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://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-it-will-take-bold-and-decisive-leadership-reverse-titanic-its-0,Spartz: It will take bold and decisive leadership to reverse this “Titanic” from its catastrophic course.,2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Noblesville, IN – Today, Rep. Victoria Spartz released the following statement on her upcoming speaker vote on January 3, 2025:

“Congress has abandoned its constitutional duty to the American people to properly oversee the spending of their hard-earned money paid as taxes. Our next speaker must show courageous leadership to get our country back on track before this “Titanic” strikes an iceberg at any moment. Severe fiscal calamities often lead to unrest and more government control. If we are serious about governing, our next SPEAKER must COMMIT PUBLICLY to create at least temporary structures in the House for: 1) authorizations; 2) reconciliation offset policies, and 3) spending audits. We also need to engage competent, unbiased “non-swamp” professionals to help us to at least start getting us gradually out of this serious fiscal mess. The current STRUCTURES, with their perverse incentives, have not been working for decades and will not suddenly start working. We must have a vision and a concrete PLAN to deliver on President Trump’s agenda for the American people, which I have not seen from our current speaker despite countless discussions and public promises. The fate of our Republic is at stake and Congress, the ARTICLE 1 BRANCH, with its supreme powers of creating laws and managing our nation’s finances, must start fulfilling its CONSTITUTIONAL DUTIES – not selling out our Republic at the expense of our children.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-receives-committee-assignments-for-119th-congress/,Young Receives Committee Assignments for 119th Congress,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,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.) today announced his four committee assignments for the 119th Congress.

For the first time, Young was selected to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The Intelligence Committee was created by the Senate in 1976 to “oversee and make continuing studies of the intelligence activities and programs of the United States Government,” and to “provide vigilant legislative oversight over the intelligence activities of the United States to assure that such activities are in conformity with the Constitution and laws of the United States.”

“As a former U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer, I have a deep appreciation for our dedicated intelligence professionals and the importance of unbiased intelligence to our national security. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to ensure policymakers are receiving the best intelligence possible as they make critical decisions,” said Senator Young.

The Intelligence Committee has 17 Senators: nine from the majority party and eight from the minority. The one-seat majority is dictated by Senate resolution and, unlike most other committees, does not change in proportion with the overall Senate ratio of majority to minority membership. The Committee structure is intended to reflect the nonpartisan nature of intelligence and encourage the Committee to work in a bipartisan manner.

Senator Young will continue to serve on the Senate Committee on Finance; the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. The Senate Finance Committee will play a pivotal role in tax reform efforts next year.

“I’m honored to continue my work on these committees to tackle the issues most important to Hoosiers, including stimulating economic growth, reducing costs for families, and ensuring America maintains global leadership in technology,” said Senator Young.

The committee assignments will begin in January.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-statement-on-president-bidens-veto-of-the-bipartisan-judges-act/,Young Statement on President Biden’s Veto of the Bipartisan JUDGES Act,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,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.) released the following statement after President Joe Biden vetoed the Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved (JUDGES) Act of 2024, legislation introduced by Young to address judicial emergencies and shortages across the country:

“This misguided decision is just another example of why Americans are counting down the days until President Biden leaves the White House. Issuing this veto is partisan politics at its worst. The JUDGES Act is a fair bill with strong bipartisan support that would have created 66 judgeships over three presidential terms to address our judicial backlog,” said Senator Young. “The President is more enthusiastic about using his office to provide relief to his family members who received due process than he is about giving relief to the millions of regular Americans who are waiting years for their due process. Biden’s legacy will be ‘pardons for me, no justice for thee.’”

Background on the JUDGES Act of 2024:

The JUDGES Act of 2024 would address judicial emergencies and shortages across the country by increasing the number of federal district judges in the most overworked regions of the country, including the Southern District of Indiana. The bill passed Congress with strong bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The JUDGES Act of 2024 would act on the findings in the nonpartisan 2023 Judicial Conference of the United States report by creating the recommended judgeships during future presidential administrations. Additionally, the bipartisan bill includes new transparency requirements and provisions to ensure greater access to justice in certain high-need areas of the country.

Congress bears the constitutional responsibility of establishing judgeships in the district courts of the United States. However, the last comprehensive authorization of new judgeships occurred in 1990 when then-Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Biden sponsored legislation that created 85 new judgeships for President George H.W. Bush to fill. Since then, targeted legislation enacted between 1999 and 2003 created 34 additional district court judgeships. It has now been two decades since Congress last authorized new district judgeships.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-statement-on-social-security-fairness-act/,Young Statement on Social Security Fairness Act,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,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.) released the following statement after voting against the Social Security Fairness Act, legislation that will expedite the insolvency of the Social Security Trust Fund:

“This legislation bypassed the typical committee processes in Congress that would have allowed us to have a more thoughtful conversation about how to balance addressing the disparate treatment of certain Social Security beneficiaries with the long-term solvency of the program. As a result, this was a rushed and fiscally irresponsible bill that will deplete the Social Security Trust Fund, which is already projected to be depleted by 2034. During floor consideration in the Senate, I voted for an amendment offered by Senator Cruz that would have addressed this issue in a more fiscally sound manner, and I am disappointed the Senate didn’t support that reasonable approach. Congress should address the disparate treatment of Social Security beneficiaries, including certain Hoosier first responders and other public servants, but there are better solutions than this legislation which further jeopardizes the long-term solvency of the Social Security program,” said Senator Young.

The Social Security Fairness Act will repeal longstanding measures that were intended to ensure Social Security benefits are distributed based on an individual’s contribution into Social Security. Removing these measures—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—will result in the Social Security Trust Fund becoming insolvent at least six months sooner than anticipated. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office projects that the bill will cost almost $200 billion over the next 10 years. As a result, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates the bill will lead to an additional $25,000 of lifetime benefit cuts for a typical couple retiring in 2033.

Young voted in favor of a more fiscally responsible amendment offered by Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), which would have increased monthly payments for those affected by WEP by $100 to $150 every month while basing future retirees’ earnings off an individual’s earnings throughout their entire career with a proportionate benefit based on what they paid into Social Security. Senator Cruz’s amendment failed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1435,Rep. Baird Gives Purdue University Winter 2024 Commencement Address,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IN,James R. Baird,B001307,baird.house.gov,baird,https://baird.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"West Lafayette, IN – Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) joined Purdue University to give the commencement address for the Winter 2024 Commencement ceremonies. Congressman Baird received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in animal science from Purdue University. In his speech, he discussed the value of a degree from Purdue University, his bipartisan work in Congress, his military service in the Vietnam War, and the importance of resilience, service, and sacrifice.

Highlights from the commencement can be found below:

On the Value of a Purdue University Degree:

“In receiving a Purdue degree, you are all receiving something extremely valuable, but with this great honor comes a responsibility to serve. Your degree and all of the future opportunities that come with it were earned through perseverance, determination, and sacrifice.”

“You are all lucky enough to be a part of an institution that other colleges and universities look to for guidance. Now you, as graduates, have the opportunity and responsibility to continue Purdue’s tradition of excellence.”

On Defending America and Serving in the Vietnam War:

“Our Vietnam Veterans did not receive the recognition and appreciation they deserved for a long time. Veterans faced a poor reception coming home from the war and were not seen as heroes, a far contrast from the celebrations following World War II. Instead, the veterans faced fierce anti-war sentiments and were blamed for the outcome of the war. We were seen as a symbol of defeat, when in fact they were extremely successful on the battlefield. As the years have progressed, Vietnam Veterans are finally receiving the gratitude they deserved. I served, despite the risks and the painful losses, out of love for my country.”

On the Importance of Resilience:

“There will always be roadblocks in life– an excuse not to do something, but that’s where resilience comes in. Resilience carried me through Vietnam. Our gun trucks were made with scrounged armor and weapons obtained by whatever means possible and built in the field. They were not the big, well-equipped tanks you would think we had in combat. It was our ability to adapt to the circumstances and build the gun trucks that saved many American lives and delivered supplies successfully. It was mental and physical resilience that brought me through my recovery and transition back to civilian life after Vietnam. It is this resilience that can take you from the hardest moments in your life to your greatest success.”

On Having a Commitment to Service:

“If there is one common thread that binds your life and your career it should be a commitment to service. It was my duty to serve my country in the Army, and it was my continued desire to serve my country that motivated me to run for office. I love this country, and I want to see it changed for the better for my grandkids.”

On the CHIPS Act and Purdue’s Leadership:

“Another key bipartisan initiative is the CHIPS Act, which has boosted domestic research and development of semiconductors. This investment has allowed Purdue to become the nation’s leading university for the development of semiconductors. Once again, Purdue’s excellence has set our university above the rest. I believe with historic investments like this, Indiana – with Purdue at the helm – is poised to become the Silicon Valley of the Heartland. We are on the precipice of a great comeback for American innovation, and Purdue students like you will lead the way.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1437,Rep. Baird Statement on the American Relief Act,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,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 after voting for H.R. 10545, the American Relief Act:

“While this government funding bill is not perfect, I voted for the American Relief Act. This funding package contains funding for agricultural disaster assistance, $10 billion in economic assistance to farmers, and a one-year Farm Bill extension, giving our farmers some economic certainty while Congress negotiates a full reauthorization that puts our farmers first. This bill contains much-needed relief for Americans hit hard by natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Milton and Helene. With these provisions, House Republicans are providing Americans impacted by the recent natural disasters with the support they need. This package also continues to place certain fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs at a time when record amounts of fentanyl have been trafficked across our open borders under the Biden-Harris Administration and devastated our communities. Finally, this legislation also removes many of the pork-filled, Christmas tree provisions of the previous package and will fund the government until March 2025 when Republicans will have more control over the funding decisions and deliver on the mandate of the American people.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-applaud-passage-of-bill-to-provide-tsa-precheck-to-disabled-veterans/,"Young, Colleagues Applaud Passage of Bill to Provide TSA PreCheck to Disabled Veterans",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,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.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) applauded Senate passage of their legislation to provide veterans with service-connected disabilities with expedited screening under the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program. The bill passed the House of Representatives by unanimous consent earlier this month and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

TSA PreCheck is already offered to active duty, reserves, and National Guard service members at no cost. The Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act will expand this program to include veterans who are amputees, paralyzed, or blind. Passing through airport security with prosthetics, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids presents a challenge to these individuals when traveling.

“Airports can be a dreaded experience for veterans with service-connected disabilities because of the invasive screenings they may endure at security checkpoints. Once it becomes law, this bill will provide dignified travel to thousands of wounded warriors by ensuring PreCheck benefits are easily available to them,” said Senator Young.

“Millions of Veterans have sacrificed a great deal in service to our nation and returned home with service-connected disabilities—for those of us who rely on prosthetics and wheelchairs for mobility, air travel and passing through airport security can be a challenge,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud the Senate passed our bipartisan bill to make TSA PreCheck available at no cost to these Veterans and make flying and passing through airports easier and less intrusive. I hope President Biden swiftly signs it into law.”

“Ensuring wounded veterans have little difficulty getting through airport security is a simple but impactful way to honor these heroes sacrifices for our country. I’m proud we delivered this victory before the end of this Congress,” said Senator Marshall.

“For veterans who have already overcome extraordinary challenges in service to our country, navigating airport security should not be another hurdle,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation recognizes the unique challenges that many disabled veterans face and helps to better ensure that their travel experience reflects the dignity of their service.”

Under the VETS Safe Travel Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs would be required to certify that a veteran is eligible. TSA would then process the veteran’s application, granting access to TSA PreCheck at no cost provided they successfully pass the background check and interview process. Additionally, TSA advises that these veterans use TSA PreCheck in conjunction with calling the TSA Cares hotline 72-hours prior to departure to ensure expedited screening.

The legislation is supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Honor Flight Network, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, Blinded Veterans Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-demand-u-s-china-science-and-technology-cooperation-agreement-be-revoked/,"Young, Colleagues Demand U.S.-China Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement Be Revoked",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined with a group of Senate Foreign Relations Committee Republicans in writing a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing concerns about the Biden Administration’s renewal of the U.S.-People’s Republic of China (PRC) Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement (STA) for an additional five years.

Previously, China has leveraged the U.S.-PRC STA research cooperation to advance the Chinese Communist Party’s military buildup and state-sponsored industrial development. Extending this agreement only opens the door for further cooptation of American research.

“The era in which U.S.-PRC science and technology (S&T) cooperation made sense is long gone. The PRC wants to dominate the technologies of the future and will use whatever legal and illegal means it takes to get there. The Chinese government’s control of its economic and research ecosystems allows it to leverage S&T ties with the United States and other countries to acquire technology, fill knowledge gaps, and develop critical talent that advances its strategic and economic objectives. Renewal of the STA provides top cover to universities, businesses, and professional bodies to continue S&T research cooperation with the PRC. The U.S. government should send the opposite signal,” the senators wrote.

“The Department of State provided several briefings to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the STA. Even so, we continue to have deep concerns about the adequacy of measures to protect American researchers, enforce strong intellectual property protections, and safeguard against illicit knowledge transfers,” the senators continued. “…STA renewal during the last days of this administration denies the incoming administration a chance to weigh in on this highly controversial agreement. The Biden Administration should reverse course.”

In addition to Senator Young, Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) also signed the letter.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Secretary Blinken,

We write to object to the Biden Administration’s decision to renew the U.S.-People’s Republic of China (PRC) Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement (STA) for an additional five years.

The era in which U.S.-PRC science and technology (S&T) cooperation made sense is long gone. The PRC wants to dominate the technologies of the future and will use whatever legal and illegal means it takes to get there. The Chinese government’s control of its economic and research ecosystems allows it to leverage S&T ties with the United States and other countries to acquire technology, fill knowledge gaps, and develop critical talent that advances its strategic and economic objectives. Renewal of the STA provides top cover to universities, businesses, and professional bodies to continue S&T research cooperation with the PRC. The U.S. government should send the opposite signal.

The risks are clear. We already know the PRC has leveraged research cooperation enabled by the STA to support state-led industrial development and advance military objectives that harm U.S. interests. The PRC has also limited access to U.S.-funded research data, in violation of previous agreements. We should also consider the safety of U.S. researchers, given the PRC’s record of using U.S. citizens as bargaining chips to secure the release of PRC nationals in U.S. custody.

The Department of State provided several briefings to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the STA. Even so, we continue to have deep concerns about the adequacy of measures to protect American researchers, enforce strong intellectual property protections, and safeguard against illicit knowledge transfer. Members of Congress of both chambers have since introduced legislation to increase congressional oversight of the STA and require guardrails for dual-use research and human rights protections.

STA renewal during the last days of this administration denies the incoming administration a chance to weigh in on this highly controversial agreement. The Biden Administration should reverse course.

I look forward to your response on this urgent matter.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-manchin-introduce-bill-to-allow-distressed-communities-to-opt-in-to-new-program-attracting-high-skilled-immigrants-2/,"Young, Manchin Introduce Bill to Allow Distressed Communities to Opt-in to New Program Attracting High-Skilled Immigrants",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,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 Joe Manchin (I-W. Va.) today introduced the Heartland Visa Act of 2024 to give distressed communities the option to legally attract more high-skilled immigrants to their area.

In recent years, broken border policies have led to an influx of low-skilled illegal immigration across the United States, while legal immigrants working high-paying jobs have clustered in coastal cities. Under the bill, communities with declining populations would have the ability to opt-in to the new Heartland Visa program, which would give them the ability to attract qualifying high-skilled immigrants with good paying job offers in the U.S.

“President-elect Trump has expressed a desire to make it easier for highly-educated foreigners to bring their talents to the United States. As we consider measures to secure the border and improve our broken immigration system, the Heartland Visa program should be part of the conversation. This bill would create a new program to legally bring the world’s best and brightest to the United States to launch small businesses and build careers. At the same time, the bill will help revitalize American communities by allowing the heartland areas of our country to directly benefit from the economic growth of high-skilled employment,” said Senator Young.

“While securing our Southern Border is a top priority, this commonsense proposal would complement that effort while stimulating our economy and helping to reduce the labor shortage, particularly in rural communities. I am proud to join Senator Young in this bipartisan effort as one of my final acts as a United States Senator. I hope this proposal kickstarts the conversation as we seek commonsense solutions to secure our border and ensure our economy remains the strongest in the world,” said Senator Manchin.

Under the legislation, counties that have experienced particular economic decline will have the opportunity to apply to the Heartland Visa program. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would select the final list of participating Heartland Visa counties from these applications.

Foreign individuals who have received offers of employment could then apply to DHS for a special visa that would allow them to reside in a participating Heartland Visa county and work. DHS would issue Heartland Visas annually through a wage-based point system that prioritizes higher salaries, with special consideration for characteristics like graduation from a college or university in the particular state. Heartland Visas would be issued to qualifying applicants in each participating county in descending order of adjusted wages until all available visas have been issued or there are no more qualified applicants remaining. The Heartland Visa Program would be self-funded through application fees.

As with any immigration program, enforcement is critical. Under the legislation, applicants for a Heartland Visa must clear a comprehensive background check to ensure they do not pose a security risk to the United States. While participating in the program, visa holders must submit tax returns and keep an updated eligible address on file. Violating any provision of the Heartland Visa program can result in deportation, and there is a hard cap on the number of participants.

While illegal immigration can be a drain on local resources, the United States has benefited tremendously from skilled immigration. Newcomers have long accounted for outsized shares of new startups and patents and, by one estimate, were responsible for 30 to 50 percent of all productivity growth between 1990 and 2010. Yet the enormous benefits of skilled immigration are not reaching many communities across the heartland.

The Heartland Visa Act of 2024 is endorsed by Economic Innovation Group (EIG) – a bipartisan public policy organization dedicated to forging a more dynamic American economy.

“The Heartland Visa Act would provide American communities with a powerful new tool for economic growth, innovation, and revitalization,” said John Lettieri, President and CEO of the Economic Innovation Group. “This legislation recognizes that highly skilled immigrants deliver vital benefits to U.S. workers and communities, from new jobs and businesses to higher wages to more tax revenues that support essential local services. Enacting a Heartland Visa is a long-overdue way to ensure that these benefits reach areas of the country left behind by U.S. immigration policy for too long.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-ossoff-introduce-bill-to-boost-youth-sports-opportunities-across-america/,"Young, Ossoff Introduce Bill to Boost Youth Sports Opportunities Across America",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,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 Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) introduced the Youth Sports Facilities Act to help build and upgrade youth sports facilities across the country, giving kids and families recreational spaces to play while also supporting overall mental health and boosting local economic growth.

“Youth sports play a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles from an early age while teaching essential life skills like teamwork and discipline. This bill would empower communities to use existing grant funds to improve youth sports facilities for children living in areas of need, encouraging greater youth sports participation in Indiana and across the nation,” said Senator Young.

“Georgia families deserve modern and safe sports facilities where their kids can play, grow, and thrive,” said Senator Ossoff. “This bipartisan bill will help Georgia communities expand youth sports facilities, strengthen local economies, and foster mental and physical health for the next generation.”

More specifically, the Youth Sports Facilities Act would expand the eligibility of existing grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration to youth sports facilities, with a specific focus on rural and urban communities. Increasing the number of recreational facilities in communities will encourage more active lifestyles and spur local economic development.

The bill is supported by the National Recreation and Park Association, YMCA of the USA, the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, and Pop Warner Little Scholars.

“Youth sports are a vital part of America’s fabric and a significant part of the work done by local parks and recreation departments. On behalf of our 60,000 members, the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) is proud to endorse the Youth Sports Facilities Act. This critical legislation will expand access to high-quality youth sports programs nationwide,” said Kyle Simpson, Director of Government Affairs National Recreation and Park Association.

“As the leading nonprofit provider of youth sports programs, YMCA of the USA supports the Youth Sports Facilities Act. Youth sports facilities often lead to growth in local economies as families attend sporting events, support local business, hotels and restaurants. Youth sports programs create a space for families and the community to belong, improve health outcomes and strengthen the fabric of the economy and the community,” said Jeffrey Britt, Chief Government Affairs Officer YMCA of the USA.

“The access barrier to sports participation keeps America’s youth off the playing field and denies them the opportunity to realize the mental & physical health benefits and develop the social skills so important to a child’s development. SFIA fully endorses the Youth Sports Facilities Act to give communities the resources needed for investments in youth sports facilities to lower the access barrier to participation,” said Todd Smith, President & CEO Sports and Fitness Industry Association.

“A great many children are denied the benefits of sports and exercise due to the shortage of athletic facilities. In other cases, too many participants practice on limited areas which is unsafe as teams overlap. The Youth Sports Facilities Act will provide for more facilities being available for our children, our most precious commodity. As childhood obesity numbers rise, it’s our duty to get kids off of their sofas and enjoy getting healthy exercise,” said Jon Butler, Executive Director Pop Warner Little Scholars.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1430,Rep. Baird Applauds Final Award for SK hynix from U.S. Department of Commerce,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,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 regarding the announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce reached a direct funding agreement with SK hynix. SK hynix will receive up to $458 million in incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act for SK hynix’s high-bandwidth memory (HBM) advanced packaging fabrication and research and development (R&D) facility in West Lafayette, Indiana.

“I want to congratulate SK hynix on receiving this award from the U.S. Department of Commerce following my advocacy with the Indiana Delegation and following the preliminary agreement made in August,” said Rep. Baird. “This funding was authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act, which I supported, to ensure the U.S. and Indiana continue to bolster domestic innovation, boost our global competitive edge, drive job creation, and beat China. The process for awarding this grant has been thorough, with SK hynix submitting their full application in February 2024 and have undergone a rigorous review process from the Commerce Department. This award to SK hynix further secures Indiana and my district’s place as a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing.”

The award provides up to $458 million in direct funding and up to $500 million in loans from the CHIPS Program Office for SK hynix. SK hynix and the U.S. Department of Commerce reached a preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) in August 2024. SK hynix previously announced it will invest over $3.8 billion to build an HBM advanced memory packaging plant for artificial intelligence (AI) products and an advanced packaging R&D facility in West Lafayette, IN that will create approximately 1,000 jobs. SK hynix plans to begin production in the second half of 2028.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-applauds-final-sk-hynix-award/,Young Applauds Final SK hynix Award,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,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.) today issued the following statement regarding an announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce that SK hynix will receive up to $458 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to build a high-bandwidth-memory advanced packaging fabrication and research and development facility in West Lafayette.

“Bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States is a national security imperative and is among the primary goals of the CHIPS and Science Act,” said Senator Young. “Today’s announcement further opens the door for Hoosier workers to play a critical role in building our high-tech future while contributing to our national security and ensuring against future supply chain disruptions. This is an exciting day for SK hynix, Indiana, and our nation.”

In August, the Department of Commerce announced proposed direct funding of up to $450 million for SK hynix. That announcement came four months after the South Korean chip producer announced it will invest an estimated $3.8 billion to bring more than 1,000 new jobs to West Lafayette. The company plans to begin mass production in the second half of 2028.

In addition to the direct funding of up to $458 million, the CHIPS Program Office will provide up to $500 million in loans, made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act, to SK hynix. This award follows an extensive application and vetting process, for which Senator Young led an Indiana delegation letter of support.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-kelly-introduce-ships-for-america-act-to-revitalize-u-s-shipbuilding-and-commercial-maritime-industries/,"Young, Kelly Introduce SHIPS for America Act to Revitalize U.S. Shipbuilding and Commercial Maritime Industries",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,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 Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) and John Garamendi (D-CA-8) introduced theShipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. After decades of neglect, the United States has a weakened shipbuilding capacity, a declining commercial shipping fleet that is dwarfed by China, and a diminished ability to supply the U.S. military during wartime.

This historic proposal would restore American leadership across the oceans by incentivizing domestic shipbuilding, enabling U.S.-flagged vessels to better compete in international commerce, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, expanding the mariner and shipyard workforce, and establishing national oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy.

“America has been a maritime nation since our founding, and seapower was a significant contributor to our rise to being the most powerful nation on earth. Unfortunately, the bottom line now is America needs more ships. Shipbuilding is a national security priority and a stopgap against foreign threats and coercion. Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, and support nationwide workforce development in this industry. This legislation is critical to our warfighting capabilities and keeping pace with China,” said Senator Young.

“We’ve always been a maritime nation, but the truth is we’ve lost ground to China, who now dominates international shipping and can build merchant and military ships much more quickly than we can,” said Senator Kelly. “The SHIPS for America Act is the answer to this challenge. By supporting shipbuilding, shipping, and workforce development, it will strengthen supply chains, reduce our reliance on foreign vessels, put Americans to work in good-paying jobs, and support the Navy and Coast Guard’s shipbuilding needs. I’m excited to introduce this comprehensive, fully paid for legislation today alongside my Republican and Democratic colleagues and our partners representing all parts of the industry, and together we’re going to work to get this effort across the finish line.”

“Strengthening America’s shipbuilding capacity and revitalizing our commercial maritime industry is critical to both our national security and economic resilience. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Todd Young, and Congressman John Garamendi to secure our nation’s maritime future,” said Representative Kelly.

“For far too long, the United States neglected our maritime industries and the critical role they play in our national and economic security – this ends with the SHIPS for America Act. I have spent over ten years working to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry in order to strengthen our national economy, create good-paying American jobs, and support our national security during peacetime or war. This bill represents the most substantial and comprehensive approach to have America compete and lead globally, and I’m proud to lead it alongside Senator Kelly, Senator Young, and Representative Kelly. Today, less than 200 oceangoing ships fly the American flag, the SHIPS for America Act will empower our shipyards and marine merchants to uphold our country’s status as a leader in the maritime industry,” said Representative Garamendi.

Background:

The SHIPS for America Act would:

Coordinate U.S. maritime policy by establishing the position of Maritime Security Advisor within the White House, who would lead an interagency Maritime Security Board tasked with making whole-of-government strategic decisions for how to implement a National Maritime Strategy. The bill also establishes a Maritime Security Trust Fund that would reinvest duties and fees paid by the maritime industry into maritime security programs and infrastructure supporting maritime commerce.

Establish a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years by creating the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program, which would facilitate the development of a fleet of commercially operated, U.S.-flagged, American crewed, and domestically built merchant vessels that can operate competitively in international commerce.

Enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce by establishing a Rulemaking Committee on Commercial Maritime Regulations and Standards to cut through the U.S. Coast Guard’s bureaucracy and red tape that limits the international competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, requiring that government-funded cargo move aboard U.S.-flag vessels, and requiring a portion of commercial goods imported from China to move aboard U.S.-flag vessels starting in 2029.

