{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"LA\" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-over-19-5-million-to-improve-louisiana-roadway-safety-from-his-infrastructure-bill/", "Cassidy Secures Over $19.5 Million to Improve Louisiana Roadway Safety from His Infrastructure Bill", "2025-12-29", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $19,517,973 in federal funding from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. The funding will help communities across the state improve traffic safety, reduce serious injuries and fatalities, and make local roads safer for families, pedestrians, and first responders.\n\n\u201cToo many Louisiana families have had their lives changed forever by preventable traffic accidents,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis funding I secured is going directly to Louisiana communities to make our streets safer.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2340", "The Clock is Ticking: Students Have Only a Few Months to Make Grad School Decisions - Kennedy Pushes for Passage of the LEAP Act to Provide Equal Access to Higher Education for In-Demand Professions", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "The Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act Restores Fairness and Financial Parity for all Advanced Degree Students\n\nNew Misguided Policy Created by the Big, Ugly Bill Slashes Amount Many Borrowers Can Receive, Slamming the Door Shut to Professional Advancement\n\nAMHERST, N.Y. \u2013 Joined at Daemen University by educators, professionals, students, and advocates, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) called for swift passage of his legislation, the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act. With decision time for grad schools coming up in April, Kennedy highlighted the pressing need to provide financial stability and predictability for students seeking advanced degrees. Last week, Kennedy and several colleagues introduced the LEAP Act to rectify a borrowing disparity created by the Republican-led Big, Ugly Bill (H.R. 1). The new legislation aims to restore financial support for advanced degree students, including nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and physicians assistants, whose borrowing limits were significantly reduced while other professional programs remained unaffected. Under Kennedy\u2019s bill, all post-baccalaureate degrees would be eligible to borrow the same $50,000 per year, with a borrowing total of $200,000.\n\n\u201cBecoming an occupational therapist was among the best decisions I ever made,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cIt opened new doors for me, changed my worldview, and it\u2019s how I met my wife, a physical therapist. For each of us, access to financing was a challenging burden, but one that we took on knowing that we could make a difference in peoples\u2019 lives. Higher education is about more than just earning potential, it\u2019s about your contribution to the community and helping others. Right now, future grad students are studying their options, figuring out if they can enter the career path they\u2019ve always wanted to. We need to pass the LEAP Act to keep that dream alive for future generations who want to play their part.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe know that one of the biggest barriers to education is financial, and the new limitations on loans will put degree programs out of reach for many. The healthcare graduate programs with new loan restrictions not only prepare students for more responsibility at the bedside, but they are also required to enter Nurse Education. Loan restrictions for advanced healthcare degrees will create new barriers that will limit enrollment and further deepen the healthcare worker shortage, and reduce the number of people qualified to teach healthcare programs,\u201d said Don Fiorilli, Associate Director, 1199SEIU Training & Employment Funds.\n\n\u201cEquitable access to federal student loans is essential if we expect students to pursue advanced degrees in the health professions our communities depend on most,\u201d said D\u2019Youville University President Dr. Lorrie Clemo. \u201cWhen loan limits unfairly restrict fields like nursing, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, we risk worsening workforce shortages at a time when demand is only growing. The LEAP Act restores fairness and ensures that students are not priced out of careers dedicated to caring for others.\u201d\n\n\u201cASHA-certified audiologists and speech-language pathologists in New York thank Rep. Kennedy for his leadership in protecting access to the advanced degrees required to deliver essential communication services,\u201d said Bernadette Mayfield-Clarke, PhD, CCC-SLP, 2025 ASHA President. \u201cDemand for these professionals in New York is projected to grow more than 22% for audiologists and 25% for speech-language pathologists by 2032. Rep. Kennedy\u2019s legislation preserves access to higher federal loan limits, ensuring audiologists and speech-language pathologists can complete their training and meet growing workforce needs statewide.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt Kaleida Health, we are committed to supporting our staff\u2019s career growth. We support the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act and thank Congressman Kennedy for his tireless advocacy for New York State\u2019s healthcare professionals. The LEAP Act will help reduce financial barriers for those seeking advanced healthcare degrees and build a more robust healthcare workforce. It is essential that we continue to provide resources for our dedicated staff to advance in their professions. Not only will these meaningful loans strengthen our workforce, but they will also increase access to high quality health care for patients statewide,\u201d said Don Boyd, President and CEO, Kaleida Health.