On The Issues

Congressman Carson’s work as a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has brought transformational projects back to his district, including bus rapid transit and billions of dollars in road, bridge, and sidewalk repair. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Congressman Carson’s roots in the community run deep, which is why he hosts an annual job fair and annual youth opportunities fair — he knows Indianapolis residents deserve access to life changing opportunities. As a former law enforcement officer, he remains an essential voice to combat police misconduct, especially during the George Floyd protests. And each year, Congressman Carson brings millions of dollars directly back to Indianapolis residents in lost or delayed benefits and billions of dollars in community project funding. Congressman Carson has consistently advocated for increased medical research funding, especially for diseases that disproportionately impact disadvantaged communities of color.

Education

Ensuring Every Child Has a Strong Foundation

A high-quality education is the key to opportunity, and every child—regardless of their background—deserves the chance to succeed. While graduation rates have improved in Marion County and across the country, disparities in educational attainment persist. Congressman Carson is committed to supporting policies that close these gaps by investing in early childhood education, ensuring equitable resources for K-12 schools, and expanding opportunities for students from underserved communities.

We must hold our schools accountable while also providing them with the funding and support they need to help every child thrive. Congressman Carson has been outspoken about the Trump administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education and has demanded a meeting with the acting director.

 

Supporting Teachers & Strengthening the Workforce

Teachers are the backbone of our education system, yet Indiana has seen a significant decline in teacher pay and a growing teacher shortage. We need to do more to recruit, retain, and support educators by:

  • Raising teacher salaries to attract and retain qualified professionals.
  • Expanding professional development opportunities.
  • Reducing unnecessary barriers to teacher licensure, including through my Interstate Teaching Mobility Act, which creates a national teacher licensure process to provide educators with greater flexibility.

Investing in teachers means investing in students, and I will continue to advocate for policies that support educators and improve learning outcomes.

Expanding Access to Mentorship & Afterschool Programs

Mentorship and afterschool programs provide critical support for students, particularly during the hours between school dismissal and when parents return home from work. These programs help improve academic performance, reduce risky behaviors, and foster social and emotional development.

Congressman Carson has introduced legislation, including the Transition to Success Modernization Act and the Students Helping Students Act, to increase access to mentorship programs and ensure every child has the support they need to succeed. Expanding funding for afterschool and mentorship programs is a top priority in Congressman Carson’s efforts to create more opportunities for young people in our community.

Making College More Affordable & Accessible

Higher education is more important than ever, but the rising cost of tuition is putting it out of reach for too many students and families. The average college graduate now carries over $37,000 in student loan debt, making it harder to build a stable financial future.

Congressman Carson is working to:

  • Lower the cost of college by expanding Pell Grants and preserving financial aid programs.
  • Protect student borrowers from predatory lending practices and ensure they have the information they need to make smart financial decisions.
  • Support workforce training programs that provide alternative pathways to success for those not pursuing a four-year degree.

 

Economy

Building a Stronger Economy for American Families

A thriving economy depends on strong policies that put people first. By investing in jobs, education, infrastructure, and innovation, we can build a future where all Americans have access to good-paying jobs and economic security. Congressman Carson will continue fighting for policies that strengthen our workforce, support small businesses, and ensure that the American Dream remains within reach for everyone.

But across the country, families are struggling with the rising costs of healthcare, food, housing, and energy, while wages have failed to keep pace. Unemployment and job instability continue to affect too many hardworking Americans. As your Representative in Congress, Congressman Carson is committed to fighting Trump’s harmful tariffs and supporting policies that strengthen the middle class – not the ultra-wealthy. Our top priority must be getting people back to work in safe, sustainable careers while ensuring economic opportunities for all.

Trump’s Impact on the Economy

Under the Trump administration, the economy is already seeing significant changes that are negatively impacting short-term and long-term economic outcomes for many Americans. Congressman Carson has been outspoken about the impact of tariffs, which are expected to cost the average American $4,000 a year. Congressman Carson is acting to ensure President Trump cannot implement these tariffs, which will decimate the American economy.

