This week, I joined with Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to introduce the Merit-based Educational Reforms and Institutional Transparency Act (MERIT Act), legislation to end the practice of colleges and universities giving “preferential treatment” in the admissions process based on an applicant’s relationship to alumni or donors of the deciding institution. The MERIT Act would amend the Higher Education Act to add a new standard for accreditation in order to prevent accredited colleges and universities – institutions that are recognized for maintaining a certain level of educational quality – from giving “preferential treatment” during the admissions process. The bill includes protections to ensure that religious institutions can continue to make admissions decisions in line with their faith-based values, ensuring no infringement on religious freedom.
 
America is a land of opportunity, not a land of aristocracy. Legacy admissions restrict opportunities for many bright and talented young Americans and provide unmerited advantage to the most connected individuals in our society. Our bill will end legacy preferences in the admissions process and promote upward mobility for Americans of all backgrounds.

Click here to read more about this bill. 

Congressman Larry Bucshon and I wrote an op-ed in the Indianapolis Star about why Congress must stand with and continue supporting Ukraine and Israel.

If American power and will recede as dangers grow in Europe and the Middle East, rogue nations will fill the vacuum.

Read our column here.

Biden Admin Should Make Catch-and-Release Data Public

I joined with a group of colleagues to introduce the Southern Border Transparency Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to accurately report how it is handling migrants encountered at the border and ensure the American people have a full accounting of the number of migrants being released into the United States by the Biden Administration along with information detailing where they are coming from.

The Biden Administration’s strategy for handling the influx of migrants at the border has been to funnel them into so-called “parole” or unlawful release programs, including the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan parole program, an expanded Central American Minors program that now includes adults, and the likely widespread use of parole at Ports of Entry. These migrants are eligible for work authorization, and there is limited visibility into whether they ultimately depart the United States.

Right now, there is only limited public data available on the total number of people who have been released into the U.S. under these programs, whether they are even making asylum claims before they are released, what screenings are taking place, or whether these migrants ever depart the United States. The Southern Border Transparency Act would require DHS to fully report on how it is handling migrants encountered at the border

Our bill would bring much needed transparency to the American people about the true nature of the crisis at our southern border. Click here to read more.

I enjoyed talking with Munster High School students who are studying cybersecurity and answering questions about my work on artificial intelligence policy issues. I was encouraged by these students and their curiosity about these difficult issues. These students are part of the first AI generation, and we must set them up for success.

The Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration recently awarded Ports of Indiana a $2.25 million grant to assist in purchasing a heavy-lift crane at Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon.

This investment will increase the Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon’s capacity to transport more steel and goods from Indiana to global markets, fostering new partnerships and generating economic and public benefits throughout the region.

Click here to read more.

I joined a group of Senate Finance Committee colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution calling for the strengthening of economic ties between the U.S. and Israel. The United States must use every tool available to support Israel following Hamas’ gruesome attacks. This resolution reaffirms the strength of the U.S.-Israel economic relationship and America’s commitment to standing with the people of Israel.

Click here to read more about the resolution.

Local News

WISH TV: Indiana Sen. Todd Young introduces bill to end legacy admissions in universities

AM 1050: Young, Colleagues Call for Strengthened Economic Ties with Israel

95.3 MNC: Houchin, Young condemn colleges for “fueling” national anti-Semitism

The Wall Street Journal: Capitol Hill Targets Legacy Preferences for College Admissions

WFYI: Indiana Senator Todd Young wants to end legacy college admissions

Thank you for the continued privilege to serve you in the U.S. Senate. My mission is to fight on behalf of Hoosiers and the interests that are unique to our state. I look forward to working with you, and sharing our progress, in the days ahead. 

In Service,

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