Messmer, Mark RSS Articles

Messmer Celebrates $200 Million Manufacturing Investment in Indiana’s 8th District

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

PRINCETON, IN – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) issued the following statement in response to Toyota Indiana’s announcement of a $200 million investment in their Gibson County facility:

“Today’s announcement that Toyota will invest $200 million to expand its production capacity at the Gibson County plant is tremendous news for Southwest Indiana and our whole state. Increasing production of the Grand Highlander will further strengthen a facility that already employs more than 7,300 Hoosiers. This welcomed news from Toyota reflects that international businesses recognize a community that is hard working and supports manufacturing. I will continue my efforts in Congress to advance policies that recruit economic investment, promote job creation, and expand opportunities for Hoosier families so the Eighth District remains competitive and prosperous.”

To learn about how Rep. Messmer is working to promote job creation and economic growth in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click here.

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Messmer Celebrates the 2026 Farm Bill

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) issued the following statement after passage in the House Agriculture Committee of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, praising the legislation that will strengthen America’s agricultural economy, support rural communities, and ensure long-term food security:

“The 2026 Farm Bill delivers the certainty and economic support that Hoosier farmers, ranchers, and rural communities need and deserve to feed America and serve the world,” said Rep. Messmer. “This legislation strengthens the farm safety net, invests in conservation and innovation, expands market access for American producers, and ensures nutrition programs work efficiently for taxpayers and families alike.”

BACKGROUND:

The 2026 Farm Bill provides critical updates across the agricultural economy, including improvements to commodity programs that help producers manage risk amid volatile markets, unpredictable weather, and rising input costs. The legislation strengthens price and revenue support programs, expands disaster assistance tools, and enhances flexibility for producers as they structure their operations.

The ill also reinforces voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs that help farmers improve soil health, protect water quality, and promote precision agriculture while maintaining productivity. In addition, it expands access to credit for beginning and young farmers, strengthens rural broadband and infrastructure, promotes agricultural research and innovation, and supports specialty crop producers and livestock operations across the country.

Critically, the 2026 Farm Bill also makes strategic investments in agricultural research, rural development, trade promotion, and energy innovation to keep American agriculture competitive on the global stage.

In addition to the aforementioned priorities, Rep. Messmer also secured the following wins for Hoosier farmers during Farm Bill negotiations:

Creation of a food supply chain defense research system through the DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act
Flood mitigation, outdoor recreation enhancement, and land rehabilitation through the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act
Improved food access for low-income individuals through the SNAP Online Access Act
Market development for Indiana farm goods through the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act
Regulatory certainty for Hoosier livestock farmers through the Save Our Bacon Act
SNAP incentives for shelf-stable fruits and vegetables through the SHOPP Act.
SNAP incentives for nutrient-rich dairy products through the DNIP Act
Involvement of the Secretary of Agriculture in national security discussions regarding foreign purchases of American farmland through the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is supporting Hoosier farmers in the House of Representatives, click here.

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Messmer Celebrates WestGate Technology Park Munitions Campus Groundbreaking

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

ODON, INDIANA – Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) joined other Indiana federal and state elected officials, Department of War executives, and leadership from Prometheus Energetics to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new solid rocket motor (SRM) munitions campus at the WestGate Technology Park near the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane).

The opening of the new SRM munitions campus shows how national defense priorities translate into real production, real jobs, and real capability, all within Indiana’s 8th Congressional District.

“Today's groundbreaking is a great step in resolving the nation’s munitions crisis. Low inventory of weapons, a weak supply chain, and surging demand from global conflicts require a bigger industry and Department of War response. The munitions campus, anchored by Prometheus Energetics, is the right approach to meet those needs,” said Rep. Messmer. “It is yet another example of how NSWC Crane is quickly becoming a strategic epicenter for innovation, research, and production in the national security and defense space. This investment will create high-quality jobs, strengthen workforce pipelines, and reinforce Southern Indiana’s role in supporting national security.”

BACKGROUND:

Since coming into office, Rep. Messmer has focused on ensuring America’s warfighters have access to the best technologies to keep themselves and our country safe. This has meant reforming our defense acquisition system, empowering program offices, granting focused industrial authorities, and supporting commercial innovation.

