Congressman Yakym introduces HAILEY Act, contributes to U.S. Capitol Time Capsule in busy week on the hill

Indiana's 2nd District Congressman Rudy Yakym had an eventful week in Washington, introducing new legislation aimed at protecting children and construction workers, casting a vote on border security, and leaving a piece of Indiana inside a time capsule that won't be opened for another 250 years.

Among the week's most significant moments, Yakym introduced the HAILEY Act, legislation inspired by the story of Hailey Buzbee, a 17-year-old who was lured away in January 2026 by an adult she met online and never came home. Because her disappearance was classified as a runaway rather than an abduction, no AMBER Alert was ever issued.

"Hailey deserved better, and so do the countless other children who fall through the cracks of an alert system that wasn't built for the threats they face today," Yakym said. The legislation is designed to close the gap in the alert system for cases that fall outside the current AMBER Alert criteria.

Earlier in the week, Yakym joined the Indiana congressional delegation in contributing to Congress's Semiquincentennial Time Capsule, which will be buried beneath the U.S. Capitol and sealed until the nation's 500th anniversary on July 4, 2276.

Yakym's contribution: an RV — a nod to the manufacturing workers who form the backbone of Indiana's 2nd District. "Their grit, their determination, their spirit — it belongs in American history," he said. "And now it does."

Yakym also introduced two other pieces of legislation during the week. He put forward a resolution in support of National Trailer Safety Week, highlighting the importance of protecting manufacturing workers in Indiana's 2nd District. He also introduced the Concrete Pump Tax Fairness Act, a bipartisan bill that would replace the current fuel tax on mobile mounted concrete boom pumps with a mileage-based user fee — ensuring that specialized construction equipment receives the same tax treatment as other mobile machinery.

On Tuesday, Yakym voted in favor of the SECURE America Act, which he said fully funds law enforcement and addresses border security priorities.

On a lighter note, Yakym shared that Grace Pak from Netflix's Is It Cake? is baking the official birthday cake for America's 250th anniversary celebration. Each state was invited to add its mark — and Indiana's contribution was an IndyCar. The cake will be on display July 4th at the Library of Congress.