WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTWO/WAWV) — Ranging from the possible addition of Supreme Court justices, a proposed increase in infrastructure, and the withdrawment of United States troops from Afghanistan, there have been heavily discussed topics at the nation’s capitol.
For United States Senator Todd Young he’s recently discussed a proposed bill in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Endless Frontier Act. Young says the bill aims to increase the amount of money invested in technology in the United States to remain globally competitive with countries he says have already invested.
Among the emerging areas of technology that could see potential investments are artificial intelligence, robotics, battery storage and advanced manufacturing.
“In addition to those investments, it would also establish tech hubs across the country where there’s beds of expertise in certain technology areas. In the state of Indiana we stand a very strong chance of landing one of these tech hubs, which will lead to lead significant economic growth,” Senator Todd Young
Another proposed legislation that could generate economic growth and create change for the United States is President Joe Biden’s proposed around $2 trillion infrastructure bill. This means potential repairs to many highways, bridges and homes.
Young says his concerns with the proposal are how the funds are allocated.
“Two thirds of it go to things that aren’t infrastructure. I want more roads and bridges, I want water infrastructure, I want broadband, I want other things, but we should not sell to the American people or borrow, so that our kids or grandkids have to pay off for things that don’t pass the infrastructure smell test,” Young said.
United States Representative Larry Bucshon disagrees saying broadband and non-traditional forms of infrastructure are needed.
Yet, Bucshon said his concerns are more focused on the tax increased in the bill.
“I don’t support tax increases, especially on my constituents. I don’t support the corporate tax increase from 21% to 28% because I don’t think it makes us competitive,” Bucshon said. “Our competitors average is 23% around the world. I have substantial concerns about the tax inxreases in the bill,”
Bucshon also added if the proposed infrastructure bill were to pass, he’d like to see Interstate 70 expanded to three lanes.
Bucshon and Young both agree that the number of Supreme Court justices should not be increased.
A proposed Biden Administration bill seeks to expand the number of justices to 13 compared to 9.
“We don’t want a politicized court. In fact, in the one area of our politics that should be devoid of politics should in fact be the Supreme Court. So, I oppose this,” Young said.
Both say they don’t want to see the court become politically swayed.
“Personally, I think the Supreme Court should be an impartial arm of the Federal government. That’s the way the founding fathers intended it. Changing the number doesn’t change the system,” Bucshon said.
Bucshon and Young also both agreed on the decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Originally, the Trump Administration had decided on a May exit day, but the Biden administration has pushed that decision back to September 11, 2021. The 20th anniversary of 9/11.
“It’s been two decades since we’ve been attacked from foreign soils and foreign enemies. I think it’s time to reassess the danger Afghanistan poses to the American people compared to other countries,” Young said.
