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Prediction track record
How often we called Jim Banks's passage votes correctly, from their stated positions on each bill's tagged topics. Excludes “unclear” calls and abstentions.
13 predictions on record · none have been resolved by a passage vote yet. Check back as bills move.
Based on 3 data points across public statements and recorded votes · AI analysis of public records
118-hr-7980·Consistent
End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act of 2024
75/100
What they said
May 26, 2026
The senators urge the U.S. Trade Representative to strengthen protections against Chinese automakers in USMCA negotiations, citing concerns about state subsidies, market manipulation, and threats to American auto manufacturing and workers.
The statement urges stronger protections against Chinese automakers in USMCA negotiations, citing concerns about subsidies, market manipulation, and threats to American auto manufacturing. The bill excludes vehicles with Chinese-tied components from the clean vehicle tax credit, directly implementing a protective measure against Chinese auto industry influence. The senator's yes vote on this amendment aligns with the stated position of strengthening guardrails against Chinese auto market entry. However, the vote is on an amendment rather than passage, and the bill addresses EV tax credits specifically while the statement addresses broader USMCA trade negotiations and protections—related but not identical policy mechanisms.
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Highway Administration relating to "Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers".
75/100
What they said
May 26, 2026
The senators urge the U.S. Trade Representative to strengthen protections against Chinese automakers in USMCA negotiations, citing concerns about state subsidies, market manipulation, and threats to American auto manufacturing and workers.
Voted Yea on A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Highway Administration relating to "Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers".
The statement urges protection of American automakers and workers from foreign market manipulation and subsidized competition, emphasizing domestic manufacturing strength. The joint resolution disapproves a waiver of Buy America requirements for EV chargers, effectively tightening domestic-content rules for infrastructure projects. Both address protecting American manufacturing and workers from foreign competition, and the senator's yes vote aligns with the protectionist stance in the statement. However, the statement focuses on trade negotiations and Chinese auto market entry, while the bill addresses procurement standards for EV chargers—related but distinct policy mechanisms within the broader protectionism category.
The senators urge the U.S. Trade Representative to strengthen protections against Chinese automakers in USMCA negotiations, citing concerns about state subsidies, market manipulation, and threats to American auto manufacturing and workers.
Both the statement and bill address U.S. economic competition with China, but they target different mechanisms. The statement focuses on protecting American automakers from Chinese market entry and subsidized vehicles through USMCA trade negotiations. The bill addresses Chinese exchange rate manipulation at the IMF, which can indirectly affect trade competitiveness but is a distinct policy tool. The senator's YES vote on exchange rate transparency is generally aligned with a protectionist stance toward Chinese economic practices, but the bill does not directly address the auto-sector guardrails or market access restrictions the statement emphasizes.
Pairs with ambiguous language and high uncertainty are withheld until more data is available. Procedural, cloture, and amendment votes are excluded — they don't cleanly signal substantive support or opposition.
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Crossing the aisle
Passage votes where Jim Banks broke ranks with ≥75% of Republicans. Threshold catches substantively partisan splits; unanimous-ish or close votes are excluded.
Banks Secures NDAA Amendment to End DEI Practices, Get Rid of Email Pronouns
Position: Senator Banks secured an amendment to the FY2027 NDAA that codifies the reversal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in the Department of Defense, aligning federal law with the Trump administration's policy direction on this matter.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) secured an amendment in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) last week, to better align federal law with the Trump administration’s reversal of Biden-era Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices and hiring.
The bill will now head to the Senate floor for a vote.
Read more about Banks’ amendment from Fox News here.
Senator Jim Banks: “President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are turning the Pentagon around by getting rid of the Biden-era DEI nonsense that hurt morale and took focus away from the mission. Our military should be focused on winning wars, not pushing political agendas. I’m proud to have fought for this amendment to reinforce these reforms."
Provisions in the amendment secured by Senator Banks:
Full text of the SASC NDAA base text available here.
Senator Banks is an Afghanistan veteran. During the 117th Congress, then-Rep. Jim Banks (IN-03) founded and chaired the Anti-Woke Caucus.
Banks Secures Amendment Requiring Military Academies to Accept CLT Exam
Position: Senator Banks secured an amendment requiring military service academies and DoDEA schools to accept the Classical Learning Test (CLT) as an admissions and testing option alongside existing standardized tests.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) secured an amendment in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) last week, requiring military service academies to accept the Classical Learning Test as an admissions option and Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools to offer the exam as one of three nationally recognized standardized tests.
