The 113th, New Opportunities, and Our Indianapolis Colts -- January 4, 2013

Thank you for reading another edition of my e-newsletter, the Carson Courier. For additional information on these and other topics, please visit my website at https://www.carson.house.gov.

As we move into 2013, we also mark the beginning of the 113^thCongress. Yesterday, newly elected representatives from all over the country came together to be sworn in and begin our service in this new session of the U.S. House of Representatives.

It was nearly 5 years ago that the people of Indianapolis first entrusted me with this immense responsibility, and I am honored that I will be representing them, including new portions of the city, in the 113^thCongress. As always, if my office can be of assistance to you, do not hesitate to reach out. I look forward to the great work we will do together.

Late Tuesday night, I joined with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in passing a bipartisan agreement to pull us back from the fiscal cliff. This bill, the American Taxpayer Relief Act, is by no means perfect, but it is an important step towards getting our fiscal house in order. This bill provides certainty to millions of Americans concerned about their futures and protects our economic recovery.

The fiscal cliff deal includes permanent tax relief for 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses, giving employers the confidence to hire more workers, and global markets the assurance that our economy will continue to grow. Many programs aimed at helping those who are struggling, including SNAP benefits and several other tax credits, will be extended into the future, alleviating worries that those who are most in need would not be able to provide for themselves and their families. Unemployment insurance, a lifeline for many who continue to struggle in finding work, will be extended for another year.

But this agreement doesn't wash away the dysfunction and partisan bickering that brought us to this point. The largest problems facing our nation – replacing sequestration, responsibly addressing the debt ceiling, and ensuring a balanced solution to our rising debt – will require bipartisan solutions, not more partisan rhetoric. Hoosiers deserve better from their government, and as your Representative, I will continue to work to see that they get it.

To read more about my views on the Fiscal Cliff vote, click here.

This week, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) announced that he has appointed me to be a Senior Whip in the House Democratic Caucus. As the 113^th Congress begins, this position will allow me to coordinate and guide the votes of House Democrats on major legislative issues. This position comes with a tremendous responsibility, especially at a time when our nation faces many pressing issues, and I am very grateful for the opportunity.

To read the full announcement, click here.

I wanted to take a moment and wish the best of luck to our Colts this weekend as they begin their NFL playoff push. The team has truly adopted the fighting spirit of Coach Pagano, who I was more than happy to see roaming the sidelines last week for the first time since his battle with cancer. With this perseverance and determination, I have no doubt the team will continue to represent Indy well. Go Colts!