America Must Build Ships Again

Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and I joined Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast to discuss our SHIPS for America Act, legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. 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. 

Listen to the episode here and here.

Addressing the Avian Flu Outbreak

I joined with Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and a group of colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a roadmap and enhance the agency’s response to the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Our letter outlines solutions that can be collaborated on as the Trump Administration responds to the outbreak.

The United States is now entering the fourth year of an outbreak of HPAI that has devastated farms, leading to the loss of more than 136 million birds on commercial poultry operations, and infecting a small but growing number of farm workers. A new urgency is required from the USDA to address this evolving situation. My colleagues and I stand ready to work with the Department as they provide leadership on this vitally important issue, the largest animal health outbreak that the Department has ever dealt with.

Read more here.

Indiana Farm Bureau

I recently had the chance to meet with Indiana Farm Bureau members, including Kyle Albertson, owner of Albertson Drone Service.

I was impressed to hear how his business is using innovative technology to provide services to Benton County farmers, such as crop spraying and aerial photography to evaluate crop health.

80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

On the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, the Senate passed a resolution I introduced recognizing the anniversary of the battle, which began on February 19, 1945, and lasted until March 26, 1945. Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) and I introduced the resolution earlier this month.

For myself, every Marine, and many Americans, Iwo Jima is a symbol of duty and sacrifice. I’m proud this resolution that recognizes the heroic service members who gave their lives at Iwo Jima, honors those who fought in the battle, and reaffirms our reconciled friendship with Japan unanimously passed the Senate.

Read more here.

Advancing Domestic Critical Materials Production

I joined with Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) in reintroducing the Critical Materials Future Act to establish a pilot program for the Department of Energy to support domestic critical material processing projects.

Our reliance on global supply chains for critical materials poses a significant national security threat, especially as the Chinese Communist Party continues to manipulate this market. Our bill will take innovative steps to identify opportunities for American leadership and investment in critical material projects, strengthen domestic supply chains, and boost our economic and global competitiveness.

Read more here. 

National FFA Week

The Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution I introduced to establish February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week.

The resolution highlights the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders by providing educational and career opportunities to students. It also commemorates the 75th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman signing into law a bill that provided a federal charter for FFA, acknowledging the significance of agricultural education in America.

FFA plays a critical role in the development of students through agricultural education. The lessons, tools, and resources gained through the FFA program equip Indiana’s future leaders with the skills needed to succeed in a variety of fields. I’m glad to lead this resolution establishing National FFA Week in support of the more than 14,000 Hoosier FFA members.

Read more here.

Snapback Sanctions on Iran

I joined with Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) in introducing a resolution urging Germany, France, and the UK, also known as the E3, to start a snapback of sanctions on Iran. The snapback sanctions would include export controls, travel bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions on those involved in Iranian nuclear and missile activities.

Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons threatens not only the stability of the Middle East but also the safety of the entire world. It is time for our European allies to join us in sending a clear message that the international community will not tolerate the dangerous actions of the Iranian regime or those who enable it.

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

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WRTV - Indiana congressman uncovers the reasoning behind USPS delays at Indianapolis Distribution Hub

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,