\n\n\u201cThe LEAP Act is critical legislation to secure the future of our country by ensuring students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in high-demand fields can access the funding necessary to reach their dreams, realize their potential, and support their families and communities with vital services,\u201d said Canisius University President Steve K. Stoute\n\n\u201cI began my career as a registered nurse, and I know firsthand that graduate education is not a luxury in healthcare \u2014 it\u2019s how nurses advance, specialize, and ultimately become the educators who train the next generation,\u201d said Catholic Health CEO Joyce Markiewicz. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Congressman Kennedy for introducing the LEAP Act, which restores fairness and helps ensure the healthcare professionals our patients rely on can afford the education their careers \u2014 and our communities \u2014 depend on.\u201d\n\nUnder H.R. 1, the Grad PLUS program was eliminated and replaced with a two-tiered system. Beginning in July 2026, so-called \u201cprofessional\u201d degrees will be eligible for borrowing up to $50,000 per year, while \u201cgraduate\u201d degrees will only receive up to $20,500 per year, creating a massive disparity and exacerbating ongoing shortages in critical healthcare and other professional fields. Examples of professional degrees include MDs, JDs, and PharmDs, while graduate degrees include a wide variety of other post-baccalaureate degrees such as nursing, therapy, public health, engineering, teaching, and more. Kennedy, the only occupational therapist in Congress, has heard from a wide range of educators and students who are deeply concerned that their access to their desired field of work is being closed off, threatening to make ongoing professional shortages even worse.\n\nThe changes implemented in H.R. 1 are slated to go into effect on July 1, 2026. Kennedy\u2019s legislation, co-led by Reps. Jill Tokuda (HI-2) and Shomari Figures (AL-2) would have the same effective date, ensuring equal access for medical professional students moving forward.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers; American Occupational Therapy Association; American Physical Therapy Association; Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health; Council on Social Work Education; National Association of Social Workers; National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy; National Hispanic Health Foundation; Hispanic Health Professionals Network; National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates; Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-legislation-to-improve-veterans-health-care-passes-senate/", "Cassidy Legislation to Improve Veterans\u2019 Health Care Passes Senate", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauded the U.S. Senate passage of his Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission (VetPAC) Act. The legislation creates a new VetPAC to facilitate a transparent, expert-driven review process for the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s (VHA) operations. The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.\n\n\u201cOur veterans put their lives on the line in service to our nation,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe owe them a health care system worthy of that sacrifice. This legislation moves us closer to that standard.\u201d\n\nThe VetPAC Act creates a Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission made up of medical experts and veterans tasked with evaluating VHA performance, identifying areas for improvement, and issuing regular reports to Congress to ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across the VA health care system.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in introducing the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-highlights-local-artist-andrew-coleman-for-sharing-the-gospel-through-woodworking/", "LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights Local Artist Andrew Coleman for Sharing the Gospel through Woodworking", "2025-12-22", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "(Click here to watch and here to download)\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, highlighted Andrew Coleman, a Louisianan following God\u2019s call to ministry by sharing the Gospel through his artistic gifts. After a year in seminary, Andrew discovered his true calling\u2014serving God and his community through woodworking. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency.\n\nRead his full December 2025 Local Spotlight below:\n\nToday we are recognizing Andrew Coleman of Coleman\u2019s Handcrafted in Baton Rouge.\n\nAndrew has been an artist from a young age, but he felt deeply connected to the church and sensed that God was calling him to a life of ministry. He entered the Seminary to study for the priesthood.\n\nBut after a year, God revealed that his calling takes different shape\u2014that he was not meant to share the Gospel from the pulpit, but through the work of his hands.\n\nBecause of his sensitivity to God\u2019s voice and obedience to his artistic calling, Andrew is now a full-time carpenter and woodcarver, commissioning pieces for churches in and around Louisiana.\n\nAndrew, you remind us of a simple truth: When you follow God\u2019s plan for your life, good things happen.\n\nFirst Peter 4:10 says, \u201cEach of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God\u2019s grace in its various forms.\u201d\n\nKeep using your gifts. You make Louisiana, our country, and the world a more beautiful and more worshipful place.