Modernizing Infrastructure, Creating Jobs
Dear Friend:
As your representative in Congress, I spend several days each week in Washington, D.C. fighting for you. So I fully understand that the news out of our nation's capital can sometimes be frustrating and difficult to follow. This is unfortunate because it keeps Hoosiers from getting a clear picture of my work on your behalf.
While my day to day work in Washington involves a wide array of responsibilities, one I am most proud of is my membership on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Indiana is the Crossroads of America, which is why I fought hard for a seat on this important committee. Since then, I have also been selected as the Ranking Member, or top Democrat, on the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.
The Transportation Committee is responsible for overseeing the nation's transportation infrastructure—including highways, transit, aviation, rail and waterways. Each year, the Committee considers legislation directing billions of dollars in transportation projects and dictating policy on everything from transportation safety to vehicle fuel economy to disaster relief. These decisions result in jobs for hundreds of thousands of Americans and billions of dollars in commerce, both from construction and from transportation of goods
While the impact of the committee is vast, its impacts on Indianapolis are easy to see. It allows me to promote development of a modern public transit system and focus your tax dollars to highways and bridges. My committee work also helps support local jobs like those at Amtrak. The work of the committee puts Hoosiers to work and grows our economy.
As the top Democrat on the Economic Development panel, I recently led consideration of the FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2013, the first ever re-authorization of our nation's emergency management agency. This critical bill will improve the federal response to natural disasters, including disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. The full committee approved this bipartisan bill overwhelmingly and it is waiting to be approved by the House this year. This is a positive step for Hoosiers as it will ensure we are prepared for and can adequately respond to natural disasters..
I take great pride in knowing that my work on the Transportation Committee is making a direct impact on the 7th District. If you are interested in more information about my work in Washington or if there is anything I can do for you, please contact my office.
Sincerely,
André
Inside Scoop
Congressman Carson speaks on the Digital Divide
Last Monday Congressman Carson spoke at the LeGore Boys & Girls Club about the abundance of Americans without access to the internet and other technologies—a problem referred to as the digital divide. Not having the ability to enjoy the power of technology means less information for students doing their homework, less culture that helps neighbors connect and spurs the economy, and less access to news that is critical to our cities, towns and neighborhoods.
Congressman Carson said, "Every person we connect means new perspectives and new ideas. It can lead a low income student to be the next Bill Gates or Steve Jobs. It can help a family start a business in their hometown. Each connection means new possibilities, which truly enrich all of us."
Congressman Carson speaks to Veterans on Veterans Day
On Veterans Day, Congressman Carson attended the annual Veterans Day Council Memorial Service where he spoke of his appreciation for our veterans—past, present, and future—who sacrifice for our nation's freedom. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Carson said, "I will continue to focus on the needs of our military in Indiana and across the nation—to keep them safe in combat and support them on their return home." We thank our veterans for all that they have done and continue to do!
