Latest news with #VictoriaSpartz
Indianapolis Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana's U.S. House members can pay for flyers with taxpayer dollars. Here's who spent the most
The messages arrive in Hoosier mailboxes. They pop up as text messages, emails and television or radio commercials. Others show up as billboards in Northwest Indiana or newspaper ads in Richmond. "Congresswoman Spartz has also been working with President Trump and DOGE to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse, and codify their findings," reads text on a March postal mailer from U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz's office. "Under Biden's policies, millions of illegal aliens entered our country," a separate December 2024 text from U.S. Rep. Jim Baird reads. These congressional communications to Hoosiers aren't political messages from campaigns. Instead they are paid for through members' allowances, which are funded by taxpayers. Both past and present members in Indiana's U.S. House delegation have taken advantage of this centuries-old congressional privilege known as franking, which allows members to send unsolicited mail or share communications, like text messages or emails, with constituents. U.S. Senators can disseminate franked materials, too, but there are different rules and Indiana's senators over the last 10 years have not used it. Indiana's nine House members since 2020 have annually spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on just franked mail items, according to quarterly House financial disbursement reports reviewed by IndyStar. That isn't a full picture of their spending, though, because that number doesn't include any additional money spent on text messages or billboards. They typically spend more during election years despite rules requiring 60-day blackout periods with no office communications before elections. While the core purpose of franking is to communicate with Hoosiers, it has also been viewed as a controversial privilege. The ability to regularly send messages to constituents on taxpayer dimes provides an advantage to incumbents over election challengers, experts say. Plus, while a bipartisan House group reviews and approves materials, the rules on franking allow representatives to disseminate political critiques and messages that can sometimes appear like campaign ads. In Indiana, where congressional primaries are typically the more competitive races, a politically relevant advertisement or mail piece from a congressional office can widen the recognition gap between an incumbent and potential competitors, experts said. In some cases, photos included in franked materials can also provide a recognition boost to a representative's family members. "Everyone's trying to get their name out and there's a lot of noise to break through," said Mike Wolf, the chair of the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics at Purdue University Fort Wayne. "Members of Congress, at any chance they can, need to do that." U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, who had the tightest primary election in Indiana during the most recent cycle, disclosed the most spending on franked mail in both 2023 and 2024 of any Hoosier in Congress, enabling her to use taxpayer dollars to remind voters of her priorities. The costs of sending franked materials are reported in the House's quarterly disbursement reports, which shows records of how members used their allowances. In 2024, Indiana's House delegation collectively spent more than $600,000 on franked mail to Hoosiers. Digital communications or advertisements also cost money but, because they are not categorized the same as mail, they're harder to identify in the quarterly disbursement reports. For example, U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin submitted 50 advisory opinion requests for franked materials in 2024, the most of Indiana's House members. But Houchin's requests were largely for text messages to constituents. Members of Indiana's delegation received between about $1.8 million and $1.95 million in member allowances last year to cover franking and other office expenses. The biggest spenders on franked mail in 2024, according to the reports, were Spartz, Baird and Democratic U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, who all cracked six figures. Spartz in 2024 reported spending $196,000 on franked mail with Baird spending nearly $174,000 and Mrvan spending $104,000, according to an IndyStar review of the financial reports. (A spokesperson for Spartz told IndyStar the actual spend was higher, but did not respond to a question as of press time about the discrepancy between the two numbers.) "Our office budgets approximately $300k annually to send three-four quarterly update mailers to stay in touch with our constituency, with the Q4 annual update mailer size adjusted based on available funds," the spokesperson said. "We generally provide updates on constituent services, town halls, and key policy developments in D.C." U.S. Rep. André Carson, a Democrat, and former Republican U.S. Reps. Jim Banks, Greg Pence and Larry Bucshon in 2024 all spent less than $1,000 on franked mail. Pence and Bucshon did not seek reelection in 2024 and Banks successfully ran for U.S. Senate. Before a text message arrives on someone's phone or a newsletter in someone's inbox, representatives must get those materials approved by the House Communications Standards Commission. This bipartisan group signs off on franked communications and issues advisory opinions to ensure the materials follow House rules on restrictions like timing and content of the materials. Franking is a bipartisan affair in Indiana. But the content and type of materials released to Hoosiers between 2024 and the first seven months of 2025 largely depends on the member of Congress directing the messages, according to an