Dear friend, I hope your week is going well. I wanted to give you an update on the government shutdown, recent legislation, media interviews, and share the latest podcast episodes. As always, I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent you and look forward to connecting with you soon. 
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Representative Erin Houchin
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Dear friend,

I hope your week is going well. I wanted to give you an update on the government shutdown, recent legislation, media interviews, and share the latest podcast episodes. As always, I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent you and look forward to connecting with you soon. 

 
 

Government Shutdown Update

 
 

House and Senate Republicans did our job to fund the government. The left refused. They are demanding $1.5 trillion in partisan spending in exchange for funding the standard operations of government for seven weeks. Their demands include health care for illegal immigrants, millions to fund biased public media, extending COVID-era Obamacare subsidies and they even want to cut $50 billion in rural health care funding. The left supported 13 clean CRs before, but now they’ve forced a shutdown to appease their base and push a trillion-dollar wish list. 


My office remains open and ready to serve constituents during this time. You can reach us online at Houchin.house.gov, by calling our Washington office at (202) 225-5315, or our district office in Salem at (812) 288-3999.

 
 

Honoring Charlie Kirk

 
 
 
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I was absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of Charlie Kirk. He was a once-in-a-generation leader, a bold voice for faith, family, and freedom — the values that make this nation strong. Charlie made a lifetimes worth of impact in his short 31 years, and we are grateful for it. Please continue to lift his family and loved ones in prayer, especially his wife Erika and their children.

 
 
 

Highlights from the Hill

 
 

Floor Action:


FY26 Energy and Water Bill: House Republicans and President Trump are delivering results to rebuild America with strong energy, a secure military, and modern infrastructure. This legislation invests in our national security, secures our waterways, and reduces reliance on foreign critical minerals. I’m especially proud this bill includes funding for the bank stabilization plan of the Ohio River Shoreline Project in Clarksville, IN.


FY26 NDAA: This takes important steps to fix our broken defense acquisition system, which has been too slow and inefficient to meet the needs of our warfighters. The SPEED Act cuts red tape and speeds up the process so new technology can reach the battlefield faster. It also creates the BOOST program to connect promising innovations with real-world military needs. My amendment to expand Small Modular Reactor deployment across the Navy will help meet growing power demands and strengthen our national energy security. Facilities like Navy Support Activity Crane are leading the way in this effort.


Honoring the life and legacy of Charles ‘‘Charlie’’ James Kirk: This resolution led by Speaker Mike Johnson condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk and all acts of political violence. It commends law enforcement for bringing the killer to justice, extends our deepest sympathies to Charlie’s family and calls on every American to reject political violence and recommit to honest, respectful debate.


District of Columbia Juvenile Sentencing Reform Act: Our nation's capital has been rampant with crime, especially among youth. This legislation lowers the age at which a minor may be tried as an adult for certain violent criminal offenses, including murder, sexual abuse, armed robbery, and first degree burglary, in the District of Columbia from 16 to 14 years of age.


Bills Introduced:


Data BRIDGE Act - Rep. Houchin, Chairman Thompson (R-PA), Rep. Kelly (D-IL): This will ensure rural and agricultural lands are accurately reflected on the FCC’s National Broadband Map. By incorporating the USDA’s cultivated land data into the map, the bill will help direct federal broadband funding to the fields, pastures, and production areas that need it most.


AI Warnings And Resources for Education (AWARE) Act - Rep. Houchin, Rep. Auchincloss (D-MA): The bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in consultation with other federal agencies, to create public resources for parents, educators, and minors on how to safely and responsibly engage with AI chatbots. These resources will provide guidance on identifying unsafe bots, understanding privacy and data collection, and best practices for family oversight.


Affordable HOMES Act - Rep. Houchin, Rep. Flood (R-NE): The Affordable HOMES Act removes the Department of Energy’s (DOE) authority to regulate manufactured housing energy efficiency standards, cutting costly and confusing mandates that burden families, builders, and communities. This bill is a commonsense solution to get government out of the way, lower costs, and give more families the opportunity to achieve the American dream of homeownership.


Larry Barrett Veterans Memory Care Act - Rep. Houchin: This legislation will improve access to memory and long-term care for the men and women who have honorably served our country. This bill ensures their care decisions and that of their families are respected and the VA acts quickly to meet their needs.

 
 
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I had the honor of meeting with the Barrett family to discuss the struggles they faced when searching for a memory care facility.

 
 
 

IN-09 Spotlight

 
 
 
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Guardian Bikes recently hosted Supply Chain Independence Day to celebrate their new U.S. frame manufacturing facility in Seymour, IN. I joined CEO Brian Riley, lead investor Mark Cuban, and trade attorney Charles Benoit for a panel on tariffs, onshoring, and bringing jobs back to America.

 
 
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I had the pleasure of presenting John and Emily Gibson with their Angels in Adoption certificate. As 2025 honorees, they were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to adoption and foster care. 

 
 
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On September 22, we hosted a healthcare roundtable with physicians and hospital administrators across southern Indiana to discuss the challenges they face. Their insight is critical as I work in Washington to advance policies that strengthen our healthcare system, support providers, and ensure patients have access to the care they need. We were joined by Mitch Roob, who currently serves as Secretary of Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration.

 
 
 

Broadcast Media

 
 
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REAL AMERICA'S VOICE: Discussed the ongoing government shutdown and recent developments toward peace in the Middle East with John Solomon and Amanda Head.

 
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NEWS NATION: Joined Morning in America to discuss the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the impact it has had on our nation.

 
 
 

The Contender Podcast

 
 
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I recently sat down with John and Emily Gibson to discuss their journey through foster care and adoption, and how their faith has guided their commitment to opening their hearts and home to children in need. Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.


I also had the pleasure of interviewing my friend and colleague, Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Texas's First District. We discussed his path to public service and what he's currently championing in Congress. Listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. 

 

Stay connected on social media at @RepHouchin for updates and announcements.

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It’s an honor to serve you in the U.S. House of Representatives. To better serve you at home, please don’t hesitate to contact our office by calling (812) 288-3999. 


In service,

 
EH
 

Congresswoman Erin Houchin

 

Office Locations

 
Washington, DC Office
1632 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5315
Salem District Office
104 W Hackberry Street
Salem, IN 47167
Phone: (812) 288-3999
 
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