America's diversity is our greatest strength.

September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the history and contributions of Hispanic Americans. This month recognizes individuals with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America – a group rich in diversity, and united by common desires. 

It’s important to understand: there is not just one Hispanic American experience. Hispanic Americans care about the same issues as every other American – a strong economy, meaningful jobs, and a sense of safety and community. Every Hispanic individual comes with different experiences, cultures, and backgrounds, and every Hispanic individual has their own unique story.  

This next month is about uplifting these stories. Since 1990, Latino Hoosiers have seen the largest percentage increase in population among any racial or ethnic group in Indianapolis. Hispanic Hoosiers have long been leaders, innovators, and changemakers in our community, and we need to do more to ensure everyone has the tools they need to succeed. That includes efforts like my Emerging Business Encouragement Act, which provides support to very small, minority-owned businesses. It includes fighting to ensure the Hispanic community is not left behind as the U.S. experiences job growth and economic gain, and advocating for immigration reform. Everyone should be welcome in our country, which is why I support legislation for a pathway to citizenship. This Congress, I am a proud cosponsor of the U.S. Citizenship Act which provides pathways to citizenship, strengthens our labor market, provides critical resources to our southern borders, and addresses the root causes of migration.  

This month and every month, I’m proud to support the Hispanic community and their many inspiring contributions to Indianapolis and beyond. 

UPDATE: Is the federal government going to shut down? 

The federal government’s fiscal year ends at midnight on September 30th. If Congress fails to pass the annual Appropriations bills for each department and agency, those agencies will shut down. This includes the FAA, Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, Coast Guard, the National Park Service, the Centers for Disease Control and all the other agencies many people take for granted.

This isn’t an issue of Republicans vs. Democrats. There are a few reasonable Republicans willing to work to responsibly keep the government open -- I have strong relationships with my colleagues across the aisle, particularly in the Indiana delegation. This is about MAGA extremists playing games with your well-being.

There’s a lot that’s uncertain right now, but it’s clear a potential interruption of government services could be devastating: healthcare for veterans, safety services for transportation, food inspections, national security, national parks – just about everything you can imagine and that you expect to be there when you need it. A shutdown would also jeopardize vital federal nutrition programs, potentially leaving families in my district and across the country with delayed, reduced or even zero benefits. 

Over the coming weeks, I’ll keep you informed on what’s happening – but make no mistake, I will do everything in my power to prevent a government shutdown. The American people deserve a government that works, not these political games.

Team Carson is Here to Serve You:

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