Creating Jobs and Revitalizing American Industry

For too long, American workers have faced job losses due to factory closures, corporate outsourcing, and automation. We need bold action to revitalize our economy. That means investing in infrastructure, green energy, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies that will drive long-term economic growth. We must create policies that incentivize businesses to expand in the U.S. and provide pathways for workers to transition into high-demand industries. By investing in American innovation, we can rebuild our workforce, strengthen the middle class, and ensure our economy works for everyone.

Expanding Job Training and Workforce Development

The 21st-century economy demands new skills, yet many workers have been left behind due to shifting industries and outdated training programs. Congressman Carson has worked across party lines to secure millions in funding for workforce development initiatives at Ivy Tech, the John H. Boner Center, and other community organizations. These programs provide hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology—helping workers re-enter the job market with the skills needed for today’s careers. We must continue expanding these efforts to prepare our workforce for the jobs of the future.

Lowering Costs and Cutting Taxes for Working Families

With inflation straining household budgets, we need immediate relief for working- and middle-class Americans. Congressman Carson supports extending tax cuts that put money back into the pockets of families, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, we must reduce the financial burden of healthcare, housing, and education to ensure every American has a fair shot at economic stability. By making smart investments in our communities, we can create a more equitable economy where hard work is rewarded.

 

 

 

Food and Nutrition

Saving SNAP

Congressman Carson is standing up SNAP against extreme MAGA Republicans’ harmful cuts. SNAP helps millions of low- and middle-income families access healthy food, but it’s under threat in Indiana and across the country.

Protecting Children from Going Hungry

Across the country, millions of children receive their only nutritious meals at school through breakfast and lunch programs. In an effort to help these children obtain the nutrition they need to be healthy, active, and successful; Congressman Carson has worked to expand funding for these and other programs that provide healthier meals to low-income children. These investments in child nutrition are especially important given evidence that hunger can be an enormous barrier to learning.

Improving Access to Nutritious Foods – Food Deserts Act

Access to nutritious food should be a necessity, not a luxury. Yet today, too many people across Indianapolis and our country struggle to find the healthy food they need. More and more supermarkets are closing their doors, and public transportation is often located a mile or more away. That is why Congressman Carson introduced the Food Deserts Act in Congress.

This bill creates new avenues to fund stores in underserved communities by facilitating low-interest loans for new and existing grocery stores in food deserts. The bill ensures that recipients of these loans will use them to provide affordable, healthy food, such as fresh produce, milk, bread, and meat.

Foreign Affairs

As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a former law enforcement officer, Congressman Carson understands the importance of keeping our country safe, strengthening global stability, and advancing American values abroad.

The United States faces complex and evolving threats, from terrorism and cyber warfare to rising geopolitical tensions and global humanitarian crises. To confront these challenges, we must:

  • Maintain a strong, well-equipped military
  • Strengthen alliances like NATO to uphold global stability
  • Defend democracy and human rights around the world
  • Invest in diplomacy and humanitarian aid to prevent crises before they escalate

China

China’s military expansion, economic influence, and authoritarian governance present serious challenges to U.S. national security and global stability. While engagement with China is necessary in areas like trade, climate change, and global health, we must also counter its increasingly aggressive actions in key areas.

Congressman Carson supports:

  • Strengthening U.S. alliances in the Indo-Pacific to deter aggression and maintain regional security
  • Countering China’s military buildup in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait through diplomatic and strategic deterrence
  • Holding China accountable for intellectual property theft, cyberattacks, and unfair trade practices
  • Ensuring that U.S. manufacturing and technology sectors remain globally competitive to reduce dependence on China

 

Ukraine & NATO Unity

As a founding member of the Ukraine Caucus, Congressman Carson strongly supports:

  • Military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression
  • Keeping NATO unified and strengthening European alliances
  • Holding Russia accountable for war crimes and destabilizing actions

The United States must lead diplomatically to ensure that Russia’s violations of international law do not threaten global security.

