url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/fox-news-exclusive-massive-ice-sweep-fuels-gop-push-to-lock-trump-immigration-crackdown-into-law/,FOX NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Massive ICE Sweep Fuels GOP Push to Lock Trump Immigration Crackdown into Law,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Banks warns aggressive executive enforcement today won’t survive a future administration without new legislation

Click here to read the full story or read below.

EXCLUSIVE: A massive five- day ICE operation that netted 426 arrests across Indiana is fueling Hoosier Sen. Jim Banks’ push for Congress to cement President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown into law before a future administration can reverse course.

Banks hailed “Operation Safe Community: Indiana” in a Fox News Digital interview this week after federal immigration officers fanned out across his home state from Aug. 30 through Sept. 3, arresting 426 people with records involving sex crimes, assault, domestic violence, drug trafficking and weapons offenses, according to ICE.

“This is why Donald Trump was elected in 2024: for mass deportation,” Banks told Fox News Digital. “It was one of his key agenda items during the campaign. And in this case in Indiana, you see the direct result of it.”

ICE also credited cooperation with state and local law enforcement agencies in carrying out the operation, something Republicans have flagged as a key aspect to successful enforcement.

But Banks argued the operation also underscores a limitation of Trump’s crackdown: aggressive executive enforcement today does not guarantee that the same immigration policies survive the next administration.

“It is important that we codify Trump border security measures and tough-on-immigration policies and make them the law of the land,” he said.

The busts build on the lawmaker’s seven-bill immigration package, previously reported by Fox News Digital, which targets issues including birthright citizenship, family-based immigration, H-1B visas, noncitizens’ CDLs and congressional authority over Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to limit judicial intervention.

“If this could happen in Indiana, it could happen anywhere,” he added, arguing that the opposition has made it tougher to achieve immigration goals after displacing ICE from the 2025 immigration appropriations legislation.

“They’ve made that one of their biggest priorities in this Congress to defund our federal law enforcement, to stop ICE from doing their job, to deport violent criminals who are here illegally,” he said.

“So it is important that we codify Trump border security measures and tough-on-immigration policies and make them the law of the land so that the next time, God forbid, a Joe Biden ever gets elected back to the White House or someone that comes from that radical wing of the Democrat Party…”

Banks also directed his frustration at his own party, criticizing the Republican-led Senate for failing to advance separate election legislation that he says should be another priority.

Many on the right have pressed for passage of the SAVE Act, a bill requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

“That’s one of my biggest disappointments with this Republican Senate – we haven’t passed [it],” he said.

“I hope by the end of the year that we can find a way to pass it. I’m going to keep fighting for it, but at the end of the day, the Trump administration and the Department of Justice is doing a lot crack down on illegals voting in our elections.”

In a separate Indiana case, DHS arrested an illegal immigrant on Sept. 18 who had entered the U.S. during the Obama administration and later cast a federal ballot.

ICE Enforcement Division Assistant Director Patricia Hyde said the right to vote is the “cornerstone of democracy” in announcing the capture of Guatemalan national Helda Mendez-Merida for “poisoning our elections.”

“We cannot allow that sacred right [to vote] to be perverted,” she said.

Banks said such incidents keep surfacing “because Joe Biden and Democrats flooded our country with tens of millions of illegals – they’re still here [and] mass deportation is important.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has repeatedly pushed back on criticism he is not working hard enough to pass the SAVE Act or advance the Trump agenda.

Thune previously told Fox News Digital that he is an original co-sponsor of a previous version of the bill and that the 50-vote threshold needed to pass provisions that qualify for the parliamentary maneuver known as reconciliation remains a sticking point.

“I keep asking the question, am I the only one in this town that can count to 50? Because it seems like these questions recur and there are a lot of people out there who haven’t seemed to internalize the fact that there aren’t Democrats that are going to flip and vote for this,” Thune said.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-inside-indiana-business-banks-calls-for-grissom-to-be-new-u-s-space-academy-home/,ICYMI: Inside Indiana Business: Banks Calls for Grissom to Be New U.S. Space Academy Home,2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Click here to read the full story or read below.

Bunker Hill, Ind. ­­— Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., wants a site in north central Indiana to become the new home of the U.S. Space Academy.

In a letter sent Thursday to Jared Isaacman, chairman of the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy, Banks urged the commission to select Grissom Air Reserve Base and the surrounding Grissom Aeroplex as the site for the academy.

Banks cited Grissom’s connection to Lt. Col. Virgil “Gus” Grissom, an Indiana native and the second American to fly in space. He also highlighted the site’s “substantial capacity for future classrooms, housing, and training infrastructure, along with access to a 12,501-foot runway, one of the longest in the Midwest.”

President Donald Trump issued an order on Aug. 28 establishing the U.S. Space Academy and the commission, led by Isaacman, which will develop the framework for the academy and select a permanent physical location.

The order said the country must “prepare the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and warfighters and ensure that they are capable of advancing American interests in space.”

Grissom Air Reserve Base is home to the 434th Air Refueling Wing, which is equipped with the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and special taskings to generate aircraft and crews in support of the Air Mobility Command. The Grissom Aeroplex is a business park that encompasses more than 850 acres.

In his letter, Banks said Indiana offers the academic and industrial ecosystem necessary to support the Academy’s long-term mission.

“The state offers a low cost of living, leading STEM and research universities, and a growing aerospace, defense, and advanced-manufacturing workforce,” Banks said. “Indiana companies already contribute directly to America’s space missions, including 21 suppliers supporting NASA’s Artemis program. Locating the Space Academy at Grissom would give cadets access to this broader network and create opportunities to connect classroom education with hands-on experience across the civil, commercial, and national security sectors.”

The commission is required to submit its report on establishing the academy to the president within 120 days of the order.

You can read the full letter from Banks by clicking here.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sens-banks-king-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-improve-veterans-access-to-high-cost-prescription-medication-in-state-homes/,"Sens. Banks, King Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Veterans’ Access to High-Cost Prescription Medication in State Homes",2026-09-28,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve access to high-cost prescription drugs for veterans living in state veterans’ homes. TheProviding Veterans Essential Medications Act would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reimburse state veterans’ homes for high-cost medications or provide the drugs directly. Currently, VA only provides a limited per diem rate to cover drug costs, which is often insufficient.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “State veterans’ homes should never have to turn away elderly and disabled veterans because lifesaving medications are too expensive. This bipartisan bill will help states cover those costs and expedite care for our nation’s heroes.”

Sen. Angus King (I-Maine): “Our men and women in uniform didn’t hesitate when it came time to answer the call and serve our nation – we shouldn’t hesitate to make their retirement from service as comfortable as possible. If the VA covers veterans’ medication when they are living at a private nursing home, those cost reimbursements should be the same when veterans choose to enter a facility that specializes in taking care of veterans. This bipartisan Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act is a crucial piece of legislation that will ensure our veterans continue to receive the care they have earned, regardless of where they choose to live.”

Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Jake Adams: “Veterans have earned the peace of mind that comes with reliable, affordable access to the medications they depend on. The Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act reinforces that commitment by ensuring state veterans’ homes have the resources necessary to supply high-cost medications—allowing them to serve more veterans who need specialized care.”

Key Provisions of the Providing Veterans Essential Medication Act:

Requires the VA to reimburse state veterans’ homes for prescription medications that cost more than the 8.5% applicable VA per diem rate.

Allows the VA to provide high-cost medications directly to state veterans’ homes as an alternative reimbursement.

Gives state veterans’ homes the same type of support that the VA already provides to many private contract nursing homes.

Helps prevent elderly and severely disabled veterans from being denied admission or discharged because of the cost of lifesaving medications.

Background:

The VA covers high-cost medications for eligible veterans living in VA community living centers and private contract nursing homes. However, veterans living in state veterans’ homes do not receive the same coverage. Instead, they receive a daily per diem from the VA and are expected to use that payment to cover all necessary care, including prescription medications. Some lifesaving medications, including chemotherapy and cutting-edge cancer treatments, can cost as much as $20,000 per month – far exceeding the VA’s daily payment. As a result, state veterans’ home may struggle to absorb the costs, deny admission to severely disabled veterans, or discharge residents whose medications become too expensive.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-introduces-bills-to-protect-american-biotechnology-infrastructure-data-from-malicious-actors/,"Young Introduces Bills to Protect American Biotechnology Infrastructure, Data from Malicious Actors",2026-09-26,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced two bills to protect biotechnology data and infrastructure from malicious actors.

The Protecting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing as Critical Infrastructure Act would ensure that biotechnology and biomanufacturing infrastructure is protected as critical infrastructure. It would establish a mechanism to cover cross-sector infrastructure that does not neatly fall within current Critical Infrastructure Sectors designations.

The Protecting Biological Data as Critical Infrastructure Act would ensure coverage of genetic and other sensitive biometric data with the proper cybersecurity controls. The bill directs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to designate systems handling genomic sequences and sensitive biometric data as critical infrastructure and also mandates collaboration between CISA and biotechnology stakeholders to create security protocols and synchronize security concerns across sectors.

“Biotechnology infrastructure and data are becoming vital to America’s economic and national security,” said NSCEB Chair Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.). “Just as we are serious about where the sensitive data of Americans is stored and who can access it, we should be equally serious about protecting our biological data and infrastructure. Designating biotech as critical infrastructure is about recognizing its strategic importance and making sure the capabilities America will depend on tomorrow remain resilient and protected from foreign threats.”

“Cyberattacks that target the genetic information and other personal health information of Americans can have devastating consequences for patients, providers, and our national security. As we continue to see increasingly sophisticated attacks, it’s important that our cybersecurity agencies have the tools that they need to protect American biotechnology and our public health,” said Senator Hassan (D-N.H.). “I am glad to introduce these bipartisan, commonsense bills that will keep Granite Staters healthy and safe.”

In its April 2025 report to Congress, the NSCEB assessed that malicious actors will increasingly target the biotechnology sector’s infrastructure and data. Critical biotechnology infrastructure, such as hospitals and agricultural facilities, have already faced numerous cyberattacks. Biological data are not currently treated or protected as a strategic national resource. These bills reflect NSCEB recommendations.

The bills were also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05), and Scott Peters (D-CA-50).

A detailed summary of both bills can be found here.",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-bennet-reintroduce-legislation-to-combat-national-eviction-crisis/,"Young, Bennet Reintroduce Legislation to Combat National Eviction Crisis",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), members of the Senate Finance Committee, reintroduced the Eviction Crisis Act of 2026. This legislation would address our urgent national eviction crisis, creating an emergency rental assistance program to reduce preventable evictions and making it easier for American families to stay securely housed.

“Many families are one unexpected expense away from losing the stability that comes with having a place to call home,” said Senator Young. “The Eviction Crisis Act would help prevent avoidable evictions by better coordinating tenants, landlords, and municipalities to address housing instability before it becomes a crisis. Passing this bill will help more Hoosiers families stay in their homes.”

“Today, an illness, a car accident, or a family emergency can lead to a family being evicted from their home and falling into a cycle of poverty,” said Senator Bennet. “The hardship caused by eviction is agonizing for the millions of American families facing it every year, and that harm reverberates across our communities. As a former school superintendent, I saw kids unable to stay awake in class because they didn’t have a stable place to sleep the night before. I’ve heard from many Coloradans about how one misstep led to their lives falling apart. Our Eviction Crisis Act will both prevent eviction and limit the harm when it is unavoidable.”

“BPC Action commends Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) for leading the Eviction Crisis Act, which would create an emergency assistance program for at-risk households, establish a national evictions database, and fund community courts and diversion programs. For too many families, unexpected hardship—such as job loss or medical expenses—makes rent unaffordable, triggering homelessness and poverty cycles. This legislation is a necessary investment to stabilize housing and economic opportunity, and we look forward to working with Congress to enact it,” said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

Our country’s eviction crisis is driven by a national affordable housing shortage that is particularly acute for low-income renters. In 2024, the Congressional Research Service calculated that 49.4 percent of renter households spent more than 30 percent of household income on housing costs and 26.2 percent of renter households spent more than half.

Additionally, the Eviction Crisis Act of 2026 will improve data and analysis on evictions, reduce preventable evictions, mitigate eviction-related consequences, and strengthen protections for renters in tenant screening reports.

The text of the bill is available here.

A summary of the bill is available here.",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-announces-2026-congressional-app-challenge,Mrvan Announces 2026 Congressional App Challenge,2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced the details of the 2026 Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students in Indiana’s First Congressional District.

Each year, the Internet Education Foundation and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor the Congressional App Challenge to foster an appreciation for computer science and STEM education. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide academic competition for middle school (6th – 8th grades) and high school (9th – 12th grades) students to create and exhibit their software application, or ""app,"" for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

Students in Indiana’s First Congressional District are invited to compete against their peers in a challenge to create the best software application to represent our region at the House of Code reception in Washington, D.C. in the Spring of 2026. This competition is designed to promote innovation and engagement in STEM fields.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “I am thrilled to announce the 2026 Congressional App Challenge is now open to middle and high school students who are passionate about computer science and technology. This annual competition is a fantastic hands-on opportunity for students to code their own app and learn more about the STEM field. I look forward to seeing many innovative submissions from students throughout our region.”

All students must register for the competition and submit their work through the Congressional App Challenge website by 12:00 p.m. ET on Monday, October 26, 2026.

For additional information, please visit the official Congressional App Challenge website at https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/ or email StudentSupport@CongressionalAppChallenge.us.

For additional questions, please contact Drew Ficociello in the Merrillville District Office at 219-795-1844 or Drew.Ficociello@mail.house.gov.

###",1,2026-09-27T10:23:37Z,2026-09-27T10:25:08Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-houchin-bills-combat-scams-expand-broadband-advance-house-floor,"ICYMI: Rep Houchin Bills to Combat Scams, Expand Broadband Advance to House Floor",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Last week, two bills by Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) advanced out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and were reported to the full House of Representatives.

H.R. 5967, the Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act, was reported to the full House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 36 yeas to 0 nays.

This bipartisan legislation introduced alongside Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08) targets fraud, an issue costing Americans about $15.9 billion last year. By placing responsibility of preventing scams with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DoJ), the Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act proactively targets criminals engaging in fraud.

“Fraud is a massive and growing threat that costs Americans billions of dollars every year,” said Rep. Houchin. “The federal government has agencies working on different pieces of this problem, but criminals do not operate in silos. We need the federal government to share information, coordinate its efforts, and work directly with the companies on the front lines of identifying scams. The Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act gives this effort an owner and creates a coordinated strategy to better protect Americans.”

H.R. 4950, the Data BRIDGE Act, was reported to the full House by a roll call vote of 35 yeas to 0 nays.

The Data BRIDE Act, a bipartisan bill introduced alongside Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) ensures that broadband funding decisions are made with cropland location information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Currently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) National Broadband Map focuses on serviceable locations like homes and businesses, but often misses the acreage surrounding where modern farming takes place.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=327,Messmer Introduces Bill to Advance Ready Reserve Force Modernization,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Mark B. Messmer,M001233,messmer.house.gov,messmer,https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today introduced the Ready Reserve Force Modernization Accountability Act. The bill directs the Navy and Maritime Administration to prioritize finalizing design requirements for new sealift vessels and brief Congress on plans to build and fund them.

The Ready Reserve Force (RRF) is a fleet of approximately around 50 vessels that can carry troops, equipment, fuel, and supplies across oceans during a crisis. It provides nearly half of the federal government’s surge sealift capacity. Its ships are more than 45 years old on average.

“Our adversaries should think twice before challenging the United States because they know we can bring a logistical force to a fight that is unmatched anywhere in the world,” said Rep. Mark Messmer. “The Ready Reserve Force is a major part of that advantage. We need to replace its aging ships so our military can continue to move troops, equipment, and supplies wherever they are needed. This bill is a step toward maintaining that edge.”

“The Ready Reserve Force (RRF) is only as ready as its ships, and too many of them were built decades ago,” said Senator Dave McCormick. “We need to treat this moment with the urgency it deserves by finalizing the design for new RRF vessels and laying out how they will be built and paid for. Shipyards can't hire, train, and invest based on intentions alone. I applaud Representatives Messmer and Courtney for recognizing the stakes and introducing this bipartisan companion to S. 4630.”

“There’s no question that maintaining our nation’s Ready Reserve Force is national security priority, and the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee remains committed to enabling the Navy, TRANSCOM, and MARAD to recapitalize the fleet. That’s why, in the FY23 NDAA, we mandated the use of the successful vessel construction manager model for this program. I look forward to the continued work between Congress and the Navy to ensure successful deliveries of new RFF vessels,” said Rep. Joe Courtney.

BACKGROUND:

The Ready Reserve Force Modernization Accountability Act directs the Secretary of the Navy and the Maritime Administrator to prioritize finalizing design requirements for new RRF vessels.

The bill also requires the Navy, in coordination with the Maritime Administration, to brief Congress within 180 days. The briefing must cover the status of the new vessel design, plans for a vessel construction manager program, funding for the authorized 10-ship construction program, and how purchases of new and used vessels will work together during the transition.

The legislation aims to support military readiness and give domestic shipbuilders greater clarity about the path to replacing the fleet.

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is supporting America’s warfighters and strengthening our national security, click here.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-urges-u-s-space-academy-commission-to-select-grissom/,Sen. Banks Urges U.S. Space Academy Commission to Select Grissom,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) urged the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy to select Grissom Air Reserve Base and the surrounding Grissom Aeroplex in Indiana as the home of the new U.S. Space Academy.

In a letter to Commission Chairman Jared Isaacman, Senator Banks highlighted Grissom’s connection to Indiana native Lieutenant Colonel Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, one of America’s original seven astronauts and the second American to fly in space. He also pointed to the site’s capacity for classrooms, housing, and training infrastructure, as well as its 12,501-foot runway, one of the longest in the Midwest.

Read the full letter here or below:

Dear Chairman Isaacman and Members of the Commission:

I write to respectfully urge you and the commission to consider Grissom Air Reserve Base and the surrounding Grissom Aeroplex in Indiana as home of the U.S. Space Academy.

Named in honor of Indiana native Lieutenant Colonel Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, one of America’s original seven astronauts and the second to fly in space, Grissom offers a fitting connection between America’s earliest achievements in human spaceflight and the next generation of American space leaders. The installation and surrounding Aeroplex also offer substantial capacity for future classrooms, housing, and training infrastructure, along with access to a 12,501-foot runway, one of the longest in the Midwest.

Indiana also offers the academic and industrial ecosystem necessary to support the Academy’s long-term mission. The state offers a low cost of living, leading STEM and research universities, and a growing aerospace, defense, and advanced-manufacturing workforce. Indiana companies already contribute directly to America’s space missions, including 21 suppliers supporting NASA’s Artemis program. Locating the Space Academy at Grissom would give cadets access to this broader network and create opportunities to connect classroom education with hands-on experience across the civil, commercial, and national security sectors.

Thank you for considering Grissom Air Reserve Base in Indiana as the headquarters for U.S.

Space Force. I look forward to working with the Commission to bring the Academy to Indiana.

###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-calls-for-national-security-council-discussions-on-emerging-ai-threats/,Young Calls for National Security Council Discussions on Emerging AI Threats,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) sent a letter to U.S. National Security Advisor Marco Rubio calling on the National Security Council to convene recurring discussions between federal officials, leading artificial intelligence developers, cybersecurity experts, researchers, and critical infrastructure representatives to identify and address emerging national security threats posed by advanced AI systems.

In the letter, Young emphasized that the United States must remain the global leader in artificial intelligence while ensuring the federal government keeps pace with rapidly advancing AI capabilities and the potential security risks they represent.

“Recent developments involving frontier AI models have further demonstrated the ability of advanced systems to circumvent safeguards, interact with external systems, and substantially enhance offensive cyber capabilities. These incidents underscore the need for the U.S. government to better understand and address emerging threats before they result in more serious consequences. We must also continue to improve our understanding of these increasingly complex systems, whose internal processes can be difficult even for experts to fully interpret, predict, and control,” wrote Senator Young.

Read the full text of the letter here and below.

Dear Secretary Rubio,

The 21st century is poised to be an era of unparalleled American innovation and prosperity. Scientific progress and technological advancement, especially in artificial intelligence (AI), will propel the U.S. economy to new heights, empower Americans to live longer and healthier lives, and, crucially, strengthen our national security and keep our homeland safe.

Realizing that bright future, however, requires responsible stewardship of the development and deployment of this technology. AI offers tremendous benefits, but those benefits do not come without serious and evolving risks. As you know, bad actors are increasingly using AI tools to steal and exploit sensitive information from governments around the world. Moreover, advanced AI agents have demonstrated the ability to act in ways their users did not intend and to engage in activities that, if conducted by a human, could be unlawful.

Recent developments involving frontier AI models have further demonstrated the ability of advanced systems to circumvent safeguards, interact with external systems, and substantially enhance offensive cyber capabilities. These incidents underscore the need for the U.S. government to better understand and address emerging threats before they result in more serious consequences. We must also continue to improve our understanding of these increasingly complex systems, whose internal processes can be difficult even for experts to fully interpret,

predict, and control.

We are still working to understand the full implications of these developments. While the consequences to date may not have directly affected the daily lives of most Americans, the risks they present should not be dismissed. We cannot assume that future autonomous or AI-enabled attacks will not target hospitals, electric grids, water systems, or other critical infrastructure. Such

an outcome would be unacceptable.

The Administration has already taken important steps to address these challenges, including efforts to evaluate the national security risks posed by frontier AI models, strengthen the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, and deepen cooperation between the federal government and leading AI developers. Building on those efforts, I respectfully request that the National Security Council coordinate a series of recurring roundtable discussions with frontier AI model developers, cybersecurity experts, relevant national security and intelligence officials, critical infrastructure representatives, and other appropriate private sector experts.

These discussions would help policymakers and national security officials keep pace with rapidly evolving AI capabilities, identify emerging vulnerabilities, and determine whether additional executive or legislative action is needed. In particular, I encourage these discussions to address:

• Advancements in frontier AI model capabilities that could create significant national security or public safety risks, including known incidents and near misses;

• The capabilities of AI models developed in the People’s Republic of China and other foreign adversaries, the potential national security threats associated with those systems, and the ability of state and non-state actors to exploit advanced AI capabilities against the United States;

• Options for establishing or strengthening secure mechanisms through which AI developers, researchers, and users can voluntarily report AI security incidents, vulnerabilities, or instances of unsafe or unlawful activity to appropriate federal entities;

• Strategies to advance research in mechanistic interpretability, functional assurance, and other methods for understanding, evaluating, and controlling AI systems, including through secure federal test and evaluation environments where appropriate; and

• Concrete safeguards to reduce the risk of serious AI-enabled incidents, including steps that can be taken under existing executive authorities and recommendations for any targeted legislation that may be necessary to better protect critical infrastructure and the American people.

I further request that the Administration keep Congress appropriately informed of the findings and recommendations that emerge from these engagements. To the extent practicable and consistent with the protection of classified, proprietary, and other sensitive information, I encourage the Administration to provide a classified briefing to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and other relevant Committees as appropriate, regarding national security findings,

identified capability gaps, and any areas in which additional statutory authority may be warranted.

The United States should continue to lead the world in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence. Maintaining that leadership also requires ensuring that our government keeps pace with emerging capabilities and understands the risks they may present. Regular engagement among the federal government, industry, researchers, and national security experts will help ensure that policymakers have the information they need to protect the American

people without unnecessarily hindering American innovation.

I appreciate the Administration’s continued attention to these issues and look forward to working with you to ensure that the United States remains both the global leader in artificial intelligence and the nation best prepared to address the security challenges this technology may create.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-discusses-american-biotech-leadership-at-axios-live-event/,Young Discusses American Biotech Leadership at Axios Live Event,2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"**Click here or above to watch the event**

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), joined Axios’ The Global Biotech Race event for a conversation on America’s global leadership in biotechnology and growing competition with China.

During the discussion, Senator Young highlighted the importance of maintaining America’s biotechnology advantage by accelerating innovation, strengthening domestic manufacturing, modernizing the regulatory environment, and harnessing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

Senator Young also discussed his work as Chair of the NSCEB, which developed recommendations to strengthen the U.S. biotechnology sector, address national security vulnerabilities, and guide federal government priorities.",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-leads-fight-to-ensure-taxpayer-funded-pell-grants-go-to-american-students-only/,Banks Leads Fight to Ensure Taxpayer-Funded Pell Grants go to American Students Only,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Pell for Americans Act, legislation to ensure taxpayer-funded Pell Grants are awarded only to U.S. citizens and nationals. Current law makes it possible for certain noncitizens, including some illegal aliens, to receive federal student aid.

The Pell for Americans Act utilizes the framework of H.R. 4262––legislation introduced in 1994 by three Democrats––to ensure that taxpayer-funded Pell Grants are reserved for American students only.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “In 2026, Socialist-aligned Democrats fight harder for illegal aliens than their own constituents, but back in 1994, they led a bill that would ensure taxpayer-funded Pell Grants are reserved for American students only. American taxpayers have no business subsidizing the college tuition of foreign nationals, and three decades later, I’m proud to reintroduce this commonsense bill to put American students first.”

