Summary

Jim Banks, born in 1979, has been serving as the junior United States Senator from Indiana since January 3, 2025.

Prior to his Senate tenure, he represented Indiana’s 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2017 to 2025. Banks is a U.S. Navy Reserve officer and served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Throughout his political career, Banks has been a staunch advocate for conservative policies, with a particular emphasis on national security and foreign affairs. In the 119th Congress, Senator Banks serves on several Senate committees, including the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Below is Senator Banks’ voting record and public positions on issues important to the Jewish community. 

Senator Banks has expressed skepticism towards the two-state solution, particularly in the context of current Palestinian leadership. He has criticized initiatives that, in his view, reward terrorist organizations and has emphasized the importance of Israel’s security in any peace negotiations. 

Banks has been a vocal opponent of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. He co-sponsored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, aiming to prevent U.S. entities from participating in boycotts against Israel promoted by international organizations.

He co-sponsored the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which directs the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when investigating discrimination complaints. ​

Senator Banks supports continued U.S. security assistance to Israel. He has advocated for funding programs like the Iron Dome missile defense system and has emphasized the importance of U.S.-Israel cooperation in defense initiatives. 

He has been a strong critic of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. Banks introduced resolutions opposing the Biden administration’s efforts to re-enter the agreement, arguing that it would embolden Iran and threaten regional stability. ​