WASHINGTON--Today, Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) released the following statement after the House passed a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for one week: “Throughout this process, I have worked to stop the President’s executive amnesty and ensure we fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  With today’s vote, we can continue to do both. “The President does not have the unilateral authority to circumvent Congress and grant amnesty to millions of people living here illegally, and I’m encouraged by the recent Texas federal court decision to order a temporary injunction to stop his unconstitutional actions. “Our short term funding bill keeps DHS open and gives us time to continue fighting executive amnesty in court.”   Read More

GREENSBURG – Republican Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) said he believes we live in “serious times,” but that the United States can still “be the shining beacon for the world.” Part of Messer’s “Coffee with a Congressman” tour, the Greensburg native sat down for breakfast with Mayor Gary Herbert and other local GOP leaders at Storie’s Restaurant Tuesday morning and discussed national and international issues that are currently occupying the thoughts of those in Washington – from the White House to Capitol Hill.   Messer’s message to constituents Tuesday was that relying on American ideals – and backing words with actions – will lead to positive results for the nation in the end. Messer briefly discussed the ongoing battle between Republicans and Democrats in Congress over funding of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS will shut down at midnight Friday if Congress is unable to pass a funding bill and DHS officials have said that the shutdown could put the nation at a security risk. Associated Press reports Tuesday said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) offered Democrats a “clean funding” bill on which to vote, free of provisions against President Barack Obama’s immigration legislation. McConnell’s proposal allows separate votes on funding DHS beyond Friday’s deadline and into September and on the president’s immigration legislation that would prevent the deportation of millions of illegal immigrants. Messer voted for the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act 2015 in January, a measure that would prevent DHS funds from being put toward the president’s immigration legislation. Messer has previously described the nation’s immigration system as “broken” and has called for tighter border security and fixes to the United States’ visa plan. On Tuesday, Messer touted the need for a balanced Federal budget, saying keeping the nation’s finances in order is a must. The second-term congressman proposed a bill last week that would cut legislators’ salaries if they were unable to pass a balanced budget within the next 10 years. Messer and local GOP members briefly discussed the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (alternately known as “ISIS” or “ISIL”), a militant group accused of beheading prisoners, recruiting children to their ranks, war crimes and other atrocities. Messer called ISIL members “religious zealots” during Tuesday’s breakfast and made reference to the group’s murder of Jordanian pilot Muadh al-Kasasbeh earlier this year. Read More

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address a joint session of Congress next week.  As you’ve probably heard, this is causing quite a bit of controversy in Washington.  Some Democrats have even threatened to boycott his speech, which baffles me.  We should all want to come together to listen to what the leader of our greatest ally in the Middle East has to say.  Here’s why: For the last seven decades, Republicans and Democrats alike have been united in our support of Israel.  The bilateral relationship between our two nations is based on not only our shared democratic values but also our joint desire for stability and peace in the Middle East.  To boycott Mr. Netanyahu’s speech is to politicize the American-Israeli partnership and send the wrong message to our friends in Israel and our shared enemies as well.  At this critical time in world history, our alliance with Israel is more important than ever.  Israel is our ally in efforts to defeat ISIS and other Islamic terrorist groups.  Israel is our partner in efforts to prevent a nuclear Iran. Yet, as the March 31st deadline on the P5+1 talks looms, negotiators seem to be letting hollow words from Iran give them a false sense of security.   Many in Congress are concerned that the new deal emerging over Iran’s nuclear program could lead to catastrophic consequences for the U.S. and our allies.  Mr. Netanyahu is rightfully concerned as well.  “Iran openly announces its intention to destroy the state of Israel,” Netanyahu said during a press conference.  He said that he believes the emerging deal would “allow Iran to become a nuclear threshold state,” and that “with the agreement of the world powers, Iran will be given license to develop the ability to make a bomb.” According to the Associated Press, the “emerging deal” could allow Iran to potentially keep 6,500 centrifuges and continue to enrich uranium. That would be an unacceptable result. And, it's a far cry from the West’s position a decade ago when Iran was told it should have ZERO capability to enrich uranium. Even the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Robert Menendez, is openly critical of the negotiations: “The more I hear from the Administration and its quotes, the more it sounds like talking points that come straight out of Tehran,” he said during a recent hearing on the Iran nuclear talks. As the March 31st deadline approaches, it’s imperative we listen to the leader of our only democratic ally in the Middle East.  He will, no doubt, offer insights on both ISIS and Iran.  And, in these challenging times, we need to hear his voice. It is in the interest of the entire civilized world that the U.S. stands united with Israel; We should not turn our backs on its leader. Let’s listen together to what Mr. Netanyahu has to say.  America’s security and the security of the region depends on an unwavering resolve to keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, defeat ISIS, and maintain a strong and continued partnership with our most trusted friend in the Middle East, Israel.     Read More