Expand the U.S. shipyard industrial base, for both military and commercial oceangoing vessels, by establishing a 25 percent investment tax credit for shipyard investments, transforming the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program into a revolving fund, and establishing a Shipbuilding Financial Incentives program to support innovative approaches to domestic ship building and ship repair.

Accelerate U.S. leadership in next-generation ship design, manufacturing processes, and ship energy systems by establishing the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation, which would create regional hubs across the country.

Make historic investments in maritime workforce by establishing a Maritime and Shipbuilding Recruiting Campaign, allowing mariners to retain their credentials through a newly established Merchant Marine Career Retention Program, investing in long-overdue infrastructure needs for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and supporting State Maritime Academies and Centers for Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The bill also makes long-overdue changes to streamline and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing system.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

The following organizations have endorsed the SHIPS for America Act: Shipbuilders Council of America, American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association, American Association of Port Authorities, National Defense Transportation Association, American Maritime Partnership, USA Maritime, American Maritime Congress, American Waterway Operators, National Association of Waterfront Employers, Marine Machinery Association, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Compass, Maritime Accelerator of Resilience, Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development, New American Industrial Alliance, Consortium of State Maritime Academies, Philly Shipyard, General Dynamics NASSCO, Govini, U.S. Marine Management LLC, Pasha Hawaii, Ocean Shipholdings, American President Lines, Tote Inc., Saltchuk Marine, TMA Blue Tech Inc., Blue Water Autonomy, Seafarers International, American Maritime Officers, United Steelworkers, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, California State University Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Small Shipyard Grant Coalition, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Offshore Marine Services Association, Chamber of Shipping of America, AFL-CIO, International Propeller Club, Ports America, Transportation Institute, Navy League of the United States, Oceantic Network, American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association, Inc., USMMA Alumni Association, OPA 90 Forum, Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, Crowley, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, Maersk Line Limited, Farrell Lines, Matson, Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc., Waterman Logistics, Fairwater, U.S. Ocean Inc., LS GreenLink USA, Inc., International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department, RBC Logistics, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, American Maritime Officers Service, Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Texas A&M Maritime Academy, San Jacinto College, Senesco Marine, Patriot Maritime, Tri-Tec Manufacturing, LLC, Hapag-Lloyd USA, LLC, Liberty Maritime, Northeast Maritime Institute.

See what maritime leaders and stakeholders are saying about the SHIPS for America Act:

“The carriers, unions and associations belonging to the USA Maritime Coalition strongly support the SHIPS for America Act. This comprehensive maritime policy initiative will ensure our country has the U.S.-flag shipping capability and the American mariners needed to both support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the Department of Defense and to enhance and protect our nation’s economic security by increasing the carriage of America’s foreign trade on U.S.-flag commercial vessels,” said R. Christian Johnsen, Chair, USA Maritime.

“The Navy League applauds the introduction of the SHIPS for America Act, a landmark legislative achievement that will comprehensively meet the needs of the U.S. merchant marine and bolster our shipbuilding industrial base. In today’s global threat environment, arguably the most perilous since the end of the Cold War, the United States must not only maintain the finest Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard on the seas, but also ensure a robust U.S.-flag merchant marine and a resilient shipbuilding industrial base. These elements are crucial for safeguarding our national and economic security in the event of large-scale military conflict. The SHIPS for America Act addresses these vital considerations and reaffirms that America is, and always will be, a maritime nation,” said Mike Stevens, CEO, Navy League.

“The Shipbuilders Council of America commends Senators Kelly and Young and Representative Garamendi, and Representative Kelly for their leadership in advancing the SHIPS for America Act. This legislation represents a significant step forward in strengthening the nation’s shipyard industrial base and establishing a comprehensive national maritime strategy. We are encouraged by its focus on bolstering American shipbuilding and ensuring a robust maritime sector capable of supporting our nation’s economic and national security. SCA is committed to continuing its engagement with these Congressional members and staff to refine and enhance the legislation, especially to better support our domestic ship repair industry, and we look forward to collaborating with policymakers to ensure the success of initiatives that secure the future of America’s shipyard industrial base and maritime workforce,” said Matthew Paxton, President, Shipbuilders Council of America.

“It is time to reclaim our maritime heritage and pursue an ambitious campaign to secure and strengthen our maritime supply chains. I commend the bipartisan and bicameral efforts culminating in the SHIPS Act. I strongly support passage of the Act, and as an FMC Commissioner, I will do all that I can to support a winning maritime strategy exercising maritime state craft. The world is trade dependent, and trade is dependent on the movement of ocean cargo. Let us get to work to keep it moving,” said Max Vekich, FMC Commissioner.

“On behalf of the National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE), I write to express my Association’s support for your proposed legislation, the SHIPS for America Act. NAWE is a non-profit trade association whose member companies are privately-owned marine terminal operators (MTOs), stevedores, and other U.S. waterfront employers and terminal service industries. In particular, we would like to thank and commend Senators Kelly and Young and Congressmen Garamendi and Kelly for including Section 505 of the SHIPS Act, which will help terminal operators to finance the terminal equipment necessary to help sustain the nation’s supply chain. We recognize that the SHIPS for America Act is a comprehensive set of legislative recommendations aimed to strengthen the nation’s entire maritime industrial base and look forward to engaging with the next Congress to support passage of this vital legislation,” said Carl Bentzel, President, National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE).

“The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) applauds the sponsors of the SHIPS for America Act for their focus on the maritime needs of our nation, as AMP believes it is very important for there to be a robust national maritime strategy that promotes the economic, national and homeland security of the nation. We appreciate that the legislation builds on the strong foundation of the Jones Act to further strengthen and revitalize the U.S.-flag maritime industry. We are and will always be a maritime nation and we must never forget the importance of American maritime for our security and prosperity,” said Jennifer Carpenter, President, American Maritime Partnership.

“Transportation Institute is proud to support the SHIPS for America Act. As America enters an era of increased global competition, it is the right time to make significant investments in our U.S.-flagged merchant marine. As we’ve learned throughout history, the U.S.-flag merchant marine can be depended upon by the United States military for assured access to sealift, and trusted by the American people for the secure and reliable movement of goods. This trailblazing legislation will make America an even stronger maritime nation for future generations. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Kelly, Congressman Garamendi, Senator Young, and Congressman Kelly in recognizing the importance of a robust U.S.-flag maritime industry,” said James L. Henry, President and Chair, Transportation Institute.

“America has been a maritime nation throughout our history. We have been less focused on that element of America’s success more recently. The bi-partisan SHIPS for America Act takes many great ideas and organizes them into the whole-of-government effort needed to address a multitude of issues. No one individual or organization can achieve prosperity and security for the American people, but by working together, and with the proposed resourcing, we will accomplish the tasks set before us by this legislation and reach these goals,” said Roger Camp, President and CEO, American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association.

“Thousands of USW members currently contribute to the shipbuilding industry, providing countless products across the supply chain ranging from steel to valves to coatings. Revitalizing our nation’s capacity to build commercial ships will create thousands more good, community-sustaining jobs, and it will help make us safer and more resilient as we break our dangerous dependence on foreign-made vessels. The USW commends Sens. Kelly and Young and Reps. Garamendi and Kelly for their work on the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act and their commitment to reinvesting in American shipbuilding,” said David McCall, President, United Steelworkers (USW).

“The Seafarers International Union wholeheartedly supports the Ships for America Act, an extraordinary piece of legislation that stands to revitalize, strengthen and sustain our nation’s maritime industry. The Ships for America Act addresses critical gaps in shipbuilding, maritime workforce development, and the modernization of our commercial fleet. It is a bold step toward ensuring that the United States maintains a robust and competitive maritime presence, which is essential for both economic and national security. In my 51 years of working in this industry, I have not seen any legislation as comprehensive and impactful as the Ships for America Act. I urge labor and industry to join us in supporting this long-overdue bill, as it not only honors the legacy of our maritime industry but also paves the way for its future growth and sustainability,” said David Heindel, President, Seafarers International Union.

“In any conflict with China, the outcome will hinge on our ability to project power across the Pacific via military sealift. The vast majority of the USN Strategic Sealift Officers are service-obligated graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. We are deeply grateful to the sponsors of the SHIPS for America Act for recognizing that the USMMA campus at Kings Point, NY, built in the 1940s, urgently requires modernization to meet the demands of today’s national security threats” said Captain James F. Tobin ’77, President/CEO, USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation.

“The SHIPS for America Act recognizes the important role that a strong American maritime industry plays in our country’s national, homeland and economic security. We applaud Sen. Kelly and Rep. Kelly for their commitment to American maritime and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the 119th Congress on this important legislation. This legislation is particularly important to State Maritime Academies, which produce approximately 70% of the newly licensed (unlimited) commercial maritime officers each year,” said the Consortium of State Maritime Academies.

“The International Propeller Club is a steadfast advocate for the SHIPS for America Act. Our nation’s maritime industry is at a critical crossroads. This comprehensive maritime policy initiative will protect and enhance foreign policy, national security, and economic prosperity through increased U.S.- flag shipping capability and a revitalization of the domestic shipbuilding industry,” said Maria Conatser, International President, International Propeller Club.

“Senator Kelly and Congressman Garamendi, Senator Young and Congressman Kelly deserve recognition for their work on this legislation and appreciation for their leadership on this issue. This is the first comprehensive maritime policy legislation in many years, and it offers tangible assistance to all sectors of the maritime industry with the goal of expanding the U.S. Flag Ocean-going fleet. If enacted, the legislation would support major recapitalization of the shipbuilding infrastructure in the United States and provide substantial incentives for the purchase of U.S.-built vessels. It would have a long-term positive impact on Philly Shipyard and other shipbuilders in the United States,” said Philly Shipyard, Inc.

“Shipbuilding is the quintessential example of an industry vital to our national security that we lost to globalization — not because other countries have some magical ‘comparative advantage’ but because they cared about it and we did not. Thankfully, more thoughtful leaders are finally taking the necessary steps to reverse this damage. The Ships for America Act is the kind of industrial policy we need to embrace, not only for our national security, but also to drive domestic investment, innovation, and growth,” said Oren Cass, Founder and Chief Economist, American Compass.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-votes-for-annual-defense-bill-to-address-global-threats-support-our-military/,"Young Votes for Annual Defense Bill to Address Global Threats, Support Our Military",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,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.) voted for the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will set policy for the Department of Defense (DoD), establish the national security priorities of Congress, and upgrade our nation’s warfighting capabilities. The legislation passed the Senate 85-14.

“The National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress considers each year. I am pleased the final bill includes several critical priorities I have worked on to counter the Chinese Communist Party, ensure the U.S. maintains global leadership in emerging biotech, modernize our defense capabilities, and support Indiana’s defense industrial base and workforce,” said Senator Young.

Senator Young worked to secure the following provisions in the Senate-passed NDAA:

Emerging Biotechnology provisions, stemming from Senator Young’s role as chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology. Understanding the national security implications of biotechnology has never been more important, which is why the NDAA includes language that requires the DoD to create a roadmap for harnessing the power of the technology and language that will create an artificial intelligence and biotechnology (AIxBio) sandbox to explore how AIxBio can be leveraged to accomplish national security priorities. The bill also includes efforts to identify potential biotech threats and assess how the People’s Republic of China is using the technology. These provisions are critical to ensuring the U.S. maintains leadership in biotech.

Applicant Medical Reimbursement Act to authorize the Department of Defense to reimburse applicants for co-pays up to $100 for visits to civilian medical providers seen as part of the military application process. This legislation will ensure that military applicants who require additional medical screenings are not required to foot unforeseen medical costs associated with military recruitment.

Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) funding to support Naval Surface Warfare Center-Crane Division (NSWC-Crane) in southern Indiana. The advancement of hypersonic weapons systems is a top priority for DoD, and the ability to test them rapidly and affordably is the key to accelerating their development and delivery to our warfighters. The funding authorized will further solidify Crane’s role as the Navy’s Center of Excellence for Hypersonics and its national role in developing and integrating new hypersonic capabilities for both the Navy and DoD as a whole.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Equipment funding to protect our Navy as they are on the forefront of securing vital sea lanes, securing commerce, and reducing threats to the homeland from the navies of China and Russia. Sonobuoys, like those manufactured by Ultra Maritime in Columbia City, Indiana, are a vital tool in detecting and tracking submarine threats from our peer competitors. Senator Young secured an authorization for an additional $25 million to ensure adequate sonobuoy stocks.

AI maritime maneuvering funding to support Trine University and NSWC Crane’s collaborative development of AI-enabled maritime maneuvering and navigation. This appropriation will support STEM education and outreach in Indiana, strengthen resources for the Midwest Defense Corridor, and help train the Hoosier workforce to in AI and advanced manufacturing. Senator Young secured an authorization for an additional $10 million for this program.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-bennet-reintroduce-legislation-to-promote-innovation-in-higher-education-programs/,"Young, Bennet Reintroduce Legislation to Promote Innovation in Higher Education Programs",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,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 Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) reintroduced the Fund for Innovation and Success in Higher Education (FINISH) Act, legislation to spur more innovative opportunities in higher education programs.

“Institutions of higher education should adapt and think innovatively about ways to retain, support, and graduate high-need students. This bill would help ensure more young Americans are equipped with the tools to finish their degrees and find good-paying jobs in their desired career fields,” said Senator Young.

“First-generation and low-income college students often don’t get the support they deserve to help them finish their degrees. By encouraging colleges and universities nationwide to innovate, make educational materials more accessible, and focus on outcomes, our bipartisan bill can improve educational attainment for every student,” said Senator Bennet.

The FINISH Act would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to better support innovative, evidenced-based approaches that improve the effectiveness and efficiency of postsecondary education for all students.

More specifically, the legislation would:

Authorize innovation grants to increase retention and completion of postsecondary education programs;

Encourage open educational resources to make instructional content more widely available;

Support pay for success initiatives, performance-based agreements that result in increased public value or social benefit to students and the public sector; and

Establish better evaluation authority in order to rigorously and independently evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the outcomes of all programs authorized under this bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-president-trump-has-one-year-and-two-reconciliations-save-our-republic,Spartz: President Trump has one year and two reconciliations to save our Republic,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Spartz issued the following statement on her refusal to participate in the Republican conference, its committees and resignation from the regional policy committee chair:

“This election the American people sent a resounding message and mandate to the Republican party to govern - not deliver talking points and messaging bills. Our country is on a fiscal collision course and it will take some courage and structural changes in Congress to challenge the status quo, which is not happening. As a serious legislator and finance professional, not a clown, I am not going to continue being involved in circuses. I would rather spend my energy helping President Trump, his appointees and DOGE to deliver on their promises through reconciliation. And I will be working hard doing real work for the people I represent - not presentations in committees for the lobbyists, spectacles and posts on Facebook and X to raise money. The swamp will be back in business in four years if not drained through the law. Congress cannot fail President Trump and the American people again.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-push-biden-administration-to-hold-external-actors-accountable-for-exacerbating-sudan-crisis/,"Young, Colleagues Push Biden Administration to Hold External Actors Accountable for Exacerbating Sudan Crisis",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,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.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) sent a letter to President Biden urging him to take more decisive action against foreign entities fueling the ongoing civil war in Sudan.

The violence in Sudan has led to a massive humanitarian crisis. Since the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April 2023, it’s estimated that the conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands to potentially over one hundred thousand individuals, and in the region, more than 25 million Sudanese are in need of immediate assistance. According to recent reporting, foreign entities are providing a critical financial lifeline to the belligerents to the conflict and fueling the war. In their letter, the senators highlighted the administration’s current efforts to end this crisis, but stressed the need to do more regarding foreign influence in the war, specifically pointing to the role of illicit gold trading in financing the conflict.

“We are deeply concerned that Sudan’s illicit gold trade enables lucrative revenue streams that perpetuate the documented atrocities and worsens the devastating humanitarian crisis in the country. Sudan, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, has a gold industry worth billions of dollars. The RSF controls Sudan’s richest gold mines, including in Jebel Amir. Over the past decade, the RSF and its leader, Mohamed Hamdan (Hemedti) Dagalo, have established dominance over Sudan’s gold trade, using ‘front companies and banks based in Sudan and the UAE’ to finance weapons, propaganda, and alliances with armed groups. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has identified gold operations as ‘a vital source of revenue for the Dagalo family and the RSF.’ This revenue fuels violence, as documented by the United Nations,” the senators wrote.

Detailing the involvement of the foreign countries in this illicit practice, the senators continued, “The UAE is a major hub for smuggled Sudanese gold entering global markets. Between 2012 and 2022, Emirati companies reportedly received over 2,500 tons of illicit African gold worth approximately $115 billion. Sudan’s gold exports predominantly route to the UAE, but their true scale is obscured by significant smuggling and undervaluation. Despite its removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s “gray list” in February 2024, the UAE’s gold sector remains vulnerable to money laundering. Reports have further linked Sudanese gold smuggled through the UAE to Russia’s Wagner Group, which uses these funds to support operations in Africa and Russia’s war in Ukraine, undermining international sanctions and exacerbating Sudan’s conflict.”

The full letter can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. President,

We urge immediate action by your administration to target foreign external actors and foreign business entities fueling the gruesome atrocities in the Sudanese conflict, including those smuggling gold from Sudan to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries. We also urge your Administration to expeditiously coordinate with allies and partners to strengthen the international response to the conflict, including through multilateral investigations and sanctions, to ensure all responsible actors are held to account.

For over 19 months, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused devastating harm to the Sudanese people. The conflict in Sudan has claimed tens of thousands to potentially over one hundred thousand lives, with preventable diseases and starvation emerging as the leading causes of death from April 2023 to June 2024. The violence has displaced more than 11 million people, leaving approximately 25 million people—half of Sudan’s population—in urgent need of food and critical assistance. It has also fueled uncontrolled outbreaks of cholera, malaria, dengue fever, and other diseases. As U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated in September, millions of Sudanese are “on the verge of generational famine.”

We recognize the ongoing efforts of the United States, particularly the work of Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, to end the conflict, ensure humanitarian access, and hold the two warring parties and their supporters accountable. Specifically, we applaud your administration’s actions to designate SAF and RSF members to the Office of Foreign Asset Control’s (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals List, and to announce a blocked pending investigation action against seven UAE companies for potentially violating U.S. sanctions on Sudan. However, the Administration must do more to hold to account not only the warring parties, but also external actors providing support to both sides of the conflict, including the UAE, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, as well as foreign business entities helping to finance both sides of the conflict.

For example, we are deeply concerned that Sudan’s illicit gold trade enables lucrative revenue streams that perpetuate the documented atrocities and worsens the devastating humanitarian crisis in the country. Sudan, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, has a gold industry worth billions of dollars. The RSF controls Sudan’s richest gold mines, including in Jebel Amir. Over the past decade, the RSF and its leader, Mohamed Hamdan (Hemedti) Dagalo, have established dominance over Sudan’s gold trade, using “front companies and banks based in Sudan and the UAE” to finance weapons, propaganda, and alliances with armed groups. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has identified gold operations as “a vital source of revenue for the Dagalo family and the RSF.” This revenue fuels violence, as documented by the United Nations.

The UAE is a major hub for smuggled Sudanese gold entering global markets. Between 2012 and 2022, Emirati companies reportedly received over 2,500 tons of illicit African gold worth approximately $115 billion. Sudan’s gold exports predominantly route to the UAE, but their true scale is obscured by significant smuggling and undervaluation. Despite its removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s “gray list” in February 2024, the UAE’s gold sector remains vulnerable to money laundering. Reports have further linked Sudanese gold smuggled through the UAE to Russia’s Wagner Group, which uses these funds to support operations in Africa and Russia’s war in Ukraine, undermining international sanctions and exacerbating Sudan’s conflict.

We therefore urge your administration to expand efforts by OFAC to fully leverage existing executive authorities and congressionally authorized enforcement mechanisms to hold accountable individuals and entities destabilizing Sudan. More decisive action is needed to target the business entities and external actors fueling the conflict, particularly under the authority of Executive Order 14098 and the Global Magnitsky Act. In particular, the U.S. should identify any additional UAE entities violating U.S. sanctions relating to smuggling of gold and ensure those entities are held to account.

Finally, strengthening international coordination is essential to effectively implement and monitor investigations into the atrocities by both sides of the conflict and by external entities. We should also ensure multilateral and comprehensive sanctions against business entities supporting the conflict, including entities profiting from Sudan’s illicit gold smuggling. The United States must enhance diplomatic engagement with external actors enabling the conflict while taking concrete steps to dismantle the illegal financing and smuggling networks that sustain it.

In the final months of your administration, we look forward to working with you to enhance U.S. efforts to end the conflict in Sudan, address the humanitarian crisis, hold accountable those responsible for atrocities, and stop the actors fueling this crisis inside and outside Sudan.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-erin-houchin-appointed-house-energy-and-commerce-committee,Congresswoman Erin Houchin Appointed to House Energy and Commerce Committee,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) has been appointed to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 119th Congress. As one of the oldest and most influential committees in the House, Energy and Commerce oversees critical areas such as energy policy, healthcare, telecommunications, and economic development.

“It’s an honor to join the House Energy and Commerce Committee,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “Indiana has a diverse energy sector, a thriving manufacturing industry, and leadership in healthcare innovation. We are eager to get to work advancing policies that secure our energy future, improve healthcare access, and support economic growth.”

Chairman Brett Guthrie praised Houchin’s appointment, emphasizing her qualifications. “Congratulations to Congresswoman Houchin on being appointed to the Energy & Commerce Committee. Erin’s experience representing one of the most dynamic manufacturing districts in the nation uniquely positions her to be a key advocate for domestic manufacturing. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Houchin to lead the way on passing our America First agenda,” said Chairman Brett Guthrie.

As a former Indiana State Senator, Congresswoman Houchin served on the Utilities and the Commerce and Technology Committees, where she gained experience in issues directly aligned with Energy and Commerce’s jurisdiction. Her work included leading one of the nation’s first broadband expansion bills and advocating for bipartisan solutions to strengthen infrastructure and boost regional economic development.

Houchin’s appointment comes at a transformative moment, with the Energy and Commerce Committee playing a major role in addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges. This positions Congresswoman Houchin to effectively advocate for Indiana’s 9th District and the critical industries that drive the state’s economy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-youngs-office-helps-2500-hoosiers-in-2024/,"Senator Young’s Office Helps 2,500 Hoosiers in 2024",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,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.) and his staff have helped more than 2,500 constituents resolve cases before federal agencies this year. The constituent service work resulted in more than $12.1 million being returned to Hoosier taxpayers.

Since joining the Senate in 2017, Senator Young has helped 16,973 Hoosiers recover approximately $100 million from federal agencies.

Two-thirds of the dollars recovered in 2024 and returned to Hoosiers came from cases involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Senator Young helped Hoosiers recover nearly $8.2 million owed to them by the IRS. An additional $3.7 million was recovered from Social Security and VA claims.

In addition to helping constituents receive benefits, Senator Young’s constituent service team also helps expedite passport applications, obtain missing commendation medals for veterans, navigate international adoption cases, and more.

“When Hoosiers are improperly denied benefits they are owed or when the federal bureaucracy is moving too slowly, inquiries from members of Congress can kickstart the process,” Senator Young said. “Our team is always committed to helping Hoosiers resolve issues involving federal agencies.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-reintroduce-bill-to-provide-tsa-precheck-to-disabled-veterans/,"Young, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Provide TSA PreCheck to Disabled Veterans",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,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.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to provide veterans with service-connected disabilities with expedited screening under the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program.

TSA PreCheck is already offered to active duty, reserves, and National Guard service members at no cost. The Veterans Expedited TSA Screening (VETS) Safe Travel Act will expand this program to include veterans who are amputees, paralyzed, or blind. Passing through airport security with prosthetics, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids presents a challenge to these individuals when traveling.

“Airports can be a dreaded experience for veterans with service-connected disabilities because of the invasive screenings they may endure at security checkpoints. Our bill will bring dignified travel to thousands of wounded warriors by ensuring PreCheck benefits are easily available to them,” said Senator Young.

“Millions of Veterans have sacrificed a great deal in service to our nation and returned home with service-connected disabilities—for those of us who rely on prosthetics and wheelchairs for mobility, air travel and passing through airport security can be a challenge,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to join Senator Young in re-introducing this bipartisan legislation to make TSA PreCheck available at no cost to these Veterans and make flying and passing through airports easier and less intrusive.”

“Our wounded veterans deserve a TSA security process that respects their sacrifices and minimizes unnecessary stress at checkpoints. Offering free PreCheck to wounded veterans is a small but meaningful way to honor their service and make their travel experiences easier,” said Senator Marshall.

“For veterans who have already overcome extraordinary challenges in service to our country, navigating airport security should not be another hurdle,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan legislation recognizes the unique challenges that many disabled veterans face and helps to better ensure that their travel experience reflects the dignity of their service.”

Under the VETS Safe Travel Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs would be required to certify that a veteran is eligible. TSA would then process the veteran’s application, granting access to TSA PreCheck at no cost provided they successfully pass the background check and interview process. Additionally, TSA advises that these veterans use TSA PreCheck in conjunction with calling the TSA Cares hotline 72-hours prior to departure to ensure expedited screening.

The legislation is supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Honor Flight Network, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, Blinded Veterans Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-op-ed-biden-should-sign-the-judges-act-to-relieve-a-national-crisis/,YOUNG OP-ED: Biden should sign the Judges Act to relieve a national crisis,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"The following column by Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) was originally published in the Washington Post on December 12, 2024.

By Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.)

Too many Americans are being denied access to our justice system because of an overload of cases and a shortage of federal judges.

The last major expansion of the federal judicial branch occurred in 1990, when then-Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Biden sponsored legislation that created 85 new judgeships for President George H.W. Bush to fill.

Biden once again has the opportunity to join Congress in resolving a judicial crisis by signing into law the Judges Act: bipartisan legislation I introduced to increase the number of federal district court judges in the most overworked regions of the country.

The United States has grown by about 100 million people since 1990. This is also the longest period that Congress has not authorized new permanent district court judgeships since the courts were established in 1789. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are forced to wait years for their federal cases to be heard. Many litigants feel their only option is to settle cases for suboptimal outcomes to provide some certainty. Our justice system is collapsing under the weight of caseloads: Overworked judges are retiring, andthe staggering burden discourages high-quality candidates from pursuing the federal judiciary.

