Strong and Immediate Response to Reports of Russian Bounties for American Service Members
I wrote to President Trump today in light of this weekend’s disturbing media reports which stated that the Russian military intelligence agency offered bounties in exchange for the targeting and killing of American and coalition service members in Afghanistan. If confirmed, this deserves a strong and immediate response from our government. It is imperative that Congress and the Administration work together to deter any further aggression. I also called for the relevant Senate committees to convene oversight hearings on this matter.
As Vladimir Putin continues his misguided campaign to restore Russia’s great power status, we must not permit Americans to be used as pawns in his global chessboard. Our troops and our nation must be defended, and I stand ready to hold Putin accountable for his actions.
Click here to read my full letter to President Trump.
The JUSTICE Act and Judicial Emergencies
Last week I joined a press conference with Senate leadership regarding Senator Tim Scott’s (R-S.C.) JUSTICE Act to address police reform. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of the JUSTICE Act, and I’m extremely disappointed that my Democratic colleagues blocked this legislation when our entire nation is calling for change.
The JUSTICE Act is very good piece of legislation that would improve our criminal justice system and restore a measure of trust in some of our most important local institutions. The only thing between us and achieving that outcome is cynical political calculation.
Additionally, I discussed the judicial emergencies that are plaguing courts across the country, including Indiana’s southern federal court, which is among the most overworked in the nation. Filling judicial vacancies is critical to ensuring Americans receive their day in court, which is why I’m glad we confirmed President Trump’s 200th judicial nominee last week.
To view my full remarks, click here or on the image above.
President Trump is Right: We Must Address Border Security
Following President Trump’s visit to Yuma, Arizona, I spoke on the Senate floor about the need for enhanced border security.
As a U.S. Marine, I was stationed just outside the U.S.-Mexico border near Yuma in a dangerous area with heavy narcotics and human trafficking. During that time, I saw firsthand the enduring need to address the humanitarian crisis and national security threat along the border.
Border security and the safety of Americans has long been, and should remain, a priority of all Republicans and Democrats who serve at the federal level of government. It’s time for Democrats to partner with Senate Republicans, and with President Trump, to secure the border and put Americans first.
Click here or on the image above to hear my entire floor speech.
Supporting American Production of Medical Supplies
Senator Braun and I strongly urged the COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF) to prioritize the procurement of American-made Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and to consider comprehensive measures in order to bring supply chains back to American soil.
Giving full preference to items made at least in part in the U.S. over those that are wholly made abroad will help our manufacturing sector during this time of uncertainty. Many domestic producers have submitted proposals with both full, or substantially, domestic production chains, and we urge the Department in this contract review process to give all these offers the fullest consideration possible.
Expanding Mental Telehealth Services for Medicare Beneficiaries
Enabling Americans to access medical care and mental health services through telehealth is critical during this public health crisis. By allowing Medicare beneficiaries to continue receiving mental and behavioral health services remotely, my bipartisan Mental and Behavioral Health Connectivity Act will help keep patients safe as they continue to socially distance, and after we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.
This legislation would allow Medicare beneficiaries to continue to access mental and behavioral health services through telehealth in the near term and after the coronavirus pandemic subsides. Currently, authorizations included in the CARES Act create additional flexibility which allows the use of telehealth for mental and behavioral healthcare; however, these expansions only extend through the pandemic. This legislation would permanently expand these provisions, allow Medicare beneficiaries to keep receiving care in their home, continue eligibility of care for the expanded list of non-physician providers, and allow Medicare to cover audio-only delivery of telehealth services.
Learn more about my bill here.
Addressing Housing Affordability, Creating Jobs, and Encouraging Economic Development
Last week I cosponsored legislation to revitalize housing in distressed neighborhoods in Indiana and nationwide. Currently, development lacks in some urban and rural areas because the cost of purchasing and renovating homes is greater than the value of the sale price of homes. The Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (NHIA) will help address the housing affordability crisis, create jobs, and encourage economic development. 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 communities in Indiana seeking to revitalize and could lead to the revitalization of 500,000 homes and create $100 billion in development revenue over the next 10 years nationwide.
Constituent Spotlight
As we continue to navigate the coronavirus pandemic, online alternatives are continuously becoming an important option for many Hoosiers. I am proud to see the agriculture and education communities from La Fontaine come together and start the first virtual chapter of the FFA.
Social Media Recap
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