Combatting the Fentanyl Epidemic 

I joined with my colleagues in reintroducing the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act, which would permanently list fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act. Companion legislation recently passed the House of Representatives.

Illegally-created fentanyl derivatives are pouring across the southern border and devastating communities in Indiana and across the country. The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently classify these deadly drugs as Schedule I substances to ensure their sale and distribution can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I urge the Senate to pass this important legislation as soon as possible to empower law enforcement with this critical tool in the fight against opioids.

Read more here.

Advancing Our National Security

I voted in favor of Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for Director of National Intelligence. Ms. Gabbard provided me with this letter regarding her nomination and plans for this important role.

American intelligence officers around the globe deserve our respect and support. I appreciate Tulsi’s engagement with me on a variety of issues to ensure that our intelligence professionals will be supported and policymakers will receive unbiased information under her leadership.

I have done what the Framers envisioned for senators to do: use the consultative process to seek firm commitments, in this case commitments that will advance our national security, which is my top priority as a former Marine Corps intelligence officer. Having secured these commitments, I supported Tulsi’s nomination and I now look forward to working with her to protect our national security.

Girls & Women in Sports Day

As a proud father of three female athletes, I know the positive impact that being on a team and competing can have on young women.

Earlier this month, we recognized National Girls and Women in Sports Day. We must commit to keeping sports fair and safe. It’s common sense and our daughters deserve it. 

Career and Technical Education Month

I joined with a group of my colleagues in introducing and passing a resolution recognizing National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, which is observed every February.

Career and technical education equips Hoosier students with the skills and hands-on experiences necessary for a meaningful career. Supporting workforce training is vital for preparing Americans for the jobs of tomorrow.

CTE develops students for careers in fields such as health care, agriculture, information technology, manufacturing, the skilled trades, and many more. There are more than eight million job openings nationwide today, many are within industries with noted skilled labor shortages. More than 12 million students are enrolled in CTE programs at high schools, career academies, CTE centers, and two-year colleges across the country. Participation in CTE programs has been linked to better attendance and higher high school graduation rates. The resolution recognizes the importance of CTE and encourages educators, counselors, career development professionals, and parents to promote CTE as an option for students.

Read more here.

Critical Minerals and Trade Agreements

I had a great discussion with Jamieson Greer, nominee to be United States Trade Representative, on the importance of critical minerals and trade agreements.

Watch our discussion here.

Improving IRS Efficiency

I joined with Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) in introducing the Barcode Automation for Revenue Collection to Organize Disbursement and Enhance (BARCODE) Efficiency Act, legislation that would help improve the processing of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) paper tax returns.

While the use of e-filing has grown exponentially since its inception, millions of taxpayers choose to file their returns each year on paper. By implementing technology like 2-D barcodes, the IRS will be able to conserve resources, minimize processing errors, and reduce delays in the distribution of refunds to taxpayers.

Millions of Americans are forced to wait months – and sometimes years – for the IRS to process their tax returns. Our bill will better serve taxpayers by improving the processing of paper returns, reducing errors, and requiring the IRS to operate more efficiently.

Read more here.

Help for Hoosiers 

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.

Local News

Marshall County Post: Senator Young, colleagues reintroduce bill to strengthen critical minerals supply chains

The Salem Leader: Young & Warnock Introduce Legislation to Improve IRS Efficiency

The Bloomingtonian: Senate Resolution Honors 80th Anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima

Indiana Capital Chronicle: U.S. Sen. Young will support Tulsi Gabbard nomination

Daily Journal: Young co-sponsors bills addressing non-consensual AI-generated nudes, severe weather forecasting

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,