Last year, the Judicial Conference of the United States — a nonpartisan policymaking body for federal courts — recommended that Congress create 66 new district court judgeships to help alleviate this crisis. In Congress, both sides agree that there is a judicial emergency. But politically, it has been difficult to add federal judges.

In 2020, I suggested a solution. At the time, the outcome of the 2020 election was a 50-50 proposition. That year, I proposed that Congress pass a bill creating the judgeships during the campaign and then let the American people decide on Election Day which presidential candidate should fill them. This approach would haveensured the legislation would be debated only on its merits, not its political implications.

The idea took four years to catch on, but in August — when again there seemed to be an equal chance of either party winning the election — the Senate unanimously passed the Judges Act to add 66 district court judgeships. And Thursday — in a bipartisan vote — the House of Representatives passed the bill, sending it to Biden’s desk.

Regrettably, the Biden administration has issued a veto threat, with disregard for the long bipartisan history behind the JudgesAct and a distorted interpretation of how the bill works. It said the bill is “unnecessary to the efficient and effective administration of justice.” Yet more than 300 federal judges appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents called for the bill’s passage after the election.

The statement also said the bill was passed “with just a few weeks left in the 118th Congress.” Ideally, the bill would have passed the Democratic-controlled Senate earlier in the summer, allowing the House of Representatives more time to consider it before the presidential election. But that did not happen, and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have long advocated these reforms based on the judicial needs in their states.

Finally, the administration said the judgeships created by the bill are not needed because of vacancies “senators have sought to hold open,” implying Republican political motivations.But this fails to take into account that vacancies have existed in red and blue states, including vacancies in blue states that went unfilled during the first Trump administration.

The White House’s argument on this point underscores a critical safety mechanism for the bill: the Senate’s existing “blue slip” process for district court nominees. The blue slip ensures that home-state senators have the opportunity to advise on nominations for district courts in their state.

Here is how the law would work: Asincoming president,Donald Trump would get to nominate up to 22 new permanent district court judges in his four-year term. Thereafter, tranches of 10 or 11 judges would be added every two years until 2035, resulting in more than 40 judges being nominated by future presidents to make the appointments as fair and bipartisan as possible.

This is a common-sense approach to a politically challenging problem. The legislation is widely supported by leading legal organizations and advocates across our country.

I urge Biden to do the right thing for our judicial system, as he did in 1990, and sign the JudgesAct into law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-peters-applaud-passage-of-legislation-to-strengthen-national-safety-system-for-commercial-drivers/,"Young, Peters Applaud Passage of Legislation to Strengthen National Safety System for Commercial Drivers",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,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.) applauded House passage this week of their bipartisan legislation to strengthen the national safety system for commercial drivers. The Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) Act will protect funding for the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS), a crucial, nationwide computer system that ensures commercial drivers have only one license and one complete driver record. The bill, which passed the Senate in September, now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“I am pleased to see the Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information Act pass Congress. Our bill will help ensure the Commercial Driver’s License Information System remains easily accessible, properly maintained, and free of bureaucratic overreach,” said Senator Young.

“CDLIS is an essential system used in Michigan and nationwide to make sure commercial drivers are approved to operate on our roads. However, recent changes to its funding source could jeopardize the system’s effectiveness,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud that this commonsense, bipartisan bill to permanently reinstate the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ authority to operate CDLIS will soon become law. This needed step will help improve safety in the commercial driving industry, which impacts communities throughout Michigan and every state.”

State driver licensing agencies utilize the CDLIS to complete safety procedures such as sharing out-of-state convictions and withdrawals, transferring the driver record when a commercial driver license holder moves to another state, and responding to requests for driver status and history.

Up until 2022, states paid fees to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to operate the system. However, a statutory review by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which oversees CDLIS, found that fees cannot legally go to AAMVA under current law. If not addressed, FMCSA will be forced to operate the program with limited available resources. This bipartisan bill would reinstate the previous funding structure through AAMVA to protect this critical system and ensure FMCSA is not forced to reallocate federal tax-payer dollars away from its own safety priorities to support CDLIS.

“AAMVA applauds the Senate for taking this crucial action on behalf of the states,” said Ian Grossman, AAMVA President and CEO. “The Strengthening the Commercial Driver’s License Information System Act provides the states with assurances that commercial motor vehicle safety is a priority and that the necessary continuity in preserving safety on the nation’s roadways will be achieved. By moving this legislation, Congress reinforces the lifesaving role states play when they identify and take action against convicted drivers that should not be operating commercial vehicles under any circumstances. AAMVA thanks the Senate for its action in maintaining the essential elements of roadway safety, of which CDLIS plays an integral role.”

Specifically, the CDLIS Act would codify existing processes for the administration of the CDLIS in three ways:

Authorizes the Department of Transportation to select a qualified entity to operate, collect fees for, and use fees to maintain CDLIS. The operator would remain AAMVA, and the Department of Transportation would not be charged a fee to use CDLIS.

Clarifies that fees paid by states would go toward the purpose of operating, maintaining, developing, modernizing, or enhancing the information system.

Ensures that the Department of Transportation is not charged for accessing CDLIS and receives quarterly reports on fee statements.

This bipartisan bill is supported by the AAMVA, American Trucking Associations, and the National Safety Council.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-applaud-passage-of-bills-to-reduce-burdensome-health-care-reporting-requirements-for-employers/,"Young, Colleagues Applaud Passage of Bills to Reduce Burdensome Health Care Reporting Requirements for Employers",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) applauded the passage of two bills to protect the privacy of Americans and remove burdensome health care reporting requirements by allowing certain communications to be filed electronically.

“Under current law, overreaching compliance requirements create uncertainty and stress for employers in Indiana and across the nation. Our bipartisan bills will help reduce these unnecessary burdens and increase efficiency,” said Senator Young.

“Health care for Americans has only gotten better and more accessible since the passage of the Affordable Care Act — just ask anyone who faced lifetime limits or was denied insurance because of a pre-existing condition. These two pieces of legislation will make needed adjustments to modernize and streamline ACA reporting requirements to ensure that they don’t needlessly compromise the privacy of Americans or get in the way of their access to health care. I’m proud to have introduced these pieces of legislation and look forward to seeing them signed by President Biden,” said Senator Warner.

“Small businesses in South Dakota and across the country have been forced to comply with overly burdensome administrative requirements from the Affordable Care Act,” said Senator Thune. “These bills would eliminate convoluted paperwork and streamline the current reporting requirements to ensure businesses can focus their resources on serving their customers and employees.”

“Employers shouldn’t have to jump through unnecessary hoops to provide health care coverage for their employees,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These bills provide flexibility to employers, streamline health insurance reporting, and make communication more secure for employees and employers alike. I urge the president to sign them into law as soon as possible.”

The Employer Reporting Improvement Act will protect Americans’ privacy and ease compliance burdens on employers. Among other steps, it will modernize communication by allowing employers to electronically file certain documents. It will also protect privacy by clarifying that the IRS can accept full names and dates of birth in lieu of dependents’ and spouses’ Social Security numbers. In addition, it will ease compliance burdens by extending the time period (from 30 days to 90 days) during which an applicable large employer can appeal a penalty for not offering adequate, affordable health insurance to all full-time employees. Finally, it will enact a six-year statute of limitations for the IRS to levy penalties under the Employer Shared Responsibility provision of the ACA.

The Paperwork Burden Reduction Act will reduce the number of physical forms that employers have to mail to employees as part of complying with the ACA. Currently, employers and health insurance providers that provide minimum essential coverage must report this information to the IRS for each covered individual and provide a copy of this information to the covered individual (through 1095-B or 1095-C tax forms, depending on the coverage type) by January 31 of each year. Current IRS regulations allow employers to provide only 1095-B forms electronically. The Paperwork Burden Reduction Act will codify the current IRS policy by allowing the 1095-B to be provided electronically and would extend this to 1095-C, limiting unnecessary physical paperwork.

The Employer Reporting Improvement Act and the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act were approved by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year and now head to President Biden’s desk for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1423,Rep. Baird Statement on FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,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 regarding the passage of H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA):

“As a decorated Army combat veteran, I was proud to vote for this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which represents a concerted effort to ensure our military has the resources it needs to keep our nation safe. While this bill is not perfect, service members' quality of life concerns are undermining recruitment, retention, and readiness when military recruitment is at an all-time low. This year’s bill rectifies these concerns by providing a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted members and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other service members, addressing the chronic underfunding of military housing maintenance, improving service members’ access to timely medical care, and increasing access to childcare for Indiana’s military families. This year’s bill also delivers over $60 million for important military construction projects in Indiana. Most importantly, the NDAA also prioritizes strengthening our military capabilities and enhancing military readiness to combat foreign adversaries by deploying innovative new technologies and preventing the Biden Administration from reducing the number of U.S. Special Forces and divesting critical aircraft. The NDAA also puts a stop to woke Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Critical Race Theory (CRT) policies that prioritize identity politics over military preparedness. This legislation is a win for our national defense, Indiana’s service members, and our military families. I was proud to see this legislation pass the U.S. House, and I hope it is signed into law soon.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-stabenow-reintroduce-legislation-to-improve-american-communities/,"Young, Stabenow Reintroduce Legislation to Improve American Communities",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,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 Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would help improve the health of American communities by leveraging existing or building new public-private partnerships to better address adverse economic and social conditions.

Social determinants of health are the economic and social conditions that affect an individual’s health and well-being. The Social Determinants Accelerator Act would empower states and localities to partner with nonprofits and private companies to develop innovative strategies that address adverse social determinants in their communities.

“Public-private partnerships are effective at addressing the challenges facing our communities, like affordable housing or a lack of transportation options. Our bill would empower local and state governments to improve social and economic conditions by leveraging existing or building new public-private partnerships,” said Senator Young.

More specifically, the Social Determinants Accelerator Act would provide grants for state, local, and Tribal governments to invest in public-private partnerships that target social determinants negatively impacting our most underserved populations. The legislation would also establish a federal interagency council to help grantees identify federal authorities, opportunities, and strategies to tackle these challenges.

Senators Young and Stabenow originally introduced the Social Determinants Accelerator Act in 2019 and reintroduced the legislation in 2021.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-addresses-reagan-national-defense-forum/,Young Addresses Reagan National Defense Forum,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,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 panel discussion.**

WASHINGTON – On Saturday, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) spoke at the Reagan National Defense Forum, an annual event that brings together key national security leaders and stakeholders.

Young participated in a panel discussion focused on how to best modernize our nation’s defense capabilities. Young spoke on the urgent need to out-innovate and outcompete the Chinese Communist Party in biotechnology and artificial intelligence in order to ensure America’s warfighters maintain a technological edge and American families are safe. Senator Young also previewed the upcoming findings and recommendations of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, on which he serves as Chair.

Young was joined on the panel by General David W. Allvin, Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force; Joe Lonsdale, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, 8VC; Heidi Shyu, U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; and Toni Townes-Whitley, CEO, SAIC. The panel was moderated by Sharon Weinberger, National Security Editor at the Wall Street Journal.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-houchin-requests-gao-review-special-education-services,Congresswoman Houchin Requests GAO Review of Special Education Services,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09), along with Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), has formally requested that the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) review special education services for children with disabilities enrolled in private schools to determine possible under-identification. This effort aims to address significant gaps in the identification and provision of services mandated for students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

“Children with disabilities deserve access to the resources and support they need, regardless of the type of school they attend,” said Congresswoman Houchin. “It is unacceptable that students in private schools may be overlooked, leaving them without the assistance provided by federal law.”

Under IDEA, local educational agencies are required to evaluate all children with disabilities within their jurisdiction, including those enrolled by their parents in private schools. However, research suggests that only 3 percent of private school students are identified as having disabilities under IDEA—far below the 6 to 9 percent estimated need and significantly lower than the 13 percent identification rate for public school students.

“These discrepancies suggest widespread issues that must be addressed,” added Congresswoman Houchin. “Through this review, we can ensure that children with disabilities in private schools are no longer left behind and receive the support they need, regardless of their educational setting.”

Congresswoman Houchin remains committed to advocating for students with disabilities and their families, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-coons-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-critical-minerals-supply-chains/,"Young, Coons Introduce Bill to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply Chains",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,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.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced the Securing Trade and Resources for Advanced Technology, Economic Growth, and International Commerce (STRATEGIC) Minerals Act to strengthen America’s supply chain of critical minerals and rare earth elements.

Critical minerals are essential resources but are highly vulnerable to supply chain disruption, and China’s aggressive manipulation of these elements presents significant national and economic security threats. The legislation would empower the president to negotiate and enforce sector-specific free trade agreements exclusively focused on critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs) with trusted partners and allies, thereby bolstering cooperation, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing national security.

“Our nation relies on critical minerals for everything from consumer goods to defense technologies, and a dependence on foreign adversaries for these materials is a national security vulnerability we cannot afford,” said Senator Young. “Negotiating more trade agreements on critical minerals with trusted partners will help shore up our supply of these resources, protect American interests, and strengthen our national security.”

“Working with allies and partners to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals will help our national security and position us to play a leading role in producing the technologies that will define the rest of the 21st Century,” said Senator Coons. “The STRATEGIC Act will decrease our dependence on unreliable entities and strengthen America’s access to the resources we need.”

“China dominates the critical minerals supply chain, which leaves America vulnerable to national security risks,” said Senator Cornyn. “By shoring up America’s critical minerals supply chain, this legislation would increase our competitiveness on the world stage, reduce our dependence on foreign adversaries, and foster greater trade with trusted allies.”

“China controls many of the minerals that are essential to our national security, our ability to address climate change, and to the microchips that power our modern way of life,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “China’s only leading because we’re letting them. Our bipartisan bill is a course correction our country desperately needs.”

More specifically, the STRATEGIC Minerals Act would:

Authorize the president, through the U.S. Trade Representative, to negotiate, enter into, and enforce specialized trade agreements focused on critical minerals and REEs, subject to congressional approval.

Set trade negotiation objectives to strengthen supply chains of critical minerals and REEs, aiming to reduce or eliminate trade barriers with trusted allies to ensure reliable access and reduce dependence on adversarial nations.

Exclude nonmarket economies like China and prevent foreign entities of concern from benefiting, allowing only trusted partners to participate in order to safeguard our national security.

Require the president to consult with Congress before initiating negotiations, providing details on objectives and potential impacts and ensuring legislative oversight.

Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to include certain businesses from countries party to such agreements in the definition of domestic sources under strict conditions, strengthening U.S. access to critical minerals essential for national security while prioritizing American interests.

The legislation builds on Senator Young’s efforts to ensure the United States has access to critical mineral supply chains and is countering China’s industry manipulation, including by introducing the Critical Minerals Future Act and the Critical Minerals Security Act earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-recognizes-hoosier-students-who-completed-fall-internship-2/,Young Recognizes Hoosier Students Who Completed Fall Internship,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,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.) recognized Hoosier students who participated in the fall session of his internship program in Washington, D.C. and Indianapolis. The students assisted with daily activities and special projects related to legislation, communications, and constituent services.

Caroline Prentice, a recent graduate from Martinsville who attended the University of South Carolina, interned in Indianapolis. The Washington, D.C. intern class included (as pictured from left to right) Josie Allen, a senior from Vincennes attending Indiana University Bloomington; Jesse Ryman, a recent graduate from Bristol who attended Indiana Wesleyan University; Sam Syroney, a senior from Evansville attending Indiana University Bloomington; and Maggie Davis, a recent graduate from Indianapolis who attended Indiana University Bloomington.

Senator Young’s office offers internship opportunities year-round, in both his Washington, D.C. and Indianapolis offices. The internship program offers students the opportunity to experience the legislative branch of government and serve Hoosiers.

Students interested in applying can visit Senator Young’s internship webpage or call 202-224-5623 to learn more.

Senator Young released a video to provide more information about the internship program.

***Full resolution photos available upon request.***",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-bill-rename-post-office-after-fallen-police-officer-passes-house,House Bill To Rename Post Office After  Fallen Police Officer Passes House,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, legislation led by Rep. Victoria Spartz to redesignate the Elwood, Indiana, U.S. Post Office building after fallen police officer Noah Jacob Shahnavaz passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

“While we can never fully repay Noah and his family, the renaming of the Elwood Post Office after his name will serve as a lasting reminder of his ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms,” said Rep. Spartz. “I want to thank my House colleagues for their support in honoring this true American hero.”

The legislation now proceeds to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

Background

Officer Noah Jacob Shahnavaz was a highly dedicated member of the Elwood Police Department in Indiana, remembered for his deep commitment to public service and community protection. Born in Indianapolis in 1998, Shahnavaz displayed early leadership and a passion for service. After graduating from Fishers High School in 2016, he joined the U.S. Army, where he served as a Sergeant with the 591st Military Police Company. He deployed to the Middle East during the Global War on Terror, earning respect from his fellow soldiers for his professionalism and leadership. They described him as ""everything you’d want in a police officer; every attribute, every characteristic.""

Following his military service, Noah transitioned to law enforcement, joining the Elwood Police Department in 2021. He quickly earned the admiration of his colleagues for his calm demeanor, strong work ethic, and unwavering dedication to safeguarding his community.

Tragically, officer Shahnavaz’s life was cut short on July 31, 2022. During a routine traffic stop, he was ambushed and fatally shot by a repeat offender who had previously been convicted of shooting at police officers in Indianapolis.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-biden-admin-leaves-behind-a-world-in-chaos/,Young: Biden Admin Leaves Behind a World in Chaos,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,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.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor about the Biden Administration’s foreign policy legacy and outlined steps for reasserting global leadership in the years ahead.

Senator Young’s remarks as delivered are below:

If you conduct a quick survey of global events over the past four years, it’s impossible to argue that the world is more secure today than it was when the Biden Administration began.

Events began to spiral downward in the summer of 2021, when the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan.

The Biden Administration’s botched withdrawal cost the lives of 13 brave, patriotic American service members.

It left American citizens behind, and it left Afghans desperately clinging to the sides of aircraft departing Kabul.

We shouldn’t forget this.

It conveyed a message of American weakness to the world, a message that was heard loud and clear in places like Moscow, Tehran, and Beijing.

Just six months after the debacle in Afghanistan, Russian tanks rolled across the Ukrainian border. Vladimir Putin launched the largest conflict in Europe since World War II.

The United States has stood with the Ukrainian people rhetorically. We’ve provided some critical assistance to ensure that Ukraine did not lose against the Russian onslaught.

But it has not put the Ukrainians in a position to win.

The Biden Administration has too often slow walked deliveries of weapons, or they’ve imposed other restrictions on the Ukrainian forces.

This foot dragging, this obstructionism, this bureaucratic lethargy, this timidity, has undermined our ability to convincingly deter Putin’s ambitions or deter a broadening conflict.

So here we are today, the war drags on, with no strategy and defined end goal for American support of Ukraine.

Of course, the American people are understandably exasperated by this development.

Meanwhile, additional conflicts developed in other regions, as if that wasn’t enough.

Determined to revive the Iran nuclear deal, the Biden Administration repeated the mistakes of the Obama years. They loosened sanctions on the Iranian regime.

And the results predictably have been nothing short of disastrous.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas – the Iran-backed terror group controlling Gaza – carried out the worst attacks against the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

Iran-backed Hezbollah has attacked Israel from the north and forced the evacuation of Israeli civilians.

In recent months, President Biden has sadly undone much of the goodwill he initially created when he stood with Israel after October 7.

In the process, President Biden has caved to misguided or hostile voices from within his own administration who demand that Israel defend itself with one arm tied behind its back.

For four years, the Biden team has failed to formulate a strategy for restoring deterrence and stopping Iran’s campaign of terror and chaos, leaving our ally Israel and the entire Middle East less safe and rolling back the diplomatic progress of the Abraham Accords of the Trump years.

Across the Pacific, the Chinese Communist Party continues to build its military, threaten Taiwan, wage economic warfare against our businesses and our supply chains, pursue economic coercion against American partners and allies, and undermine security and stability in the broader Indo-Pacific.

Other than that, things are placid.

We saw this most visibly when China launched a surveillance balloon over North America last year. Traveled over the United States.

Here again, President Biden failed to provide answers to the American people about that situation or to restore deterrence so that the Chinese Communist Party understands it cannot spy on our schools, on our military bases, on our homes, on our farms, on the American people.

Today, our strategic competition with China continues on, as it must, with the CCP’s global power and influence largely unchecked over the past four years.

Whether it be in Afghanistan, the Middle East, or the Indo-Pacific, the world that President Biden is leaving behind – there is no two ways about it, let us not be mealy-mouthed – it is a world full of chaos.

A band of malevolent nations – China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, and others. That band is redrawing borders, threating neighbors, stealing intellectual property, sowing chaos, and threatening the global stability.

Unchecked, their aggression emboldens other foes of freedom and it triggers ever more destabilizing conflicts.

So what is to be done?

I know there’s a natural tendency to want to withdraw from the world.

To give up on our leadership responsibilities.

To give up even on what I would characterize as our own security interests.

And understandably, right now, there’s a natural impulse to withdraw, certainly, from our global leadership role. It all just seems so daunting right now – we have domestic problems of course.

But we cannot ignore the costs of such divestment – costs which are manifesting themselves at this very moment.

Abandoning our allies and partners will empower and embolden authoritarian powers such as China, Russia, Iran, and others around the world.

Leadership comes with a price, but it also comes with rewards, as we have learned throughout our history.

I look forward to working with President Trump and the many talented members of his incoming administration to reverse years of disastrous policies, to restore deterrence against tyrants everywhere.

We must be smart. We must be economizing in our global engagement, and I believe President Trump and the team he is building understand that.

We must continue to rebuild our defense industrial base across the country.

Restoring our military readiness — from artillery and submarines to semiconductors — is critical not to promoting war but to deterring conflict and furthering America’s global interests, many as they are.

And we must continue to persuade our allies to increase real investment in their own defense.

The American people can do a lot, but we can’t do it all.

Our partnerships with European and Indo-Pacific nations must remain firm.

But our allies also must also understand that we cannot bear the burden of defending the entire globe alone. We need to use our diplomatic leverage, maintain a strong military, and stand with our allies and partners.

A final piece is economic innovation here at home – something I’ve been working a lot on in my capacity as the U.S. Senator for Indiana. In a time of technological transformation, the United States cannot just be resilient, no, we must continue to lead.

All of these pieces are critical to American foreign policy as we move forward.

It is time to turn the page on the last four years.

Time to restore deterrence. And time get back to “peace through strength.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-cantwell-introduce-national-quantum-initiative-reauthorization-act/,"Young, Cantwell Introduce National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act",2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – To maintain and expand American leadership in the global race for quantum technology, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, which would authorize federal funding to accelerate quantum research and development at federal science agencies for the next five years.

“Quantum research and development is critical to our economic and national security. This legislation prioritizes advancements in quantum and will help address technological and workforce challenges in the quantum sector,” said Senator Young.

“Advancements in quantum science and technology are a game-changer. From healthcare breakthroughs to clean energy solutions, quantum applications in sensing, computing, and communications will reshape our future,” said Senator Cantwell. “The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act strengthens America’s competitive edge through critical R&D investments. By fostering public-private collaboration, we will accelerate quantum innovation, create high-skilled jobs, and pioneer discoveries that benefit generations to come.”

Federal investment in quantum technology is essential to address the “valley of death,” a phase where promising technologies often stall between research and commercialization. Federal funding supports early research in academia and national labs, training quantum engineers and researchers, and constructing vital infrastructure. Without robust federal support, innovations may fail to materialize, stalling potential breakthroughs critical for national security and economic competitiveness.

The legislation is supported by stakeholders across Indiana.

“Indiana University appreciates Senator Young’s leadership in introducing the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act,” said Indiana University President Pamela Whitten. “Senator Young’s bill will help advance our understanding of quantum science and open the door to innovative opportunities for IU students and faculty to engage in quantum-related R&D.”

“Thank you to Senators Cantwell and Young for their leadership in ensuring the United States maintains its strength in quantum science and technology areas. Notre Dame is especially appreciative, and supportive, of efforts to continue investments in workforce development, translational research and development activities, and technology maturation programs to sustain our competitive advantage in these crucial scientific and strategic areas. We are proud to partner with other academic partners in our state on collaborative efforts, such as the Center for Quantum Technologies, to contribute to the research and innovation ecosystem that helps our country capture the economic and scientific benefits of operational quantum systems,” said Dr. Jeff Rhoads, Vice President for Research at the University of Notre Dame.

“The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act provides the framework to accelerate groundbreaking research and development and train a national workforce to support national security priorities and contribute to U.S. competitiveness around the globe. The Purdue University faculty, the Purdue Quantum Science and Engineering Institute, and the Center for Quantum Technologies stand ready to support the goals of this important legislation, working with government and industry partners to advance quantum science and engineering and implement the findings into practical applications at scale. As a part of Purdue Computes and a pillar of Purdue’s research priorities, quantum research represents a major pathway toward securing tech-driven prosperity for America,” said Purdue University President Mung Chiang.

“This legislation is critical to the development and expansion of quantum technology, a global digital arms race the United States must win,” said Quantum Corridor CEO Thomas P. Dakich. “Leadership and investment from the federal government, along with innovation from the private sector, will position the U.S. as the world’s leader in this emerging industry.”

The bill would refocus the National Quantum Initiative from basic research to practical applications and expand it to include other federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), State Department, and Small Business Administration (SBA). This legislation would establish up to three new National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) quantum centers. It would create five new National Science Foundation (NSF) Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education, a quantum education and workforce hub and new quantum testbeds. This bill would also bolster NASA’s quantum satellite and quantum sensing work for earth science.

Quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems exponentially faster than existing computers. The technology could lead to breakthroughs in drug discovery, weather forecasting, financial and economic modeling, artificial intelligence, cryptography, and other innovations. Quantum sensing applications can provide more precise measurements critical for navigation and tracking, seismic monitoring, infrastructure monitoring, and geographical surveying.

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act:

Authorizes $2.7 billion for FY2025 – FY2029 for NIST, NSF and NASA quantum R&D.

Extends the program by five years from the original 2029 deadline to December 2034.

Shifts the focus of the National Quantum Initiative from basic research to developing practical quantum applications.

Establishes up to three new NIST quantum centers to advance research in quantum sensing, measurement and engineering.

Creates five new NSF Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education, a quantum workforce coordination hub and quantum testbeds at the NSF’s Technology, Innovations, and Partnerships Directorate.

Authorizes NASA quantum R&D activities, including quantum satellite communications and quantum sensing research initiatives.

Creates prize challenges to accelerate the development of quantum applications and algorithms through public-private collaboration.

