WASHINGTON, D.C. (WOWO) — Broadcasting live from Senator Jim Banks’s office in the nation’s capital, Fort Wayne’s Morning News welcomed Congressman Marlin Stutzman to discuss international affairs, state tax decisions, and the excitement surrounding America’s 250th birthday celebrations. H ost Kayla Blakeslee described the energy in the office: “I just feel like I need to pinch myself. I can’t even believe I am here. I can’t believe this is happening.” Stutzman laughed, noting the Washington standard for timing: “That’s actually on time in Washington.” Iran and International Leadership Blakeslee asked Stutzman to break down the recent developments in Iran for viewers back home. He credited former President Trump’s leadership for stabilizing the region. “This is all starting because of the fact that President Trump was willing to defend the Middle East from a nuclear Iran by sending our B2 bombers, our amazing military, men and women who went over and took out the nuclear facilities in Iran,” Stutzman said. He emphasized support for the Iranian people over military intervention: “If the Iranian government is killing the Iranian people, if the dictators are killing their own people, I would support some sort of assistance… because if we can topple them, it just makes the world a safer place.” He also noted that international partners, including the Kurds in Iraq and Syria, want to see the Iranian regime fall, highlighting a coalition approach. State-Level Tax Policy and Hoosier Impact Turning to domestic matters, Blakeslee asked about Indiana potentially opting out of portions of a federal tax cut. Stutzman explained the state’s flexibility: “Certain federal tax policy rolls down to the states for their implementation… We really, as Republicans, want to give the states the rights to manage our own states. I’m a big states’ rights person,” he said. He encouraged Hoosiers to follow legislative decisions closely: “People should be paying attention and asking Indiana legislators to maximize the tax cuts because it will only benefit us and make us more competitive.” Stutzman clarified that the implementation choices could affect everything from taxes on tips to other benefits, and that the legislature has discretion in how the federal policies are applied at the state level. Celebrating America’s 250th Blakeslee pivoted to lighter fare, celebrating America’s 250th birthday. Stutzman reflected on his return to Congress and the significance of the milestone: “We live in the greatest country in the world… President Trump’s leadership has just turned things around to where the United States is back. People respect the United States,” he said. Stutzman highlighted ongoing congressional work on housing, affordability, and cost-of-living issues, connecting them to the American dream. Breaking news excitement came in the form of an IndyCar 250 race around the Capitol. “It’s IndyCar, which was born in Indiana. That’s one thing I’m really amped about,” he said. Blakeslee shared the enthusiasm: “Oh my gosh. We’ve got to come back. We’ve got to keep track.” Life in Congress and the Capitol Maze Stutzman also spoke about the practicalities of navigating the Capitol. He joked about occasionally getting lost: “I do. Yeah… We got lost yesterday.” He compared walking versus shuttle transport across the House and Senate sides, noting that he enjoys walking and teasing between House and Senate colleagues. Rapid-Fire Fun To close, Blakeslee put Stutzman through the Fort Wayne Morning News rapid-fire round: Early mornings or late nights? “Late nights.” Committee hearings or floor votes? “Floor votes.” Abraham Lincoln or Ronald Reagan? “Ronald Reagan.” Benjamin Franklin or George Washington? “George Washington.” Coffee or pop? “Coffee.” Tom Petty or Kid Rock? “Kid Rock.” DC traffic or Indiana weather? “Indiana weather.” IU or Miami? “Miami.” Ford or Chevy? “Both—Ford trucks, Chevy cars.” Cake or ice cream? “Ice cream.” Conclusion:From foreign policy and state-level tax decisions to birthday celebrations and fun rapid-fire questions, Congressman Marlin Stutzman offered a blend of policy insight, local perspective, and approachable personality. As the nation marks 250 years, his reflections connect global events to the concerns of Hoosiers, reminding listeners that decisions in Washington resonate at home. The post WOWO EXCLUSIVE – Marlin Stutzman Joins KB in Washington appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less