We Are Not Enemies, We Are Americans
Following the events of last week, I wrote an op-ed for the Times of Northwest Indiana about the healing that must take place in our country moving forward.
It has become sadly important to state this: Violence, no matter the venue, no matter the cause, is not a legitimate means of achieving social change or relieving political frustrations. And it is paramount to repeat this once again after shots were cowardly fired into the Tippecanoe County Democratic Headquarters on Thursday.
No doubt, politics are important – but increasingly we see those who vote differently than us not as fellow Americans with different opinions, but instead as adversaries with the worst intentions. We must not define ourselves or our fellow citizens by how we vote. Let us step back, take a breath and keep this in perspective. And perhaps we should do less shouting and more listening.
The events of the past week have demonstrated that we have to do more than channel the anger of citizens who feel shut out; we have to do more than give voice to their resentments. We must focus on what is driving their anger and disempowerment, and understand the true nature of the challenges it brings. Then, rather than offering vague promises, we can put forward real solutions that bring our principles – belief in limited government, faith in communities, and reverence for institutions – in line with our problem solving. Rather than provide additional ammunition in an ongoing tribal war, we should seek to serve every American and mend a splintering nation.
Read my full op-ed HERE.
Electoral College Certification
On the same day violence broke out in our nation’s capitol, Congress met to formally certify the results of the presidential election as required by the Constitution. I upheld my Constitutional duty and certified the will of the states as presented.
Like so many of my patriotic constituents and colleagues, I too wish the results of this election were different. I strongly supported President Trump and his agenda the last four years. I campaigned hard for him. But upon assuming this office, I took a solemn, inviolable oath to support and defend our Constitution, just as I did as a United States Marine. I will not violate that oath.
Congress’ role in the presidential election process is narrow by design. The states are responsible for their own elections, and for determining the resulting electors. Congress has no authority to do anything other than certify states’ Electoral College votes as reported. For Congress to supplant the will of a state’s certified electors for its own would be unconstitutional and set a dangerous precedent, damaging the integrity of and future respect for the Electoral College. This is not an empty warning. Democrats have already shown the political will to subvert our institutions through calls to pack the Supreme Court, eliminate the filibuster to weaken the Senate, and abolish the Electoral College itself. It would be a grave mistake to join them in this effort.
However, with several states implementing various changes to their systems of election integrity this year, I see value in establishing a bipartisan Election Integrity Committee charged with reviewing the 2020 election and making recommendations to state legislatures to improve the security, integrity, and administration of federal elections. That’s why I joined my colleague Senator Tim Scott in introducing legislation that would create such a committee. We must ensure appropriate safeguards are in place at the state and local level, similar to those we have in Indiana, to restore voters’ trust.
Click here to read my full statement.
$173 Million to Complete South Shore Line Double Track Project
Last week, I announced that after years of work, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) intends to award the nearly $173 million in federal funding needed to complete the South Shore Line Double Track Project.
This is the culmination of broad bipartisan efforts over the last several years at both the state and federal level to advance this crucial infrastructure project, which includes installation of a second main line track stretching more than 26 miles from Gary to Michigan City, Indiana, along with platform upgrades at five stops along the line.
This has been a game-changing infrastructure priority for Indiana for many years that will help create thousands of new jobs , so I am proud that our efforts have helped secure the full amount of federal funding required to complete the South Shore Line Double Track Project. Learn more HERE.
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