: The Veterans\u2019 Compensation COLA Act of 2017\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 244: HIRE Vets Act\n\t\t\t\tS. 1094: The Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017\n\t\t\t\tS. 114: A bill to authorize appropriations for the Veterans Choice Program\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 369: Eliminating the Sunset Date of the Choice Act\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tFull List of House Bills; Introduced, Passed Committee, Passed House\u00a0Here\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his third term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://walorski.house.gov/taxreform-committee-passage/", "Walorski Votes to Send Tax Cuts & Jobs Act to House Floor", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jackie Walorski", "W000813", "walorski.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Thursday, November 9, 2017\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Walorski Votes to Send Tax Cuts & Jobs Act to House Floor \n Ways and Means Committee Approves Tax Reform Bill After Week-Long Markup \nWASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) today released the following statement after the House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, setting up the historic tax reform legislation for a vote on the House floor next week:\n We just took a big step toward cutting taxes for middle-class families, simplifying our tax code, and leveling the playing field for American workers and businesses. Simply put, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will mean more jobs, higher wages, and bigger paychecks for hardworking Hoosiers. I look forward to voting on the House floor to pass this historic tax reform bill so we can give the American people the fair and simple tax code they deserve. \nBACKGROUND\nWalorski is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which marked up the bill beginning Monday and approved an amended version today by a vote of 24 to 16. The committee made several improvements to the original bill, including preserving the adoption tax credit and providing additional tax relief for small businesses and startups.\nBigger Paychecks\nAmerican taxpayers send too many of their hard-earned dollars to Washington, making it harder for middle-class families to thrive. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act means bigger paychecks for hardworking families, more money in their pockets, and more flexibility in how they use it.\n \nLowers income tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to 0, 12, 25, and 35 percent. It would maintain a 39.6 percent rate on high-income Americans.\nRoughly doubles the amount of income excluded from taxes, with the standard deduction increasing from $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples and from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals.\nSupports families by expanding the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600, providing a $300 credit for each parent and non-child dependent, and preserving the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit and the Adoption Tax Credit.\nMakes no changes to critical retirement savings options like 401(k)s and Individual Retirement Accounts.\nStreamlines higher education benefits so families can save for college and other education expenses.\n \nMore Jobs\nOur outdated tax code makes it harder for businesses to create jobs and compete in the 21st century economy. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help businesses grow, invest, and hire more workers, and it will keep America competitive in the global economy.\n \nLowers the tax rate on small businesses to no more than 25 percent, the lowest rate on Main Street job creators in nearly 80 years.\nProvides additional tax relief for small businesses and startups with a lower rate of 9 percent on their first $75,000 in income.\nEnsures tax relief is targeted to local job creators by establishing strong safeguards.\nHelps businesses invest and expand by allowing full and immediate expensing of new equipment and by preserving the ability of small businesses to write off interest on loans.\nLowers the corporate tax rate from 35 to 20 percent, below the average among industrialized nations.\nLevels the playing field for American workers by ending incentives to send American jobs, manufacturing, and profits overseas.\nSupports Made in America innovation by maintaining the Research and Development Tax Credit.\n \nFairer Taxes\nThe tax code is overly complicated and full of special interest carve-outs and loopholes. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminates special interest tax breaks and makes the tax code so simple most people can file on a postcard-sized form.\n \nSimplifies the tax code so most individuals and families to file their taxes on a postcard-like form.\nEliminates special-interest loopholes while maintaining important middle-class tax incentives.\nContinues important middle-class tax deductions, including for charitable contributions, home mortgage interest, and state and local property taxes up to $10,000.\nProtects family farms and small businesses from the Death Tax by immediately doubling the exemption and repealing the Death Tax fully after six years.\n \nLearn more at walorski.house.gov/taxreform.\nWalorski represents the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana, serving as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://banks.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=228", "Banks Veterans Crisis Line Bill Passes House", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Jim Banks", "B001299", "banks.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks Veterans Crisis Line Bill Passes House \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 8, 2017\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      Today the House passed a bipartisan bill authored by Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) and Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) that directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to study the integration of the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) with the VAs overall mental health care services. Veterans account for 18% of suicides in the United States, even though they are 8.5% of the population. The VCL has handled nearly 2.8 million calls since 2007.     To see Congressman Banks speak on the House floor about his bill, click here or on the image below.          