West Indy News

Congressman Jim Baird, who represents Indiana’s 4th district in the U.S. Congress, announced his vote to reopen the government after a 43-day shutdown. The shutdown, which Baird referred to as the "Democrat Shutdown," had caused disruptions across various sectors.

In his statement, Baird said, “Finally, the Democrat Shutdown is over. I first voted to keep the government open on September 19th, when the House passed a clean continuing resolution. Democrats repeatedly voted to shut down the government to push their $1.5 trillion wish list of demands, including health care for illegal immigrants. Democrats’ political games needlessly hurt millions of working families in Indiana and across the country. The Democrat shutdown paused critical funding for farmers during harvest and caused chaos and increased safety risks for travelers at our airports while air traffic controllers worked without pay and struggled to feed their families. While this bill is by no means a perfect solution, my immediate concern has been reopening the government, funding essential programs, and paying hardworking federal employees. What’s more, passing a continuing resolution alongside three appropriations bills underscores that Congress is working to restore regular order. These appropriations bills will ensure veterans’ health care services are funded, as well as critical housing and infrastructure for our troops and their families. I look forward to President Trump signing this bill quickly to reopen our government, end this historic Democrat-inflicted shutdown, and allow Congress to continue working on behalf of the American people.”

Baird has served in Congress since 2019 after replacing Todd Rokita as representative for Indiana’s 4th district (https://baird.house.gov/about). Before joining Congress, he served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018 and on the Putnam County Commission from 2006 to 2010 (https://baird.house.gov/about/full-biography). Born in Covington in 1945, Baird now lives in Greencastle at age 77. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette in 1967.