Update on Government Shutdown 

Senate Republicans continue to vote to fund the government and Senate Democrats continue to object. I have now voted 13 times for a bipartisan bill that would fund and reopen the government, but Senate Democrats have blocked this bill each time.

Last week, Senate Democrats blocked a separate bill I led with Senator Ron Johnson to ensure our troops, Border Patrol, TSA, and law enforcement get paid. These men and women continue to show up and do their jobs, even during this manufactured shutdown. Read more about this proposal here.

I am hoping for a breakthrough soon. In the meantime, while the federal government is shut down, my team and I are still working and available to Hoosiers. If you have questions or need assistance, our contact information can be found here.

A Post-Shutdown Priority: Build More American Ships

When the government reopens, building more ships should be a top priority.

Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and I wrote a letter in the Wall Street Journal about how there is growing momentum to pass our bipartisan SHIPS for America Act. We need to demonstrate that the United States is serious about countering China’s dominance over the oceans.

Read our letter here and here.
 

Go Hoosiers

I enjoyed attending the IU vs. UCLA football game last weekend in Bloomington and celebrating another big Hoosiers win. I always enjoy stopping by the USS Indiana tribute outside Memorial Stadium.

Condemning China’s Crackdown on Religious Freedom

I joined with Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) to introduce a bill to combat ongoing persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in China. The Combatting the Persecution of Religious Groups in China Act, filed on the 27th anniversary of International Religious Freedom Day, would implement strict sanctions on any Chinese official who is responsible for or directly carries out violations of religious freedom.

China’s systematic persecution of religious leaders who peacefully practice their faith is horrific and shameful. We must continue to strongly condemn this action by the Chinese Communist Party and hold accountable those who perpetuate this reprehensible behavior.

Read about our bill here and here. 

Visiting with Hoosier Students

I enjoyed meeting with Hoosier students from Central Middle School in Columbus during their trip to D.C.

Rebuilding America's Shipbuilding Capacity

I recently participated in a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing that examined how to modernize and accelerate U.S. commercial shipbuilding while strengthening America’s broader maritime industrial base.

I discussed with private industry and policy experts how the SHIPS for America Act will help rebuild America’s shipbuilding capacity and restore our nation’s strength as a sea power.

Watch my remarks 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 discusses the SHIPS Act, importance of commercial shipbuilding during commerce hearing

Fox News Radio - President Trump and Xi Set For High-Stakes Face Off

Straight Arrow News - China’s building 1,700 ships to America’s 5.  Senators say it’s a security issue

Marshall County Post - U.S. Senators Young, Budd condemn Chinese crackdown on religious freedom

IBJ - Customs office planned at Indianapolis Executive Airport in Zionsville

The Wall Street Journal - A Post-Shutdown Priority: Build More Ships

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,