Joe Donnelly

Bill to Prohibit Insider Trading by Members of Congress Passes the House with Donnelly's Support

2012-02-09T19:57:48Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly voted for The Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, H.R. 1148, which would prohibit insider trading by Members of Congress, congressional employees, or other federal employees.

Although Donnelly is pleased that the bill passed the House, he would have preferred an even stronger bill. A key provision, included in the version of the bill that passed the Senate, was removed from the bill before it was brought up for a vote in the House. This provision would have shed light on the “political intelligence” industry, which sells insider political information to Wall Street stock traders.

“I’m pleased that this bill passed because Members of Congress and their staffs should be prohibited from using any nonpublic information received in the course of their work for financial gain,” said Donnelly. “But, I am also disappointed that House Republican leadership removed a key provision that would have shed light on the shadowy industry that sells insider political information to Wall Street stock traders.”

The STOCK Act would do the following:

Prohibit Members and employees of Congress and other federal employees from making private profit, including through stocks and security trading, based on nonpublic information they obtain because of their status;
Require Members and employees of Congress to report any purchase, sale, or exchange of any stock, bond, or commodity future transaction within 45 days;
Terminate Members’ pension benefits if convicted of insider trading – even while serving in a subsequent elected office;
Prohibit the payment of bonuses to executives of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while these enterprises remain in conservatorship.

Donnelly signed on to co-sponsor this legislation late last year. Also, last week, Donnelly joined colleagues in writing a letter to Republican leadership urging them to allow the House of Representatives to vote on it.

The bill passed the House 417 to 2. It passed the Senate on Wednesday by a vote of 96 to 3. If Senate leadership decides to accept the House’s changes, the bill will be sent to the president for his signature. Alternatively, the bill could move to a conference committee to reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions.

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Donnelly and Local Bishop Attend National Prayer Breakfast in D.C.

2012-02-02T21:12:23Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donnelly and Bishop Donald L. Alford, Sr. attended the 60th Annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. Alford is the pastor of Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ in South Bend and the bishop of the Indiana North Central Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ.

"I am honored that Bishop Alford accepted my invitation to the National Prayer Breakfast because he serves our community with great faith,” said Donnelly. “At the breakfast we joined in prayer for continued blessings for our country."

The National Prayer Breakfast has been held each year since 1953 and is sponsored by the bipartisan National Prayer Breakfast Congressional Committee. The president, members of congress, representatives from around the world, and other guests attend the breakfast.

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Donnelly Action Leads to Investigation of Drug Purchase Practices at VA

2012-02-01T17:20:45Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly listened to and questioned those testifying in a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) hearing on the pharmaceutical purchasing practices at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The HVAC officially voted to subpoena documents from the VA related to their current pharmaceutical drug contract.

“One of my most important obligations as a member of Congress is to ensure that veterans receive top quality medical care and that those services are provided in a transparent and fiscally responsible way," said Congressman Donnelly. "That’s why I contacted Secretary Shinseki when it came to my attention that the VA had purchased pharmaceutical drugs outside of a government contract. Today's hearing provided an opportunity to have a frank conversation with the VA about their drug purchasing practices. I am glad that actions have been taken to ensure that federal and VA rules are followed in the future, that the continued safety of our veterans is not compromised, and that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.”

Watch Donnelly’s remarks at the Veterans’ Committee hearing today here.

Late last year, allegations of improper and unauthorized pharmaceutical purchases made by the VA outside of a government contract came to Donnelly’s attention. Donnelly’s first concern was the safety of our veterans and he wanted to verify that the drugs purchased met FDA and other federal standards. His next concern was ensuring that taxpayer dollars had been used responsibly by the VA.

Out of obligation as ranking member of the Oversight and Investigations Committee of the HVAC and on behalf of veterans, Congressman Donnelly wrote a letter to VA Secretary Shinseki asking for information on this issue.

In addition to the hearing, Donnelly’s action resulted in an investigation by the Inspector General on how and why thousands of out-of-contract purchases were completed. The VA will also revise language for an upcoming purchasing contract to ensure that drug purchases will be within contract, safe, and cost efficient.

