FORT WAYNE, IND. (WOWO) U.S. Senator Jim Banks says sweeping tax cuts for working-class families and tougher border enforcement stand out as the most significant accomplishments of Congress in 2025, while warning that rising health care and housing costs remain major challenges heading into 2026.

Banks shared his assessment during a year-end interview on Fort Wayne’s Morning News with Kayla Blakeslee, calling what Republicans dubbed the “big, beautiful bill” the centerpiece of congressional action this year.

“I think people are going to realize how significant that piece of legislation is when we go into the new year and people start filing their taxes,” Banks said. “This really is a big boost for working-class, hardworking families in Indiana.”

Tax Cuts and Border Funding

Banks said the tax package includes provisions he believes will be felt quickly by Hoosier families, including eliminating taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits.

“My grandma’s really happy about that,” he said, adding that the bill also includes benefits for family farms and small businesses.

He said the legislation also provided funding to secure the southern border, including construction of additional border wall infrastructure.

“The night-and-day difference between the day Joe Biden left office and the day Donald Trump took over the White House — and what happened at the southern border — is something we can be most proud of,” Banks said.

Defense Bill and Northeast Indiana Industry

Banks also pointed to the annual National Defense Authorization Act as another major development, noting its impact on defense-related employers in northeast Indiana.

“Companies like L3Harris, BAE, Raytheon, General Dynamics, and Ultra Maritime in Columbia City are going to benefit,” he said. “Those are good-paying jobs that support our military and support our communities.”

Health Care Concerns Remain

Despite the legislative wins, Banks said health care costs remain a top concern, particularly as Democrats push to extend Affordable Care Act-era subsidies.

“Somewhere around 0.4 percent of Americans would be helped by that plan,” Banks said. “Republicans want to help 100 percent of Americans who are struggling with health care and seeing their prices skyrocket.”

Banks blamed the Affordable Care Act for reduced competition in health care markets, which he said has driven prices higher.

“When you don’t have competition, prices skyrocket,” he said. “That’s exactly what Obamacare did.”

He said Republicans are instead pushing to expand health savings accounts and promote competition as a way to control costs.

Housing Affordability and Cost of Living

Banks also highlighted housing affordability as a growing concern, noting that the average age of a first-time homebuyer in the U.S. is now about 40.

“Amanda and I bought our first house at 25,” he said. “You can’t afford to do that anymore.”

He said lowering the overall cost of living will be a key focus in the coming year.

Working Across Party Lines

Banks said that despite deep ideological divides, the Senate’s rules often require bipartisan cooperation, and he has found common ground with Democrats on select issues.

“I never thought in my life I would work with someone like Elizabeth Warren,” he said, citing bipartisan efforts to address rising costs caused by private equity consolidation in industries like firetruck manufacturing.

He also pointed to bipartisan work on veterans’ issues.

“We don’t agree on hardly anything, but we’re both veterans,” Banks said of Democratic colleagues. “We’ve done a lot together for post-9/11 veterans.”

Legislative Productivity and Constituent Work

Banks confirmed he introduced more legislation than any other freshman senator this year, totaling 72 bills.

“I always want to be known as a legislator who gets things done for Indiana,” he said.

He credited his staff for handling more than 1,100 constituent cases, ranging from VA issues to Social Security and passport assistance.

“My team has hustled and worked hard,” Banks said. “I’m really proud of them.”

A Lighthearted Close

Asked about his holiday wish list, Banks offered a personal note.

“A Rose Bowl victory for the Indiana Hoosiers,” he said, also praising IU quarterback Fernando Mendoza. “It’s such an exciting time to be a Hoosier.”

Banks said he looks forward to continuing the work in 2026, with health care affordability and cost-of-living issues high on his agenda.