Key Provisions of the bill:

Requires Pell Grant recipients to be citizens or nationals of the United States.

Prevents other provisions of the federal law from extending Pell Grant eligibility to noncitizens.

Maintains existing academic and program eligibility requirements for American students.

Modeled after H.R. 4262, legislation introduced in the 103rd Congress by three Democrats.

Background:

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides taxpayer-funded financial assistance to undergraduate students with significant financial needs. Unlike student loans, Pell Grants generally do not need to be repaid.

Under current law, U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and certain eligible noncitizens may qualify for Pell Grants. Senator Banks’ legislation would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to limit Pell Grant eligibility to U.S. citizens and nationals.

Full bill text can be found here.

Breitbart Exclusive here.

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-introduces-bill-to-reserve-pell-grants-for-american-students/,Sen. Banks Introduces Bill to Reserve Pell Grants for American Students,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Click here for the full story from Breitbart or read below:

EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) has introduced a new piece of legislation that would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that recipients of Pell Grants be U.S. citizens, a move the Republican said would “put American students first.”

Unveiled on Wednesday morning, the “Pell for Americans Act” simply states that the federally funded aid grant should only go to American undergraduates — not foreigners.

Despite efforts to restrict eligibility for non-citizens in the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill, several classes, including refugees, asylees, immigration parolees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and “conditional permanent residents,” remain eligible.

Just this February, the Hill reported that the Pell program “is in financial difficulties with a projected shortfall of billions of dollars that could lead to trouble for students as soon as 2028.”

By the end of this fiscal year, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects the Pell Grant program will be $5 billion in debt. Over the next ten years, that number jumps to between $104 billion and $132 billion if nothing is done about the issue.

The projections come even after lawmakers gave the program a one-time boost of $10.5 billion in President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act last year.

Banks’ office told Breitbart News that his bill is actually modeled after a piece of legislation originally introduced by House Democrats in 1994 that had the same stated goal of amending the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct Pell funds to Americans only.

“In 2026, Socialist-aligned Democrats fight harder for illegal aliens than their own constituents, but back in 1994, they led a bill that would ensure taxpayer-funded Pell Grants are reserved for American students only,” the senator said in an exclusive statement.

“American taxpayers have no business subsidizing the college tuitions of foreign nationals, and three decades later, I’m proud to reintroduce this commonsense bill to put American students first,” the Indiana Republican added.

###",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nfib-awards-senator-young-guardian-of-small-business-award-4/,NFIB Awards Senator Young Guardian of Small Business Award,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) awarded U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) with their most prestigious legislative recognition, the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award.

“I am honored to receive the Guardian of Small Business Award from NFIB for my efforts to promote and support Hoosier small businesses. As the son of a small business owner, I know how important they are to our state’s economy. I will always fight to support Indiana’s small businesses,” said Senator Young.

“The recipients of the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award have a proven record of championing America’s small and independent business owners,”said NFIB President Brad Close. “NFIB Guardians demonstrated strong support for small businesses on key issues, most notably including their efforts to make the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent. We are proud to present the Guardian of Small Business award to these lawmakers who helped create an environment where small business owners can continue to own, operate, and grow their businesses.”

NFIB’s Guardian of Small Business Award is reserved for lawmakers who vote consistently with small business on the key issues identified by small business owners. Those who voted with small business on key issues 70 percent or more of the time during the 119th Congress earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award.",1,2026-09-24T09:44:48Z,2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-questions-witnesses-ai-safeguards-military-and-intelligence-systems,Carson Questions Witnesses on AI Safeguards in Military and Intelligence Systems,2026-09-23,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) questioned witnesses at a first-of-its-kind hearing calling for a U.S.-China agreement to responsibly pace the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This hearing was held by Democrats on the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

The hearing occurred after Speaker Mike Johnson canceled the previously scheduled legislative session, including votes and committee hearings, without taking action on AI. Congressman Carson previously joined 106 Democrats in calling on the speaker to hold a vote to address AI cybersecurity, surveillance, and rogue AI agent concerns.

“This administration is moving quickly to put advanced AI into our military and intelligence systems,” said Congressman Carson in today’s hearing. “Some decisions are simply too important to hand over to a machine…As AI moves deeper into our national security systems, where should we draw a hard line and say a human has to make the decision?”

Congressman Carson also raised the alarm on the potential need for new regulatory frameworks for AI in cyberattacks and biological weapons. “We already have laws and international agreements dealing with cyberattacks and biological weapons,” Congressman Carson said. “But we know that AI can make those threats easier to carry out and potentially much more dangerous.”

Witnesses included:

· Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto and Nobel Laureate

· Lt. Gen. John (Jack) N.T. Shanahan (USAF, Ret.), Adjunct Senior Fellow, Center for a New American Security

· Matt Sheehan, Senior Fellow, Asia Program and Co-Director, China AI Initiative, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

· Miriam Vogel, President and CEO, EqualAI

· Seán Ó hÉigeartaigh, Professor and Director of the AI: Futures and Responsibilities Programme, University of Cambridge

The full hearing can be found here.

###",1,2026-09-29T11:07:12Z,2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-discusses-national-security-threats-at-fdd/,Young Discusses National Security Threats at FDD,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"**Click here or above to watch the full event**

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) for a fireside chat with Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power, to discuss growing cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea and the national security challenges facing the United States.

The event coincided with the release of Axis of Aggressors: Countering the Cooperation of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, co-authored by Bowman and other FDD experts.

During the discussion, Senator Young highlighted the need to strengthen America’s economic and national security, rebuild critical domestic capabilities, and work with allies and partners to counter growing cooperation among U.S. adversaries.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-gerstner-in-indy-star-how-trump-accounts-give-indiana-kids-a-financial-head-start/,"Young, Gerstner in Indy Star: How Trump Accounts give Indiana kids a financial head start",2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON — The following column by U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Brad Gerstner was published by The Indianapolis Star on September 22, 2026.

How Trump Accounts give Indiana kids a financial head start | Opinion

A Hoosier native who helped create Trump Accounts is now putting $250 into the program for 140,000 of the state’s youngest kids.

By Todd Young and Brad Gerstner

While America celebrated its 250th birthday this summer, millions of American children received a new opportunity to own a stake in the country’s next 250 years.

On July 4, Trump Accounts went live and families gained access to a new investment tool to build long-term financial security for their children. Under the program, every American child under 18 is eligible for an account, and newborns will receive $1,000 in seed money from the U.S. Treasury.

Today, a gift from Brad will give many Hoosier kids $250 toward that future.

As native Hoosiers and the sons of small business owners, we understand how a modest investment can compound over time and positively shape the trajectory of a person’s life. And we both believe that in America all children can rise higher than their parents.

This is why Brad started the idea behind Trump Accounts and why Todd worked tirelessly to turn it into law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

There is an important difference between teaching a child about the American economy and giving a child a stake in it. Trump Accounts do both. From an early age, children can watch their savings grow alongside American businesses and learn firsthand the value of investment, ownership and compound growth.

In addition to the seed investment for newborns, children of all ages can receive contributions from family, friends, employers and philanthropists. These contributions are placed in a low-cost investment fund that tracks a broad index of American companies, allowing children to share in the long-term growth of the U.S. economy.

The power of starting early can be significant. At a hypothetical 7% annual return, a $1,000 investment made at birth would grow to roughly $3,400 by age 18, even if no additional contributions were made. If a family added $500 each year, that nest egg would grow to be around $20,000.

The child has legal ownership of the account, but it is managed by his or her parents. They, or other relatives, employers or friends can also contribute to the account (up to $5,000 annually for each account). Additionally, an employer can contribute up to $2,500 pre-tax annually to the Trump Account of an employee or an employee’s dependent.

Annual investment earnings within the account are tax-deferred, and, with limited exceptions, funds cannot be withdrawn before the child reaches the age of 18. It provides a real financial head start as the child reaches adulthood and makes big life decisions.

The Trump Accounts app, which was launched in May, provides a simple and secure platform for families to sign up for the program. Over 9 million families have already signed up for Trump Accounts, including more than 1.5 million newborns eligible for the $1,000 pilot contribution from Treasury.

It’s simple: Download the app, sign up and claim your child’s stake.

This is a huge success story, but there is even more good news for Hoosier children under the age of 4.

Starting this week, Brad is investing $250 into Trump Accounts for children born in 2023 and 2024, who reside in an Indiana ZIP code with a median family income of $150,000 or less.

That means over 140,000 additional Hoosier kids start with real equity.

As a kid from Syracuse, Indiana, Brad received a Lilly Scholarship to attend Wabash College and later a Jump Scholarship to attend IU law school. Indiana bet on him, and now he’s betting on the future of Hoosier kids.

Our hope is that additional investors, employers and philanthropists will follow suit and provide similar seed capital to our youngest Americans. Research shows that having assets early in life is linked to better education, stronger financial habits and better choices in adulthood.

Since its founding, America’s promise has always been that every person can make a living and move upward, no matter where they start.

Regardless of your financial position today, we encourage every family in Indiana with young children to take advantage of these opportunities and build a brighter future for the next generation.

Todd Young, a Republican, represents Indiana in the U.S. Senate. Brad Gerstner is the founder of Invest America, Trump Accounts and Altimeter Capital.",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-introduces-bill-rename-muncie-post-office-honor-corporal-blake-reynolds,Spartz Introduces Bill to Rename Muncie Post Office in Honor of Corporal Blake Reynolds,2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) introduced legislation to rename a United States Post Office in Muncie, Indiana, in honor of fallen Delaware County Sheriff’s Corporal Blake Reynolds. The legislation is cosponsored by the entire Indiana House delegation.

“Blake lived as a hero through selfless service, offering his life day by day to the people he was called to protect,” said Rep. Spartz. “His faith, compassion, and commitment to serving others left a lasting impact on our community. I am grateful to my Indiana colleagues for joining me in honoring his life and ensuring his legacy of service will not be forgotten.”

Corporal Blake Reynolds was a lifelong Hoosier whose life was rooted in faith, family, and service. A 2013 graduate of Delta High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ball State University and served with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for three years, most recently as a corporal.

Blake was known by those closest to him for his strong faith, joyful spirit, sense of humor, and deep love for his family, including his wife, Allison, his parents, Bruce and Melissa, and his brother, Dustin. Those qualities shaped the way he served his community—with compassion, courage, and a genuine heart for people.

On November 12, 2025, Corporal Reynolds was killed in the line of duty while serving the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://stutzman.house.gov/media/press-releases/enes-kanter-freedom-nancy-hogshead-applaud-rep-stutzmans-letter-demanding,"ENES KANTER FREEDOM, NANCY HOGSHEAD APPLAUD REP. STUTZMAN’S LETTER DEMANDING ANSWERS FROM THE WNBA",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Marlin A. Stutzman,S001188,stutzman.house.gov,stutzman,https://stutzman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) sent a letter to Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) commissioner Cathy Engelbert asking her to address the league’s failure to define what a “woman” is according to its collective bargaining agreement, the lack of a uniform policy for addressing players and coaches who instigate verbal confrontations with fans, and the WNBA’s repeated lack of consequences for intentional, dangerous physical contact on the court.

Former National Basketball Association player and WNBA prospect Enes Kanter Freedom said of the letter, “It’s time for the WNBA to explain themselves, and it’s time for the WNBA to ensure safety and fairness for all players and fans.” Three-time Olympic champion Nancy Hogshead, J.D., OLY said, “It’s time for the WNBA to protect what generations of women fought to build: the female category.”

Fox News OutKick first covered the letter in an exclusive article by Amber Harding.

Image

Congressman Stutzman is joined by Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (SC-03), Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09), Congressman John W. Rose (TN-06), and Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) on the letter.

""The WNBA needs to stop denying common sense and admit that biological males have no place in their league,” said Rep. Stutzman. “Their delay in addressing this crucial matter has already caused disruptions to games and created a mockery of the organization whose eligibility standards should be defined by looking no further than the league name. Secondly, the WNBA must answer for its failure to administer just consequences for players' continued intentional, dangerous physical contact on the court.”

“Ever since I declared for the WNBA draft, the league has been completely silent and unable to explain their own rules,"" said Enes Kanter Freedom. ""The reason why the league has been silent is simple: the WNBA cannot define a woman and their current rules do not prevent me from playing in the league. It’s time for the WNBA to explain themselves, and it’s time for the WNBA to ensure safety and fairness for all players and fans. Thank you Congressman Stutzman and your colleagues for demanding answers to these critical questions.”

“I’ve spent decades fighting for safe and equal opportunities for women in sports, both as an athlete and as a civil rights attorney,"" said Nancy Hogshead, J.D., OLY. ""As a three-time Olympic gold medalist, I underwent sex verification myself—it was a simple cheek swab—and I know firsthand why clear eligibility standards matter. I only wish we’d had similarly effective safeguards to catch the systematic doping of East German women swimmers in my era. That’s why I support Rep. Stutzman’s letter and launched my Change.org petition calling on the WNBA to define “woman” as female. Without clear standards, male intrusion is inevitable—males have competed in every level of female sport, from elite international competitions, to schools, professional leagues, and masters leagues. It’s time for the WNBA to protect what generations of women fought to build: the female category.”

“The WNBA must answer for its failure to keep players safe,” said Rep. Houchin (IN-09). “Professional sports organizations have a responsibility to provide athletes with a safe and professional environment where they can perform at the highest level.”",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-secretary-jenner-discuss-indianas-leadership-in-education-at-reagan-institute-summit/,"Young, Secretary Jenner Discuss Indiana’s Leadership in Education at Reagan Institute Summit",2026-09-21,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"**Click here or above to watch the full event.**

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner at the Reagan Institute Summit on Education (RISE) to discuss preparing students for the future and ensuring America’s education system meets the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

During the discussion, Senator Young highlighted Indiana’s leadership in preparing students for a tech-driven future and discussed ways to strengthen our schools, expand school choice, and prepare more students for the workforce.",1,2026-09-22T09:42:49Z,2026-09-22T09:44:35Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-applauds-newly-announced-va-grants-to-indiana-organizations-serving-veterans/,Banks Applauds Newly Announced VA Grants to Indiana Organizations Serving Veterans,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier this week, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a record level of grants to organizations that help veterans who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. The Grant Per Diem program and Supportive Services for Veteran Families program grants begin October 1, 2026 and will fund transitional housing, supportive services, eviction prevention, rehousing, and other services to house veterans. Thirteen Indiana-based organizations received grants.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Every veteran who has served our country deserves a safe place to call home and the support they need to get back on their feet. I’m grateful to Secretary Collins and President Trump for investing in Indiana organizations that are doing this important work every day, and I am proud to support their efforts to make sure no Hoosier veteran is left behind.”

VA Secretary Doug Collins: “Under President Trump, VA is making historic progress getting our most vulnerable Veterans off the streets and back on the path to self-sufficiency. These grants underscore our commitment to expanding critical services that prevent Veteran homelessness, connecting those who have worn the uniform to permanent housing and providing the resources necessary for long‑term stability.”

Barb Cox, Shepherd’s House Executive Director: “This grant will allow us to expand services and provide case management, clinical counseling, assistance with job placement, and housing navigation to help our veterans find permanent housing and stability. We are so grateful for Senator Banks’ commitment to homeless veterans, and we so appreciate his introducing us to the VA Secretary. For decades Senator Banks has given this ministry his personal time, not only as a senator, but as a veteran who understands what it costs when someone who served is left without a pace to land.”

Ben Yee, Anchor House Director: “Anchor House has served homeless veterans for years, but this new funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs will enable us to connect the resources available with the veterans who could benefit. There are so many resources available for homeless veterans, but the hard work is connecting them to those resources in a way that can really help them rebuild. Anchor House’s permanent housing exit rate is more than twice the state average, and we are excited to bring our efforts to an expanded network of homeless veterans across Southern Indiana.”

Emmy Hildebrand, CEO of HVAF of Indiana: “We are grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs for recently awarding several grants to HVAF of Indiana. We’ve made significant progress, reducing veteran homelessness in our community by over 50% in the last decade. This award is a vital investment to sustaining momentum in the fight against veteran homelessness.”

Background:

Grant Per Diem Program Awards

Anchor House

Center for the Homeless

HVAF of Indiana

Life Treatment Centers

Little Thinkers School of Early Learning

Mishawaka Troop Town

Shepherd’s House

Veterans Changing Services

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Grantee Awards

Community Action of Northeast Indiana

HVAF of Indiana

Lafayette Transitional Housing Center

InteCare

Volunteers of America of Indiana

View the full list of awardees across the country here.

###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-banks-releases-statement-following-historic-national-security-agreement-with-denmark-and-greenland/,Senator Banks Releases Statement Following Historic National Security Agreement With Denmark And Greenland,2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON –– Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) released the following statement after President Trumpannounced a historic national security agreement with Denmark and Greenland.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “They said it couldn’t be done, but President Trump just proved the foreign policy establishment wrong again. This historic agreement with Denmark and Greenland ensures the United States and our allies will be able to secure Greenland and the High North against our adversaries for generations to come.”

###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-peters-introduce-bill-to-improve-traffic-safety-expand-eligibility-in-infrastructure-projects/,"Young, Peters Introduce Bill to Improve Traffic Safety, Expand Eligibility in Infrastructure Projects",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced the Visionary Intersections Modernization Act, legislation to improve traffic safety and provide additional options for states and local communities seeking federal funding to construct roundabouts. The legislation would amend the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program to include the construction of roundabouts as an eligible use of funding.

“Federal investments in infrastructure should prioritize safety and allow communities to best protect their residents,” said Senator Young. “Roundabouts have proven to be a safe and effective way to improve traffic flow and reduce serious accidents. In Indiana, communities like Carmel have demonstrated the benefits roundabouts can provide for drivers and pedestrians. Our bill will give communities across the country more choices when seeking federal funding for infrastructure projects.”

“Roundabouts are proven to make our roads safer and more efficient,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan, commonsense bill would give communities in Michigan and across the country greater flexibility to invest in infrastructure upgrades, including roundabouts, that improve safety, ease congestion, and best meet the needs of residents.”

Indiana has been a national leader in the use of roundabouts. Carmel has approximately 150 roundabouts, more than any other city in the United States. Since the city began constructing roundabouts in the late 1990s, accidents with injuries have declined approximately 80% and overall accidents by 40%.

The legislation is supported by Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Traffic Safety Services Association, and the Safe Routes Partnership.",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z
https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/carson-demands-congress-stay-session-confront-ai-crisis,Carson Demands Congress Stay in Session to Confront AI Crisis,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – 107 House Democrats are demanding that Congress stay in session and vote on legislation creating AI safeguards.

“Republican leadership canceled votes Thursday instead of taking action on AI,” said Congressman André Carson (IN-07). “There is ample evidence of cybersecurity concerns, surveillance, and the risk of rogue AI agents. Instead of addressing these concerns, Speaker Johnson is giving a free pass to tech companies. The pace of AI development means these are urgent concerns. AI needs to be regulated – and we need to act now.”

Download the letter to Speaker Mike Johnson here. The full text of the letter can be found below.

Dear Speaker Johnson:

We write to urge you to keep the House of Representatives in session to enable Congress to take urgent action to address the catastrophic risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence. Those risks take any of several forms, separately and in combination—of agentic misalignment, mass cybersecurity breaches, and development of biological or chemical weapons.

Reasonable minds may disagree about precisely how Congress should regulate this rapidly evolving technology.

We cannot disagree about the imperative for Congress to act.

Instead of action, you have announced vacation. After a month-long August recess, the House leadership changed the schedule to announce two more weeks of vacation–immediately prior to yet another month of recess in October.

Ample evidence—in the form of a series of public disclosures from the companies and researchers developing the world's most capable AI systems—underscores the urgency of the moment:

In July, OpenAI models undergoing cybersecurity evaluations bred swarms of agents that circumvented controls designed to isolate them from the internet, conspired to exploit vulnerabilities, hacked third-party systems, and altered evidence of their activity, an incident that OpenAI has called a ""warning shot,"" about the risks of highly capable rogue AI agents.

Days later, more than 1,300 top employees of frontier AI companies called on the U.S. government to support an international effort to develop tools that can “deliberately pace the frontier of automated AI development.”

More recently, Anthropic disrupted cases in which researchers used Claude for biological research that could have aided the development of biological weapons, and called biological misuse “one of the most serious risks of frontier AI models.”

Anthropic also documented China-linked actors using Claude for surveillance and transnational repression, and Iran-linked actors using it for propaganda, mass surveillance, and targeting recommendations against U.S. naval forces.

Meanwhile, CISA reported Chinese open-weight models accelerating their capabilities through “industrial-scale” distillation of American models—giving rise to AI agents nearly as powerful as the top U.S. frontier models, yet wholly unconstrained by American authorities or by U.S. safeguards.

These disclosures must not constitute yet another in a long series of “warning shots,” but rather, a starting gun.

Congress must act.

A series of proposals have emerged from our colleagues that deserve consideration, public debate, thoughtful amendment, and action. They include bills mandating transparency and evaluation of frontier models, “kill switch” requirements, and a waiver of antitrust laws to enable critical industry-wide collaboration on safety and security. Whether with these proposals or any other variants, AI experts and leading companies agree that the United States can lead the world in artificial intelligence while establishing reasonable safeguards that protect Americans and our national security. We can—and must—do both.

While AI safety experts and Americans increasingly urge action to confront this conflagration of risk, Congress fiddles. When we did return to work after the August recess, we consumed floor time with debates and votes on performative resolutions opposing socialism. After next week, the House resumes its vacation—for another six weeks.

You can forgive every American who believes that Congress remains unserious about confronting our nation’s most pressing challenges.

The House should remain in session until Congress advances meaningful, bipartisan AI safeguards. To our children who will have read a post-apocalyptic history, “Why Congress Slept” —likely written by agentic AI—our inaction will be inexplicable and unforgivable.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-convenes-second-agriculture-advisory-council-meeting,Mrvan Convenes Second Agriculture Advisory Council Meeting,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Valparaiso, IN – Last week, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan convened the second meeting of his Agriculture Advisory Council for Indiana’s First Congressional District.

The Agriculture Advisory Council convenes local leaders to discuss the challenges facing farmers’ operations, businesses, and livelihoods in Northwest Indiana. The goal of the advisory council is to meet twice a year to discuss current issues, help guide the Congressman’s legislative priorities, and ensure the voices of Indiana farmers are heard in Washington.

Congressman Mrvan spoke on the House floor yesterday to share what he heard. He stated that “our farmers are getting crushed,” that “they need tariff relief, lower fuel costs, expanded markets, and action from Congress,” and that “we must give our farmers the stability they need to keep feeding America.”

Congressman Mrvan’s full remarks on the House floor are available here, and the proceedings from the Agriculture Advisory Council meeting can be viewed here.

The Agriculture Advisory Council is composed of agricultural stakeholders from across Indiana’s First Congressional District – including local farmers and leaders from the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, Indiana Corn Growers Association, Indiana Farm Bureau, Indiana Pork, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Lake County Farm Bureau, Lake County Purdue Extension, the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District, LaPorte County Farm Bureau, LaPorte County Purdue Extension, the LaPorte County Soil and Water Conservation District, Porter County Farm Bureau, Porter County Purdue Extension, and the Porter County Soil and Water Conservation District.

###",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-leads-resolution-designating-september-as-dystonia-awareness-month/,Banks Leads Resolution Designating September as Dystonia Awareness Month,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating September as Dystonia Awareness Month to raise public awareness and understanding of the neurological movement disorder that affects an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 Americans. Dystonia causes involuntary muscle contractions, and while research is ongoing, there is no cure.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Hundreds of thousands of Americans, including service members and veterans, live with dystonia, but too many cases still go misdiagnosed and undiagnosed. Raising awareness will help more Americans recognize the symptoms, support those living with the disorder, and inspire further researchto find a cure.”

The Resolution:

Expresses support for designating September as Dystonia Awareness Month.

Recognizes the need for further research into new treatments and a cure.

Commends medical professionals and researchers working to improve the lives of people with dystonia.

Encourages programs and activities that raise public awareness and understanding of dystonia.

Background:

Dystonia causes excessive, involuntary muscle contractions that can result in abnormal movements or postures and affect a person’s ability to walk, speak, see, or perform tasks. There is currently no cure, but several treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Further research is underway to develop new treatments and ultimately find a cure. Service members and veterans may experience dystonia due to traumatic brain injuries, exposure to certain medications, or other service-related conditions.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-applauds-house-passage-of-bill-to-keep-am-radio-in-new-vehicles/,Young Applauds House Passage of Bill to Keep AM Radio in New Vehicles,2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

The legislation, which is cosponsored by Young, would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge.

“I applaud the House passage of this bill and encourage the Senate to vote on it soon. AM radio plays a vital role in preserving public safety across Indiana. By delivering important weather updates, local news, and emergency and disaster response information, this bill will ensure Hoosiers, especially those in rural areas, continue to have access to this critical communication tool,” said Senator Young.

