Op-ed: Wounded warriors need not suffer TSA indignities

My bipartisan VETS Safe Travel Act will help 70,000 amputees, 100,000 paralyzed, and 130,000 blind veterans by providing them with TSA PreCheck for free. Having already unanimously passed the Senate, I had hoped this would be a clear example of Congress working together to make a positive difference in the lives of our wounded warriors. Sadly, after five months and counting, the legislation continues to languish in the House over objections being raised by Washington bureaucrats at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

In a recent op-ed for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, I outlined the need for my bill and encouraged the VA to step up. I also spoke with Fox 55 in Fort Wayne.

Constituent Spotlight 

Adoption is a blessing for countless Hoosier families. November was National Adoption Month, and I participated in the 15th annual Adoptive Family Portrait Project by displaying a Carmel family’s adoption success story in my front office.

If you or someone you know needs help with the adoption process, a member of my team can help. Visit young.senate.gov/help to learn more.

Visit to Riverview Health Construction Site

Today, the Indiana/Kentucky Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors showed me a construction site in central Indiana where Riverview Hospital is seeking to lower healthcare costs by reducing ER visits for non-emergency treatment.
 
We had a great discussion on the need to pass the Fair and Open Competition Act so we can save taxpayer dollars and restore competition on federal construction projects. 

Huntington’s disease is a fatal genetic disorder resulting in the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain. With some estimates showing that this disease effects one in every 10,000 people in the United States, it is important that Congress continues to support funding and research initiatives to improve diagnosis and treatment. This morning, I met with some Hoosier representatives of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America to learn more about how we can help. 

Thankful for our Troops

I hope all Hoosiers had a happy Thanksgiving. This year, America has a lot to be thankful for. We remain a country of unprecedented prosperity and enduring freedom, founded on the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is only made possible by the brave men and women who are currently overseas, defending the freedoms we so cherish. Because some of these brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who were not able to be home this Thanksgiving, I want to especially recognize their daily sacrifices, and the sacrifices of their families, that allow us to remain safe and secure in our great nation. 

Bill to Designate Ernest ‘Ernie’ T. Pyle Post Office

Ernie Pyle used his talents to document the everyday service member’s courage and sacrifice while reporting alongside units in WWII. To recognize his service to our country, I recently introduced a resolution along with Senator Braun to rename a post office in Dana, Indiana, after Ernie Pyle. Learn more here.

Remembering Indy Star Columnist Mathew Tully 

Stomach cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide and one of the most difficult to detect in its early stages. This year, more than 27,000 cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and more than 11,000 Americans will lose their battle with the disease.

I recently introduced a resolution to honor Indy Star columnist Mathew Tully and make November 2019 Stomach Cancer Awareness Month. In one of his final columns, Matt said his goal was to ‘spark conversations and offer a unique perspective.’ He did far more than that. Through the words he wrote, Matt brought communities together, shined a bright light on the problems we faced, and called attention to the everyday Hoosiers who were trying to make life better. It is my hope that this resolution will spark conversations about stomach cancer and draw attention to efforts to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment efforts.

Afghanistan Peace Process Oversight

Our mission in Afghanistan has stretched on for 18 years and is the longest military operation in United States history. The costs of this war are significant with over 2,200 American service members giving their lives and more than 20,000 service members being wounded.

Unfortunately, like other war powers discussions, Congress has taken a backseat in the debate over the future of our mission in Afghanistan while the conflict has descended towards a stalemate. I introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at changing that. As we pursue negotiations with the Taliban and work to end our involvement, Congress must be a part of the process to ensure that our mission is brought to a responsible end.

For more on this legislation, click here.

  : Photo Review 

For an overview of the past two weeks in photos, click here or the image above.

Social Media Recap

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for regular updates and photos. 

Thank you for the continued privilege to serve you in the U.S. Senate. My mission is to fight on behalf of Hoosiers and the interests that are unique to our state. I look forward to working with you, and sharing our progress, in the days ahead. 

In Service,