Palestine & Israel

Congressman Carson’s stance is clear: all human life is precious, and no civilian should be subjected to violence and brutality. Congressman Carson condemns Hamas’ attacks against civilians and has called for the swift release of all hostages. He also condemns the Israeli government’s cruel response on civilians and was an original cosponsor of the Ceasefire Now resolution.

Congressman Carson support:

  • A just and lasting peace through a two-state solution
  • An end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
  • Equal rights, dignity, and security for both Israelis and Palestinians

As leader of the UNRWA Emergency Funding Restoration Act, Congressman Carson is fighting for the reinstatement of UNRWA humanitarian aid funding to Palestine.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Congressman Carson is leading a resolution condemning human rights abuses in the DRC and calling for:

  • Increased U.S. action against ethnic-based violence
  • Accountability for armed groups and state security forces committing atrocities
  • Sanctions on known human rights abusers

The U.S. must stand against ethnic violence, mass displacement, and human rights violations worldwide.

 

Healthcare

Fighting for Quality, Affordable Health Care for All Hoosiers

Every Hoosier deserves affordable, high-quality health care, regardless of income, background, or medical history. From protecting Medicare and Medicaid to leading efforts in cancer research, veterans’ health, and rare disease advocacy, Congressman Carson is fighting to improve our health care system.

The Affordable Care Act & Expanding Access to Care

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA),

  • 245,000 Hoosiers gained coverage
  • Indiana’s uninsured rate dropped from 15.3% to 10.1%
  • 9 million Hoosiers now have private insurance that covers preventive care with no out-of-pocket costs
  • 2 million Hoosiers with pre-existing conditions are protected from coverage denials

But extreme MAGA Republicans are threatening the Affordable Care Act. Congressman Carson and House Democrats are standing up for your right to quality healthcare.

For help navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit:

Strengthening Medicaid

For many low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, Medicaid is a lifeline. Thanks to Indiana’s Medicaid expansion (HIP 2.0), nearly 400,000 Hoosiers now have health care coverage. However, burdensome restrictions—like work requirements—have made it harder for some to access care. Now, extreme MAGA Republicans have proposed the largest Medicaid cut in history. Congressman Carson has consistently voted NO on Republican attempts to slash Medicaid, and he will continue to hold the line to save this vital program.

Protecting Medicare & Supporting Our Seniors

Medicare provides essential health care to millions of seniors, and Congressman Carson is committed to preserving this program for future generations. Congressman Carson voted to strengthen Medicare by closing the prescription drug loophole and extending the Medicare Trust Fund by nearly a decade. In addition, his efforts have led to lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors and expanded access to prescription drugs and preventive care.

Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

Skyrocketing prescription drug prices are placing an enormous burden on Hoosiers. While medical research and innovation are critical, pharmaceutical companies should not put profits over people. That’s why Congressman Carson supports policies to:

  • Allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices
  • Increase transparency and accountability in drug pricing
  • Expand access to generic and lower-cost alternatives
  • Support the Safe Step Act, which improves access to needed medications by reforming “step therapy” policies

Investing in Medical Research & Innovation

Congressman Carson is ensuring that Indiana remains a leader in biomedical research and innovation. That’s why he is worked to restore medical research funding from Trump cuts and has:

  • Led a bipartisan effort to increase funding to the National Institutes of Health.
  • Expanded federal funding for cancer research, including pancreatic cancer and rare diseases
  • Advanced new diagnostic tools to ensure faster, more accurate disease detection
  • Supported legislation that accelerates rare disease treatments and cures

Improving Veterans’ Health Care & Medical Research

America’s veterans have sacrificed for our country, and they deserve the best possible medical care. Congressman Carson has fought for:

  • VA Medical & Prosthetic Research Funding to advance treatments for combat-related injuries
  • Better mental health resources for veterans, including increased funding for PTSD and suicide prevention
  • Expanded access to telehealth services for disabled veterans

Ensuring Health Equity for All Communities

Health disparities persist across racial, socioeconomic, and geographic lines. Congressman Carson is committed to addressing barriers to care, improving maternal health outcomes, and ensuring equitable access to medical services. That includes:

  • Strengthening Black maternal health initiatives to combat high maternal mortality rates
  • Expanding access to community health centers in underserved areas
  • Addressing environmental health concerns that disproportionately impact communities of color

 

Public Safety:

As a former law enforcement officer, Congressman Carson understands how violence tears communities apart. Across Indianapolis, violence, drug trafficking, and gang activity continue to threaten neighborhoods, and our law enforcement and first responders must have the tools they need to protect our communities.

