Shutdown Ends, Indiana Moves Forward

Dear John,

With the longest government shutdown in history finally over, Hoosiers can breathe a sigh of relief—but the chaos in Washington made one thing painfully clear: Democrats in Congress view themselves as servants of their party first and their constituents second. Republicans were clear from the beginning, negotiation is impossible when one side of the aisle holds seniors, veterans, and federal workers hostage. We stayed united behind a clean funding extension that protects our military, keeps our economy stable, and puts American families first. Our unity paid off, and now the Democrats are ruthlessly going after their own for breaking ranks.

Here at home, Governor Braun continues to deliver results that actually matter to Hoosiers. This week, he announced Indiana’s winter-readiness plan alongside INDOT, State Police, and Homeland Security, ensuring our roads and communities stay safe as temperatures drop. He also advanced his healthcare affordability agenda with the approval of a major hospital merger, a move designed to expand services and lower costs for Hoosier families.

As always, thank you for being a part of our team, and please feel free to reach out if there's any way I can be of assistance.

Yours in service,

Lana Keesling, Indiana GOP Chairwoman

Governor Braun Readies Indiana for a Safe Winter Season

Governor Braun announced Indiana’s coordinated plan to ensure a safe winter season, joining INDOT, State Police, and Homeland Security to highlight statewide readiness efforts.

“Our INDOT crews, State Police, and first responders are fully equipped and ready to tackle the season’s challenges. I am urging every Hoosier to do their part: prepare your homes, plan your travel, and always give our dedicated crews the space they need to keep our state moving safely.”

- Governor Braun via a press release

Governor Braun Advances Healthcare Goals with Hospital Merger

Governor Braun announced a Certificate of Public Advantage for Union Hospital and Terre Haute Regional Hospital to merge, requiring strict conditions to expand services, improve outcomes, and reduce prices in communities that have long needed greater access.

“The result of this merger will be lower prices and more healthcare services available to residents of Terre Haute and Vigo County because of the strict operating terms and conditions that Union accepted. This will bring long-term improvement to the community’s health outcomes."

- Governor Braun via a press release

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Governor Mike Braun extended his sympathies to the family of the Delaware County Sheriff's deputy who lost his life in the line of duty this week, saying, "Maureen and I are praying for his loved ones and all who wear the badge across Indiana."

Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith visited the National FFA headquarters in Indianapolis, meeting with agriculture leaders and local FFA students to hear their ideas for the future. He highlighted the strength of Indiana’s next generation of farmers and emphasized the importance of providing them with the necessary resources.

Secretary Diego Morales delivered a heartfelt keynote at a Statehouse naturalization ceremony, welcoming nearly 100 new Americans and reflecting on his own path to citizenship. He urged Indiana’s newest citizens to embrace their rights—especially voting—and invited them to register immediately after the ceremony.

Treasurer Daniel Elliott met with Noble County leaders to discuss local priorities and the impact of SB1 on smaller communities. He emphasized continued collaboration with county officials to ensure strong fiscal stewardship across Indiana.

Attorney General Todd Rokita attended the Randolph County Lincoln Day Dinner, honoring the legacy of Charlie Kirk and paying tribute to Corporal Blake Reynolds, who was tragically killed while aiding a stranded motorist. He highlighted the courage of law enforcement, veterans, and first responders, calling the evening a powerful reminder of Hoosier strength, unity, and gratitude.

Senator Todd Young voted for legislation to end the federal government shutdown, stressing that Hoosiers sent him to keep the government functioning, not to close it. He urged the House to advance the bill, which reopens the government through January 30, 2026, so Congress can continue work on full-year funding for remaining agencies.

Senator Jim Banks praised the President’s efforts to rebuild critical U.S. supply chains, saying it marks a major step toward ending America’s dependence on China. He framed the move as a clear win for American workers and a strong example of “America First” leadership.

Congressman Rudy Yakym announced that Congress ended the Democrat-led shutdown to ensure vital programs like SNAP and WIC stay funded. He emphasized that the measure also protects pay for troops, federal employees, and air traffic controllers.

Congressman Marlin Stutzman praised Republicans and President Trump for reopening the government after 43 days, calling the shutdown a result of Democrat obstruction. He said he was proud to vote in favor of ending the hardship for families and workers and against what he described as “hostage-style politics.”

Congressman Jim Baird voted to reopen the government after the 43-day Democrat-led shutdown, saying his priority was restoring essential services and paying federal workers. He criticized Democrats for causing unnecessary hardship and noted that the bill supports veterans, farmers, and military families while allowing Congress to return to regular order.

Congresswoman Victoria Spartz offered her condolences following the tragic loss of Corporal Blake Reynolds, a National Guard veteran and Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputy who died in the line of duty. She extended heartfelt sympathy to his family and the entire Sheriff’s Department.

Congressman Jefferson Shreve voted to reopen the federal government, saying Hoosier families suffered needlessly while Washington stalled. He emphasized the importance of restoring stability and getting government services back on track after weeks of delay.

Congressman Mark Messmer praised the House vote to reopen the government after a 43-day Democrat-led shutdown, saying it inflicted needless hardship on families and vulnerable Americans. He noted his consistent support for funding measures and expressed relief that troops, federal workers, and SNAP recipients will now receive the pay and assistance they depend on.

Congresswoman Erin Houchin celebrated passage of the Continuing Resolution to reopen the government, saying Republicans delivered relief after a 42-day Democrat-led shutdown. She reaffirmed her commitment to fighting for Indiana and getting the federal government back to work.