The bill will now head to the Senate floor for a vote.
Senator Jim Banks: “I was proud to secure this amendment to help our military academies attract the best and brightest young Americans. We should be looking for future military leaders in as many places as possible and accepting the CLT exam is an important step in that direction.”
Full text of the SASC NDAA base text available here.
Read more about the CLT exam and Senator Banks’ amendment here.
Last May, Senator Banks introduced the Promoting Classical Learning Act, legislation requiring U.S. military service academies to accept the CLT in addition to the SAT and ACT.
ICYMI: Fox News: Senate Republican pushes merit-based military promotions, targets Biden-era DEI policies
Position: Senator Banks supports an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in military hiring and promotion, refocuses promotion boards on merit-based criteria, restricts gender-identity protections in military communications, and replaces DEI training with military values instruction.
Jim Banks' measure would refocus promotion boards on merit and replace DEI training with military values instruction
Click here to read full story from Fox News or read below.
FIRST ON FOX: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has made it his priority to carve out "woke" policies from the Pentagon, and a Senate Republican is backing him up in Congress’ annual defense authorization bill.
As the Senate moves forward with the perennial National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), one of the annual must-pass bills in Congress that authorizes eye-popping sums of taxpayer funding for the Pentagon, Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., scored a quiet win in Hegseth’s fight.
Banks secured an amendment to the $1.15 trillion policy package that aims to reverse Biden-era diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies that seeped into hiring, communication and training at the Pentagon.
"President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are turning the Pentagon around by getting rid of the Biden-era DEI nonsense that hurt morale and took focus away from the mission," Banks said in a statement.
"Our military should be focused on winning wars, not pushing political agendas," he continued. "I’m proud to have fought for this amendment to reinforce these reforms."
Banks’ amendment, first shared with Fox News Digital, includes three provisions targeting DEI practices at the Pentagon.
It would nix prioritizing diversity for active-duty warrant officers, active-duty officers and reserve officers seeking promotions, and instead press promotion boards in their deliberations to focus on merit, qualifications and leadership.
Hegseth has pushed for the Pentagon to focus more on lethality and merit rather than diversity standards.
"Real toxic leadership is endangering subordinates with low standards. Real toxic leadership is promoting people based on immutable characteristics or quotas instead of based on merit," Hegseth said last year.
Banks’ amendment would also repeal provisions that bar the Pentagon from banning the use of gender identifiers or personal pronouns in official communications, such as emails, in accordance with an executive order from President Donald Trump last year that stated, "expressing a false ‘gender identity’ divergent from an individual’s sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for Military Service."
The add-on to the NDAA would also shift focus from DEI training to instead emphasize instruction on military values, like honor, courage, commitment, integrity and excellence.
Position: Senator Banks introduced legislation requiring commercial pornography websites to implement age verification measures to prevent minors from accessing sexually explicit content online.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Safety and Age Filtering Enforcement (SAFE) for Kids Act. This legislation requires commercial pornography websites to implement age verification measures to prevent minors from accessing sexually explicit content online.
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Kids should not be exposed to pornography with just a few clicks. The SAFE for Kids Act helps parents protect their children and bring commonsense safeguards nationwide.”
Kevin Roberts, PhD., President, Heritage Action: “Congress must act now to protect our children from adult content on the internet. No more excuses. While Washington drags its feet, kids across the nation are being exposed to vile, pornographic images and ads with no meaningful safeguards to prevent it. Americans are angry that their kids are being indoctrinated into a left-wing ideology intended to infiltrate their hearts and corrupt their moral center. Parents deserve laws that empower them to protect their children. The SAFE for Kids Act is a necessary solution that will finally hold individuals and companies liable if they fail to implement meaningful safeguards to prevent minors from being exposed to explicit content. Congress has a duty to act, and the time to do so is now.”
Chip Wyatt, Government Relations Director, Heritage Action: “Heritage Action commends Senator Banks for taking a stand to protect America’s kids. When nearly 80% of underage children have been exposed to adult content online, commonsense policies like the SAFE for Kids Act deserve strong support. We urge lawmakers to come together and pass this bill, so families have the tools they need to keep their children safe.”