Congressman Carson has strongly supported:

  • Increased funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to help hire and train more police officers
  • The COPS Hiring Program, which helps cities recruit and retain well-trained officers
  • The Fire Assistance Grant Program, providing essential equipment and resources for our firefighters

Congressman Carson has also secured millions of dollars in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan and local Community Project Funding to support local organizations that are on the ground every day to keep our communities safe and ensure every Indianapolis resident has access to education, care, and resources to prevent them from resorting to crime.

 

 

Immigration:

Congressman Carson believes that one of the cornerstones of our country is that we welcome refugees from around the world and asylum seekers on our border who are escaping violence, oppression, and disease. These men, women, and children come to us looking for help and as Americans we have a responsibility to provide it to them. Congressman Carson has always advocated for the rights of immigrants and refugees from all countries to make a home in the United States. He will continue to fight against discrimination in our immigration system and challenge the Muslim travel ban.

Congressman Carson has vehemently spoken out against the mass deportations carried out in 2025 by the Trump Administration. The president has denied due process to thousands of individuals. Congressman Carson will not let up until every wrongfully-deported individual – who have not committed any crimes – are returned to their families. Congressman Carson stands for the rule of law, and against the Trump administration defying court orders and blatantly breaking the law.

A Pathway to Citizenship

Twelve million undocumented immigrants in the United States are living in the shadows, and as a result of their status face immense challenges. The creation of a rigorous path to citizenship for these individuals, as well as the expansion of legal visa programs, would keep families together and be in keeping with America’s values. It would also strengthen our economy and security. Congressman Carson has been a consistent supporter of a pathway to citizenship, including the 13-year path laid out in recent bipartisan reform legislation. While this legislation has not yet passed, Congressman Carson remains committed to achieving comprehensive reform in the near future.

Congressman Carson is particularly concerned about the fate of DREAMers and their families. DREAMers came to this country as children, and in most cases have worked hard to excel in school and contribute to their home in the United States. These young people deserve to legally stay in the country they love while they pursue their citizenship.

Border Security

As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, Congressman Carson any security threat to the country very seriously. He believes effective border security is a key component of comprehensive reform, and is essential to the rule of law. But he does not support efforts to criminalize immigrant communities or to militarize the border. We should be focused on protecting our border without giving the inaccurate impression that our country believes all immigrants are dangerous.

Growing Our Economy and Holding Employers Accountable

Immigration creates jobs, increases our tax base, and strengthens our economy. Comprehensive reform would also level the playing field so that American citizens are competing for jobs on even footing, because it would prevent employers from intentionally hiring undocumented workers in order to pay them under the table or skirt the minimum wage.

 

Housing

Home ownership continues to be the cornerstone of the American Dream and an important step for families attempting to climb the economic ladder. Indianapolis is facing a severe shortage of affordable housing and some of the highest eviction rates in the country.

Housing insecurity in Indy is at an all-time high. We have a severe shortage of affordable housing. We’re also experiencing a record number of evictions – some of the highest in the country. This needs to change.

Working families who rent their homes shouldn’t be at such high risk to lose the roof over their heads. Many of these eviction laws are state and local, not federal.

At the federal level, the Trump administration’s plans to cut 40 – 50 percent of HUD’s workforce is inexcusable, just like the brutal cuts to federal housing and rental assistance programs for families, seniors and people with disabilities.

Another challenge is that new construction has not kept pace with growing demand, especially for affordable housing. Builders encounter challenges such as rising material costs and labor shortages, which limit the pace of new development. The new Trump tariffs will only make this worse, especially for construction materials.