Twenty veterans die from suicide every day, said Banks. The Veterans Crisis Line is a critical resource for our veterans, and we want to make sure that their initial call is not the only help they receive. My bill would analyze the data already collected from these calls to ensure the VA is able to meet its goal of providing veterans with comprehensive mental health care. We need to make certain veterans are being assisted after they call the Crisis Line.     \"We need to be doing better, as a nation, at making sure those who served receive the care and support they deserve when they return home. An average of 20 veterans die daily from suicide. This bill will pave the way forward to ensure our veterans are receiving the best care possible.     For more information about this bill click here.     ###     Interested members of the media may contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov \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://bucshon.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/dr-bucshon-introduces-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-increase-seniors-access", "Dr. Bucshon Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Increase Seniors Access to the Shingles Vaccine", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Larry Bucshon", "B001275", "bucshon.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(WASHINGTON, D.C.) \u2013 Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08)\u00a0released following statement after introducing the Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act of 2017\u00a0(H.R. 4297), which would help increase access to the Shingles vaccine for Seniors,\u00a0with Congressman Gene Green (TX-29), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV) and\u00a0Senator\u00a0Mazie Hirono (HI):\n\t\t\t\t\u201cShingles is a\u00a0painful\u00a0disease\u00a0that affects\u00a0nearly 1 million Americans annually,\u00a0with one out of three Americans developing shingles during their lifetime.\u00a0\u00a0However, the risk of getting shingles is significantly higher for individuals who are 50 years of age and older.\u00a0 In fact, according to the CDC, the number of adults developing shingles is on the rise.\u00a0 The great news is that seniors can protect themselves from shingles simply by receiving a vaccine.\u00a0 The bad news is that too few seniors receive the vaccine or don\u2019t even know that it\u2019s an option,\u201d said Dr. Bucshon.\u00a0 \u201cThe CDC recommends that individuals 60 years of age and older get the shingles vaccine.\u00a0\u00a0Currently, most adult immunizations are covered by private insurance. However, once a senior enrolls in Medicare, it does not fully cover their out-of-pocket cost for immunizations.\u00a0 The\u00a0Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act\u00a0will\u00a0make it easier for seniors to learn about and get the shingles vaccine, helping prevent needless suffering\u00a0for millions of American\u00a0seniors.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 4297 Will ensure Medicare overs the shingles vaccine with no out of pocket costs.\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tWith support from the following:\n\t\t\t\tAlliance for Aging Research\u2028\n\t\t\t\tAmerican Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN)\n\t\t\t\tAmerican College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM)\u2028\n\t\t\t\tAmerican Pharmacists Association (APhA)\n\t\t\t\tAsian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF)\n\t\t\t\tBiotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)\n\t\t\t\tDynavax\u2028\n\t\t\t\tEvery Child By Two (ECBT)\n\t\t\t\tGSK\n\t\t\t\tHep B United\u2028\n\t\t\t\tHepatitis B Foundation\n\t\t\t\tImmunization Action Coalition (IAC)\u2028\n\t\t\t\tInfectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)\u2028\n\t\t\t\tMerck\u2028\n\t\t\t\tNational Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)\n\t\t\t\tNational Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)\n\t\t\t\tNational Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians (NCAPIP)\n\t\t\t\tNational Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA)\n\t\t\t\tNational Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR)\u2028\n\t\t\t\tPfizer\u2028\n\t\t\t\tSanofi\n\t\t\t\tScientific Technologies Corporation (STC)\n\t\t\t\tTakeda Vaccines, Inc.\u2028\n\t\t\t\tThe Gerontological Society of America (GSA)\n\t\t\t\tCongressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. is a physician and Republican member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee serving his fourth term representing Indiana's 8th Congressional district. The 8th District of Indiana includes all or parts of Clay, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, and Warrick counties.\n\t\t\t\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://messer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=681", "Messer Says All Hands on Deck Needed to Address Indiana\u2019s Growing Opioid Crisis", "2017-11-08", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "IN", "Luke Messer", "M001189", "messer.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017) \u2014 U.S. Rep. Luke Messer (IN-06) participated in an Education and the Workforce Committee hearing today to discuss the impact of the growing opioid crisis on communities across Indiana.\r\n\u201cIn Indiana, opioids are wrecking communities and breaking hearts all across our state,\u201d Messer said during the hearing. \u201cOpioids are also creating an economic crisis as employers are having a hard time finding the workforce they need. President Trump was right to call this a public health emergency because it\u2019s become clear that more needs to be done.\u201d\r\nIn Indiana, drug overdose fatalities have increased by more than 500 percent since 1999. The total annual cost of drug overdoses exceeds $1 billion in Indiana alone.\r\nMesser also applauded Gov. Eric Holcomb for his recent statewide efforts to tackle the public health crisis.\r\n\u201cThis is an all-hands-on-deck approach and it\u2019s critical we work with state leaders like Governor Holcomb as well as the President to come up with real solutions to combat this devastating epidemic,\u201d Messer said.\r\nWitnesses at the joint subcommittee hearing entitled, \u201cClose to Home: How Opioids are Impacting Communities\u201d included public health and public school officials as well as local workers from addiction recovery centers.\r\nA VIDEO CLIP of Rep. 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