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Luke Messer announced his team will be hosting “Constituent Services Workshops” across Indiana’s 6th Congressional District.  The purpose of these workshops is to provide information and assistance to residents who are experiencing difficulties with any Federal matter.  Caseworkers will be on-hand to assist with Social Security, VA and Disability issues as well as other questions or concerns regarding government agencies.  The list of confirmed “Constituent Services Workshops” is below: Henry County Senior Center Wednesday, February 25 Noon – 1:30 p.m. 108 S. Main St. New Castle   Chateau of Batesville Thursday, March 12 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 44 Chateau Blvd. Batesville More “Constituent Services Workshops” are to come!  If you have any questions or concerns in advance of the workshops, please feel free to contact Congressman Messer’s office in Shelbyville, Muncie or Richmond.  You can find contact information at www.Messer.house.gov Read More

Washington—Today, Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) announced that his staff will hold “Mobile Office Hours” in four locations over the next few weeks. Rep. Messer’s staff will be on site to answer questions, provide updates on legislative issues, and assist with Federal casework.  “Our team is committed to making ourselves available to every Hoosier in Indiana’s Sixth Congressional District who needs our assistance,” said Congressman Messer. “But, we realize that our offices in Richmond, Muncie and Shelbyville are not convenient for every resident. That’s why I’m excited that we are able to bring our offices to you.”  For more information on services with which the Messer team can assist you, please visit www.Messer.House.gov.  More dates, times and locations are to come! Wednesday, February 25, 2015:  Lawrenceburg Dearborn Chamber of Commerce  320 Walnut St.  10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.    Thursday, February 26, 2015:  Madison  Madison City Hall 101 West Main St.  10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.    Tuesday, March 3, 2015:  Batesville Batesville City Hall 132 South Main St.  10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.    Thursday, March 5, 2015:  Columbus Columbus Chamber of Commerce  500 Franklin St.  10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.  Read More

Rep. Luke Messer (R-Ind.) has introduced legislation that would terminate lawmakers' salaries if Congress doesn't pass a budget that balances within ten years. Members of Congress would stop receiving their paychecks if they don't approve a budget that eliminates the deficit within a decade by April 15 of each year. Messer, who chairs the House Republican Policy Committee, said the threat of losing their pay would motivate lawmakers to approve a budget on time. “It is past time for the federal government do what families all across this country do every day:  live within our means and balance our budget,” Messer said in a statement. “This bill requiring a balanced budget or no pay for members will help do that.  Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. “The American people deserve a balanced budget. Unfortunately, Washington remains unwilling to take the steps needed to get our country back on solid fiscal ground,” Daines said. In 2013, Congress included a measure known as "No Budget, No Pay" in a suspension of the debt limit that required lawmakers to pass a budget on time or else lose their pay. However, the law only applied to that year and did not specify a required timeframe for eradicating the federal deficit. Congress has not approved a similar provision in subsequent debt limit increases since then. Read More