This shortage has created a demand-supply gap, especially for homes priced between $200,000 and $350,000. These are the problems that need to be addressed, and adding unnecessary tariffs only exacerbates the problem.

Congressman Carson strongly supports more federal resources to expand the supply of affordable housing, and more resources to fight housing insecurity, temporary housing and other critical services, including wrap-around services to prevent homelessness. We must also provide robust resources to fight housing discrimination in Indiana, including resources like the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, which can help with housing counseling and other tools to exercise your right to fair housing.

 

National Defense

National Defense

Today, the United States faces a broad number of threats around the world. From ISIL to al Qaeda to countless other groups around the world, terrorism remains a foremost threat to our interests at home and abroad. China is rapidly growing its military and belligerently expanding its presence in the South China Sea. Russia continues to occupy Crimea and remains a destabilizing force across Ukraine. The flow of drugs from South America is relentless. Piracy disrupts shipping lanes around the Horn of Africa. Threats are widespread, diverse and persistent.

As a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Congressman Carson understands the need for a strong, well trained and well-equipped military that is capable of addressing any crisis that arises. Yet, despite our military strength, he knows America has a responsibility to avoid engaging our forces in conflicts unless it is absolutely necessary.

Transportation

Indiana is known as the “Crossroads of America.” With hundreds of thousands of people from across the country passing through Indianapolis via road, rail and airplane, Congressman Carson knows that improving the transportation infrastructure of Indiana’s Seventh Congressional District is of paramount importance.

That’s why he continues to serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the nation’s transportation infrastructure—including highways, transit, aviation, rail and waterways.

His membership on the Transportation Committee allows him to help modernize transportation in Indianapolis and throughout the country, while also spurring job creation for working families. Each year, the Committee considers legislation directing billions of dollars in transportation projects and dictating policy on everything from transportation safety to vehicle fuel economy to disaster relief. The Committee’s decisions result in jobs for hundreds of thousands of Americans and billions of dollars in commerce, both from construction and from transportation of goods by highway, rail, water and air.

MAINTAINING OUR ROADS, HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES

Maintaining our roads, highways and bridges is absolutely critical. It not only creates jobs through construction and other related fields but also encourages professionals and entrepreneurs to locate in our city, allows lower cost shipping to and from local businesses, and reduces commute times for local workers. In short, a quality road system is one of our strongest economic drivers.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly 65% of America’s roads are rated as being in less than good condition and 25% of bridges need to be replaced. In Marion County that percentage is even higher – 38%.

Since the Congressman’s election to Congress, he has repeatedly voted for critical funding to help the State of Indiana and the City of Indianapolis repair its aging roads, highways and bridges. Unfortunately, one of its best options for making true improvements to its transportation system has been blocked by partisan games. Congress needs to pass a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill immediately so that cities like Indianapolis can begin making the improvements that will attract employers and put Hoosiers back to work.

Water Resources

Congressman Carson was proud to support the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) in the Transportation Committee and on the House floor. This was one of the first major bipartisan bills passed by the House in some time.

WRRDA is important for Hoosiers because it reauthorizes programs that keep our waterways navigable, ensure that dams and levees are operating in a safe manner, and maintain and improve the ports that our companies rely on for international trade. While Carson was unsuccessful in his push to include stronger environmental protections during consideration in the Transportation Committee, he was pleased that the bill followed the traditional bipartisan process which allowed each member to provide input. Following a conference committee to resolve differences with the Senate, President Obama signed the bill into law.

FEMA Reauthorization

As the former Ranking Member of the Emergency Management Subcommittee, Congressman Carson joined Full Committee Chairman Shuster, Full Committee Ranking Member Rahall and Subcommittee Chairman Barletta to introduce the first ever reauthorization of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the 114th Congress. This critical bill improves our nation’s emergency management capabilities, modernizes and strengthens critical components of our preparedness and response system, and supports emergency response personnel.