The SAFE for Kids Act is supported by a broad coalition of organizations and advocates, including American Principles Project, Heritage Action, Clare Morell and Chloe Lawrence of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Institute for Family Studies, National Decency Coalition, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and Concerned Women for America.
Key Provisions of the SAFE for Kids Act:
Read the full bill here. Link to Fox News story here.
Research has shown that children are encountering pornography at increasingly young age, with the average first exposure occurring around age 12 and 60 percent of exposures occurring unintentionally. More than 25 states have enacted age verification requirements for pornography websites, and the Supreme Court upheld these laws in Free Speech Coalition vs. Paxton, recognizing the government’s interest in protecting children from sexual material online.
Senator Banks, Colleagues Urge Strong Guardrails to Stop Chinese Autos from Gaining a Foothold in North America
Position: The senators urge the U.S. Trade Representative to strengthen protections against Chinese automakers in USMCA negotiations, citing concerns about state subsidies, market manipulation, and threats to American auto manufacturing and workers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and seven Senate colleagues sent a letter calling on Ambassador Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative, to prioritize stronger protections against China’s efforts to undermine U.S. automakers as discussions surrounding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) continue.
The letter was signed by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bernie Moreno (R-Oh.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).
Read more about the letter here.
See the full letter here or read below:
As the Trump Administration continues to negotiate an extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with Mexican and Canadian officials, we urge you to prioritize strengthened guardrails that protect American automakers from China’s efforts to gain market share within the North American auto industry. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has launched a multi-pronged campaign to weaponize supply chains, flood U.S., Mexican, and Canadian markets with subsidized autos, and displace American workers in the process. A strong auto manufacturing sector is the beating heart of America’s industrial base, and it depends on a North American trading block that is free from market manipulation by foreign adversaries. We are encouraged by your comments reaffirming the Administration’s strong commitment to American automakers, and we urge you to deploy strong leverage in USMCA negotiations to strengthen this trade deal’s guardrails and ensure Mexico and Canada adopt strong protections to prevent side doors for Chinese vehicles into the U.S. and malign greenfield investment by Chinese automakers.
The CCP’s “Made in China 2025” strategy makes clear its intention to dominate global auto manufacturing.[1]The CCP has made strides toward achieving its goal since this strategy was first announced in 2015. China is now the largest global exporter of automobiles—both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The country’s vehicle exports have surged from just over 700,000 autos in 2019 to more than 7 million last year.[2]
This dramatic export spike did not occur in a vacuum—it is the direct result of the CCP’s long record of anti-competitive practices. The ascendence of Chinese automakers has been built on sizeable state subsidies, routine trade violations, preferential financing and tax breaks, slave labor, rampant intellectual property theft, and preferential market access policies.
President Trump is singularly responsible for stopping the tide of Chinese state-sponsored autos from crossing the shores of the United States so far. He perceived the dire threat of heavily subsidized Chinese vehicles early, and he wisely imposed tariffs on Chinese vehicles in 2018.[3] These tariffs, which have since been increased and strengthened, have built a strong protective wall against imports of vehicles directly from China to the United States, and they have stopped China from gaining any share of the U.S. auto market to date. Information and Communication Technologies and Services rulemaking barring the sale and import of vehicles with Chinese hardware and software has added an additional vital layer of protection.
But Chinese automakers are now attempting end-route around President Trump’s tariffs by building Chinese auto factories in countries that have favorable trade deals with the United States or negotiating direct shipments of Chinese autos to those countries. Mexico and Canada lie at the heart of this strategy.
The CCP has made alarming progress breaking into the Mexican auto market through direct investment. One in five cars sold in Mexico is now a Chinese auto.[4] Chinese carmakers have built at least 12 new manufacturing facilities in Mexico since 2019, and even more auto component facilities.[5] China’s direct investment in Mexico—largely concentrated on the country’s auto industry—doubled between 2021 and 2024, and it has grown further since.[6] As you and other Administration officials negotiate with President Sheinbaum, adjusting USMCA’s rules of origin to exclude vehicles with significant Chinese-origin content and securing a commitment from Mexico to adopt investment screening processes that block new Chinese auto investments should be top priorities.
As President Trump’s America First Investment Policy Memorandum outlines “certain foreign adversaries, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), systematically direct and facilitate investment in United States companies and assets to obtain cutting-edge technologies, intellectual property, and leverage in strategic industries.”[7] This same logic applies to the North American trading block, especially as it pertains to the American auto industry, and it is vital that America lead the way in blocking China from manipulating North America’s industrial base through malign direct investment.
