{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["http://carson.house.gov//newsroom/past-e-newsletters/wrapping-up-2014", "Wrapping up 2014", "2014-12-16", "2014", "2014-12", "Democrat", "House", "IN", "Andr\u00e9 Carson", "C001072", "carson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dear Friend, As your representative in Congress, I take a great deal of pride in knowing that you have chosen me as your voice on matters of importance to you.\u00a0 Throughout the year, your thoughts and concerns have been invaluable and I have made a point of sharing them with my colleagues as we work to move our country forward.\u00a0 It has been an incredible honor to work hard every day on behalf of you, your family, and our community. Here are a few highlights of what we accomplished together in 2014: Military and Veterans: \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Introduced and passed the Military Suicide Reduction Act, H.R. 1463, legislation that helps protect the mental health of deployed service members.\u00a0 This bill is expected to be signed into law by President Obama within the next couple of weeks. \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki in May asking for a review of VA facilities in Indiana in light of problems discovered at facilities nationwide.  \n\tRead a copy of the letter here: https://carson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-andr-carson-ensuring-top-notch-care-at-va-must-be-priority \u2022\u00a0 As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, co-authored the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which trains and equips our troops, strengthens housing and health care resources, provides a pay raise, and otherwise supports service members and their families. Jobs and the Economy: \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Helped to connect unemployed Hoosiers with hiring businesses through my fifth annual job fair.\u00a0 This year we hosted over 1280 job seekers and 78 employers. \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Hosted a Youth Opportunity Fair to connect Marion County youth with summer programs, internships, volunteer opportunities and jobs. \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Introduced H.R. 4876, the Emerging Business Encouragement Act of 2014, in the U.S. House of Representatives.\u00a0 This bill would help emerging businesses compete for federal contracts and obtain access to federally backed loans as they get off the ground. Hoosier Priorities: \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Helped secure over $12 million dollars in grants for local non-profits throughout Indiana\u2019s 7th Congressional District. \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Held more than 800 legislative and constituent meetings in my Washington D.C. and Indianapolis offices. \u2022\u00a0\u00a0 Reserved tours for over 1,750 constituents to Washington D.C. landmarks. As we close out this year, I want to thank you again for trusting me to represent you in Washington.\u00a0 I look forward to continuing our fight for a stronger community, city, and country in 2015. Finally, as this is the last Carson Courier for 2014, I want to wish you a safe and happy holiday season and Happy New Year! Regards, Andr\u00e9", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["http://carson.house.gov//newsroom/past-e-newsletters/wrapping-up-2014"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.796052860096097, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}