Donnelly has served as the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations under the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs since 2011. The Subcommittee has oversight and investigative jurisdiction over veterans’ matters generally and other matters referred to the Subcommittee by the Chairman of the full Veterans’ Affairs Committee. The Subcommittee provides oversight on programs and operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as those of other federal agencies that affect veterans.

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Donnelly to Host 2nd Telephone Town Hall Next Wednesday

2012-01-25T20:57:58Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that he will host his second telephone town hall for constituents of Indiana’s Second Congressional District on the evening of Wednesday, February 1, 2012.

“Telephone town halls allow me to have a discussion with folks from all over north central Indiana about issues that they care about – without these Hoosiers having to leave the convenience of their own homes,” said Donnelly. “I hope that many families are able to listen in because hearing from constituents helps me better serve them in Congress.”

What:

Congressman Donnelly’s Telephone Town Hall

When:

Wednesday, February 1st from 7:30-8:30 p.m. EST

Where:

To sign up, visit Donnelly’s website or Facebook page. On the evening of February 1st, the office will call you with a recorded message from Congressman Donnelly. Then, you will be added to the telephone town hall. Participants will be able to listen to Donnelly give an update on what he’s working on in Congress, then he will take questions from those on the call.

In order to comply with Indiana’s no robo-call law, anyone interested in participating must sign up in advance to receive a call on the night of the town hall. Unfortunately, Congressman Donnelly can only call residents of Indiana’s Second Congressional District. To check if you live in the district, click here.

Congressman Donnelly hosted his first telephone town hall in December of last year.

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Donnelly: What I Would LIke to Hear Tonight

2012-01-24T19:09:24Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly released a video message outlining what he would like to hear in President Obama’s State of the Union speech to Congress tonight.

Watch Congressman Donnelly’s message on what he wants to hear tonight here.

Donnelly will be sitting with Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05) for the speech tonight. They are taking part in the second year of an effort for lawmakers to sit with a member of the opposite party for the president’s State of the Union address as a sign of bipartisanship and solidarity. Read more here.

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Reps. Donnelly, Latta to Sit Together for State of the Union

2012-01-23T20:00:16Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that he will be sitting with Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05) for the president’s State of the Union speech tomorrow evening.

“I am happy to be sitting with my friend from Ohio for the president’s speech tomorrow night,” said Donnelly. “There is far too much partisan bickering at a time in which Congress should be solely focused, in a bipartisan way, on getting America’s economy back on track. Congressman Latta and I have worked together on many issues, including advocating for the hardworking men and women in both of our districts who help to manufacture Humvees. I look forward to continuing to work with him on this and other manufacturing issues to assist both Indiana and Ohio.”

Congressmen Donnelly and Latta are taking part in the second year of an effort to sit with a member of the opposite party for the president’s State of the Union address as a sign of bipartisanship and solidarity. The congressmen are both members of the Congressional Steel Caucus. In 2010, they cofounded the Congressional Humvee Caucus, based on the fact that Humvee parts are made in the 5th District of Ohio and Humvees are assembled in the 2nd District of Indiana.

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Donnelly Nominates 22 Area Students for U.S. Service Academy Admissions

2012-01-19T16:30:59Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that he recently nominated 22 area students for admission into the United States service academies for the class of 2016.

“I’m pleased that each year so many young people from north central Indiana consider attending our nation’s prestigious service academies,” said Donnelly. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to nominate these 22 outstanding candidates because the U.S. service academies provide young men and women with a top-quality college education while preparing them for successful careers as officers in the military. We are extraordinarily grateful to the men and women in the Armed Forces, and thank you to these young men and women for considering service to our country.”

Donnelly based his nominations on outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills, and commitment to a career in the Armed Forces.

