America Needs An Aggressive Critical Minerals Strategy  

I recently wrote a column for the Washington Examiner outlining the urgent need to break America’s dangerous dependence on China for critical minerals.

These crucial rare earth elements and magnets are used in everything from fighter jets and submarines to missile systems and drones. And they are largely controlled by China and, in some cases, restricted by China.

Earlier this year, President Trump drew a sharp line on China’s aggressive moves when he issued an executive order designed to boost production of critical minerals here in the United States. But we need to do more to break America’s dependence on China for these materials essential to our national security and economic future.

China controls roughly 85% of global capacity for processing these materials, effectively monopolizing the supply chain. China accounts for approximately 99% of the processing of heavy rare earth elements — the very materials most essential to advanced defense technologies.

Our manufacturers and innovators deserve a clear strategy to reduce dependencies on America’s leading adversary and secure our critical supply chains. I outlined my plan and ideas on how to address this vulnerability.

Read the full column here or by clicking above. 

USDA to Open Regional Hub in Indy

To bring the USDA closer to the people it serves, the USDA has developed a phased plan to relocate much of its Agency headquarters and staff out of the Washington, D.C. area to five hub locations. It is great to see these services move outside of Washington and into the places that actually do the work of feeding our nation.

This move will allow the USDA to be more connected to its customers, so this is a win for our state and our nation.

Watch me discuss this issue by clicking the image above. Read more here. 

 Bill to Cut Regulations, Increase Housing Options

Burdensome zoning and land use policies can drive up housing costs. I introduced a bill to encourage transparency from local communities in order to encourage the reduction of harmful regulations and increase housing affordability.

Our bill would provide an opportunity for local governments to rethink restrictive zoning and land use policies. By identifying and removing unnecessary barriers, we can expand housing options and make communities more accessible and affordable for all Americans.

Read more here.

Supporting Hoosier Trucking

As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, I recently convened a hearing focused on issues impacting the trucking and commercial bus industries in the United States.  

We examined ways to enhance safety, reduce regulatory burdens, and ensure the long-term viability of these essential transportation operators. The hearing also explored opportunities for meaningful regulatory and policy reforms, including consideration of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s regulations, deployment of technology, freight theft and fraud, workforce challenges, and enforcement and compliance requirements in the context of the next surface transportation reauthorization. 

Read more here or watch my opening remarks by clicking above. 

Advancing American Leadership on AI

Last week, President Donald Trump released an AI Action Plan that sets forth a strategic agenda to ensure the United States continues to lead the world in the research, development, deployment, and advancement of artificial intelligence. Read the plan here.

I have been spearheading many of the plan’s recommendations through my work in the Senate and as Chair of the National Security Commission on Biotechnology, including: 

- Examining where burdensome regulations exist that prohibit innovation and the voluntary deployment of AI by the private sector 

- Ensuring our workforce can meet the demands of the future 

- Strategic and targeted investments in the development and manufacturing of AI and the emerging technologies that will shape the 21st century 

- Ensuring the U.S. builds a holistic AI pipeline so we are the ones setting the global standards and protecting our private sector from complying with differing rules across the world 

- Establishing strategic export controls to ensure American companies can collaborate with allies and partners, while securing our most sensitive technologies from theft by adversaries

I’m ready to work with President Trump, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, and my Senate colleagues to ensure the United States wins this crucial race.

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

Hoosier Ag Today - USDA Selects Indianapolis as One of Five New Regional Hub Locations

North Indy News - Young introduces bill with bipartisan support for increased housing options

The Ripon Advance - Young cosponsors GOP-led bill to audit the Fed

University of Notre Dame - U.S. Senator Todd Young on bridge-building in Congress and Notre Dame’s role in strengthening civil discourse

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,