The legislation has amassed 60 cosponsors in the Senate. Legislative text can be found here.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-schatz-introduce-legislation-to-help-stop-child-labor/,"Young, Schatz Introduce Legislation to Help Stop Child Labor",2026-09-17,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced legislation to help stop illegal child labor. The Stop Child Labor Act would increase maximum fines for violations, establish new criminal penalties, allow victims harmed by violations to file private lawsuits, and encourage collaboration between employers and government to stop child labor violations before they occur.

“Recent data shows that child labor exploitation is not a thing of the past or a problem limited to the developing world. We have a responsibility to enforce the law, protect American children, and ensure that those who exploit them are held accountable,” said Senator Young. “This bill would strengthen our nation’s labor laws to do just that.”

“Right now, our laws are allowing some of the worst employers to get away with exploiting kids for labor with nothing more than weak fines,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will strengthen our child labor laws, hold bad employers accountable, and protect kids from this illicit practice.”

Full text of the legislation is available here.

Federal child labor violations are at or near record levels, according to the most recent enforcement data from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). In fiscal year 2025, the Department’s Wage and Hour Division closed 976 cases involving child labor violations, more than in any year since the Great Recession, including 773 employed in violation of hazardous occupation standards. That represents a 72 percent increase in affected children since fiscal year 2019.

Currently, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) imposes weak fines for violations, making it financially easier for companies to skirt child labor laws. In 2023, it was revealed that migrant child labor is being used for hazardous jobs in factories making products for well-known brands like Cheetos, Fruit of the Loom, and Lucky Charms. That same year, DOL found that Packers Sanitation Services Inc., a sanitation contractor to major meat producers including JBS Foods, had employed at least 102 children, ages 13 to 17, in hazardous occupations on overnight shifts at 13 meat processing facilities across eight states. At least three minors were injured, but DOL could assess only the statutory maximum of $15,138 per count.

Specifically, the Stop Child Labor Act would:

Increase child labor violation civil penalties to:

$5,000 minimum – $132,270 maximum for routine violations;

$25,000 minimum – $601,150 maximum for each violation that causes the death or serious injury of a minor;

Create criminal penalties for a repeat or willful violation of child labor laws to include a fine of up to $50,000 and a year in jail;

Allow children harmed by violations of the law to seek compensation;

Start a grant program aimed at helping employers recognize, avoid, and prevent child labor violations; and

Permanently establish a National Advisory Committee on Child Labor.

The bill is endorsed by the Child Labor Coalition, National Consumers League, Global March Against Child Labor, First Focus Campaign for Children, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, and Center for Law and Social Policy.",1,2026-09-18T09:27:43Z,2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/houchin-bill-name-american-mastodon-and-t-rex-national-symbols-passes-house,Houchin Bill to Name American Mastodon and T. Rex National Symbols Passes House,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 16, 2026

WASHINGTON—Today, H.R. 9191, the National Fossil Act, led by Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) passed the House of Representatives. The bill designates the American mastodon (Mammut americanum) as the national fossil mammal and the Tyrannosaurus rex as the national fossil dinosaur of the United States.

If enacted, the American mastodon and Tyrannosaurus rex would join the bald eagle, bison, rose, and oak tree as official national symbols of the United States.

“The mastodon has been Indiana's state fossil since 2022, and today the House voted to give it a place among our national symbols,"" said Rep. Houchin. ""As our country marks its 250th year, this is a fitting way to honor a piece of America's story and to get the next generation curious about science, geology, and paleontology. I'm grateful to Rep. Dingell for her partnership and to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for sending this bill forward.""

“America’s story didn’t begin in 1776. It began thousands and even millions of years earlier, with creatures like the mastodon and T. rex roaming the land we now call home,” said Rep. Dingell. “The mastodon is the state fossil of Michigan, and recognizing them as a national symbol alongside the T. rex is a reminder that discovery is part of who we are as a country. From backyard discoveries to museum exhibits that have inspired generations of kids, this bipartisan effort is a way to celebrate America’s prehistoric past and spark curiosity about science and exploration. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Houchin to advance this legislation, and we will keep working together until it is law.”

The American mastodon is the official state fossil of both Indiana and Michigan and has been discovered at sites throughout both states. The Tyrannosaurus rex remains one of the most recognizable dinosaurs in the world and an enduring symbol of American paleontological discovery.

The legislation is supported by Dr. Stanley Totten, curator of the Hanover College Museum of Natural History and professor emeritus of geology at Hanover College, where he taught for 40 years.

""Recognizing these two amazing animals as representative of America’s historic past would be the perfect present for a Nation celebrating its 250th birthday,” said Dr. Totten.

Click HERE for bill text.

Click HERE to view Congresswoman Houchin’s remarks.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-houchin-bill-improve-literacy-education-practices-passes-house,Rep. Houchin Bill to Improve Literacy Education Practices Passes House,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 16, 2026

WASHINGTON—Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7890, the Science of Reading Act of 2026. This bill would prioritize the Science of Reading in the deployment of federal literacy funds. This brings federal policy into alignment with advancements in scientific understanding of how children learn to read, and reserves grant funding to the most impactful and effective methods of instruction.

American schoolchildren at all levels have faced declining literacy skills for nearly a decade. This is a quiet crisis that has significant economic, social, and behavioral impacts for the rest of each student’s life, and for the communities that they live in.

Fortunately, we have a clear path forward. The Science of Reading is a body of research that emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension as pillars of instructional principles. Implementation of Science of Reading in states across the country has yielded significant improvements in reading acquisition on all levels, including in Indiana.

“Reading is the foundation of learning, and we cannot accept declining literacy rates as the status quo. The Science of Reading Act will equip classrooms with proven methods to ensure every student can read. Indiana has shown that the Science of Reading works, and I’m proud to see this important legislation pass the House.”

– Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09)

""It’s time to move away from failed theories and restore evidence-based reading instruction that actually works. Our children deserve an education grounded in what the evidence tells us, not the latest educational fad. I applaud Rep. Houchin for her leadership to improve our nation’s child literacy rates.”

- ‎House Education & Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (MI-05)

“As a former teacher and Chair of the K-12 Education Subcommittee, I am grateful the House has come together in a bipartisan way to promote literacy. Perhaps nothing is more vital to a child's academic success than receiving proper literacy instruction from an early age. This legislation will promote best practices, rooted in the science of reading, and help more students develop the reading skills needed to reach their full potential.”

– Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA-03)

""As a teacher for nearly three decades - and the husband of a literacy expert - I know that strong reading skills are the foundation for success in the classroom, in the workplace, and throughout life. The Science of Reading Act gives teachers and students access to proven, evidence-based approaches that help kids become stronger readers. I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats came together to pass this legislation and move us one step closer to improving reading outcomes for students in NY-22 and across the country. Strong schools and strong readers are essential to America’s ability to compete and win globally.”

- ‎Rep. John Mannion (NY-22)

“Indiana continues to invest historic resources to ensure the science of reading is used in every Hoosier classroom. Through this intentional focus, we’ve seen two consecutive years of historic literacy gains, with nearly 90 percent of third graders now reading proficiently. This legislation reinforces our work in Indiana, ensures taxpayer dollars are only used on what we know works, and will help more students across the country to become strong readers.”

– Indiana Governor Mike Braun

“Literacy is the key to unlocking future success for our students, which is why it is absolutely essential that we use instructional strategies proven to help children learn to read. Through Indiana’s focus on the science of reading, we have more Hoosier third graders reading today than even before the pandemic. By doubling down on these evidence-based strategies, we can ensure students across Indiana and the nation have the best possible chance for literacy success, and thus lifelong opportunities.”

– Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner

""We are already seeing the impact of the Science of Reading research in Indiana, with literacy rates among Hoosier children showing significant improvement since 2022. As one of Indiana’s largest producers of teachers, IU acted swiftly to align our programs with science of reading practices, ensuring our graduates enter classrooms prepared to meet the needs of every student. The Science of Reading Act will further support this work and inspire a new generation of confident readers.”

– Leah Michele Nellis, Assistant Vice President for School Partnerships, Indiana University

“We appreciate Representatives Houchin, Mannion, and Kiley for their leadership on the Science of Reading Act of 2026 and for engaging Save the Children on this important effort. Every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader. This legislation is an important step toward closing literacy gaps by promoting evidence-based instruction grounded in decades of research. We welcome this investment in early literacy and support continued efforts to ensure children in rural and underserved communities have access to high-quality reading instruction. By equipping educators with proven tools and training, we can help more children develop the foundational skills they need to thrive.”

- ‎Allison Dembeck, Head of Policy, Save the Children

Click HERE to view bill text.

Click HERE to view Congresswoman Houchin’s remarks.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/ahead-state-audit-committee-meeting-spartz-seeks-accountability-iedc-and-leap,"AHEAD OF STATE AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING, SPARTZ SEEKS ACCOUNTABILITY FOR IEDC AND LEAP",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — In light of the upcoming September 29 meeting of the Indiana Legislative Council Audit and Financial Reporting Subcommittee, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) sent a letter to the Subcommittee raising serious concerns about the adequacy of state audit and legislative oversight of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the rapidly expanding LEAP Research and Innovation District. Under Indiana law, the Subcommittee has statutory responsibility for independent review and oversight of the State Board of Accounts (SBOA) and the state examination process, including reviewing examination reports, internal accounting controls, and corrective actions.

“Indiana taxpayers deserve to know what happened, why our existing audit and oversight mechanisms failed to identify these serious problems, whether any wrongdoing occurred, and whether anyone should be held accountable,” said Rep. Spartz. “With significant state and federal resources involved, we need proper independent oversight—not just changes in policies going forward.”

State Audit and Legislative Oversight

Rep. Spartz’s letter raises questions about oversight of IEDC and LEAP as IEDC’s funding, authority, land holdings, contractual commitments, and development activities expanded significantly beginning in 2022.

The letter asks how IEDC’s changing risk profile was evaluated under the State’s risk-based examination process; what oversight the Subcommittee conducted of IEDC, IEDF, and LEAP; what actions were taken following prior audit findings; and why significant governance, contracting, conflict, internal-control, and compliance concerns subsequently identified by FTI Consulting were not identified through the existing examination and oversight process.

The October 2, 2025 FTI forensic review identified 45 findings and observations involving governance, internal controls, contracting, conflicts, compliance, and financial oversight. FTI also expressly stated that its work was not an audit or comprehensive investigation and was not designed to identify all errors, irregularities, or potential fraud.

Rep. Spartz is asking the Subcommittee to address these matters at its upcoming meeting and has offered to participate in the discussion.

See letter to the Indiana Legislative Council Audit and Financial Reporting Subcommittee HERE.

Additional GAO Inquiry

Rep. Spartz also sent an additional inquiry to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a federal review of IEDC and LEAP, including federal funding, financial controls, compliance, and federal agency oversight.

This GAO inquiry is separate from Rep. Spartz’s earlier request concerning the Citizens–Lebanon water project and its use of federally capitalized Drinking Water State Revolving Fund financing.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-introduces-combat-veterans-retirement-restoration-act,Spartz Introduces Combat Veterans Retirement Restoration Act,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) introduced the Combat Veterans Retirement Restoration Act, narrowly targeted legislation to ensure combat-disabled veterans who were forced to medically retire before completing 20 years of military service can receive both their earned military retired pay and VA disability compensation.

“Combat veterans forced to medically retire because of their injuries should not lose retirement benefits simply because they could not reach 20 years of service,” said Rep. Spartz. “This targeted fix honors our commitment to those who sacrificed in defense of our nation.”",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-discusses-ships-for-america-act-at-hudson-institute/,Young Discusses SHIPS for America Act at Hudson Institute,2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"**Click here or above to watch the full event.**

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) at the Hudson Institute to discuss the SHIPS for America Act and their efforts restore America’s commercial shipbuilding industry to help deter Chinese aggression.

During the event, Senator Young discussed the prospects of passing the legislation before year’s end.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-van-hollen-introduce-bill-to-boost-housing-mobility-vouchers-give-families-increased-access-to-affordable-housing/,"Young, Van Hollen Introduce Bill to Boost Housing Mobility Vouchers, Give Families Increased Access to Affordable Housing",2026-09-16,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) reintroduced the Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act, legislation to create 250,000 housing mobility vouchers for the nation’s most vulnerable families with young children.

The bill couples rental assistance vouchers, which allow families to choose eligible privately owned housing units and pay rent equal to 30 percent of their income, with evidence-based mobility support services, such as housing counselors and landlord coordination, to help families find affordable housing in high-opportunity areas.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, stable home and reach their full potential,” said Senator Young. “Research has shown that children who move from high-poverty areas to neighborhoods with greater opportunity at a young age can see significantly higher earnings later in life. Our legislation will give families facing homelessness and housing instability more choices about where they live, helping more children access strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities to succeed.”

“Ensuring children grow up in a safe and secure home is one of the best ways we can support their success. That’s why we need to do more to make sure every family has access to an affordable place to live – and what’s more, we need to ensure affordable housing is available in neighborhoods with strong schools and good-paying jobs. As we work to expand affordable housing nationwide and increase economic mobility for all families, this bipartisan bill will boost access to housing vouchers that have already served as an effective and immediate solution – giving more parents the ability to afford a home in the location that best serves their family,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Research shows that higher opportunity areas offer children a greater chance to succeed. The bill builds on this cutting-edge policy research to help families overcome barriers to opportunity and achieve generational economic mobility. In the Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations package, Senators Young and Van Hollen secured the authorization and funding of their Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act. The Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Actwould build upon their previous efforts by expanding this legislation – providing increased funds and making 250,000 more vouchers available over the next five years.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

Specifically, the bill:

Creates an additional 250,000 housing vouchers over five years for low-income, high-need families with young children. Pregnant women and families with a child under age 6 would qualify for these new vouchers if they have a history of homelessness or housing instability, live in an area of concentrated poverty, or are at risk of being pushed out of an opportunity area. This includes families who are fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; families who are living in housing conditions that are dangerous or life-threatening; and families who are living in units that are not accessible to a disabled family member.

Provides voucher recipients with a customized approach to mobility-related services that will enable a successful transition to opportunity areas for children, including access to counseling and case management services that have a proven track record of helping families move out of poverty.

Enables housing agencies to engage new landlords in the voucher program and connect families with information about housing in high-opportunity neighborhoods and community-based supports for families as they move.

The Senators’ legislation is supported by a broad group of experts and advocacy organizations, including:American Association of Service Coordinators, Autism Society of America, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, Boston Medical Center, Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership, BPC Action, Caring Across Generations, Catholic Charities USA, Center for Law and Social Policy, Children’s HealthWatch, Children’s Trust Fund Alliance, Church World Service, Coalition on Human Needs, Community Solutions International, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd U.S. Region, Council of State Community Development Agencies, First Focus Campaign for Children, Family Promise, Futures Without Violence, Healthcare Anchor Network, Housing Assistance Council, Housing Justice Center, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Low Income Investment Fund, Lutheran Services in America, Mobility Works, MomsRising, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, National Affordable Housing Management Association, National Alliance to End Homelessness, National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies, National Association of Social Workers, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Disability Institute, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, National Homelessness Law Center, National Housing Law Project, National Housing Resource Center, National Leased Housing Association, National Low Income Housing Coalition, National NeighborWorks Association, National Rental Home Council, National WIC Association, Opportunity Starts at Home Campaign, Parents as Teachers, PolicyLink, Poverty & Race Research Action Council, Prosperity Indiana, Public Housing Authorities Directors Association, SchoolHouse Connection, The Kelsey, Union for Reform Judaism, and ZERO TO THREE.

“The Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act builds on strong evidence that helping families with children access higher-opportunity neighborhoods significantly improves long-term economic outcomes. Findings from Opportunity Insights’ Creating Moves to Opportunity and HOPE VI studies as well as HUD’s Community Choice Demonstration show that mobility supports like those outlined in this bill can be implemented effectively and at scale. We support the research-informed approaches advanced by this legislation and believe they can expand opportunity for more children and families,”said Raj Chetty, Director of Opportunity Insights and Professor of Economics, Harvard University.

“The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) commends Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Todd Young (R-IN) for their leadership in reintroducing the “Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act,” bipartisan legislation that expands access to stable housing and high-opportunity neighborhoods for families with young children,” said Renee M. Willis, president and CEO of NLIHC. “Safe, affordable housing is essential to quality of life, supporting educational attainment, economic mobility, and health outcomes. The “Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act” represents an important step toward advancing housing stability, providing 250,000 additional vouchers to help families with young children secure affordable housing in communities of their choice.”

“Safe, stable, and affordable housing is foundational to child health. Our research has consistently shown that when families struggle with unstable housing, young children face greater risk of poor health and developmental delays,”said Dr. Megan Sandel, pediatrician, and Co-Lead Principal Investigator for Children’s HealthWatch. “The Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act would give more families with young children the stability and choice they need to find an affordable home in a well-resourced neighborhood where their children can thrive. Investing in housing stability during the earliest years of life is an investment in children’s health, development, and opportunity for the future.”

“BPC Action applauds Sens. Todd Young (R-IN) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) for reintroducing the Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act. The evidence is clear: young children whose families move to high-opportunity neighborhoods do better for life. This bill’s proposed 250,000 new vouchers and mobility counseling put that within reach, advancing a key Bipartisan Policy Center recommendation. Strengthening the Housing Choice Voucher program has drawn bipartisan support for decades, and BPC Action stands ready to help Congress make it law,” said Michele Stockwell, president of BPC Action.

“Starting from the earliest years of our lives, the neighborhoods we live in shape our health, education, and economic opportunities. For millions of children across the country, housing instability can mean struggling in school, experiencing poorer health, and having fewer opportunities for economic mobility into adulthood. Decades of research show us that when children have stable homes in well-resourced communities, they have better outcomes and greater opportunities to thrive. The Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act translates that evidence into a cost-effective solution. The Opportunity Starts at Home campaign is proud to champion this legislation and for its promise to give more children the stability and opportunity they deserve,” said Chantelle Wilkinson, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Campaigns at the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

“The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) applauds and fully supports Senators Chris Van Hollen and Todd Young in their bipartisan introduction of the Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act that would create 250,000 new housing vouchers,” said Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, CEO of the National Association of Social Workers. “As the nation’s largest professional social work organization, we are well aware of the fact that the most important support service for low-income families is safe and affordable housing. Therefore, we welcome this legislation that will significantly increase the availability of housing vouchers and help to end the cycle of homelessness low-income families with young children too often experience.”

“Where a child grows up can shape everything from their health to their economic future. Through our work, the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership sees firsthand how housing mobility support services help families access communities that meet their needs and create new possibilities for their children. We thank Senators Van Hollen and Young for their continued bipartisan leadership of the Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act, which would bring the effective tools of housing mobility to more families nationwide, providing stability today while opening doors to brighter futures for the next generation,” said Adria Crutchfield, Executive Director of the Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership.",1,2026-09-17T09:52:05Z,2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-sends-letter-usps-proposed-permanent-closure-wheeler-post-office,Mrvan Sends Letter to USPS on Proposed Permanent Closure of Wheeler Post Office,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan released a letter he sent to the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding the proposed permanent closure of the Wheeler Post Office.

As USPS conducts a discontinuance feasibility study on the permanent closure of the Wheeler Post Office, the letter urges USPS to find an alternative solution that restores essential mail services for Wheeler residents and requests that USPS schedule another community meeting to give constituents a real opportunity to express their concerns. Previously, on March 26, 2026, the Congressman sent an initial letter on this matter to the USPS.

The text of the letter is below and a pdf is available here.

“I write to submit input for the discontinuance feasibility study on the proposed permanent closure of the Wheeler Post Office. I am deeply concerned that the permanent closure of the Wheeler Post Office would continue to make it exceedingly difficult for my constituents to access convenient and reliable postal services. As a final determination on this is made, I urge USPS to find an alternative solution that restores dependable postal services for Wheeler residents.

“Since the suspension of the Wheeler Post Office in July 2023 due to health and safety concerns at the facility, Wheeler residents have had to travel to the Hobart Post Office to collect their mail. This creates significant barriers for Wheeler residents, who do not receive door-to-door mail delivery service. As a result, instead of having 24-hour access to their Post Office (PO) boxes, residents must find time during business hours to go to Hobart to collect critical mail – including prescription medicine, veterans’ benefits information, and Social Security checks.

“After nearly two years without designated PO boxes, Wheeler residents were given keys to PO boxes at the Hobart Post Office. However, this has not solved postal reliability issues for my constituents, who still only have access to these PO boxes during retail hours. Permanently maintaining PO boxes at the Hobart Main Office would exacerbate these challenges and have an outsized impact on seniors, residents without reliable transportation, and residents without flexible work hours. These concerns were reiterated at the USPS virtual community meeting for the discontinuance feasibility study on August 25, 2026, and should be seriously considered as USPS assesses next steps.

“Moreover, I am deeply disappointed that USPS announced the proposed closure and public input process during ongoing disaster response and recovery efforts in the region. Following severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that began on August 11, 2026, residents throughout Northwest Indiana – including Porter County – sustained severe home damages and experienced widespread, prolonged power outages. As a result, President Trump approved both an Emergency Declaration and Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana.

“Despite this active crisis, USPS sent letters on August 17 informing Wheeler residents of the proposed post office closure and the August 25 virtual community meeting. During this period, many residents were still without power and internet access, and mail services were disrupted by the severe weather. Scheduling the only community meeting during this disaster, when many constituents were likely unable to receive the information or attend, was extremely insensitive and directly hinders a fair and comprehensive public input process. This is only one example of the Postal Service’s repeated failure to adequately communicate timely and transparent information regarding the status of the Wheeler Post Office to my office, local elected officials, and residents.

“Over the past three years, I have heard from constituents and local elected officials about the disruptive impact of the prolonged Wheeler Post Office suspension. The USPS universal service obligation dictates that all Americans receive reliable, affordable, and consistent mail service regardless of location. To uphold this standard, I urge USPS to find an alternative solution that restores essential mail services for Wheeler residents, and request that USPS schedule another community meeting to give constituents a real opportunity to express their concerns.

“I appreciate your attention to this matter, and I stand ready to work together to ensure Indiana’s First Congressional District receives reliable, efficient, and consistent access to postal services.”

###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://stutzman.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-stutzmans-ai-regulating-futures-act-passes-house-representatives,REP. STUTZMAN’S AI REGULATING FUTURES ACT PASSES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Marlin A. Stutzman,S001188,stutzman.house.gov,stutzman,https://stutzman.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) released the following statement after his Fostering the Use of Technology to Uphold Regulatory Effectiveness in Supervision (FUTURES) Act passed the House of Representatives under suspension. The FUTURES Act will enhance regulatory agencies' ability to conduct thorough supervision and ensure the safety and soundness of the financial system.

""In the age of AI, it is imperative that regulatory technology keep up with monetary technological development,” said Rep. Stutzman. “In the financial sector, this is especially important as Americans’ assets, savings, and investments hang in the balance. I am proud that the House advanced this common-sense legislation that can respond to potential threats as quickly as they arise.”",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-cortez-masto-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-end-unfair-tax-burden-on-sexual-assault-survivors/,"Young, Cortez Masto Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to End Unfair Tax Burden on Sexual Assault Survivors",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced bipartisan legislation to eliminate an unfair tax burden on survivors of sexual assault. The Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act would ensure that survivors of sexual assault are not taxed on settlement income they earn in a lawsuit against their abuser.

After prevailing legally against their abuser, the IRS requires sexual abuse survivors to pay income tax on any settlement money they receive unless they can show visible evidence of physical injury. However, injuries resulting from sexual assault are not always visible or may have healed by the time a settlement is reached. The Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act would correct this unfair treatment.

“Survivors of sexual assault who have courageously sought justice should not face an additional, unfair burden from our tax code,” said Senator Young. “Our bipartisan legislation will fix this injustice and ensure survivors can receive the full compensation they are owed. This common-sense change will provide greater fairness for survivors and ensure the tax code does not create another obstacle on the path to justice.”

“Seeking justice as a sexual assault survivor requires enormous bravery, effort, and time,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It’s unfair that when survivors do reach a settlement, they have to pay taxes on the payments they fought so hard for unless they can show visual evidence of injury on the most private parts of their bodies. This legislation ensures that all survivors receive their full settlements.”

Specifically, the Survivor Justice Tax Prevention Act would allow damages to qualify for the tax exclusion when a victim presents to the IRS a court decision or settlement agreement stating that such damages were received on account of any sexual act or sexual contact, as defined in the federal criminal code.",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-requests-federal-review-leap-water-project-financing-and-environmental,Spartz Requests Federal Review of LEAP Water Project Financing and Environmental Oversight,2026-09-14,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) requested that the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General (EPA OIG) conduct an independent review of federal oversight and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) financing for the Citizens–Lebanon Water Supply Program associated with Indiana’s LEAP Research and Innovation District.

The Indiana Finance Authority has approved financing through Indiana’s federally capitalized DWSRF for a major regional water infrastructure program designed to provide up to 25 million gallons of water per day to Lebanon from the White River watershed. Citizens Energy Group sought approximately $560 million in DWSRF financing for the program, with approximately $104.8 million in initial financing closed in December 2024.