Class of 2016 Service Academy Nominations:

Thomas Ahearn of Granger, nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy. He attends Penn High School.
Grace Anders of Plymouth, nominated to the United States Naval Academy. She attends Plymouth High School.
SPC Jessica Bailey of Flora, nominated to the United States Military Academy. She attended Rossville Junior Senior High School.
Trent Bauters of Akron, nominated to the United States Air Force Academy. He attends Tippecanoe Valley High School.
Grady Brock of Logansport, nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He attends Pioneer Junior Senior High School.
Collin Buckles of Westville, nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He attends Chesterton High School.
Jacob Davis of Granger, nominated to the United States Air Force Academy. He attends Penn High School.
Connor Flynn of Plymouth, nominated to the United States Merchant Marine Academy and United States Military Academy. He attends Plymouth High School.
Ricky Hester of Granger, nominated to the United States Military Academy. He attended Penn High School.
Riley Holkan of Michigan City, nominated to the United States Air Force Academy. He attends Michigan City High School.
Nathan Hynek of LaPorte, nominated to the United States Military Academy. He attends New Prairie High School.
Matthew Lane of Walton, nominated to the United States Military Academy. He attended Lewis Cass Junior Senior High School.
Annmarie Lindzy of South Bend, nominated to the United States Naval Academy. She attends St. Joseph’s High School.
Kyle Luczkowski of South Bend, nominated to the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Military Academy. He attends Marian High School.
Evan McSorley of Granger, nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy. He attends Penn High School.
Robyn Mills of Osceola, nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Military Academy. She attends Penn High School.
Robert Mischler of Mishawaka, nominated to the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He attends Marian High School.
Darren Sency of Peru, nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy. He attended Lewis Cass Junior Senior High School.
Luke Sullivan of South Bend, nominated to the United States Naval Academy. He attended Clay High School.
Abigail Toth of Granger, nominated to the United States Military Academy. She attends St. Joseph’s High School.
Nicholas Weidow of South Bend, nominated to the United States Naval Academy, the United States Military Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He attends St. Joseph’s High School.
Michael Werner of New Carlisle, nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy. He attends New Prairie High School.

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Donnelly Statement on Keystone XL Pipeline

2012-01-18T16:26:32Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly released the following statement after the Obama administration announced that it will reject a Canadian firm’s application for a permit to build and operate the Keystone XL oil pipeline across the U.S.-Canada border.

“I am very disappointed that the Obama administration will reject the permit for the Keystone XL oil pipeline,” said Donnelly. “They are missing an opportunity to create thousands of jobs in America. Additionally, this project would result in our sending less than the many billions of dollars we send to Middle East dictators each year for energy resources. We should keep those dollars here at home. I hope the Obama administration will reconsider this decision because our nation’s economy needs this boost.”

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Donnelly Announces Grant for South Bend Fire Department

2012-01-17T20:51:57Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that the South Bend Fire Department received a $600,694 Operations and Safety grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The South Bend Fire Department will use the grant money to purchase new equipment, including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses and a portable hazardous material chemical identifier.

“The South Bend Fire Department tirelessly serves our community,” said Donnelly. “I’m pleased to announce this grant because it will allow the South Bend Fire Department to purchase much-needed equipment to help first responders stay safe while continuing to protect our community. Congratulations to the South Bend Fire Department on their successful grant application, and I want to thank all first-responders in north central Indiana for their dedicated service.”

“With this Assistance to Firefighters Grant the South Bend Fire Department will now be able to replace some obsolete equipment,” said Mark Nowicki, Assistant Chief of the South Bend Fire Department. “The department can now purchase for its firefighters 90 new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses, and the department can also purchase, for our state designated regional Hazardous Materials Team, a new portable chemical identifier. This grant will allow our department to provide South Bend firefighters with new, reliable equipment that will assist them in performing their jobs safely and efficiently as they accomplish their mission of saving lives and property.”

AFG grants, intended to enhance the ability of fire departments to protect the safety of both the public and first-responders, are awarded through a competitive grant process. To listen to audio of Donnelly’s statement, click here.

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Donnelly Hosts Event to Help Small Businesses Apply for Loans

2012-01-13T15:52:52Z

South Bend, Ind. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly hosted an event, titled “Leveling the Playing Field: Access to Capital,” for small business owners to learn about how to apply for loans in a tight credit market. This event is part of a series of events, called “Leveling the Playing Field,” that Congressman Donnelly will host this upcoming year to discuss how to better help Hoosier businesses and workers compete in the global economy.

