It is impossible to argue that the world is more secure today than it was when the Biden Administration began.

Whether it be in Afghanistan, the Middle East, or the Indo-Pacific, the world that the Biden Administration is leaving behind is a world full of chaos. I spoke on the Senate floor about the Biden Administration’s foreign policy legacy and outlined steps for reasserting global leadership in the years ahead.

It is time to turn the page on the last four years. It is time to restore deterrence. It is time get back to "peace through strength."

Read more here and watch here. 

I joined with a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Securing Trade and Resources for Advanced Technology, Economic Growth, and International Commerce (STRATEGIC) Minerals Act. The bill aims to strengthen America’s supply chain of critical minerals and rare earth elements.

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. 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.

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. This legislation would empower the president to negotiate and enforce sector-specific free trade agreements exclusively focused on critical minerals and rare earth elements with trusted partners and allies, thereby bolstering cooperation, reducing trade barriers, and enhancing national security. 

Read more here and here.

I had the privilege of recommending a talented group of Hoosiers for admission to the United States service academies this year. Applications were received from 140 high school students, and a select group was interviewed by my advisory board. Out of 75 offered interviews, 47 exemplary young men and women from across Indiana received a nomination.

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.

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.

Read the full list of Hoosier nominees here.

Last week, I had great conversations with Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent and Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary nominee Congressman Doug Collins. 

Scott shared valuable insights about ways to spur economic growth and reduce inflation, including by boosting energy production and simplifying regulatory burdens. Scott’s business acumen and experience is impressive. He understands the challenges facing our economy and the impact it can have on our national security.

Doug and I discussed how to improve the VA and better serve our veterans. Doug is a friend and former congressional colleague, as well as a talented lawyer and proud veteran of the US Navy and Air Force Reserve. Doug will do great work for America’s heroes as our next VA Secretary. 

I recently met with Kia from Indiana, who was on Capitol Hill advocating on behalf of those with Down syndrome. Thank you to Kia for sharing her story, and thanks to the Global Down Syndrome Foundation for its transformative work.

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.

Northwest Indiana Times: Indiana senator condems ‘chaos’ of Biden foreign policy

Hoosier State Today: Senator Young nominates Indiana students for U.S. service academies

WEHT: Sen. Young leads effort to protect U.S. corn exports to Colombia

Marshall County Post: Senator Young joins effort to uncover total federal funding awarded to abortion providers

Vincennes PBS: Senator Young Recognizes Student Interns

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,