Making good on President Trump’s promise to deliver “Peace Through Strength” by restoring America’s military after years of wasteful and endless conflicts, this campus helps ensure the United States can produce and sustain munitions and energetics at the scale and speed required to support our warfighters.

A resilient defense industrial base depends on modern facilities, secure supply chains, and redundant capacity—all of which this project delivers.

Rep. Messmer has previously supported legislation to help deliver on these critical capabilities. This includes supporting $150 billion in new defense spending under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act and $25 billion under Defense Reconciliation for purchases of critical munitions, increased capacity in the industrial base to support higher levels of munitions production, increased production of missile defense interceptors, and increased counter drone capabilities.

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is supporting our warfighters in the House of Representatives, click here.

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Messmer Joins EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi in Lowering Energy Costs for Hoosiers

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE, KY – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi to announce the repeal of burdensome regulations imposed upon America under the Biden Administration.

“For all the Hoosiers that call the Eighth District home, energy costs are of course a top concern. I am encouraged by our President’s great work protecting the health of Americans, while also promoting the needs of our business community,” said Rep. Messmer. “I applaud EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi for making this announcement and cutting unnecessary red tape which will create better energy reliability for Hoosiers and all Americans.”

BACKGROUND:

Under President Biden, EPA established unworkable emissions standards that cost the coal industry billions of dollars, forced plant closures, and eradicated hundreds of jobs.

Since assuming office, President Trump has worked to dismantle the Biden administration’s anti-coal agenda. Today, EPA Deputy Administrator Fotouhi announced another step forward in American energy independence and affordability. By revising the Biden administration’s unnecessary and malicious Mercury and Air Toxins Standards (MATS) rule, EPA is removing red tape for American coal plants and securing access to reliable power.

With energy demand on the rise, affordability remains a priority for Hoosiers in the Eighth District. Today’s announcement works to expand energy production and lower the cost of power for consumers while incentivizing investments in rural America.

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is making life more affordable for Hoosiers Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click here.

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Messmer Introduces Legislation to Strengthen American Agricultural and National Security Collaboration

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) introduced the Department of Defense (DOD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Interagency Research Act.This legislation strengthens America’s agricultural supply chains and overall national security by fostering collaboration between DOD and USDA on high-risk, high-reward research initiatives.

“Southwestern Indiana is known in America for having the unique distinction of being both an important source of our country’s agricultural products, and a major influencer in the national security sphere as the home of the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center,” said Rep. Messmer. “By encouraging collaboration between our nation’s agriculture experts and defense agencies, my DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act underscores the importance of simultaneously addressing critical threats to our food supply and supporting innovation for American farmers while strengthening our nation’s economy.”

The legislation directs the Secretaries of Defense and Agriculture to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate advanced research efforts by modernizing overall procedures and focusing upon protecting the United States agrifood system from emerging domestic and national security threats.

The DOD USDA Interagency Research Act leverages expertise at each agency to focus joint research and development efforts on:

Advancing technologies that increase the capacity, efficiency, and security of the agrifood system;
Strengthening agricultural resilience through plant genetics, biosecurity innovation, and invasive species management;
Securing domestic bioindustrial manufacturing and agrifood supply chains through innovations with both defense and agricultural applications;
Enhancing natural resources management to reduce scarcity; and
Improving natural disaster preparedness and wildfire prevention strategies.

The legislation also promotes collaboration of efforts between federal agencies, national laboratories, nonprofit organizations, and private industry partners to accelerate innovation and bring new technologies to market through public-private partnerships.

“Food security is national security, and safeguarding against future conflicts requires investing in agricultural resilience. Collaboration between the DOD and USDA is essential to building a resilient food system that protects our troops, strengthens rural communities, and secures America’s future,” said Rep. Don Davis.

“A secure food and agriculture system is essential to America’s economic competitiveness and national security. As global threats grow, the United States must continue to lead the world in agricultural innovation and resilience. Congressman Messmer’s DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act strengthens supply chains and advances research that helps farmers and ranchers improve productivity while keeping food affordable for American families,” said Cecilia Fassett, Policy Associate, C3 Solutions.