Across America’s northern border, the CCP has employed a different strategy. While Canada retains notable guardrails to block malicious direct investment from foreign adversaries, China has held hostage Canadian agriculture interests to negotiate direct shipments of Chinese EVs into Canada at lower tariffs, which were previously aligned with the U.S.. As announced by Prime Minister Carney in January 2026, the country now intends to allow 49,000 Chinese EVs to be imported into Canada each year at a heavily discounted tariff rate.[8] This represents more than one quarter of annual EV sales in Canada and it will greatly damage American automakers’ market share in the country, harming their prospects to grow and invest in new technologies. Securing a commitment from Prime Minister Carney to restore Canada’s high trade protection against Chinese EVs should be a top priority.
For more than a century, a thriving auto manufacturing sector has fueled America’s dominance in both commercial and defense industrial endeavors. American automakers do not just deliver indispensable products to our families, they build and preserve ecosystems of technology innovation and a skilled manufacturing workforce that strengthens our nation and has cascading benefits through many corners of the U.S. economy. As the U.S. continues to negotiate improvements to USMCA with the Mexican and Canadian governments, we applaud you for prioritizing strong reforms that preserve the might of America’s auto industrial base and protect the North American trading block from malign Chinese investment during your April meeting with President Sheinbaum. We urge you to continue prioritizing such measures during the first official round of bilateral USMCA negotiations next week.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sen. Banks Introduces Legislation to Strengthen U.S. Food Security and Agricultural Biosecurity Through DoW–USDA Partnership
Position: Senator Banks introduces legislation to codify and expand coordination between the Department of Defense and USDA on agricultural research and biosecurity to protect U.S. food supply chains from domestic and foreign threats, framed as a national security priority.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the DoD and USDA Research Act. This bill wouldcodify and expand the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of War (DoW) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen coordination on research to protect America’s agriculture supply chain from domestic and foreign threats. Representative Mark Messmer (IN-08) introduced the bill in the House.
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.): “Protecting America’s food supply is part of protecting our national security. This bill helps the Defense Department and USDA work together to keep our farms and supply chains safe from foreign and domestic threats.”
Chris Barnard, President, ACC Action: “ACC Action and our thousands of members across the country are proud to support Sen. Banks introduction of the DOD and USDA Interagency Research Act, which will strengthen national security and farm production by harnessing research to accelerate American innovation across defense and agriculture. By recognizing that farm security is national security, this bill fosters needed Department of Defense and USDA collaboration to develop technology for farmers and food supply chain to protect against threats to agricultural production, supply chains, and readiness.”
Indiana Farm Bureau: “Indiana Farm Bureau is supportive of Sen. Jim Banks’ recently introduced Department of Defense (DOD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Interagency Research Act. This legislation is a natural partnership in developing new ways to preserve what our farmers produce to feed and fuel the world. Food security is national security, and any collaboration or innovation that aides in protecting our country’s food supply should remain a priority.”
Key Provisions of the DoD and USDA Interagency Research Act:
Indiana Farm Bureau and American Conservation Coalition (ACC) Action have endorsed this legislation.
Secretaries Hegseth and Rollins signed a DoW–USDA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to elevate American agriculture as a key element of national security. This effort aligns with President Trump’s “Food Security is National Security” Action Plan, which emphasizes safeguarding the U.S. food system as a core component of national defense and resilience.
A healthy and secure food supply is vital to economic stability and national security. Invasive pests, livestock disease, and biosecurity gaps can disrupt food production and weaken supply chains. These vulnerabilities also affect the defense industrial base, which relies on foreign sources for key bio-based feedstocks and materials used in fuels and propellants.
At the same time, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is expanding its capabilities in biotechnology, agricultural genetics, and bio-industrial production, framing these sectors as instruments of geopolitical competition. China is positioning these capabilities to exploit vulnerabilities in the U.S. food system and disrupt critical supply chains. Food security is national security, and stronger coordination between America’s defense and agriculture sectors will help ensure America controls the future of our critical industries, not China.
