Defense Bill Passes, Ending “Forever Wars”

This week, I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate and now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The annual defense bill sets policy for the Department of Defense, establishes national security priorities, and gives service members a much-deserved pay raise.

The National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important pieces of legislation Congress considers each year. I’m pleased this year’s bill includes several priorities I’ve worked on to modernize our defense capabilities, support Indiana’s defense industrial base and workforce, and maintain American leadership in biotech. Read more about those priorities here.

This year’s NDAA also includes my bill to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) against Iraq. The Gulf War started 34 years ago, and the Iraq War began 22 years ago. These conflicts have long ended, and today Iraq is a partner, not an adversary. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and I have been pushing for years to repeal these outdated AUMFs, and I am pleased that our repeal bill is included in the final NDAA. I look forward to President Trump signing this critical bill into law.

Watch a video of me and Senator Kaine discussing the bill by clicking the image above or here.

Calumet Region National Heritage Area 

I introduced a bill that would designate the Calumet Region, which includes Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties in Indiana and Will and Cook counties in Illinois, as a National Heritage Area (NHA).

NHAs are designated by Congress to recognize places where natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources converge to form nationally significant landscapes. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) joined me in supporting this effort.

The Calumet Region has long been a center of industrial growth and remains the leading steel-producing region in the United States today. Located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, the area was the site of early advancements in ecology, has been registered as a natural botanical preserve, and is home to the Indiana Dunes National Park and the Pullman National Historical Park. The economic opportunities combined with natural resources have led to decades of migration of working class families to the region.

The Calumet Region’s industrial legacy, unique environment, and recreational spaces have long made the area an attractive destination to live, work, and visit. Our efforts to designate the region as a National Heritage Area will preserve and promote its rich resources and culture for years to come.

Read more here and here.

Visit with Indiana National Guard

I enjoyed visiting with Guardsmen from the Indiana National Guard stationed in Washington for the next few months and thanking them on behalf of Hoosiers. Over 300 Hoosier Guardsmen are currently serving in our nation’s capitol.

"More with AI" Tour

It was a pleasure to join Hoosier small business owners in Indy for Intuit’s “More with AI” tour last week.

This collaboration helps equip local entrepreneurs with new tools to enhance their small businesses. Read more here.

Indiana Poised to Lead on Drones

I recently had a good meeting with Hoosier stakeholders who are working on Indiana’s effort to receive a new FAA drone test site. 

Our state is uniquely positioned to play a critical role in reestablishing American drone dominance. Read more about this effort here.

Back the Blue Act

I joined 35 of my Senate Republican colleagues in introducing the Back the Blue Act, legislation that would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.

Our law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe. The Back the Blue Act makes clear that attacks on our officers will not be tolerated and provides stronger protections for law enforcement. I’m proud to support this bill and back the blue.

Read more here.

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate. May this Festival of Lights bring hope and joy to families in Indiana and across our country.

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 State Today - Young and Kaine praise inclusion of Iraq AUMF repeal in FY26 defense bill’

Marshall County Post - U.S. Senator Young supports Back the Blue Act

WNIN - Sen. Young's Bill Will End "Forever Wars"

14 News - Local leaders ask U.S. Navy to name a warship after the city of Evansville

NWI Times - Indiana senator leads Congress to repeal OK for use of military force in Iraq

Marshall County Post - U.S. Senator Young votes for annual Defense Bill to support our military, keep America secure

NWI Times - Bill would create long-awaited Calumet Region National Heritage Area

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,