We Need More American Scientists and Engineers

Our country is locked in a global economic and technological competition with China. To remain the world’s leader, we need more American scientists and engineers.

I introduced the Promoting High-skilled Doctoral Talent (PHD Talent) Act to strengthen America’s pipeline of scientists and engineers by helping universities establish accelerated bachelors-to-Ph.D. pathways in critical and emerging technology fields.

America’s technological future should be built by American talent. Taxpayer-funded STEM fellowships should go to U.S. citizens – not temporary visa holders. This bill will invest in the next generation of American scientists and engineers.

This legislation creates more direct pathways for U.S. students to earn advanced degrees, connects them with our National Laboratories and industry, and ensures taxpayer-funded support goes to American citizens. Prioritizing American talent is vital as China and other global competitors race to dominate critical technologies.

Read more about this bill here.

Allison Transmission Visit

This week, I had a good visit with the Allison Transmission team to discuss a number of issues, including their expanding footprint and continued commitment to our great state. Allison’s skilled Hoosier workforce has made it a national leader in designing and manufacturing propulsion solutions for commercial and defense vehicles.

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.

End Legacy Admissions 

America is a land of opportunity, not a land of aristocracy. Legacy admissions restrict opportunities for many bright and talented young Americans and provide unearned advantage to the most connected individuals in our society. 

I introduced the Merit-Based Educational Reforms and Institutional Transparency Act (MERIT Act) to end the practice of colleges and universities giving “preferential treatment” in the admissions process based on an applicant’s relationship to alumni or donors of the deciding institution.

The MERIT Act would amend the Higher Education Act to add a new standard for accreditation to prevent accredited colleges and universities – institutions that are recognized for maintaining a certain level of educational quality – from giving “preferential treatment” during the admissions process.

Read more here and here.

Happy Birthday, USCG

This week, we celebrated the 236th birthday of the United States Coast Guard. Thank you to all the brave men and women who have served in our Coast Guard, past and present.

 Hearing on American Biotechnology Leadership and a More Resilient Health Care System

This week, I chaired a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the role of biotechnology in strengthening America’s health care system, securing medical supply chains, combating emerging health threats, and ensuring the United States remains the global leader in biotechnology biotech innovation.

I spoke about my work as Chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB), discussed Indiana’s leadership in life sciences, and highlighted China's ambition for biotechnological supremacy, underscoring the need for our country to strengthen domestic innovation to maintain our competitive edge.

Additionally, I spoke about the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and the need to spur the development of new antibiotics and other innovative therapies to bolster America's long-term health security by addressing drug-resistant infections.

To watch my opening statement, click here or the image above. See more from the hearing 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

WRTV – Sen. Todd Young urges Congress to stop insider trading

Fox 59 – Todd Young unveils the federal SAFE Act

IndyStar – Protect College Sports Act vote gains Indiana Senator Todd Young's backing

The Ripon Advance – Young sponsors bill to reauthorize Build to Scale program 

Indianapolis Business Journal – Kristin Jones: Young helps lead the way on protecting U.S. innovations

The Hamilton County Reporter – Young introduces legislation to support Americans facing IRS challenges

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,