“American innovation is essential for strengthening national security, promoting agricultural resilience and accelerating technology competitiveness. Reps. Messmer (R-IN) and Davis’ (D-NC) DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act strengthens federal research partnerships for American researchers, farmers and ranchers to get the resources they need to compete globally, while maximizing the return on investment of taxpayer dollars,” said ClearPath Action CEO Jeremy Harrell.

“ACC Action and our thousands of members across the country are proud to support Rep. Mark Messmer’s DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act, which will harness new research cooperation to accelerate American innovation across defense and agriculture, strengthening both national security and farm production. By recognizing that farm security is national security, the bill fosters USDA and Department of Defense collaboration to develop technologies that protect against internal threats to agricultural production, supply chains, and readiness,” said Chris Barnard, President, ACC Action.

“By directing interagency collaboration, this legislation will optimize federal resources spent researching, developing, and deploying agricultural innovations. Strategically prioritizing high-reward research areas—including advanced plant and animal genetics and cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies—will enable joint agency activities to deliver cross-cutting benefits for both military readiness and long-term agricultural productivity. This legislation lays the groundwork necessary to tackle urgent challenges where national security meets food security,” said Emily Bass, Director of Federal Policy for Food & Agriculture at the Breakthrough Institute.

“This bill represents a vital investment in America’s agricultural future. By strengthening collaborative research and providing new opportunities for public and private innovators, it directs resources toward the breakthroughs our producers urgently need to address consumers' dynamic needs. Support for a safer, more resilient, and more competitive agricultural sector benefits American families and bolsters the nation’s food security,” said Andy LaVigne, President & CEO of the American Seed Trade Association.

“The stability of our agriculture sector and its associated supply chains is critical to our national security. We applaud Reps. Mark Messmer (R-IN) and Don Davis (D-NC) for leading this bipartisan effort to ensure proper coordination and resource sharing across U.S. federal agencies,” said Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action (BPC Action).

The bill is also supported by the Indiana Farm Bureau.

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is advancing agricultural and national security in the House of Representatives, click here.

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Messmer Applauds Passage of the SAVE America Act in the House of Representatives

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) issued the following statement in celebration of the passage of the SAVE America Act in the House of Representatives:

“Hoosiers are blessed to live in a State that runs secure and transparent elections. It is high time the federal government finally earns the trust of the American electorate by fixing our system of voting in federal elections,” said Rep. Messmer. “Requiring voters to show identification is not a way of suppressing voter participation, but rather ensures that every American citizen casting their vote will have that vote properly counted. Strengthening voter ID and citizenship verification standards through the SAVE America Act will protect the integrity of future federal elections.”

America’s elections must be secure, and all voters should be American citizens. Despite a ban on non-citizens voting in federal elections, State officials continue to find non-citizens on their voter rolls due to inadequate safeguards and poor guidance from the federal government.

Thirty-six States require voters to show some form of ID in order to cast a ballot. However, that leaves fourteen States with little or no safeguards for verifying who is casting a ballot in federal elections. Despite finding noncitizens and similarly ineligible registrants on voter rolls, fourteen States still refuse to require photo ID for voting. The federal government must step in to safeguard the integrity of federal elections for the American public.

The SAVE America Act would strengthen current law and protect election integrity.

The SAVE America Act will:

Require any voter to show a photo ID when they cast a ballot. Absentee and mail-in voters can attach a copy of their ID to their mail-in ballot;
Amend the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), which has governed U.S. voter registration since 1993, to require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship – in person – when registering an individual to vote in a federal election;
Require States to check for noncitizens and other ineligible registrants on their voter rolls at least once a month;
Direct States to create a procedure for addressing discrepancies in documentation so that no eligible voter is disqualified due to a name change;
Allow eligible voters to register and provide documentary proof of citizenship by mail, provided their State allows early voting or same-day voter registration; and
Allow eligible voters to cast a provisional ballot if they forget to bring necessary paperwork on Election Day.

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is working for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click here.