Senator Banks Calls for Strong AI Oversight to Address Emerging National Security Risks
Position: Senator Banks calls for strong federal oversight of advanced AI systems to address national security risks, particularly regarding competition with China. He urges the Trump Administration to maintain U.S. technological leadership in AI development while managing risks of weaponization and loss of control over powerful systems.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to senior Trump Administration officials urging a focused and strategic approach to potential national security risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems and intensifying AI competition with China.
See the full letter here or read below:
Dear Secretary Bessent, Director Cairncross, Director Kratsios, Secretary Lutnick, and Secretary Rubio:
I am writing to commend you for your efforts in managing the novel security threats posed by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems, including new considerations raised by Mythos.
The Trump Administration has been clear about the need for the United States to lead the world in understanding and evaluating the national security implications of advanced AI systems. That need has only become more urgent in light of Mythos, an AI system with advanced cyber capabilities. This is an important moment for the country: Mythos underscores that AI will have profound implications for cybersecurity and national security.
As President Trump and administration officials engage with counterparts from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) this week, it is wholly appropriate for AI to be on the agenda. While some have naively argued the U.S. should pursue an AI “grand bargain” or arms control analogue with China, I encourage the administration to consider a less ambitious, narrower range of AI issues to engage with the Chinese.
Importantly, Mythos is only one example of a much broader challenge. While cyber capabilities are the focus today, the conversation must extend well beyond cyber. AI is improving rapidly. Advanced AI systems are expected to develop increasingly consequential capabilities across military, intelligence, biosecurity, and other national security domains. As you know, this is why it is imperative that the United States maintain and extend its lead over the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in advanced AI development.
During the Cold War, atomic weapons introduced a paradigm shift in the geopolitical world order. AI has the potential to do the same. There may be certain critical thresholds in AI development that are imperative to reach before adversaries. One example—potentially the most meaningful threshold articulated thus far—would be AI systems that outperform humans in making new breakthroughs in AI and developing increasingly more powerful AI systems. AI systems with such research and development capabilities would potentially lead to rapid and self-reinforcing improvements: America must reach this threshold before the PRC.
We must also recognize that advanced AI presents serious risks. In the wrong hands, AI can be weaponized against the American people. More broadly, there are unresolved questions about whether we currently have the ability to keep powerful AI systems under our control. These questions are especially salient as companies pursue artificial superintelligence—AI models that can do anything a human can do but much, much better. Our major AI companies believe superintelligence could pose significant risks that our current scientific understanding is not yet capable of addressing.
America must embrace the challenging dual mandate of winning the AI race against the PRC while navigating critical security challenges along the way. This is what makes AI policy a particularly difficult domain. Some have called for a laissez faire approach to AI, which neglects to consider the serious and novel threats posed by technology. Others call for extremely heavy-handed approaches that would cede our lead to the PRC. Still others have called for pursuing bilateral AI arms control agreements with the PRC.
Such calls for bilateral arms control-style agreements ignore the CCP’s long history of deception and non-compliance with its international commitments. They also ignore difficulties in monitoring and compliance compared to nuclear arms control agreements—which our adversaries have frequently violated anyways.
However, there may be limited areas where it does make sense to engage in dialogue with Chinese officials. I would recommend a simple test: if it is in America’s national interest to adopt a given AI policy unilaterally due to security concerns, even if we knew the PRC may cheat, then it is worth engaging the Chinese on the possibility of reciprocal action.
I applaud the Administration for deliberating carefully about AI policy and ensuring that we do not fall into either extreme. Mythos provides an excellent opportunity for the Administration to revisit key questions about AI policy, semiconductor policy, the relationship between the government and the private sector, and the broader U.S-China competition.
With this in mind, I recommend considering the following questions as you continue to focus on AI and national security topics:
Mythos presents us with an opportunity to think about the future of AI, its national security implications, the stakes of the AI race with the PRC, and the appropriate relationship between the government and the private sector. To support your work, I request a staff-level briefing within 60 days to discuss these topics.
Sen. Banks: Trump Holds “The Better Hand” in China and Iran Talks
Position: Senator Banks expresses support for President Trump's negotiating approach with China and Iran, arguing that the administration holds strategic leverage and should use it to secure favorable trade terms with China and prevent Iranian nuclear weapons development.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) joined Larry Kudlow on Kudlow to discuss President Trump’s trip to Beijing.
Click the video above to listen to the full discussion.