IndyStar review of submitted materials. The current delegation for the 119th Congress has submitted 82 requests for advisory opinions to the House Communications Standards Commission between Jan. 1 and July 31, which span from texts to emails to mailers. Franked materials by Indiana's seven Republican members at times contained more political messaging, but they still were approved for distribution by the bipartisan House Communications Standards Commission. In 2025, most of the communication from Indiana's Republicans included supportive messages about President Donald Trump's agenda, including the 'One Big Beautiful Bill.' Who represents Indiana in Congress: Who represents Indiana in Congress? Who you need to know and how to contact them In 2024, though, many of the materials sent by Republicans criticized the Biden administration and former President Kamala Harris. For example, U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym sent a postal and digital mailer to constituents in the 2nd Congressional District about his vote to impeach former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The postal mailer features a large grainy photo of Mayorkas alongside a headline about Yakym's impeachment vote. 'Every state—including Indiana— has become a border state under Secretary Mayorkas' tenure,' Yakym is quoted in the mailer. 'My vote to impeach Secretary Mayorkas is an important step in holding the Biden Administration accountable and ensuring we end this crisis and stand up for America's sovereignty by restoring Law and Order to the southern border.' Yakym's mailer was approved in February 2024 under a provision of federal code that allows elected officials to tell the public about "matters of public concern" from a past or current session of Congress. 'Impeachment, for example, that's an action of Congress,' said Danielle Caputo, senior legal counsel with the Campaign Legal Center. 'They're allowed to talk about that and their perspective on what they did and why it matters to their district.' Members from both parties have also spent dollars on billboards in past years. Both Mrvan in 2024 and Baird in 2023 and 2024 submitted advisory opinion requests for billboards advertising their congressional offices in their districts. Materials shared in 2024 by Indiana's two Democrats, Mrvan and Carson, featured fairly tame political messaging. In addition to billboards, Mrvan in 2024 sent mailers to constituents about his legislative actions, including support for law enforcement. Carson in 2024 released a television ad about his support for former President Joe Biden's bipartisan infrastructure law and another on how to apply for a service academy through his office. Mrvan has yet to submit requests for advisory opinions on franked messages in 2025 while Carson prepared radio ads for a youth job fair held in March. Just as they did in the 18th century, franked materials do serve a purpose for Indiana's elected officials, who seek to inform the public about actions in Washington, D.C. "The original basis of the frank was very simple," said Matt Glassman, a professor with the Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University. "Members of Congress need to communicate with their constituents, and in 1795 had to be able to write letters to people and post things and tell them what was going on. That's still an important service, right? Getting the message out about what's going on in Congress, how you voted, is a public service." While the rules for what they can spend taxpayer money on allows a vast amount of options to be shared with their constituents, ethics experts told IndyStar it's worth it for members to consider if their message helps the broad spectrum of people that live in their district. 'All of those individuals, regardless of their politics, regardless of who they voted for are legally represented by this elected member of Congress," said Donald Sherman, the executive vice president and chief counsel for Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington. "So I think mailers should be written with them in mind, not just catered to a Republican primary voter or a swing voter.' Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Will Victoria Spartz run for reelection in 2026? Her campaign says it's ready for it
Indiana U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz's fundraising efforts in the first half of 2025 show signs her campaign could be preparing for another reelection bid next year after the last-minute decision to run for another term in 2024. A senior adviser for Spartz's campaign, in fact, told IndyStar he 'fully expects her to announce she is running for re-election,' although a formal legal announcement would come later and Indiana's official candidate filing period is early next year. 'The Congresswoman's campaign is fully geared up for when she formally announces her filing for re-election and looks forward to protecting the conservative Republican majority in Congress,' campaign adviser Dan Hazelwood said in a statement. Spartz reported raising nearly $400,000 in the first six months of 2025, including more than $265,000 between April and June. Those numbers, while not the highest fundraising Spartz has reported in a nonelection year, paint a far different picture than two years ago after Spartz announced she would not seek another term representing the 5th Congressional District. Spartz's campaign in the first six months of 2023 raised just over $160,000 and reported no fundraising contributions between April and June that year after the public news of her initial retirement plans. Spartz, of course, changed her mind and won a divisive nine-person Republican primary in May and cruised to a third term during the general election in November. Former Noblesville state Rep. Chuck Goodrich, her closest competitor in that primary contest, has not publicly indicated any plans to run again and reported no federal campaign contributions so far in 2025. Loan repayments make up more than half of Spartz's campaign expenses so far in 2025. The congresswoman loaned her campaign $700,000 ahead of last year's primary. Spartz was first elected in 2020 to represent Indiana's 5th District, which covers Hamilton County and portions of Madison, Grant, Delaware, Tipton and Howard counties. Political analysts have considered the 5th Congressional District a safe Republican seat following redistricting in 2021. Indiana's primary election is May 5, 2026. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar politics and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What Indiana U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz raised ahead of 2026 elections
