Click here or above to watch my speech.

Last month, Laken Riley, a 22-year-old American nursing student at Augusta University in Georgia, was killed by an illegal immigrant.

I joined a group of Senate Republican colleagues in supporting the Laken Riley Act, the Senate companion to H.R. 7511, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this month.

The bill would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal immigrants who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses and would mandate that these illegal immigrants are detained until they are removed from the United States so they cannot reoffend and commit further crimes. Additionally, the legislation would ensure that states have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or who violate the law.

I recently spoke on the Senate floor about this tragic situation. To Laken’s family and friends, your fellow Americans grieve with you and we are saddened by your loss. We pray and hope that, in time, you will find comfort in the example that Laken leaves behind. But let me add my voice to the chorus of voices in emphasizing that words of condolence aren’t enough. Far better for us to honor Laken’s life by doing everything within our power to ensure that no other family endures this tragedy.

Click here to read more about the Laken Riley Act. Click here to watch my speech on the Senate floor.

Kidney Research at 34 Lives

I recently visited 34 Lives in West Lafayette to learn more about its innovative work. Based at the Purdue Research Park, 34 Lives is working to develop technology and services to extend the safe preservation times of kidneys.

Every day in the United States, approximately 34 patients are removed from the kidney transplant waiting list because either they die or become too sick to receive a transplant.

Early college programs provide affordable opportunities for students to be prepared for a postsecondary education. I recently reintroduced the Fast Track To and Through College Act, which would provide resources aimed at helping more students earn college credits while still in high school.

The Fast Track To and Through College Act would allow students enrolled in early college programs to take as much as a full year of early college courses toward their college degree and ensure students receive credit for their Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or dual-enrollment courses by requiring public colleges and universities to accept these credits. This bill also would expand access to these programs by allowing Pell Grants to cover dual-enrollment costs for Pell-eligible students in states receiving a fast-track grant.

Click here to learn more.

Frito-Lay in Frankfort

Earlier this week, I visited the Frito-Lay facility in Frankfort to learn more about how Hoosier workers are incorporating emerging technology into operations and the ways Frito-Lay is engaged in the local community.

Virtual Academy Day

High school students interested in learning more about America’s service academies are invited to participate in my upcoming virtual Academy Day on Monday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. ET. This virtual meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the admissions process and what life is like at the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Representatives from each academy will be on hand to answer questions.

For more information, please email academy_nominations@young.senate.gov or visit my website.

Local News

WIBC: Sen. Young’s Bill to Make Early College Courses & Credits More Accessible

Hoosier Ag Today: Young, Braun Urge Freeze to Ag Wage Rate

Ripon Advance: Rollout of connected vehicle technologies must become a national priority, says Young

AM 1050: Senator Young & colleagues demand the Biden Administration increase agricultural exports

WIBC: Senator Young Speaks on Senate Floor Regarding Laken Riley Act

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,