PROMOTING TRANSIT MODERNIZATION, ACCESSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

If all Americans used public transportation for only 10% of their daily travel needs, the United States could reduce its dependence on foreign oil by 40%, while cutting emissions and reducing congestion on our roads and highways. Unfortunately, our ongoing economic downturn has forced many public transit providers around the country to make cutbacks and delay expansion just to maintain service.

Congressman Carson believes that public transit is absolutely critical, both in Indianapolis and around the country, which is why he authored three pieces of legislation that will help transit providers continue service while pursuing long overdue growth.

  • The Community Transit Promotion Act, H.R. 3019, helps non-profit community organizations qualify for the funding they need to provide transportation to seniors, those with limited means, and those with disabilities in areas IndyGo does not cover.
  • The Modernizing Public Transit Act, H.R. 3020, promotes transit investment, including expansion of bus routes and construction of passenger rail lines. Under this bill, Indianapolis will no longer be at a disadvantage when applying for transit grants simply because our population is spread over a broad area.
  • And finally, the Protecting Transit Through Increased Flexibility Act, H.R. 3022, recognizes that even with a more robust system, transit providers may still face budget shortfalls in the future. This bill provides the flexibility to use federal funds to maintain service for riders and lessen their worry about cuts to the routes upon which they rely.

Indianapolis deserves to have a modern, affordable and reliable public transit system. He will continue to advocate in Congress for legislation that will help us achieve that goal.

PROMOTING RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE

Geographically, Indianapolis lies roughly halfway between Chicago and Louisville. The close proximity of these major metropolitan areas led me to successfully work with the Transportation Secretary to have the Department of Transportation officially designate a high-speed rail corridor—making it eligible for future federal funding. In addition to creating thousands of high paying jobs, such a high-speed rail line would boost commerce and tourism and reduce congestion on Indiana highways. Going forward, Congressman Carson will continue to press DOT and his colleagues on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to make high speed rail a reality in Indiana.

While Carson is a strong supporter of high-speed rail, he understands how critical it is to maintain and expand our conventional passenger rail capacity. He has always been a strong advocate for Amtrak and legislation that creates jobs at the Beech Grove facility. This includes the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, through which Beech Grove was awarded over $32 million to continue servicing the Amtrak rail system. He was proud to join Vice President Joe Biden in announcing this award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. This influx of funding created over 80 jobs and helped put Indy’s Amtrak facility on track to service America’s needs well into the future.

ENCOURAGING ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION

Across Indianapolis, a growing number of people are walking or biking to get around instead of driving. This not only reduces time spent sitting in traffic—it promotes fitness and reduces emissions. In recognition of the need to expand our system of urban paths and trails throughout Downtown Indianapolis, Congressman Carson worked with former Mayor Ballard to secure $20.5 million in federal funding for the completion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The connectivity provided by the Cultural Trail is expected to have a total economic benefit of more than $800 million and will create more than ten thousand jobs—all through direct construction, private sector investment and an expansion of tourism.

 

Retirement

Protecting Retirement Security for All Americans

Every American deserves to retire with dignity and financial security after a lifetime of hard work. That means protecting Social Security, strengthening retirement benefits, and ensuring cost-of-living adjustments keep pace with seniors’ needs.

Congressman Carson is committed to fighting any attempt to privatize or cut Social Security, and I will continue to push for policies that protect current and future retirees from financial hardship.

 

Protecting Social Security from Cuts & Privatization

Social Security is a lifeline for millions of retirees, people with disabilities, and surviving family members. It is not an entitlement—it is an earned benefit that Americans have paid into their entire working lives.

 

That’s why Congressman Carson strongly opposes any efforts to:

  • Cut Social Security benefits
  • Raise the retirement age
  • Privatize Social Security and gamble retirement security on Wall Street

 

Congressman Carson has consistently voted against Republican budget proposals that would fast-track Social Security privatization and force painful benefit cuts on retirees.

 

Ensuring Fair & Adequate Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)

Rising housing, health care, and prescription drug costs are making it harder for seniors to make ends meet. However, current cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) do not always reflect the real expenses older Americans face.