“My first priority in Congress is making sure that every Hoosier who wants a job has a job, and the success of local small businesses is essential to achieving that goal,” said Donnelly. “The purpose of today’s event was to inform small business owners and employees on how to access loans in order to facilitate their growth, and I hope it was helpful to attendees.”

Dan Jones, President and COO of Business Development Corporation in South Bend and a panelist at the event, said, “I wish to express my thanks to Congressman Donnelly for hosting this ‘Access to Capital’ forum today. Mr. Donnelly has always been a pro-active supporter of small business, and by bringing together representatives from the Small Business Administration (SBA), area businesses, and banks familiar with the SBA 7a program and the flagship 504 program, various avenues for financing were provided. The SBA, the Business Development Corporation, and lenders reaffirmed their commitment to provide worthy businesses with the necessary capital to sustain and grow their companies.”

At the event, Donnelly spoke about the importance of loan programs to facilitate small business growth. Last year, Donnelly introduced two pieces of legislation that would help provide small businesses with specific tools to invest, grow, and protect jobs. Donnelly’s Small Business Administration 504 Loan Refinancing Extension Act of 2011, H.R. 2940, would extend a temporary SBA loan refinancing program to provide more small businesses with an expanded opportunity to lock in long-term, stable financing, as well as protect jobs. Donnelly’s Small Business Opportunity Expansion Act of 2011, H.R. 2949, would increase small business procurement goals in order to set higher expectations for federal agencies to provide small business owners with opportunities to provide products and services to the government.

For more information on Donnelly’s small business legislation, please visit his website.

Following Congressman Donnelly’s remarks, a Lender Relations Specialist from the SBA spoke about SBA’s services to small businesses; small business owners talked about their experience with SBA loan programs; and representatives from 1st Source Bank, Wells Fargo, and Lake City Bank discussed how to apply for small business loans.

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Donnelly Announces Final Approval for South Bend VA Health Care Facility

2012-01-04T15:55:29Z

South Bend, Ind. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that the bill appropriating $6,731,000 for an expanded VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic in South Bend was signed into law by the president on December 23, 2011. Donnelly voted for the bill funding the new health care facility, H.R. 2055, The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012, in the House on December 16, 2011, and the Senate approved it on December 17, 2011.

“It is past time for veterans in the South Bend area to have a more convenient health care facility that better meets their medical needs,” said Donnelly. “Since I came to Congress, this effort has been one of my top priorities, so I am pleased to announce that the authorization and funding for the new facility is now law. The $6.7 million veterans’ health facility, expected to open in 2015, will mean that Hoosier veterans in our community will not need to travel as frequently to Fort Wayne, Marion, or Indianapolis to get the kind of care that most Hoosiers get close to home.”

Howard Wiseman, a Vietnam veteran from North Liberty said, “This new veterans’ health center will shorten my driving time for receiving care, especially for the hearing loss I have because of my time as an artillery gunner during the Vietnam War. Other veterans also won’t have to drive across the state or ride a bus to receive care—and that can make an awfully long day for an elderly veteran. It will be really nice to be able to get care here rather than in Fort Wayne or Marion. Thank you to Congressman Donnelly for his work for the veteran soldiers, sailors, and airmen in this area. I don’t think that the average citizen realizes how much Joe does for us.”

As planned, the expanded VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic will be a leased, 65,000 square foot facility, nearly 10 times the size of the current South Bend clinic. It will offer primary care; expanded mental health care; laboratory, radiology, audiology, and pharmacy services; and outreach programs for newly-returning veterans. Donnelly will continue to advocate for the clinic to contract with local hospitals to provide routine inpatient care for veterans. The location of the new facility and whether it will be new construction or in an existing building have not yet been determined by the VA. The VA expects to open the new facility in 2015.

