I want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. This is such a special time of year as we celebrate cherished traditions, gather in worship, and spend time with family and friends.

It’s also a time to reflect on the many blessings we enjoy, and to remember the sacrifices made on our behalf. I want to offer a special thank you to our men and women in the armed services, especially those who are deployed far from their families and in harm's way this holiday season. Your service and sacrifice allow us to live freely, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Whether you are at home or away this year, I hope your Christmas season is filled with joy and meaning. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year.

Click here for a Christmas greeting from Team Young.

The National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress considers each year. This annual defense bill sets policy for the Department of Defense (DoD), establishes the national security priorities of Congress, and upgrades our nation’s warfighting capabilities. Last week, I voted for this year's defense bill, which passed the Senate 85-14. 

I am pleased the final bill included several critical priorities I worked on to counter the Chinese Communist Party, ensure the U.S. maintains global leadership in emerging biotech, modernize our defense capabilities, and support Indiana’s defense industrial base and workforce.

Read more about what the final bill included here. 

Last week, I had a great conversation with President Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

We discussed Bobby’s long-time advocacy of healthy lifestyle choices and rebuilding trust in our public health institutions. We also talked about the importance of reinstating strong pro-life policies at HHS and Indiana’s contributions to innovation in life sciences.

America has been a maritime nation since our founding, and seapower was a significant contributor to our rise to being the most powerful nation on earth. Unfortunately, the bottom line now is America needs more ships. Shipbuilding is a national security priority and a stopgap against foreign threats and coercion.  

I recently joined U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and U.S. Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) and John Garamendi (D-CA-8) in introducing the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act. This comprehensive legislation is Congress’ most consequential proposal for the maritime industry in recent history. After decades of neglect, the United States has a weakened shipbuilding capacity, a declining commercial shipping fleet that is dwarfed by China, and a diminished ability to supply the U.S. military during wartime. 

Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, and support nationwide workforce development in this industry. This legislation is critical to our warfighting capabilities and keeping pace with China.

Read more here.

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced last week that SK hynix will receive up to $458 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act to build a high-bandwidth-memory advanced packaging fabrication and research and development facility in West Lafayette. The South Korean chip producer previously announced it will invest an estimated $3.8 billion to bring more than 1,000 new jobs to West Lafayette. The company plans to begin mass production in the second half of 2028.

Bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States is a national security imperative and is among the primary goals of the CHIPS and Science Act. This announcement further opens the door for Hoosier workers to play a critical role in building our high-tech future while contributing to our national security and ensuring against future supply chain disruptions.

Read more here. 

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.

Wall Street Journal: The Lamest of Lame Duck Moves

The Hamilton County Reporter: Senator Young & colleagues reintroduce bill to provide TSA PreCheck to disabled Veterans

Marshall County Post: US Senator Young, colleagues applaud passage of bills to reduce burdensome health care reporting requirements for employers

Defense One: Bill aims to beef up US shipbuilding

WRTV: Federal judge shortage causing delays for people seeking justice

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,