 

Congressman Carson has cosponsored legislation to:

  • Create a more accurate COLA formula that reflects seniors’ true costs
  • Ensure Social Security benefits keep pace with inflation
  • Protect retirees from benefit cuts during economic downturns

 

No senior should have to choose between food, medication, and housing due to inadequate benefits.

 

Strengthening Social Security for Future Generations

With more Americans reaching retirement age, we must take action to strengthen Social Security for future generations.

 

That’s why Congressman Carson supports:

  • Expanding Social Security benefits for all current and future retirees
  • Ensuring no one retires into poverty by creating a new special minimum benefit
  • A tax cut for nearly 12 million beneficiaries
  • Keeping Social Security solvent for the next 75 years without cutting benefits

 

These reforms would protect Social Security now and for future retirees, ensuring that every American gets the benefits they earned and deserve.

 

 

 

Veterans

Across America, millions of brave men and women have served in our nation’s armed services.
They have left behind their families, friends, and jobs to fight for our way of life around the world. These veterans deserve the best we have to offer when they decide to take off their uniforms and return to civilian life. Congressman Carson is ensuring veterans receive the health care, housing, and educational benefits that they and their families deserve.

Helping Veterans Achieve Financial Stability

Every year, thousands of troops return home from deployments overseas, prepared to separate from military service and begin their civilian lives. Many of these service members have spent their brief military service in the structured atmosphere of a military base and have never had an opportunity to find reasonably priced housing, manage day-to-day bills associated with living on a civilian income, or have yet to start saving for their futures. This inexperience in managing basic financial responsibilities puts both veterans and their families at significant risk of foreclosure and unmanageable debt.

Congressman Carson authored the Military Families Financial Preparedness Act to help military families achieve long-term financial stability upon returning to civilian life. This bill added a financial counseling component to the Department of Defense’s successful pre-separation counseling program, which has helped veterans and their spouses become familiar with important VA programs and better prepare them to seek an education and start a civilian career. Under this legislation, pre-separation counseling sessions include information on budgets, savings, credit, and mortgages and will help veterans and their spouses create a long-term financial plan. This legislation passed the House as an amendment to the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act and was signed into law by President Obama.

Improving Mental Health Treatment

Today, our Armed Services continue to struggle with the stigma associated with mental illness despite ongoing efforts at the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase screening, counseling, and awareness. Too often, service members resist treatment and hide warning signs, attributing underperformance in combat and difficulty readjusting to civilian life to less serious causes. In many tragic cases, undiagnosed mental illness and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) have resulted in domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide.

In an effort to improve mental health screenings and treatment, Congressman Carson authored the Service Members Mental Health Screening Act and the Military Suicide Reduction Act. Together, these bills ensure that service members receive mandatory pre-, mid-, and post-deployment screenings that holistically address past diagnoses and treatments and initiate treatment in combat, where many mental health challenges are likely to originate. Congressman Carson also authored the Military Mental Health Improvement Act, which ensures that service members are aware of their privacy rights when pursuing mental health treatment. This aims to avoid the common misperception that treatment will negatively impact career progression, dissuading service members from pursuing the help they need.

These bills passed the House and were signed into law by President Obama as amendments to the FY 2012 and FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Acts.

Supporting the PACT Act

Congressman Carson helped pass the PACT Act (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act), which ensures that veterans who have been exposed to toxic burn pits and other hazardous substances during their service receive the health care and benefits they deserve. This landmark legislation expands access to care and benefits for veterans suffering from the effects of toxic exposure. It is crucial that we do everything in our power to support our veterans as they deal with the long-term effects of their service, and the PACT Act is a vital step in ensuring they receive the medical care and compensation they need.

Assisting Unemployed Veterans

Over the last several years, veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated the wide array of unique qualifications they bring to the workplace, resulting in a significant drop in unemployment. Despite this progress, the veterans’ unemployment rate remains far too high. More needs to be done to help veterans translate the skills and leadership experience gained in the military into civilian jobs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Labor are working together with employers across the country to promote veterans’ hiring initiatives and job training. To complement their efforts, Congressman Carson voted for legislation to establish job training programs for veterans. Those who have served bravely in our nation’s military deserve our help retraining for the modern American workforce.