Sen. Banks: “…China has so much to lose in this regard and so many reasons to come to the table and try to bring the Iranians to a deal that accomplishes the end goal mission of what President Trump is trying to accomplish. No nuclear weapon ever for the Iranians, because we know that they will train that weapon on the United States, on Israel and our allies if they ever get it. It's in China's best interest to help us craft that kind of a deal. But I think President Trump is ready to go. Secretary of War Hegseth is the best Secretary of War, Secretary of Defense in the 10 years that I've been in Washington. These guys are serious. We're ready to go. We're not playing around. The Iranians know that…”
Sen. Banks: “… President Trump knew all of this heading into these talks… President Trump has the better hand. We have the leverage, and it's time to use it. The Chinese always lie, steal, and cheat. They never keep up their end of the deal. President Trump's not going to let him get away with that anymore. That's why these talks are so significant. He's putting them on notice. Buy our soybeans. They come from Indiana. Buy our products. Open up your economy to American businesses. And let's move on in a way that puts American interests first. That's what President Trump is all about. That's what he's going to do. That's why he's there. And what's going on in Iran plays right into it.”
Sen Banks: “…If President Trump is for something, they're against it. President Trump and Vice President Vance are focused on cleaning up fraud, waste and abuse so the Democrats are pro-fraud, waste and abuse. It doesn't matter what the issue is, pick it. If President Trump is for it, Democrats are against it, even when it's in the best interest of our country…”
Senator Banks Urges BIS to Modernize Technology to Strengthen Export Control Enforcement
Position: Senator Banks urges the Bureau of Industry and Security to modernize its technology infrastructure by adopting commercial software, datasets, and open-source intelligence tools to improve export control enforcement capabilities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to the Department of Commerce encouraging the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to strengthen export control enforcement by adopting modern commercial technology, data, and open-source intelligence tools.
See the full letter here or read below:
I am writing to ask about plans at the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to leverage commercially available software, datasets, and open-source intelligence tools to strengthen export control enforcement. Historically, BIS’ critical mission has been impeded by its antiquated core technologies, software, and databases. BIS’s underlying access to data, software, and open-source intelligence is vital to the agency’s performance: it allows BIS agents and analysts to focus on actual export control enforcement instead of being buried in paperwork.
The Trump Administration has rightly brought advanced technology and skilled technologists into government, including through the United States Tech Force. We now have the opportunity to ensure that BIS has access to high-quality technology to fulfill its mission.
BIS lacks access to key commercial and government data needed for effective export control enforcement. One significant gap is BIS’s lack of access to commercial teardown intelligence on AI chips. For example, Reuters reported that BIS learned of Huawei’s arrangement to obtain millions of TSMC logic dies through Sophgo only after a teardown intelligence firm uncovered it.[1] BIS did not identify the apparent violation itself; it learned of it only after the teardown intelligence firm alerted TSMC, which then notified BIS. This example highlights a broader challenge: BIS lacks timely access to some of the most valuable commercial data relevant to export control enforcement. BIS could engage providers of commercial teardown intelligence to help trace adversaries’ chips and detect potential violations earlier, including in cases like Sophgo.
BIS has an opportunity to make greater use of commercially available software tools. Such tools can help investigators and analysts access, integrate, and analyze open-source intelligence, market data, trade data, corporate data, and other commercially available information relevant to export control enforcement. The private sector has developed a range of tools that can help identify suspicious procurement networks, map corporate relationships, flag anomalies, and surface potential evasion activity more quickly than government systems alone.
BIS has a timely opportunity to close these gaps, harness new technology, and become more efficient. With this in mind, I request a staff-level briefing to discuss the following topics:
BIS is a critical national security agency that deserves to be empowered with the best technology. I encourage you to explore ways to make BIS more efficient by investing into new sources of data and open-source software, and I look forward to supporting you in this critical work.
Banks Urges Honduras to Restore Diplomatic Recognition of Taiwan, Back Away from China
Position: Senator Banks urges Honduras to restore diplomatic recognition of Taiwan and strengthen relations with Taiwan rather than the People's Republic of China, citing Taiwan's democratic values, economic reliability, and contribution to regional stability.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) sent a letter to Honduras President Nasry Asfura congratulating the newly inaugurated President and urged the President to strengthen diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
See the full letter here or read below:
I write to offer my congratulations on your November election and your recent inauguration. The people of Honduras have entrusted you with an important responsibility, and I wish you success in advancing the prosperity and security of your nation.