“Economic development is important, but it must be done responsibly and transparently,” Rep. Spartz said. “When hundreds of millions of dollars in federally capitalized financing and critical water resources are involved, taxpayers and communities deserve accountability. We need an independent review to make sure federal requirements were properly followed and the long-term impacts on existing communities, agriculture, future economic development, and our water resources were adequately evaluated.”

Federal DWSRF regulations restrict funding for projects needed primarily to serve future population growth and establish environmental-review requirements for projects receiving assistance.

Rep. Spartz is asking GAO and EPA OIG to review whether the Citizens–Lebanon projects meet federal DWSRF eligibility requirements; whether appropriate environmental reviews were conducted; whether the entire 25-MGD program and its combined water-resource impacts were adequately evaluated; and whether EPA Region 5 provided appropriate federal oversight.

“Federal drinking-water programs should protect existing communities and public health—not become a backdoor subsidy for large economic development projects,” Rep. Spartz said. “GAO and EPA OIG should independently review the facts and determine whether federal law and proper processes were followed.”",1,2026-09-15T09:50:21Z,2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-houchin-auchincloss-introduce-bipartisan-16-social-media-act-keep-kids,"Reps. Houchin, Auchincloss Introduce Bipartisan 16 & Up Social Media Act to Keep Kids Under 16 Off Addictive Platforms",2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 11, 2026

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) today introduced the 16 & Up Social Media Act, bipartisan legislation that establishes a national age standard of 16 for social media platforms.

The bill responds to a simple reality: platforms built on infinite scroll, autoplay, push alerts, and personalized feeds are designed to keep users hooked, and children are the least equipped to resist them. The 16 & Up Social Media Act sets a bright-line rule that platforms can follow and parents can count on.

""Every parent knows the feeling of watching a child disappear into a screen,"" said Rep. Houchin. ""These platforms were engineered by the smartest people in the world to hold attention, and they are winning that fight against our kids. Studies show that sixteen is the right line. This bill draws it clearly, applies it to every platform that uses these addictive features, and puts real enforcement behind it. Kids get their childhood back, and parents get a bright line they can rely on.""

""Social media corporations addict children for profit. The exploitation must stop. Our kids deserve their childhoods back."" said Rep. Auchincloss.

""Children's wellbeing is shaped by technologies that were designed for addiction yet face almost no oversight. This is not a parenting problem. It is a structural problem, and it demands a structural response. The goal is to stop addictive design entirely. Until then, gaining access to platforms with manipulative, unsafe design needs age minimums. The 16 & Up Social Media Act delivers exactly that."" said Jonathan Haidt, Social Psychologist, NYU Stern School of Business, and author of The Anxious Generation

The 16 & Up Act:

Sets a national age standard of 16: Prohibits covered social media platforms from allowing users under 16 to create or maintain accounts.

Focuses on design features: Applies strictly to platforms that use engagement-driven design features (like infinite scroll and personalized feeds) to target users, rather than regulating content.

Ensures privacy and accountability: Mandates the deletion of children's data upon account termination and requires platforms to implement a clear, five-day appeals process for any account closures.

Background:

Congresswoman Houchin serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where she has led the House's work on children's online safety. She authored the SAFE Bots Act, the first bill to protect kids from AI chatbots, co-leads the Kids Online Safety Caucus with Congressman Auchincloss, and strongly supported the KIDS Act package (H.R. 7757), which passed the House with bipartisan support.

Bill text can be found HERE.",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/banks-stands-for-life-as-indiana-supreme-court-hears-oral-arguments-in-landmark-abortion-case/,Banks Stands for Life as Indiana Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Landmark Abortion Case,2026-09-11,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – In late May, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) filed an amicus brief in the Indiana Supreme Court supporting Indiana’s pro-life law. The brief was submitted in Individual Members of the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana v. Anonymous, which involves a challenge to Indiana’s pro-life law brought under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Senator Banks argues in his brief that: (1) There is no religious right to an abortion; (2) Laws protecting religious freedom do not protect killing and other forms of violence, including when the victims are unborn; and (3) The tradition of Indiana and the United States is to protect the unborn as persons entitled to the right to life. Indiana attorneys James Bopp, Jr. and John Westercamp served as local counsel on the brief.

This week, the Indiana Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case. This makes the Indiana Supreme Court the first high court in the world to consider whether there is a religious right to an abortion.

Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “There is no religious right to an abortion, it’s that simple. Every unborn child deserves the right to life, and the Indiana Supreme Court has a responsibility to ensure our state’s pro-life law remains in full effect.”

James Bopp, Jr.: “Indiana’s compelling governmental interest in protecting unborn life is not a loophole to be argued around. It holds under the federal constitution, the state constitution, and RFRA. Every unborn child in Indiana is entitled to that protection, and no legal theory changes that fact.”

John Westercamp: “Religious liberty may never be used as a pretext to justify violence against innocent life. I’m proud to work with Senator Banks as he petitions the Indiana Supreme Court to protect life.”

Read the full brief here.

Background:

A trial court judge in Marion County became the first judge in the world to identify a religious right to abortion. Individual Members of the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana v. Anonymous involves a challenge to Indiana’s pro-life law by Hoosier Jews for Choice, which is seeking religious exemptions from Indiana’s law under the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Hoosier Jews for Choice alleges that its members have a religious belief that pregnant women should be able to receive abortions even where their lives or health are not at serious risk, and argues that the state’s restrictions on abortion impermissibly burden this belief.

The Marion County Superior Court agreed and held that Indiana’s pro-life law shall not apply to anyone whose religious beliefs support abortion.

The Indiana Supreme Court agreed to hear the case and will now decide whether the state’s pro-life law infringes the religious freedom of residents who support abortion.

Summary of Argument:

“In 2022, Indiana became the first state in the country to pass a pro-life law, following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, 597 U.S.215 (2022), that states can act to protect unborn life at all stages. S.E.A. 1 continues a longstanding tradition of protecting the right to life of all persons within a jurisdiction, including those who are unborn.

“The trial court enjoined S.E.A. 1 as to a certified religious class under the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Ind. Code §§ 34-13-9-1 et seq. (2022) (“RFRA”).

“More than fifty years ago, the Indiana Supreme Court held Indiana’s interest in protecting unborn life “valid and compelling” “from the moment of conception.” Cheaney v. State, 285 N.E.2d 265, 270 (Ind. 1972). Cheaney remains good law, and the General Assembly has codified treatment of the unborn as persons deserving of the protection of the laws. Ind. Code § 16-34-2-1.1(a)(1)(E) (2022). Indiana’s interest in doing so is deeply rooted in the “history and tradition” of the United States, and Dobbs restored to the states the ability to act upon it. See New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen, 597 U.S. 1, 22 (2022).

“Just as Indiana has an interest in protecting unborn life, it has an interest in rejecting religious claims to end that life. There is no religious right to take a human life. Countless judicial decisions affirm the states’ compelling interest in denying requests for an exemption from laws against private violence. Courts reject these requests even where practitioners’ views are sincerely held and even though such laws contain other exemptions. The government has the same compelling interest in denying religious claims to abortion that it has in denying religious requests for murder and other forms of violence.

“The promises of the American Founding and guarantees of the American legal tradition are for all persons. The Indiana Supreme Court should reverse the judgment of the trial court and give Indiana’s pro-life law its full effect.”

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-requests-federal-investigation-nwi-power-outages,Mrvan Requests Federal Investigation into NWI Power Outages,2026-09-10,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requesting an investigation into the power outages following the derecho that struck Northwest Indiana on August 11, 2026.

The text of the letter is below and a pdf is available here.

“I write to request that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), in coordination with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), conduct a comprehensive federal review of the widespread and prolonged power outages that followed the severe weather event, a derecho, that struck Northwest Indiana on August 11, 2026.

“The derecho brought extraordinary straight-line winds across Northern Indiana, with peak wind gusts reaching approximately 100 to 110 miles per hour across portions of Lake and Porter Counties. The storm caused unprecedented damage and resulted in nearly 375,000 customer outages within Northern Indiana Public Service Company’s (NIPSCO) service territory. Tens of thousands of Northwest Indiana residents remained without electricity for nearly two weeks. This was the largest outage event in NIPSCO’s history and far exceeded the average duration of electricity interruptions associated with major events. The Cities of Gary, Lake Station, and Portage, as well as the Town of Munster, were among the hardest hit communities and the last areas to receive full restoration.

“The consequences of these prolonged outages were significant. Families lost food, homes experienced flooding and subsequent mold growth, businesses lost inventory and revenue, and residents lost access to essential medical equipment and prescription medications. For many constituents, the lack of electricity also meant the loss of reliable access to phones, computers, internet service, and other means of communicating with family members, reporting outages, and applying for emergency assistance.

“Most concerning, vulnerable residents were left without reliable access to medical care and other essential services. For nearly two weeks, too many Northwest Indiana families were literally left in the dark.

“On August 25, 2026, a federal Major Disaster Declaration was approved for Indiana, providing critical assistance as communities begin the long process of recovery. However, federal assistance must address not only the damage caused by this storm, but also what can be learned from the unprecedented duration of the resulting power outages.

“The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor has petitioned the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to investigate NIPSCO’s storm restoration practices, and I strongly support that state-level investigation. At the same time, given the scale of this event, I believe a federal review is warranted.

“I respectfully request a joint FERC-NERC investigation to assess what contributed to the prolonged outages and determine whether NIPSCO’s preparation, system performance, and restoration efforts were consistent with applicable reliability requirements and best practices. I also request that the findings include recommendations to improve electric-grid reliability and storm resilience.

“Specifically, I ask that the investigation examine whether NIPSCO and its parent company, NiSource, complied with FERC-approved federal reliability standards and whether any deficiencies in reliability planning, system resilience, or emergency response warrant additional federal action. The review should evaluate the following factors:

Storm preparedness: The short- and long-term preparations NIPSCO undertook before the August 11 derecho, including emergency response planning, staffing, equipment, mutual-aid arrangements, and pre-positioning of resources.

Grid resilience and system design: The performance and resilience of NIPSCO’s distribution and transmission infrastructure in the face of extreme straight-line winds and increasingly severe weather events.

Vegetation management and maintenance: The adequacy and effectiveness of routine maintenance and vegetation-management practices, particularly considering the significant investments NIPSCO has reported making in these areas.

Restoration performance: The causes of the prolonged restoration timeline, including why certain communities remained without power substantially longer than others and whether restoration priorities, resource allocation, communications, and repair practices were appropriate.

Regional comparison: NIPSCO’s restoration performance compared with other electric utilities in Indiana and the surrounding region that experienced outages from the same weather event.

Infrastructure investments: Whether the substantial investments NIPSCO has made in recent years toward infrastructure replacement, grid modernization, reliability, and vegetation management have produced the adequate levels of resilience.

“This last point deserves particular scrutiny. NIPSCO has emphasized that recent rate increases are necessary to support infrastructure upgrades and improve grid reliability. Since 2016, customers have contributed approximately $2.3 billion toward infrastructure replacement, and $81 million towards vegetation management between 2023 and 2025. Given the magnitude of these investments, Northwest Indiana residents deserve to know why they experienced outages of this magnitude and duration, and whether additional investments, preparation, maintenance, or changes in reliability standards could have reduced the impact on families and businesses.

“I appreciate your consideration of this request and your commitment to ensuring the reliability and resilience of our nation’s electric grid. I also request that FERC coordinate, as appropriate, with the IURC, NIPSCO, state emergency-management officials, and other relevant stakeholders to implement the lessons learned from this event. I stand ready to work together to advance transparency and accountability, strengthen our electric infrastructure, and ensure that Northwest Indiana families and businesses can depend on safe, reliable, and affordable power.”

###",1,2026-09-12T09:02:30Z,2026-09-12T09:03:27Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-houchin-applauds-announcement-nuclear-microreactor-nws-crane-develop,Rep. Houchin Applauds Announcement of Nuclear Microreactor at NWS Crane to Develop Energy Resilience,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 9, 2026

Today, Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) celebrated the Department of War’s announcement that Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Crane will host Indiana's first advanced nuclear Micro Modular Reactor (MMR), with installation planned no later than September 2028.

The project, executed jointly by the Army's Janus Program, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, and the State of Indiana, will deliver reliable, around-the-clock power to one of the nation's premier warfighting innovation hubs.

""Crane is a unique and valuable asset to our National Defense Portfolio and this investment demonstrates that Indiana is at the forefront of unleashing American energy.” said Rep. Houchin. ""With proven success in powering submarines, microreactors at our military installations is a natural next step in U.S. energy deployment and rebuilding our nuclear supply chain. The project will also have a positive impact at West Gate due to increased power supply to the base. Thank you to the Department of War, the Navy, our state and federal partners and to everyone whose efforts made this day possible. I am proud to have been part of a chorus of voices advocating for this project and I am proud to be among NWS Crane’s advocates in Washington.”

As the first power-producing nuclear reactor sited in Indiana, the Crane MMR will expand the state's power generation capacity and support the region's long-standing role as a hub for national defense research and manufacturing. The project implements President Trump's Executive Orders on deploying advanced nuclear reactor technologies for national security and reinvigorating the nuclear industrial base.

###",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-seeks-independent-federal-review-indiana-data-centers-and-leap,Spartz Seeks Independent Federal Review of Indiana Data Centers and LEAP,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"NOBLESVILLE, IN — Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum requesting an independent federal review of the rapidly expanding LEAP Research and Innovation District and other major data-center projects across Indiana, raising concerns about energy generation, grid reliability, transmission costs, water resources, and who ultimately pays.

“For two years, I have been raising concerns about the massive energy and infrastructure demands of data centers, as well as the significant water demands of the LEAP district,” said Rep. Spartz. “Based on my numerous recent town halls, Hoosiers are increasingly concerned and deserve clear answers about who is paying for what. I support bringing advanced manufacturing and strategic industries to Indiana, but Hoosier families, farmers, small businesses, and existing industries should not be forced to subsidize extraordinary private projects.”

In February, Meta announced a more than $10 billion LEAP campus with 10 planned data centers and approximately 1 GW of capacity. MISO planning documents estimate total LEAP demand at approximately 1,200 MW, with hundreds of millions of dollars in transmission infrastructure already identified.

At the same time, federal reliability warnings are escalating. The U.S. Department of Energy reported that MISO was reclassified from “elevated risk” to “high risk” for 2028–2031 and is now using emergency authority to preserve existing generation. MISO has also identified new transmission violations and worsened reliability issues resulting from additional LEAP load, requiring major corrective projects across multiple Indiana utility systems and raising concerns about the risk of blackouts as electricity demand continues to grow.

In June, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) preliminarily found that MISO lacks adequate protections against shifting large-load transmission costs to other customers, potentially resulting in “unjust and unreasonable rates.” FERC also raised concerns about inadequate transparency surrounding required transmission upgrades, their costs, and cost allocation.

Spartz’s letter further raises concerns about significant loopholes in transparency and oversight created by Indiana laws during LEAP’s development, as well as plans to supply up to 25 million gallons of water per day to Lebanon and LEAP from the White River watershed.

Spartz is requesting a full accounting of how much energy and water these projects will require, what new generation and infrastructure must be built, how much it will cost, who is responsible for those costs, and what enforceable protections exist to prevent Hoosier consumers and taxpayers from being left with the bill.

“We cannot retire firm generation, add massive new loads, spend hundreds of millions on infrastructure, and then leave Hoosiers guessing who will pay for it,” Spartz said. “We must ensure Hoosiers are not left paying higher utility bills while facing increased risks of blackouts. Hoosiers deserve substantiated answers before these commitments are made.”

The requested review would extend beyond LEAP to examine the cumulative effects of major data-center projects involving Google, Amazon, Meta, and other developers across Indiana.",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-applauds-announcement-of-navys-first-advanced-nuclear-microreactor-deployment-at-naval-weapons-station-crane-in-indiana/,Young Applauds Announcement of Navy’s First Advanced Nuclear Microreactor Deployment at Naval Weapons Station Crane in Indiana,2026-09-09,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) applauded the Department of War’s announcement of the planned installation of the State of Indiana’s first advanced nuclear Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) at Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Crane by September 2028.

“This announcement by the Department of War is exciting news for our state,” said Senator Young. “Critical next-generation energy solutions for our warfighters will be located in Indiana, at Crane. This first-of-its-kind mission will bring the highest levels of nuclear expertise to our state and is another example of the important role Hoosiers are playing in our national security.”

The project is being executed jointly by the Army’s Janus Program; the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment; the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)); and the State of Indiana.",1,2026-09-10T09:25:58Z,2026-09-10T09:27:09Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-asks-va-transparency-2-billion-investment-indiana,Spartz Asks VA for Transparency on $2 Billion Investment in Indiana,2026-09-08,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"NOBLESVILLE, IN — Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and Veteran Health Indiana Director Mike Hershman seeking greater transparency on roughly $2 billion in funding advanced by the U.S. House of Representatives for the replacement and modernization of the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis and a new VA clinic.

“After meeting with veterans across my district, it is clear that we still have significant work to do to improve access and quality of care, particularly in mental health,” said Rep. Spartz. “With roughly $2 billion of taxpayer money at stake, we need transparency, real competition, and accountability to make sure these investments actually deliver better care for Hoosier veterans.”

Rep. Spartz is asking the VA to provide information on how the funds will be spent, the competitive bidding and procurement processes for the projects, and the criteria used to select IU Health for the planned Fishers clinic. She also requested summaries of bids and proposals received, including bid amounts and alternatives considered.

The letter also raises concerns about increasing health care market concentration and asks what safeguards will be in place to prevent providers from shifting additional overhead, facility, or other costs to the VA and taxpayers.

“More spending does not automatically mean better care,” Rep. Spartz said. “Congress has an obligation to make sure these dollars are spent efficiently and transparently for the benefit of our veterans - not special interests.”

Rep. Spartz requested a response from the VA by October 8, 2026.",1,2026-09-09T09:27:09Z,2026-09-09T09:29:04Z
https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-launches-official-congressional-inquiry-increased-ice,Congressman Carson Launches Official Congressional Inquiry into Increased ICE Indianapolis Activity,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS—Today, amid reports of a surge in ICE arrests across Indianapolis, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) submitted an official Congressional inquiry to the Department of Homeland Security.

Congressman Carson’s inquiry demands answers on the scope and probable cause for ICE’s apparent increased enforcement, including the number of people detained, apprehended, or arrested in Indianapolis this year, and other relevant details to ICE’s activity in Marion County.

In his letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Congressman Carson cites “reports of unnecessary force that put my constituents at risk…The immigrant population does not pose an active threat to the health and safety of our community – but ICE’s reported reckless actions in my district do.” He also writes that more than 96% of individuals ICE arrested in July did not have prior criminal convictions.

Since the Trump administration directed ICE to ramp up enforcement efforts at the start of his second term, Congressman Carson has repeatedly voted against ICE funding and called for the elimination of ICE as the agency continues to arrest indiscriminately, harm civilians and bystanders, and violate the right to due process.

In addition, Congressman Carson has called for an end to ICE detention at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, IN, which has denied medication and legal resources, and where two detainees died earlier this year.

The full text of Congressman Carson’s inquiry can be found below and attached:

Dear Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella:

I write to demand information on reports of a surge in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests across Indianapolis, including operations involving masked agents, unmarked vehicles, and a dangerous foot pursuit across multiple lanes of traffic.

As representative for Indiana’s Seventh Congressional District, I am requesting information on any increase in enforcement operations in my district, the authority under which these operations are being conducted, and what safeguards are in place to protect my constituents’ constitutional rights and physical safety.

Indianapolis residents and media report a surge of ICE arrests across my district, including reports of unnecessary force that put my constituents at risk. For example, video footage shows ICE agents chasing a man across several lanes of traffic near Post Road and Interstate 70 on September 1, 2026, threatening the safety of drivers and other motorists. Witnesses also report unmarked vehicles and masked agents.

When pressed for answers, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to provide an exact number of people detained, their location, and the outcome of their detention.

As a former law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of officers being able to perform their duties safely. Federal immigration enforcement does not excuse unsafe conduct, racial profiling, or violations of due process. I also understand that effective law enforcement depends on accountability, transparency, clear identification, safe operational planning, and public trust. Masked agents conducting arrests from unmarked vehicles, without appropriate public information about their identity, authority, or mission, creates fear and confusion. It makes it more difficult for residents to distinguish legitimate officers from those impersonating law enforcement. It erodes public trust in law enforcement – which is essential for local authorities to question witnesses and make arrests in cases that actually pose a danger to the general public.

In July, reports show that more than 96% of individuals arrested by ICE nationwide did not have prior criminal convictions. The immigrant population does not pose an active threat to the health and safety of our community – but ICE’s reported reckless actions in my district do.

Accordingly, please provide the following information and documents:",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://shreve.house.gov/media/press-releases/shreve-bill-strengthen-american-mineral-supply-chains-passes-house,Shreve Bill to Strengthen American Mineral Supply Chains Passes House,2026-09-02,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Jefferson Shreve,S001229,shreve.house.gov,shreve,https://shreve.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06) announced that the House passed his Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 (H.R. 1501), legislation to strengthen American mineral supply chains and reduce dependence on China.

Cars, appliances, cell phones, medical equipment, defense systems and the power grid all depend on minerals such as copper, lithium and rare earth elements. America has these resources, but years of government delay leave manufacturers dependent on foreign suppliers.

“America has the resources. We have the workers. What we don’t need is years of government delay and uncertainty,” said Rep. Shreve. “My bill gives qualified mining projects a clear and accountable permitting process. That will strengthen American manufacturing, support American jobs and reduce our dependence on China.”

H.R. 1501 establishes mining and mineral processing as sectors eligible for FAST-41. The program coordinates federal reviews, establishes public timelines and increases accountability without changing environmental standards. The bill also blocks a proposed Biden administration rule that would have restricted which mining projects qualify.

“I’m thrilled to see the Protecting Domestic Mining Act, which I introduced with Rep. Shreve, pass the House today. Mining plays a critical role in our national security, and this bill is an important step towards a more streamlined and coordinated approval process for new mines,"" said Rep. Blake Moore (UT-01). ""In Utah alone, mining contributes over $5 billion to our state GDP annually. As demand for hardrock minerals continues to grow, we should be producing more resources here, with American workers, rather than relying on foreign adversaries. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill so that we can increase domestic mineral production and make government work better for our miners.”

“It’s critical for the United States to achieve mineral dominance and end our reliance on foreign adversaries for critical natural resources,” said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (AK-04). “The Protecting Domestic Mining Act will speed up permitting for mining and processing, allowing America to unleash its domestic mineral abundance, support good-paying jobs and decrease reliance on foreign sources. I thank Representative Shreve for his work on advancing policies to secure America’s mineral supply chains.”

“By codifying into law what has already been a great success for American jobs, national security and supply chain independence, the Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025 (H.R. 1501) will bring increased transparency, accountability and predictability in the permitting review process, reaffirming mining as a covered project under the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council’s (FPISC) permitting dashboard,” said Rich Nolan, President and CEO of the National Mining Association. “By streamlining the permitting process and establishing greater coordination and cooperation between regulatory agencies, we can bring domestic mining operations online more efficiently and help America unlock its true potential. We congratulate Representatives Shreve and Moore on passage of H.R. 1501 and encourage the Senate to quickly take up and pass this important legislation. The bill will help to ensure that made in America truly means mined in America.”

“Strengthening America’s mineral supply chains is critical to our national and energy security, and will require both greater domestic production and a permitting process that can move projects forward efficiently,” said James Dozier, President and CEO of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. “The Protecting Domestic Mining Act would help achieve both by expanding access to the FAST-41 program and giving critical mineral projects a clearer path toward expedited review. CRES is proud to support this important legislation and efforts to strengthen access to critical minerals vital for advanced, domestic, and cleaner energy production.”

The Protecting Domestic Mining Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.",1,2026-09-04T09:19:37Z,2026-09-04T09:20:58Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2614,"Congressman Baird Votes to Pay Federal Employees, Avoid Harmful Government Shutdown",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,James R. Baird,B001307,baird.house.gov,baird,https://baird.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on voting for H.R. 6500 a continuing resolution (CR), to fund the federal government, continue paying federal employees, and avoid a harmful government shutdown.

“The American people deserve a government that functions without interruption,” said Rep. Baird. “Congress must responsibly address spending while keeping the government open, allowing essential federal personnel to keep working. This continuing resolution gives Americans stability and certainty through our election cycle, while allowing Congress to continue toward responsible, long-term funding.”

Congressman Baird also commented on Section 2019 of the CR which extends the current federal definition of hemp until December 11, 2026.

