Indiana delegation reacts to Trump inauguration INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana’s Congressional delegation said on Monday they’re ready to work with the incoming Trump administration. Congressman Jim Baird, who served on the House Subcommittee on Energy and the House Subcommittee on the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia in the last Congress, said he was especially pleased to hear Trump’s vows to expand oil and gas exploration and to return to a more muscular foreign policy. He said he expects Congress to act on energy policy early on. “We have an abundance of energy of all kinds here in this country and it’s an opportunity for us to take advantage of it – particularly the natural gas aspect – and use it to build our economy,” Baird said. The partisan breakdown of Indiana’s delegation in the 119th Congress is unchanged from the previous one: seven Republicans and two Democrats in the House and two Republicans in the Senate. Democrat Andre Carson, the senior member of Indiana’s delegation, said Trump’s inaugural address validated some of the fears he’s heard from his constituents about Trump’s return to power. Despite this, Carson said Democrats are willing to work with Trump on key issues, including the border. “If we can strengthen our communities and protect our communities and protect citizens and seniors, we should do so, without ostracizing different races, different religions, differently ethnic groups, but in a way in which we can ensure our taxpayer dollars are being used appropriately and properly,” Carson said. Republicans control 218 seats in the U.S. House, the bare minimum needed for a majority. Despite the narrow majority, Baird said he sees unity among the party and across the country. He expects Congress will be able to implement the policies Trump called for. “Today marks one of the greatest days in American history. Thanks to President Trump, we have an incredible opportunity to achieve extraordinary things for our country. There is no time to waste. The Senate must do its part and act with urgency to confirm President Trump’s cabinet and advance his America First agenda through Congress. “By signing more than 200 day-one executive orders, President Trump is fulfilling his promises to secure the border, initiate mass deportations, and unleash American energy. His decisive actions to remove critical race theory and radical transgender ideology from our schools and military are vital steps toward restoring common sense nationwide. “I will always stand with President Trump in the Senate and look forward to fighting alongside him to restore American greatness. With President Trump leading the way, America’s best days are yet to come!”Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind. Rep. Rudy Yakym released a statement in a press release shortly after Trump took the oath of office. “Congratulations to President Trump on his Inauguration as the 47th President of the United States!” “Today is a new day for America, a day that will forever be remembered as the beginning of America’s comeback. With President Trump’s return, we have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to make our country safer, stronger, and respected again.” “I am eager to hit the ground running with President Trump at the helm to secure the border, lower inflation, return to American energy independence, cut burdensome regulations, and take care of our nation’s veterans. Together, we will Make America Great Again!”Rep. Rudy Yakym, R-Ind. Congratulations to President Trump on his inauguration! We have a mandate to deliver for the American people & for Congress – to make good policies to last for more than 4 years. Look forward to being a partner! God bless President Trump and these United States of America! pic.twitter.com/SWYXwlt9Bf— Rep. Victoria Spartz (@RepSpartz) January 20, 2025 Today, we witnessed the peaceful transfer of power in our democracy, and as we move forward, I continue to remain willing to work with the Administration and all interested parties at all levels of government for the benefit of the constituents of Indiana’s First District.— Rep. Frank J. Mrvan (@RepMrvan) January 20, 2025