Here's what's happening in Congress.
Friend,
As we head into a long weekend, here’s my update on what's happening in Congress:
Extremists are holding our economy hostage:
In less than 7 days, the US could default on our debt – all because extreme, partisan individuals refuse to raise the debt ceiling and move forward without devastating cuts.
Democrats have called for Congress to stay in Washington over the weekend, or until a deal is reached. Speaker McCarthy has refused.
Unfortunately, extreme, MAGA ideologues are holding our economy hostage, offering two impossible options: either default on America’s debts, or drastically slash critical, lifesaving programs that millions of Americans rely on.
To give a sense of how these cruel cuts would hurt working Hoosier families, here are a few numbers.
Their debt plan would:
–Kick families off SNAP, which 48,000 families in Indianapolis rely on.
–Jeopardize healthcare funding that supports 31,000 Indianapolis veterans.
–Hurt the 128,000 K-12 students in District 7 by cutting federal education funds.
–Delay payments for 1.5 million Hoosier seniors on Social Security and Medicare.
Put simply, this deal is a bad deal for Hoosiers, a bad deal for the middle class, and a bad deal for America.
I implore my colleagues to do the right thing – put people over politics. We must ensure the US does not default on our debt without inflicting cruel cuts to programs Americans need to survive.
New legislation alert! National Poppy Day:
This week, I reintroduced a Bipartisan resolution with my Hoosier colleague, Congresswoman Victoria Spartz, supporting the goals and ideals of National Poppy Day. The poppy flower has long been a mark of respect and a visible way to raise awareness and support for our nation’s veterans and servicemembers, their families, and the families of those who died in service to our country. The red-flowered corn poppy became forever linked to soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of World War I, as result of the poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem, written by a Canadian soldier actively serving on the frontlines of WWI to honor his fellow soldiers killed in battle, reads: ‘‘In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row’.
Poppy Day is celebrated in the United States on the Friday before Memorial Day. I join families and organizations across the country in acknowledging National Poppy Day this year, and I encourage all Members of Congress to support those who sacrificed so much for our country by supporting my National Poppy Day Resolution.
Student loan relief in jeopardy:
In October, I discussed in the Indy Recorder how student loan relief could dramatically improve inequalities accessing opportunities.
Countless Americans struggle to pay their bills, particularly when faced with debilitating student debt. In particular, student loan debt disproportionately hurts Black and brown borrowers. According to the Education Data Initiative, Black college graduates owe an average of $25,000 more in student loan debt than white college graduates.
For many Americans, President Biden’s announcement last year to forgive up to $20,000 of federal student loan debt came as an enormous relief to families experiencing rising costs and the prospect of sometimes decades worth of loans to pay back. This week, House Republicans voted to roll back emergency debt relief. But it wouldn’t just mean folks have to pay their loans in future months – it would also make borrowers pay back the last 4 months of debt and interest.
I voted against this bill, which is unfair to hardworking Americans who shouldn’t have to pay back 4 months of debt relief they were promised.
I’ll keep fighting to make higher education more accessible and lower costs for everyday Americans.
Success story of the week:
“From my first call to Congressman Carson’s office to the last email with his staff, they were friendly and effective. They asked the right questions, gathered the right information, and fixed my predicament. I am very grateful!”
– District 7 Constituent
Need assistance navigating a federal agency, accessing benefits, or helping a community member recognize a milestone? We can help! Get in touch with our district office at 317-283-6516.
For updates throughout the week, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Your Friend,
André