Cracking Down on “Chameleon Carriers”

I joined with Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) to introduce the Safety and Accountability in Freight Enforcement (SAFE) Act, legislation to crack down on so-called “chameleon carriers” – unsafe trucking companies that evade federal oversight by shutting down and reopening under new identities to avoid penalties, enforcement actions, and poor safety records.

In recent years, we’ve seen chameleon carriers become a major issue on Indiana’s roads, putting Hoosiers at risk and punishing law-abiding truckers. When unsafe trucking companies evade enforcement by reopening under a new identity, everyone who shares the road with them is put at greater risk.

The legislation directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to develop a mechanism to accurately detect chameleon carriers in the registration process, ensuring they are subject to enforcement for violations under the law.

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

Good News for Northwest Indiana

The Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration recently announced that the Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, which includes partners in Northwest Indiana, will receive $30 million in federal funding.

The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub is a regional consortium spanning Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin that brings together leading universities, national laboratories, manufacturers, startups, investors, and workforce partners to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies. One partner in the Hub is the Roberts Impact Lab at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond.

I helped create the Tech Hubs Program through the CHIPS and Science Act to better develop critical technologies here at home.

The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub will build on northwest Indiana’s research and advanced manufacturing strengths and further establish the Midwest as a global hub for innovation.

Read my column in The Times of Northwest Indiana on this announcement here.

I joined the Julie Mason Show to talk about how the Bloch Quantum Tech Hub will bring new opportunities for Hoosier workers and manufacturers in northwest Indiana.

Listen to our conversation here or by clicking the image above.

For the full interview, click here.

Upcoming Passport Fair

Members of my team will join the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Chicago Passport Agency at the Sellersburg Post Office on Saturday, August 1 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for a passport acceptance event.

Hoosiers in need of a passport who would like to attend the event can schedule an appointment here. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Amplify Hancock Innovation Center in Greenfield

I'm glad my team could attend the opening of the Amplify Hancock Innovation Center this week in Greenfield. This first of its kind facility will offer Hoosier students career and technical education, workforce training, and industry collaboration in a central location.

Read more here.

Assisting Small Businesses, Not Fraudsters Act

Over 1.2 million Hoosiers are employed by small businesses. As you look across our nation, small businesses are the backbone of our modern economy. Honest, hard-working entrepreneurs and small business owners shouldn’t have to compete with convicted fraudsters for federal opportunities.

I spoke on the Senate floor about my Assisting Small Businesses, Not Fraudsters Act. The principle behind my bill is quite simple: If someone is convicted of defrauding the Small Business Administration through certain COVID-era loan or grant programs, then that individual should not be eligible to receive future financial assistance from the Small Business Administration.

To watch my full floor speech, click here or the image above.

China’s Actions Show Why We Need American Ships

I spoke on the Senate floor about recent reports that indicate China is retrofitting cargo ships with deadly weapons, including long-range strike and surface-to-air missiles, drone launching systems, and radar and tracking systems.

These actions by the Chinese show why America must make more commercial ships, so that our country isn’t reliant on China. Congress needs to pass my SHIPS for America Act so we can revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.

Watch my full remarks here or by clicking the image above.

RSVP for My Academy Day

I'm hosting my annual Academy Day on August 24. This is an opportunity for high school students interested in serving our country to learn more about America’s service academies.

For more information or to RSVP, email academy_nominations@young.senate.gov.

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

Hamilton County Reporter – Sen. Young introduces SAFE Act to crack down on “chameleon carriers”

FOX 59 – SAFE Act seeks to crack down on ‘chameleon carriers’ in Indiana

NWI Times – COMMENTARY | Tech hub funding is good news for Northwest Indiana

WIBC – Sen. Young Calls for Passage of Bill Supporting Small Businesses

MNC – Sen. Todd Young looks to support small businesses

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,