Baird, Jim RSS Articles

Congressman Baird Announces Opening of 2026 U.S. Military Academy Nomination Process

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced the application process for nominations to U.S. service academies has opened for the 2026-27 school year.

Exceptional student leaders and scholar-athletes in Indiana's Fourth Congressional District may be nominated by Congressman Baird to one of four U.S. Service Academies – U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy (West Point) and the U.S. Naval Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination at this time.

“Attending a service academy is an honor steeped in history and a privilege,” said Congressman Baird. “Students have the opportunity to pursue a top tier education while serving their country. The academies are competitive and rigorous schools, but they are well worth the determination. It is my privilege to assist and nominate Indiana’s best and brightest on their paths to becoming the next generation of America’s leaders.”

The service academies offer a fully funded four-year education, including tuition, books, and board. Upon completion, graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are commissioned as officers in their respective branches of service. The privilege of attending a service academy requires a five-year commitment to military service upon graduation.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and, on July 1 of the year of entry, be at least 17 years old but not yet 23 years old to enter any of the academies, except the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, which has a maximum age of 25.

While a nomination is required to gain admission to a service academy, it does not guarantee admission. The admissions process is extremely competitive; therefore, interested students should prepare all application materials well in advance.

The admissions criteria includes: strong academic performance and standardized test scores, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Candidates must have a demonstrated history of strong leadership, community involvement, and receive an official Congressional nomination (except for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, which does not require a nomination).

Up to 10 individuals may be nominated for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district.
The deadline to submit an application for an academy nomination is Friday, November 6, 2026.

The application can be found here.

For questions, please contact the office of Congressman Baird at 202-225-5037.

Congressman Baird Announces Launch of 2026 Congressional App Challenge

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced that the 2026 Congressional App Challenge has officially launched.

The Congressional App Challenge engages student creativity and encourages participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education fields. This nationwide event allows high school and middle school students from across the country to compete against their peers by creating and exhibiting their software application, or "app," for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice.

“I’m proud to announce that the 2026 Congressional App Challenge is now open,” said Rep. Baird. “As a Ph.D. scientist and a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I deeply value educating Hoosier students in STEM and computer sciences. Every eligible student in our district is encouraged to participate. I hope this challenge ignites a spark in students and encourages them to delve deeper into STEM fields. To all the students participating, best of luck! I look forward to seeing the outstanding apps our students create this year!”

The deadline for students to register for the Congressional App Challenge and submit their app online is 12:00 PM ET on October 26, 2026.

Students may use any programming language (C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, “block code,” etc.) and create an app for any platform (PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc.). The winning apps are eligible to be featured in the Capitol Building and be put on House.gov. Students who create winning apps will also be invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington, D.C., where winners from across the nation will showcase their projects.

Eligibility:

To be eligible to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission.
Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed to form a team.
Students may compete in the district they reside in or the district they attend school in.
If competing as a team, at least half of the teammates must be eligible to compete in the district in which they are participating.
All competing students must be U.S. residents at the time of submission. There is no citizenship requirement for students.
If competing as a team, all members must submit their information on the registration form to participate.
Students may submit apps they created prior to the challenge, as long as their apps meet the standards of eligibility and were created after October 30, 2025.

Please click here for the 2026 rules and guidelines for students.
Please click here for the 2026 resources for teachers.

To register and for more information, please visit congressionalappchallenge.us.

For questions, please contact StudentSupport@CongressionalAppChallenge.us.

Congressman Baird Applauds Institute of Museum and Library Services Funding for Purdue University

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarding Purdue University three grants totaling more than $818,000.

“Purdue University is a premier research and educational institution,” said Congressman Baird. “The grants from IMLS help develop library and archival programs across our country. The Purdue library system has proven itself well-equipped to put these resources to good use, expanding research capabilities and strengthening the services available to its students, faculty, and university community. As a Boilermaker myself, I am proud to see Purdue receive this funding to boost its important work.”

IMLS awarded Purdue three grants, one through its National Leadership Grants for Librariesprogram and two through its Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program.

For more information about the Institute of Museum and Library Services, click here.