\n\nBackground\n\nIn November, Cassidy highlighted Katie Jenkins, owner of STIR Coffee in Baton Rouge, who primarily employs Louisianans with cognitive disabilities. By providing good jobs for people who may otherwise face barriers to employment, Katie is improving life for those she employs and setting a positive example for businesses across the country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-tax-credit-to-help-families-and-small-businesses-prepare-for-natural-disasters/", "Cassidy Introduces Tax Credit to Help Families and Small Businesses Prepare for Natural Disasters", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Shelter Act to help families and small businesses protect their homes and properties from future natural disasters and combat rising insurance costs. The legislation would create a first-of-its-kind disaster mitigation tax credit for families and business owners in disaster-prone areas.\n\n\u201cEverybody in my state has lost someone or something they love because of flooding. This is another tool for families to minimize that loss,\u201dsaid Dr. Cassidy.\n\nThe Shelter Act allows Americans to write off 25 percent of qualifying mitigation expenses, up to $3,750 per taxpayer, to help homes and businesses reinforce their properties against natural disasters such as flood, wildfire, hail, and wind. This would be the first-ever federal tax incentive to help families and businesses invest in disaster resilience and mitigation ahead of time, helping offset the hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars spent on natural disaster recovery each year.\n\nThe Shelter Act is supported by: National Institute of Building Sciences, National Association of Realtors, National Association of Home Builders, Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), Reinsurance Association of America (RAA), and Satellite Condominiums LLC.Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) as well as U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL-27) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07) in introducing the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-kennedy-introduce-resolution-commemorating-bicentennial-of-centenary-college-of-louisiana/", "Cassidy, Kennedy Introduce Resolution Commemorating Bicentennial of\u00a0Centenary\u00a0College of Louisiana", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced a resolution commending Centenary College of Louisiana on the occasion of its bicentennial for its contributions to higher education in Louisiana and across the country.\n\n\u201cFor 200 years, Centenary College of Louisiana shapes leaders and serves the Shreveport community and our entire state,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cIts bicentennial is a celebration of the past and the bright future ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor 200 years, Centenary College has helped shape Louisiana\u2019s leaders, strengthened the Shreveport-Bossier community, and upheld the best traditions of higher education. This bicentennial is a testament to the college\u2019s resilience, academic excellence, and lasting impact on our state. I\u2019m proud to see the Senate pass my resolution honoring this great institution,\u201d said Kennedy.\n\n\u201cCentenary is proud to be Louisiana\u2019s oldest college. For two hundred years, the college has been preparing students to serve our state, region, and nation as physicians, scientists, clergy, business people, artists, and so much more. We are grateful for the support of our community and are excited to being our third century of service,\u201d said Dr. Christopher Holoman, President, Centenary College.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-ricketts-republican-colleagues-support-president-trumps-executive-order-to-stop-politically-motivated-debanking/", "Cassidy, Ricketts, Republican Colleagues Support President Trump\u2019s Executive Order to Stop Politically Motivated Debanking", "2025-12-19", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today joined U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Republican colleagues in urging the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to combat politically motivated \u201cdebanking\u201d in line with President Trump\u2019s recent Executive Order. The senators called on the OCC to ensure access to financial services is based on objective, individualized, risk-based standards and not political discrimination. In recent years, conservative, religious, and other lawful organizations have reported being denied or stripped of banking services based on their beliefs or affiliations, raising serious concerns about discrimination within the financial system.\n\n\u201cAs the OCC works to implement the E.O., we encourage you to fully assess and address the negative impacts of voluntary debanking,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\n\u201cThe OCC should consider rulemaking to eliminate politically motivated, voluntary debanking and require financial institutions to offer financial services based on objective and individualized risk-based analysis,\u201d continued the senators.\n\nCassidy and Ricketts were joined by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jim Justice (R-WV), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Jim Risch (R-ID) in sending the letter.\n\nRead the full text of the letter here or below.\n\nDear Comptroller Gould:\n\nWe write to you to express our support for President Trump\u2019s \u201cGuaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans\u201d Executive Order (E.O.). As you work to finalize the E.O., we want to highlight the need to address all forms of politically-motivated debanking.