A Hoosier-Made, American Tradition 

Road trips are a proud American tradition, and the Recreational Vehicles (RV) that many families use for these great excursions are a renowned Hoosier product.

More than 80% of all RVs are made in our great state. From engineering to manufacturing, Hoosier RVs keep Americans safe and comfortable while they’re out on the open road.

It was a great privilege to join Secretary Zinke and the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable (ORIR), including RV industry representatives, to discuss opportunities for improved collaboration to drive investment in the recreation sector and improve Americans’ access to our treasured natural resources. The Secretary even took one of these Hoosier-made RVs for a spin!

“The Worst Humanitarian Crisis Since World War II”

On Wednesday, I chaired a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee hearing to examine the “Four Famines” and outline next steps to alleviate suffering in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen. Leaders, officials, and experts from the World Food Programme, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Mercy Corps, and Refugees International testified. 

In my opening statement, I pointed to several disturbing pictures of famished children that were on display around the room and shared with the subcommittee: “I realize these pictures may be disturbing to some.  They are deeply troubling to me.  But, I think it is important to have these posters here today because they remind us that we are talking about real people who need urgent help.  Can you imagine how you would feel if you were the mother, father, sister, or brother of one of these children?”

The Acting Director of the USAID Food for Peace Program said the world confronted the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II.

The Executive Director for the World Food Programme provided a compelling testimony how unaddressed humanitarian crises can fuel terrorism. 

Following the testimonies, it is clear that Saudi Arabia must take specific steps to fully comply with international humanitarian law. Yemen confronts the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and urgent action is needed. We can and must do more.

Mobile Office in Indiana This Week

Need help with a federal agency? We have a Mobile Office this week! A member of my staff will be holding mobile office hours in Marion County on July 28th at 11am. We hope to see you there!

  

Seeking Applicants for USDA Positions

I have teamed up with Senator Joe Donnelly in search of qualified individuals to fill state-level leadership positions with the United States Department of Agriculture. We will review applications and make a joint recommendation to President Donald Trump.

These leadership positions are vital in supporting Hoosier farmers and communities across rural Indiana. We want to do our part to ensure Indiana remains a leader in feeding the world.

Qualified applicants can apply for the following positions:

State Director of the Farm Services Agency – The Director is in charge of administering the federal programs under the Farm Service Agency. These are programs found in Title I of the farm bill. The FSA Director also administers purchase and operation loans as well as some disaster programs.

State Director of Rural Development – The Director of Rural Development oversees three areas: housing and community facilities programs, business programs, and utilities programs.

Starting the Public Healthcare Debate

Today, the Senate voted on a “Motion to Proceed”, which simply allows debate to begin and amendments to be offered on a health care bill. Here is my statement on the vote:

“Nearly everyone agrees that doing nothing is not an option. Insurers have fled the individual market and premiums continue to rise without any indication the law’s death spiral will stop. Ultimately, it is imperative that we fundamentally reform our healthcare system and my vote to proceed to debate allows us to begin that process.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to come up with a solution that provides long-term stability to our healthcare system and gives each and every Hoosier the opportunity to access quality and affordable insurance.”

One More Thing Before You Go: Hoosier Softball Classic 

Thank you to Senator Joe Donnelly and staff for a fun game last week. I find it important to engage with your colleagues, no matter their political affiliation, in order to form working partnerships focused on solving problems important to you.


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,

Unsubscribe