Donnelly also announced today that the current Community Based Outpatient Clinic in South Bend will be moving in order to more than double in size—from the current 7,000 square feet to 18,000 square feet—before the 65,000 square foot facility is complete. The VA hopes to open this interim facility as early as Spring 2012 but has not yet announced where the interim facility will be.

Donnelly has worked with the VA to improve medical care for veterans in the South Bend area since he took office in 2007. In April 2009, VA Secretary General Eric Shinseki announced approval of a new medical facility in South Bend. This project was included in the President’s FY2012 budget request submitted to Congress last year. When President Obama signed the bill into law on December 23, 2011, it was the last step of approval before the VA could move forward with the project.

Donnelly has also successfully advocated for the opening of the Logansport Veterans’ Multi-Use Outreach Clinic in June 2008, the Goshen VA Community-Based Outreach Clinic in October 2008, and the Peru VA Community-Based Outreach Clinic in June 2010.

Donnelly Supports House Action on Senate Payroll Tax Cut Bill

2011-12-23T16:19:47Z

South Bend, Ind. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Senate-passed, bipartisan agreement on H.R. 3630, The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 by unanimous consent with no members of the House opposing it. Last night, House Republican leadership announced they would allow the House to take a vote on the agreement.

“I’m pleased that common sense prevailed and House Republicans finally decided to allow a vote on the Senate agreement to extend the payroll tax cut,” said Donnelly. “The frustrating partisan politics of this week almost resulted in inaction that would have increased taxes on working families after December 31st. I have supported extending the payroll tax cut at every opportunity because I know how important this tax cut is to Hoosier families. This tax cut is used for car payments, mortgage payments, or groceries—it matters to middle-class families. I am relieved that my Republican colleagues finally came to their senses and put the interests of hardworking Americans above political games.”

The payroll tax cut, which went into effect at the beginning of this year, was set to expire on December 31, 2011. The Senate agreement on The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 will extend the current tax rate for two months, preventing a tax increase while Republicans and Democrats continue to negotiate a longer term tax agreement. Earlier this week, House Republican leadership refused to allow a vote on the Senate-passed bill.

Donnelly Introduces Bill to Notify Veterans of a VA Data Breach in a Timely Manner

2011-12-21T18:52:23Z

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Joe Donnelly introduced The Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act, H.R. 3730, which would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to notify veterans of a data breach of sensitive personal information within five business days, or, with an extension, ten business days. The VA could use the extension in situations where they need additional time to identify affected individuals or to prevent a further breach or unauthorized disclosure. Currently, the VA’s internal policy allows them thirty days to notify those affected by a data breach.

“In the unfortunate event of a breach of sensitive information, veterans and their families should be notified in a timely manner,” said Donnelly. “The current thirty day window for the VA to inform those affected by a breach is not fast enough. My bill would change that window to five days to better serve our veterans, who have served us.”

The Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act would:

Require the VA to notify individuals affected by a data breach and Congress within five business days from the date of the incident.
Require contractors that maintain or process information containing sensitive personal information on behalf of the VA to notify individuals affected by a data breach and Congress within five business days from the date of the incident.
Allow the five business day notification deadline to be extended to ten business days if the VA requires additional time to identify affected individuals or prevent a further breach or unauthorized disclosure.

The Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act was sent to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for its consideration.

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Donnelly Introduces Bill to Notify Veterans of a VA Data Breach in a Timely Manner

2011-12-21T18:52:23Z

Require the VA to notify individuals affected by a data breach and Congress within five business days from the date of the incident.
Require contractors that maintain or process information containing sensitive personal information on behalf of the VA to notify individuals affected by a data breach and Congress within five business days from the date of the incident.
Allow the five business day notification deadline to be extended to ten business days if the VA requires additional time to identify affected individuals or prevent a further breach or unauthorized disclosure.

The Veterans Data Breach Timely Notification Act was sent to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for its consideration.

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Donnelly: "Unacceptable" that House Republicans Will Not Allow Vote on Payroll Tax Cut

2011-12-20T17:11:49Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly released the following statement after learning that the House Republican leadership will not allow an up-or-down vote on the Senate agreement on H.R. 3630, The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011. The Senate passed this bill on Saturday with a vast majority of both Republican and Democratic Senators in support, 89-10.