\n\nWe are encouraged by the progress already made by the Trump Administration, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) under your leadership, to eliminate all remaining vestiges of Operation Choke Point\u201d (OCP) and \u201cOperation Choke Point 2.0\u201d (OCP 2.0). In your statement in support of the E.O., we were pleased to see that you already removed reputational risk from OCC guidance and that you intend to ensure unlawful debanking is not repeated in the future. In order to effectively eliminate the harmful effects of OCP 1.0 and 2.0, an exhaustive review of all relevant federal government guidance documents, regulations, and internal policies is necessary. We appreciate your steadfast commitment to achieving that objective.\n\nDespite the end of OCP 1.0 and 2.0, some financial institutions continue to adopt discriminatory policies voluntarily. While we are starting to see companies update their policies, action must be taken to stop this voluntary-type of debanking in the future. As the OCC works to implement the E.O., we encourage you to fully assess and address the negative impacts of voluntary debanking. As a part of this effort, the OCC should consider rulemaking to eliminate politically motivated, voluntary debanking and require financial institutions to offer financial services based on objective and individualized risk-based analysis \u2013 a process that began during President Trump\u2019s first term.\n\nAgain, thank you for your leadership and commitment to a sound, thriving financial system. We support the OCC\u2019s efforts to orient federal financial service industry regulations, guidance, and enforcement away from political discrimination to ensure all individuals have access to necessary banking services.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-help-families-claim-the-earned-income-and-child-tax-credits-after-a-natural-disaster/", "Cassidy Introduces Bill to Help Families Claim the\u00a0Earned Income and Child Tax Credits After\u00a0a Natural Disaster", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Working Families Disaster Tax Relief Act to allow disaster-impacted working families to use the previous year\u2019s income to claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) after a presidential major disaster declaration.\n\n\u201cAfter a natural disaster hits, a family\u2019s ability to make a living can be wiped away just as easily as their home. We should ensure that parents who lose income keep the ability to feed their children,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nThe Working Families Disaster Tax Relief Act would:\n\nPrevent families from losing access to these benefits due to temporary income loss. Congress has authorized similar temporary provisions for both the CTC and EITC following recent major disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, and for all taxpayers nationwide during COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.\n\nAmend the Internal Revenue Code to allow disaster-affected taxpayers to use a previous year\u2019s income for the Child Tax Credit when the President declares a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.\n\nDesignate disaster-affected taxpayers to include individuals whose principal place of abode or principal place of work is located in a disaster zone.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in introducing the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-thune-introduce-bill-to-protect-louisiana-crawfish-industry/", "Cassidy, Thune Introduce Bill to Protect Louisiana Crawfish Industry", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) introduced the China Trade Cheating Restitution Act, which would direct Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to pay $38.5 million from the interest on anti-dumping duties received from Chinese imports to certain agricultural sectors harmed by China\u2019s illegal trade practices, including $10.6 million for crawfish producers.\n\n\u201cLouisiana\u2019s crawfish industry is more than just a business\u2014it\u2019s our culture. We\u2019re standing up to China\u2019s illegal attempts to hurt our producers, our processors, and our way of life,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cSouth Dakota is one of the top honey-producing states in the country,\u201d said Senator Thune. \u201cThe unfair practice of circumventing U.S. trade laws, which jeopardizes honey producers\u2019 financial security, should be met with strict enforcement and increased protections. South Dakota honey producers deserve a level playing field. This bipartisan legislation helps ensure fair treatment for affected domestic producers and strengthens their ability to compete globally.\u201d\n\n\u201cLouisiana crawfish processors have taken a beating from unfairly traded crawfish from China,\u201d said Adam Johnson of Bayou Land Seafood in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana \u2013 an industry leader. \u201cWe are fortunate to have a Senator, like Bill Cassidy, who is willing to stand up for the industry.\u201d\n\nFor years, Chinese producers have participated in trade practices known as \u201cdumping\u201d, in which crawfish is exported to the U.S. at a price below the cost of production, driving Louisiana crawfish producers out of business. While federal law instructs CBP to pass on these funds to American agricultural producers, administrative delays have prevented much of it from reaching businesses affected by China\u2019s unfair actions.\n\nIn 2000, Congress passed the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA), which instructed CBP to pay all collected anti-dumping (AD) duties and accrued interest to the U.S. producers that were injured by dumped imports. CDSOA applies to imports that entered the U.S. through September 30, 2007, but due to a range of delays, CBP is still assessing and collecting AD duties and interest on many of these imports.