Opposing Divisive Partisan Overreach on COVID-19 Relief
Last year, the Senate approved five COVID-19 relief packages in overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion. As we look at an additional round of relief, I have been outspoken on the need for it to be bipartisan as well. I have shown my willingness to do that last week as one of 10 Republican Senators who met with President Biden after proposing a more targeted COVID-19 relief package.
President Biden has emphasized his desire for unity, but actions from his Democratic counterparts in Congress aren’t matching up to his rhetoric. Their plan to ram a one-sided COVID-19 package through Congress without bipartisan negotiation is the exact opposite of unity. We should be working together to get vaccines in arms, provide small business relief, and get our kids back to school. But instead, national Democrats are prioritizing a partisan package that focuses more on liberal priorities that have nothing to do with the pandemic, such as bailing out fiscally irresponsible states and raising the minimum wage. I’m disappointed this is the approach Democrats in Congress have chosen to take.
Click here to watch my interview on Fox News discussing the matter.
My Amendment to Prohibit Stimulus Checks for Illegal Immigrants
Last Thursday, I introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Resolution that would prohibit any future Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) or similar direct stimulus payments from being distributed to illegal immigrants, which is aligned with the same eligibility criteria for the first two rounds of EIPs.
Stimulus checks were intended to provide a lifeline to Americans struggling to make ends meet during the coronavirus pandemic. They were not intended for people who are in our country illegally. Our amendment would ensure that people who break our immigration laws aren’t receiving taxpayer-funded handouts.
It would establish a dangerous precedent if the federal government were to give a direct cash payment to those who have jumped the line and subverted our nation’s immigration system to enter the United States. I was pleased the Senate has passed our amendment on a bipartisan basis, but Senator Chuck Schumer ultimately stripped the provision from the bill in the middle of the night. I plan to continue to fight for these important taxpayer protections as the next COVID relief bill is debated.
It is important to note that this amendment would have no impact on EIP eligibility for mixed-status families, an issue that was remedied in a bipartisan fashion as part of the December COVID relief package.
Click here or on the image below to watch my floor speech.
The REINS Act to Curb Costly Regulations
We have made significant progress reining in costly, job-killing regulations since I first introduced the REINS Act in the House eight years ago, but as we enter a new administration, it is more important than ever that we pass this legislation. Congress must play a role in approving major federal rules and regulations to ensure Americans’ best interests are being considered by elected officials who can be held accountable, not just unelected bureaucrats in Washington.
The REINS Act would protect taxpayers by requiring that Congress affirmatively approve every new major rule proposed by the Executive Branch before it can be enforced.
Call to Move the 2022 Olympic Games Out of Communist China
Last week, I reintroduced a resolution calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to move the 2022 Winter Olympics out of Communist China and rebid it to another country unless Beijing immediately addresses its egregious and numerous violations of human rights.
The Chinese Communist Party’s horrific record of human rights abuses should not be rewarded by allowing them to host the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. The Olympic Games are about coming together and showcasing the best athletes around the world. The Chinese Communist Party’s actions in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and elsewhere makes such unity impossible. The International Olympic Committee should abandon plans for the 2022 Games in China and seek out a new host country that respects the most basic human rights.
Supporting our Child Care Workforce
My Early Educators Apprenticeship Act supports the role of apprenticeships in improving child care affordability and provides professional development opportunities to potential child care workers, which is more important than ever as we continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic. This bill is especially critical in rural areas, including many communities in Indiana, where finding affordable child care is particularly challenging in normal times, and even more dire during the current public health crisis.
Tax Credit to Encourage Revitalization of Distressed Homes
Last week, I reintroduced a bipartisan bill to revitalize housing in distressed neighborhoods nationwide. The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (NHIA) will help address the housing affordability crisis, create jobs, and encourage economic development during these tough times. By providing a tax credit to remove and redevelop abandoned buildings, we can incentivize more affordable housing to be constructed in areas that are in need of rehabilitation. This legislation will benefit many struggling communities in Indiana seeking to revitalize amid this pandemic.
Urging Biden Administration to Support Indiana Auto Manufacturing by Addressing Global Semiconductor Shortage
In a bipartisan letter to Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese, I urged him to work with Congress in addressing the global semiconductor shortage facing auto manufacturing. According to the Indiana Economic Development Council, over 100,000 Hoosiers work in the automotive manufacturing industry, which has over 500 automotive companies located in Indiana alone. The automotive industry contributes well over $15 billion to Indiana’s economy. This shortage threatens our post-pandemic economic recovery, and the consequences stand to be especially acute in dominant auto manufacturing states like ours.
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Protecting Journalists and Promoting Press Freedom Around The World
Freedom of the press is essential to democracy, good governance, and holding those in power accountable. This principle was enshrined in our founding documents for that reason. Because our values do not stop at our border, I am proud of the bipartisan Global Press Freedom Act that will empower our diplomats to support a free press around the globe.
Paying Respects to Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick
On Thursday, I paid my respects to U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick as he laid in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. His bravery and sacrifice for our nation on January 6 will be remembered by all.
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