Baird, Jim RSS Articles

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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Congressman Baird Announces Opening of USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance Program Enrollment Period

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun the enrollment period for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program. The enrollment period is open now through April 17, 2026.

“The Trump Administration is putting American farmers first,” said Congressman Baird. “I thank President Trump and Secretary Rollins for their work to prioritize the farm economy and provide this critical economic relief for our farmers. I encourage every Hoosier eligible to apply and take advantage of this program, especially as we begin the planting season. I will continue to work with this administration to ensure our farmers flourish, have access to new markets, and lead the world in agricultural production and exports.”

The FBA program provides $11 billion in one-time bridge payments to row crop producers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. The following commodities are eligible for FBA: barley, chickpeas, corn, cotton, lentils, oats, peanuts, peas, rice, sorghum, soybeans, wheat, canola, crambe, flax, mustard, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, and sunflower.

Farmers and producers may complete their applications online or submit to their county Farm Service Agency office.

For more information from the USDA on the FBA program, click here.

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Congressman Baird Commends President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement applauding President Donald J. Trump on his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress:

“Under President Trump, the State of the Union is strong. President Biden did colossal harm to our nation, plunging us into crisis after crisis. President Trump has worked tirelessly to restore American prosperity from the Biden Administration’s numerous catastrophes. I worked with President Trump to pass historic wins for Hoosier families and our farmers through the Working Families Tax Cuts. Under President Trump, the border is closed, and illegal immigration has plummeted to record lows. Americans are much safer now under President Trump’s leadership.

“There is always work to be done to create a more perfect union. As we approach America’s 250th Birthday, I look forward to working alongside the president to ensure Hoosiers can continue to prosper in the greatest country the world has ever seen.”

Additional Background:

The Working Families Tax Cuts:

Reduced federal spending by $1.5 trillion.
Doubled the standard deduction used by over 90% of American taxpayers.
Made permanent the Child Tax Credit increase for more than 40 million families.
Slashed taxes for 12 million small business owners by close to $7,000.
Established the Trump Accounts for Children under the age of 18 to help jumpstart their futures.

Curbing Illegal Immigration:

Border Patrol has released zero illegal aliens into our nation’s interior for nine months straight.
Daily apprehensions at the border are down 96% compared to the last Presidential Administration.
National murder rates hit historic 125-year lows.
Every national major violent crime rate category plunged downward in 2025.
In Indianapolis, IN, crime decreased in each violent crime category as well, including a near 20% decrease in homicides.

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Congressman Baird Announces Registration Open for Presidential 1776 Award National Civics Competition

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced that the Presidential 1776 Award, a new national civics competition formed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education as part of the America 250 celebration, is accepting registrations through February 21, 2026.

"I am excited to announce that the Presidential 1776 Award competition is accepting registrations,” said Congressman Baird. “This is an exciting opportunity for young Hoosiers to test their civics knowledge and showcase their interest in the founding of America, the greatest nation in history. I encourage every high school student in our district to apply, and I wish every participating student the best of luck. I know you will make our country proud.”

About the Presidential 1776 Award:

The Presidential 1776 Award is a nationwide civics competition for high school students interested in early American history and government. The competition focuses on the American Revolution and the key moments in the founding of our nation.

The competition is organized by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. The top finalists will have an opportunity to compete for three scholarships up to $150,000.

Students compete in three stages:

1. Online multiple-choice exam.
2. Regional semi-final competitions.
3. A national final competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Testing opens on February 22, 2026, and closes on March 1, 2026.

For full rules and regulations, click here. To learn more about the contest, click here.

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