Requires the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop an international quantum cooperation strategy to coordinate R&D activities with allies of the United States.

Adds the NIH, State Department and SBA to the National Quantum Initiative to expand interagency collaboration and expertise.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce to submit a plan to strengthen quantum supply chain resilience.

Requires each agency to develop metrics for monitoring and evaluating advancements in quantum information science and progress toward practical quantum applications and report to Congress.

Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on reducing red tape and paperwork burden related to private sector and academic participation in National Quantum Initiative activities and centers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-applauds-passage-of-bill-to-authorize-2026-world-cup-commemorative-coin/,Young Applauds Passage of Bill to Authorize 2026 World Cup Commemorative Coin,2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,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.), a co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, and Senator Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) applauded unanimous Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to authorize production of coins to commemorate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The bill was passed in the House earlier this year and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Under the bill, the coins will be minted at no additional cost to taxpayers, and the proceeds will support U.S.-based soccer programs, specifically for youth and underserved communities.

“As a co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus and an avid soccer fan, I am excited to welcome the FIFA Men’s World Cup back to the United States for the first time in over three decades. Our bill will preserve the legacy of the 2026 World Cup and support soccer programs across America,” said Senator Young.

“In two years, soccer fans from around the world will come to the United States, Canada, and Mexico to witness history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Californians are excited to host 14 matches in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and we welcome soccer fans everywhere to the Golden State,” said Senator Butler. “I am proud to co-lead the FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act with Senator Young to mark this momentous occasion and help grow ‘the beautiful game’ among our nation’s youth.”

U.S. Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL-16), Rick Larsen (D-WA-2), Don Bacon (R-NE-2), and Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), also co-chairs of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, sponsored the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

BACKGROUND:

Congress can authorize two commemorative coins to be produced by the U.S. Mint during each calendar year to celebrate major American events and raise money for important causes. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Commemorative Coin Act will authorize production of $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins to commemorate the event.

The 2026 World Cup is being planned and executed by FWC2026 US, Inc., a designated 501(c)4 not-for-profit. Proceeds from coins sales will be go to FWC2026 US, Inc. to help U.S.-based soccer programs and activities, including efforts to grow the sport of soccer throughout the United States, with a focus on youth, inner cities, and underserved communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-young-announces-nominees-for-united-states-service-academies-6/,Senator Young Announces Nominees for United States Service Academies,2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,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.) announced his nominations for U.S. service academy appointments. Applications were received from 140 high school students, and a select group was interviewed by an advisory board chosen by Senator Young. Out of 75 offered interviews, 47 exemplary young men and women from across Indiana received a nomination from Senator Young.

A nomination does not guarantee admission to a service academy, but is required in order to be considered. Nominees are chosen based on personal merit. Criteria considered include evidence of character, leadership, academic excellence, physical aptitude, and extracurricular activities.

“I had the privilege of recommending a talented group of Hoosiers for admission to the United States service academies this year,” said Senator Young. “These young men and women are highly qualified to serve our country, and I’m very proud of their hard work. I wish them the best of luck in their application process.”

Senator Young’s service academy nominees are listed below:

United States Air Force Academy

Cooper Burton

Wheeler High School

*Also nominated to the United States Naval Academy

Anna Daughtry

Wabash High School

Braedon Forward

Culver Academies

*Also nominated to the United States Naval Academy

Sara Hoeppner

Leo Jr/Sr High School

*Also nominated to the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy

Tucker Hutchinson

Triton Central High School

Evan Maxwell

Brownsburg High School

Rick Orr

Warsaw Community High School

Madalyn Richardson

Washington Township High School

*Also nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy

Dirk Rumfelt

Fairfield Jr/Sr High School

*Also nominated to the United States Naval Academy

Warner Sims

Pendleton Heights High School

Quinn Smith

Concordia Lutheran High School

*Also nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy

Vance Toth

Knightstown Community High School

Ryan Verkamp

Jasper High School

Andrei Wallstrom

Canterbury High School

Sean Windell

Heritage Hills High School

United States Military Academy

John Benson

Indianapolis (studying abroad)

David Callahan

William Henry Harrison High School

Leo Dillinger

Twin Lakes High School

*Also nominated to the United States Naval Academy

Cameron Echard

Westfield High School

Alexander Fan

Center Grove High School

Luke Herring

Southwood Jr/Sr High School

Gregory Hutcheson

Brownstown Central High School

*Also nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy

Bradley Kehler

Signature School

Anna Mauch

St. Theodore Guerin High School

Keirsten Nies

Pioneer Jr/Sr High School

Tait Owens

Decatur Central High School

Max Phenicie

Zionsville Community High School

Gavin Poteet

Roncalli High School

*Also nominated to the United States Naval Academy

John Roberts

Culver Academies

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Justyn Anciso

Roncalli High School

Ben Christner

Greenwood Community High School

Connor Day

Evansville Christian School

Samara Ducasse

Warren Central High School

Brayden Mercier

Chesterton High School

Jacob Moss

Rossville High School

Garrett Quick

Reitz Memorial High School

Robert Shaw

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Parker St. John

Roncalli High School

United States Naval Academy

Sebastian Harbeson

Eastern High School

Jessica Kang

Culver Academies

Kate Laherty

Culver Academies

Thomas Mariani

Cathedral High School

Jackson Nevil

Tipton High School

Santino Pape

Crown Point High School

Adam Peterson

Homeschooled

Nathaniel Temeles

Penn High School",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-joins-effort-to-uncover-total-federal-funding-awarded-to-abortion-providers/,Young Joins Effort to Uncover Total Federal Funding Awarded to Abortion Providers,2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,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.) recently joined a bipartisan, bicameral letter sent to the Government Accountability Office to investigate the amount of federal funding that has been awarded to abortion providers –

including the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the International Planned Parenthood Federation – over the past three years.

The letter was signed by a total of 112 members of Congress.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

We are writing to request updated information on federal funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Planned Parenthood Federation of America, International Planned Parenthood Federation, MSI Reproductive Choices, and four domestic abortion providers.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has prepared several congressionally requested reports on federal funds for these organizations. We are grateful for the past products and respectfully request that the GAO provide a similar report covering fiscal years 2022-2024. Proper oversight of public funds and programs is crucial for determining the value of the goods and services provided to and funded by American taxpayers. The information sought in this inquiry is instrumental for policymakers and the public alike. It is our hope that this report will provide greater insight as Congress considers funding levels and provides increased transparency and openness for our constituencies and the general public.

To this end, we respectfully request that the GAO identify the following for fiscal years 2022-2024:

Federally Qualified Health Centers:

Federal obligations, disbursements, and expenditures of federal funds by or to FQHCs in each fiscal year, 2022-2024. This data should include anomalies such as Paycheck Protection Program loans and loan forgiveness.

Data on the number of individuals served and the types of visits provided, including preventative services provided.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (including affiliates):

Federal obligations, disbursements, and the expenditures of federal funds by each of these organizations in each fiscal year, 2022-2024. This data should include anomalies such as Paycheck Protection Program loans and loan forgiveness.

The funding sources (such as block grants) for federal agencies (such as the Administration for Children and Families and any other agency or sub-agency that funds activities that Planned Parenthood may provide) and programs associated with these federal funds (including Medicaid and Title X).

How these funds were made available (such as by direct funding or pass-through funding).

Reported obligations, disbursements, and expenditures by program for the top 15 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) programs.

Reported obligations, disbursements, and expenditures by program from federal agencies other than HHS.

International Planned Parenthood Federation (including affiliates) and MSI Reproductive Choices, formerly Marie Stopes International (including affiliates):

Federal obligations, disbursements, and expenditures of federal funds by each of these organizations in each fiscal year, 2022-2024.

The funding sources for federal agencies (such as United States Agency for International Development, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, and any other agency or subagency that funds activities that the groups in question may provide) and any programs associated with these federal funds (such as funding provided by USAID missions).

How these funds were made available (such as by direct funding or pass-through funding).

Reported expenditures of federal funding from USAID by funding type.

For the following specified domestic abortion providers (including affiliates):

Federal obligations, disbursements, and expenditures of federal funds by each of these organizations for each fiscal year, 2022-2024.

The funding sources (such as block grants) for federal agencies (such as the Administration for Children & Families and any other agency or sub-agency that funds activities that Planned Parenthood may provide) and programs associated with these federal funds (including Medicaid and Title X).

How these funds were made available (such as by direct funding or pass-through funding).

The specified domestic abortion providers are FPA Women’s Health, American Women’s Services, All Women’s Health Center, Whole Women’s Health.

We sincerely hope that this report will be completed in a timely manner, and we request a projection of its expected completion. Thank you for your attention to this request.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-announces-2024-military-academy-nominations,Spartz Announces 2024 Military Academy Nominations,2024-11-22,2024,2024-11,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 the names of twenty high school seniors from Indiana’s Fifth District who have been nominated to attend the United States Military Academies. These prestigious academies offer exceptional young people the opportunity to serve our country while receiving a world-class education and full scholarships.

""It is a true honor to nominate these outstanding students,"" said Rep. Spartz. ""This year’s applicants represent the best and brightest of our district, and I have no doubt they will excel in their academic and military careers.""

US Air Force Academy:

Norah Brandenburg – Hamilton Southeastern High School

Cameron Echard – Westfield High School

Daniel Liu – Park Tudor School

Alex Munn – Westfield High School

Robert Shaw – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Warner Sims – Pendleton Heights High School

Jonathan Tangara – Fishers High School

Andrew Wolfe – Homeschooled, Metamora Township High School

US Naval Academy:

Norah Brandenburg – Hamilton Southeastern High School

Cameron Echard – Westfield High School

Daniel Liu – Park Tudor School

Alex Munn – Westfield High School

Jackson Nevil – The Citadel

Robert Shaw – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Braeden Strothkamp – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Jonathan Tangara – Fishers High School

Andrew Wolfe – Homeschooled, Metamora Township High School

US Military Academy at West Point:

Cameron Echard – Westfield High School

Evan Lawhead – Hamilton Southeastern High School

Anna Mauch – Theodore Guerin High School

Robert Shaw – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Jonathan Tangara – Fishers High School

US Merchant Marine Academy:

Brennan Baker – Hamilton Southeastern High School

Cameron Echard – Westfield High School

Robert Shaw – Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

Rep. Spartz added, ""These students are not only talented and driven but also embody the values of leadership and service that our nation holds dear. I am confident that each one will contribute greatly to the future of our armed forces.""",1,2026-06-27T20:01:11Z,2026-06-27T22:32:33Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1414,"Baird Supports VA Same-Day Scheduling, Votes for Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act",2024-11-19,2024,2024-11,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 after voting in favor of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. The legislation includes a provision to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a plan to ensure veterans who call the VA for a health care appointment are scheduled for an appointment before they hang up.

“As an Army combat veteran who served in the Vietnam War, I am no stranger to the roadblocks veterans face when attempting to receive timely attention and treatment,” said Rep. Baird. “The VA made a promise to deliver health care to our veterans when they return home from their service. Our service members should never be denied health care because of bureaucratic inefficiency, but that is the unfortunate reality our veterans face. I am encouraged to see that the spirit of my bill, the VA Same-Day Scheduling Act, was included in this package. My bill ensures that any veteran who makes a phone call to the VA requesting care can schedule their appointment during that phone call, and this package requires a plan to get there. Removing red tape and delivering timely care to veterans is one of my top priorities in Congress. I was proud to vote for this package and see it pass the U.S. House to ensure the VA finally delivers on its promise to provide quality health care for our brave men and women in uniform.”

###",1,2026-04-09T04:50:51Z,2026-06-27T22:32:33Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-gop-will-show-courage-or-go-hell,Spartz: GOP Will Show Courage or Go to Hell,2024-11-11,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Noblesville, IN – “Aristotle once said that courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others. The American people gave us another chance to restore our Republic, but it might be our last chance,” Spartz said. “If my party betrays the American people and does not show courage to stand up to the DC 'money machine' and address the looming fiscal calamity, we will not deserve another chance.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-urge-potus-to-fight-for-families-impacted-by-chinas-suspension-of-adoptions/,"Young, Colleagues Urge POTUS to Fight for Families Impacted by China’s Suspension of Adoptions",2024-11-04,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), U.S. Representative Erin Houchin (R-9-IN), and over 100 members of Congress urged President Biden to stand up for American families whose lives have been upended by the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) decision to end the vast majority of intercountry adoptions.

“We request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made,” the lawmakers wrote, noting approximately 300 children in the PRC – some with various health conditions – are already paired with families in the United States.

“The American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need,” they continued. “Many of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process.”

The letter also acknowledged that the PRC may complete adoptions for families in some countries, per a State Department notice in October. The members called on President Biden to ensure such an action would pertain to the United States, too.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-send-letter-opposing-palestinian-effort-to-suspend-israel-from-un-general-assembly/,"Young, Colleagues Send Letter Opposing Palestinian Effort to Suspend Israel from UN General Assembly",2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,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 Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Linda Thomas-Greenfield regarding Palestinian moves to suspend Israel from participation in the UN General Assembly. The letter outlined steps that would be taken in response, including limiting American funding and participation across the UN and comprehensively downgrading the U.S.-Palestinian relationship.

“Regarding the U.S.-UN relationship, America’s participation in international organizations is predicated on that participation advancing American national security interests. America’s global security architecture is at the core of those interests and Israel is America’s closest ally in the Middle East, a geopolitically critical region. The effort to diplomatically isolate Israel is aimed at ultimately destroying the Jewish state, which is both obscene and antithetical to American national security interests. If Israel is suspended from the UN General Assembly, we will move to limit American participation and funding across the UN, including UN Programmes, Funds, and Other Entities and Bodies, as well as its Specialized Agencies and Related Organizations, both those in which the PLO participates and generally,” the senators wrote.

“Regarding the U.S.-Palestinian relationship, it is grounded in and structured by agreements going back to the Oslo Accords. Those agreements committed the Palestinians not to internationalize their conflict with Israel outside the contours of bilateral negotiations, which the United States has traditionally mediated. The proposal by President Abbas to suspend Israel from the UN General Assembly would straightforwardly violate and fundamentally abrogate those commitments, in turn requiring a comprehensive reevaluation of the U.S.-Palestinian relationship. We would pursue such a reevaluation, which will minimally include downgrading cooperation with the PA, ending assistance to the West Bank and Gaza, terminating all Palestinian-related offices across the U.S. government including the Palestinian-facing consulate and the Office of Palestinian Affairs, and broadly curtailing diplomatic, economic, and security engagements between American and Palestinian officials,” the senators continued.

In addition to Senators Young and Cruz, Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.) Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) also signed the letter.

The full letter can be found here or below:

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield:

In the coming months, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) will formally move to suspend Israel from full participation in the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, according to statements made by Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas at the opening of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in September. We write to describe what the consequences of such an action are likely to be, especially for America’s relationships with the UN and the Palestinians, and to urge you to use all available resources to deter the PLO from taking that action.

Regarding the U.S.-UN relationship, America’s participation in international organizations is predicated on that participation advancing American national security interests. America’s global security architecture is at the core of those interests and Israel is America’s closest ally in the Middle East, a geopolitically critical region. The effort to diplomatically isolate Israel is aimed at ultimately destroying the Jewish state, which is both obscene and antithetical to American national security interests. If Israel is suspended from the UN General Assembly, we will move to limit American participation and funding across the UN, including UN Programmes, Funds, and Other Entities and Bodies, as well as its Specialized Agencies and Related Organizations, both those in which the PLO participates and generally.

Regarding the U.S.-Palestinian relationship, it is grounded in and structured by agreements going back to the Oslo Accords. Those agreements committed the Palestinians not to internationalize their conflict with Israel outside the contours of bilateral negotiations, which the United States has traditionally mediated. The proposal by President Abbas to suspend Israel from the UN General Assembly would straightforwardly violate and fundamentally abrogate those commitments, in turn requiring a comprehensive reevaluation of the U.S.-Palestinian relationship. We would pursue such a reevaluation, which will minimally include downgrading cooperation with the PA, ending assistance to the West Bank and Gaza, terminating all Palestinian-related offices across the U.S. government including the Palestinian-facing consulate and the Office of Palestinian Affairs, and broadly curtailing diplomatic, economic, and security engagements between American and Palestinian officials.

Additionally, the PLO and PA are both already subject to American antiterrorism sanctions, though those sanctions are vitiated by licenses and waivers, and are primarily limited to Americans’ ability to assist those groups. Should the PLO move to suspend Israel from the UN General Assembly, we will seek to ensure that those licenses and waivers are ended, and to expand American antiterrorism sanctions to include third parties. More specifically, in 1987 Congress determined “that the PLO and its affiliates are a terrorist organization and a threat to the interests of the United States, its allies, and to international law” (P.L. 100-204, 101 Stat. 1406), and Americans are in general prohibited from conducting transactions on their behalf or issuing diplomatic visas to PLO officials. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury has determined “pursuant to OFAC’s terrorism sanctions programs, U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with the Palestinian Authority unless authorized” as a result of elections held in 2006, in which Hamas was empowered to form the majority party within the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) and hold high-level offices within PA. OFAC has issued a series of general licenses authorizing a wide range of such transactions, and special licenses are routinely granted for provisioning visas to PLO officials. Beyond the termination of those licenses, we would seek to impose binding restrictions on the movement of Palestinian officials operating under diplomatic visas related to UN activities, to freeze transactions related to funds controlled by the PA and PLO when they come within U.S. jurisdiction including those related to the Palestine Investment Fund, to designate the PA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and to implement and enforce primary and secondary antiterrorism sanctions against individual PLO and PA officials.

As always, we stand ready to provide you and the Department with any resources you need to advance the national security interests of the United States.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-houchin-cosigns-letter-urging-farm-bill-reauthorization,Congresswoman Houchin Cosigns Letter Urging Farm Bill Reauthorization,2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN–09) has joined a letter to House Leadership supporting the full reauthorization of the Farm Bill by the end of the 118th Congress.

Farmers are currently operating under policies put in place in 2018. Six years later, these outdated policies restrict the growth of our nation’s agricultural community. Production expenses have increased by roughly 30% since 2018, while 2024 inflation-adjusted net cash farm income projections are the worst in 15 years. Many farmers cannot afford to wait another year for updated provisions to address the challenges they face, especially those growing major row crops.

In late May, the House Committee on Agriculture introduced the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, developed with input from farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders at listening sessions and town hall events across the country. The bill also included input from the entire Republican Conference and included over 2,600 priorities submitted to the committee by members of Congress.

In their letter supporting the reauthorization of a 5-year Farm Bill, the Members reaffirm their commitment to advancing a bill that meets the needs of production agriculture and rural America. Congresswoman Houchin is dedicated to finding a solution for American farmers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-joins-bipartisan-legislation-to-hold-georgian-officials-accountable-for-corruption-human-rights-abuses-and-anti-democratic-efforts/,"Young Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Hold Georgian Officials Accountable for Corruption, Human Rights Abuses, and Anti-Democratic Efforts",2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Ahead of Georgia’s parliamentary elections on October 26,U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) is cosponsoring the Georgian People’s Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho). The bipartisan bill would hold accountable Georgian government officials and individuals responsible for corruption, human rights abuses, and efforts to advance the foreign influence law or facilitate its passage.

“The United States stands with the Georgian people and their pursuit of a Euro-Atlantic future. The Georgian government’s recent efforts to align with Russia reject the desires of Georgians and pose a significant threat. Our bipartisan bill would hold Georgian government officials accountable for corruption and express our support for the transatlantic aspirations of the Georgian people,” said Senator Young.

“I’m pleased that a number of my Senate colleagues recognize the urgency of the situation in Georgia and have agreed to cosponsor the Georgian People’s Act in the U.S. Senate,” said Senator Shaheen. “Together, we’re sending a strong message that there is robust bipartisan support for our legislation and our posture towards Georgia and support for the Georgian people’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations will remain unchanged no matter which party controls Washington.”

“This bill sends a strong message from Congress that the U.S. is united behind the Georgian people as they pursue a future in the transatlantic community,” said Senator Risch. “We recognize the Georgian people’s desire for European integration and are committed to making U.S. policy that supports the opportunity for them achieve it.”

In addition to Young, U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Angus King (I-Maine), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), Ben Cardin (D-M.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) are also cosponsors of the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1412,Rep. Baird Applauds New International Service from Indianapolis International Airport,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,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 regarding the announcement that the Indianapolis International Airport will host a nonstop flight from Indianapolis to Dublin, Ireland. The flight is slated to run four times a week beginning on May 3, 2025.

“Ireland has been a friend and strong economic partner with the United States and the State of Indiana,” said Rep. Baird. “Opening this transatlantic route will strengthen our ties with Ireland and serves as a gateway to the rest of Europe, increasing opportunities for Hoosier businesses and travel abroad. This route is a huge win that will drive greater economic investment in our state and Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-demand-answers-from-sba-over-mishandling-of-disaster-resources/,"Young, Colleagues Demand Answers from SBA Over Mishandling of Disaster Resources",2024-10-21,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – After the Small Business Administration (SBA) claimed it ran out of funds for disaster relief, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and James Risch (R-Idaho), members of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, demanded answers over the agency’s mismanagement of disaster resources.

In the letter, the senators highlighted that the SBA failed to notify Congress of the need for supplemental funding ahead of time, as required by law. They also stressed how bureaucratic inefficiency was to blame for the SBA coming up short for Americans in need.

“Under existing law, the SBA already has several reporting requirements to provide Congress with sufficient notification and information before any shortfall occurs in its disaster account. Unfortunately, the SBA failed to comply, or only partially complied, with several of these provisions and is now, at the eleventh-hour, sounding alarm bells. We must consider whether SBA’s internal decisions were the catalyst for this unfortunate situation. For example, SBA currently has more than $550 million in its disaster administrative expenses account to pay for salaries, but did not request any reprogramming to their disaster loan fund,” the senators wrote.

“Further, during a disaster, on-the-ground staff and training is essential. Congress has long recognized the need for agencies to scale up and down during times of disaster. In light of this, the SBA has a statutorily authorized disaster cadre, which is not meant to fall below 1,000 employees,” the senators continued.

“Based on information recently provided by the SBA in response to questions as it sought supplemental funds, it appears that this cadre may have vanished, but no one was notified. This raises stark concerns about the SBA’s ability to provide for disaster victims during the immediate aftermath of these storms and its ability to inform Congress in accordance with the law,” the senators concluded.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-murphy-urge-president-biden-to-protect-undersea-cables-from-china-russia/,"Young, Murphy Urge President Biden to Protect Undersea Cables from China, Russia",2024-10-21,2024,2024-10,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 Murphy (D-Conn.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a letter to President Biden expressing concerns about the security of the global network of undersea communications and energy cables upon which American workers and businesses rely.

More than 95% of international internet traffic travels via these undersea cables, resulting in trillions of dollars in financial transactions each day. The locations of these cables are often openly published to prevent accidental damage.

As American companies look to expand and invest in this critical infrastructure, it is imperative that the United States has a complete understanding of existing vulnerabilities, especially those that impact our economic and national security.

“America’s adversaries have been developing their capabilities to attack or disrupt critical undersea infrastructure. There is a long tradition, dating back well over a century, of belligerents attacking their opponents’ underwater communications lines in the first phase of a conflict,” the senators wrote. “Given these threats and challenges, it is imperative that the United States undertake a review of existing vulnerabilities to global undersea cable infrastructure, including the threat of sabotage by Russia as well as the growing role of the People’s Republic of China in cable laying and repair. If we are truly to deepen vital commercial and security relationships with willing partners and allies, this must be a national priority.”

In addition to Senators Young and Murphy, Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) also signed the letter.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write to you to express our concern about the security of global undersea communications and energy cables, especially those that impact America’s economic and national security and that of our allies and partners. As you are well aware, more than 95% of international internet traffic travels via undersea cables, including trillions of dollars in financial transactions each day. Moreover, the exact locations of most of these cables are openly published in order to reduce the likelihood of accidental damage from ships’ anchors or fishing activities. Internet and telecommunications providers, including American firms, intend to invest billions of dollars in expanding the global network of undersea communications cables. Additionally, energy transmission cables are proliferating as governments look to new sources of electricity generation.

America’s adversaries have been developing their capabilities to attack or disrupt critical undersea infrastructure. There is a long tradition, dating back well over a century, of belligerents attacking their opponents’ underwater communications lines in the first phase of a conflict. For example, in both World Wars, Britain’s first naval actions were to cut the telegraph cables connecting Germany to the Americas, and in 1918 a German U-boat severed lines connecting New York to both Nova Scotia and Panama. In addition to this kind of overt, kinetic attack, the nature of undersea infrastructure increases the feasibility of gray zone actions with plausible deniability. It is difficult to distinguish between an accident and a deliberate action on the seabed, and more difficult still to confirm who conducted such an action. On top of this, because this infrastructure is privately owned by commercial enterprises, repairs are the responsibility of these private companies, which are likely not prepared to maintain them under wartime conditions and are likely to seek the most cost-effective repair and maintenance options—even if that option is owned or operated by a foreign adversary or strategic competitor.

Given these threats and challenges, it is imperative that the United States undertake a review of existing vulnerabilities to global undersea cable infrastructure, including the threat of sabotage by Russia as well as the growing role of the People’s Republic of China in cable laying and repair. If we are truly to deepen vital commercial and security relationships with willing partners and allies, this must be a national priority. We respectfully request that you provide responses to the following questions and direct senior administration officials to brief Members of Congress, including members of relevant committees of jurisdiction, on your plans and the resources and authorities needed to carry them out.

1) What is your Administration’s overall strategy to guarantee the security of America’s undersea infrastructure and to promote the security of that of our allies and partners?

2) The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 established the Cable Security Fleet (CSF). If authorized and sufficiently funded, what would be your assessment of the ideal size of the U.S.-flagged and -operated cable laying and repair vessel fleet to ensure sufficient cable repair capacity during a conflict or national emergency? How can the United States work with trusted allies and partners for additional capacity to support the expansion and repair of trusted undersea cable networks?

3) What is the Administration’s strategy to encourage other nations to choose trusted suppliers in their selection of undersea cable manufacturers, particularly in any nation of concern or which may be vulnerable to coercion or covert action by America’s adversaries?

4) How is the Administration working with the private sector to ensure that commercial enterprises’ investments in undersea cables align with U.S. national security priorities?

5) How do you intend to protect the physical security of undersea cables in the open ocean, including through any interpretation of customary international law?

6) How is the Administration working multilaterally to collectively enhance security and monitor potential threats to undersea infrastructure, including through NATO, the Quad, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity?

