Todd Young represents bipartisanship in Congress

Partisanship in Congress is so rampant that neutral politicking, which does occur, is shrouded by “juicier” stories and is rarely publicized in media.

I want to briefly turn the political spotlight to Rep. Todd Young, R-9th District, who is an unsung example of willingness to negotiate across the aisle.

On April 18, 2012, Young formed an alliance with Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah 4th District, to cofound the bipartisan Government Efficiency Caucus, which applies best practices from the private sector to federal government to maximize each tax dollar’s efficiency. Young also serves with Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash 2nd District, as co-chairs of the Electronic Warfare Working Group.

The examples above show what results when party gaps are closed: America’s economy is strengthened, and our nation is made safer. I applaud Young for playing an instrumental role in these bipartisan achievements.

He is living up to the expectations of a Democratic Senate and a Republican House, which he described as “a clear mandate to work together.”

What excites me even more than Young’s bipartisan history, however, is his outlook on a bipartisan future. Young has helped launch perhaps the most promising bipartisan initiative of present day, “The No Labels Problem Solver Initiative.” On July 18, this coalition of Republicans and Democrats from the House and Senate submitted its first legislative package designed to “make government work.” Learn the details at
www.nolabels.org.

In the face of partisanship, I hope we will recognize the efforts of the “Todd Youngs” in Congress who break down the barriers to a better America.

­— brownjos@indiana.edu