\n\nThe China Trade Cheating Restitution Act would:\n\nRequire CBP to distribute under CDSOA an estimated $35.6 million in accrued delinquency interest on the antidumping duties that CBP collected and wrongfully withheld;\n\nAmend the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 to move the date of interest collected by the CBP to be dispersed from October 1, 2014 to October 1, 2000 to account for substantial interest withheld by CBP beginning in 2000.\n\nCassidy and Thune were joined by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Tina Smith (D-MN) in introducing the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-applauds-louisiana-opting-in-to-trump-backed-school-choice-program/", "ICYMI: Cassidy Applauds Louisiana Opting in to Trump-Backed School Choice Program", "2025-12-18", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a statement applauding Louisiana for opting in to the upcoming federal school choice scholarship tax credit. Cassidy secured this provision in Republicans\u2019 Working Families Tax Cut bill that passed earlier this year. In October, Cassidy sent letters to governors across the country urging them to opt-in to the program.\n\n\u201cI worked with President Trump to add my school choice bill to the Working Families Tax Cuts, and now Louisiana families will benefit,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe\u2019re helping parents choose the best school for their children. Thank you, Governor Landry for adding Louisiana to the list.\u201d\n\nAs Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy held a hearing earlier this year on how to reform K-12 education to put students and families first. He also led a resolution recognizing January 26 \u2013 February 1 as National School Choice Week.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2339", "After GOP Spending Bill Slashes Student Loan Limits for Nurses, PTs, OTs, and More, Kennedy and Colleagues Introduce LEAP Act to Level Playing Field for Healthcare Professionals", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "H.R. 1 Cut Loan Limits in Half for Graduate Student Professions, Maxing Out at $100,000\n\nLEAP Act Will Ensure that Graduate Students and Professional Students Receive the Same Amount of Borrowing Capacity, Opening Careers up to More Americans\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), alongside Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-2) and Rep. Shomari Figures (AL-2), introduced the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act. This legislation corrects a disparity made in H.R. 1, the Republican-led reconciliation bill, which drastically reduced borrowing power for advanced degree essential health students such as nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and public health workers, while leaving limits for other professionals untouched.\n\n(Full press conference video available here)\n\nPrior to H.R. 1, post-baccalaureate students were able to borrow up to the cost of attendance for federal lending through the Grad PLUS program. However, H.R. 1 eliminated this program and established a two-tiered system for direct unsubsidized loans: a higher $50,000 annual limit for \u201cprofessional\u201d degrees (such as MDs, JDs, and PharmDs) and a slashed $20,500 annual limit for \u201cgraduate\u201d degrees (such as nursing, PT, OT, and Public Health). The LEAP Act creates parity by raising the cap for graduate students, ensuring these vital professionals have the same borrowing capacity as their peers.\n\n\u201cWhen I went to grad school to become an OT, I had to take out loans,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cI remember filling out those forms, hoping I\u2019d have enough to cover tuition, books, and rent. I took on that debt because I wanted to build a better future for my family, and because I wanted to help people. Without the LEAP Act, we face a future of fewer nurses at the bedside, fewer therapists helping patients recover, fewer specialists serving rural communities, and fewer mental health providers at a time when this nation is desperate for them. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill into law and to provide equity for these vital healthcare providers.\u201d\n\n\u201cRegardless of whatever misguided label the Department of Education wants to slap on these programs, nursing, physical therapy, and other advanced health training are health care professions. To say otherwise is offensive, and the people who step up to serve our communities in these fields are professionals,\u201d said Rep. Tokuda (D-HI-02). \"The Big, Ugly Bill once again failed Americans by refusing to recognize the urgent need for these health care workers in every state, and by making it harder for students to enter these critical fields. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Loan Equity for Advanced Professional Act. This bill ensures equal access to federal student loans so graduate and professional students can finish their degrees, get to work, and help shore up the health workforce our communities depend on.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe recent category change of student loan programs is yet another attempt by the administration to devalue higher education, and it is hurting students in Alabama and across the country,\u201d said Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL-02). \u201cThat kind of policy is just wrong. This bill says clearly that we\u2019re not going to let Trump dismantle opportunities for the next generation. The Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act restores fairness, raises loan limits, and ensures students won\u2019t be forced to walk away from their dreams.