“I think it is unacceptable that House Republicans cannot put partisan politics aside and let us vote on this temporary extension,” said Donnelly. “We are running out of time. Hoosier families need the peace of mind that their taxes will not be raised in two weeks. We are here to work for their interests, not in the interest of scoring political points. When a solution is on the table and we should be moving forward to protect working families’ paychecks, why are House Republicans taking us backward?

“I agree that a longer term agreement would give working families more certainty about tax relief. I have voted for that, and we can continue to work toward that. However, with the payroll tax cut expiring in a matter of days, I would prefer a short term agreement to none at all. We deserve the opportunity to take an up-or-down vote on the Senate-passed, bipartisan legislation that extends the cut for two months. I am very frustrated that the House Republican leadership prefers to play political games rather than protect the pocketbooks of millions of American families.”

The payroll tax cut, which went into effect at the beginning of this year, will expire on December 31, 2011, if Congress does not act. The Senate agreement on The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 would extend the current tax rate for two months, preventing a tax increase while Republicans and Democrats continue to negotiate a longer term tax agreement. Instead of voting on this bill, the House is expected to vote on a motion to request a conference with the Senate on this issue later today.

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Donnelly Votes to Extend Payroll Tax Relief

2011-12-13T23:28:35Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 3630, The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011.

“Even though this bill is far from perfect, I voted for it because of the tax relief it would provide to working families in Indiana,” said Donnelly. “The last thing those families need in these challenging economic times is a tax hike. I do not agree with everything in this bill, which is why I call on my colleagues in Congress to work across party lines to form a compromise on this essential action. We cannot stop working until middle class, families have the peace of mind that their taxes will not be raised next year.”

The payroll tax cut, which started at the beginning of this year, will expire on December 31, 2011, if Congress does not act. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 would extend the current tax cut for one year. The bill passed with bipartisan support, 234 to 193. It is now pending before the Senate.

Donnelly Supports STOCK Act

2011-11-22T21:11:44Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly added his name to The Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act, H.R. 1148, which would prohibit insider trading by Members of Congress, Congressional employees, or other federal employees.

“Members of Congress and their staffs should be prohibited from using any nonpublic information received in the course of their work for financial gain,” said Donnelly. “This straightforward legislation would update existing law to ensure that this sort of behavior is made illegal and would update Congressional rules to classify these acts as unethical. I’m proud to sign onto this bipartisan bill because no Member of Congress should use their position for personal financial benefit.”

The STOCK Act would do the following:

Prohibit Members and employees of Congress and other federal employees from buying or selling securities, swaps, security based swaps, or commodity futures based on nonpublic information they obtain because of their status;
Prohibit those outside Congress from buying or selling securities, swaps, security based swaps, or commodity futures based on nonpublic knowledge obtained from within Congress or the Executive Branch;
Prohibit Members and employees of Congress from disclosing any nonpublic information about any pending or prospective legislative action for investment purposes;
Require Members and employees of Congress to report the purchase, sale, or exchange of any stock, bond, or commodity future transaction in excess of $1,000 within 90 days. Members and employees who choose to place their stock in holdings in blind trusts or mutual funds would be exempt from the reporting requirement; and,
Require firms that specialize in “political intelligence” and that obtain their information directly from Congress to register with the House and Senate, much like lobbying firms are now required to do.

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Donnelly Statement on Failure of Supercommittee

2011-11-21T18:28:48Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly released the following statement after it was widely reported that the members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, commonly known as the supercommittee, have failed to come to an agreement.

“The supercommittee failed because too many people in Washington had drawn lines in the sand even before this debate got underway. I am very disappointed that members of the supercommittee couldn’t look past party politics and do what is right for this country. It is unfortunate that the opportunity to come to a grand, bipartisan agreement—something we all hoped the supercommittee would do—was lost. Americans deserve better from the Congress.