Improving G.I. Benefits

Immediately following WWII, over 7.8 million veterans were able to obtain college and post-secondary educations free of charge. Today, these benefits only cover 70% of public and 30% of private post-secondary educational expenses, making it difficult for many veterans to afford a college education.

To ensure that veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan receive full educational benefits, Congressman Carson voted to pass the 21st Century G.I. Bill, which will provide full, four-year scholarships to all who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces since September 11, 2001. This drastic and long-overdue increase in educational benefits will help our newest generation of veterans receive the tools they need to build productive and successful lives for themselves and their families after leaving the military.

Providing Veterans with Adequate Housing

Disability and unemployment resulting from extended deployments have caused an unacceptably high number of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to fall into foreclosure and homelessness. In order to support our veterans returning from combat, Congressman Carson voted for legislation that increases the number of homeownership loans available to veterans and boosts funding for counseling services and other resources to help our nation’s homeless veterans.

 

Women’s Issues

Fighting for Women’s Rights & Equality

Women continue to face barriers to fair wages, health care, workplace protections, and safety. Congressman Carson is committed to ensuring equal pay, protecting reproductive rights, preventing domestic violence, and expanding family leave so that all women—regardless of background—can thrive.

 

Ensuring Fair Pay & Workplace Equality

Despite making up nearly half of the American workforce, women in Indiana still earn only 75 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. This wage gap is unacceptable, and it harms not just women but also families and our broader economy.

That’s why Congressman Carson supports:

  • The Paycheck Fairness Act, which strengthens protections against pay discrimination
  • The Equal Employment Opportunity Restoration Act, ensuring victims of workplace discrimination can challenge inequitable treatment
  • Stronger enforcement of equal pay laws and closing loopholes that allow employers to justify pay disparities

 

 

Protecting Women’s Health & Reproductive Rights

Access to quality health care, cancer screenings, and reproductive services is a fundamental right. As a member of the Reproductive Rights Caucus, Congressman Carson supports policies that:

  • Protect access to mammograms, wellness visits, and preventive screenings
  • Expand maternal health services to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities in pregnancy outcomes
  • Guarantee access to contraception and comprehensive family planning services
  • Preserve the Constitutional right to abortion, as protected by Roe v. Wade

 

Fighting Back Against Attacks on Women’s Health

Unfortunately, both Indiana’s state government and federal GOP lawmakers have attempted to roll back women’s health protections. Congressman Carson firmly oppose efforts to:

Restrict access to abortion care and reproductive services

  • Cut Title X funding, which provides critical family planning services
  • Allow insurers to charge women higher premiums than men

Decisions about health care should be between a woman and her doctor—not politicians. Congressman Carson remains committed to expanding protections, increasing research, and ensuring every woman has access to the care she needs.

 

Preventing Domestic Violence & Supporting Survivors

Domestic violence is a serious public health and safety issue that affects millions of women, children, and families. As a former law enforcement officer, Congressman Carson has seen firsthand the devastating impact of domestic violence and is committed to ensuring survivors have the support and resources they need to escape dangerous situations and rebuild their lives.

Congressman Carson supports:

  • Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to expand protections for survivors
  • Increasing funding for domestic violence shelters and transitional housing
  • Protecting and strengthening the Office on Violence Against Women
  • Federal support for Indiana organizations like the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault

 

Promoting Paid Family & Medical Leave

Too many working women in Indiana do not have access to paid family leave, making it harder to care for a newborn, a sick child, or an aging parent. The United States is one of the only developed nations without guaranteed paid leave, and that must change.

 

Congressman Carson is fighting for families with:

  • The Healthy Families Act, which ensures workers can earn paid sick time
  • Expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to cover part-time workers
  • Paid maternity and paternity leave, ensuring families have financial security when welcoming a child