\u201d\n\n\"Social workers are professionals, and they should have the same level of federal financial aid options as their professional colleagues,\u201d said Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, CEO of National Association of Social Workers (NASW). \"NASW is proud to endorse the Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals (LEAP) Act, which would allow all graduate programs to have the same student loan limits. This common sense legislation would mitigate actions by the Department of Education to differentiate student loan limits between graduate and professional programs.\"\n\n\u201cThe LEAP Act is a critical step toward protecting access to education for the next generation of healthcare professionals,\u201d said American Occupational Therapy Association Chief Executive Officer Katie Jordan, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA. \u201cAt a time of severe nationwide workforce shortages, it\u2019s essential that future students can pursue careers in occupational therapy and other essential health professions. Strengthening our healthcare workforce starts with equitable access to graduate education, and AOTA is proud to collaborate with Congressman Kennedy on this commonsense solution.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) supports the LEAP Act\u2019s commitment to restoring federal loan access for occupational therapy students,\u201d said Angela Macauley, President & CEO of NBCOT. \u201cThe financial demands of OT graduate education are significant, and those entering the profession deserve the same support as their peers in other professional healthcare programs. With many states already below recommended workforce levels, preserving access to these loans is essential to maintaining the pipeline and protecting public access to care.\n\n\u201cThe Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) supports maintaining appropriate federal loan access for MSW students and expanding federal funding opportunities that make social work education attainable,\u201d said Matt Hooper, Vice President of CSWE. \u201cThis is essential to upholding a strong and effective workforce that supports individuals, families, and communities nationwide.\"\n\n\u201cWe applaud Congressman Tim Kennedy for calling for the reversal of the Department of Education\u2019s decision to impose stricter federal loan limits on certain advanced degree programs,\u201d said Dr. Elena Rios, president of the National Hispanic Health Foundation. \"Students in high-demand healthcare fields would be able to borrow adequate levels of loans.\u201d\n\nThe changes implemented in H.R. 1 are slated to go into effect on July 1, 2026. Kennedy\u2019s legislation, co-led by Reps. Jill Tokuda (HI-2) and Shomari Figures (AL-2) would have the same effective date, ensuring equal access for medical professional students moving forward.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers; American Occupational Therapy Association; American Physical Therapy Association; Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health; Council on Social Work Education; National Association of Social Workers; National Board of Certification of Occupational Therapy; National Hispanic Health Foundation; Hispanic Health Professionals Network; National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates; Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions.\n\nThis legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Angie Craig, Suzan DelBene, Debbie Dingell, Dwight Evans, Cleo Fields, Dan Goldman, Pablo Hernandez, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Greg Landsman, George Latimer, LaMonica McIver, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Grace Meng, Chellie Pingree, Stacey Plaskett, Lateefah Simon, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, and Nydia Velazquez.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-louisiana-wins-in-national-defense-package-headed-to-president-trumps-desk/", "Cassidy Secures Louisiana Wins in National Defense Package Headed to President Trump\u2019s Desk", "2025-12-17", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement on his support for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) headed to President Donald Trump\u2019s desk to be signed into law. The package includes several key Louisiana priorities Cassidy worked on with others to secure.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s strength begins with the men and women who serve,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cLet\u2019s invest in our service members and their families to ensure the United States remains prepared to face any challenge.\u201d\n\nProvisions Cassidy helped champion for Louisiana in the NDAA include:\n\n$116 million for the Weapons Generation Facility at Barksdale.\n\n$18 million for personnel housing at Barksdale.\n\n$2.2 million for design work for a Child Development Center at Barksdale.\n\n$931 million for the continued modernization of the B-52 bomber which will primarily go to Barksdale.\n\nThe NDAA also includes language to:\n\nEstablish a Military\u2013Civilian Medical Surge Program as a program of record, building on Cassidy\u2019s prior $6 million investment that added LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) as a National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) pilot site. This will stabilize long-term funding, strengthen LSUHS\u2019s partnership with Barksdale and the Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs, and enhance Louisiana\u2019s role in national disaster and medical readiness.