Welcome Home, Genene!

Everyone was all smiles at the Indianapolis Airport this Saturday. Dozens of friends and neighbors turned out to welcome home the Oren family, from Anderson, IN, and their son Genene.

His homecoming was a long-awaited reunion. Although, Genene was legally adopted from Ethiopia over a year ago, his journey home had been delayed due to Ethiopia halting international adoption proceedings. According to the US State Department, this has left dozens of American families unable to obtain the necessary paperwork to bring their legally adopted children home.

It was a privilege to be at the airport to celebrate with the Oren family. I’m thrilled to welcome Genene home to Indiana, and see a family finally become whole.

Revamping International Development with Incoming USAID Director Mark Green

President Trump’s nominee to lead USAID appeared in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week for his confirmation hearing. During our discussion, I asked about possible USAID reform and reorganization, along with other National Security development strategies. Each of these efforts would improve USAID operations and help advance American interests abroad.

Senator Shaheen and I introduced legislation to implement common-sense collaboration between numerous U.S. Government agencies in order to optimize our international development and aid operations. It’s long past time to reform these areas in order to provide more effective services along with ensuring taxpayer money is spent effectively. Mr. Green expressed a strong interest in reviewing our recommendations and I look forward to working with him.

My Decision Should Come as a Surprise to No One

After months of efforts to alleviate suffering in Yemen, I voted to block certain weapons from being transferred to Saudi Arabia. My decision is not based on an opposition to arms sales, but on the persistent and misguided refusal of the Saudi government to take specific steps to alleviate suffering in Yemen.   

I recognize that—despite our differences—the Saudi government is an important regional security partner for the United States. However, when we work through allies and partners, we should not set aside our national security interests, and we certainly should not set aside our support for universal humanitarian principles. That principle certainly applies to the Saudis and to the situation in Yemen.

Starting a Bipartisan Dialogue on Healthcare

Last month, I reached out to my Democratic colleagues to discuss the state of our healthcare system. This is a genuine effort to try to earn the trust of my fellow colleagues and let them know that on this issue, as with other issues, it’s my intent to try to find common ground.

Our healthcare system is in dire straits as the number of choices dwindle, costs continue to skyrocket, and quality remains unacceptably subpar.

One More Thing Before You Go: Hoosier Students

Keller, Jason, Geoffrey and Ryun are four outstanding young men from Warsaw, Indiana. They used their research, writing, and acting skills to tell the story of Pearl Harbor for a National History Day project.

Their hard work and dedication over several months earned them a first-place award in the Indiana State competition and an opportunity to compete in the national competition this past week at the University of Maryland.

In recognition of their achievements, I was honored to recognize their work and accomplishment in the official congressional record of Congress and present it to them at this week's #HoosierHuddle. They reported history and now, they are a part of it.

Congratulations to them, their sponsor and parents. It was a privilege to meet you all.

Thank you for the continued privilege to serve you in the 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. Until then…

In Service,

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