Congressman Baird Applauds Passage of Four Priority Bills in House Foreign Affairs Committee

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after four of his bills, the No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act, Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act, Tech Diplomacy Training Act, and FORGE Act, passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday, as part of a comprehensive package to modernize U.S. State Department policies.

“I am proud to see my legislation pass out of the full House Foreign Affairs Committee,” said Congressman Baird. “These bills will ensure Americans’ tax dollars are not funneled to entities like the Palestine Liberation Organization as it continues to commit human rights violations and incite acts of terrorism; train our nation’s top diplomats in emerging technologies; secure America’s global leadership in nuclear technology; and eliminate financial burdens for decorated veterans who apply for a passport. This legislation is critical to strengthening our national security and America’s standing on the global stage. I thank Chairman Mast for his continued leadership and commitment to putting American interests first in our foreign policy, and I hope this legislation passes the full U.S. House soon.”

Background:
H.R.3208 — No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act of 2025: Expands existing funding prohibitions to include organizations in the United Nations (UN) that afford status, rights, or privileges to the Palestinian Authority (PA) or Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) beyond observer status.

H.R.7398 — Passports for Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor Act: Eliminates passport book fees for Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipients.

H.R.8212 — Tech Diplomacy Training Act: Ensures all Foreign Service officers receive training on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concepts prior to being stationed abroad, and makes the same training available and encouraged for all other U.S. State Department employees.

H.R. 8648 — FORGE Act: Secures the United States’ global leadership in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology and implements American safety, security, and nonproliferation standards. The FORGE Act also codifies a U.S. State Department program, the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program, designed to deepen strategic ties with partner nations on secure and safe nuclear energy infrastructure.

Congressman Baird Introduces Bill to Give States, Territories, and Tribes a Stronger Voice at EPA

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) introduced H.R. 9663 the State Standing Committee Act. This bill establishes a State Standing Committee to advise the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The committee would give on-the-ground experience from each state and region counseling EPA decisions.

"The federal government always does better when local input is paramount in its decision making," said Congressman Baird. "The EPA is no different, and this State Standing Committee can provide the key information, context, and expertise that only come from the states, territories, and tribes where much of the EPA’s work originates. I strongly urge my fellow committee members to pass the State Science Committee Act. Local experts should have input in the decisions directly affecting their own communities."

The State Standing Committee (SSC) would serve as a complementary body to the Science Advisory Board (SAB), which is tasked with providing the EPA Administrator national-level scientific counsel. However, unlike SAB members, who are appointed based on a broad range of backgrounds and qualifications, SSC members would be employees of state, territorial, or tribal agencies. By creating a formal mechanism for submitting region-specific scientific and technical advice, the SSC would help ensure that local expertise is represented and more effectively integrates local perspectives into federal policymaking and regulatory actions. When appropriate, SSC members could convene working groups to address regional or multi-jurisdictional issues.

Additional Background:
The State Standing Committee would include one member from each state, federal district, federal territory, and federally recognized tribe to advise the EPA on agency decisions.

The bill also expands the Science Advisory Board's authority to receive matters not only from the EPA Administrator but also appropriate congressional committees.

Member Qualifications:

Reside within their respective state, federal district, federal territory, or federally recognized tribe.

Be employed by a government agency within their respective jurisdiction responsible for environmental protection, natural resources, agriculture, or regulatory compliance with environmental standards.

Possess relevant education, training, or professional experience to evaluate scientific or technical information.
To avoid conflicts of interest, State Standing Committee members may not simultaneously serve on or be employed by the EPA’s Science Advisory Board.

Members would be selected jointly by the EPA Administrator and the Science Advisory Board through an open, competitive, and merit-based process. Service would be voluntary, unpaid, and performed on an ad hoc basis. Any vacancies must be filled within 90 days using the same selection process.

Read the full bill text here.