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. As Congress works to continue its oversight of national security, it is vital that we understand the current state of the information backbone of our economy and efforts to protect it.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-houchin-and-congressman-gottheimer-introduce-bipartisan,Congresswoman Houchin and Congressman Gottheimer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Financial Abuse,2024-10-14,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Recently, Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-9) and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) introduced the Task Force to End Financial Abuse Act, a bipartisan effort to address the growing issue of coerced debt and financial exploitation. The proposed task force aims to develop a comprehensive approach to combat financial abuse, protect victims, and prevent future incidents.

Coerced debt occurs when one individual in an abusive relationship accumulates debt in their partner's name without their knowledge or consent. This form of financial abuse can leave victims trapped with ruined credit, overwhelming debt, and limited financial options, even after escaping an abusive situation.

""Addressing coerced debt requires a coordinated effort that goes beyond just tackling financial exploitation; it touches on abuse, consumer protection, and the ability to live free from financial control,"" said Congresswoman Houchin. ""The Task Force to End Financial Abuse Act will provide a roadmap to better understand the scope of this problem and develop real solutions to help victims break free and rebuild their lives.""

“Far too many survivors are trapped in abusive relationships where their spouse or significant other has run up the bills on credit cards or auto loans – often without their knowledge. As a result, they face destroyed credit, substantial payment expectations, debt collection, and even, bankruptcy. Financial abuse is often the last chain that binds a survivor to their abuser. This new Interagency Task Force on Financial Abuse will bring together relevant federal agencies and external stakeholders to address this crisis head on,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “When we protect survivors from financial abuse, we don’t just restore their credit — we restore their freedom and their future.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-braun-resolution-establishing-national-4-h-week-passes-senate/,"Young, Braun Resolution Establishing National 4-H Week Passes Senate",2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The United States Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.) to establish October 7-12, 2024 as “National 4-H Week.”

4–H is the largest youth development organization in the United States, supporting nearly 6,000,000 young people nationwide. This resolution celebrates the important role 4-H plays in youth development.

“4-H offers incredible experiences and teaches real-world skills to our future ag leaders. I’m glad to support this resolution establishing National 4-H Week and recognizing the life-changing opportunities it offers to young Hoosiers,” said Senator Young.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-congress-abdicated-foreign-policy-responsibilities,Spartz: Congress Abdicated Foreign Policy Responsibilities,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Noblesville, IN – This weekend, Rep. Spartz returned from a nine-day congressional trip around the world with the House Democracy Partnership Commission, visiting key national security regions in the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Europe.

“The leadership of the United States is critical in these challenging times of instability around the world. Congress, representing the American people with the constitutional powers of the purse and war, must play a larger role as a policymaker and a check on the executive branch,” Spartz said. “As an immediate action, Congress needs to provide more proactive authority in dealing with terrorist groups like the Houthis, and work with our Middle Eastern allies to help Israel establish lasting peace in the region.""

Image

Image",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-stand-with-israel-condemn-iran-backed-hamas/,"Young, Colleagues Stand with Israel, Condemn Iran-backed Hamas",2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – One year after the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined with his Senate Republican colleagues in fully condemning Iran-backed Hamas for its actions, supporting the survival of Israel, and calling for the safe release of American hostages.

Click here to view the full resolution introduced by all Republicans in the United States Senate.

“Today marks the one year anniversary of the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. As our resolution makes clear, we condemn Hamas for its brutal terrorist attack on Israel, reject the age-old sickness of antisemitism, and demand the safe release of remaining hostages from the Gaza Strip. The United States stands with Israel and supports its right to defend itself,” said Senator Young.

As the resolution outlines, the entire Senate Republican Conference stands united in condemning Iran-backed Hamas’ use of rape as a weapon of war. The senators also reiterate Israel’s right to defend itself and the need to deny Hamas the ability to reconstitute in the region to ensure the horrific events of that day are never repeated. Finally, the resolution also opposes violent antisemitic protests.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/nfib-awards-senator-young-guardian-of-small-business-award-3/,NFIB Awards Senator Young Guardian of Small Business Award,2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,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) recently awarded U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) its 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 NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award is presented to Senators with a demonstrated record of supporting America’s small and independent business owners,” said NFIB President Brad Close. “This Congress, small businesses faced tough economic headwinds, especially from inflation, labor shortages, and tax pressures at all levels of the government. We are proud to recognize Senators from the 118th Congress who stood up for Main Street by taking pro-small business votes that would reduce taxes, eliminate burdensome government mandates, lower health insurance costs, and fuel the Main Street economy.”

NFIB’s Guardian of Small Business Award is awarded to 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 118th Congress earned the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award.

More information is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-leads-congressional-steel-caucus-testimony-itc-unfair-imports-rebar,Mrvan Leads Congressional Steel Caucus Testimony to ITC on Unfair Imports of Rebar,2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank Mrvan, Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, along with Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01), submitted testimony to the International Trade Commission (ITC) during their hearing on unfair imports of rebar from several countries.

The text of the testimony submitted to the ITC is below and a pdf is available here.

“We write today in strong support of affirmative finding in the ITC’s five-year sunset review of antidumping duties on unfairly traded imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar (“rebar”) from Belarus, China, Indonesia, Latvia, Moldova, Poland, and Ukraine.

“As Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, we represent workers and facilities manufacturing steel and rebar products, including the United Steelworkers and the U.S. manufacturers which filed the original petitions, and we believe these trade remedies are critical to the economic vitality of the U.S. steel industry and its workers.

“Rebar strengthens our nation’s buildings, roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure. The imposition of antidumping duties has ensured that steel producers have the certainty to make significant investments to expand our country’s rebar production capabilities and invest in our workers. We believe that the potential removal of these antidumping duties would unnecessarily threaten the industry at a crucial time for the U.S. infrastructure investments.

“A recent review by the Department of Commerce found that if the trade remedies were not continued, producers in these seven countries would resume dumping rebar into the United States at margins ranging from 17% to 233%. This domestic industry has been materially injured by several waves of unfairly traded imports in recent years, and it now faces growing global capacity that increasingly targets the U.S. market. We are concerned that these imports would depress U.S. prices, injure U.S. producers and have a devastating impact on the investments being made to enhance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.

“In Northwest Indiana, in Arkansas, and across the country, workers and their families rely on the domestic steel industry’s ability to compete on a level playing field. The full and strong enforcement of U.S. anti-dumping duty laws is needed to ensure true market competition for rebar products, which are critical to the success of our nation's economy.

“We thank the Commission for its serious consideration of the facts in today’s case, and for its dedication to upholding and enforcing our trade laws.”

The Congressional Steel Caucus is a bipartisan group of over 100 Members of Congress dedicated to supporting the health and strength of the American steel industry and its workforce.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-leads-congressional-steel-caucus-letter-administration-support-expanded,Mrvan Leads Congressional Steel Caucus Letter to Administration in Support of Expanded Steel Tariffs,2024-10-01,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Frank Mrvan, Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, along with Congressional Steel Caucus Chairman Rick Crawford (AR-01), sent a letter to the Administration expressing support for expanding the Section 232 Steel Tariffs to address a recent surge of certain steel imports.

Specifically, the letter to the Secretary of the Department of Commerce expresses concern over the recent surge of imports of fabricated structural steel and prestressed concrete strand products and supports the request made by the domestic steel industry to include such products under the Section 232 Steel Tariffs.

Vice Chairman Mrvan stated, “As the Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I believe that every action must be taken to ensure that the domestic steel industry and our hard-working members of the United Steelworkers are able to compete in our global economy. I am proud to have supported the Section 232 Steel Tariffs since day one, and believe we must continue to look for new ways to utilize this tool to hold foreign countries that cheat accountable and support the strength of the American steel industry.”

Chairman Crawford stated, “Thanks to the Section 232 Tariffs, American steel producers have been able to compete on a far more level playing field than ever before. Unfortunately, foreign entities have been sidestepping these tariffs by flooding the market with derivative steel products. We have an obligation to protect the American steel industry from these unfair practices.”

USW President David McCall stated, “Global overcapacity and unfair trade have for too long undercut our nation’s domestic steel industry, compromising our ability to meet our own national security needs. Now, as we’re making historic investments to rebuild our infrastructure, we must ensure we’re using high-quality domestic products. Our union commends Reps. Crawford and Mrvan for their tireless advocacy in preserving and expanding Section 232 measures so that we can strengthen our supply chains, maintain jobs and keep our communities safe.”

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

Dear Secretary Raimondo:

As Chairman and Vice Chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Steel Caucus, we write today to express our concerns regarding the recent surge of imports of fabricated structural steel (FSS) and prestressed concrete strand (PC Strand) products and our support for the request made by the domestic steel industry to include such products as derivative products covered under Section 232.

We recognize and appreciate the substantial role that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has already played in curbing unfair trade practices to ensure that American producers can compete on a level playing field. Your work in implementing Section 232 has been a lifeline for the American steel industry and its workforce. We are committed to working with the Administration to strengthen these measures to further combat government-supported overcapacity in global markets and circumvention of existing trade measures.

To that end, we urge Commerce to explore options to expand Section 232 protections for certain downstream products, particularly FSS and PC Strand. While Section 232 measures have been relatively effective at countering dumping practices on upstream products, the current lack of protections on downstream products has left a major loophole for bad actors to exploit. Since implementing Section 232 measures in 2018, FSS and PC Strand imports have surged. By 2023, FSS imports had expanded 84% by volume and 102% by value as compared to 2019. Likewise, PC strand has averaged a 14% import increase in the 5 years following Section 232 (2019-2023) compared to the five years prior (2014-2018). Additionally, in 2022 and 2023, the domestic steel industry capacity utilization rate decreased. This brought the U.S. steel industry further below the 80% threshold Commerce found as the critical point to protect national security and used as the main justification for implementing Section 232 measures. We cannot continue to allow foreign actors an avenue to erode our steel industry.

Unfortunately, workers have already borne some of the effects of import pressures from flooded markets, as a company in South Carolina recently shut down a wire rod line. We request swift action to prevent further losses caused by over-subsidized foreign steel in our markets.

Following the implementation of Section 232 measures, Commerce correctly identified surging imports of derivative steel products as a circumvention of the rule. We appreciate the government’s diligence across two administrations to implement and then defend in court an expansion of Section 232 to cover certain steel derivative products. Consistent with these previous actions, we believe FSS and PC Strand should be included with the other derivative products protected by Section 232, which includes steel nails, tacks, drawing pins, corrugated nails, and staples.

The circumvention methods used by foreign entities to avoid Section 232 tariffs are not sophisticated, but they have proven effective. A simple fix to the loophole they are exploiting by adding FSS and PC Strand to Section 232 will have an outsized impact on U.S. jobs, industry, and national security. Thank you for your consideration of our request and your department’s continuing hard work to protect American steel production.

Sincerely,

Rep. Eric A. ‘Rick’ Crawford - Chairman

Rep. Frank J. Mrvan - Vice Chairman

The Congressional Steel Caucus is a bipartisan group of over 100 Members of Congress dedicated to supporting the health and strength of the American steel industry and its workforce.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-support-domestic-processing-of-critical-minerals/,"Young, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Domestic Processing of Critical Minerals",2024-09-30,2024,2024-09,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 John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) introduced the bipartisan Critical Materials Future Act to establish a pilot program for the Department of Energy to support domestic critical mineral processing projects.

“Our reliance on global supply chains for critical materials poses a significant national security threat, especially as the Chinese Communist Party continues to manipulate this market,” said Senator Young. “Our bill will take innovative steps to identify opportunities for American leadership and investment in critical material projects, strengthening domestic supply chains and boosting our economic and global competitiveness.”

“China is rivaling American dominance by controlling the critical minerals market,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Boosting our domestic processing is how we’ll maintain American leadership in the world.”

The U.S. critical minerals list contains 50 minerals – including graphite, nickel, and cobalt – that are essential to our economy, infrastructure, and military capability. Critical minerals are used in smartphones, semiconductors, batteries, advanced defense equipment, and more.

China currently controls 90% of the global processing capacity for rare earth elements and over 80% of the processing for other critical minerals like cobalt, gallium, and graphite. Experts have become increasingly concerned with U.S. dependence on China for critical materials, arguing it poses a significant risk to national security. In August 2023, China announced export controls on gallium and germanium, critical minerals used in semiconductor manufacturing. In October 2023, China introduced export license requirements for graphite, essential for battery anodes. And in June 2023, a cobalt mine in Idaho was forced to shutter its operations before it opened and lay off hundreds of workers as China flooded the market with cheap cobalt.

Specifically, the Critical Materials Future Act grants the Secretary of Energy the authority to deploy innovative financial mechanisms, such as contracts for differences and advanced market commitments, to support critical material processing projects in the United States. The bill also requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of these financial tools on market dynamics and processing projects within the critical materials sector, and to provide recommendations for expanding their use to strengthen America’s processing capabilities.

In addition to Senators Young and Hickenlooper, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) also cosponsored the legislation.

The Critical Materials Future Act is supported by BPC Action, American Critical Minerals Association, and Employ America.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-durbin-applaud-congressional-passage-of-congenital-heart-futures-reauthorization-act/,"Young, Durbin Applaud Congressional Passage of Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act",2024-09-27,2024,2024-09,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 Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) applauded congressional passage of their Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act, which will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The legislation extends funding for public health efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve childhood survival rates, prevent premature death and disability, and increase quality of life for the two-and-a-half million Americans living with congenital heart disease (CHD).

The bipartisan legislation builds off of previous efforts by Senators Young and Durbin. In May, their Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act passed out of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) with a strong bipartisan vote of 19-2. On Monday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed companion legislation.

“Gaining a better understanding of congenital heart defects is critical to babies born with CHD and the millions of survivors living with this disease. I am encouraged by the progress in recent years, particularly for children with heart defects. Our bill will improve research and data collection to better increase the quality of care offered to those born with CHD. I’m pleased to see this important piece of legislation pass Congress and urge the President to sign it into law,” said Senator Young.

“Every 15 minutes in America, a baby is born with a heart defect. It is the most common and most fatal birth defect. My family knows this issue well. I can tell you personally there is no more hopeless feeling in the world than being told that your beautiful new baby has a serious medical complication—especially one that requires heart surgery,” said Senator Durbin. “Thankfully, we have seen an incredible improvement in screening and surgeries for children born with heart defects—saving thousands of lives and increasing survival into adulthood. With passage of our bill, we will improve research, data collection, awareness, and workforce training so we can establish a standard of care for the millions of Americans born with CHD.”

In 2018, Senators Young and Durbin led the effort to reauthorize CDC’s CHD program and expand its scope to gather epidemiological and longitudinal data on CHD patients across the lifespan, in order to improve health outcomes and reduce medical costs. Further, the 2018 reauthorization promoted awareness efforts, given that many adults living with CHD are unaware that they require specialized, long-term care, and fewer than 10 percent of adults living with complex CHD currently receive the recommended care.

The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act would reauthorize CDC’s surveillance systems to track the epidemiology of children born with CHD and conduct research; reauthorize CDC’s efforts to gather longitudinal patient data of CHD patients as they age, including information on demographic factors, health care utilization and disparities, and long-term outcomes for those with CHD; reauthorize CDC’s awareness-building activities to enhance education among the CHD patient and medical communities; and Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a workshop of subject matter experts to assess and report upon research gaps and workforce capacity for adult CHD patients.

The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act is supported by the American Heart Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Association, Conquering CHD, Adult Congenital Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, Society for Thoracic Surgeons, Children’s Heart Foundation, and Mended Little Hearts.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-announces-department-education-grant-calumet-college-st-joseph,Mrvan Announces Department of Education Grant for Calumet College of St. Joseph,2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,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 a federal grant award for Calumet College of St. Joseph under the Department of Education’s Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) program.

Calumet College of St. Joseph will receive $3 million over five years to implement Camino al Éxito: A GPS for Hispanic Student Success, a program that aims to expand opportunities for Hispanic and low-income students in graduate programs and connect students to postgraduate opportunities by coordinating preparation, enrollment, and support initiatives. According to the Department of Education, the PPOHA program provides grants to expand educational opportunities for and improve the academic attainment of Hispanic students.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “Congratulations to all the leaders of Calumet College of St. Joseph for successfully securing this vital federal funding to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students in our region. I look forward to building on this initiative to continue to ensure that everyone in Northwest Indiana has the opportunity to obtain the education that they seek in order to thrive in our regional economy.”

Dr. Amy McCormack, President of Calumet College of St. Joseph, stated, “Calumet College of St. Joseph has offered graduate programs for more than two decades, so it is with great enthusiasm that we are able to take our post-baccalaureate programs and services to the next level. With support from the Department of Education, we can offer additional services to ensure our graduate students get individualized support to succeed. We are also very excited to launch new programs and to pursue the feasibility of our first doctorate program. Expanding the reach of CCSJ and serving the region has never been more important.”

For more information on the PPOHA grant program, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-hassan-resolution-recognizing-120th-anniversary-of-big-brothers-big-sisters-passes-senate/,"Young, Hassan Resolution Recognizing 120th Anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters Passes Senate",2024-09-26,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution, led by U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), recognizing the 120th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS), one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations in the United States.

The resolution commends BBBS for its successful work mentoring young Americans and strengthening thousands of communities. The resolution also supports the continuation and expansion of BBBS programs.

“Years ago, I had the opportunity to be a mentor through a Big Brothers Big Sisters program. The experience helped me understand the incredible impact that connection can have on both the Big Brother and the Little Brother,” said Senator Young. “I’m glad to lead this resolution honoring the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and I am committed to ensuring more young people are able to benefit from its life-changing programs.”

“Big Brothers Big Sisters plays an important role in helping children in New Hampshire and across the country reach their full potential,” said Senator Hassan. “As the organization marks its 120th anniversary, I am grateful for the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters and all of its volunteer mentors who help our children thrive.”

“For 120 years, our evidence-based approach has demonstrated that positive mentorship in the lives of young people has changed lives and communities for the better,” said BBBS of America President and CEO Artis Stevens. “We thank Senators Young, Hassan and all of our co-sponsors for their leadership on this resolution which recognizes this milestone celebration and our impact on the youth we serve. We look forward to our continued work together with Congress to directly contribute to the empowerment of young people across the country.”

“We’re grateful for the leadership of Senators Young and Hassan in sponsoring this bipartisan resolution. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proud to serve thousands of young people and families thanks to thousands of volunteer mentors throughout the state of Indiana. Our program creates life-changing mentoring relationships that are good for kids, good for our economy, and good for society. We are honored by the support of our state’s Congressional delegation in recognizing the impact of 120 years of Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring relationships in our country,” said BBBS of Central Indiana CEO Darcey Palmer-Shultz.

“We’re grateful for the leadership of Senators Young and Hassan in sponsoring this bipartisan resolution honoring the 120th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are proud to serve thousands of young people and families throughout New Hampshire thanks to our dedicated, supportive volunteer mentors. Our multiple programs create life-changing mentoring relationships for youth that are a cost effective prevention solution to the emotional, social, physical, educational, and economic challenges that face all of our communities,” said BBBS of New Hampshire CEO Stacy Kramer.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-peters-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-modernize-federal-agency-data-management/,"Young, Peters Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Federal Agency Data Management",2024-09-25,2024,2024-09,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 bipartisan legislation to modernize federal agencies and ensure they have the proper data protections and governance in place to adopt and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. This legislation would extend the Chief Data Officers (CDO) Council and require the Council to examine the federal government’s data management practices to improve data quality, access, and transparency – and ultimately to enable better services and potential cost savings.

“I worked with former Speaker Paul Ryan to establish the Chief Data Officers (CDO) Council, via the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018, to better coordinate data sharing and best practices across the federal government,” said Senator Young. “Our bill builds on the Council’s existing efforts and makes AI readiness part of the Council’s purpose, while requiring the CDO Council and the OMB Director to report detailed recommendations on data policy changes. This bill will help the federal government operate more effectively and provide taxpayers with better service.”

“As the use of artificial intelligence continues to grow, federal agencies must have strong data practices and protections in place to better provide efficient and effective services to the American people,” said Senator Peters. “Extending the Chief Data Officers Council will ensure that the federal government is able to pursue best practices to manage and protect data, especially as agencies increasingly adopt AI and other technologies to improve government operations.”

Since it was established in 2018, the CDO Council has successfully released toolkits, reports, and pilot programs aimed at improving data sharing practices. It is currently set to expire in 2025. The bipartisan Modernizing Data Practices to Improve Government Act would extend the CDO Council for 7 years to help address new data management challenges raised by the adoption of technologies like AI. The bill would also require OMB to provide a report recommending ways to clarify and enhance the roles of Chief Data Officers across government, including identifying the resources and skills needed to support data governance and AI adoption at federal agencies. The legislation would also require the CDO Council to report to OMB and Congress on key data governance issues for agencies, including recommendations for best practices to ensure agency data is reliable, transparent, and high quality, as well as an assessment of data challenges preventing AI adoption across agencies. The CDO Council would also be required to provide recommendations for data ownership and retention policies to include in contracts for procuring AI, and guidance about how agencies should define and use synthetic data created by AI systems.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-introduces-bill-honor-officer-shahnavaz,Spartz Introduces Bill to Honor Officer Shahnavaz,2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Today, Representative Spartz introduced a bill to honor fallen Officer Shahnavaz of the Elwood Police Department, joined by all members of the Indiana delegation.

“Noah was a true hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation,"" Spartz said. ""We must always remember the fallen and carry on the torch of freedom.""

Before his service in law enforcement, Officer Shahnavaz was a sergeant in the United States Army, serving with the 591st Military Police Company and deploying to the Middle East during the Global War on Terror.

The legislation renames the post office at 119 North Anderson Street in Elwood, IN as the “Officer Noah Jacob Shahnavaz Post Office Building.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-applaud-congressional-passage-of-bipartisan-chips-permitting-reform-bill/,"Young, Colleagues Applaud Congressional Passage of Bipartisan Chips Permitting Reform Bill",2024-09-24,2024,2024-09,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 Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) applauded the passage of their Building Chips in America Act by the House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation will streamline federal permitting processes for microchip manufacturing projects while maintaining bedrock protections for clean air and clean water. The legislation now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

The Building Chips in America Act was first introduced by Senators Young and Kelly in July of 2023 and passed the Senate twice—first as part of the Senate NDAA and again as a standalone legislation.

“The CHIPS and Science Act included manufacturing incentives vital to increasing domestic chip production here in the U.S. and protecting our national security interests. As implementation continues, unnecessary regulatory burdens are threatening to slow down these critical investments in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and pause construction that has already begun,” said Senator Young. “Our bill will cut red tape and solidify our nation’s ability to successfully onshore chip production as quickly as possible. I’m pleased to see this important piece of legislation pass Congress and urge the President to sign it into law.”

“This is a major step forward for our economy and national security,” said Senator Kelly. “By preventing unnecessary delays in the construction of microchip manufacturing facilities, this bill will help maximize our efforts to bring this industry back to America, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and strengthening our supply chains. I’m grateful to my colleagues in both chambers for their bipartisan work to get this done, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

In addition to Senators Young and Kelly, the Building Chips in America Act is also supported by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1410,Rep. Baird’s Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act Passes U.S. House,2024-09-23,2024,2024-09,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’s (IN-04) Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Baird is the Republican lead on the bipartisan legislation, which was introduced by Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). The Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act modernizes math curricula to make it more applicable to real-world scenarios and improves science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in K-12 schools.

“As a PhD scientist, I know the impact STEM education has on American innovation, and we must ensure students have the mathematical problem-solving skills necessary to succeed,” said Rep. Baird. “I am grateful to work with Representative Houlahan on this important bill to update school curricula to better equip our students with the STEM education they need to tackle the challenges of our modern world. I am proud to see this bill pass the full U.S. House, and I hope to work with the Senate to get this legislation signed into law soon.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-houchin-introduces-perimtr-act-strengthen-security-national,Congresswoman Houchin Introduces the PERIMTR Act to Strengthen Security for National Leaders,2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Following the recent assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) has been actively working to address critical security concerns. Yesterday, she proudly introduced the Presidential Election Resource Investment for Major Threat Response (PERIMTR) Act.

The PERIMTR Act mandates that major Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates, as well as former Presidents, receive the same level of protection as the sitting President. This includes enhanced security protocols, agents, and equipment. The bill also includes a “pay for,” ensuring that it will not cost taxpayers any additional funds.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-introduce-substantive-legislation-to-outcompete-china/,"Young, Colleagues Introduce Substantive Legislation to Outcompete China",2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,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 Jim Risch (R-Idaho), both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the STRATEGIC Act 2024, legislation to set up the United States and its allies and partners for success in the strategic competition against China.

“The STRATEGIC Act comes at an important time as the Chinese Communist Party continues its efforts to undermine security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. This legislative package contains several critical initiatives to counter the CCP, strengthen American supply chains, and bolster American support for Taiwan,” said Senator Young. “It includes my proposal to provide help to our foreign partners on an expedited basis when they are targeted economically for standing up to authoritarian regimes. By supporting our partners under threat of coercion, we protect America’s own national security interests.”

“Despite the significant threat China poses to the United States, the U.S. Congress has failed to enact legislation in a number of crucial areas that would set up the United States, its allies, and partners for success,” said Senator Risch. “This legislation takes strong positions to safeguard U.S. and allied interests and provides actionable provisions that will help us in our strategic competition with China. We cannot wait for more reports and studies – it is time to start implementing policies.”

The STRATEGIC Act:

Reforms the Foreign Agents Registration Act by removing commercial and Lobbying and Disclosure Act exemptions for foreign adversaries and giving the Department of Justice authorities to issue civil investigative demands.

Counters malign Chinese Communist Party influence by enhancing think tank transparency, prohibiting certain gifts and contracts with strings attached to U.S. universities, improving research security, and exposing China’s harassment and abuse of U.S. diplomats.

Authorizes strategic infrastructure initiatives focused on digital, transport, and energy sectors, strengthens supply chain security, and lowers trade barriers in partner countries.

Addresses predatory Chinese economic practices through anti-trust reform, a new initiative to counter economic coercion, and prohibition of World Bank contracts for Chinese companies. It also expands CFIUS to cover agricultural investments with national security risks.

Strengthens international security by countering proliferation of Chinese unmanned aerial systems in the Middle East and modifying the Missile Technology Control Regime to increase AUKUS cooperation.

Strengthens U.S. support for Taiwan and partner countries facing threats from China, and establishes a State/Treasury “Tiger Team” to start identifying targets for sanctions, export controls, other economic measures well before China takes military action.

