Baird, Jim RSS Articles

Congressman Baird Announces Purdue University to Gain Over $2.7 Million in Research Under USDA Reorganization

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced that Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, is set to gain a research project worth $2.701million and seven Agricultural Research Service employees as a result of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) reorganization and decommissioning of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC).

“Purdue University and the State of Indiana continue to solidify their standing as the premier location for agricultural research and opportunity,” said Congressman Baird. “As a farmer and lifelong Hoosier, I am pleased to see the USDA expanding opportunities in Indiana as the agency refocuses on its core mission, works to better serve our farmers, and moves operations outside of the Washington, D.C., area closer to the people they serve. My state and district are uniquely positioned to provide our farmers with access to cutting-edge research and technology. Indiana is one of the top agricultural states in our country, and Purdue is one of the leading land-grant universities in the world. I am grateful for Secretary Rollins’ strong leadership at USDA, and I look forward to working with her to ensure Hoosier farmers remain at the forefront of American agricultural success.”

This announcement from the USDA builds on the USDA’s prior reorganization efforts and its recognition of Indiana as a leading agricultural state. In July 2025, the USDA announced it was moving a portion of its operations to Indianapolis, IN, to better align with its mission of supporting American agriculture.

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Congressman Baird’s Legislation to Increase Interagency Collaboration on Export Decisions Passes House Foreign Affairs Committee

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after his bill, the Interagency Coordination in Export Controls Act, passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee:

“Exports are the lifeblood of our economy on a global scale,” said Congressman Baird. “Our export controls process drastically affects our defense, diplomatic, and energy ecosystems. China is notorious for importing and stealing American and allied civilian technologies and maliciously using them in support of its military. We cannot allow our advanced technologies to give China the upper hand. Strengthening cross-departmental input will help prevent this. I was grateful to see the House Foreign Affairs Committee pass my legislation to reform our export controls process and strengthen our national security. I thank my friend, Chairman Mast, for his leadership, and I hope this legislation comes before the full U.S. House soon.”

Background:

The Export Administration Review Board (EARB) is an advisory panel consisting of the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Energy, State, and War. The panel advises the Secretary of Commerce on decisions regarding U.S. Export Controls, the rules regarding exports. The Department of Commerce is currently the only agency that can write new rules on export controls.

The Interagency Coordination in Export Controls Act allows the other three agencies to propose new rules and requires three out of four departments to agree on export controls before final implementation.

Additionally, the legislation requires the Secretary of State to consider the implications of China’s military-civil fusion strategy for U.S. export controls and consider proposing corresponding policies to the other agencies for a vote. Military-civil fusion is an aggressive strategy from the Chinese Communist Party to develop the most technologically advanced military in the world, in part by eliminating barriers between China’s civilian research and commercial sectors and its military and defense industrial sectors, as well as by acquiring and diverting the world’s cutting-edge technologies, often by theft.

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Congressman Baird Introduces Legislation to Increase STEM Prowess in the Foreign Service

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Tech Diplomacy Training Act (H.R. 8212) to ensure all Foreign Service officers receive training on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts prior to being stationed abroad.

“Training in STEM is paramount in our increasingly digital security landscape, especially as our adversaries pursue advances in artificial intelligence, surveillance technology, and next-generation communications infrastructure,” said Congressman Baird. “As diplomats, our Foreign Service officers need to have a background in science and technology. Our adversaries, primarily Communist China, use technology for exploitative purposes. As technology continues to rapidly evolve, our diplomatic efforts will depend on understanding how U.S. technology priorities connect with other diplomatic and economic efforts. This legislation ensures STEM remains at the forefront of our diplomatic efforts so we can succeed against our adversaries.”

Background:

Currently, all Foreign Service Officers are required to pass a basic training known as the A-100 orientation course. Within the curriculum, officers learn about various topics, including human trafficking, religious freedom, and multilateral diplomacy, but STEM topics are not included in the A-100 course or any Foreign Service orientation.

The Tech Diplomacy Training Act requires that all Foreign Service officers receive training during their A-100 course on emerging technologies, the uses of technology in American diplomacy, and how our adversaries can use STEM concepts to undermine U.S. national security interests.

