I was honored to welcome fellow commissioners on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) for a series of events in Indiana last week. The NSCEB is a national commission that will shape U.S. government activities regarding biotechnology and provide recommendations to Congress and the federal government on the national security implications of biotechnology. The bipartisan NSCEB was created by Congress in 2022, and I am one of four lawmakers to sit on the panel.

We began with a tour of the Indiana University Indianapolis Biotech Lab and a listening session with Hoosier biotech leaders.

Next we toured Eli Lilly and Company's bio manufacturing facility in Indianapolis to give NSCEB Commissioners an up close look at Hoosier ingenuity. We also held a roundtable discussion on workforce and supply chain issues in the biotech industry.

We then visited Inari in West Lafayette and toured its lab and greenhouse. We learned how Inari is on the cutting-edge of biotechnology and designing seeds for a more sustainable food system, another example of Hoosier innovation.

We also participated in a roundtable discussion with Dr. Mung Chiang, President of Purdue University, and Hoosier agriculture leaders about how emerging biotechnology research across Indiana can help to shape our future. AgTech is a critical economic and national security issue. Read more about the NSCEB here.

Growing Momentum for the Kids Online Safety Act

There is growing Senate support for the bipartisan Kids Online Safety Act, with a total of 62 senators now cosponsoring the legislation. This legislation, of which I am an original cosponsor, would provide kids and parents with better tools to protect themselves online, hold social media companies accountable for harms to kids, and provide transparency into black box algorithms.

Hoosier parents are concerned about protecting their children online and want social media companies to do more to safeguard their platforms. Our bipartisan bill would require these companies to take new measures to protect children from harmful content and empower parents with additional tools to safeguard their children and protect their personal information. I’m encouraged by the growing support for this legislation, and look forward to voting for it on the Senate floor.

The Kids Online Safety Act is strongly supported by a broad coalition of parents who have tragically lost their children or whose kids have been severely harmed by social media, young people who want to regain control over their online lives, and hundreds of advocacy groups and experts who study and see the negative effects of social media firsthand in their communities. Read more about this bill here.

Visiting Neurodon in Crown Point

I recently visited Neurodon’s lab in Crown Point as part of my “Made In Indiana” tour to highlight innovative Hoosier companies that are contributing to our national and economic security, creating 21st century jobs, and making technological advancements. Indiana’s life sciences industry is growing and many life-saving treatments are being made in our state by Hoosier workers.

Portage State of the City Address

I was honored to attend the State of the City Address in Portage. Mayor Austin Bonta and city leaders have an exciting vision for the future, and I look forward to continuing to support The Region.

National FFA Week Resolution Passes Senate

The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution I introduced with Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) to establish February 17-24, 2024 as National FFA Week.

The resolution highlights the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders by providing educational and career opportunities to students. The resolution also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the “Give the Gift of Blue” program, which has donated more than 17,000 of the iconic FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.

Throughout Hoosier communities and our country, FFA plays a critical role in the development of students through agricultural education. The lessons, tools, and resources gained through the FFA program equip Indiana’s future leaders with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of fields. I was glad to lead this resolution to establish National FFA Week in support of the more than 13,000 FFA members in Indiana.

Read more here.

Local News

Post Tribune: Young tours Crown Point-based Neurodon as company moves ahead with Alzheimer’s, diabetes drug development

WIBC: Senator Young on WIBC

AM 1050: Senator Young, colleagues applaud passage of bipartisan resolution recognizing February as Career and Technical Education Month

Ripon Advance: Young offers bipartisan bill to reauthorize CDC’s work around congenital heart disease

News and Tribune: Sen. Young receives 'Housing Champion' award

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,