Messmer, Mark RSS Articles

Messmer Hosts Tax Event Highlighting the Benefits of the One Big Beautiful Bill

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

TERRE HAUTE, IN – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) hosted a Tax Event alongside Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN) to discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) is delivering lasting tax relief for Hoosier families, workers, seniors, and small businesses. The event brought together local financial professionals, CPAs, bankers, and business leaders to examine the law's impact on Indiana's economy.

“The One Big Beautiful Bill prevented the largest tax increase in history from crushing hard-working Americans, while making many pro-growth tax policies permanent for all families and businesses,” said Rep. Messmer. “Today’s discussion provided an opportunity to speak directly with Hoosiers in our community and discuss new ways we can deliver relief with future tax cuts and job creating policies.”

During the forum, participants highlighted the positive impacts of the law’s permanent extension of provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and celebrated the bevy of expanded deductions which are creating new financial opportunities for American families and small businesses. Stakeholders also discussed the benefits of new deductions for overtime pay, and enhanced deductions for many senior citizens, which effectively eliminate federal taxes on Social Security checks, ensuring Hoosiers, many on a fixed income, keep more of their money. Altogether, the impact of the OBBB is promoting economic stability and growth across Indiana.

To learn more about how Congressman Messmer is helping lower taxes for Hoosier families and businesses, visit Messmer.House.Gov.

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Messmer Highlights Indiana’s Workforce Development Leadership at Apprenticeship Roundtable

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

EVANSVILLE, IN – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) hosted an Apprenticeship Roundtable at Ivy Tech Community College in Evansville to discuss how Indiana’s nationally recognized apprenticeship model can help strengthen workforce development nationwide. The event convened federal, state, education, and industry leaders to examine policies that expand career pathways and address America's workforce needs.

“Indiana has demonstrated that strong partnerships between employers, educators, and government can prepare workers for rewarding careers while meeting the needs of our economy,” said Rep. Messmer. “As Congress explores ways to strengthen workforce development, our state provides a proven model for expanding apprenticeships, closing the skills gap, and creating opportunities for hardworking Hoosiers.”

Participants discussed Indiana’s leadership in registered apprenticeships, the role of community colleges in preparing the next generation of skilled workers, and opportunities to build on successful state programs through federal workforce policy. The conversation also highlighted the importance of collaboration between employers, educators, and government to meet growing workforce demands in key industries.

To learn more about how Congressman Messmer is helping strengthen Indiana’s workforce to meet the challenges of the 21st century, visit Messmer.House.Gov.

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Messmer Convenes Roundtable to Discuss Services for America’s Veterans

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

VINCENNES, IN – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) convened a Hoosier Veterans Roundtable at Vincennes University, bringing together local, state, and federal veterans organizations to discuss services and care for Hoosier veterans. The discussion focused upon benefit expansion, strengthening coordination among organizations, and identifying legislative priorities to best serve those who make our nation so proud.

“Our veterans fulfilled their commitment to America, and we will always fulfill ours to them,” said Rep. Messmer. “I appreciate everyone who joined today’s discussion, and I will continue working to strengthen the VA, improve access to care, and fight for the veterans of Indiana's Eighth District.”

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, and local Veteran Service Organizations shared updates on ongoing initiatives and discussed the needs of veterans across Southern Indiana, including access to care in rural communities.

To learn more about how Congressman Messmer is supporting America's veterans in the House of Representatives, visit Messmer.House.Gov.

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Messmer Honors Evansville Veteran Ken Eppler, Displays Patriotic Artwork at U.S. Capitol

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) welcomed Evansville Army veteran and artist Ken Eppler and his family to the U.S. Capitol, where Eppler presented his painting, The Enduring Spirit, for display in the Congressman’s office in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary.

“Indiana’s 8th District is proud to call Ken Eppler one of our own, and I am honored to display his beautiful art piece – which I think reflects the very best of Hoosier and American patriotism,” said Rep. Mark Messmer.

Eppler served with distinction in the United States Army, earning both Airborne and Air Assault qualifications before serving with the 101st Airborne Division during the Gulf War. He later continued his service in the Indiana National Guard before pursuing a passion for patriotic artwork.