“I am proud to also see a priority of mine included in this CR,” continued Rep. Baird. “This short extension of the current hemp definition will provide Congress and farmers the time needed to develop a long-term solution. Producers deserve as much certainty as possible in deciding what to plant. Farmers should have the freedom to plant the crops that best serve their operations and profits.”",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://yakym.house.gov/posts/yakym-votes-to-condemn-rise-of-socialism-in-america,Yakym Votes to Condemn Rise of Socialism in America,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Rudy Yakym III,Y000067,yakym.house.gov,yakym,https://yakym.house.gov/press,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) voted to condemn and denounce socialism in all its forms, including the recent rise of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

“I never thought I’d see the day when the majority of Democrats would say out loud that they embrace socialism. But here we are,” Rep. Yakym said. “History has shown that socialism undermines the American Dream and fails again and again. I’m proud that House Republicans rejected it today and stood firm on the values that made America the greatest nation on earth.”

The DSA’s platform includes abolishing the nation’s borders, abolishing prisons, defunding the police, abolishing the U.S. Senate, and removing the president.

The resolution:

Condemns and denounces socialism in all its forms, including the DSA

Reaffirms support for free, fair, and secure elections

Reiterates that American elections are for American citizens only

Recommits the House to upholding the Constitution

Calls for enactment of the SAVE America Act

Read the full resolution HERE.",1,2026-09-02T09:19:58Z,2026-09-02T09:20:51Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-houchin-bills-protect-children-online-combat-scams-advance-subcommittee,"Rep. Houchin Bills to Protect Children Online, Combat Scams Advance Subcommittee Markup",2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 1, 2026

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) today announced that two of her bills reported favorably out of the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. The bills are as follows:

H.R. 6488, Reducing Exploitative Social Media Exposure for Teens (RESET) Act, now known as Governing Underage Access and Requiring Data Consent in All Networks (GUARDIAN) Act

The GUARDIAN Act establishes a verifiable and revocable parental consent framework for social media platforms. Under the legislation, platforms would be prohibited from processing a child’s personal data without parental consent. Parents would also be able to revoke that consent at any time, with the child’s account closed and personal data deleted.

“Parents—not social media companies—should be in the driver’s seat when it comes to their children’s online lives,” saidRep Houchin. “The GUARDIAN Act, formerly the RESET Act, requires platforms to get verifiable consent from a parent before processing a child's personal data—and lets the parent withdraw that consent at any time. We have an opportunity to build on the bipartisan consensus this Committee and the House have already established, and I am proud to continue working with my colleagues to make the internet safer for our children.”

Click HERE to view Rep. Houchin’s remarks.

H.R. 5967, Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act

This bipartisan legislation introduced alongside Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08) targets fraud, an issue costing Americans about $15.9 billion last year. By placing responsibility of preventing scams with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DoJ), the Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act proactively targets criminals engaging in fraud.

“Fraud is a massive and growing threat that costs Americans billions of dollars every year,” said Rep. Houchin. “The federal government has agencies working on different pieces of this problem, but criminals do not operate in silos. We need the federal government to share information, coordinate its efforts, and work directly with the companies on the front lines of identifying scams. The Strategic Task Force on Scam Prevention Act gives this effort an owner and creates a coordinated strategy to better protect Americans.”

Click HERE to view Rep. Houchin’s remarks.",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-houchin-and-kelly-bill-close-rural-broadband-gaps-clears-subcommittee,Reps. Houchin and Kelly Bill to Close Rural Broadband Gaps Clears Subcommittee Markup,2026-09-01,2026,2026-09,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"September 1, 2026

WASHINGTON— Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) and Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02)’s bipartisan bill, the Data Broadband Reporting and Integration Deployment in Geographically Essential Areas (Data BRIDGE) Act, was reported today favorably out of the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Communications & Technology.

Currently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s National Broadband Map focuses on serviceable locations like homes and businesses but often misses the acreage surrounding where farming takes place. This dramatically skews funding decisions and limits the ability to deploy broadband needed for modern farming technologies like guidance systems, soil sensors, yield monitors, and irrigation controls. The Data BRIDGE Act addresses this oversight by ensuring that information collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about the location of cropland is included in the National Broadband Map.

“Our farmers depend on access to reliable broadband to stay competitive in a modern economy,” said Rep. Houchin. “The Data BRIDGE Act is a low-cost, commonsense solution, using data the government already has to ensure every broadband dollar lands closer to where the work gets done, I have led the fight to expand broadband access to rural communities in Indiana for years and am proud of this important step toward closing the connectivity gap for our farm families and rural communities. Thank you to Chairman Hudson and Chairman Guthrie for supporting of this practical legislation.”

""As a proud co-lead of the Data BRIDGE Act, I know firsthand how critical accurate broadband data is for our farmers,"" said Rep. Kelly. ""My district stretches from the South Side of Chicago to over 4,500 farms in rural Illinois, and too many of my farmers still lack the connectivity they need for modern tools like soil sensors, guidance systems, and irrigation controls. This bill will use the data we already have to close the gap. I'll keep fighting to make sure no community in my district, urban, suburban, or rural, gets left behind in the digital age.”",1,2026-09-03T09:29:33Z,2026-09-03T09:31:32Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-introduces-pro-work-act-prevent-companies-lock-out-workers-receiving,Mrvan Introduces the PRO-WORK Act to Prevent Companies that Lock Out Workers from Receiving Federal Funds,2026-08-31,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan introduced the PRO-WORK (Preventing Revenue Opportunities for Workplace Lockouts and Retaliation) Act, which would prohibit corporations that lock out their workers from doing business with the federal government.

The PRO-WORK Act would prohibit an employer from receiving federal funds or tax credits because of a lockout. Specifically, federal funds would be withheld for a period equal to the duration of the lockout, and an employer would be ineligible to receive tax credits for the corresponding taxable year. If an employer engages in a subsequent lockout, the company would be ineligible for federal funds for one year and would be prohibited from receiving a tax credit during the following year.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “Members of organized labor built our region and are the backbone of our economy. International, off-shore companies cannot continue to disrespect American workers while benefitting from federal funding and tax credits. I am taking this action to prevent any company that locks out American workers from receiving our tax dollars.”

Roxanne Brown, International President of the United Steelworkers stated, ""When an employer locks out workers, refusing to let them on the job and depriving them of their paychecks and health insurance benefits in an attempt to extract concessions, it’s not just the workers and their families who suffer – it’s whole communities. Rep. Mrvan’s much needed legislation would help balance the scales, prohibiting corporations that take these drastic and punitive measures from receiving federal money and benefiting off the backs of taxpayers they are actively hurting. Our union thanks Rep. Mrvan for continuing to stand behind working families and encourages congressional colleagues to do the same by supporting this bill.”

Eric Schultz, President of USW Local 7-1 stated, “Our members know firsthand that a lockout doesn’t stop at the workplace gate. It impacts workers, their families, local businesses, and entire communities. Corporations should not be able to inflict that kind of economic harm and then expect the same taxpayers they are hurting to help fund their bottom line. I want to thank Congressman Mrvan for standing with working families and for putting real consequences against companies that deprive working families of their income and livelihoods.”

The full bill text of the PRO-WORK Act is available here.

###",1,2026-09-01T09:48:49Z,2026-09-01T09:49:51Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-kids-online-safety-caucus-co-chairs-statement-historic-17-billion-meta,House Kids Online Safety Caucus Co-chairs Statement on Historic $17 Billion Meta Settlement,2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"August 28, 2026

WASHINGTON—Co-chairs of the Kids Online Safety Caucus Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) released the following statement on the Meta settlement.

“These basic actions to improve features on Meta’s platforms are long overdue, and this settlement meaningfully holds Meta accountable for its exploitation of millions of children across the country.

One company and one settlement is not enough. This settlement is not a substitute for bold and sweeping congressional action. What has been a race to the bottom, in terms of attention-fracking our youth, must become a race to the top, in terms of safety for young users. We are more committed than ever to passing legislation that ensures that adults, not algorithms, raise our children.""

—Rep. Houchin and Rep. Auchincloss",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2613,Congressman Baird Announces Opening of 2026 U.S. Military Academy Nomination Process,2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,James R. Baird,B001307,baird.house.gov,baird,https://baird.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced the application process for nominations to U.S. service academies has opened for the 2026-27 school year.

Exceptional student leaders and scholar-athletes in Indiana's Fourth Congressional District may be nominated by Congressman Baird to one of four U.S. Service Academies – U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point) and the U.S. Naval Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination at this time.

“Attending a service academy is an honor steeped in history and a privilege,” said Congressman Baird. “Students have the opportunity to pursue a top tier education while serving their country. The academies are competitive and rigorous schools, but they are well worth the determination. It is my privilege to assist and nominate Indiana’s best and brightest on their paths to becoming the next generation of America’s leaders.”

The service academies offer a fully funded four-year education, including tuition, books, and board. Upon completion, graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as officers in their respective branches of service. The privilege of attending a service academy requires a five-year commitment to military service upon graduation.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and, on July 1 of the year of entry, be at least 17 years old but not yet 23 years old to enter any of the academies, except the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, which has a maximum age of 25.

While a nomination is required to gain admission to a service academy, it does not guarantee admission. The admissions process is extremely competitive; therefore, interested students should prepare all application materials well in advance.

The admissions criteria includes: strong academic performance and standardized test scores, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Candidates must have a demonstrated history of strong leadership, community involvement, and receive an official Congressional nomination (except for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, which does not require a nomination).

Up to 10 individuals may be nominated for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district.

The deadline to submit an application for an academy nomination is Friday, November 6, 2026.

The application can be found here.

For questions, please contact the office of Congressman Baird at 202-225-5037.",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-young-attends-sk-hynix-groundbreaking-ceremony-in-west-lafayette/,Senator Young Attends SK Hynix Groundbreaking Ceremony in West Lafayette,2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) delivered remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for SK hynix’s more than $4 billion semiconductor advanced packaging facility in West Lafayette. The historic investment was made possible in part by theCHIPS and Science Act, landmark legislation Senator Young helped author and pass to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and bring high-tech investment and jobs back to the United States.

The investment will establish SK hynix’s first U.S. advanced packaging facility for next-generation high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical technology used to power artificial intelligence. SK hynix expects the project to create approximately 7,000 direct and indirect jobs through construction, operations, partner companies, and related industries.

“SK hynix’s historic investment in West Lafayette is further proof that Indiana is leading the way in rebuilding America’s semiconductor industry,” said Senator Young. “This project will create good-paying jobs, strengthen our national and economic security, and ensure the technologies of the future are developed and manufactured here in the United States. I was proud to help make this investment possible through the CHIPS and Science Act, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on Hoosiers and our country for decades to come.”

SK hynix also announced a research and development partnership with Purdue University focused on advanced packaging technologies. More than 150 materials, components, and equipment partners are discussing participation in the local supply chain, further strengthening Indiana’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.

Senator Young was instrumental in the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, which was signed into law in 2022. The law provides incentives to bring semiconductor manufacturing and research to the United States, strengthen domestic supply chains, and bolster America’s economic and national security.

The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded SK hynix up to $458 million in direct funding through the CHIPS and Science Act to support the West Lafayette project along with up to $500 million in federal loans.",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-statement-fema-approval-major-disaster-declaration,Mrvan Statement on FEMA Approval of Major Disaster Declaration,2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Rep. Frank J. Mrvan released the statement below following the approval from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the State of Indiana’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration from the storms of August 11, 2026.

“FEMA has announced that the Major Disaster Declaration requested by Governor Braun for the State of Indiana has been approved.

“This declaration is an important step forward for Northwest Indiana. Our families, businesses, municipalities, first responders, and community organizations have endured tremendous hardship, and they need every available resource to recover and rebuild.

“I thank Governor Braun, our local officials, emergency management personnel, first responders, utility crews, volunteers, and everyone who has worked tirelessly throughout this crisis. I also appreciate the Administration’s approval of this request and the continued efforts of FEMA and our federal, state, and local partners.

“I have been proud to work alongside the Indiana Congressional Delegation to advocate for this assistance because we knew the scale of this disaster exceeded what many individuals and communities could handle on their own.

“Now, we turn our full attention to recovery.

“Federal assistance can provide critical support to eligible individuals, families, businesses, and local governments as they repair homes and infrastructure, address damage, and begin rebuilding. My office will continue working directly with FEMA, state and local officials, and our communities to ensure residents understand what assistance is available and can access the resources for which they qualify.

“To everyone who has been affected, please know that you are not alone. Northwest Indiana has shown extraordinary strength, compassion, and resilience throughout this disaster. We will continue standing together, helping our neighbors, and doing everything possible to ensure our communities come back stronger.

“Additional information about the federal assistance programs is anticipated in the coming days. In the meantime, individuals in Lake, LaPorte, and Porter Counties who are eligible for Individual Assistance can begin the application process through FEMA:

Apply online: www.DisasterAssistance.gov

Call FEMA: 1-800-621-3362

“The response brought us through the immediate crisis. Now, the work of recovery and rebuilding begins. I will remain focused on making sure Northwest Indiana receives every resource and every bit of support it needs until the job is done.

“My office will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available and will remain engaged with FEMA, state and local officials, and our communities throughout the recovery process.”

###",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-banks-applauds-presidential-disaster-declaration-for-indiana-following-monday-phone-call-with-president-trump/,Senator Banks Applauds Presidential Disaster Declaration For Indiana Following Monday Phone Call With President Trump,2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"FORT WAYNE, Ind. –– Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) released the following statement after President Donald Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana, unlocking federal assistance for Hoosiers and communities recovering from the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and historic flooding that began on August 11, 2026.

The Presidential Disaster Declaration comes one day after Senator Banks and Gary Mayor Eddie Melton called President Trump to update him on the state of Northwest Indiana storm recovery efforts and the importance of federal support.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “When I spoke to President Trump on Monday, he was eager to do anything he could to help Indiana rebuild. I am extremely grateful to President Trump for his swift approval of Indiana’s request for a disaster declaration. This will allow communities and families across our state to apply for much-needed federal assistance as they seek to rebuild.”

Read FEMA Federal Disaster Fact Sheet here or below:

Background:

The declaration makes Individual Assistance available to eligible residents in Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamiliton, Hancock, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Rush, Tipton, Union, and Wayne counties. Individual Assistance can help eligible Hoosiers with uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses and other serious needs.

Public Assistance is available in Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hamiliton, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Porter, Tipton, and Wayne counties. The program provides federal funding to state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

Hoosiers can apply for assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Additional counties may be designated following further assessments

###",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-applauds-president-trumps-approval-of-major-disaster-declaration-to-address-august-storms/,Young Applauds President Trump’s Approval of Major Disaster Declaration to Address August Storms,2026-08-26,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) applauded President Donald Trump’s decision to approve Governor Mike Braun’s August 20, 2026, request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in Indiana that began on August 11.

“This federal assistance is much needed and will strengthen ongoing local and state efforts,” said Senator Young. “I want to thank President Trump for approving Governor Braun’s request and providing additional support to Hoosiers. I am also grateful to the first responders, law enforcement, state and local officials, utility crews, linemen, and so many others who continue working to help communities recover and rebuild.”

On Friday, Young and the Indiana congressional delegation sent a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Braun’s request for a major disaster declaration. The text of the letter is below and available here.

Dear President Trump,

We thank you for your continued support following the severe weather that has impacted our state this summer, including your swift approval of Governor Mike Braun’s Emergency Declaration request following the storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on August 11. That assistance has provided important federal resources as state and local officials continue responding to widespread damage.

As those efforts continue, we write in strong support of Governor Braun’s August 20 request for a Major Disaster Declaration. The damage from these storms has been widespread and, in some places, historic. At least eight Hoosiers have died, more than 1,000 families have been displaced, and power outages peaked at more than 360,000 customers, with Northwest Indiana among the hardest hit and tens of thousands still without power. More than 1,700 structures have been destroyed, damaged, or otherwise affected. Flooding forced hundreds of evacuations and water rescues, while roads and bridges were damaged or washed out. In Anderson and Noblesville, the White River exceeded flood records set in 1913, and hundreds of homes along the river in Indianapolis were evacuated.

In the days since the storms, Hoosiers have stepped up to help their neighbors with donations, supplies, and other support. State agencies, local officials, first responders, and volunteers have been working around the clock as well, but the damage has created needs on a scale that communities cannot reasonably meet on their own. Our offices are also hearing from people who are still trying to understand what assistance is available and when it may come. A Major Disaster Declaration would provide the additional federal resources needed to support that work and help families and communities through the weeks and months ahead.

We also continue to support Governor Braun’s August 6 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the separate storms that struck from June 6–26. Many communities, particularly in Northwest Indiana, were still dealing with damage from those storms when the August disaster hit, leaving local governments to respond to another round of serious damage just weeks later.

We appreciate the assistance your administration and FEMA have provided thus far, as well as your continued consideration of the June request. The emergency assistance already approved has been important to the immediate response, and we respectfully urge swift approval of the Governor’s August 20 request to provide the additional support needed for recovery. We stand ready to work with your administration and FEMA to support affected Hoosiers and communities.",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2612,Congressman Baird Announces Launch of 2026 Congressional App Challenge,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,James R. Baird,B001307,baird.house.gov,baird,https://baird.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced that the 2026 Congressional App Challenge has officially launched.

The Congressional App Challenge engages student creativity and encourages participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education fields. This nationwide event allows high school and middle school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application, or ""app,"" for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

“I’m proud to announce that the 2026 Congressional App Challenge is now open,” said Rep. Baird. “As a Ph.D. scientist and a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I deeply value educating Hoosier students in STEM and computer sciences. Every eligible student in our district is encouraged to participate. I hope this challenge ignites a spark in students and encourages them to delve deeper into STEM fields. To all the students participating, best of luck! I look forward to seeing the outstanding apps our students create this year!”

The deadline for students to register for the Congressional App Challenge and submit their app online is 12:00 PM ET on October 26, 2026.

Students may use any programming language (C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, “block code,” etc.) and create an app for any platform (PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc.). The winning apps are eligible to be featured in the Capitol Building and be put on House.gov. Students who create winning apps will also be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C., where winners from across the nation will showcase their projects.

Eligibility:

To be eligible to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission.

Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed to form a team.

Students may compete in the district they reside in or the district they attend school in.

If competing as a team, at least half of the teammates must be eligible to compete in the district in which they are participating.

All competing students must be U.S. residents at the time of submission. There is no citizenship requirement for students.

If competing as a team, all members must submit their information on the registration form to participate.

Students may submit apps they created prior to the challenge, as long as their apps meet the standards of eligibility and were created after October 30, 2025.

Please click here for the 2026 rules and guidelines for students.

Please click here for the 2026 resources for teachers.

To register and for more information, please visit congressionalappchallenge.us.

For questions, please contact StudentSupport@CongressionalAppChallenge.us.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-houchin-returns-over-10-million-constituents-through-casework,Rep. Houchin Returns Over $10 Million to Constituents Through Casework,2026-08-25,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"August 25, 2026

SALEM, Ind.— Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) announced that her office has returned more than $10 million to constituents across Indiana’s Ninth District since taking office in 2023.

“Since taking office, it has been my priority to put service first and deliver tangible results for Hoosiers.” said Rep. Houchin. “Our dedicated constituent services team works every day to help people navigate the federal government. This milestone of $10 million returned is a testament to our team’s responsiveness, professionalism, and commitment to service. If you need assistance with a federal agency, please reach out to my office. We are here to help.”

Congresswoman Houchin’s office regularly assists constituents with issues involving federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (SSA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and more. Through the constituent services program, the office helps people navigate and resolve issues ranging from slow response times and delayed tax refunds to Social Security benefits and complicated Department of State problems.

“For several years, we struggled with the IRS because Debra’s Social Security number had been incorrectly marked as deceased, causing our tax refunds to be held. With help from Congresswoman Houchin’s office, we were able to receive our refund for not just this year, but for each year it was held. Congresswoman Houchin’s team displayed professionalism and excellence through the entire process.” - Debra and David of North Vernon

“After my tax refund was delayed, Congresswoman Erin Houchin’s office contacted the IRS to find a solution. Thanks to their help, my case was resolved and I received my refund.” - Veronica of North Vernon

“When part of my disability check was transferred to Medicare without my consent, I found myself facing financial hardship. I turned to Congresswoman Houchin’s office, who worked with the Social Security Administration to resolve the problem. I am grateful for their responsiveness and support.” - Roy of Scottsburg

Constituents in Indiana’s Ninth District who need assistance with a federal agency are encouraged to contact Congresswoman Houchin’s office at Houchin.house.gov or by calling (812) 288-3999.",1,2026-08-26T05:33:32Z,2026-08-26T05:34:56Z
https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/indiana-delegation-sends-letter-president-trump-supporting-major-disaster,Indiana Delegation Sends Letter to President Trump Supporting Major Disaster Declaration to Address August Storms,2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS – Today, the Indiana congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump in support of Governor Mike Braun’s August 20, 2026, request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on August 11.

The delegation thanked President Trump for his swift approval of federal emergency assistance following the August storms and urged him to approve Governor Braun’s August 20 major disaster declaration request, while reiterating the delegation’s support for the governor’s pending request for the June storms.

The text of the letter is below:

Dear President Trump,

We thank you for your continued support following the severe weather that has impacted our state this summer, including your swift approval of Governor Mike Braun’s Emergency Declaration request following the storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on August 11. That assistance has provided important federal resources as state and local officials continue responding to widespread damage.

As those efforts continue, we write in strong support of Governor Braun’s August 20 request for a Major Disaster Declaration. The damage from these storms has been widespread and, in some places, historic. At least eight Hoosiers have died, more than 1,000 families have been displaced, and power outages peaked at more than 360,000 customers, with Northwest Indiana among the hardest hit and tens of thousands still without power. More than 1,700 structures have been destroyed, damaged, or otherwise affected. Flooding forced hundreds of evacuations and water rescues, while roads and bridges were damaged or washed out. In Anderson and Noblesville, the White River exceeded flood records set in 1913, and hundreds of homes along the river in Indianapolis were evacuated.

In the days since the storms, Hoosiers have stepped up to help their neighbors with donations, supplies, and other support. State agencies, local officials, first responders, and volunteers have been working around the clock as well, but the damage has created needs on a scale that communities cannot reasonably meet on their own. Our offices are also hearing from people who are still trying to understand what assistance is available and when it may come. A Major Disaster Declaration would provide the additional federal resources needed to support that work and help families and communities through the weeks and months ahead.

We also continue to support Governor Braun’s August 6 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the separate storms that struck from June 6–26. Many communities, particularly in Northwest Indiana, were still dealing with damage from those storms when the August disaster hit, leaving local governments to respond to another round of serious damage just weeks later.

We appreciate the assistance your administration and FEMA have provided thus far, as well as your continued consideration of the June request. The emergency assistance already approved has been important to the immediate response, and we respectfully urge swift approval of the Governor’s August 20 request to provide the additional support needed for recovery. We stand ready to work with your administration and FEMA to support affected Hoosiers and communities.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Todd Young (IN)

U.S. Senator Jim Banks (IN)

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01)

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02)

Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04)

Congressman Victoria Spartz (IN-05)

Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06)

Congressman André Carson (IN-07)

Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08)

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09)",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/exclusive-fox-news-digital-senator-launches-assault-on-illegal-immigration-gaps-as-gop-races-midterm-clock-to-lock-in-key-wins/,EXCLUSIVE: Fox News Digital: Senator Launches Assault on Illegal Immigration Gaps as GOP Races Midterm Clock to Lock in Key Wins,2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"The Indiana Republican warns executive actions alone risk being erased by a future Democratic administration

Click here to read the full story from Fox News Digital or read below.

EXCLUSIVE: Republicans risk seeing some of President Donald Trump’s signature immigration priorities erased by a future Democratic administration unless Congress acts now to lock them into law, Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., told Fox News Digital as he presses the Senate to take up a package of seven immigration bills.

Banks said his immigration package is needed as Republicans approach the midterms with control of Congress at stake and a shrinking window to deliver legislative wins to voters. The bills target birthright citizenship, visas, commercial driver’s licenses and other immigration policies Banks wants Congress to codify.

“I don’t just fear a Democrat majority. I fear a Democrat-Socialist majority because the [DSA] who control today’s Democrat Party support wide open borders, they support eliminating ICE, they are anti law enforcement, they want to defund the police,” Banks said.

While current Senate Democratic leaders are not aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, Banks argued a future Democratic-led Senate would be “owned by the socialist wing of their party.”

“I cannot believe that the Democrats are so radical and extreme today that they’re OK with what’s happened to our country [with] illegals taking jobs for Americans or allowing illegals to be behind the wheel of semi-trucks,” Banks said, pointing to his “Dalilah Law.”

The bill honors Dalilah Coleman, a first-grader who was critically injured when an illegal immigrant driving a big rig caused a multi-car pileup on an Indiana highway. Partap Singh, an Indian national licensed in California, was driving the truck. Coleman suffered catastrophic injuries, spent months in the hospital and had a craniectomy.

The Dalilah Law, described by supporters as the CDL equivalent of the Laken Riley Act, would require states to stop providing commercial driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and certain foreign nationals. It would also require states to revoke certain existing licenses and administer commercial driving tests only in English.

