Dating back to 1802 when the United States Military Academy was founded in West Point, N.Y., Congress has chartered the U.S. service academies to graduate officers who are capable of serving in leadership roles to protect and defend our nation.

I can tell you from personal experience, as a proud graduate of the Naval Academy, just how competitive and limited admission to the service academies is. There are 4,400 total spots available in each academy, and no more than 1,350 students are admitted each year.

The application process itself is not easy. Nominees are put forward by members of Congress, as well as the president, vice president, and senior military officers. Generations of service academy graduates have been citizens of incredible distinction and accomplishment: presidents and admirals, Medal of Honor recipients, and Noble Prize winners. Those who would take up the profession of arms, and join their ranks, must clear a high hurdle.

But in recent years, other considerations have begun to displace rigor and merit. Government agency directives and presidential executive orders have mandated increased diversity across the federal workforce.

As part of this initiative, the Department of Defense promotes “equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion” in the service academies, which it oversees. Today, too often our service academies are using those metrics as a way to maximize the diversity of those admitted, not their merit.

This is discrimination. It is in conflict with our Constitution. And it undermines military readiness at a time of rising threats to America’s safety from strategic competitors, rogue states, and terrorists.

Read my National Review column here.

The most exciting thing happening in Bloomington south of 17th Street is the opening of The Forge, a great new location for startups funded in part through a federal grant. I was thrilled to be part of its grand opening in November. Bloomington is and will continue to be an innovation hub for our state.

Read more about The Forge here.

Good to meet with members of the Terre Haute Chamber to discuss priorities important to Vigo County. Exciting days are ahead for the Terre Haute area.

I recently led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressing concern about reports that the Colombian Government may consider a misguided investigation into U.S. corn subsidies. Such an investigation could lead to unjustified actions that would deliberately undermine American farmers’ competitiveness and effectively close off a critical export market. 

In the letter, we wrote: “Maintaining market access is critical to the interests of American farmers as Colombia consistently ranks among the top five export markets for U.S. corn year over year. In 2023 alone, the U.S. exported over 4 million metric tons of corn to Colombia, equivalent to $1.14 billion in sales. American farmers cannot afford to lose such a vital export market, especially when access to the top U.S. corn export market, Mexico, is already at risk. We urge you to raise these concerns with Colombian officials and ensure full alignment under our trade agreement.”

Read our letter here.

I always enjoy celebrating the birthday of the United States Marine Corps with a traditional cake cutting ceremony. Semper Fi!

Navigating federal agencies can be difficult. My staff and I are here to assist Hoosiers who are having trouble receiving benefits, have questions regarding a program or procedure, or have not heard back from these agencies in a timely manner.

Learn more about how we can help here.

The Ripon Society: Young Evaluates Challenges and Opportunities for GOP Majority

National Review: U.S. Service Academies Must End Race-Based Admissions

Indiana Public Media: Sen. Todd Young helps celebrate opening of multimillion-dollar tech center in city

Hoosier Ag Today: Sen. Young Leads Effort to Protect US Corn Exports to Colombia

The Ripon Advance: Young’s resolution aims to raise awareness about stomach cancer

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,