Indianapolis Star
17-07-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Will Victoria Spartz run for reelection in 2026? Her campaign says it's ready for it
Indiana U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz's fundraising efforts in the first half of 2025 show signs her campaign could be preparing for another reelection bid next year after the last-minute decision to run for another term in 2024. A senior adviser for Spartz's campaign, in fact, told IndyStar he 'fully expects her to announce she is running for re-election,' although a formal legal announcement would come later and Indiana's official candidate filing period is early next year. 'The Congresswoman's campaign is fully geared up for when she formally announces her filing for re-election and looks forward to protecting the conservative Republican majority in Congress,' campaign adviser Dan Hazelwood said in a statement. Spartz reported raising nearly $400,000 in the first six months of 2025, including more than $265,000 between April and June. Those numbers, while not the highest fundraising Spartz has reported in a nonelection year, paint a far different picture than two years ago after Spartz announced she would not seek another term representing the 5th Congressional District. Spartz's campaign in the first six months of 2023 raised just over $160,000 and reported no fundraising contributions between April and June that year after the public news of her initial retirement plans. Spartz, of course, changed her mind and won a divisive nine-person Republican primary in May and cruised to a third term during the general election in November. Former Noblesville state Rep. Chuck Goodrich, her closest competitor in that primary contest, has not publicly indicated any plans to run again and reported no federal campaign contributions so far in 2025. Loan repayments make up more than half of Spartz's campaign expenses so far in 2025. The congresswoman loaned her campaign $700,000 ahead of last year's primary. Spartz was first elected in 2020 to represent Indiana's 5th District, which covers Hamilton County and portions of Madison, Grant, Delaware, Tipton and Howard counties. Political analysts have considered the 5th Congressional District a safe Republican seat following redistricting in 2021. Indiana's primary election is May 5, 2026. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump Takes Victory Lap After Megabill Passes: I Have More Power Now
President Donald Trump is all fired up after Republicans fell in line to pass his megabill. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews on Thursday, Trump was asked to assess his hold over the GOP now compared to his first term following a marathon session where House Republicans narrowly passed his so-called 'Big, Beautiful' domestic policy bill. 'I think I have more power now,' he said. 'I could say, 'Oh, gee, I don't know.' I think I probably do, because we've had a great record of success.' 'My first term was very, very successful,' he added. 'I think we're going to blow it away this year, but we've proven certain things and, yeah, I think probably it's got more gravitas, more power.' Trump's signature legislation appeared to be in peril early Wednesday night after five Republicans voted against a measure that would advance the bill to a debate. Because of razor-thin margins in the House, the GOP could only afford three 'no' votes, but Reps. Victoria Spartz of Indiana, Andrew Clyde of Georgia, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Keith Self of Texas, and Thomas Massie of Kentucky said 'nay' anyway. Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson worked the phones overnight to flip the Republican 'no' votes, while Democrats united along party lines to oppose the bill that could see over 11 million Americans lose their healthcare due to steep Medicaid cuts, as well as hike the debt by $3 trillion. The president went on a furious Truth Social posting spree past midnight on Thursday as conservative lawmakers threatened to tank the cornerstone of his domestic agenda. 'What are the Republicans waiting for??? What are you trying to prove??? MAGA IS NOT HAPPY, AND IT'S COSTING YOU VOTES!!!' Trump said in one post. 'FOR REPUBLICANS, THIS SHOULD BE AN EASY YES VOTE. RIDICULOUS!!!' he raged in another. But it was a happy ending for Trump after Johnson delivered the votes to meet the July 4 deadline to pass the measure. 'I think when you go over the bill, it was very easy to get them to a 'yes,'' Trump told reporters of his conversations with lawmakers. 'We went over that bill point after point… We covered just about everything. Again: it's the biggest bill ever signed of its kind.' Trump also sang praises for Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune in a fresh posting spree on Thursday. 'Our Party is UNITED like never before and, our Country is 'HOT,'' he wrote. 'Together, we can do things that were not even imagined possible less than one year ago. We will keep working, and winning — CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA!'
