Sen. Jim Banks talks federal cuts, ORX Project and more in new interview - 14 News

Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Indiana Senator Jim Banks is back home for the August recess, and today, we caught up with him for the latest in D.C. Senator Banks previously represented Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District. He says it’s an exciting time in D.C. with the recent passing of President Trump’s spending bill. He believes it will put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of the working class, small business owners and family farmers. Plus, the senator spoke on recent efforts to possibly redraw Indiana’s congressional map. “I do think there’s a compelling reason to look at it,” he says. “The last census included illegals in the census, and if that meant more congressional districts in states like California and big states. I know V.P. JD Vance was in Indiana last week meeting with the governor, there’s still a lot of conversation to happen to see how this plays out.“ Senator Banks is also part of the Education Committee in the senate. He says his mission is to get the federal government out of Indiana education, leaving all decision-making up to local school leaders, teachers, and families. As Indiana students return to school, Banks says he fully supports the cuts made to the Federal Department of Education. “My mission on the education committee is to get Washington out of the business of education in states like Indiana and President Trump is really focused on that,” he adds. “The federal government shouldn’t have anything to do with education decisions in Indiana. That should be left up to the states, local school districts, parents, school boards, principals, and teachers.“ Right now, Banks says he’s also focused on getting the funding needed to complete the Interstate 69 Bridge Project. “We’re doing everything we can at the federal level, working with Secretary Duffey, the Secretary of Transportation, President Trump and the administration to get the funding that it takes to build the bridge, complete the project,” he says. “While there’s a lot of construction zones on highways all over the state, that’s good news for our state as we update our highways and build more roads, bridges, and infrastructure in the Crossroads of America that Indiana is.“ Copyright 2025 WFIE. All rights reserved.