\n\nCodify the Air Force Global Strike Command, solidifying even further the importance of Barksdale\u2019s Global Strike Command.\n\nAdd specific authorities and funding limitations related to Medium and Large Unmanned Surface Vessels. The bill exempts unmanned surface and underwater vehicles from specific senior technical authority requirements to accelerate development and acquisition, directly benefiting shipbuilders in Louisiana.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-applauds-15-million-investment-in-louisiana-education/", "Cassidy Applauds $15 Million Investment in Louisiana Education", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today applauded a $15 million federal grant awarded to the Louisiana Department of Education through the U.S. Department of Education\u2019s Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Expansion program. The funding will support evidence-based literacy initiatives aimed at improving student achievement, particularly for high-need students.\n\n\u201cStrong literacy skills are the foundation for everything that comes next in school and in life,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cLouisiana has shown real progress, and this funding helps take what\u2019s working and expand it so more students can succeed.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nThe award builds on Louisiana\u2019s statewide push to improve literacy and comes as national leaders point to the state\u2019s progress. Earlier this year, Cassidy joined U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and education leaders in Baton Rouge for a roundtable on child literacy, where Louisiana\u2019s results were highlighted as a model for other states.\n\nAccording to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, Louisiana is one of only three states where fourth-grade reading scores met or exceeded pre-pandemic levels, and the only state where eighth-grade reading scores fully recovered to 2019 levels. Recently, Cassidy released a report outlining ways to improve child literacy and fix the broken K-12 education system to better serve American children and families. He also is leading the 21st Century Dyslexia Act to promote early screening for dyslexia.\n\nThe EIR Expansion program supports the growth of innovative, research-backed approaches that have shown results in improving educational outcomes. Louisiana\u2019s award reflects confidence in the state\u2019s use of evidence-based classroom strategies that help students build strong foundational skills.\n\nCassidy has also pushed to give parents more tools to support their children\u2019s education, including securing the inclusion of his Educational Choice for Children Act in President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts bill, giving families more opportunities to choose the school that best fits their child\u2019s needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-help-americans-plan-for-life-changing-illness/", "Cassidy Introduces Bill to Help Americans Plan for Life-Changing Illness", "2025-12-16", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Medicare Advance Planning (MAP) for Care Act to encourage Medicare beneficiaries to create electronic advance directives\u2014legal documents that allow patients to clearly articulate their preferences for their medical care should they suffer from a debilitating illness or condition. The bill encourages Medicare beneficiaries to create and register a certified and secure advance directive online and provides beneficiaries with access to a website with a range of options.\n\n\u201cWhen someone is discussing end of life care with his or her doctor, they often feel powerless. This bill gives them control over the decisions in the last part of their life,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) in introducing the legislation.\n\nBackground\n\nAccording to a 2006 study by the Pew Research Center, 70 percent of Americans have thought about their health care preferences should they be faced with a life-threatening illness or injury, but only one-third have completed an advance directive. Under the MAP Act, Medicare beneficiaries would be able to voluntarily create and register an electronic advance directive with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) at any time. Advance directives would be created through and maintained by outside organizations certified by CMS, and could be modified or terminated at any time by the beneficiary. An advance directive would include any written statement that outlines the kind of treatment and care a beneficiary wants or does not want under certain conditions, and can include identification of a health care proxy.\n\nTo address concerns about confidentiality, the MAP for Care Act requires both CMS and outside groups maintaining advance directives to hold the highest standards for privacy and security protection as well as system functionality. CMS would only keep track of the certified organization through which a beneficiary has created an advance directive and would not keep a database of these documents. The bill does not interfere with any state laws governing advance directives.\n\nThe bill is supported by the National Right to Life Committee, the American College of Emergency Physicians, MyDirectives, the American Nurses Association, National Healthcare Decisions Day, Koda Health, and US Acute Care Solutions.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-celebrates-signing-of-support-act-in-new-orleans/", "Cassidy Celebrates Signing of SUPPORT Act in New Orleans", "2025-12-15", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "METAIRIE \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today held an event to celebrate President Trump signing into law his SUPPORT Act, which bolsters prevention, treatment, and recovery services for Americans with substance use disorders and mental illness. The event also honored angel families who lost loved ones to fentanyl and was hosted by the Southeast Louisiana branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).