As Indiana faces stronger storms and more frequent flooding, Rep. Baird commits to leading on solutions to build resilience and improve disaster recovery processes.
WASHINGTON, DC — September 30, 2026 — The American Flood Coalition (AFC) today recognized Representative Jim Baird (IN) as a Federal Champion for his leadership, public service, and commitment to finding solutions to challenges posed by flooding.
“This August, historic flooding hit Indiana, costing Hoosier lives, and leaving widespread destruction in its wake,” said Rep. Baird. “Our farmers are still assessing crop damages as they enter harvest season. As we weather these challenges, having the right data and smart policies to support Hoosier farmers is essential. I’m proud to work with the American Flood Coalition as a Federal Champion on common-sense efforts that keep Hoosiers safe, boost rural economies, and protect our producers and farmlands.”
Representative Baird joins 60 bipartisan AFC Federal Champions, those members of Congress dedicated to combating the effects of stronger storms and more frequent flooding. Rep. Baird brings decades of farming experience, as well as public service at the local, state, and federal levels, to his work on flood solutions.
“Rep. Baird’s perspective on flood resilience is rooted in decades of working on his family farm in west-central Indiana, giving him a firsthand understanding of what flooding truly costs agricultural communities,” said Melissa Roberts, AFC Founder and Executive Director. “That experience makes him a powerful and credible voice for farmers and producers who are leading the charge on flood-smart agriculture across the country. We are proud to welcome him as a Federal Champion and look forward to continuing this work together.”
As Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology, Rep. Baird has championed flood resilience through the Farm Bill. His recent priorities include strengthening the Emergency Watershed Protection Program and delivering a national USDA study on flood risks facing America’s farmlands.
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About the American Flood Coalition
The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group that brings together cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups to drive adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. The Coalition advances solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect our nation’s residents, economy, and military installations. AFC has over 500 members across more than 20 states, and over 60 Federal Champions. For more on the organization’s work or how to become a member, visit floodcoalition.org.
About Federal Champions
The American Flood Coalition is an IRS Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The American Flood Coalition is not a Congressional Member Organization, nothing on this website shall be read to imply official sponsorship by either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate or any of their respective Members, and Federal Champions have no membership obligations or fiduciary responsibilities with respect to the American Flood Coalition. Federal Champion is an honorary title awarded by the American Flood Coalition to recognize Members of Congress who have come together to drive adaptation to the reality of higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding.
