News List

OP-ED: Medical Device Tax Repeal Important Part of Health Care Reform By Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) Just as in every part of our country, northeast Indiana has felt the effects of Obamacare over the past seven years. While some Americans have benefited under the health care law, far more have faced skyrocketing premiums, decreased coverage or loss of a doctor. But in our region, Obamacare’s negative impact has extended even further. The law’s inclusion of a 2.3 percent excise tax on medical d... Read more

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today made the following statement on his vote to support Kate’s Law, which would enhance punishments for illegal aliens who are convicted of a felony and attempt to reenter the United States: “What happened to Kate Steinle is tragic,” said Banks. “Our laws must be strengthened to increase the penalties for criminals seeking safe haven in our cities, and make it impossible for convicted felons like the one who killed Kate to harm U.S. citizens. I’m proud to support ... Read more

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today led a letter signed by House Republican members of the Indiana delegation to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt and U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Chief Todd Semonite supporting President Donald Trump’s proposal to rescind the EPA’s “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule. The original letter can be found here. In the letter, the members write: Dear Administrator Pruitt and Lieutenant General Semonite: The undersigned members of C... Read more

Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN) and Seth Moulton (D-MA) have introduced the Veterans ACCESS Act. The bipartisan ACCESS Act would ensure that health care providers who have been fired or suspended from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cannot participate in non-VA care in community programs, like the Choice program. Currently, there is nothing explicitly in law or VA regulation that stops fired or suspended VA providers from participating in VA-administered community care programs. “Our vetera... Read more

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today led a bipartisan group of 46 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin that expresses concern over lapsed payments to medical device companies. The letter encourages the agency to address this situation. The full text of the letter is below and here: June 28, 2017 The Honorable David Shulkin Secretary of Veterans Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Ave NW Washington, DC 20420 Dear Secr... Read more

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today made the following statement regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw from the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule: “I applaud the Administration’s move to rescind this burdensome regulation that would create heavy compliance costs for Hoosier farmers and landowners,” said Banks. “WOTUS is a major overstep by the federal government, and I am pleased to see that the Administration is acting to withdraw this rule.” ### Interested members of the pre... Read more

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today announced that a member of his staff will visit Warsaw and Columbia City on Thursday, July 6, to meet with local residents and assist Hoosiers experiencing problems with a federal agency. What: Banks’ staff to host office hours in Warsaw Date: Thursday, July 6 Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET Location: Warsaw City Hall 102 S. Buffalo Street What: Banks’ staff to host office hours in Columbia City Date: Thursday, July 6 Time: 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET Location: P... Read more

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in favor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia v. Comer: “I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision today to defend religious freedom. This decision affirms the free exercise of religion and that the government cannot discriminate against a religion.” Background: Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia, Missouri operates a preschool and daycare called "The Learning Center." ... Read more

I authored language encouraging the transition from A-10s to F-16s at the Air Force Base in Fort Wayne. Language on F-16s at Fort Wayne Air Guard Base Included in 2018 NDAA The 122nd Fighter Wing at the Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne is an important part of northeast Indiana. As policymakers consider the long-term future of the 122nd Fighter Wing, I have strongly advocated for the transition from A-10s to F-16s at the base. On Tuesday, language I wrote encouraging this transition was inc... Read more

Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today announced that he is a co-sponsor of the SHIPS Act, legislation that would make it the policy of the United States to achieve the Navy’s goal of 355 ships. “The U.S. Navy can currently only meet 40% of combatant commander requests for Naval forces,” said Banks. “Russia is investing heavily in its own Navy and China is building islands in the South China Sea, while our Navy is the smallest it has been in 99 years. We have a readiness crisis on our hands.” The l... Read more