Congressman Baird Joins President Trump for Medal of Honor Ceremony for Major Nicholas Dockery

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) recently joined President Donald Trump as he awarded Major Nicholas Dockery with the Medal of Honor for his heroism in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Congressman Baird sponsored the Nicholas Dockery Medal of Honor Act to award Major Dockery with the highest military decoration of the U.S. Armed Forces. This legislation was signed into law by President Trump on March 26, 2026. Dockery is an Indiana native and is the sole Army officer and one of only two U.S. officers to receive two Silver Stars for gallantry in the post-9/11 era.

“Major Dockery has demonstrated exceptional heroism, going above and beyond the call of duty and selflessly risking his own life multiple times to save his soldiers while serving in Afghanistan,” said Congressman Baird. “I was proud to join President Trump as he presented Major Dockery with the Medal of Honor. Major Dockery represents the very best of our nation and our Armed Forces, and I could not be more pleased to join him and the president at this historic ceremony recognizing his extraordinary acts of valor.”

Additional background on Major Dockery can be found here and here.

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Congressman Baird Applauds USDA for Land-Grant University Funding

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcing the opening of funding opportunities for the Research Facilities Act program, which received $125 million in annual funding through the Working Families Tax Cuts:

“Our land-grant universities are among the best in the world and provide cutting-edge research and innovation that strengthen our agriculture industry,” said Congressman Baird. “That includes my alma mater, Purdue University, which has been a pioneer in research and food security. I was proud to help secure this important funding opportunity for our land-grant universities through the Working Families Tax Cuts last summer, and I thank President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and USDA for their efforts to support our farmers who feed and fuel our nation.”

This funding opportunity will be administered through the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, click here.

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Congressman Baird Supports Legislation to Take Care of Veterans

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Baird released the following statement after serving as an original cosponsor of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, comprehensive and bipartisan legislation to modernize and reform U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services for veterans, sponsored by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair Mike Bost (IL-12):

“This year, we celebrate our nation’s 250^th birthday, and it is an opportunity to renew our promise to our veterans and their families,” said Congressman Baird. “As a Vietnam combat veteran, I am pleased to support this tremendous package to give veterans better access to healthcare, strengthen benefits for veterans and survivors, and reform outdated, bureaucratic processes at the VA that cause delays. We want to make the VA work for veterans again and make sure our country properly takes care of those who served our country. I’m also proud to see that the package contains the Major Richard Star Act, a priority for numerous Hoosiers and veterans in our district. I thank Congressman Bost for his leadership, and I will work with him to deliver this victory for our veterans.”

Additional information on the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act can be found here.

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Congressman Baird Votes to End Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Federal Programs

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act (H.R. 8464), the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act (H.R. 8312), and the No Aid for Ghost Students Act (H.R. 7892), which passed the U.S. House this week:

“Hoosiers’ tax dollars should be spent wisely, and our federal resources should go to those who truly need assistance the most. I am working with my colleagues to end the waste, fraud, and abuse in our federal programs across the country. From Minnesota’s child care centers to fraud in our federal food and education programs, we are stopping illegal immigrants and criminal fraudsters from exploiting federal funds, robbing billions of dollars from taxpayers and American citizens who rely on these programs. I was proud to pass these bills out of the U.S. House to implement further guardrails, provide more oversight of our federal programs, and hold fraudsters accountable. I will continue to work with my colleagues to protect the integrity of Hoosiers’ tax dollars and ensure such widespread fraud never happens again.”

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Congressman Baird Votes to Pass Secure America Act, Keep Hoosiers Safe

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Secure America Act to fund the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through Fiscal Year 2029:

“Congressional Democrats have repeatedly demonstrated a reckless disregard for our border and national security,” said Congressman Baird. “They shut down DHS for 75 days, leaving law enforcement officers, disaster response personnel, and cybersecurity officials without proper funding to defend our country and help Americans in need. I will not allow Hoosiers to go without disaster aid or be left vulnerable to dangerous criminal illegal immigrants and illicit, deadly drugs because of an unfunded DHS. I was proud to vote for the Secure America Act, which provides our brave CBP and ICE agents with the funding and tools they need to carry out their mission. These men and women work tirelessly every day to secure our borders and protect innocent Americans. Hoosiers’ safety and security remain my top priority, and I will continue to stand with our ICE and CBP officers who keep Indiana and our nation safe.”

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