Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) voted in favor of two bills, H.R. 7148 and H.R. 7147 that complete all twelve appropriations measures for Fiscal Year 2026. The completion of this process marks a clean break from the dysfunction of the past, ending bloated Christmas omnibuses, backroom bill dumps, and shutdown politics.
“Today’s passage of these funding bills shows Congress can make tough decisions to govern and put the United States on a path to prosperity,” Rep. Yakym said. “We are advancing President Trump and House Republicans’ America First agenda and turning the page on Joe Biden’s reckless spending. This legislation strengthens our military, cuts waste, rebuilds critical infrastructure, and invests in families and communities across the country while restoring accountability to ensure Congress does its job as intended.”
KEY PROVISIONS OF THE BILLS
Strengthens Our Military:
- Delivers a 3.8% pay raise for troops and improves quality of life for military families.
- Funds training, exercises, maritime activities, flying hours, equipment maintenance, and base operations to ensure our warfighters are always ready.
- Maximizes production of munitions to counter adversaries like China.
- Eliminates Critical Race Theory and DEI programs.
Cuts Red Tape:
- Reduces bureaucratic bloat across the federal government and slashes red tape.
- Cuts billions from failed green energy and high-speed rail projects.
- Claws back Biden-era IRS funding for audits of hardworking Americans.
Rebuilds America’s Infrastructure:
- Hires and trains 2,500 new air traffic controllers and modernizes radar systems.
- Bans drones from hostile foreign nations like Communist China.
- Permanently prohibits federal mask mandates on public transit.
- Builds and maintains highways and bridges.
Protects Our Communities:
- Stops Biden’s catch-and-release programs that allowed criminal illegal aliens to disappear into our communities.
- Expands efforts to stop deadly fentanyl before it reaches our streets.
- Defunds organizations and programs that encourage or facilitate illegal immigration.
- Requires truckers to be proficient in English.
- Blocks illegal immigrants from taxpayer-funded housing.
Invests in Families and Future Generations:
- Expands mental health services to fight substance abuse and community violence.
- Funds Department of Health and Human Services’ Food is Medicine initiative to fight chronic disease and improve nutrition.
- Cuts fraud and waste in health spending.
- Invests $285 million in apprenticeships and $500 million in charter schools while cutting CDC funding by $19 million to refocus the agency.
Wabash Cannonball Bridge to be closed for one week for repairs
Lawrence County man charged with sex crimes
Two tornadoes confirmed in Lawrence County
LCMH receives USDA federal grant for $450,000
IDEM recycling grants available
Lawrence County arrests
Storm system rolls through southeastern Illinois and southwestern Indiana
New PIO officer announced for Indiana State Police Evansville District
Valentine seeks change of venue for murder trial
Indiana Gov. Braun declares state of disaster emergency for 63 Indiana counties
Newton power plant to be closed
Lawrence County Board approves public safety tax referendum
Library district in solid financial shape
U.S. 41 road project continues in Knox County
Richland County death investigation
Vantlin named Heeps of Jeeps First Responder of the Year
Vincennes University to upgrade Beckes Park
Lawrenceville sewage plant visited by U.S. EPA