“The reality is that compromise and bipartisanship are always going to be required when the issue is as important as the fiscal future of the United States. I remain dedicated to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on common sense proposals that get our economy moving again while ensuring a healthier fiscal future.”

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Donnelly to Host Telephone Town Hall

2011-11-18T16:21:59Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly announced that he will be hosting a telephone town hall for constituents of Indiana’s Second Congressional District on the evening of Tuesday, December 6, 2011.

“I am hosting this telephone town hall in order to receive comments and answer questions from residents of Indiana’s Second Congressional District,” said Donnelly. “I hope that many families living in north central Indiana take the opportunity to listen in so I can better do my job serving them in Congress.”

What:                   Congressman Donnelly’s Telephone Town Hall

When:                  Tuesday, December 6th from 7:30-8:30 p.m. EST

Where:                To sign up, visit Donnelly’s website or Facebook page. On the evening of December 6th, the office will call you with a recorded message from Congressman Donnelly. Then, you will be added to the telephone town hall. Participants will be able to listen to Donnelly give an update on what he’s working on in Congress, then he will take questions from those on the call.

In order to comply with Indiana’s no robo-call law, anyone interested in participating must sign up to receive a call on the night of the town hall. Unfortunately, Congressman Donnelly can only call residents of Indiana’s Second Congressional District. To check if you live in the district, click here.

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Donnelly Remarks in Support of Balanced Budget Amendment

2011-11-17T17:13:43Z

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly will give the following speech in support of H.J.Res.2, a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J.Res.2, a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. The fact is, for too long, Washington has not made the necessary—and tough—decisions that need to be made to get our budget under control. Working families in Indiana know all too well the importance of balancing their budgets even when times are tight. Just as Hoosier families must make tough decisions about how to manage their budget, so, too, must Congress make tough choices about where to invest and what to cut.

“I have always supported a balanced budget amendment because it is another important tool that can be used to help get our fiscal house in order. Having a balanced budget amendment in place is crucial to this country going beyond speaking about tough decisions and actually making them. I’m aware that this will not be convenient and tough decisions that affect many people will have to be made to match revenues with our spending priorities–to live within our means. But, we are facing significant fiscal challenges and the American people are desperate for us to come together on a bipartisan basis and do something that will more effectively deal with them.

“Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for H.J.Res.2, and take one more step to achieve fiscal responsibility and a stronger, more secure future.”

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Donnelly Supports Bipartisan Veterans Jobs Bill

2011-11-16T23:01:38Z

Washington, D.C. – This evening, Congressman Joe Donnelly voted for H.R. 674, which includes provisions from the Hiring Heroes Act and VOW Act designed to promote hiring veterans and giving them the training and education they need to be competitive job seekers.

“When I traveled to Afghanistan in 2009, I asked Hoosier servicemembers there what I could do for them,” Donnelly said. “Instead of equipment or food, which I anticipated, they told me, ‘Joe, we need a job when we get home.’ We must honor their service by doing what we can to incentivize hiring veterans and by ensuring they have the training they need to compete for and get good jobs.”

While the national unemployment rate is 9%, the unemployment rate for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is 12.1%. To help address this disparity, the legislation would provide up to a $2,400 tax credit to companies that hire a veteran who has been looking for work for at least four weeks. Businesses that hire a veteran who has been looking for a job for at least six months would get up to a $5,600 tax credit. Also, the bill would give employers up to a $9,600 tax credit for hiring veterans with service-connected disabilities who have been looking for work for more than six months.

Additionally, the bill would expand and improve education and job training programs for veterans. The legislation would make the Transition Assistance Program, a workshop coordinated by the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs, mandatory for servicemembers moving on to civilian life. The program includes resume writing workshops and career counseling. Also, the bill would expand education and training opportunities for veterans of past eras and wars by providing 100,000 unemployed veterans with up to one year of additional Montgomery GI benefits toward education or training programs at community colleges or technical schools. The legislation would also offer disabled veterans up to one year of additional Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits.

The veterans-related provisions in this bill are supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans Association, and the American Legion. It passed the House with bipartisan, unanimous support, 422 to 0, and will now be sent to the president for his signature.

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