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
GOP holdouts stall Trump agenda into the night, with outcome uncertain
The GOP's 'big, beautiful bill' hit a wall late Wednesday night when a group of hard-line conservatives and moderate Republicans combined forces to stall the sprawling package. Lawmakers returned to the House chamber at 9:30 p.m. EDT — after an hours-long delay — to hold a procedural vote that would open up debate on the megabill and tee up a vote on final passage. The effort, however, stopped in its tracks after three hard-line conservatives — Reps. Keith Self (R-Texas), Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) and Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) — voted against the rule, along with centrist Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.). Nine other Republicans declined to vote altogether, denying Republican leaders the majority needed to open debate on the megabill. With all Democrats opposing the package, the vote remained stuck at 207-216 for a time, before Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) voted to support the measure shortly after 11 p.m. That momentum in favor of the bill was quickly negated, however, when Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who voted against the megabill in the House last month, switched his vote on the rule from 'yes' to 'no,' setting GOP leaders back some more. As of just before midnight, the vote stood at 207-217, with five GOP 'no' votes and eight Republicans not yet having voted. Those eight were: Reps. Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Eric Burlison (R-Mo.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Andy Harris (R-Md.), Bob Onder (R-Mo.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.) and Chip Roy (R-Texas) had not yet voted as of 11:45 p.m. The impasse has forced Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) into a game of chicken, with leaders vowing to hold the vote open indefinitely in an effort to force the holdouts into a change of heart. 'I'll keep it open as long as it takes to make sure we've got everybody here and accounted for and all the questions answered,' Johnson told Fox News's Sean Hannity just before 11 p.m. 'I made that commitment to my members.' 'This is part of the process,' he added. 'We are tying up some loose ends. We had a Senate bill that was sent over that was modified from the House version. We liked the House version better, no surprise about that, and we had reached a very delicate balance on it, so it's taken a little while to go through the changes and to have everybody fully process that and figure out what that means for them and their districts.' Live updates: Republicans hold open critical vote on Trump megabill in dramatic scene The Speaker said he spoke to three of the GOP 'no' votes, calling some of their positions a 'placeholder.' 'I've spoken to 'three of the four, I'm trying to find the fourth one,' Johnson said. 'But a couple of those are still waiting for some of those questions to be answered, and they're just sort of putting placeholders on the board, and I think they're open for conversation. Everybody's here in good faith, everybody wants to get to yes, everybody wants to deliver this agenda for the people, and we're going to give them every opportunity to do that.' The logjam did not come as a complete surprise. Shortly before leaders called the procedural vote, a handful of hard-line conservatives announced they would not vote on the effort if top lawmakers called the referendum Wednesday, contending they needed more time to receive clarity about the policy details of the package — and, perhaps, ease their qualms and win their votes. Johnson, however, tried to call their bluff, convening the vote despite the threats. Some Republicans, including Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), relented on their initial opposition, supporting the procedural vote after hours of bashing the bill throughout the day Wednesday. 'We got clarification of what's going to be enforced,' Norman told reporters. 'We got clarification on how the IRAs are going to be dealt with. We got clarification on the tax cuts. And still we'll be meeting tomorrow on the specifics of it. But no, I feel comfortable with this.' It is unclear what leaders will do next. As the clock approached midnight, lawmakers of both parties were milling around the chamber even as the vote tally remained frozen. Johnson said Trump offered Wednesday night to call the remaining holdouts to try to get them on board. 'He has been, in fact, he called me most recently about an hour ago and said, 'Who else needs to have a discussion? I'm ready to get on the phone.' And I said, 'Mr. President, you've done your job and we'll do ours here,'' Johnson told Hannity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