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) announced two additional “Coffee with the Congressman” tour stops in West Harrison and Greensburg. This is an opportunity for residents of Indiana’s Sixth Congressional District to ask Rep. Messer questions about issues important to them and get updates on what’s happening in Congress.  These events are open to the public and the press.  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Liz Hill via email or phone. Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 Greensburg Storie’s Restaurant 109 E Main St. 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. West Harrison The Gathering Place 1932 Jamison Road 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.   Read More

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Luke Messer (IN-06) sent a video message to Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN) urging him to allow for debate on the House-passed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill.  Without debate, funding for DHS will run out February 27, 2015. “The funding bill blocks the President’s executive amnesty order,” said Congressman Luke Messer. “Some of your colleagues in the Senate don’t like that.  But, last November you said the President doesn’t have the authority to grant amnesty through executive order. Whether you still feel that way or not doesn’t really matter.  By voting to block debate, you’re voting to block the democratic process. If you don’t like the bill we sent you, change it. Offer amendments.  Let democracy work.” For a link to the video click here or on the image below.  Congressman Messer is also one of seven Hoosier lawmakers who sent a letter to Sen. Donnelly asking that he reconsider his three recent votes to block full and open debate on the House-passed DHS funding bill.  You can find the letter here. Read More

WASHINGTON—Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and Representative Luke Messer (R-IN) today introduced the Balanced Budget Accountability Act to require that Congress passes a balanced budget – or members won’t get paid. The Balanced Budget Accountability Act strengthens accountability in Washington. It encourages members of Congress to commit to the annual budget process as required by law and pass budgets that balance within ten years. If a balanced budget is not passed by April 15—the legal requirement for Congress to have passed a budget—members will see their pay terminated. “The American people deserve a balanced budget. Unfortunately, Washington remains unwilling to take the steps needed to get our country back on solid fiscal ground,” Daines stated. “The Balanced Budget Accountability Act reflects core principles that work: common sense business principles that protect hardworking taxpayers and making elected officials accountable for delivering results to the people they serve.”   “It is past time for the federal government do what families all across this country do every day:  live within our means and balance our budget,” said Rep. Messer, Chair of the House Republican Policy Committee.  “This bill requiring a balanced budget or no pay for members will help do that. I encourage my colleagues to sign on to this legislation and hold ourselves accountable to the people who sent us to Washington.  Let’s work together to put our country back on the path to a healthy economy that creates more jobs and opportunity for all Americans.” Daines’ and Messer’s bill builds upon comparable legislation introduced last Congress by Daines.  In addition to implementing a “no balanced budget, no pay” principle, the Balanced Budget Accountability Act also establishes additional spending requirements and restrictions on tax increases. The Balanced Budget Accountability Act is cosponsored by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), as well as Representatives Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).   Background on the Balanced Budget Accountability Act   The bill cuts off member salaries after April 15 unless their respective chamber has passed a budget that balances within ten years (by Fiscal Year 2025). Member pay would be suspended until their chamber passes a budget that meets the balanced budget requirement, or until the end of the Congress. The bill prohibits tax increases unless three-fifths of each chamber vote in favor of them. The measure prohibits spending as a percent of GDP from exceeding 18% by FY 2025. The bill locks into place the last permissible year to achieve balance (FY 2025) such that subsequent budgets would need to likewise achieve balance by that year. In other words, it bars a rolling ten-years-to-balance metric. Pursuant to the 27th Amendment, the bill holds members’ salaries in escrow until the end of the current Congress if their respective chamber does not meet the balanced budget requirement. The bill would ensure that starting in 2017, members would receive only $1 per month after April 15 if their respective chamber does not meet the requirement.   Read More

WASHINGTON—Congressman Luke Messer released the following statement after President Obama’s press conference regarding the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) he sent to Congress on Wednesday.  “While we are all united in our resolve to destroy ISIS, we need the President to lay out a clear plan and strategy for victory in this ever-evolving war. His press conference today left me with more questions than answers.  ISIS is working to destroy freedom through force and we cannot let that happen.  America needs to take the lead and give our commanders on the front lines the flexibility to win this fight. The world is watching. ” Read More