Banks compared the CDL measure to Congress’ Reagan-era push to raise the drinking age by threatening federal transportation funds. He argued that several Hoosiers have been injured or killed in crashes involving foreign drivers licensed by “states that hand CDLs out like candy,” including California, Pennsylvania and New York. He also wants Congress to take greater control over Temporary Protected Status authority, which he said previous Democratic administrations abused.

“If we legislate it and give Congress power to determine when TPS is appropriate when it’s not, then we’ll be able to address these issues long after President Trump leaves the White House,” Banks said.

The American Tech Workforce Act would raise the minimum salary threshold for many H-1B visa positions from $60,000 to $150,000. Experts have said the change would significantly alter incentives for companies seeking to hire young foreign workers.

Immigration attorneys argued Banks’ bill would make the U.S. “far less attractive as a study destination” and encourage foreign talent to look to Canada instead.

“Many employers would be unable or unwilling to meet this threshold, effectively limiting H-1B hiring to top tech companies or highly specialized roles,” Texas firm Reddy Neumann & Brown said on its website.

Proponents have argued such changes would give American graduates a better chance of entering the job market after college.

Other bills in the package would provide additional border security funding to the War Department, restrict chain migration and target grants to colleges employing illegal immigrants.

“These seven bills are common sense, everything from stopping illegals from driving semi-trucks to banning birthright citizenship, to stopping chain migration, to cracking down on those who misuse the H-1B visas for cheap labor,” Banks said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., for comment on the package and to ask whether any of the bills will be expedited ahead of the midterms.

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/exclusive-sen-banks-gary-mayor-melton-talked-to-president-trump-about-storm-recovery-on-monday/,"EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Banks, Gary Mayor Melton talked to President Trump about Storm Recovery on Monday",2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Click here for the full story from The Times of Northwest Indiana or read below:

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, and Gary Mayor Eddie Melton spoke to President Donald Trump over the phone on Monday, providing him with an update about “the good things going on in Gary,” while also keeping him in the loop about storm damage and the impacts being felt on the ground by residents.

Trump approved a Presidential Emergency Declaration for Indiana at Gov. Mike Braun’s request on Aug. 15.

Banks said on Monday that Trump knows about another request from the Indiana Congressional delegation requesting direct assistance to families, homeowners, renters and others who have been impacted by the Aug. 11 derecho.

“The president loves Gary and has a long history in Gary,” Banks said. Trump was behind the riverboat Princess Casino, which opened in 1996 at Buffington Harbor.

“In my conversation with President Trump, I made it clear that Gary needs immediate access to FEMA resources to support our recovery,” Melton said in a statement shared with The Times. “This federal assistance is critical to restoring our neighborhoods, rebuilding our community and making sure Gary emerges from this storm stronger and more resilient than before.”

Banks told The Times about the call with Trump in an interview while in Gary early Monday afternoon. Banks said he, Trump and Melton also discussed the Nippon deal for U.S. Steel, which his administration approved last summer.

Melton and Banks took a “comprehensive tour of impacted areas” in Gary, according to a release from the city.

“The devastation our city has experienced demands swift, decisive and unified action at every level of government,” Melton said in a statement, adding that he was grateful to Banks for visiting Gary’s residents.

“The people here step up to help each other,” Banks said.

Banks also visited the Salvation Army’s Gary location before meeting with Pastor Eric Boone of the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church, whose congregation has served food to thousands in recent days.

“I think that says a lot about this community,” Banks said. “Pastor Boone has such a giant heart and what he’s been doing and what the other churches are doing in the area is really important.”

When asked about NIPSCO and the governor’s request for an investigation into the company’s preparedness for and response to recent storms, Banks said he believes it’s “important to learn from a situation like this.”

“What could we have done to avoid it and then learn from it to make sure it doesn’t happen again?” Banks said. “For sure, we should definitely investigate that.”

But, Banks said, his focus right now remains on getting the final few thousand customers without power in Gary and elsewhere across the Region. As of 2:30 p.m. on Monday, over 9,000 NIPSCO customers were without power. About 6,500 of those customers were in Gary, or about 72% of all remaining outages.

“It’s a long road ahead, but when you see leadership like that,” Banks said, referring to Melton, “It makes you hopeful that we can all pull together and work together and hopefully, Gary will come out of this better and stronger than ever before.”

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-banks-joins-fox-news-digital-for-exclusive-interview-on-7-part-immigration-package/,ICYMI: Banks joins Fox News Digital for Exclusive Interview on 7-Part Immigration Package,2026-08-24,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Fox News Digital to discuss his 7-part immigration package including the Citizenship Act of 2026, the Dalilah Law, and the American Tech Workforce Act.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpts on Banks Immigration Package:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “I’m new in the Senate, I served in the House for 8 before coming to the Senate, but after 4 years of wide open borders under Joe Biden and the Democrat when they in charge, I just realize that it has to be our top priority to put American works first and the safety of the American people first, by cracking down on illegal immigration. That’s why I have introduced a package of seven bills over the last year and a half that I’ve been in the Senate. The Citizenship Act, that bans birthright citizenship for illegals, the Daliliah Law, that cracks down on illegals behind the wheel of semi-truck…My package of bills is common sense, and this has to be a top priority for Congress going forward to clean up the mess that the Democrats created.”

“My seven bills go a long way and take a larger, broader approach to crack down on illegal immigration and do it in a way that permanently blocks these actions from happening in the future. Thank God President Trump is in the White House and doing what he can to stop it, but we’ve got to make it permanent. I can’t believe the democrats would vote against any of these bills. I can’t believe that the Democrats today are so radical and extreme that they are ok with what’s happened to our country. Allowing illegals to take jobs from Americans, allowing illegals to be behind the wheel of a semitruck.”

Click hereto read the full story from Fox News Digital.

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/indiana-delegation-sends-letter-president-trump-supporting-major-disaster,Indiana Delegation Sends Letter to President Trump Supporting Major Disaster Declaration to Address August Storms,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, the Indiana congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump in support of Governor Mike Braun’s August 20, 2026, request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on August 11.

The delegation thanked President Trump for his swift approval of federal emergency assistance following the August storms and urged him to approve Governor Braun’s August 20 major disaster declaration request, while reiterating the delegation’s support for the governor’s pending request for the June storms.

The text of the letter is below and a pdf is available here.

“Dear President Trump,

“We thank you for your continued support following the severe weather that has impacted our state this summer, including your swift approval of Governor Mike Braun’s Emergency Declaration request following the storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on August 11. That assistance has provided important federal resources as state and local officials continue responding to widespread damage.

“As those efforts continue, we write in strong support of Governor Braun’s August 20 request for a Major Disaster Declaration. The damage from these storms has been widespread and, in some places, historic. At least eight Hoosiers have died, more than 1,000 families have been displaced, and power outages peaked at more than 360,000 customers, with Northwest Indiana among the hardest hit and tens of thousands still without power. More than 1,700 structures have been destroyed, damaged, or otherwise affected. Flooding forced hundreds of evacuations and water rescues, while roads and bridges were damaged or washed out. In Anderson and Noblesville, the White River exceeded flood records set in 1913, and hundreds of homes along the river in Indianapolis were evacuated.

“In the days since the storms, Hoosiers have stepped up to help their neighbors with donations, supplies, and other support. State agencies, local officials, first responders, and volunteers have been working around the clock as well, but the damage has created needs on a scale that communities cannot reasonably meet on their own. Our offices are also hearing from people who are still trying to understand what assistance is available and when it may come. A Major Disaster Declaration would provide the additional federal resources needed to support that work and help families and communities through the weeks and months ahead.

“We also continue to support Governor Braun’s August 6 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the separate storms that struck from June 6–26. Many communities, particularly in Northwest Indiana, were still dealing with damage from those storms when the August disaster hit, leaving local governments to respond to another round of serious damage just weeks later.

“We appreciate the assistance your administration and FEMA have provided thus far, as well as your continued consideration of the June request. The emergency assistance already approved has been important to the immediate response, and we respectfully urge swift approval of the Governor’s August 20 request to provide the additional support needed for recovery. We stand ready to work with your administration and FEMA to support affected Hoosiers and communities.”

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Todd Young (IN)

U.S. Senator Jim Banks (IN)

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01)

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02)

Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04)

Congressman Victoria Spartz (IN-05)

Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06)

Congressman André Carson (IN-07)

Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08)

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09)

###",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://shreve.house.gov/media/press-releases/shreve-celebrates-historic-freedom-250-grand-prix,Shreve Celebrates Historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Jefferson Shreve,S001229,shreve.house.gov,shreve,https://shreve.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06) released the following statement ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.:

""This weekend, INDYCAR will make history on the streets of our nation’s capital. Drivers will race past monuments that tell America’s story — and the country will see what Hoosiers have known for generations: There’s nothing quite like INDYCAR racing!

""Race day is unlike anything else: the smell of fuel and hot asphalt. The roar down the straightaway — and a crowd holding its breath. It is engineering, innovation and competition on full display.

""Auto racing is woven into Indiana’s identity. Bringing our proud tradition to Washington is a fitting way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Mary and I wish every driver a safe, fast race. And as we say in Indy: Drivers, start your engines!”",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-in-focus-now-on-fox-59-indianapolis/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins IN Focus Now on Fox 59 – Indianapolis,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined IN Focus Now on Fox 59 – Indianapolis to discuss the ongoing response to severe weather in Indiana and the Freedom 250–IndyCar Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. this weekend.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpts on Indiana Disaster Response:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “We have a lot of superheroes around the state, a lot of mayors, local, state, and federal officials who are on the ground working to make sure that we do everything we can to help those who have been impacted. My staff and I have been traveling all over the state this past week, meeting with officials, and playing whatever role we can to connect FEMA and the federal government with our local officials. I have been so impressed with mayors all over the state who have done heroic work to help. It’s going to be a long road ahead, a lot of cleanups, and things to rebuild. But it’s Indiana; we come together in times like these.”

“President Trump’s declaration last Saturday—he called me on Saturday to let me know he was signing it, to let me know that he loves Indiana, and he wants to make sure we have everything we need to rebuild. He understands the severity of the impact of the storms, and thankfully that immediately unlocks resources and federal agencies. That doesn’t mean it’s not going to be a rough road ahead. There is going to be more we need to do to rebuild roads and bridges and repair homes and businesses that have been impacted. The state of Indiana will work with us at the federal level to make sure Indiana gets everything it needs to rebuild.”

“It’s going to take a while to figure out everything that we need to advocate for the state, but we are well on our way because of Governor Braun’s leadership, President Trump’s support, and the bipartisan federal delegation. Senator Todd Young and I, and the nine other representatives, representing every corner of the state, are all working together to make sure Indiana gets everything that we need to rebuild and help those who need it most.”

Key Excerpts on the Freedom 250–IndyCar Grand Prix:

“It’s going to be a lot of fun; we are showing off the best of America, which happens to be the best of Indiana when it comes to racing. IndyCar on the streets of Washington, D.C., celebrating America 250, the Freedom 250 race, 250 miles representing the 250 years of the greatest country in the history of the world, and what better way to do that than to bring IndyCar to Washington, D.C. It’s going to be a lot of fun for the whole country to come together and see this race”

“250 between the Capitol Building and the White House along the National Mall. The drivers will see the Washington Monument on one side and the Capitol on the other side. I have talked to a number of the drivers, and they are all so excited; there has never been a race on the streets of Washington, D.C. before, there might not ever be one again. It’s going to be a lot of fun for these Hoosier drivers and the IndyCar league to take the spotlight in our nation’s capital…I can’t wait to be there to celebrate American but also to watch a really good IndyCar race.”

###",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-kudlow-on-fox-business-network-2/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Kudlow on Fox Business Network,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Kudlow on Fox Business Network to discuss the conflict in Iran, Economic D-Day, and the DSA’s takeover of the Democratic Party.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpts on Iran:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “At the end of the day, what President Trump and the U.S. Military are doing to push back, clear the strait. It’s significant. It’s working. The blockade, the economic measures are effective—our military actions, what we have done to wipe out the defense industrial base in Iran. We have eliminated 85 % of the ballistic missiles in Iran. We have put all of these proxy groups on notice: Hamas, Hezbollah, even Somali Pirates; we are not going to let you get away with it anymore. These terrorist groups and the regime in Iran have been used to for 47 years of getting away with it, and President Trump has said you are not going to get away with it anymore… President Trump’s legacy is going to be that he brought peace to the Middle East and to the whole wide world by preventing Iran from ever having a nuclear weapon. We should all be grateful and proud of that.”

Key Excerpts on Economic Warfare:

“These Economic D-Day sanctions and this approach is not just targeted at Iran but any actor that would try to help or assist them too. Then back that up with the actions of our U.S. military. What President Trump has done has brought Iran to its knees. It’s only a matter of time before they come back and beg for a deal, and when that happens, gas prices in America are going to plummet, and our economy is going to benefit from it. Most importantly, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon pointed at America to endanger our kids and our grandkids.”

###",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-rob-schmitt-tonight-on-newsmax-3/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax to discuss the conflict in Iran, Economic D-Day, and the ongoing response to severe weather in Indiana.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpts on Iran and Economic D-Day:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Economic D-Day has begun, and it’s been very effective, combined with the full force of the United States military. Remember that President Trump and our military have already wiped out 85% of Iran’s ballistic missiles; we destroyed their defense industrial base, and we set their nuclear ambitions back by a generation. President Trump has put Iran on notice: you will never have a nuclear weapon. We know if Iran has a nuclear weapon, they are going to point it in America, and I don’t want my kids to live in an America when Iran has a nuclear weapon.”

“Iran has never seen anything yet as they have in the last 24 hours with these economic sanctions. Also remember too that 90% of the oil that flows out of Iran through the straits goes straight to China, our biggest adversary. And President Trump recognizes the big picture here that China cannot benefit from this…This is so significant. History is going to look back and recognize President Trump for doing more than anyone before for bringing peace to the Middle East.”

Key Excerpts on the floods in Indiana:

“Indiana was hit hard, but we’re coming back, and thanks to President Trump for signing the natural disaster recognition. He called me last Saturday as he was signing it. We are rebuilding; we come together in times like these; but please pray for Indiana. We have a lot of damage, a lot of families impacted; we have a long road ahead of us.”

###",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/indiana-delegation-sends-letter-to-president-trump-supporting-major-disaster-declaration-to-address-august-storms/,Indiana Delegation Sends Letter to President Trump Supporting Major Disaster Declaration to Address August Storms,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS – Today, the Indiana congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump in support of Governor Mike Braun’s August 20, 2026, request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on August 11.

The delegation thanked President Trump for his swift approval of federal emergency assistance following the August storms and urged him to approve Governor Braun’s August 20 major disaster declaration request, while reiterating the delegation’s support for the governor’s pending request for the June storms.

The text of the letter is below:

Dear President Trump,

We thank you for your continued support following the severe weather that has impacted our state this summer, including your swift approval of Governor Mike Braun’s Emergency Declaration request following the storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on August 11. That assistance has provided important federal resources as state and local officials continue responding to widespread damage.

As those efforts continue, we write in strong support of Governor Braun’s August 20 request for a Major Disaster Declaration. The damage from these storms has been widespread and, in some places, historic. At least eight Hoosiers have died, more than 1,000 families have been displaced, and power outages peaked at more than 360,000 customers, with Northwest Indiana among the hardest hit and tens of thousands still without power. More than 1,700 structures have been destroyed, damaged, or otherwise affected. Flooding forced hundreds of evacuations and water rescues, while roads and bridges were damaged or washed out. In Anderson and Noblesville, the White River exceeded flood records set in 1913, and hundreds of homes along the river in Indianapolis were evacuated.

In the days since the storms, Hoosiers have stepped up to help their neighbors with donations, supplies, and other support. State agencies, local officials, first responders, and volunteers have been working around the clock as well, but the damage has created needs on a scale that communities cannot reasonably meet on their own. Our offices are also hearing from people who are still trying to understand what assistance is available and when it may come. A Major Disaster Declaration would provide the additional federal resources needed to support that work and help families and communities through the weeks and months ahead.

We also continue to support Governor Braun’s August 6 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the separate storms that struck from June 6–26. Many communities, particularly in Northwest Indiana, were still dealing with damage from those storms when the August disaster hit, leaving local governments to respond to another round of serious damage just weeks later.

We appreciate the assistance your administration and FEMA have provided thus far, as well as your continued consideration of the June request. The emergency assistance already approved has been important to the immediate response, and we respectfully urge swift approval of the Governor’s August 20 request to provide the additional support needed for recovery. We stand ready to work with your administration and FEMA to support affected Hoosiers and communities.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Todd Young (IN)

U.S. Senator Jim Banks (IN)

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01)

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02)

Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04)

Congressman Victoria Spartz (IN-05)

Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06)

Congressman André Carson (IN-07)

Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08)

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09)

###",1,2026-08-22T05:24:59Z,2026-08-22T05:26:16Z
https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=325,Messmer Hosts Tax Event Highlighting the Benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill,2026-08-21,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Mark B. Messmer,M001233,messmer.house.gov,messmer,https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"TERRE HAUTE, IN – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) hosted a Tax Event alongside Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) to discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is delivering lasting tax relief for Hoosier families, workers, seniors, and small businesses. The event brought together local financial professionals, CPAs, bankers, and business leaders to examine the law's impact on Indiana's economy.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill prevented the largest tax increase in history from crushing hard-working Americans, while making many pro-growth tax policies permanent for all families and businesses,” said Rep. Messmer. “Today’s discussion provided an opportunity to speak directly with Hoosiers in our community and discuss new ways we can deliver relief with future tax cuts and job creating policies.”

During the forum, participants highlighted the positive impacts of the law’s permanent extension of provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and celebrated the bevy of expanded deductions which are creating new financial opportunities for American families and small businesses. Stakeholders also discussed the benefits of new deductions for overtime pay, and enhanced deductions for many senior citizens, which effectively eliminate federal taxes on Social Security checks, ensuring Hoosiers, many on a fixed income, keep more of their money. Altogether, the impact of the OBBB is promoting economic stability and growth across Indiana.

To learn more about how Congressman Messmer is helping lower taxes for Hoosier families and businesses, visit Messmer.House.Gov.

###",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/indiana-delegation-sends-letter-president-trump-supporting-disaster,Indiana Delegation Sends Letter to President Trump Supporting Disaster Declaration to Address June Storms,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan joined the Indiana delegation in Congress in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Braun's request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms that impacted Indiana during the period of June 6-26, 2026.

The text of the letter is below and a pdf is available here.

“Dear President Trump,

“Firstly, we thank you for your swift approval of an emergency declaration for Indiana following severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on August 11, 2026. This will provide critical federal assistance to Hoosiers as the state responds to the devastating emergency, which has resulted in deaths and injuries, displaced families, mass power outages, and serious damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

“Additionally, we write in strong support of Governor Mike Braun’s previous request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms that impacted Indiana during the period of June 6 26, 2026. The intensity of weather events in that span caused significant devastation across the state, and the August storms have only exacerbated the impact on communities and local governments. We respectfully urge you to immediately grant this declaration and make federal assistance available to support Indiana’s recovery.

“During the period of June 6-26, several rounds of dangerous storms passed through Indiana, including at least 58 tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, a derecho, and flash flooding. This disaster ranks as the single largest one-month tornadic outbreak in Indiana’s weather history. As a result, 32 counties issued local disaster emergency declarations, and communities have been devastated, while residents lost their homes, schools and businesses were forced to close, and local governments were strained beyond their capacity.

“Specifically, two individuals died, a dozen individuals suffered documented injuries, power outages left 185,525 residents without power, and utility poles, roads, bridges, and trees were damaged. In addition, at least 210 individuals were displaced from their homes, and 1,213 residential structures were destroyed, damaged, or adversely affected. Having experienced some of the most severe weather, Lake County is acutely impacted and estimates infrastructure repairs exceeding $33.9 million.

“In response to the June disaster, the State of Indiana has worked closely with local governments and volunteer organizations to deploy critical emergency response resources and enable first responders and emergency management personnel to conduct damage assessments. The State has mobilized available resources, including shelters, search-and-rescue operations, debris removal teams, emergency communications, and evacuation assistance. However, given the magnitude of the devastation, it is clear that the damage is beyond the capacity of state and local resources to manage.

“These challenges have only intensified, compounded by ongoing storms in the region. On August 11 and 12, Indiana was again struck by widespread flooding, severe weather, and tornadic activity, creating even further destruction and overwhelming state and local resources. While the August 15 emergency declaration will mobilize key disaster relief efforts in the state, Hoosiers are in dire need of further federal resources to support recovery.

“To effectively respond to these needs, we urge you to swiftly approve the Governor’s August 6th request for Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and statewide Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance to address the damage caused by the June disaster and ensure Hoosiers have the resources necessary to respond and recover. We also urge your approval of any future major disaster declaration requests submitted in response to the ongoing August storms. We appreciate your consideration and stand ready to work with your administration, FEMA, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to support Indiana’s recovery.”

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Todd Young (IN)

U.S. Senator Jim Banks (IN)

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01)

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02)

Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04)

Congressman Victoria Spartz (IN-05)

Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06)

Congressman André Carson (IN-07)

Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08)

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09)

###",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-statement-fema-emergency-declaration-approval,Mrvan Statement on FEMA Emergency Declaration Approval,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan released the statement below following the approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of Indiana’s emergency declaration request.

“On behalf of the residents of Indiana’s First Congressional District, I thank the Administration for its prompt approval of Indiana’s request for a federal emergency declaration. This assistance will provide critical resources to communities across Northwest Indiana as they recover from the devastating impact of severe weather, flooding, and tornadoes.

“My office will continue working with federal, state, and local officials to secure every available resource to support residents, families, and communities affected by these storms.

“Residents who have suffered damage are encouraged to report it through Indiana 211 at 866-211-9966. My office will continue to provide updates as additional federal assistance becomes available.”

###",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-urges-president-trump-approve-major-disaster-declaration-indiana,Spartz Urges President Trump to Approve Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Muncie, IN – Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting a Major Disaster Declaration for Indiana following devastating flooding across her district.

“I am grateful to President Trump for acting quickly on Indiana’s emergency declaration after we spoke last week. After seeing the damage firsthand, it is clear that additional federal assistance will be needed. Some of the hardest-hit areas are among the poorest communities in our state, and many families simply do not have the resources to recover on their own,"" said Rep. Spartz.

Rep. Spartz continues working with state and local officials to support affected Hoosiers and expedite recovery efforts.",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-all-indiana-politics/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins All Indiana Politics,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined All Indiana Politics to discuss AI oversight, Food-is-Medicine initiatives, the ongoing conflict in Iran, and the Protect College Sports Act.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpts on AI:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “We need to better understand the security threats that are occurring in some of these labs, and that’s the reason that I sent the letter to the Secretary of Treasury and called on more oversight. At the end of the day, AI is here; its important, our economy is going to change because of it. I think our economy is going to change in really good ways because of it. Still, our federal government has to be more involved in the national security part of it and make sure that these models, coming out of these labs, can’t build something such as a nuclear weapon or weapon of mass destruction, or take over other systems and companies autonomously. The federal government needs to take leadership in providing more oversight.”

“So much is happening at such a rapid pace on this front; just in the last 12 months, the conversation and the public policy debates about AI, are changing every day. I’m focused on export controls and making sure we are not giving up our best computer chips and technologies and sending them to China to our own detriment. In fact, I passed a bill, the AI Overwatch Act, in the annual defense spending bill, which would codify President Trump’s directive that we don’t send our best chips to China. There are a lot of different debates and subjects of AI, and it’s changing every single day.”

Key Excerpts on Iran:

“Our military has everything it needs to keep up the pressure on Iran, to get them to come to the table and ensure that they can never have a nuclear weapon. But I am concerned about the future and replenishing our munition stockpiles. That’s why we need to support the annual defense bill, the NDAA, and why we need to support President Trump on this. Indiana plays a big role in all of this too. Just a couple of months ago, we broke ground on a munitions factory at Crane Naval Base in southern Indiana. They are going to make the munitions, and the rockets that we need to keep up the pressure on Iran and continue to project military strength to our adversaries and keep America safe and secure for years to come.”

“We’ve wiped out 85% of Iran’s ballistic missiles; we have decimated their defense industrial base. It will take them decades to rebuild what our military did. President Trump has made it very clear: keep up the pressure to make sure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon. If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, it is going to be pointed directly at us, at our troops, and our allies. I don’t want my daughters growing up in a world where Iran has a nuclear weapon. That would be catastrophic.”

###",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-the-big-weekend-show-on-fox-news-channel-2/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins The Big Weekend Show on Fox News Channel,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined The Big Weekend Show on Fox News Channel to discuss the conflict in Iran, updates on the U.S. Military, supplemental defense funding, the ongoing investigation into Dr. Anthony Fauci, and the federal response to recent severe weather in Indiana.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpts on Iran:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “First and foremost, President Trump is the only President in 47 years who has had the guts to take on the regime in Iran and let them know they are not going to get away with it; they cannot have a nuclear weapon. What President Trump, our military, the brave men and women who wear the uniform, to keep us safe and secure here at home; what they have done to decimate Iran’s industrial base, wiping out 85 percent of their ballistic missiles, and their nuclear program has set Iran back decades or generations. We can all be very happy about that because none of us want Iran to have a nuclear weapon that they would point right at us. We don’t want to live in a world where Iran has a nuclear weapon, and President Trump deserves enormous credit for what he has done to prevent them from ever having one.”