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Messmer Introduces the SNAP Online Access Act

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) introduced the SNAP Online Access Act to make permanent a pilot program supporting needy American families who receive government Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

In its temporary status, the pilot plan has proven its efficacy by providing families with a modern and streamlined way to procure supplies. Making the program permanent also brings regulatory certainty to grocery stores and food retailers that serve their local communities.

“The SNAP Online Access Act makes grocery shopping more convenient for families that are working hard to support themselves,” said Rep. Messmer. “Giving this program permanence encourages retailers, state agencies, and customer advocates to support SNAP participants with a more modern approach to feeding their families.”

BACKGROUND:

The SNAP Online Access Act continues to allow SNAP benefit recipients to buy their groceries online. Since its launch in 2019, the pilot program’s participant numbers have expanded from just eight retailers in eight states, to hundreds of grocers across the nation, proving it has been well tested and well accepted and is ready to become permanent. In a permanent status, it will continue to make life easier for enrollees, and it is convenient for grocers.

This bill also provides the U.S. Department of Agriculture with the oversight parameters they require to ensure that taxpayer dollars are safely protected.

“I am proud to take part in efforts to provide families and businesses certainty in a time when they need it most. That is why I worked across the aisle to introduce legislation making the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program permanent. This bill will provide retailers with the regulatory clarity they need to best serve both our rural and urban communities and ensure families can continue to access the services they depend on,” said Rep. Adam Gray.

“Making SNAP online purchasing permanent provides certainty for families who rely on the program to access essential food, while giving retailers the confidence to invest in and expand online services. Independent grocers have been central partners in modernizing EBT, strengthening program integrity, and delivering SNAP benefits at the community level. As this critical legislation moves forward, clear and consistent USDA guidance will be essential to ensure retailers can offer SNAP online purchasing reliably and efficiently in the communities they serve,” said Stephanie Johnson, National Grocers Association Vice President of Government Relations.

“Since its launch in 2019, the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot has grown from just eight retailers in eight states, including several FMI members, to hundreds of retailers nationwide. Making SNAP Online permanent will give retailers the certainty they need to invest and innovate, while ensuring SNAP participants – especially those in working households and communities where grocery access may be limited – can access food in ways that fit their lives. FMI is grateful to Reps. Messmer and Gray for leading this important effort to establish SNAP Online as a permanent option for millions of American households to meet their grocery needs,” said Jennifer Hatcher, FMI – Food Industry Association Chief Public Policy Officer.

“SNAP online purchasing has become an essential part of how families access food today. NACS strongly supports the SNAP Online Access Act and making the program permanent so SNAP retailers will have the regulatory clarity needed to keep investing in and improving this service to strengthen food access across the country,” said Margaret Mannion, National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) Director of Government Relations.

“SNAP is one of the most effective tools we have to fight hunger, and making USDA's online purchasing pilot permanent would help families across the country continue to get the healthy food they need. Nearly 3 million people are using SNAP on DoorDash today, and two-thirds of customers using SNAP on our platform said it has helped change their eating habits. This bill is about meeting those people where they are and making sure they can keep putting nutritious food on the table. We’re proud to stand with Reps. Gray and Messmer on this opportunity to lock in a solution that’s already working,” said Max Rettig, DoorDash Vice President and Head of Global Public Policy.

“At Instacart, we recognize that accepting SNAP online has become an essential way for many families to reliably access nutritious food. Making this program permanent through the Online SNAP Access Act would provide greater certainty for those families, while creating clearer and more consistent opportunities for retailers – including the many small and regional grocers on our platform – to use technology to serve their communities. We thank Representatives Messmer and Gray for their bipartisan leadership, and we’re proud to have long advocated for greater certainty and permanence for online SNAP to support families and the retailers that serve them,” said Casey Aden-Wansbury, Instacart Vice President and Head of Global Public Policy.

“Allowing SNAP recipients to purchase groceries online has been revolutionary. Its advantages include greater convenience and time-savings, reduction in stigma and it even has resulted in increased purchases of fruits and vegetables compared to in-store shoppers. It’s time for USDA to make this pilot program permanent. The Messmer-Gray SNAP Online Access Act calls for permanence and importantly, recognizes the importance of stakeholder consultation which may lead to even greater program improvements,” said Minerva Delgado, Alliance to End Hunger, Director, Coalitions & Advocacy.