Read the bill text here.

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Congressman Baird Votes to Fund Homeland Security

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird released the following statement after voting in favor of legislation to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through May 22, 2026:

“The House has been clear: we have passed legislation six times to pay these critical employees – legislation that was agreed to by both sides of the aisle. We have sent this legislation to the Senate six times. The Senate has failed.

“Democrats have repeatedly moved the goal posts and made unreasonable demands in negotiations. Supporting homeland security should not be a partisan exercise. I was proud to vote for this legislation in the House to fund our homeland security and deliver long-overdue paychecks to the men and women of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security who ensure the security of the United States.”

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Congressman Baird Introduces Legislation to Support Bioindustrial Technologies

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced the Bioindustrial Scale-Up for Supply Chains and Energy Resiliency Act of 2026 to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to direct the U.S. Secretary of Energy to establish at least two bioindustrial scale-up facilities in the United States. These facilities would accelerate the scaling of emerging bioindustrial technologies, including coordinating with other relevant facilities and federal agencies. Congressman Baird was joined by Representatives Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), and Ro Khanna (CA-17) in introducing this legislation.

“As a farmer and scientist, I know how important biotechnology is to strengthening our world-class agriculture industry,” said Congressman Baird. “To ensure our country continues to lead the world in biotechnology, we must promote opportunities to develop new products and move them to market. I am pleased to introduce this important legislation to ensure the Department of Energy has the tools to accelerate the scaling of emerging bioindustrial technologies, strengthen U.S. biotechnology competitiveness, secure our supply chains, and unlock new opportunities for scientific breakthroughs and economic growth.”

“The U.S. is by far the leader in biotech innovation, but we lack the infrastructure to keep up with the demand despite having all the necessary elements to biomanufacture American innovations,” said National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Chairman Senator Todd Young. “The Department of Energy has the expertise and facilities to meet the sector’s needs, particularly for innovations that will strengthen our defense and energy capabilities. I'm glad to support my colleagues in the House on this legislation that will expand biomanufacturing capacity and create jobs for Hoosiers and innovators all across America.”

“I am proud to cosponsor the Bioindustrial Scale-Up for Supply Chains and Energy Resiliency Act with Rep. Baird,” said Representative Stephanie Bice. “This legislation will help accelerate emerging bioindustrial technologies, including through coordination with relevant facilities such as the Department of Defense, to strengthen our supply chains and energy resiliency.”

“Southeastern Pennsylvania is home to world-class universities, researchers, and entrepreneurs driving the next generation of biotechnology innovation,” said Representative Chrissy Houlahan. “But too often, promising ideas never make it out of the lab because businesses lack the infrastructure needed to prove their technologies can work at commercial scale—while countries like China are rapidly investing in the facilities needed to commercialize these breakthroughs. I’m grateful to partner with Congressman Baird on this bipartisan effort to help ensure that the biotechnology solutions developed in communities like mine can be manufactured here in the United States, strengthening our supply chains, economy, and energy security.”

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Congressman Baird Announces Opening of 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition is now open. The competition is open to all qualifying students in Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District who are looking to display their artistic passions. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 24, 2026.

“I’m pleased to announce that my office is accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Baird. “This is a wonderful opportunity for young artists in our district to showcase their talents and have their work displayed in our nation’s capital. Each year, I am impressed by students’ remarkable artistry and skill. I encourage every eligible young artist to participate and wish them the best of luck.”

The winner of the Congressional Art Competition will have their artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year and earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to see their work on display. The winning artwork is also featured on the U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Art Competition Page.

How to Participate:

Students, teachers, and parents are encouraged to submit one piece of original art to the district office in Danville, along with their student release form. All entries MUST include the Student Information and Release Form for the competition. The submission deadline is Friday, April 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Please visit our website for more information and to download the student release form.

Submissions can be mailed or dropped off at the Danville District Office:

Office of Congressman Jim Baird
355 S. Washington St
Danville, IN 46122

The Student Information and Release Form can be found here.