Key Excerpts on the U.S. Military:

“I hung up my United States Naval uniform, and now I serve in the United States Senate, and here’s one thing I can tell you: those brave sailors on the USS Lincoln, those sailors that are on every ship in the United States Navy, they are damn proud to wear the uniform and serve the greatest country in the history of the world. These sailors are serving our country; they’re wearing the uniform, and they’re proud to do it.”

“That’s a big point here too: our service members love President Trump, they know President Trump has their back, and at the same time it’s the Democrats in Congress who are blocking the annual defense bill. A bill that has always been bipartisan. It’s got pay raises for our troops, better equipment, better resources, better funding for the military, and it’s the Democrats are the ones who are blocking it in the United States Senate and preventing us from passing a defense bill to support our troops…They are using our troops as leverage. They are politicizing our military; it’s shameful. We should be doing everything we can to support our troops. The defense spending supplemental isn’t President Trump asking; it’s all of the branches of the military. They are asking for more funding to support our troops and support the mission to keep America safe. ”

Key Excerpts on Dr. Anthony Fauci:

“We knew all along he lied to the American people, but the more these text messages and voicemails confirm that Dr. Fauci knew of the health concerns with pregnant mothers and covered up other risks with the vaccines, he should be held accountable in a big way. No one should ever be able to get away with what Dr. Fauci got away with, and if you don’t hold him accountable, it allows for the next guy to do the same, and we can’t let that happen.”

Key Excerpts on Indiana Severe Weather:

“Thank you for bringing it up. It’s devastating; 53 counties in our state have been impacted in a big way. We have rivers overflowing throughout the state, and the flooding is terrible. Thousands of families have been affected, millions of Hoosiers without power.”

“The President called me yesterday; we talked about the flood damage, and he signed the Declaration of Emergency for our state and committed to send millions of dollars here to help rebuild Indiana. We appreciate President Trump’s leadership and all that he has done to support Indiana over the years, but it’s going to be a long road to recovery for the Hoosier state. One thing I’ve seen traveling the state this week is how resilient Hoosiers are; we come together, we help each other, we rebuild in times like these.”

###",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/stormhelp/,Storm Recovery Resources for Hoosiers,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Beginning on August 11, severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding caused significant damage across Indiana. Below are resources and information for Hoosiers recovering from the storms, including some steps families, businesses, farmers, and local communities can take now.

For more flooding safety information, click here.

For the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s (IDHS) information hub, click here.

Immediate Help:

Hoosiers who need immediate assistance with shelter, food, transportation or other essential needs can contact Indiana 211 (dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-211-9966). County emergency management agencies and local relief organizations may also have resources available based on local conditions.

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Where Things Stand:

President Trump approved an Emergency Declaration for Indiana on August 15, authorizing FEMA to support state and local emergency response efforts, including emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance.

The current August declaration does not provide FEMA Individual Assistance to homeowners and renters or broader federal reimbursement for long-term infrastructure recovery. The State is continuing to assess damage, and additional federal assistance may be requested as those assessments are completed.

Separately, Governor Braun has requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the severe weather that struck Indiana in June. That request remains part of a separate federal disaster process.

If You Experienced Storm or Flood Damage:

Report your damage. Damage reports are important even if you have already contacted your insurance company. They help local and state officials document the extent of the disaster and determine whether additional state or federal assistance is warranted. Indiana 211 accepts residential damage reports for participating counties and incidents.

If your county is not currently listed through 211, contact your county emergency management agency. Commercial and government property damage should also be reported directly to the county emergency management agency.

Agricultural damage should be reported to the local USDA Farm Service Agency. Producers are also encouraged to look through the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, which can help producers identify the type of assistance they are looking for. Depending on the type of loss and existing program eligibility, USDA maintains separate disaster programs for crops, livestock and damaged agricultural land.

Document everything. Take photographs or video of damage before making major repairs or removing damaged property when it is safe to do so. Keep receipts for cleanup, repairs, temporary lodging, supplies, and other storm-related expenses. Maintain copies of insurance claims, contractor estimates and correspondence related to the damage. These records can become important if state or federal assistance is made available later.",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://yakym.house.gov/posts/yakym-announces-service-academy-night-on-september-9,Yakym Announces Service Academy Night on September 9,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Rudy Yakym III,Y000067,yakym.house.gov,yakym,https://yakym.house.gov/press,scraper,"MISHAWAKA, IN – Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) announced that he will host a Service Academy Night on September 9, 2026 for perspective Service Academy nominees. Service Academy Night will take place on September 9, 2026, beginning at 5:30pm EST at Penn High School, located at 56100 Bittersweet Road in Mishawaka.

At Service Academy Night, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the U.S. Service Academies, discuss the application process, and meet representatives from each Academy. To RSVP for Service Academy Night, please contact Griffin Nate at griffin.nate@mail.house.gov.

What: Rep. Yakym’s Service Academy Night

When: September 9, 2026 | 5:30pm EST",1,2026-08-18T05:27:41Z,2026-08-18T05:29:06Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/indiana-delegation-sends-letter-to-president-trump-supporting-disaster-declaration-to-address-june-storms/,Indiana Delegation Sends Letter to President Trump Supporting Disaster Declaration to Address June Storms,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) and the Indiana congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump in support of Governor Mike Braun’s August 6, 2026, request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms that impacted Indiana during the period of June 6-26, 2026.

Hoosiers were still working to recover from the June storms when last week’s severe weather brought another round of flooding, tornadoes, and widespread damage across the state. The letter also references the emergency declaration already approved for the August storms and the delegation’s support for additional federal assistance as damage assessments continue and further disaster requests are submitted.

The text of the letter is below and a pdf is available here.

“Dear President Trump,

“Firstly, we thank you for your swift approval of an emergency declaration for Indiana following severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on August 11, 2026. This will provide critical federal assistance to Hoosiers as the state responds to the devastating emergency, which has resulted in deaths and injuries, displaced families, mass power outages, and serious damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

“Additionally, we write in strong support of Governor Mike Braun’s previous request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms that impacted Indiana during the period of June 6-26, 2026. The intensity of weather events in that span caused significant devastation across the state, and the August storms have only exacerbated the impact on communities and local governments. We respectfully urge you to immediately grant this declaration and make federal assistance available to support Indiana’s recovery.

“During the period of June 6-26, several rounds of dangerous storms passed through Indiana, including at least 58 tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, a derecho, and flash flooding. This disaster ranks as the single largest one-month tornadic outbreak in Indiana’s weather history. As a result, 32 counties issued local disaster emergency declarations, and communities have been devastated, while residents lost their homes, schools and businesses were forced to close, and local governments were strained beyond their capacity.

“Specifically, two individuals died, a dozen individuals suffered documented injuries, power outages left 185,525 residents without power, and utility poles, roads, bridges, and trees were damaged. In addition, at least 210 individuals were displaced from their homes, and 1,213 residential structures were destroyed, damaged, or adversely affected. Having experienced some of the most severe weather, Lake County is acutely impacted and estimates infrastructure repairs exceeding $33.9 million.

“In response to the June disaster, the State of Indiana has worked closely with local governments and volunteer organizations to deploy critical emergency response resources and enable first responders and emergency management personnel to conduct damage assessments. The State has mobilized available resources, including shelters, search-and-rescue operations, debris removal teams, emergency communications, and evacuation assistance. However, given the magnitude of the devastation, it is clear that the damage is beyond the capacity of state and local resources to manage.

“These challenges have only intensified, compounded by ongoing storms in the region. On August 11 and 12, Indiana was again struck by widespread flooding, severe weather, and tornadic activity, creating even further destruction and overwhelming state and local resources. While the August 15 emergency declaration will mobilize key disaster relief efforts in the state, Hoosiers are in dire need of further federal resources to support recovery.

“To effectively respond to these needs, we urge you to swiftly approve the Governor’s August 6th request for Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and statewide Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance to address the damage caused by the June disaster and ensure Hoosiers have the resources necessary to respond and recover. We also urge your approval of any future major disaster declaration requests submitted in response to the ongoing August storms. We appreciate your consideration and stand ready to work with your administration, FEMA, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to support Indiana’s recovery.”

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Todd Young (IN)

U.S. Senator Jim Banks (IN)

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01)

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02)

Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04)

Congressman Victoria Spartz (IN-05)

Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06)

Congressman André Carson (IN-07)

Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08)

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09)

###",1,2026-08-19T05:29:02Z,2026-08-19T05:30:24Z
https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/indiana-delegation-sends-letter-president-trump-supporting-disaster,Indiana Delegation Sends Letter to President Trump Supporting Disaster Declaration to Address June Storms,2026-08-17,2026,2026-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Rep. André Carson joined the Indiana delegation in Congress in sending a letter to President Trump in support of Governor Braun's request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms that impacted Indiana during the period of June 6-26, 2026.

The text of the letter is below and a pdf is available here.

“Dear President Trump,

“Firstly, we thank you for your swift approval of an emergency declaration for Indiana following severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on August 11, 2026. This will provide critical federal assistance to Hoosiers as the state responds to the devastating emergency, which has resulted in deaths and injuries, displaced families, mass power outages, and serious damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

“Additionally, we write in strong support of Governor Mike Braun’s previous request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms that impacted Indiana during the period of June 6 26, 2026. The intensity of weather events in that span caused significant devastation across the state, and the August storms have only exacerbated the impact on communities and local governments. We respectfully urge you to immediately grant this declaration and make federal assistance available to support Indiana’s recovery.

“During the period of June 6-26, several rounds of dangerous storms passed through Indiana, including at least 58 tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, a derecho, and flash flooding. This disaster ranks as the single largest one-month tornadic outbreak in Indiana’s weather history. As a result, 32 counties issued local disaster emergency declarations, and communities have been devastated, while residents lost their homes, schools and businesses were forced to close, and local governments were strained beyond their capacity.

“Specifically, two individuals died, a dozen individuals suffered documented injuries, power outages left 185,525 residents without power, and utility poles, roads, bridges, and trees were damaged. In addition, at least 210 individuals were displaced from their homes, and 1,213 residential structures were destroyed, damaged, or adversely affected. Having experienced some of the most severe weather, Lake County is acutely impacted and estimates infrastructure repairs exceeding $33.9 million.

“In response to the June disaster, the State of Indiana has worked closely with local governments and volunteer organizations to deploy critical emergency response resources and enable first responders and emergency management personnel to conduct damage assessments. The State has mobilized available resources, including shelters, search-and-rescue operations, debris removal teams, emergency communications, and evacuation assistance. However, given the magnitude of the devastation, it is clear that the damage is beyond the capacity of state and local resources to manage.

“These challenges have only intensified, compounded by ongoing storms in the region. On August 11 and 12, Indiana was again struck by widespread flooding, severe weather, and tornadic activity, creating even further destruction and overwhelming state and local resources. While the August 15 emergency declaration will mobilize key disaster relief efforts in the state, Hoosiers are in dire need of further federal resources to support recovery.

“To effectively respond to these needs, we urge you to swiftly approve the Governor’s August 6th request for Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and statewide Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance to address the damage caused by the June disaster and ensure Hoosiers have the resources necessary to respond and recover. We also urge your approval of any future major disaster declaration requests submitted in response to the ongoing August storms. We appreciate your consideration and stand ready to work with your administration, FEMA, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to support Indiana’s recovery.”

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Todd Young (IN)

U.S. Senator Jim Banks (IN)

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01)

Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02)

Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03)

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04)

Congressman Victoria Spartz (IN-05)

Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06)

Congressman André Carson (IN-07)

Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-08)

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09)

###",1,2026-08-25T05:31:37Z,2026-08-25T05:33:09Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-federal-emergency-assistance-approved-indiana-president-trump,Spartz: Federal Emergency Assistance Approved for Indiana by President Trump,2026-08-15,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Noblesville, IN – Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) announced that President Donald Trump has approved a federal emergency declaration for Indiana following historic flooding and severe weather affecting communities across the state.

The Presidential Emergency Declaration makes federal resources available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to supplement state and local response efforts, including lifesaving and emergency protective measures to address immediate threats to lives, public health and safety, and property.

As damage assessments continue, Indiana is expected to apply for a Major Disaster Declaration in the next few days to seek additional federal recovery assistance for affected communities and individuals. Rep. Spartz will continue working with the Governor, the Administration, FEMA, and local officials to support that request and ensure affected Hoosiers receive the assistance they need.

Rep. Spartz has been and will continue to be in direct communication with federal, state, and local officials to help coordinate the response.

“I am very grateful to President Trump for acting quickly to support Hoosiers affected by this devastating flooding. I spoke directly with the President today about the situation on the ground, and I appreciate his swift response,” said Rep. Spartz. “I also want to thank Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Governor Mike Braun for their leadership and coordination throughout this emergency, as well as our local emergency officials and first responders working around the clock. We will continue working together at all levels of government to make sure assistance gets to the communities that need it.”

Hoosiers affected by the flooding who need immediate assistance should call 211 for available state and local resources. Residents of Indiana’s 5th Congressional District may also contact Rep. Spartz’s office for assistance with federal agencies and resources:

Noblesville Office: (317) 848-0201

Muncie Office: (765) 639-0671",1,2026-08-16T05:26:31Z,2026-08-16T05:27:49Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-banks-releases-statement-following-call-with-president-trump-to-secure-much-needed-disaster-relief-for-hoosiers/,Senator Banks Releases Statement Following Call With President Trump To Secure Much-Needed Disaster Relief For Hoosiers,2026-08-15,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"FORT WAYNE, Ind. –– Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) released a statement following a phone call with President Trump regarding requests for federal disaster assistance after severe storms caused historic flooding, tornadoes, and widespread damage across Indiana.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “I just got off the phone with President Trump and he has agreed to send millions of dollars of much-needed federal disaster assistance to the state of Indiana following this week’s severe weather. Thank you, President Trump, for all you’ve done for Indiana. My office continues our work to facilitate relief efforts, and we stand ready to assist all impacted Hoosiers.”

Background

The severe weather began impacting Indiana on August 11 and has resulted in deaths, injuries, damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure, displaced families, and disrupted emergency services. Power outages peaked at more than 300,000, while flooding reached 100-year levels in some areas and forced road closures across the state.

###",1,2026-08-16T05:26:31Z,2026-08-16T05:27:49Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2611,Congressman Baird Applauds Institute of Museum and Library Services Funding for Purdue University,2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,James R. Baird,B001307,baird.house.gov,baird,https://baird.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarding Purdue University three grants totaling more than $818,000.

“Purdue University is a premier research and educational institution,” said Congressman Baird. “The grants from IMLS help develop library and archival programs across our country. The Purdue library system has proven itself well-equipped to put these resources to good use, expanding research capabilities and strengthening the services available to its students, faculty, and university community. As a Boilermaker myself, I am proud to see Purdue receive this funding to boost its important work.”

IMLS awarded Purdue three grants, one through its National Leadership Grants for Librariesprogram and two through its Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program.

For more information about the Institute of Museum and Library Services, click here.",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/exclusive-reuters-republican-senator-urges-trump-to-back-open-weight-ai-models-amid-industry-debate/,EXCLUSIVE: Reuters: Republican Senator Urges Trump to Back Open-Weight AI Models Amid Industry Debate,2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Click here to read the full story from Reuters or read below.

EXCLUSIVE: Republican Senator Jim Banks is urging the Trump administration to develop incentives to encourage U.S. tech companies to develop open-weight AI models, according to a letter released on Friday, adding to a growing debate over the industry’s future.

Open-weight models are AI systems with publicly accessible core elements, such as Meta’s Muse Glimmer, Nvidia’s Nemotron and startup Thinking Machines’ Inkling. Users can download and fine-tune them for specific tasks, and they can be cheaper for cost-conscious customers.

Closed-weight AI tools are generally regarded as more capable, and their creators retain control over their components. Key examples include OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Anthropic’s Claude and Google’s Gemini.

Open-weight AI models from Chinese firms are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., prompting security concerns in Washington that Chinese companies could gain an edge in a segment of the AI industry.

Banks, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee that oversees national security issues, asked U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to devise options to “limit dependence” on Chinese-made open-weight models, adding that the U.S. government must also make it harder for those firms to use American semiconductors to build their products.

“America cannot afford to see Chinese open models proliferate and burrow into the global economy only to be weaponized, like rare earths, at a time and place of China’s choosing,” Banks wrote in a letter to Trump’s economic adviser Christopher Phelan.

With his letter, Banks joins a debate that has split the tech industry. Nvidia and Meta, joined by dozens of U.S. tech companies and venture capital firms, urged policymakers in July not to restrict open-weight AI, while Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has said open-weight models could present a security risk, adding it is harder to monitor their usage.

###",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-triggered-with-donald-trump-jr/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Triggered with Donald Trump Jr.,2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined the Triggered Podcast, hosted by Donald Trump Jr., to discuss his introduction of the Citizenship Act of 2026, the SAVE America Act, his introduction of the Dalilah Law, the investigation into Neville Singham’s network of CCP-aligned nonprofits, and the DSA’s takeover of the Democratic Party.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpts on the SAVE America Act:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “When we get back in September, we’ve got to be serious about this bill; we have to pass it. When I come back home to Indiana, when I go to the grocery store, when I go to church, even my own family, they are mad about it. Why aren’t you guys doing anything? It’s so simple, as you said, it’s an 80/20 issue in this country, not just with republicans, to pass the SAVE America Act.”

“A couple of weeks ago there was a story in New Jersey, that the new Democrat Governor, Mickie Sherill, a colleague of mine when I was in the house, she appeared before the media, which is really unbelievable that she, the democrats would admit this, but 6600 non-citizens were accidentally added to the voter rolls in New Jersey and hundreds of them voted in the 2023, and 2024 elections. I thought the media said that this never happens!”

Key Excerpts on the Citizenship Act of 2026:

“The ruling that struck down President Trump’s ruling on Birthright citizenship was the worst decision of my lifetime. I think it’s going to go down in history as one of those that were so bad and so wrong. Justice Kavanaugh, even though he was on the wrong side of the decision, wrote in his opinion that if Congress or the president declares that these illegals are invaders, that’s a specific word from the 14th Amendment: invaders into our country. Their babies aren’t eligible for birthright citizenship…My bill does what the President’s new executive order seeks to do: declare an invasion through the act of Congress, and these babies aren’t eligible for citizenship per the 14thAmendment. We need to codify what President Trump has done through executive orders.”

Key Excerpts on the Dalilah Law:

“Indiana is the crossroads of America; we have the 3rd or 4th most freight-traveled state because of where we are in Indiana, the heartland of America. We have semis going in every direction on our highways, and we keep having these cases: illegals who came into our country under Biden would go to states like California, New York, Pennsylvania was one of the worst as well, went to fake CDL schools and received licenses without even being able to read English. It’s unbelievable someone would be allowed behind the wheel of a semitruck who cannot even read our traffic signs; they don’t know the customs of the roads, and we have lost way too many Americans to these illegals.”

“The Delilah Law says that you have to take the CDL test in English; that’s the only way to take it and take away these CDL licenses from those who ate here illegally or on a temporary status and not allow them to drive semi-trucks to begin with. And finally, crack down on some of these states like Pennsylvania, New York and California that are handing out these CDL licenses like candy and take away their highway funding and force them to feel the heat and the pressure of the deaths and catastrophe that they have allowed to happen in states like Indiana.”

Key Excerpts on the Neville Singham Investigation:

“Neville Singham is a Chinese tech billionaire; he’s an American, but he sold his tech business to the Chinese Communist Party, made billions and then fled to Beijing. Guess who Neville Singham is married to? The co-founder of Code Pink. He has taken millions of dollars and set up shell companies not just to Code Pink but to groups that support left wing violence in the United States of America. Finally, the FBI has taken notice and announced a few weeks ago that they are investigating him. We have been doing everything we can to expose the link between these left-wing groups, and a lot of the money flowing from Neville Singham is going to groups that advance a lot of the violence you have seen in the country over the past few years is coming from the CCP.”

###",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-backs-gov-brauns-emergency-declaration-request/,Sen. Banks Backs Gov. Braun’s Emergency Declaration Request,2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) announced his support of Governor Mike Braun’s request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration following recent severe weather that caused historic flooding, tornadoes, and widespread damage across Indiana.

The declaration would provide additional resources to support emergency response efforts, including swiftwater rescues, power restoration, and support for communities affected by the storms.

Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “I have notified FEMA and the Trump administration that I support Governor Mike Braun’s Emergency Declaration request, and I ask them to honor it. My office is on-the-ground, working with the state and local partners to facilitate relief efforts, and we stand ready to assist all impacted Hoosiers.”

Background:

Severe weather began impacting Indiana on August 11 and has resulted in deaths, injuries, damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure, displaced families, and disrupted emergency services. Power outages peaked at more than 300,000, while flooding reached 100-year levels in some areas and forced road closures across the state.

Governor Braun has declared a statewide disaster emergency and deployed the Indiana National Guard. State agencies, local officials, and first responders remain mobilized as communities continue response and recovery efforts.

###",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-calls-for-u-s-open-source-ai-leadership-to-counter-china/,Sen. Banks Calls for U.S. Open-Source AI Leadership to Counter China,2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Recommends action to strengthen American open-source AI leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) Chairman Christopher Phelan encouraging the Trump administration to examine policies that ensure the United States wins both the race to develop the world’s most advanced artificial intelligence and the race to make American AI models the global standard. Banks warned that China is attempting to repeat its Huawei playbook by flooding the global market with cheap open-source models designed to create foreign dependence, introduce security vulnerabilities, and spread Chinese Communist Party influence.

Banks encouraged CEA to examine new incentives that could strengthen America’s open-source AI ecosystem, expand opportunities for startups and small businesses, and prevent Chinese companies from exploiting stolen technology, acquiring chips illegally, and conducting large-scale model distillation. He also requested a staff-level briefing within 60 days on the economic and national security benefits of American open models and semiconductor export controls.

Read the Reuters exclusive here.

Read the full letter here or below:

Dear Chairman Phelan:

I am writing about the importance of American leadership in both frontier artificial intelligence (AI) development and the global diffusion of AI models, including open-source models.

America faces two related but distinct AI competitions. The first is a vertical race to the frontier to ensure that America, not China, develops the world’s most capable AI systems. The second is a horizontal diffusion race to ensure American, not Chinese, models and technical ecosystems become the default for businesses, researchers, and governments around the world.

The Chinese pursuit of open-weight dominance should come as no surprise. The Chinese government has long pursued exactly this kind of global market capture using cheap, oftentimes illicitly acquired, technology. We can expect that “good enough” Chinese open-weight models will be offered at steep discounts and be used to nurture dependencies, introduce vulnerabilities, and proliferate Xi Jinping thought across the world economy. This is the very playbook the first Trump administration correctly called out and took action to counter globally from Huawei. China is now trying to apply the Huawei playbook to artificial intelligence. For this reason, the administration’s AI Action Plan is correct to recognize that American open models would have both economic and geostrategic value.

Open models can generate broad economic benefits by lowering barriers to entry, reducing development costs, strengthening competition, and enabling downstream innovation. Frontier developers invest large sums to develop models and frequently rely on controlled access to recover those investments. For a given frontier model developer, releasing weights openly could reduce revenue, transfer capabilities to domestic competitors, or attract scrutiny if open models create harm. As a result, frontier developers may underproduce open models due to their structural incentives. The United States must think creatively about the types of incentives that may change this calculation and promote a strong American open-source ecosystem.

To prevent Chinese models from becoming the foundation of the global economy of the future, the U.S. must also take aggressive action against illicit chip acquisition, export control evasion, and industrial-scale distillation by Chinese AI companies. As Director Kratsios made clear, Moonshot AI’s Kimi K3 model achieved its significant breakthrough in large part through malign behavior. China not only benefited from industrial-scale distillation but also illegally acquired export-controlled chips and exploited loopholes in chip controls to remotely access prohibited chips in Southeast Asia. As we help U.S. companies run faster in open-source, we must also make it harder for the Chinese to cheat.

America cannot afford to see Chinese open models proliferate and burrow into the global economy only to be weaponized, like rare earths, at a time and place of China’s choosing. We need an American AI ecosystem that wins both the vertical and horizontal races.

As the Administration considers how to promote American AI leadership and limit dependence on PRC models, I recommend examining the following questions:

Economic incentives and open-source. Do private incentives systematically undervalue the economic and national-security benefits of American open models? What benefits accrue broadly to the United States but cannot be captured by individual companies? How does the availability of strong American open models affect innovation and competition among startups, small businesses, and independent developers?

Tools for promoting U.S. open-source leadership. What policy tools or economic incentives could address potential market failures and strengthen the U.S. open-source ecosystem? Which interventions would most effectively support the development, distribution, and adoption of competitive American open models? How can such policies support startups, small businesses, and independent AI developers?