The SNAP Online Access Act is also supported by the National Council on Aging.

For more information about Rep. Messmer’s work for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click here.

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Messmer Applauds Emergency Action to Keep Indiana Coal Plants Open, Protect Grid Reliability

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) issued the following statement in response to an announcement from the Department of Energy’s Secretary Chris Wright, ordering utilities and grid operations to continue producing affordable energy at two coal generation stations in southern Indiana:

“Keeping reliable and affordable electricity flowing to Hoosier families and businesses is essential for our communities in Indiana’s 8th District. This gratifying announcement from the Department of Energy acknowledges how important it is in Southern Indiana to maintain a dependable base load power source, like that which comes from coal. Continued coal production will protect the energy grid and prevent electricity blackouts, while also providing lower energy costs, especially during extreme weather conditions. The Biden Administration’s Green New Deal scam is over. Americans deserve reliable and affordable energy.”

BACKGROUND:

Rep. Messmer today applauded the U.S. Department of Energy’s emergency orders directing utilities and grid operators to keep specified generation units at Newburgh’s F.B. Culley and Wheatfield’s R.M. Schahfer coal generating stations online through the winter months. Certain units at both facilities had been scheduled to retire at the end of 2025.

The action ensures reliable electricity remains available for Indiana while helping protect consumers from higher energy costs and grid instability.

The emergency orders are scheduled to remain in effect from December 23, 2025, through March 23, 2026, helping ensure sufficient electricity supply during peak winter demand.

For more information about how Rep. Messmer is working to make life more affordable for Hoosiers in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click the link here.

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Messmer Introduces the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) announced the introduction of the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act (H.R. 7264).

This legislation enhances the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) authority to mitigate flooding by using proven, cost-effective conservation tools and local expertise.

“By pairing knowledge at USDA with the experience of local landowners, the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act enhances the way we manage flood risk,” said Rep. Messmer. “My bill ensures that Hoosier farmers, foresters, and all outdoor nature lovers remain central to the conservation efforts we employ to protect our communities from flood disasters.”

BACKGROUND:

The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides technical and financial assistance to help watershed communities both recover from natural disasters and mitigate future threats to life and property.

In addition to implementing infrastructural repairs, vegetative cover, and waterway reconstruction, NRCS may purchase flood-prone properties to protect landowners from economic loss. Current EWP easement regulations focus on emergency protection, but do not explicitly authorize watershed improvement. By clearly authorizing USDA to revitalize watersheds, the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act not only protects communities from flood risk but restores habitat, enhances outdoor recreation, and encourages compatible economic use.

“As we saw last year in Ruidoso, too many New Mexicans know the heartbreak of seeing their homes and properties devastated by wildfires, only to then suffer from flooding. This bill will help New Mexico keep pace with our changing climate by cutting red tape and giving communities more resources and flexibility to fix our floodplains before the next disaster hits,” said Rep. Gabe Vasquez. “Floodplain easements are critical, voluntary tools for conserving wetland habitat on flood-prone land. DU supports the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act because it promotes these easements and enables USDA to improve their hydrologic function. Thank you to Reps. Messmer and Vasquez for leading this important legislation in the House of Representatives,” said Steve Hubacher, Indiana Ducks Unlimited State Chair.

“Floodplain easements play a critical role in reducing flood risk for local communities while delivering real benefits for water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. We thank Reps. Messmer and Vasquez for introducing the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act and for ensuring these voluntary easements are supported with the long-term stewardship and management necessary to maintain these benefits for future generations,” said Andrew Schmidt, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Director of Government Affairs.

“Using nature-based solutions like floodplain restoration is an opportunity for farmers and landowners to enhance stewardship of vulnerable landscapes. It provides wildlife habitat, flood mitigation and cleaner water. We think this bill, which we support, empowers landowners to restore and maintain high quality habitat on their property,” said Carrie Parmenter, The Nature Conservancy in Indiana Lower Wabash River Project Director.