Protects U.S. interests in international organizations and support for human rights.

Increases oversight of U.S. government funding for biological research with China.

In addition to Senators Young and Risch, Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) also introduced the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-praises-senate-passage-of-end-tuberculosis-now-act/,Young Praises Senate Passage of End Tuberculosis Now Act,2024-09-20,2024,2024-09,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the United States Senate unanimously passed the End Tuberculosis Now Act, legislation introduced by Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) to make the elimination of tuberculosis (TB) a foreign assistance priority for the United States. By improving U.S. and international coordination and prioritization of research and diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, the bipartisan legislation would advance and modernize U.S. engagement in the global fight to end TB worldwide by 2035.

“Tuberculosis is a preventable, treatable, and curable disease. More than 25 years after it was declared a public health emergency, TB still remains one of the deadliest infectious health threats and often goes undiagnosed in many countries. Senate passage of this legislation is the first step in demonstrating U.S. leadership to find and treat TB, reduce the stigma, and better target this curable disease. I urge my colleagues in the House to take up this important bill as soon as possible,” said Senator Young.

Senator Young first introduced the End Tuberculosis Now Act in 2019, and reintroduced the bill in 2021 and 2023. In addition to mandating that the U.S. update its strategies to address tuberculosis with innovative diagnostics, therapies and vaccines, and to better align with the World Health Organization End TB Strategy, the legislation calls for more robust coordination with the Stop TB Partnership and the Global Fund, and other U.S. agencies providing bilateral tuberculosis assistance. The legislation also requires annual reports to Congress about tuberculosis-related foreign assistance and the development of new technologies, in addition to regular evaluations by the Government Accountability Office.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-carson-jayapal-schakowsky-introduce-unrwa-funding-bill,"Reps. Carson, Jayapal, Schakowsky Introduce UNRWA Funding Bill",2024-09-19,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC—Representative André Carson (IN-07) has introduced H.R. 9649, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09). This bill will end the congressionally and administratively mandated pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA).

The United States has historically been one of the largest financial supporters of UNRWA, which serves nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In March of this year, the U.S. paused UNRWA funding after the Israeli government alleged that 12 agency employees had direct involvement in Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack.

Following the UN’s investigation and proactive commitments made by UNRWA toward complete accountability and reform, all countries except the U.S. have resumed their UNRWA funding, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden. Approximately 1.9 million people – 9 in 10 Gazans – have been displaced at least once, and an estimated 43,580 are pregnant women. UNRWA has served as the primary humanitarian aid organization operating in Gaza, and without funding, hundreds of thousands of Gaza civilians are left vulnerable. It is estimated that over 1 million Gazans will not have enough food this month, and availability of basic hygiene items has dropped to 15%. In addition to a polio outbreak, Gazans are suffering from malnutrition and treatable diseases due to “systematic dismantling of healthcare”from bombardments on civilians.

“The scale of this devastating, man-made crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated,” said Congressman Carson. “Providing humanitarian aid to a starving nation – with funding Congress has appropriated year after year – should not be controversial. I urge my colleagues who care about basic human rights, the rights of pregnant women, and the wellbeing of innocent children to join our bill. UNRWA has taken appropriate and proactive steps towards accountability and transparency, conducting multiple independent reviews that continue to prove the organization is both in compliance and imperative to provide the region with lifesaving assistance. It’s past time we restore funding and save lives.”

“UNRWA has played a unique and integral role in supporting the welfare of Palestinian refugees for decades. Their on-the-ground understanding is invaluable to ensure that humanitarian aid makes it to the people who need it most — in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and critically in this moment in Gaza,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “There is no question in my mind that revoking funding for UNRWA will lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza. We must ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives are not undermined by a lack of US funding.”

“For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been a lifeline for Palestinians, providing food, clean water, healthcare, shelter, education, and livelihoods. Today, UNRWA remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza as it endures ongoing war and a dire humanitarian crisis. UNRWA and the United Nations have taken swift and decisive actions to address the concerns raised by the U.S. government when it paused funding in January and our allies have all resumed funding for UNRWA. The U.S. must follow suit and resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency,"" said Congresswoman Schakowsky. ""I am proud to co-lead the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act to restore funding to UNRWA and help Gazans get the humanitarian assistance they need at a time of unprecedented crisis.""

“J Street is proud to be supporting the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 introduced by Representatives Carson, Jayapal, and Schakowsky. We should restore funding, as all our major allies have, and stop playing politics with Palestinian welfare and Israel’s security,” said J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami. “As UNRWA’s largest donor and Israel’s key security guarantor, the United States has a special obligation to address this crisis.”

""Gaza isn't starving. It's being starved,"" said Hassan El-Tayyab, legislative director for Middle East policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. ""Over two million Palestinian civilians are enduring a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, with famine and disease spreading due to blocked aid access. Meanwhile, the Biden administration and Congress continue to withhold all U.S. funding for the largest aid operation in Gaza—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA is the backbone of aid delivery in Gaza, ensuring that millions receive desperately needed assistance. Blocking U.S. funding for UNRWA’s critical work is a cruel and unjustified decision that only deepens Gaza’s humanitarian suffering. Congress and the Administration must act swiftly to correct this wrong by supporting the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act and restoring this urgently needed aid.""

""Restoring funding to UNRWA is a humanitarian imperative,"" said Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). “For over six decades, the United States has been one of the strongest supporters of UNRWA, which provides lifesaving aid and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Those services are desperately needed in Gaza right now, and UNRWA is the only organization with the capacity and expertise necessary to provide them at scale. The United States must uphold its commitment to the human rights of the Palestinian people and pass this legislation to reinstate funding to the humanitarian agency immediately. Failing to do so would lead to further human suffering.”

""In restoring funding for food, water, shelter, and medical care for Palestine refugees, the UNRWA Restoration Act honors this most basic and inalienable truth — that the people of Palestine are human beings, just like all of us, and all lives are sacred, not just some,"" said Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director UNRWA USA.

""UNRWA is indispensable to providing Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria with the education, healthcare, and other critical services that are key to successful, productive livelihoods and citizenry, and a future of peace and prosperity, which should be in everyone's interests. We support full restoration of funding to UNRWA,” said Sean Carroll, President and CEO of Anera.

“We express our gratitude to Representatives André Carson, Pramila Jayapal, and Jan Schakowsky for introducing the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024,” said James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute. “This lifesaving legislation aims to restore critical U.S. financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) by repealing previous funding restrictions and encouraging the Secretary of State to lift the temporary pause on federal funding. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The ongoing genocide in Gaza has resulted in increased displacement, starvation, and death. It is both inhumane and unconscionable to continue withholding financial support from UNRWA. We recognize that the majority of Americans are horrified by the death and destruction they witness daily in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA's humanitarian aid and services often mean the difference between life and death for these vulnerable populations. Restoring U.S. funding to UNRWA is urgent, just, and the only morally responsible option. We urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this crucial legislation and ensure that UNRWA can continue to provide life-saving assistance to Palestinian refugees in the region.”

The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 has been endorsed by the following organizations as of 9/19/24:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-house-members-introduce-resolution-designating-sept-16-20-medical-research,U.S. House Members Introduce Resolution Designating Sept. 16-20 as Medical Research Week,2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today Representatives Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) recognized the unique contributions of medical research to improve the lives of patients, families, and communities nationwide by introducing a resolution in the House of Representatives declaring Sept. 16-20 as Medical Research Week.

Medical research, much of which is conducted at academic medical centers nationwide, has led to breakthrough discoveries that improve the health and well-being of patients and communities while also promoting global competitiveness in science, boosting job creation, preparing the next generation of scientists, and strengthening economic growth.

Through the support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), medical research serves a vital and unique role in the U.S. research enterprise. This work leads to cutting-edge preventative strategies and improved and emerging treatments and cures for diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, sickle cell anemia, obesity, the mental health and opioid epidemics, and emerging threats like yet unknown infectious diseases.

“Investing in the NIH today pays a lifetime of dividends in saving lives, promoting better health, and improving the quality of life for all Americans,” said AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD. “The nation’s medical schools, academic health systems, and teaching hospitals conduct approximately 60% of all NIH extramural research and are proud to pioneer many critical advances that bring the promise of better health to patients, families, and communities nationwide.”

“Now, more than ever, it’s important to ensure strong funding growth for NIH so that today’s discoveries can culminate in major breakthroughs in medical research,” said AAMC Chief Scientific Officer Elena Fuentes-Afflick, MD, MPH.

As noted in the resolution, NIH funding ripples far beyond its headquarters into every state, drives demand for medical supplies and research equipment, and boosts local and regional economies to benefit manufacturers and suppliers across the country and into many U.S. territories, generating nearly $93 billion in new economic activity and supports approximately 412,000 jobs across the U.S in FY 2023 alone.

“Medical research has shaped breakthroughs in science that change lives,” said Rep. André Carson. “The cure for diseases like cancer and diabetes could be possible in our lifetimes, as long as we continue to invest in this important work. I am proud to have led bipartisan efforts over several years to fully fund the National Institutes of Health, expand pancreatic cancer research at the U.S. Department of Defense, and fully fund veteran medical and prosthetic research. We also need to collect more data on how minorities are disproportionately impacted by certain health issues and widen clinical trials to include those left out. I am proud to introduce this resolution highlighting Medical Research Week and will continue to work across the aisle on lifesaving legislation.”

“Innovation in health care starts with the groundbreaking medical research that leads to life-changing treatments and cures,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty. “As we celebrate Medical Research Week, we honor the scientists and institutions whose work not only saves lives but also drives our economy and keeps our nation at the forefront of global health innovation. As a stroke survivor, I’ve experienced firsthand the critical importance of these advancements. That’s why I continue to advocate for billions in federal funding to the NIH to reduce the incidence of heart disease, stroke, and other threats to the health and vitality of all Americans. The future of medicine depends on what we invest in today, and I’ll keep fighting for that funding.”

“Medical Research Week is an opportunity to celebrate the innovations and efforts of so many scientists who have created the treatments, cures, and diagnostics that tackle terrible conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s, kidney failure, and the opioid epidemic. This inspirational work and the strong federal investments that power it make the United States the global driver of medical research and development,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene. “Medical Research Week is also an opportunity to recommit ourselves to building on this progress by not only defending but expanding funding for our government’s lead health research agency – the National Institutes of Health – so we can continue to develop the cures of tomorrow.”

“Medical research is the foundation of progress: saving lives, driving economic growth, and ensuring our leadership on the world stage. By celebrating Medical Research Week, we are not merely recognizing past breakthroughs but committing to a future where innovation propels our communities forward. I am dedicated to fighting for the vital funding that fuels progress and gives researchers the tools to discover groundbreaking cures and tackle the most devastating diseases. Together, through continued innovation, we will forge a healthier, stronger future for generations to come,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.

“It is by no accident that America leads the world in medical innovation. America’s free enterprise system alongside strong federal support of medical research has led to new cures, treatments, and hope for tomorrow that more therapies are on the horizon. I am proud that Pennsylvania institutions and companies play leading roles in developing these new technologies and am glad to join my colleagues in introducing a resolution to recognize Medical Research Week,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker.

During Medical Research Week, the AAMC – along with its member medical schools, academic health systems, research institutions, and collaborators – are celebrating the achievements in medical research and breakthrough innovations on social media using the hashtag #StartsInAcademicMedicine to highlight the immeasurable impact of research on patients and communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-write-to-vice-president-harris-about-mismanagement-of-broadband-initiatives/,"Young, Colleagues Write to Vice President Harris about Mismanagement of Broadband Initiatives",2024-09-18,2024,2024-09,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.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and a group of Republican senators sent a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris regarding mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives. In 2021, President Biden tasked the Vice President with leading the Administration’s effort to expand broadband services to rural, unserved communities. The $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has yet to connect a single person to the internet.

“Instead of focusing on delivering broadband services to unserved areas, your administration has used the BEAD program to add partisan, extralegal requirements that were never envisioned by Congress and have obstructed broadband deployment,” wrote the senators. “By imposing burdensome climate change mandates on infrastructure projects, prioritizing government-owned networks over private investment, mandating the use of unionized labor in states, and seeking to regulate broadband rates, your administration has caused unnecessary delays leaving millions of Americans unconnected.”

The letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Vice President Harris:

We are writing to express serious concerns regarding your role as the Biden-Harris administration’s “broadband czar” and the mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives under your leadership. It appears that your performance as “broadband czar” has mirrored your performance as “border czar,” marked by poor management and a lack of effectiveness despite significant federal broadband investments and your promises to deliver broadband to rural areas.

As you are aware, Congress, through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provided the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with $42.45 billion for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These funds are intended to provide broadband access to unserved communities, particularly those in rural areas.

In 2021, you were specifically tasked by President Biden to lead the administration’s efforts to expand broadband services to unserved Americans. And at the time, you stated, “we can bring broadband to rural America today.” Despite your assurances over three years ago, rural and unserved communities continue to wait for the connectivity they were promised. Under your leadership, not a single person has been connected to the internet using the $42.45 billion allocated for the BEAD program. Indeed, Politico recently reported on “the messy, delayed rollout of” this program.

Instead of focusing on delivering broadband services to unserved areas, your administration has used the BEAD program to add partisan, extralegal requirements that were never envisioned by Congress and have obstructed broadband deployment. By imposing burdensome climate change mandates on infrastructure projects, prioritizing government-owned networks over private investment, mandating the use of unionized labor in states, and seeking to regulate broadband rates, your administration has caused unnecessary delays leaving millions of Americans unconnected.

The administration’s lack of focus on truly connecting the unconnected has failed the American people and represents a gross misuse of limited taxpayer dollars. The American public deserves better.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-commerce-republicans-introduce-bill-to-protect-american-energy/,"Young, Commerce Republicans Introduce Bill to Protect American Energy",2024-09-17,2024,2024-09,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.) joined with fellow Senate Commerce Committee Republicans in introducing the Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act to protect American energy from attacks or the threat of attacks. The legislation would deter domestic eco-terrorists from targeting pipelines that transport oil and gas in the U.S. by expanding the current criminal penalties to cover vandalism, tampering with, or disrupting the operations or construction of a pipeline.

“About ninety percent of America’s transportation sector is reliant on oil, and pipeline disruptions pose a major threat to America’s energy security,” said Senator Young. “Our legislation takes much-needed steps to better protect our critical infrastructure and deter attacks on America’s pipelines.”

Current federal law allows for criminal charges against individuals who damage or destroy operating pipelines. However, the law does not clearly apply these penalties to those who vandalize, tamper with, or disrupt the operation or construction of a pipeline. The Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act would correct that oversight.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-announces-ss4a-grants-crown-point-merrillville-portage-and-valparaiso,"Mrvan Announces SS4A Grants for Crown Point, Merrillville, Portage, and Valparaiso",2024-09-12,2024,2024-09,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 federal grant awards for Crown Point, Merrillville, Portage, and Valparaiso under the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant program.

According to the DOT, the SS4A Grant program aims to improve roadway safety by supporting communities in developing plans to implement infrastructure projects designed to reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries.

Crown Point will receive $280,000, Merrillville will receive $280,000, Portage will receive $280,000, and Valparaiso will receive $200,000 to develop comprehensive safety action plans that aim to eliminate roadway fatalities.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “Congratulations to all the leaders of Crown Point, Merrillville, Portage, and Valparaiso on this successful initiative to improve public safety across Northwest Indiana. When we invest in our transportation infrastructure to make it safer for pedestrians, drivers, and commuters, we attract new economic activity, businesses, and opportunities to our region.”

Crown Point Economic Development Director Greg Falkowski stated, “The City of Crown Point is eager to begin the first stages of developing our safety action plan for the residents and visitors who travel our roads. Over the next decade, we hope to see zero fatalities on our streets thanks to the resources provided through SS4A funding. Thank you to Congressman Mrvan and his office for the continued support as we look to make Crown Point a safer place to travel.”

Merrillville Town Manager Michael Griffin stated, ""The Town of Merrillville thanks U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan for his efforts to help secure the $280,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All grant. This funding will be instrumental in developing a comprehensive safety action plan aimed at making The Heart of the Region an even safer place. Mrvan’s dedication to the safety and well-being of Merrillville’s residents is truly commendable, and we look forward to the positive impact this will have on our community.""

Portage Mayor Austin Bonta stated, ""The Safe Streets for All Grant Program is an incredible opportunity for us to tackle the dangers posed by vehicular traffic, ultimately saving lives and preventing injuries in the future. The City of Portage is thrilled to have been given access to this powerful tool to enhance the safety of walkers, cyclists, and drivers making their way around our growing city.""

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas stated, “Public safety is a top priority in Valparaiso and we see roadway safety as one more way to enhance the quality of life for our residents and visitors. We are grateful for this grant which supplements a record paving year for the City of Valparaiso.”

The SS4A Grant program was created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congressman Mrvan supported and was signed into law during the 117th Congress. Previously, Rep. Mrvan announced SS4A Grant awards for East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, and Burns Harbor.

For additional information on the Department of Transportation’s SS4A Grant program, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-bipartisan-group-push-education-department-to-help-ensure-schools-can-properly-meet-new-transparency-rules/,"Young, Bipartisan Group Push Education Department to Help Ensure Schools Can Properly Meet New Transparency Rules",2024-09-11,2024,2024-09,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.) joined a bipartisan group of senators in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) in support of delaying the institutional reporting deadline for the new Gainful Employment (GE) and Financial Value Transparency (FVT) regulations to July 2025.

The request comes as ED works through significant challenges in rolling out the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which have temporarily created additional demands for higher education institutions. Ensuring that schools are able to properly meet the GE and FVT rules’ reporting requirements will help prospective students and their families receive accurate information about the costs and risks associated with specific programs.

“On March 29, 2024, the Department announced a two-month extension of the reporting deadline to October 1, 2024,” the senators wrote. “Although this delay was welcomed by stakeholders in the higher education community, it still does not provide institutions – particularly financial aid offices – with sufficient time to comply with an entirely new reporting framework while also working to process financial aid that is critical to ensuring students have the resources they need to enroll in the fall semester.”

“While schools are making every effort to adhere to the reporting deadline while also processing financial aid for the fall semester, they have been left with very minimal time. Institutions take any reporting obligation seriously, and work to submit accurate data to the Department when a reporting requirement is in effect, especially a new one that will be used to inform publicly-available consumer information. While the new GE/FVT requirements are no exception, it is going to be very difficult, if not impossible, for schools to submit high-quality data by the October 1 deadline given the tight timeline and additional issues financial aid offices are facing. What’s more, schools can only report accurately if their student information systems (SIS) providers, who have also been impacted by reacting to the 2024-25 FAFSA issues, are prepared with the functionality needed to generate required reports. Some SIS providers are not yet ready for GE/FVT reporting, or won’t be ready until very close to the October 1 deadline, adding another hurdle for institutions to meet their reporting obligation,” the senators continued.

In addition to Senator Young, Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joe Manchin (I-W. Va.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) also signed the letter.

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Cardona:

In light of continued issues with the rollout of the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we write to you to request that the Department of Education (ED) delay the institutional reporting deadline for the new Gainful Employment (GE) and Financial Value Transparency (FVT) regulations to July 2025.

On March 29, 2024, the Department announced a two-month extension of the reporting deadline to October 1, 2024. Although this delay was welcomed by stakeholders in the higher education community, it still does not provide institutions – particularly financial aid offices – with sufficient time to comply with an entirely new reporting framework while also working to process financial aid that is critical to ensuring students have the resources they need to enroll in the fall semester.

Since the extension to October 1, the 2024-25 FAFSA rollout has continued to experience significant challenges that have greatly impacted students and postsecondary institutions. Typically, financial aid administrators receive Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs), which include FAFSA applicant information and are necessary to begin providing students with financial aid offers, shortly after the FAFSA becomes available in October. However, this year, aid administrators did not begin receiving ISIRs until the first half of March, and the Department did not clear its backlog of the final ISIRs until March 29 – the same day it announced the two-month GE/FVT reporting delay. Additionally, once ISIRs began to flow to schools, a number of formula errors were identified that required reprocessing of millions of records, which took place between April and June, further delaying financial aid offices working to provide students with financial aid offers.

The ability for institutions to make corrections to student FAFSAs, a pillar of the aid application and processing cycle, has presented additional challenges this year. Manual corrections launched in early July, rather than at the same time the FAFSA became available as in previous years. Most recently, the Department announced that the batch corrections functionality, which schools rely on to submit corrections quickly and efficiently, will not be available at all for the 2024-25 aid cycle. Based on earlier announcements by ED, financial aid offices expected batch corrections to become available by early August, already 10 months behind schedule. Without the functionality, aid administrators will need to manually submit corrections for each individual student, a time-consuming process that only adds to their workload during an already compressed timeframe.

Unfortunately, ED’s delays and errors throughout the 2024-25 FAFSA cycle have resulted in a situation where many students are still waiting for clarity surrounding financial aid for the fall semester. To this day, financial aid offices across the country, at no fault of their own, are still working to resolve outstanding issues, assemble financial aid packages, and disburse aid to ensure students do not experience enrollment disruptions. During this time, institutions need to devote every available resource to processing financial aid and assisting students in preparing for the upcoming semester, rather than implementing an entirely new reporting framework by October 1.

Beyond the need to devote time and resources towards processing financial aid for the fall semester, there are additional practical constraints that will make it extremely challenging for institutions to complete high-quality reporting. The Department estimates that institutions will take 400 hours to report the GE/FVT data by October 1. The Department did not finalize the reporting requirements or publish a complete GE/FVT user guide to help schools prepare until July. ED also did not make the GE completers lists, which many schools use to test and implement their reporting process, available until early August, despite previously stating that these lists would be made available in mid- to late- July. With completers lists not becoming available until early August, schools will have less than two months between the time they received everything they needed to test and complete the reporting process and the October 1 deadline.

While schools are making every effort to adhere to the reporting deadline while also processing financial aid for the fall semester, they have been left with very minimal time. Institutions take any reporting obligation seriously, and work to submit accurate data to the Department when a reporting requirement is in effect, especially a new one that will be used to inform publicly-available consumer information. While the new GE/FVT requirements are no exception, it is going to be very difficult, if not impossible, for schools to submit high-quality data by the October 1 deadline given the tight timeline and additional issues financial aid offices are facing. What’s more, schools can only report accurately if their student information systems (SIS) providers, who have also been impacted by reacting to the 2024-25 FAFSA issues, are prepared with the functionality needed to generate required reports. Some SIS providers are not yet ready for GE/FVT reporting, or won’t be ready until very close to the October 1 deadline, adding another hurdle for institutions to meet their reporting obligation.

Based on the final rule, the GE/FVT regulations will not be fully implemented until July 1, 2026. Extending the reporting deadline to July 2025 will still give the Department a full year to implement their part of the rule. While the Department has expressed its intent to publish some GE/FVT data in early 2025[1], adhering to this timeline will come at the expense of students across the country, who continue to be impacted by the delays and errors associated with the 2024-25 FAFSA, by diverting time and resources that financial aid offices would otherwise spend supporting students.

We respectfully request that the Department delay the GE/FVT reporting requirements to July 2025. The Department should not rush to meet the October 1 deadline at the expense of financial aid administrators who are doing what they can to guide students through a difficult FAFSA cycle. Now more than ever, aid administrators need to remain focused on helping students apply and receive the aid they need to access their postsecondary education.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-braun-introduce-bill-to-protect-american-farmland-from-foreign-adversaries/,"Young, Braun Introduce Bill to Protect American Farmland From Foreign Adversaries",2024-09-10,2024,2024-09,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.) joined U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) in introducing the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 to add another layer of scrutiny to foreign acquisitions of U.S. farmland and agricultural industries, specifically monitoring purchases made by adversaries like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.

“Nearly two-thirds of land in Indiana – and more than half of all land in the United States – is farmland. Recent efforts by China and other adversaries to buy agricultural land across the country could present a national security threat. Indiana is a leader in restricting these purchases, but Congress must act to ensure permanent safeguards are in place in all fifty states,” said Senator Young.

“Chinese ownership of American farmland increased more than 20-fold in the past decade. The amount of American soil in the hands of our foreign adversaries will only go up if we do not implement restrictions and oversight, especially on nations that compromise our national security and agricultural supply chains. I’m proud to lead this effort to protect American farms and food security,” said Senator Mike Braun.

The Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 would:

Permanently include the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) with respect to covered transactions involving agricultural land, agricultural biotech, or the transportation, storage, and processing of agricultural products.

Authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to report both agricultural land transactions that involve foreign persons of China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran, and transactions that require AFIDA reporting to CFIUS.

In addition to Senators Young and Braun, Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Tester (D-Mont.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) also joined the legislation.

This bill is sponsored by the Indiana Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau, Indiana Soybean Alliance, and the Indiana Corn Growers Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-mayor-hogsett-congressman-carson-and-indygo-applaud-199-million,"RELEASE: Mayor Hogsett, Congressman Carson, and IndyGo Applaud $19.9 Million Federal Grant to Make Roads Safer",2024-09-09,2024,2024-09,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"INDIANAPOLIS – This week, the City of Indianapolis and IndyGo were awarded $19.9 million in grant funding from the U.S Department of Transportation for projects that make roads safer for all vulnerable road users. Indianapolis was one of 354 communities selected to receive a portion of the $1 billion in grant money from the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. The program is part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is the largest long-term investment in our nation’s infrastructure, and it’s paying off right here in Indianapolis,” said Congressman André Carson. “Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, we’re truly transforming our roads, making sidewalks more accessible, and keeping pedestrians and cyclists safe. These improvements have been strategically chosen to better connect every corner of our city to opportunity. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment that will pay off for generations to come.”

Congressman Carson voted for President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The SS4A program provides grants directly to communities for implementation, planning, and demonstration projects aimed at preventing deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways. Since launching in 2022, SS4A has funded projects in more than 1,400 communities, supporting roadway safety for nearly 75% of the U.S. population. In Indianapolis, this additional source of funding allows the City and the Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) to continue to prioritize road safety infrastructure alongside the historic investments already made in improving vehicular and pedestrian safety.

“As a recipient of a grant through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, Indianapolis can keep its focus on a future where none of our neighbors lose a loved one in a preventable traffic crash,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “This grant will allow us to make dramatic changes in the lives of many of our residents by ensuring that they feel safe any time they take a walk, ride their bike, or wait for public transit.”