Preventing China from cheating. What are the quantifiable economic benefits of semiconductor export controls for both the frontier race and the diffusion race? What is our best estimate of how much existing export controls have strengthened U.S. AI leadership in each race, and how much have these advantages contributed to gains in U.S. productivity, growth, investment, or global market share? What economic costs would result from failing to prevent large-scale distillation or enforce existing controls?

I look forward to following your work in these areas as you continue to promote U.S. AI leadership, both for open-source models and for frontier models. To support your work, I request a staff-level briefing within 60 days to discuss these topics.

Sincerely,

Jim Banks

U.S. Senator for Indiana

###",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://shreve.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-shreve-statement-recent-flooding-across-indiana,Rep. Shreve Statement on Recent Flooding Across Indiana,2026-08-14,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Jefferson Shreve,S001229,shreve.house.gov,shreve,https://shreve.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GREENWOOD, IN – Today, Congressman Jefferson Shreve released the following statement on the severe flooding affecting communities across Indiana:

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the severe storms and flooding across Indiana. Over the past three days, communities across our state — including several in the 6th District — have been hit hard.

I’m grateful to the first responders, emergency crews, and local and state officials working around the clock to keep people safe and begin assessing the damage.

My office is closely coordinating with Governor Braun and state and local officials. We stand ready to help however we can. And at the federal level, I’ll work to make sure our communities have the support they need to recover and rebuild.

Indiana communities look out for one another. We’ve seen that again over the past 72 hours, and we’ll see it in the days ahead.”",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=326,Messmer Highlights Indiana’s Workforce Development Leadership at Apprenticeship Roundtable,2026-08-13,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Mark B. Messmer,M001233,messmer.house.gov,messmer,https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"EVANSVILLE, IN – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) hosted an Apprenticeship Roundtable at Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville to discuss how Indiana’s nationally recognized apprenticeship model can help strengthen workforce development nationwide. The event convened federal, state, education, and industry leaders to examine policies that expand career pathways and address America's workforce needs.

“Indiana has demonstrated that strong partnerships between employers, educators, and government can prepare workers for rewarding careers while meeting the needs of our economy,” said Rep. Messmer. “As Congress explores ways to strengthen workforce development, our state provides a proven model for expanding apprenticeships, closing the skills gap, and creating opportunities for hardworking Hoosiers.”

Participants discussed Indiana’s leadership in registered apprenticeships, the role of community colleges in preparing the next generation of skilled workers, and opportunities to build on successful state programs through federal workforce policy. The conversation also highlighted the importance of collaboration between employers, educators, and government to meet growing workforce demands in key industries.

To learn more about how Congressman Messmer is helping strengthen Indiana’s workforce to meet the challenges of the 21st century, visit Messmer.House.Gov.

###",1,2026-08-27T16:10:01Z,2026-08-27T16:10:50Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-announces-long-overdue-presidential-unit-citation-indiana-rangers,SPARTZ ANNOUNCES LONG-OVERDUE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION FOR INDIANA RANGERS,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Noblesville, IN – U.S. Representative Victoria Spartz (IN-05) announced that Company D (Ranger), 151st Infantry Regiment of the Indiana Army National Guard - the legendary “Indiana Rangers”- will receive the Presidential Unit Citation for their extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War.

The recognition comes more than 50 years after the Indiana Rangers returned home from Vietnam in 1969. The unit was the only Army National Guard ground maneuver unit to serve in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and became one of the most decorated units of the war, earning hundreds of individual awards for valor and service.

“It has been a tremendous honor to help recognize these incredible Hoosier heroes,” said Rep. Spartz. “The Indiana Rangers demonstrated extraordinary courage under some of the most dangerous conditions imaginable. While their individual heroism was recognized many times over, recognition of the unit as a whole has been overdue since the Nixon era. More than half a century later, our nation is finally honoring what these brave men accomplished together.”

“The Indiana Rangers of the 151st Infantry Regiment set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire our force today,” said Maj. Gen. Larry Muennich, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard. “They lived the Warrior Ethos in the most unforgiving conditions, demonstrating a fierce loyalty to their brothers in arms and an unwavering commitment to the mission. We could not be prouder of this historic heroism. The Presidential Unit Citation is a testament to their grit, their sacrifice, and a legacy that will never be forgotten.”

The Presidential Unit Citation is the highest military decoration awarded to a unit for extraordinary heroism in combat. For the Indiana Rangers, the award recognizes not only individual acts of valor, but the extraordinary courage, teamwork, and sacrifice of the entire company.

Company D deployed to Vietnam in December 1968 and conducted hundreds of dangerous long-range reconnaissance missions, often operating deep in enemy-controlled territory. The Rangers returned to Indiana in November 1969, but for decades surviving members continued their efforts to secure appropriate recognition for the unit as a whole.

“Many of these heroes waited more than five decades for this day, and sadly, some did not live long enough to see it,” Spartz continued. “I am grateful to President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, Maj. Gen. Muennich, and everyone at the Indiana National Guard and Department of War who worked with us to finally make this long-overdue recognition a reality. Our nation must never forget the courage and sacrifice of these Hoosier heroes.”

The award will be given to the Indiana Rangers at the National Guard Association of the United States Conference & Exhibition in Indianapolis during the opening ceremony on August 29, 2026. Media must RSVP to Lauren Houck at lauren.a.houck.nfg@army.mil in order to receive media credentials.",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/sen-banks-calls-on-secretary-hegseth-to-blacklist-chinese-engine-maker-with-ties-to-pla/,Sen. Banks Calls on Secretary Hegseth to Blacklist Chinese Engine Maker with Ties to PLA,2026-08-12,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Weichai engines are used in rocket systems supplied to the Chinese military

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth urging the Department of War to add Weichai Holding Group Co. Ltd. to its Chinese Military Companies list.

Weichai is wholly-owned by a Chinese state-controlled enterprise and works with blacklisted Chinese defense companies. China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO)—a Chinese state-owned defense manufacturer—uses Weichai engines in a multiple-launch rocket system supplied to the People’s Liberation Army, and Weichai has also partnered with a subsidiary of the blacklisted China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.

In the letter, Banks argues that Weichai’s ownership structure, defense partnerships and role in China’s military-civil fusion strategy meet the criteria for designation as a Chinese military company. He urges the Department of War to add Weichai to the 1260H List to protect U.S. national security and prevent Chinese military-linked companies from operating in the United States without appropriate scrutiny.

Read the full letter here.

Dear Secretary Hegseth:

I am writing to bring to your attention the U.S. national security risk posed by Weichai Holding Group Co. Ltd. (Weichai) and urge you to add it to the Department of War’s Chinese Military Companies List (1260H List). Weichai, based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), manufactures diesel engines that are sold in more than 150 countries including the United States.

As you know, Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 requires the Secretary of War to publish a list of “Chinese military companies.” Under the statute, a Chinese military company includes entities identified as a military-civil fusion contributor to China’s defense industrial base. Among the statutory criteria, an entity qualifies as a military-civil fusion contributor if it is affiliated with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) or the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC). Weichai’s ownership structure, state backing, and partnerships with entities of concern appear to satisfy these criteria.

Weichai is wholly owned by Shandong Heavy Industry Group, a state-owned enterprise supervised and controlled by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the Shandong Provincial Government. This body maintains control over the company’s strategic direction, and SASAC praised Weichai for “building a ‘Benchmark’ or High-Quality Development among State-Owned Enterprises.” In 2019, Shandong Heavy Industry Group established a People’s Armed Forces Department (PAFD) that reports to the Shandong Provincial Military District, and this group owns or holds controlling stakes in companies worldwide including the French diesel engine manufacturer Baudouin Motors. At a minimum, this ownership structure provides access to strategic resources and assets held by its overseas subsidiaries. Like all major state-owned enterprises (SOEs), Weichai also houses an active internal CCP committee that oversees major business decisions to ensure they align with the party’s political directives.

Weichai’s collaborations with PRC defense companies are equally concerning. NORINCO, a blacklisted Chinese military company that supplies the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), procures Weichai engines for use in the PHL-11 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Weichai also signed a cooperation agreement with Hubei Sanjiang Space Wanshan Special Vehicle Co., a subsidiary of the blacklisted China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), further demonstrating its integration into China’s defense industrial base.

Moreover, Weichai supports the State Key Laboratory of Engine and Powertrain System, one of the PRC’s more than 500 State Key Laboratories (SKL). SKL’s are part of a PRC government-directed research network that seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign technologies. PRC central government planning documents describe SKLs as “vital components of China’s innovation ecosystem.” SKLs receive central government funding to advance strategic technologies for both commercial and military use, making Weichai a key participant in China’s military-civil fusion strategy.

In addition to its role in military-civil fusion, Weichai works directly with foreign defense entities of concern and firms that have been sanctioned by the U.S. government. In 2016, Weichai signed a cooperation agreement with Belarus’ MAZ group – sanctioned by the Treasury department in 2023 – to build diesel engines. It also established a joint venture with Kamaz, a Russian supplier of trucks to the Russian Ministry of Defense, and signed a cooperation agreement with Hubei Sanjiang Space Wanshan Special Vehicle Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of the blacklisted China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).

Equally alarming is Weichai’s subsidiaries and members that maintain extensive ties to Chinese government industrial initiatives, state-funded research programs, and defense-linked institutions:

Shaanxi Heavy Duty Automobile Co., a Weichai subsidiary, participates in multiple national high-tech and Ministry of Science and Technology research programs.

Shaanxi Fast Gear Co., a Weichai subsidiary, explicitly identifies the Belt and Road Initiative and “Made in China” strategy as key drivers for its growth.

Shaanxi HanDe Axle Co., founded by Weichai, has received funding from the Baoji Municipal Bureau of Industry and Technology Provincial Fund for automotive industry development. It also has partnered with Xi’an Jiaotong University, a defense-linked institution supervised by the State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) that conducts classified military research and has strategic partnerships with major Chinese defense contractors. HanDe Axle has also received provincial science and technology awards, underscoring its integration into China’s state-directed innovation ecosystem.

Collectively, these relationships between Weichai’s members and the CCP demonstrate its connections to the CCP’s industrial policy, government support, and collaboration with institutions that directly advance China’s military-civil fusion strategy and defense industrial base. Weichai’s work has even earned the praise of General Secretary Xi Jinping, who remarked in 2018 that “Weichai has handed in a brilliant result with ten years of development.” The information above seems to indicate that Weichai meets the definition of a Chinese military

company and thus should be listed on the 1260H list.

Thank you for your attention to this critical national security matter. I am ready to work with the Department of War to ensure that our nation’s industry remains secure from potential foreign threats.

Sincerely,

Jim Banks

U.S. Senator

###",1,2026-08-13T06:17:16Z,2026-08-13T06:18:13Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-the-scott-jennings-show-on-salem-news-channel/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins The Scott Jennings Show on Salem News Channel,2026-08-11,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined The Scott Jennings Show on Salem News Channel to discuss the increasing influence of Socialism in the Democratic Party, conflict with Iran, the debate over birthright citizenship, and his introduction of the Citizenship Act of 2026.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpt on Iran:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Every single Democrat in the Senate has voted to tie President Trump’s hands from blocking Iran from ever having a nuclear weapon. Think about what that means, if Iran had a nuclear weapon, it would be pointed directly at us, it would be pointed at Isreal, it would be pointed at our bases and our troops around the world, and every democrat in Congress wants to stop President Trump from doing something that is so important for the future, not only for our country but for the world, in blocking the Iranians from getting that nuclear weapon. To me it’s common sense, but for the Democrats not so much.”

Key Excerpt on the Citizenship Act of 2026:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “250,000 babies of illegals are granted birthright citizenship in America every year. It’s wrong; it’s not fair. I don’t think our founders ever intended for illegals to flood our country like this, and the Supreme Court decision was probably the worst Supreme Court Decision of my lifetime. But in the Supreme Court decision, even though Justice Kavanaugh was on the wrong side of the decision, but in his opinion, he wrote that if Congress declared an invasion and named these illegals as invaders, their babies would not be eligible for birthright citizenship. So he gave us a hint, and that’s what my Citizenship Act does.”

###",1,2026-08-12T06:18:38Z,2026-08-12T06:20:33Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-meet-the-press-on-nbc/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Meet the Press on NBC,2026-08-09,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Meet the Press with Kristen Welker on NBC to discuss the increasing influence of Democratic Socialism in the Democratic Party, the economy, Middle East diplomacy, and conflict with Iran.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpts on the economy:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “There’s still good news in this July’s jobs report about the resurgence of manufacturing jobs and construction jobs that are being created in America. Never forget that in the last two years Joe Biden was in the White House, we lost a quarter of a million manufacturing jobs, and we have seen a significant resurgence because of President Trump’s trade policies and bringing back those good-paying, advanced manufacturing jobs, and we’re seeing it mostly in states like Indiana. That’s the return of the Made in America economy.”

Key Excerpts on Iran:

“President Trump’s legacy is going to be largely wrapped up in ensuring that Iran never has a nuclear weapon. I do not want my kids growing up in a world where Iran has a nuclear weapon, that will be pointed directly at the United States of America, at our troops abroad, at our allies. President Trump is the first president in 47 years to have the guts to stand up to the Regime and tell them that they are not going to get away with it.”

“As an Afghanistan veteran myself, watching what our military has accomplished, wiping out 85% of Iran’s ballistic missiles, Iran’s defense industrial base, making sure that they can never achieve their ultimate goal to have that nuclear weapon, that’s all good news. President Trump’s use of the naval blockade, he has crippled Iran’s economy; that in and of itself will bring lasting peace, not just to the Middle East but to the rest of the world, and projects American strength in a way I have never seen in my lifetime. He is a peacemaker; this is a key part of ensuring peace for the ages, and President Trump deserves a lot of credit for it.”

###",1,2026-08-10T06:13:07Z,2026-08-10T06:14:46Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-introduces-amendment-protecting-female-athletes/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Introduces Amendment Protecting Female Athletes,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) offered an amendment to the Protect College Sports Act alongside Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) that would prevent the legislation from preempting state laws protecting women’s sports.

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Indiana has one of the strongest laws in the country that keeps biological men from competing in women’s sports. As a father of three daughters, I can’t support and legislation that would preempt Indiana’s law. This amendment would make sure the Protect College Sports Act protects female athletes.

See the Amendment featured on Fox & Friends:

Click the image above for the full discussion.

See the Amendment featured on America Reports:

Click the image above for the full discussion.

AmendmentSummary:

Protects state and local laws, regulations, rules, requirements, and standards that prohibit biological men from participating in women’s intercollegiate sports from being preempted by federal law.

Background:

Indiana has enacted protections for female athletes at every level of education. In 2022, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation to prohibit biological males from competing in girls’ K-12 sports. In 2025, Governor Mike Braun signed a second law extending those protections to women’s collegiate athletics.

Here’s what they’re saying:

Terry Schilling:“The NCAA has shown us time after time: without clear laws, it will always side with radical transgender ideology over female athletes. The PCSA, while well-intentioned, must protect all female athletes. A simple amendment, like the one just introduced by Sens. @HawleyMO, @Jim_Banks and @SenTuberville, will do just that.”

Kristen Waggoner: “URGENT: The current version of the Protect College Sports Act could jeopardize women’s sports. Every Senator who cares about women’s equal opportunity should act immediately to clarify that this bill does not preempt state laws protecting girls’ sports.”

Riley Gaines: “The Protect College Sport Act protects the NCAA. The NCAA does NOT protect female athletes. Unless its amended, I do not support the Protect College Sports Act. There is no room for ambiguity.”

Alliance Defending Freedom: “Momentum is growing to FIX the Protect College Sports Act and minimize its risk of being misused to challenge women’s sports laws. We’re grateful to our allies who publicly support a simple fix. We don’t have to choose between protecting college sports and keeping women’s sports for women. We can do both. Fix the PCSA.”

Kevin Roberts: “This is 100% correct: we’ve made way too much progress protecting female athletes from transgender ideology to backtrack now.”

Sage Steele:“For those who understand the importance of protecting women’s sports, please listen. And those politicians who SAY they want to protect women & girls, the vote you cast tomorrow will solidify that. PLEASE do the right thing!”

Kim Shasby Jones: “The PCSA must be rock solid for female athletes if we are really serious about granting legal immunity power to the NCAA. Until women are protected, NO DEAL.”

Jennifer Sey: “It sounds great to ‘protect college sports’. And it is. But the bill can’t leave women out. And right now , the bill leaves an opening for the NCAA to run roughshod over female athletes. Fix it make sure women’s sports are protected too.”

Tina Descovitch: “We have to get this right!”

Concerned Women for America: “The Protect College Sports Act could undermine the ability of states to pass laws banning men from female athletics. Protecting female sports should not be negotiable. Congress should not attempt to fix the broader issues within college sports at the expense of female athletes.”

Fox News Digital: Republican senators file amendment to stop college sports bill from overriding state women’s sports laws

Outkick: The “Protect College Sports Act” has a fatal flaw: it doesn’t protect women – Riley Gaines

###",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-just-the-news-with-john-solomon/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Just the News with John Solomon,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Just the News: No Noise with John Solomon on Real America’s Voice to discuss the SAVE America Act, his introduction of the Citizenship Act of 2026, and the weaponization of the FBI against President Trump.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpts on the SAVE America Act:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Let’s stay in Washington, let’s get our work done, let’s pass the SAVE America Act, there’s a lot of other issues that we’re focusing on too, but I don’t think anything is more important than voter ID at the ballot box to make sure that only American citizens vote in American elections. By the way, the big news that the mainstream media hardly covered was that the new Democrat governor in New Jersey announced a week ago that they accidentally added 66,00 noncitizens to the voter roll and hundreds of them voted in the last two elections, if that’s not a reason in and of itself… That’s why we need the SAVE America Act: we need to pass it now; we don’t need an August recess; we don’t need a vacation. Let’s pass the SAVE America Act before we head out of town.”

“We can pass it; it’s a version of the SAVE America Act, and it’s related to grants to the states that provide for voter ID. It would incentivize more states to pass voter ID laws, but it’s better than nothing, so let’s do everything that we can to secure our elections. No political issue I’ve seen has been more popular. President Trump is right to push to pass it. Let’s pass it before we go home.”

Key Excerpts on the Citizenship Act of 2026:

“I’m concerned about it because right now about 250,000 babies of illegals in our country are born in America and are automatically given birthright citizenship. The 14th Amendment doesn’t grant that someone who’s here illegally should get birthright citizenship, but they struck down the president’s executive order…We don’t need a constitutional amendment, and Congress can’t overturn a Supreme Court decision. My bill, the Citizenship Act, declares an invasion and says that the babies of illegal immigrants are not eligible for birthright citizenship. This is important to the future of our country. I mean 250,00 babies a year; that’s a magnet for more illegals to come into our country; this is what attracts them to come into our country to begin with.”

Key Excerpts on Oxferd Comma:

“Those first two years that I was in the House, those years were completely lost, they were derailed because of the Russian collusion hoax and what these guys did to our country and they have never been held accountable for it, so I’m glad you exposed this story because it reminds us the damage that Comey and those in the Deep State the damage they did to our country and the missed opportunities in those two years… there was so much more that President Trump tried to do for our country, that he was elected to do for our country that didn’t get done because of that whole agenda was derailed by a hoax.”

“Time has proven that President Trump has been as tough on Putin and Russia as any other President. The whole thing was a farce; it was all narrative created by those who were upset President Trump ever won to begin with and wanted to block him from getting anything done, and the losers out of it were the country, the United States of America, and the progress that we lost for this great nation over two years because of what they got away with. We can’t let them get away with that again. This is why accountability matters.”

###",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-sen-banks-joins-katie-pavlich-tonight-on-newsnation/,ICYMI: Sen. Banks Joins Katie Pavlich Tonight on NewsNation,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Jim Banks,B001299,www.banks.senate.gov,banks,https://www.banks.senate.gov/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Katie Pavlich Tonight on NewsNation to discussthe importance of mass deportations, the debate over birthright citizenship, his introduction of the Citizenship Act of 2026, and the weaponization of the FBI against President Trump.

Click the image above for the full discussion.

Key Excerpt on the Citizenship Act of 2026:

Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Congress has an oversight role first and foremost to make sure that we are doing everything that we can to deport every single illegal that we can find and arrest and deport them. And right now we have this debate in Congress over defunding ICE or funding and supporting ICE. The Democrats want to defund or eliminate ICE, and Republicans are doing everything that we can to make sure that they can do their job. You look at the estimates of what happened when Joe Biden was in the White House: 15 million illegals or more came into the country.”

###",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-statement-on-senate-passage-of-russia-sanctions-legislation/,Young Statement on Senate Passage of Russia Sanctions Legislation,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) issued the following statement after voting for the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026:

“Russia’s aggression cannot continue without consequences, and those helping sustain Putin’s war machine should face meaningful costs. This legislation gives the United States stronger leverage against Russia and those enabling its war. At the same time, tariffs of this magnitude can have consequences beyond our adversaries, reaching American manufacturers, farmers, small businesses, and families.

“That reality should not prevent us from acting. Failing to confront Russia’s aggression carries costs of its own—for our national security, global stability, and our economy—and those costs will only grow if we allow that aggression to continue unchecked. But it does require transparency, discipline, and a clear strategy to ensure any costs borne by Americans are tied to well-defined national security objectives. I supported this legislation because the stakes are too high to stand still, and I will continue advocating for a transparent, disciplined approach to implementing these authorities.”

###",1,2026-08-08T05:41:38Z,2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-schiff-introduce-legislation-to-help-small-businesses-combat-increasing-cybersecurity-threats/,"Young, Schiff Introduce Legislation to Help Small Businesses Combat Increasing Cybersecurity Threats",2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), members of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, introduced the Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act, bipartisan legislation to improve the federal cybersecurity tools that protect small businesses against cyber threats – helping integrate the technology, resources, and programs they need to stay protected in a changing digital landscape.

“Small businesses are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, but too many owners don’t know where to turn for help,” said Senator Young. “This commonsense legislation will identify gaps, improve coordination, and ensure small businesses have access to the tools they need to defend themselves from evolving cyber threats. When small businesses are better protected, they can spend less time responding to cyberattacks and more time creating jobs and growing our economy.”

“As small businesses face a growing threat of cyberattacks and phishing schemes, we must give them the tools they need to stop hacks and lower their risk. Our bipartisan legislation will improve federal cybersecurity resources to help small businesses mitigate their cybersecurity vulnerabilities,” said Senator Schiff.

The Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Evaluation Act will require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to develop a report on all federal cybersecurity resources, initiatives, programs, tools, and services available to small business owners. This report must include:

Information on the most common cybersecurity threats faced by small businesses;

A description and assessment of the different levels of awareness, use, coordination, and integration of the federal resources;

A list of foundational cybersecurity concepts absent from federal resources; and

Recommendations on how to improve the effectiveness of these tools.",1,2026-08-15T05:23:20Z,2026-08-15T05:24:50Z
https://shreve.house.gov/media/press-releases/shreve-announces-mobile-office-hours-fortville,Shreve Announces Mobile Office Hours in Fortville,2026-08-07,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Jefferson Shreve,S001229,shreve.house.gov,shreve,https://shreve.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Greenwood, IN – Congressman Jefferson Shreve (IN-06) announced today that his constituent services team will hold mobile office hours to assist Hoosiers on Wednesday, August 12th in Fortville.

During these events, constituents can meet directly with members of Congressman Shreve’s staff to help resolve issues with federal agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Social Security Administration (SSA).

""Our mobile office hours bring constituent services directly to communities across the Sixth District,” said Congressman Shreve. “If you’re having trouble with a federal agency, my team stands ready to help.”

If constituents are unable to attend these events, Congressman Shreve also maintains a district office in Greenwood, open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office can be reached by phone at (317) 399-3333.

Mobile Office Hours Details:

Fortville, Indiana

Date: Wednesday, August 12

Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Location: Fortville Town Hall

714 E. Broadway, Fortville, IN 46040",1,2026-08-21T05:30:57Z,2026-08-21T05:32:22Z
https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=324,Messmer Convenes Roundtable to Discuss Services for America’s Veterans,2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,House,IN,Mark B. Messmer,M001233,messmer.house.gov,messmer,https://messmer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"VINCENNES, IN – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) convened a Hoosier Veterans Roundtable at Vincennes University, bringing together local, state, and federal veterans organizations to discuss services and care for Hoosier veterans. The discussion focused upon benefit expansion, strengthening coordination among organizations, and identifying legislative priorities to best serve those who make our nation so proud.

“Our veterans fulfilled their commitment to America, and we will always fulfill ours to them,” said Rep. Messmer. “I appreciate everyone who joined today’s discussion, and I will continue working to strengthen the VA, improve access to care, and fight for the veterans of Indiana's Eighth District.”

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, and local Veteran Service Organizations shared updates on ongoing initiatives and discussed the needs of veterans across Southern Indiana, including access to care in rural communities.

To learn more about how Congressman Messmer is supporting America's veterans in the House of Representatives, visit Messmer.House.Gov.

###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z