Merrillville, IN – Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan released the following statement after filing to seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022.
Today, I filed for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in order to continue to address the pandemic health crisis, make investments to grow the Northwest Indiana economy with good-paying jobs, and bridge the division gripping our nation.
Throughout my career as an elected official, I have listened to all individuals and worked in a bipartisan fashion to bring people together to solve problems. This is the model that has been taught to me by my father, the longest serving legislator in the Indiana General Assembly, and my predecessor, mentor, and friend, Congressman Pete Visclosky.
In the 117th Congress, I am proud to have secured leadership positions as the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, and the Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization.
Steel remains the foundation of the Northwest Indiana economy and the strength of our national security. Working with the bipartisan leaders of the Steel Caucus, we have advocated to House leadership, the Biden Administration, and the International Trade Commission the importance of strong Buy America requirements and steel tariffs that protect our national security interests, domestic steel producers, and steel workers from unfair trade. I look forward to continuing to work with the Caucus to ensure that Northwest Indiana steel, organized labor, building and construction trades, and manufacturing industries compete on a level playing field and thrive in our global economy.
Through the Veterans Affairs Committee, I am proud that one of the pieces of legislation that I authored to ensure veterans receive critical benefits was signed into law in 2021. I also have advanced legislation through the House to improve transparency and the successful implementation of the electronic health record modernization program at the Veterans Administration. I am proud that this legislative success builds upon my long-standing relationship with Northwest Indiana veterans and veteran organizations, and I look forward to continuing to work to ensure in Congress that all veterans receive the benefits they deserve. Additionally, I also ran for Congress in the midst of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am proud to have voted for the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment laws to help get us past this health crisis and provide tangible investments for workers in our region.
Because of these actions, a federal vaccination site was hosted in Gary that allowed over 60,000 individuals to get access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, a card carrying member of the Laborers Union, and USW President Tom Conway, who is proudly from Northwest Indiana, were also welcomed to tour our region in support of the benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment law. Great progress has been made to provide deliverables to our region, and more work remains to promote investments in our economic infrastructure, including the South Shore Rail Line, our waterways, shoreline, ports, bridges and roads.
I look forward to continuing to represent our collective interests in Washington, D.C., and bringing back federal resources to enhance the Northwest Indiana economy by supporting existing businesses and attracting new people and good-paying jobs to our region.