WASHINGTON, D.C. (WOWO) — In a special live edition of Fort Wayne’s Morning News from the nation’s capital, Ohio Senator Jon Husted sat down with host Kayla Blakeslee to discuss key legislative initiatives, the nation’s 250th birthday, and his vision for the future of America. Broadcasting f rom Senator Jim Banks’s office, Husted reflected on the excitement of being in Washington, D.C., for the country’s semiquincentennial celebrations. “I cannot believe it. I still need to pinch myself that we are even here,” Blakeslee said, setting the stage for the interview. Husted joked warmly, “Absolutely. It’s always great to be with my buddy Jim Banks in his office. It’s pretty prestigious.” Championing Faster Rural Water Assistance Husted highlighted his bipartisan work on a new bill aimed at improving emergency water assistance in rural communities, co-sponsored with California Senator Adam Schiff. “There’s a lot of rural areas in Ohio, but rural areas get left behind,” Husted said. “When the federal government… it just doesn’t do things very fast. Even our Democrat colleagues recognize that the federal government doesn’t work very well… it costs people’s lives. It costs them their homes. And it’s time to do better.” Blakeslee noted the unusual pairing with a California Democrat. Husted responded, “Not at all. After basically half of L.A. burned down and they didn’t have water, it’s quite shocking. But whether you’re talking about hurricanes, disasters in North Carolina, or wildfires in the West, we’ve got to make the federal government work faster. We’ve got issues up in Michigan when it comes to water, for Pete’s sake. I’m glad we can find common ground at least when it comes to water on both sides.” The bill, Husted said, already has momentum. “We’re not done yet… but if you want to get things done here, you’ve got to find Republicans and Democrats on the same page. I think we’ve got some support.” Upward Mobility Act: Reforming the Welfare System Turning to domestic policy, Husted shared his vision for the Upward Mobility Act, designed to help Americans transition from public assistance to self-sufficiency. “The welfare system’s broken because it’s a trap,” Husted said. “It traps people there. Our work ethic is broken. The federal government literally tells people, ‘We’ll give you more money if you stay home than if you go to work.’ That’s crazy.” Husted described the legislation as a pilot program for states that would gradually reduce benefits as families earn more. “If Indiana did it, someone making $25,000 a year could work more hours and not lose out… The goal is a bridge from poverty to self-sufficiency,” he said. “As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation, how about we look for a little more independence on government? A little more personal responsibility.” The senator stressed the cultural element of the policy: restoring work ethic and self-reliance. “We’re going to restore ethic, restore a pathway to personal responsibility. What a great gift to America on our 250th anniversary.” Reflections on the Past 250 Years Husted offered a thoughtful perspective on America’s founding principles and generational responsibility. “Forgetting what our founding principles were… that’s hard work, personal responsibility, family, faith, freedom,” he said. “Our founders fought for freedom so that the government would have less involvement in their lives… for 200 years, every generation sacrificed for the next generation. But around the 1960s, people started to take from the next generation. Give me more entitlements… and pass the bill to the future.” He emphasized the need to reset the nation’s priorities: “I hope this will be an awakening moment… we’re going to work hard, we’re going to be free, we’re going to sacrifice for the next generation. We’re not going to steal from the next generation.” Husted also shared his admiration for America’s founders, particularly George Washington. “Without him, none of it would have happened. His courage, his determination rallied America… whether it was crossing the Delaware or convincing soldiers at Valley Forge to stay the course.” Personal Reflections and Rapid-Fire Fun Blakeslee asked Husted if the Capitol’s grandeur still resonates. “I’m a sentimentalist,” he said. “I feel a responsibility to do my part to preserve it and make it a little bit better. That sticks with me all the time.” In a lighthearted close, Husted participated in a rapid-fire round of questions: Early mornings or late nights? “Early mornings.” Committee hearings or floor votes? “Floor votes.” Abraham Lincoln or Ronald Reagan? “Lincoln.” Coffee or pop? “Coffee.” IU or Miami? “Hoosiers!” Ford or Chevy? “Ford.” Ice cream or cake? “Both. In the same bowl.” Husted’s approachable demeanor balanced a discussion heavy with policy, legislative priorities, and civic reflection. Key Takeaways from Husted: Bipartisan solutions are possible, even in challenging policy areas like emergency water relief. Upward Mobility Act seeks to fix structural welfare disincentives while promoting self-reliance. Reflecting on America’s 250 years, Husted urges a return to founding principles, personal responsibility, and intergenerational fairness. Even in serious discussions, he demonstrates approachability and humor, engaging audiences beyond policy wonks. Conclusion:Senator Jon Husted’s interview with Fort Wayne’s Morning News highlights both legislative ambition and patriotic reflection as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday. From addressing rural water crises to reforming welfare, Husted emphasized service, responsibility, and bipartisan problem-solving — a message he tied directly to the enduring values of the American founding. 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