The funding from SS4A aligns with efforts already underway in Indianapolis, such as the Complete Streets ordinance and the proposed Vision Zero ordinance. Both aim to bring multi-modal transportation options to Indianapolis residents, while protecting vulnerable road users. Items in the proposed 2025 City-County Budget also reinforce this commitment, with new investments like a dedicated Vision Zero Administrator and new technology to support Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in enforcing traffic safety laws.

“The transformative investment in our City’s infrastructure is another example of Indy DPW’s relentless approach to finding additional resources to make a positive impact in our community,” said Indy DPW Director Brandon Herget. “It is also a great example of the strong partnership we have developed between the City, IndyGo and our federal partners. I applaud all of those involved on a successful application and look forward to working together to make these important corridors within our City more safe.”

With the SS4A funding, Indy DPW will bring critical safety improvements to six corridors within the city, many of which are in underserved areas lacking infrastructure for pedestrians, transit users, and bicyclists. The SS4A program‘s grant money will fund the design, engineering, and construction in the following areas:

North Post Road Post Rd between Washington St & 38th St

East 30th Street E 30th St between Rural St & Franklin Rd

Lynhurst Drive Lynhurst Dr between Morris St & W 22nd St

East 42nd Street E 42nd St between Franklin Rd & Mitthoefer Rd

East Franklin Road Franklin Rd between 30th & 42nd St

East Thompson Road Thompson Rd between East St & Madison Ave

The grant will fund improvements and the installation of sidewalks, crosswalks, and trails in these corridors. Also included in this project are IndyGo bus stop improvements in areas near high ridership transit routes. Design work for these projects is set to begin in 2025.

“IndyGo is looking forward to riders along these corridors experiencing safer and more reliable access to transit, which has long been a priority for us,” IndyGo President and CEO Jennifer Pyrz said. ""Through this project, we'll celebrate bringing improvements such as upgraded Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant bus stops and pedestrian infrastructure to support our local routes.”

In conjunction with the announcement of the SS4A grantees, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its early estimates of national traffic fatalities for the first half of 2024. Estimates show that traffic fatalities declined for the ninth straight quarter. Despite this downward trend, the number of road fatalities remains far too high. Over 40,000 people have died on U.S. roads in each of the last three years, and a disproportionate number of people are killed in rural areas or while walking or bicycling. Additionally, traffic fatalities remain a leading cause of death for school-aged children and young adults.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-statement-potential-block-us-steel-sale,Mrvan Statement on Potential Block of U.S. Steel Sale,2024-09-04,2024,2024-09,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 following statement in response to media reports on the potential block of the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel.

“National security is my number one priority and is not a partisan issue, and should this sale be blocked I would applaud the action of the Administration to protect this critical industry from foreign ownership. As the Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I have stood with our incredible members of organized labor and argued since day one that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States use every tool available to assess how this sale may jeopardize the strength of our economy, our national security, and the livelihoods of steel-producing communities throughout our nation. I will continue to do everything I can as the Representative for the First Congressional District of Indiana to support the domestic steel industry, Buy America requirements, and the full enforcement of our U.S. trade laws.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-announces-dot-grant-citgo-petroleum-east-chicago,Mrvan Announces DOT Grant for CITGO Petroleum in East Chicago,2024-08-29,2024,2024-08,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 announced a federal grant award for CITGO Petroleum in East Chicago under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) - Federal Aviation Administration's Fueling Aviation's Sustainable Transition (FAST) grant program.

According to the DOT, CITGO Petroleum will receive $18,334,500 to establish the Chicago Area SAF Blending Hub - CITGO Terminal in East Chicago. This funding will aim to enable the delivery, unloading, blending, and use of up to 42,000 gallons per day of sustainable aviation fuel. This project will facilitate cost effective SAF blending and rail logistics services at the CITGO East Chicago terminal with the end result to produce lower carbon aviation fuels that will reduce emissions.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “Congratulations to CITGO Petroleum on this initiative to further lead Northwest Indiana in the development of sustainable aviation fuels that will reduce emissions and create more economic activity in our region. I look forward to continuing to build on this success to attract federal investments that will grow our regional economy.”

Karl Schmidt, CITGO Vice President Supply and Marketing, stated, “This award is the first step in our efforts to enter the sustainable aviation fuel market, which requires a significant investment. We are grateful for Congressman Mrvan’s help in securing this grant so we can continue to develop the project towards a final investment decision. Our East Chicago terminal is one of our largest and is strategically located in the Midwest, making it an ideal SAF installation and one that we can model as we continue exploring additional SAF opportunities across our refining and marketing system.”

The FAST grant program was established under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which Congressman Mrvan supported and was signed into law during the 117th Congress.

For additional information on the DOT’s FAST grant program, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-carson-mayor-hogsett-announce-15-million-ev-charging-stations,"Congressman Carson, Mayor Hogsett announce $15 million for EV charging stations in minority, disadvantaged neighborhoods",2024-08-28,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"For Immediate Release

August 28, 2024

Contacts:

Caroline Ellert

Communications Director, Congressman Carson

Caroline.ellert@mail.house.gov

Emily Kaufmann

Assistant Director of Communications, Mayor Hogsett

emily.kaufmann@indy.gov

Congressman Carson, Mayor Hogsett announce $15 million for EV charging stations in minority, disadvantaged neighborhoods

INDIANAPOLIS—Today, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) and Mayor Joe Hogsett announced a $15 million grant to deploy Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in Indianapolis.

This project will prioritize fair and equitable placement to fill gaps left in the Indiana Department of Transportation Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, which failed to adequately include urban and underserved communities like those in Indianapolis. It also failed to provide quantifiable inclusion of minority and disadvantaged businesses. Congressman Carson first outlined these concerns in a 2022 letter and has since worked with local partners and the federal Department of Transportation to advocate for more equitable distribution of EV infrastructure and was determined to support local efforts in the application for this grant.

Electric vehicles could make up as much asnearly half of global car sales by 2035. In 2022, Congressman Carson voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which included consumer tax breaks for EVs, including a $7,500 tax break for purchasing a new EV. On average, EVs can save consumers $800 - $1,000 annually on gasoline. Battery EVs are about40% less costly to maintain.

Roughly one-third of Indianapolis’s citywide greenhouse gas emissions comes from the transportation sector, making the transition to more electric vehicles a part of the pathway to reducing pollution, improving regional air quality and public health, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 - as outlined in Thrive Indianapolis, the city’s sustainability and resilience action plan.

“Throughout history, major American infrastructure projects -- like the formation of our interstate highway system -- have produced detrimental consequences to Black neighborhoods,” said Congressman Carson. “While some projects have provided a multitude of opportunities to more affluent neighborhoods, minority neighborhoods have been excluded from that progress and disconnected from opportunity. I’ll continue advocating to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes, and I’m proud to have secured this grant to close gaps in Indianapolis’ existing charger network. EVs are the future of our nation’s infrastructure, and it's critical that urban neighborhoods aren’t left behind in the long-term benefits of EVs: decreased neighborhood pollution, tax credits, and cost-savings on fuel and maintenance.”

“The City of Indianapolis is excited to work with our State and Federal partners to bring EV technology to our neighbors most impacted by environmental injustice,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “There is no doubt that transportation infrastructure has, historically, placed undue burdens on minority communities in American cities. Now, with this partnership and grant funding, we hope to shift the decision-making power to these communities most affected and take another important step toward righting the wrongs of our past.”

”This historic moment signifies the culmination of 2 years of dedicated effort in developing the formation of a BIPOC-led Alliance focused on EV charging deployment and green infrastructure,” said Denise Abdul-Rahman, State Chair of Environmental and Climate Justice for the Indiana State Conference of the NAACP. “The Alliance’s mission is to introduce an equitable and community-oriented approach to the Project, emphasizing inclusive implementation. Our partnership with the City leverages established relationships in socially and economically disadvantaged areas across Indianapolis and Marion County, ensuring that our communities have the opportunity to be included and not left behind.”

About the Grant:

The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program (CFI Program) was created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to strategically deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure in the places people live and work. The City of Indianapolis will receive $15 million in discretionary funding from the Federal Highway Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and supported by the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, in partnership with the Indiana NAACP State Conference, and by proxy, the Indiana Alliance for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities (Alliance).

This funding will be used to increase the number of publicly accessible DC Fast Charging and Level 2 charging stations to close gaps that currently exist in the Indianapolis charger network. The project prioritizes locations that align with both growing EV demand and environmental justice considerations. All sites will be equipped with at least one Level 2 NEVI standard compliant EV charging station. More information about the grant program can be foundhere. Placement decisions will be made locally, and the Indianapolis community will be able to provide input on locations. All prospective locations are subject to a community engagement and planning process and site feasibility study.

Publicly available parking locations in Indianapolis, including at parks and libraries, will be considered based on their alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 initiative, which mandates that at least 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments must flow to disadvantaged communities to catalyze environmental justice. Local organizations who included letters of support for the application included the Indianapolis Public Library and the Indianapolis Department of Parks and Recreation (Indy Parks).

Additionally, a portion of the grant funds will be dedicated to workforce development efforts. This includes developing an improved marketing and outreach strategy to recruit apprentices and future journeymen to become licensed-Electric Charging Station installers. This work will be supported by local educational institutions and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to create and retain local, good paying, and skilled jobs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-announces-2024-congressional-app-challenge,Mrvan Announces 2024 Congressional App Challenge,2024-08-27,2024,2024-08,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 announced the details of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for middle and high school students from 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.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “I am honored to host the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for students in Northwest Indiana interested in the STEM fields. I encourage all eligible students interested in coding and computer sciences to participate in this unique educational opportunity.”

All students must register for the competition and submit their work through the Congressional App Challenge website by 12:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

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 Washington, D.C. Office at 202-225-2461 or Drew.Ficociello@mail.house.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mrvan-tours-federal-projects-michigan-city-harbor-indiana-dunes-national,"Rep. Mrvan Tours Federal Projects at Michigan City Harbor, Indiana Dunes National Park, and Ports of Indiana - Burns Harbor with USACE",2024-08-23,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Last week, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan joined with Colonel Kenneth Rockwell, Commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers – Chicago District (USACE), Superintendent Jason Taylor, Indiana Dunes National Park, and Ryan McCoy, Port Director of the Ports of Indiana - Burns Harbor, in a tour of certain federally funded projects across Northwest Indiana.

Specifically, Rep. Mrvan toured the Michigan City Harbor, the Indiana Dunes National Park, and the Ports of Indiana - Burns Harbor.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “Thank you to all the leaders with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Indiana Dunes National Park, and the Ports of Indiana - Burns Harbor for the opportunity to tour transformational economic projects currently being implemented in our region. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to bring federal dollars back to our communities that enhance our economic infrastructure and create more good-paying job opportunities for everyone.”

COL Kenneth Rockwell, USACE Chicago District Commander stated, “Our visit with Rep. Frank Mrvan provided an important opportunity to showcase the ongoing work at Michigan City Harbor, the Indiana Shoreline at IDNP, and Burns Harbor. These projects are critical to protecting and enhancing the communities in Northwest Indiana.”

Jason Taylor, Superintendent of Indiana Dunes National Park, stated, “I appreciated the opportunity to highlight the park’s unique natural resources with Congressman Mrvan, while strengthening our partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.”

Ryan McCoy, Port Director of the Ports of Indiana - Burns Harbor, stated, “Representative Mrvan’s support for Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor at the federal level is vital to the ongoing expansion of port infrastructure that will increase our role in global trade and create more high-paying jobs for Northwest Indiana. With the Congressman’s endorsement, Ports of Indiana has applied for nearly $30 million in federal grants that are in addition to the transformational $77 million in infrastructure investments taking place now. This unprecedented level of investment will dramatically increase port business growth and regional economic development.”

Through the appropriations process and Community Project Funding requests, Congressman Mrvan has helped secure $11,692,000 for the Michigan City Harbor, $6,600,000 for improvements within the Indiana Dunes National Park, and $5,537,000 for the Ports of Indiana - Burns Harbor during his time in Congress. This federal funding grows the Northwest Indiana economy by enhancing operations and maintenance at our ports of entry and along our shoreline and attracts new people and businesses to our region.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-speaks-energy-policies-forum-texas,Spartz Speaks Energy Policies at the Forum in Texas,2024-08-23,2024,2024-08,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Noblesville, IN – This week, Rep. Spartz travelled to Texas to be a guest speaker at the U.S. Energy Forum hosted at the Petroleum Club of Houston to have a thoughtful conversation between the business community and policymakers on energy transition, stability, feasibility and sustainability.

""Smart energy policies are key for a strong economy and stability around the world,” Spartz said. “Congress needs to put everything and everyone on the table and on the menu, and have a serious discussion on energy policies, not politics, which can bring tremendous growth to our economy and improve global security.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-announces-hhs-grant-healthlinc,Mrvan Announces HHS Grant for HealthLinc,2024-08-21,2024,2024-08,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 announced a federal grant under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Accelerating Cancer Screening program for HealthLinc in Valparaiso.

According to HHS, HealthLinc will receive $500,000 to partner directly with National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers to expedite patient access to cancer care and treatment. In general, the Accelerated Cancer Screening program aims to improve access to cancer screenings and follow-up treatments in underserved areas.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “Congratulations to HealthLinc on this outstanding achievement to improve early cancer detection and ensure prevention and screening services are available for communities across our region. I will continue to support access to affordable health care services to improve the quality of life for everyone throughout our region.”

Melissa Mitchell, CEO of HealthLinc, stated, ""This collaboration is a significant step forward in our mission to expedite patient access to critical cancer care and treatment, especially in underserved communities. By improving access to life-saving cancer screenings, we are not only addressing a crucial healthcare gap; we are giving hope and a fighting chance to those who need it most.""

For additional information on the HHS Accelerating Cancer Screening program, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-delivers-federal-funding-munster-police-department,Mrvan Delivers Federal Funding for Munster Police Department,2024-08-19,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,IN,Frank J. Mrvan,M001214,mrvan.house.gov,mrvan,https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Merrillville, IN – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan joined Munster Police Chief Stephen Scheckel, Munster Clerk-Treasurer Wendy Mis, Munster Town Council President David Nellans, and Indiana State Representative Mike Andrade to highlight the use of federal funding for the Munster Police Department.

Congressman Mrvan’s request for federal Community Project Funding for the Munster Police Department was approved in the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriations law. Specifically, the Munster Police Department will receive $215,000 to upgrade technology and equipment. These upgrades will improve efficiencies within the Munster Police Department and enhance officers’ efforts to effectively investigate and solve crimes.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “Thank you to all of the leaders in the Town of Munster and the Munster Police Department for this successful initiative to secure federal funding to upgrade technology and equipment for first responders. I will continue to support our dedicated law enforcement officers with the resources and tools they need to keep themselves and our communities safe.”

Munster Police Chief Stephen Scheckel stated, “We can always count on Congressman Mrvan to deliver for Munster. Frank has a servant’s heart and has always been a friend and supporter to law enforcement throughout my entire career, and this funding demonstrates his commitment to first responders and public safety.”

Munster Clerk-Treasurer Wendy Mis stated, “This $215,000 investment not only eases the financial burden on our local taxpayers but also represents a long-term commitment to fiscal responsibility within our town. The financial impact of this funding is significant —it allows us to allocate our local resources more effectively, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely while still providing our police department with the advanced tools necessary for effective law enforcement.”

Munster Town Council President David Nellans stated, “I thank Congressman Mrvan for his long-standing support with the Town of Munster. His tireless work for our community, from the 2008 flood to the new technology for our law enforcement today, demonstrates his commitment to Northwest Indiana.”

Indiana State Representative Mike Andrade stated, ""I'm proud of the work Congressman Mrvan, the Munster Police Chief and our local law enforcement have done to make this achievement a reality. Our law enforcement officers play a crucial role in keeping our communities safe, and their sacrifices are invaluable.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-our-national-debt-ticking-time-bomb-and-corruption-health-care-weapon,"Spartz: Our National Debt is a ""Ticking Time Bomb"" and Corruption in Health Care is a ""Weapon of Mass Destruction""",2024-08-19,2024,2024-08,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Noblesville, IN – Last week, Rep. Victoria Spartz met with constituents across the 5th district in a series of twelve in-person town halls to discuss Washington's spending problem and the skyrocketing price of health care.

""Washington is adding over a trillion dollars to the existing $35 trillion of debt every six months, and it's going to get even worse with several major funds going insolvent in the near future,"" Spartz said. ""Our debt situation, with health care being one of the major drivers of spending, is a serious national security crisis that has been neglected by politicians in both parties for decades. Congress needs to have courage and act urgently to save our nation from bankruptcy and keep promises to the American people.""

During one town hall, a grandfather shared an analogy from his grandson that highlighted the enormous magnitude of this problem: ""1 million seconds equals 11 days, 1 billion seconds equals 31 years, and 1 trillion seconds is over 31,000 years.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/citizens-energy-group-congressman-andre-carson-local-and-national-leaders,"Citizens Energy Group, Congressman André Carson, Local and National Leaders Break Ground on $7.5 Million in Upgrades to Natural Gas Infrastructure",2024-08-16,2024,2024-08,Democrat,House,IN,André Carson,C001072,carson.house.gov,carson,https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding through a federal grant brings upgrades to 4 miles of safer, more efficient pipeline.

INDIANAPOLIS—Citizens Energy Group (“Citizens”) today broke ground on a multi-year project to upgrade four miles of legacy natural gas pipeline at key locations on the east side of Indianapolis, made possible by a $7.5 million federal grant. Citizens leadership, U.S. Congressman André Carson, local Indianapolis leaders, and Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) provided remarks commending the impact that projects like this one can have on a community.

“Citizens continues to work toward improving our infrastructure, securing outside funding where we can for upgrades across our various utility systems,” said Jeffrey Harrison, President & CEO of Citizens Energy Group. “We’re building upon decades of pipeline safety improvements within our nearly 4,000-mile system by making this four-mile portion even more resistant to corrosion via new contemporary plastic pipeline.”

Construction begins in 2024 on a portion of natural gas main in the Avondale Meadows neighborhood, generally along the Rural Street corridor between Fall Creek and 30th Street. The next two years will see additional construction along this same corridor south into the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood and at the site of a legacy natural gas main in the Far Eastside neighborhood installed more than 70 years ago.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver,"" said Congressman André Carson. ""Indiana alone has already received $7.9 billion for necessary improvement to our roads, public transit, and airports. Now, we’re ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods by upgrading natural gas main lines – and it’s all thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I proudly championed. Together, we can improve public health and safety and reduce methane emissions that could otherwise be a threat to our community for years to come.”

Citizens was one of 37 recipients for this round of infrastructure funding via a Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”, an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation). Within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this grant program will provide nearly $1 billion of funding exclusively for publicly- and community-owned gas utilities (including Indianapolis as a recipient).

“PHMSA is proud to join Citizens Energy Group and Congressman Carson to break ground on this expedited effort to replace 4 miles of aged, leak-prone, cast iron pipe across Indianapolis,” said PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown. “Funding for this project was made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supporting this project to increase pipeline safety, reduce pollution, and save people money on their energy bills.”

Key goals of the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant include enhancing pipeline safety and preventing pipeline leaks, which can have impacts on the improvement of public safety and public health outcomes for neighborhoods in addition to reducing methane emissions from natural gas distribution pipes.

“In Martindale Brightwood, our neighborhood is guided by resident-influenced Quality of Life goals, several of which speak to the safety of our infrastructure,” said Barato Britt, President & CEO of Edna Martin Christian Center. “This project represents an investment in the long-term health and safety of our residents, and I want our neighbors to see and hear about the work that will be done to sustain our vibrant community.”

Citizens’ natural gas system has been recognized as one of the safest, best maintained urban gas utilities in the U.S., a comparison confirmed by an ongoing leak detection study by the Environmental Defense Fund. For more information on the construction progress and phasing of this ongoing effort, please visit www.citizensnergygroup.com/castironreplacement.

About Citizens Energy Group: Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 900,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities for the benefit of customers and the community.

About the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) develops and enforces regulations for the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of the nation's 3.4-million-mile pipeline transportation system and the nearly 1.2 million daily shipments of hazardous materials by land, sea, and air. In 2023, PHMSA announced $196 million in grant funds would be awarded to the first round of recipients in a new Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Media Contact Information Ben Easley Phone: 317-519-1515 Email: media@citizensenergygroup.com",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases/spartz-kicks-fiscal-town-hall-tour-delaware-and-madison-counties,Spartz Kicks Off Fiscal Town Hall Tour in Delaware and Madison Counties,2024-08-14,2024,2024-08,Republican,House,IN,Victoria Spartz,S000929,spartz.house.gov,spartz,https://spartz.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Muncie, IN – This week, Rep. Victoria Spartz kicked off her in-person fiscal town hall tour with four town halls in Delaware and Madison Counties - in Daleville, Muncie, Lapel and Alexandria.

Congresswoman Spartz discussed the rising national debt, mandatory and discretionary spending, oversight and the skyrocketing price of health care.

The current fiscal trajectory of our country is unsustainable,"" Spartz said. ""Without meaningful reforms to our spending and health care, the financial burden will only deepen, jeopardizing economic stability for future generations.""

Congresswoman Spartz is also hosting eight more town halls this week:

Wednesday, August 14 - Tipton and Howard Counties

Windfall, 11 AM: Town Hall Building

210 S. Independence St., Windfall, IN

Greentown, 5 PM: Town Hall Building

112 N. Meridian St., Greentown, IN

Thursday, August 15 - Hamilton County

Noblesville, 11 AM: Hamilton East Public Library

1 Library Plz., Noblesville, IN

Arcadia, 5 PM: Town Hall Building

208 W. Main St., Arcadia, IN

Friday, August 16 - Grant County

Fairmount, 11 AM: Grains & Grill Restaurant

407 W. Washington St., Fairmount, IN

Marion, 4 PM: The Tomahawk

2225 N. Lagro Rd., Marion, IN

Saturday, August 17 - Hamilton and Howard Counties

Carmel, 11 AM: Carmel Public Library

425 E. Main St., Carmel, IN

Kokomo, 2 PM: Carver Community Center

1030 N. Purdum St., Kokomo, IN",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-braun-introduce-bill-to-roll-back-costly-biden-admin-housing-mandate/,"Young, Braun Introduce Bill to Roll Back Costly Biden Admin Housing Mandate",2024-08-13,2024,2024-08,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 Mike Braun (R-Ind.) recently introduced the HOUSE Act, legislation that would repeal a Biden Administration mandate related to energy standards that would significantly increase the cost of certain new homes.

“Hoosiers of all income levels are experiencing difficulty finding affordable housing. Our bill will repeal a new mandate from the Biden Administration that will unnecessarily drive up housing costs even further,” said Senator Young.

“Buying a home is more expensive than ever for Americans. We shouldn’t be making them even more expensive with government mandates that could add as much as $31,000 to the price of a new home. My bill will repeal this new Biden administration mandate so we can lower the cost of housing for American families,”said Senator Braun.

The HOUSE Act would:

Repeal the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Determination;

Require HUD and USDA to revert to the 2009 standards already in effect;

Prohibit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from implementing a similar mandate for VA mortgages;

Clarify that the Federal Housing Finance Agency has no statutory authority to impose similar mandates; and

Reform the underlying law by prohibiting HUD and USDA from adopting new efficiency mandates unless at least 26 states have already adopted similar standards.

Earlier this year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a Final Determination on energy efficiency standards for new construction of HUD- and USDA-Finance Housing. The new mandate requires that all new single-family housing construction financed through the agencies meet the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code standards.

According to the National Association of Homebuilders, these new minimum standards can add as much as $31,000 to the price of a new home, and it will take 90 years for homeowners to realize the energy savings from these regulations. Estimates indicate that for every $1,000 increase in the price of a home, 140,000 Americans are priced out of the housing market.

In addition to Senators Young and Braun, Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) also cosponsored the legislation.

Full text of the HOUSE Act can be found here.

For years, Young has worked on housing affordability issues in Congress. In 2023, Young introduced three bills to address the national shortage of affordable housing:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-applauds-committee-passage-of-healthcare-cybersecurity-act/,Young Applauds Committee Passage of Healthcare Cybersecurity Act,2024-08-12,2024,2024-08,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 applauded passage of the Healthcare Cybersecurity Act, bipartisan legislation he helped introduce with Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.),by the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee earlier this month.

“I am pleased that this bill to improve cybersecurity in health care received strong support at the committee level, and I urge the full Senate to pass this bipartisan bill soon,” said Senator Young.

In recent years, hospitals and other health care facilities in Indiana and across America have experienced a dramatic increase in cyberattacks. The Healthcare Cybersecurity Act would bolster the health care and public health sectors’ cybersecurity in light of these devastating cyberattacks. The bipartisan bill will take critical steps to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure and better protect patients’ personal data.

The bill passed the committee 10-1 and now heads to the full Senate for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-erin-houchin-department-educations-delayed-fafsa-release,Congresswoman Erin Houchin on the Department of Education’s Delayed FAFSA Release,2024-08-09,2024,2024-08,Republican,House,IN,Erin Houchin,H001093,houchin.house.gov,houchin,https://houchin.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) issued the following statement in response to the Education Department's announcement on Wednesday that it will delay the release of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

“The Department of Education has once again announced a delay in the rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is another blunder of the Biden-Harris Administration, and a gut punch to students, families, and universities across the country.

Originally scheduled for release on October 1st, the application will now be available as late as December 1st for some. This delay comes on the four-year anniversary of the passage of the bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act, a timeframe during which the Department had ample time to perfect the system. Instead, the Department was and continues to be hyper-focused on the illegal student loan bailout.

This situation underscores the urgent need for legislative action, which is why I introduced the FAFSA Deadline Act earlier this Summer. This act would prevent such delays in the future, ensuring that students and families are not subjected to unnecessary burdens and uncertainty. It is imperative that the Department of Education fulfills its obligations in a timely and efficient manner, and be held accountable when they don’t.” – Rep. Erin Houchin",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1406,Rep. Baird Applauds SK hynix Award from U.S. Department of Commerce,2024-08-07,2024,2024-08,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 regarding the announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce signed a preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) with SK hynix. The PMT provides SK hynix up to $450 million in proposed incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act for SK hynix’s high-bandwidth memory (HBM) advanced packaging fabrication and research and development (R&D) facility in West Lafayette, Indiana.

