Juneteenth
Last week, we recognized the 155th anniversary of the end of slavery in the United States. The historic day reminds us how far America has come in the fight for equality and how far we still have left to go. As we continue to heal our nation’s wounds, we must work together to repair trust and address remaining challenges that continue to affect black Americans. Today, I joined my Senate colleagues to introduce a bill which would make Juneteenth a federal holiday.
The JUSTICE Act will Address Police Reform and Repair Trust
Since the murder of George Floyd and the protests that have ensued, two words have been on my mind: Listen and Act. Over the last several weeks, I’ve reached out and listened to black leaders across Indiana, and sought their advice on realistic solutions to improve the criminal justice system and repair trust. The JUSTICE Act is an important step toward enacting meaningful reform. That’s why I signed on to the bill as an original cosponsor.
This comprehensive legislation ends the practice of chokeholds and provides grants for de-escalation tactics training and the use of body-worn cameras. It also enacts penalties for those who fail to comply with these provisions. The bill seeks to ensure greater transparency and accountability from law enforcement, while building stronger community relations. Additionally, it will establish two commissions to examine and propose solutions to the broader systemic challenges black Americans face, something I have sought to do through my Fair Shot Agenda. The JUSTICE Act is a critical step forward for our nation, and we owe it to our fellow Americans to come together and swiftly pass this bill.
Great American Outdoors Act: Supporting Indiana’s RV Industry, Indiana Parks, Hoosier Jobs
Last week, the Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act, which supports Indiana’s RV Industry, parks, and Hoosier jobs. Following the vote, I visited Indiana Dunes National Park to see firsthand some of the deferred maintenance projects this bill will help fund. I also held a discussion with local RV industry leaders about how this bill will benefit one of our state’s most vital sectors.
The outdoor recreation industry generates $15.7 billion in spending by consumers in Indiana and supports 143,000 jobs, especially in Elkhart County the RV Capital of the World. This legislation will enable long-delayed park maintenance to move forward, which will help create jobs, support our RV manufacturers, and improve our parks. At a time when coronavirus has hampered our economy, this legislation supports Hoosier workers and manufacturers, and ensures our parks and natural resources are available for all Hoosiers to enjoy.
In Indiana alone, deferred National Park Service maintenance costs totaled $34.2 million in 2018, including needed maintenance and infrastructure repairs at Indiana Dunes National Park, the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Vincennes, and the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Spencer County. The Great American Outdoors Act will enable these repairs to move forward. It also includes funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, protecting treasures such as the Hoosier National Forest, Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge, and Indiana Dunes National Park.
Senate Passes Resolution Honoring the 75th Anniversary of Iwo Jima
I’m proud that the Senate unanimously passed my Resolution to honor the 75th anniversary of Iwo Jima last week. Iwo Jima is hallowed ground for my fellow Marines, and all those who lost loved ones in the battle. I’m proud that our bipartisan resolution has passed the Senate, so that we can properly honor those who bravely sacrificed their lives in Iwo Jima 75 years ago .
Learn more about my bipartisan resolution here.
Endless Frontier Act: Investing in America and Keeping Pace with China
Last week, I spoke about my Endless Frontier Act to invest in America and ensure that China does not outflank us.
If all of these trends continue, China’s overall investments in research and development will surpass our own within 10 years, just as their economy becomes larger than the United States. We must keep pace with China, but we will not have a shot at this unless we invest in ourselves. Passing my Endless Frontier Act will provide that investment. It will prevent us from being outflanked and it will propel innovation and position America to lead.
The Endless Frontier Act proposes an expansion of the National Science Foundation (NSF), to be renamed the National Science and Technology Foundation (NSTF), and the establishment of a Technology Directorate within NSTF to advance technology in 10 critical focus areas. The newly-established Technology Directorate would receive $100 billion over five years to lead investment and research in artificial intelligence and machine learning; high performance computing; robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing; and more. An additional $10 billion would be authorized to designate at least 10 regional technology hubs, awarding funds for comprehensive investment initiatives that position regions across the country to be global centers for the research, development, and manufacturing of key technologies.
Click here or on the image above to view my full remarks.
Boosting Infrastructure and Saving Taxpayer Dollars
Last week, I introduced the Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act to incentivize more efficient completion of airport construction projects saving taxpayer dollars and ensuring the safe and swift completion of economy boosting infrastructure projects.
As the Crossroads of America, it is critical that Indiana’s airports continue to make important infrastructure investments. Hoosier airports are frequently working to improve their infrastructure and aviation safety with projects on their taxiways and runways, and it’s our job to help them complete those critical aviation infrastructure projects in the most efficient way possible.
Click here to learn more about how this will help Hoosier airports.
Constituent Spotlight
On Friday, I went to visit Kem Krest, an Elkhart-based business that began mass-producing hand sanitizer in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this year, my office was able to help expedite a federal permit and remove a regulatory barrier to Kem Krest's hand sanitizer production. It is inspiring to see Hoosier companies stepping up to help our communities in need during this unprecedented time.
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