The Enduring Spirit depicts three colonial children standing beneath an America 250 flag while proudly displaying an original American flag, symbolizing the passing of America's founding ideals from one generation to the next. Eppler hopes his artwork inspires young Americans to appreciate the nation's history and develop a deeper love for their country.

To view Rep. Messmer’s floor speech in honor of Ken Eppler and The Enduring Spirit, click here.

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Messmer Celebrates Passage of the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act in the House of Representatives

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Hypersonics Caucus, applauded passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House of Representatives.

“My Republican colleagues and I are proud of our collaboration with President Trump to advance a national defense agenda that puts America first, and I am pleased the House has passed the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act,” said Rep. Messmer. “The passage of this historic investment in our nation’s warfighters strengthens our military, bolsters our national security, and helps ensure the United States maintains the strongest, most capable, and most lethal fighting force in the world. I urge our colleagues in the U.S. Senate to act swiftly and send this legislation to the President’s desk.”

BACKGROUND:

The FY27 National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions to revitalize the defense industrial base, restore critical weapons stockpiles, raise servicemember pay, strengthen missile and nuclear deterrence, accelerate the deployment of emerging technologies like hypersonics and autonomous systems, and improve accountability within the Department of War.

The legislation also expands domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthens supply chain security, supports workforce development initiatives, and reduces barriers for small businesses and innovative defense contractors.

The NDAA also contains several wins for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, including:

Critical funding for defense programs that will be researched, tested, and developed at Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, such as $175 million for the Nuclear Sea-Launched Cruise Missile;
Supports increased funding up to $1 billion for the MACH-TB program at Crane;
Advanced funding for Low-Cost Hypersonic Weapons;
A dedicated fund for the Golden Dome for America program, which will provide a foundation for a layered missile defense system; and
Accelerated production for more munitions and solid rocket motors.

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

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House Education and Workforce Committee Passes Messmer Deregulation Legislation

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House Education and Workforce Committee advanced Rep. Mark Messmer's (R-IN) Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025 (H.R. 6213) during a committee markup. The legislation repeals the Biden-Harris Administration's proposed federal heat standards, which impose burdensome, one-size-fits-all mandates, and unneeded and excessive penalties on American businesses and institutions.

“As a small business owner, I know firsthand that ineffectual government regulation makes it harder for employers to grow their business, create job opportunities, and invest in their workforce,” said Rep. Messmer. “The House Education and Workforce Committee's approval of my Heat Workforce Standards Act is an important step toward rolling back more of the unnecessary Biden-era regulations that hamper America’s development and expansion. I look forward to advancing this bill through the full House to continue reducing trivial red tape which is depressing the success of our great nation.”

BACKGROUND:

The Biden Administration’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) attempted at the last minute to fast-track a policy known as “The Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings.” In practice, the rule would have forced nearly every American business and institution to follow rigid, one-size-fits-all, federal workplace standards based on predetermined temperature thresholds, regardless of industry, climate, or existing safety protocols.

This terrible rule would create a one-size fits all regulatory approach for most of the American workforce that experience exposure to temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 15 minutes in any given hour. State governments already have the authority to establish occupational safety and health standards and are required to have their plans be “at least as effective” as Federal OSHA standards.

If it had been implemented, the Biden’s Heat Rule would:

Place redundant and egregious regulation requirements with little variance considered for industry-specific outdoor and indoor heat variables and differences in outdoor climates between all 50 states
Fail to recognize employers who already have heat injury prevention measures in place
Mandate federal intervention and costly fines if small businesses don’t match the federal criteria

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

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Messmer Applauds Passage of the Sunshine Protection Act in the House of Representatives

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) voted in support of H.R. 139, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, in the House of Representatives, to make Daylight Saving Time permanent and end the twice-yearly practice Americans endure of changing the clocks backwards and forwards.

“Hoosiers are tired of this needless activity,” said Rep. Messmer. “Making Daylight Saving Time permanent is long overdue and a needed relief from an outdated practice that no longer serves the needs of our modern economy. I have heard from the citizens of Indiana’s 8^th District, and I am proud to support the Sunshine Protection Act.”