“I voted for the CHIPS and Science Act to ensure the U.S. and Indiana continue to secure our place as leaders of ingenuity and innovation, and I’m proud that funding from this bill is being used to spur job creation, manufacturing, and investment right here in my district,” said Congressman Baird. “I am pleased to see the Department of Commerce and SK hynix sign this agreement following my advocacy with the Indiana Delegation. This is a huge step in further establishing Indiana and our district as a center for AI, job growth, and cutting-edge semiconductor chip research and production. These investments help secure our supply chain, protect our national security, and help bolster our global competitive edge by ensuring we are not reliant on Communist China for these technologies.”

The PMT between the U.S. Department of Commerce proposes up to $450 million in direct funding and up to $500 million of proposed loans from the CHIPS Program Office for SK hynix. This follows SK hynix’s announcement that it will invest over $3.8 billion to build to build an HBM advanced memory packaging plant for artificial intelligence (AI) products and an advanced packaging R&D facility in West Lafayette, IN that will create approximately 1,000 jobs. SK hynix plans to begin production in the second half of 2028.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-casey-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-better-support-grandparent-caregivers/,"Young, Casey Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Better Support Grandparent Caregivers",2024-08-07,2024,2024-08,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 Bob Casey (D-Penn.) introduced the bipartisan Informing Grandfamilies Act to help connect grandparents raising grandchildren with existing resources.

“More than 2.7 million children in America are being raised by grandparents or other relatives, often with few places for these caregivers to turn to for support. Our bipartisan bill would help ensure these grandfamilies are better connected to the resources that are available to them,” said Senator Young.

“Grandparents raising grandchildren face unique challenges under difficult circumstances,” said Senator Casey. “In recent years, the need for ensuring these families are supported has become even more dire as the opioid crisis and COVID-19 pandemic have forced more and more grandparents to take on unexpected caregiving duties. My bipartisan Informing Grandfamilies Act will ensure that grandparent caregivers know about and take advantage of the resources they need and deserve.”

Millions of children in the United States are being raised by grandparents, other relatives, or close family friends, and while these so-called “grandfamilies” or “kinship families” are often eligible for federal support due to unique challenges and disproportionate risk of poverty, awareness of these benefits is often not widespread among the families. The Informing Grandfamilies Act would require states to provide grandfamilies with information about the available resources and hire staff with the necessary expertise to guide grandfamilies and kinship families through the benefits process.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-recognizes-hoosier-students-who-completed-summer-internship-in-washington/,Young Recognizes Hoosier Students Who Completed Summer Internship in Washington,2024-08-07,2024,2024-08,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.) recognized Hoosier students who participated in the second session of his summer internship program in Washington, D.C. The students assisted with daily activities and special projects related to legislation, communications, and constituent services.

The intern class included (from left) Cael McCullum, a sophomore from Newburgh attending Yale University; Nathan Mock, a junior from Clinton attending the University of Chicago; Kennedy Ebner, a senior attending Indiana University; Carson Tranter, a first-year law student from Fort Wayne attending Indiana University McKinney School of Law; Marley White, a junior from Marion attending Purdue University; Casey Collins, a senior from Carmel attending King’s College London; and Nolan Hemminger-Jones, a current grad student from Greenfield.

Senator Young’s office offers internship opportunities year-round, in both his Washington, D.C. and Indiana offices. The internship program offers students the opportunity to experience the legislative branch of government and serve Hoosiers.

Students interested in applying can visit Senator Young’s internship webpage or call 202-224-5623 to learn more.

Senator Young released a video to provide more information about the internship program.

***Full resolution photo available upon request.***",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-statement-on-sk-hynix-award/,Young Statement on SK hynix Award,2024-08-06,2024,2024-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today issued the following statement regarding an announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce that SK hynix will receive up to $450 million in proposed federal incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act to establish a high-bandwidth-memory advanced packaging fabrication and research and development facility in West Lafayette:

“One of the primary goals of the CHIPS and Science Act was to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States,” said Senator Young. “I’m thrilled that this investment is being made right here in Indiana to help our country continue to shore up our domestic supply chain. We cannot afford to rely on China or other countries for components that are critical to our national security.”

The announcement comes four months after the South Korean chip producer announced it will invest an estimated $3.8 billion to bring more than 1,000 new jobs to West Lafayette.

In addition to the proposed direct funding of up to $450 million, the CHIPS Program Office also will make up to $500 million of proposed loans under the CHIPS and Science Act loan authority available to SK hynix. The company plans to begin mass production in the second half of 2028.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-expand-working-families-access-to-quality-child-care/,"Young, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Working Families’ Access to Quality Child Care",2024-08-05,2024,2024-08,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.) joined Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) in introducing legislation to increase working families’ access to quality, affordable child care. The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act of 2024 would strengthen child care services, increase the supply of child care providers, and improve the program to support families and providers in the pursuit of quality, affordable child care.

“Hoosier families rely on affordable, quality, accessible child care and preschool options. Our bill would empower parents to decide what child care and preschool providers best suit the needs of their families and strengthen child care capacity,” said Senator Young.

“Nebraska families deserve safe, reliable, and affordable child care. Unfortunately, high-quality child care is not always easy to come by, especially for those in rural areas. Our commonsense legislation will provide America’s working families with the options they need to prioritize their children,” said Senator Fischer.

“Improving access to quality, affordable child care helps promote financial stability for families while benefiting small businesses and local economies. Child care alleviates stress on working parents because they know that their children are in a safe, structured environment where they can play and learn,” said Senator Collins. “This bill will help increase the availability of reliable care for children, providing parents with a greater ability to work or attend classes to improve their own skills and education.”

“The CCDBG has worked as a bipartisan solution for decades, providing families with flexible child care options – including in rural areas. Our legislation will expand eligibility for CCDBG while keeping costs low for hardworking families. I’m proud to back this pro-family, pro-worker proposal,” said Senator Grassley.

“I am proud to support working families across North Carolina by co-sponsoring this bill that enhances parental choice, improves access to affordable care, and strengthens our child care infrastructure,” said Senator Tillis. “The CCDBG reauthorization is commonsense legislation channeling federal child care assistance through a program with a proven track record of success and is a critical step forward in ensuring that every family has the quality child care they deserve.”

“Child care is a critical need for working families. Increasing their access to quality, affordable child care will help families and workers across the country. This common sense bill will strengthen child care services and bring more providers to rural areas in Nebraska,” said Senator Ricketts.

The CCDBG Reauthorization Act of 2024 builds on the historically bipartisan CCDBG program which has assisted working families with their child care needs for over 30 years.

Specifically, the reauthorization would:

Ensure parental choice by supporting working parents as they choose the child care services that best suit their family’s needs;

Strengthen child care services by moving states to a statistically valid and reliable cost estimation model for setting provider rates;

Provide funding to states to expand the supply and capacity of child care providers, as well as to ensure that child care facilities are designed and equipped to keep children healthy and safe;

Assist in-home and rural child care providers by providing them with technical assistance, while also directing the Department of Agriculture to remove regulatory burdens that restrict the presence of home-based child care providers;

Broaden community input in state child care plan development; and

Reduce duplicative regulatory burdens on child care providers.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-increase-rural-housing-investment/,"Young, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Increase Rural Housing Investment",2024-08-05,2024,2024-08,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.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.), along with U.S. Representatives Darrin LaHood (R-IL-16) and Dan Kildee (D-MI-08), introduced legislation to amend the Internal Revenue Code to clarify that Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are able to participate in partnerships that are crucial for low-income housing investments.

In 2023, Senator Young joined Senators Moran and Warner, along with 19 of their colleagues, in urging Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to provide written guidance that clarifies that the GSEs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not Tax-Exempt Controlled Entities (TECEs).

The Internal Revenue Code currently contains a provision stating that investors partnering with TECEs are not entitled to certain benefits, including accelerated depreciations, bonus depreciation, historic rehab tax credits, or certain energy credits that support companies offering affordable housing tax credits. This legislation would clarify that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not subject to this rule, therefore protecting their participation in partnerships that are crucial for low-income housing investments.

“We can’t address our housing affordability crisis without building more units,” said Senator Young. “By making one simple clarification, this bill will unlock new partnerships that are crucial for rural low-income housing investments, bringing much-needed projects to our rural communities.”

“Housing affordability issues have a significant impact on rural Americans across the country,” said Senator Moran. “By making this technical change, rural housing investors that partner with TECEs can confidently invest in the affordable housing tax credits that many rural communities rely upon. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill so that we can continue to improve rural communities in Kansas by reducing housing costs.”

“Far too many folks across Virginia – including those in rural communities – are suffering because of the affordable housing crisis,” said Senator Warner. “We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to getting investments into rural communities and expanding housing options for low-income Americans. I’ve been continuously raising the alarm about the commonsense fix in the Preserving Rural Housing Investments Act. We must pass this bipartisan legislation so we can unlock investments in our rural communities and cut housing costs for hardworking Virginians.”

“Affordable housing is vital for families in rural communities throughout Illinois,” said Representative LaHood. “To address the affordable housing crisis, we must strengthen tools to drive investments into low-income housing and expand options. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Preserving Rural Housing Investments Act, which will help reduce housing costs for families and strengthen affordable housing in Illinois.”

“Our bipartisan bill, supported by Democrats and Republicans, will help expand rural affordable housing opportunities across Michigan,” said Representative Kildee. “By clarifying outdated rules in the tax code, we can protect investments in rural affordable housing in the small-town communities that need it the most.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-call-on-biden-admin-to-block-american-tax-dollars-from-going-to-biofuels-made-with-foreign-feedstocks/,"Young, Colleagues Call on Biden Admin to Block American Tax Dollars From Going to Biofuels Made With Foreign Feedstocks",2024-08-02,2024,2024-08,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.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), along with a bipartisan group of colleagues, called on the Biden Administration to block taxpayer money from being used to subsidize biofuels produced using imported foreign feedstocks such as Chinese used cooking oil and Brazilian ethanol.

In a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the senators called on the Administration to restrict the eligibility of the forthcoming 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to renewable biofuels fuels made from feedstocks sourced domestically. The tax credit is intended to make America more energy independent and spur the production of biofuels made with American-produced feedstocks – building new markets for American farmers.

The letter comes amidst a surge in imports of Chinese used cooking oil being used to produce biofuels in the U.S. that is displacing the use of domestic feedstocks. The senators warned that a poorly crafted rule will hurt American farmers, undermine the American biofuel industry’s competitiveness, and undercut American energy independence.

“As Treasury works to craft 45Z guidance, we urge you to restrict the eligibility to renewable fuels made from feedstocks sourced domestically,” the senators wrote. “If drafted and implemented correctly, the credit will help to support robust American energy independence—incentivizing the production of biofuels made with domestically-produced feedstocks. In order to ensure this objective, it is essential that the 45Z rule articulate clear, workable pathways for domestically-produced renewable fuels derived from domestically-produced feedstocks.”

In addition to Senators Young, Braun, Brown, and Marshall, Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) also signed the letter.

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Secretary Yellen:

It is critical to American energy independence and rural prosperity that the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) issue proposed and subsequently final guidance for the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) in advance of its January 1, 2025, statutory deadline. Finalizing this rule in a timely manner will provide farmers, renewable fuel producers, end-users, and other biofuels stakeholders with the certainty and clarity they need to invest and make planting decisions. As Treasury works to craft 45Z guidance, we urge you to restrict the eligibility to renewable fuels made from feedstocks sourced domestically.

45Z is intended to stimulate the development of a domestic, low-carbon fuel supply chain and to increase American competitiveness in the renewable and traditional energy markets. If drafted and implemented correctly, the credit will help to support robust American energy independence—incentivizing the production of biofuels made with domestically-produced feedstocks. In order to ensure this objective, it is essential that the 45Z rule articulate clear, workable pathways for domestically-produced renewable fuels derived from domestically-produced feedstocks, to lead the way in lowering the carbon intensity of American transportation fuels.

While the use of foreign feedstocks can play an important role in producing domestically manufactured ethanol and biodiesel, the rule must make it clear that the tax credit may only apply to biofuels produced from domestic feedstocks. This would be keeping with the two-fold intent of Congress in creating 45Z: 1) support domestic biofuels manufacturing, and 2) utilize domestic feedstocks to lead the way in lowering the carbon intensity of American transportation fuels. This approach marks a deliberate change from the previous Blenders Tax Credit, and it is important that Treasury’s guidance capture this nuance and accurately reflect Congressional intent.

Failure to properly structure the feedstock sustainability criteria associated with 45Z credit will incentivize the use of foreign feedstocks over those from U.S. suppliers, contrary to the intent of Congress. If the guidance fails to establish robust, science-based, sustainability criteria that producers of domestic feedstocks can actually meet, and fails to include guardrails that ensure the credit is only available to renewable fuels made with domestically produced feedstocks, renewable fuel producers will take the path of least resistance and import foreign feedstocks, such as used cooking oil (UCO) from China to produce renewable diesel or Brazilian ethanol as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the U.S. This would reduce the utility of the credit to a manufacturing credit, rather than a credit that supports both manufacturing and feedstock production. This was not the intent of Congress.

One need look no further than the dramatic increase in imports of Chinese UCO and Brazilian tallow, and the current use of Brazilian ethanol in producing SAF to understand the consequences of a failure to properly craft the 45Z tax credit in a manner that supports American feedstocks. This has occurred, in part, because under the current guidance for the 40B tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel, no domestically-produced ethanol is able to achieve the criteria set forth by the Treasury Department. This has unintended and counterproductive consequences.

We are deeply concerned that if the Administration fails to address the current market dynamics of foreign UCO, tallow and ethanol, and Brazilian trade barriers for American ethanol, American agriculture will have a limited role in decarbonizing the transportation system. American agriculture, in search of new and robust markets, has been the chief advocate for biofuels adoption. A poorly constructed rule will deny American farmers the long-anticipated benefit of biofuel adoption, which would be unacceptable.

If more is not done to support the production and utilization of domestic feedstocks, the U.S. will see its renewable fuels industry shift focus from domestically oriented feedstocks towards imports. Allowing U.S. tax credits to fund the importation and use of foreign feedstocks to produce biofuels would put U.S. agriculture at the back of the line, while foreign agricultural producers are subsidized by U.S. taxpayers.

We urge you to issue proposed and subsequently final guidance for 45Z in advance of January 1, 2025. Such a rule should include language that only allows for the distribution of federal tax dollars to renewable fuel made with domestic feedstocks as Congress intended.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-colleagues-to-biden-admin-delaying-weapons-to-israel-undermines-our-ally/,"Young, Colleagues to Biden Admin: Delaying Weapons to Israel Undermines Our Ally",2024-08-02,2024,2024-08,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.) joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and 46 of his Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to the Biden-Harris Administration, protesting its partial arms embargo against Israel. The senators urged the White House to cease accommodating Iran and to deliver the necessary weapons systems to Israel.

“When Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly raised the weapons hold in June, your administration adamantly denied the accusation. You ignored Congressional inquiries, including a May 6, 2024, letter from Senator Marshall, a May 6, 2024, letter from Senator Ernst, a May 14, 2024, letter from Senator Risch and a June 20, 2024, letter from Senator Cotton. All the while, you were deliberately delaying the delivery of weapons, ammunition, and equipment to Israel. These include 120 mm tank ammunition, 120 mm mortar ammunition, light tactical vehicles, air-to-air missiles, F-15s, F-35 engines, joint direct attack munition kits, 2,000 pound bombs, rifles, and guided missile systems,” the senators wrote.

Full text of the letter may be found here and below:

Dear President Biden:

This weekend, Hezbollah fired Iranian-made missiles into northern Israel, murdering 12 children and injuring dozens in the single deadliest attack on that part of the country since October 7. The ultimate responsibility for this attack rests with Hezbollah and the ayatollahs in Iran. However, while Tehran financed the attack and Hezbollah conducted it, your fear of escalation has left Israel exposed and our enemies emboldened.

We write once again to protest your administration’s partial arms embargo against Israel. The actions of the Biden-Harris administration run counter to our long history of robust military cooperation with Israel and cast doubt upon the reliability of the United States as a long-term security partner. Your actions also violate the will of Congress as expressed in the recent supplemental that funded emergency military support to Israel.

When Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly raised the weapons hold in June, your administration adamantly denied the accusation. You ignored Congressional inquiries, including a May 6, 2024, letter from Senator Marshall, a May 6, 2024, letter from Senator Ernst, a May 14, 2024, letter from Senator Risch and a June 20, 2024, letter from Senator Cotton. All the while, you were deliberately delaying the delivery of weapons, ammunition, and equipment to Israel. These include 120 mm tank ammunition, 120 mm mortar ammunition, light tactical vehicles, air-to-air missiles, F-15s, F-35 engines, joint direct attack munition kits, 2,000 pound bombs, rifles, and guided missile systems.

While your administration delays, Hamas continues to wage war against Israel, the Houthis continue to attack in the Red Sea, and Hezbollah continues its onslaught in northern Israel. Your stalling tactics are endangering our greatest ally in the Middle East and jeopardizing the lives of our American servicemembers stationed in the region. We urge you to use every available emergency authority to expedite the physical delivery of all weapons and ammunition to Israel that have been approved by Congress.

Your administration must stop accommodating Iran and its terrorist allies now.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-praises-commerce-committee-passage-of-artificial-intelligence-bills/,Young Praises Commerce Committee Passage of Artificial Intelligence Bills,2024-08-02,2024,2024-08,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.) applauded the passage of several of his artificial intelligence (AI) priorities by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

“I am pleased by the support from many of my colleagues on the Commerce Committee of these incredibly important AI policy ideas that will strike the right balance on targeted voluntary standards, international coordination, access to research resources, and public awareness. I urge the full Senate to pass these bipartisan bills to ensure the United States continues to lead the world in AI innovation,” said Senator Young.

Senator Young’s legislation that passed the Commerce Committee includes:

The Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act of 2024, which supports AI innovation by continuing to bolster U.S. leadership in the global race to develop AI and other emerging technologies. The legislation promotes strong partnerships between government, business, and academia to advance AI research and support the development of voluntary standards, performance benchmarks, and best practices.

The CREATE AI Act, which would establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource as a shared national research infrastructure that provides AI researchers and students with greater access to the complex resources, data, and tools needed to develop AI and spur innovation.

The Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act, which would help raise awareness and boost public trust in AI. The bipartisan bill is an important step in ensuring all Americans can benefit from the opportunities created by artificial intelligence.

The EPIC Act, which would establish a nonprofit foundation that would leverage private funding and bolster public-private collaboration to promote U.S. technological innovation and industrial competitiveness at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This bill was adopted as an amendment to the Future of AI Innovation Act.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act, which would build on existing federal law to protect Americans, particularly young women, from harmful deepfakes and establish a requirement for websites to take down this type of explicit and disturbing material.

The Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act, which aims to improve visibility into standards setting related to emerging technologies and increase U.S. participation in these critical activities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-coons-applaud-senate-passage-of-the-judges-act-of-2024/,"Young, Coons Applaud Senate Passage of the JUDGES Act of 2024",2024-08-01,2024,2024-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) applauded unanimous Senate passage of their Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved (JUDGES) Act of 2024. The bipartisan legislation will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The JUDGES Act of 2024 would address judicial emergencies and shortages across the country by increasing the number of federal district judges in the most overworked regions of the country, including the Southern District of Indiana.

“Too many Hoosiers and Americans are being denied access to our justice system due to an overload of cases and a shortage of judges. Our bipartisan bill will help alleviate this shortage and ensure all Americans have the opportunity to have their day in court,” said Senator Young. “Senator Coons and I have worked diligently with our colleagues to ensure this legislation effectively addresses these judicial shortages and fairly distributes the additional judgeships across multiple presidential administrations. The Senate’s unanimous support is a testament to bipartisanship and common-sense legislating. I urge the House to pass this important legislation so that it can become law as soon as possible.”

“I’m grateful the Senate has unanimously passed our bipartisan bill to address the crisis facing overworked federal judges across the country. For decades, Congress has failed to authorize new federal judgeships, creating a massive backlog of case filings for our nation’s federal judges–especially in Delaware, where there are only four active judgeships. I’m proud of the work Senator Young and I did to gather unanimous support for this legislation first in the Senate Judiciary Committee and now on the Senate floor. I urge the House to swiftly pass this bill, and once President Biden signs it into law, I’m hopeful we can restore stability to our judicial system and help ensure access to justice for all Americans, no matter where they live,” said Senator Coons.

Senator Young first introduced the legislation in 2020 and re-introduced it in 2021 and 2023. The JUDGES Act of 2024, which passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by a unanimous vote in June, would act on the findings in the nonpartisan 2023 Judicial Conference of the United States report by creating the recommended judgeships during future presidential administrations. Additionally, the bipartisan bill includes new transparency requirements and provisions to ensure greater access to justice in certain high-need areas of the country.

Courts across the country are overburdened and facing a shortage of federal judges. As of March 31, 2023, there were 686,797 pending cases in federal district courts across the country, averaging 491 filings per judgeship over a 12-month period. In March of 2023, the Judicial Conference of the United States, a nonpartisan policy-making body for federal courts, recommended that Congress create 66 new district court judgeships, including one in the Southern District of Indiana, to help alleviate this crisis. The Southern District of Indiana would be part of the first tranche of the newly-created judgeships under this bill.

Congress bears the constitutional responsibility of establishing judgeships in the district courts of the United States. However, the last comprehensive authorization of new judgeships, which established 11 additional circuit court judgeships and 74 district court judgeships across America, occurred in 1990. Since then, targeted legislation enacted between 1999 and 2003 created 34 additional district court judgeships. It has now been two decades since Congress last authorized additional district judgeships.

In addition to Senators Young and Coons, Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) also cosponsored the JUDGES Act of 2024.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-statement-on-prisoner-swap-and-release-of-american-citizens/,Young Statement on Prisoner Swap and Release of American Citizens,2024-08-01,2024,2024-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) released the following statement regarding the release of American citizens who were wrongfully detained in Russia:

“Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan were both wrongfully imprisoned and held hostage by Vladamir Putin. Today, I join my fellow Americans in welcoming them and others home. Let’s be clear though: today’s exchange is not equal. U.S. citizens wrongfully detained are not the same as Russian war criminals. In the Senate, we will continue to oppose all attempts by Putin to use Americans as political pawns to achieve his egregious goals. We will never stop fighting for Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained, whether by Hamas, the CCP, Putin, or anyone else,” said Senator Young.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-todays-vote-not-a-serious-effort-at-tax-reform/,Young: Today’s Vote “Not a Serious Effort” at Tax Bill,2024-08-01,2024,2024-08,Republican,Senate,IN,Todd Young,Y000064,www.young.senate.gov,toddyoung,https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) released the following statement following the tax vote in the Senate:

“For months, I have spoken with colleagues on both sides of the aisle about how to advance the House tax package in the Senate. In particular, encouraging R&D activities here in the United States is critical to outcompeting the Chinese Communist Party, and I am generally supportive of this bill’s goals.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://mrvan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mrvan-announces-city-la-porte-fire-department-grant-award,Mrvan Announces City of La Porte Fire Department Grant Award,2024-07-31,2024,2024-07,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 a federal grant award for the City of La Porte Fire Department under the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the City of La Porte Fire Department will receive $128,315 to purchase diesel exhaust removal systems for all three fire stations to minimize exposure to harmful contaminants and carcinogens. In general, the AFG program assists fire departments in making critical improvements to operations and safety, equipping and training emergency personnel, and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Congressman Mrvan stated, “Congratulations to the City of La Porte Fire Department on successfully securing this vital funding to improve protections for our first responders and ensure they have the resources to safely perform their duties. I will continue to do all I can to support our selfless first responders and their essential services to protect our region.”

Andy Snyder, Fire Chief of the City of La Porte Fire Department, stated, “The La Porte Fire Department is extremely excited to receive funding to purchase diesel exhaust removal systems for each of the 3 stations. As a result, it will minimize firefighters’ exposure to harmful contaminants and carcinogens known to be associated with diesel exhaust emissions. Firefighters are at a much higher risk for several types of cancer just by the nature of the work they perform. One critical step to minimizing these increased risks is to remove the hazards known to cause them, which this grant award will most certainly do. I am very appreciative to our federal elected officials for continuing to fund the AFG program and ensure these federal dollars are returning to the citizens of La Porte.”

For additional information on the Department of Homeland Security’s AFG program, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.young.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/young-kaine-introduce-bill-to-counter-china-other-national-security-threats/,"Young, Kaine Introduce Bill to Counter China, Other National Security Threats",2024-07-31,2024,2024-07,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 Tim Kaine (D-Va.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Fully Funding Our National Security Priorities Act to empower the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by requiring the State Department and USAID to submit an annual unfunded priorities list (UPL) to Congress. The legislation recognizes the State Department and USAID’s roles as key national security agencies. It also acknowledges that underinvesting in diplomatic and development programs undercuts the U.S.’s ability to effectively counter the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which is rapidly expanding its global diplomatic presence.

“Diplomacy is a critical component of America’s national security. Our legislation will require the State Department to provide additional transparency about its long-term priorities and planning. This bill will encourage more collaboration between the State Department and Congress to help ensure taxpayer dollars are being allocated to pressing national security needs, such as countering the Chinese Communist Party,” said Senator Young.

“China is rapidly expanding its diplomatic footprint around the world. Now is not the time to cut resources at the State Department and USAID. We should be doing the exact opposite,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m introducing this legislation to empower the State Department and USAID and provide a clearer picture to Congress of where we need to allocate resources to ensure we can effectively respond to emerging threats and global challenges.”

Specifically, the Fully Funding Our National Security Priorities Act would require the U.S. Secretary of State and USAID Administrator to submit an annual report to Congress on the unfunded programs, activities, and mission requirements within the U.S. Department of State and USAID. Every year, the military services and intelligence community submit unfunded priorities lists to Congress as part of the annual budget process.

Young and Kaine also filed the bill as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act.

The bill is endorsed by American Academy of Diplomacy and American Foreign Service Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1405,Rep. Baird Offers Condolences to the Family and Friends of U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Jerry Betzold,2024-07-30,2024,2024-07,Republican,House,IN,James R. Baird,B001307,baird.house.gov,baird,https://baird.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement offering his condolences to the family and friends of U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Jerry Betzold from Avon, Indiana who passed away on Saturday following a training exercise in Twentynine Palms, California.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Staff Sgt. Jerry Betzold following a training exercise accident,” said Rep. Baird. “He tragically lost his life while working to ensure our Marines are properly trained and ready when called to defend our country. We are forever indebted to our men and women in uniform like Staff Sgt. Betzold who risk their lives to protect us and our freedoms. Please join Danise and I as we pray for his friends and family during this extremely difficult time.”

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