I commend your leadership in commencing a review of Honduras’ relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). I know that you have long maintained a sober-minded understanding of the tradeoffs involved with partnering with the PRC, and I could not agree more with your statement that Honduras was “100 times better off with Taiwan.”[1] I recently returned from Taipei, where I witnessed firsthand Taiwan’s vibrant democracy, strong economy, and commitment to being a force for good around the world.
Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its reliability, offering genuine economic opportunity while upholding democratic values and contributing to stability. At a time of expanding authoritarian influence, decisions about diplomatic alignment carry significant implications for sovereignty and long-term development.
Your decision to revisit Honduras’ diplomatic recognition of Taiwan is significant, and I respectfully encourage you to return Honduras’ diplomatic posture to its historic and natural pro-Taiwan leanings. Renewing diplomatic relations with Taiwan would strengthen democratic solidarity and create meaningful opportunities for expanded economic cooperation and investment. It would also send a clear signal about Honduras’ commitment to principled and transparent partnerships.
Once again, I offer my congratulations on your victory. I wish you success in the important work ahead and look forward to continued engagement on these shared priorities.
Source: GDELT 2.0 GKG, filtered to a curated list of national outlets. Inclusion is not endorsement; opinion pieces and reported news are mixed.
Recent stock activity
Periodic transaction reports filed under the STOCK Act — disclosed by the rep, sourced from public filings.
No disclosed trades on record.
Source: open-data mirrors of the Senate eFD and House Clerk financial-disclosure systems. Disclosure within 30 days of trade is required by law (45 for spouse/dependent trades).
Top PAC donors · 2026 cycle
Political action committees that gave the most to this rep's principal campaign committee this cycle. PAC giving is direct organizational support — industry, ideological, or leadership.
1.SEAL PAC SUPPORTING ELECTING AMERICAN LEADERS PACLeadership2 contributionsLeadership PAC focused on electing candidates aligned with its mission. Specific candidate affiliations and policy priorities not inferable from the name alone.AI$15,000
2.RECLAIM THE MAJORITYLeadership1 contributionMember-of-Congress leadership PAC — supports Democratic candidates and party priorities aligned with reclaiming House or Senate control.AI$10,175
3.NATIONAL BEER WHOLESALERS ASSOCIATION PACBusiness2 contributionsTrade association PAC for beer wholesalers and distributors — backs candidates supporting alcohol industry regulatory positions and distribution-network protections.AI$10,000
4.AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION PAC (BANKPAC)Finance2 contributionsBanking-industry trade association PAC — backs candidates supporting deregulation, consumer-credit expansion, and reduced compliance costs for financial institutions.AI$10,000
5.PROSPERITY ACTION INC.2 contributions$10,000
6.HARRIS CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEEDefense2 contributionsDefense contractor PAC — supports candidates backing federal defense spending, military modernization, and aerospace-technology procurement.AI$10,000
7.UPSPACOther2 contributionsPAC with unclear affiliation — specific sector and positions not inferable from the name alone.AI · low$10,000
8.BATTLEFIELD FUND 20231 contribution$9,819
9.2023 SENATORS CLASSIC COMMITTEELeadership1 contributionMember-of-Congress leadership PAC — likely affiliated with a senator or senatorial caucus, directs contributions to allied candidates.AI$5,086
10.INDIANA ACTION COMMITTEE FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION1 contribution$5,000
Source: OpenFEC (api.open.fec.gov) Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “committee.” Aggregated by contributing committee. Self-transfers from joint-fundraising / victory committees are excluded.
Top individual contributors · 2026 cycle
Itemized individual contributions over $200 to this rep's campaign committee, aggregated by donor employer. PAC giving is shown above; this section is people, not organizations.
1.SELF$34,444
2.BLUE OWL CAPITAL$28,000
3.FORTRESS INVESTMENT GROUP$28,000
4.WINKLEVOSS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT$14,000
5.STARKEY$14,000
6.BLACKSTONE$11,500
7.ROBINHOOD$9,000
8.PORTER INC.$9,000
9.AMERICAN GLOBAL STRATEGIES$9,000
10.LEADERS STAFFING LLC$7,600
Source: OpenFEC Schedule A receipts where contributor type is “individual,” aggregated by the donor's self-reported employer. This is a geographic / industry correlation, not a corporate endorsement.