The Sunshine Protection Act would establish permanent Daylight Saving Time nationwide, eliminating the need to “spring forward” and “fall back” each year. By ending the biannual time change, the legislation aims to provide greater consistency for families, businesses, schools, and commuters while reducing the disruptions associated with changing the clocks. This bill has the support of the American Farm Bureau.

To learn more about Rep. Messmer's work in Congress, click here.

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Messmer Condemns Chemical Abortion Crisis at Republican Study Committee Roundtable

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) participated in a Republican Study Committee (RSC) roundtable hosted by Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-SC) focused on the growing chemical abortion crisis, the impact of abortion-inducing drugs, and legislative efforts to strengthen protections for women and improve accountability.

“No woman should ever be subjected to a forced abortion, and those who commit these acts should face the full force of the law,” said Rep. Messmer. “As chemical abortion drugs become more widely available, Congress has a responsibility to ensure strong protections are in place to safeguard women and hold bad actors accountable. I am proud to support legislation that addresses these serious crimes and helps prevent future tragedies.”

During the discussion, Rep. Messmer highlighted his Forced Abortion Prevention and Accountability Act, legislation he introduced to establish federal penalties for the non-consensual administration of abortion-inducing drugs and hold accountable those who facilitate these acts.

To learn more about Rep. Messmer's work to protect all life in Congress, click here.

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Messmer Celebrates House Armed Services Committee Passage of the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Hypersonics Caucus, applauded committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) during this year’s markup process.

“My Republican colleagues and I are working together with President Trump to fortify our country’s national security, and this National Defense Authorization Act delivers on our shared goals,” said Rep. Messmer. “In order to keep Americans safe from harm, our defense industrial base must receive the support it requires to meet the threats facing our nation. The FY27 NDAA will strengthen critical supply chains, expand munitions and shipbuilding capacity, and accelerate the next generation of military technology. By making these crucial investments, this bill ensures that America’s military remains the strongest and most lethal force in the world.”

“Years of underfunding our national defense has left us with a hollowed-out industrial base, and an inability to produce for our warfighters at speed and scale,” said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL). “Congressman Messmer understands the need to make a generational investment in our national security, and he’s provided valuable contributions to the FY27 NDAA. As the representative for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, he’s been a strong advocate for advancing our hypersonic capabilities and other strategic systems, which are needed both for our homeland defense and as a deterrent to our adversaries. With his continued leadership, we’ll rebuild the Arsenal of Freedom and strengthen American deterrence.”

BACKGROUND:

The NDAA also contains several wins for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, including:

Critical funding for defense programs that will be researched, tested, and developed at Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, such as $175 million for the Nuclear Sea-Launched Cruise Missile;
Supports increased funding up to $1 billion for the MACH-TB program at Crane;
Advanced funding for Low-Cost Hypersonic Weapons;
A dedicated fund for the Golden Dome for America program, which will provide a foundation for a layered missile defense system; and
Accelerated production for more munitions and solid rocket motors.

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

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House Passes Messmer-Led Child Care Reform Legislation to Improve Accountability for Taxpayer Dollars

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7726, the Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026, which includes provisions of Rep. Mark Messmer’s (R-IN) Child Care Payment Integrity and Fraud Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 7720). The bill will strengthen oversight of federal child care assistance programs and improve accountability for taxpayer dollars.

This legislation targets waste, fraud, and abuse within the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program by requiring states to report fraudulent payments. These reports will give Congress and taxpayers a clearer picture of how states manage federal childcare funds and where the programs need improvements.

“Families who rely on child care assistance deserve a program that is accountable and focused upon helping those who need it most,” said Rep. Messmer. “The legislation requires that states accurately track and report improper and fraudulent payments to safeguard taxpayer dollars, and it makes sure child care resources remain available to hardworking families. I am pleased that my Child Care Payment Integrity and Fraud Accountability Act is included in this package and will advance these important reforms.”

To learn more about Rep. Messmer's work to promote government accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, click here.

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