Eligibility Requirements:

Students in grades 7 through 12 in Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District are eligible to submit their work. Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.

Accepted media:

Paintings: Oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
Drawings: Colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (charcoal and pastel drawings must be fixed)
Prints: Lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
Collages: Must be two-dimensional
Mixed Media: Use of more than two media, such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
Computer-generated art
Photographs

Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (not a scanned reproduction).

The 2026 Rules and Regulations can be found here.

Congressman Baird Offers Condolences to Family of Captain Koval

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on Captain Seth R. Koval, a member of the Ohio Air National Guard from Mooresville, IN, who died supporting Operation Epic Fury:

“My heart breaks for the family of Captain Seth Koval. Captain Koval represented the very best of Indiana and our nation, and he served our country honorably. His extraordinary dedication and sacrifice in defense of our country will never be forgotten. I ask everyone to join me in praying for the comfort of Captain Koval’s wife, Heather, and all of his loved ones during this time of profound loss and continue to pray for the safety of our courageous men and women who are risking their lives for our country during Operation Epic Fury.”

Captain Koval was one of six Airmen who died on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 in western Iraq. Captain Koval was assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing, Rickenbacker ANG Base, Ohio. For more information from the U.S. Department of War, please click here.

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Congressman Baird Statement on Passage of 2026 Farm Bill in House Agriculture Committee

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on the passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 in the House Agriculture Committee:

“While I regret that I could not be there, I am proud to have done a lot of work to get this bill in its final form. I am pleased to see that my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 on a bipartisan basis. I take great pride in the bill that the committee produced, as it reflects the urgent need to pass a full Farm Bill, and the policies put forward will benefit our farmers in Indiana and across the nation. This bill contains a critical fix for our pork producers by overturning California’s Proposition 12, which attempted to dictate how farmers raise and care for their livestock. It also supports cutting-edge agricultural research and innovation, strengthens the farm safety net, and supports successful conservation programs to keep our farmland and forests resilient and productive.

“I was pleased that the Committee agreed to include several of my priorities, such as the Increased TSP Access Act, NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act, Strengthening Local Processing Act, and Plant Biostimulant Act. The inclusion of these bills reflects the priority that the committee places on addressing these important issues. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the U.S. House and Senate to get this bill across the finish line to deliver a full, five-year Farm Bill and the economic certainty our farmers deserve.”

Additional Background:

The Increased TSP Access Act addresses Technical Service Provider (TSP) shortages by establishing a more streamlined certification process and increasing the number of TSPs to help farmers with their conservation efforts.

The NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act strengthens the partnership between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote cross-cutting and collaborative research.

The Strengthening Local Processing Act makes it easier for local livestock and poultry producers to process meat locally and expands access to federal resources.

The Plant Biostimulant Act creates a uniform federal definition for plant biostimulants and establishes a consistent regulatory pathway to market.

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Statement on the Passing of Danise Baird

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Office of Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on the passing of Danise Baird, wife of Congressman Baird:

“The Office of Congressman Jim Baird is saddened to announce the passing of his beloved wife, Danise, following complications from injuries sustained in a car accident earlier this year. Congressman Baird and Danise were married for 59 years, building a life centered on faith, family, and service. A devoted wife and loving mother of three, she was the foundation of their family and will be deeply missed. We ask that you keep the Congressman and his family in your prayers during this difficult time.”

Congressman Baird Statement on Operation Epic Fury

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on Operation Epic Fury:

“For decades, Iran has targeted Americans and our allies, killed thousands of innocent people, and has been the largest state-sponsor of terrorism. Iran took Americans hostage for 444 days in 1979 and funded Hamas terrorists’ horrific October 7th attack in Israel. The U.S. has sought diplomatic solutions for years, but the Iranian regime refused to listen. Iran now faces the consequences of its actions. I am grateful we have a president who is willing to take decisive action to defend our country and our allies. President Trump has sent a message that Iran’s reign of terror is over.

“I thank our allies who have offered their support. I ask everyone to pray for our courageous troops as they carry out Operation Epic Fury, and may God bless America.”

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