“The Indiana Wildlife Federation is proud to endorse Representative Messmer's Restoring America’s Floodplains Act, which provides a critical, common-sense tool for protecting our natural heritage by empowering landowners to restore the vital functions of our floodplains. By prioritizing the long-term health of our watersheds and the recovery of at-risk wildlife, this legislation ensures a more resilient future for the outdoor heritage that all Hoosiers cherish,” said Dan Boritt, Indiana Wildlife Federation Executive Director.

“The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts acknowledges the need for USDA to not only acquire floodplain easements, but also maintain and restore the parcels for ecological benefits, as well as ensure that, when applicable, working lands acquired can continue to deliver economic benefits through common practices such as grazing or hunting. The Restoring America's Floodplains Act addresses this oversight in current statute, and if passed, will enable USDA to steward and protect floodplains for the benefit of all,” said Liz Rice, Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Executive Director.

“This bill is a pragmatic approach that will provide tangible results for hunters and anglers because it cuts through the red tape that keeps our floodplains from being healthy, productive habitats for fish and wildlife,” said Ryan 'Cal' Callaghan, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers CEO.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

For more information on Rep. Messmer’s work for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click here.

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Messmer Secures Major Funding Victories for Southern Indiana in Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Bills

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) released the following statement upon passage of Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations legislation that will benefit Hoosiers in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District:

“I am proud to have secured billions of dollars in new funding for major projects in Indiana’s 8^th Congressional District which will provide a fiscal boost to the local economy,” said Rep. Messmer. “Federal funding for new infrastructure in Greene and Vanderburgh Counties, and investments in other priorities throughout southern Indiana, will benefit the needs of families in our IN-08 community for many years to come.”

As a member of the House Armed Services, Agriculture, and Education and Workforce Committees, and as Chairman of the Congressional Hypersonics Caucus, Congressman Messmer has delivered results for businesses and hard-working families in southern Indiana by:

Expanding Infrastructure in Indiana’s 8th Congressional District

$1.615 million in funding for an emergency backup generator for the passenger terminal at the Evansville Regional Airport (EVV)
$17 million in funding for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant and upgrades to the existing wastewater collection systems for Greene County residents

Creating and Supporting Jobs in the Southern Indiana Defense Industry

$13.4 billion in funding for missile defense and space programs as part of President Trump’s Golden Dome initiative
A 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers
A continuation of the enacted FY2025 pay increases for junior enlisted servicemembers
$10 million for the Quantum Communications Corridor
$100 million for the Army National Guard HMMWV Modernization Program
$41 million for Project Pele
$10 million for High Mach Turbine Energy Development
$5 million for Unified Data Library
$554 million for Trusted and Assured Microelectronics
$6 million for JLTV System development and demonstration
More than $6 million for hypersonic research, testing, and development

Prioritizing National Security

Realigns Department of Homeland Security (DHS) priorities around its fundamental mission to defend the nation against the threat posed by terrorists, criminals, and foreign adversaries
Enhances resources to detect and counter the spread of illegal drugs
Partners with state and local law enforcement agencies
$523 million in funding for border patrol agents
$116 million in funding to counter China
$3.8 billion in funding for custody operations to strengthen efforts to detain and deport all criminals
$300 million in funding to improve baggage screening at airports
$192 million in funding for unmanned systems to improve maritime domain awareness

Promoting a Culture of Life

Protects the Hyde Amendment from repeal

Championing the MAHA Agenda

Prioritizes primary care funding for rural health, health centers, and health workforce to end the chronic disease epidemic
Increases funding for nutrition research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Increases funding for mental health and substance use treatment prevention

Building America’s Workforce

Supports apprenticeship programs to build a strong workforce
Increases funding to train workers and educate students in rural America
Supports investments in career and technical education
Increases funding to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Protecting the Vulnerable

$20 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
$8.8 billion for Child Care and Development Block Grants, which provide vouchers for working families to access childcare
$12.4 billion for Head Start to support school readiness of children from low-income families
$810.4 million for programs under the Community Services Block Grant Act

Securing the Skies

$1.588 billion in funding to allow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is working for the residents of Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click here.

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