\n\n\u201cPresident Trump and I are combating the addiction and mental health crisis head on,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThat\u2019s why we worked together to sign the SUPPORT Act into law to give nurses, therapists, and first responders the resources they need to save lives.\u201d\n\nSince arriving in Congress, Cassidy has worked with President Trump to end the opioid crisis and improve access to mental health care.\n\nIn addition to Cassidy\u2019s SUPPORT Act, President Trump signed Cassidy\u2019s HALT Fentanyl Act into law earlier this year. The bill gives law enforcement another tool to crack down on drug dealers by permanently scheduling fentanyl substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act. Cassidy joined Trump at the White House for the bill signing, and hosted his own event in Baton Rouge to honor those whose families have been affected by fentanyl overdoses.\n\nAt the event, angel families, people in recovery, and Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith shared their stories. Additionally, Nick Richard, the Executive Director of NAMI Southeast Louisiana, thanked Cassidy for supporting efforts to break the cycle of addiction and mental illness.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of NAMI Southeast Louisiana, I want to thank Senator Cassidy for his leadership in championing the SUPPORT Act,\u201d said Mr. Richard. \u201cAs we stand alongside survivors and families grieving unimaginable loss, this legislation gives us real hope; hope that people living with mental illness can get help sooner, that crises can be prevented, and that lives can be saved. Mental health affects every corner of our community, and we appreciate the Senator\u2019s continued commitment to expanding timely, compassionate care for our community.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2338", "Kennedy Introduces Legislation to Safeguard Emergency Alerts Funding, Protect Public Safety Communications", "2025-12-12", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "SAFE Comms Act Pushes Back Against Trump\u2019s Attacks on Lifesaving FEMA Programs\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), along with Representatives Rob Menendez (NJ-08), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Nanette Barragan (CA-44), introduced the Supporting and Advancing Federal Emergency Communications through Infrastructure (SAFE Comms) Act, legislation to ensure that local broadcasters can continue to deliver lifesaving emergency alerts despite disruptions to the federal grant program that supports them. Specifically, the bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to administer and disburse funds through the Next Generation Warning System (NGWS) grant program, guaranteeing that already-approved funds to improve emergency alerting reach communities across New York State and the nation.\n\n\u201cAs Ranking Member of the Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee, it is my priority to ensure that the bedrock of our emergency alerting system - local stations - receive promised support from Congress,\u201d said Congressman Tim Kennedy. \u201cIn the face of this President\u2019s assault on FEMA and its lifesaving programs, we must guarantee the continuity of the Next Generation Warning System. I\u2019m proud to introduce this legislation to ensure that local communities in Western New York and across the U.S. continue to benefit from critical federal investments in emergency alerting infrastructure.\u201d\n\n\u201cFEMA programs like the Next Generation Warning System are crucial to ensuring that our communities stay up-to-date with life-saving emergency information,\u201d said Congressman Menendez. \u201cWith Republican cuts to public broadcasting, we must continue to fund and protect this program so local public media stations can provide timely alerts to New Jerseyans in the most critical moments.\u201d\n\n\u201cLocal public TV and radio stations are a lifeline during emergencies, especially in rural and underserved communities,\u201d said Congresswoman Barrag\u00e1n. \u201cThe Next Generation Warning System Grant Program helps these stations get the resources they need to send timely alerts when people need them most. I\u2019m proud to join Reps. Kennedy, Menendez, and McClain Delaney in co-leading this effort to safeguard the future of the program and make sure every community has the information it needs during disasters.\u201d\n\n\"Every second counts when protecting the public from natural disasters and other emergencies, and next-generation warning systems are essential to safeguarding lives and property,\u201d said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. \u201cWith the Corporation for Public Broadcasting now closed, FEMA must deliver Congressionally appropriated funds directly \u2013 and without delay \u2013 to local broadcasters. I\u2019m proud to support legislation that provides this critical fix as we continue modernizing and strengthening our nation\u2019s warning capabilities, building more prepared and resilient communities.\"\n\n\u201cBuffalo Toronto Public Media, like all public media radio and television stations, acts as the backbone of the national emergency alert system. The life-saving alerts keep people informed across the country and state and in all four corners of Western New York. Funding for the NGWS is critical for public media stations to keep the system working, up to date, and to expand their reach, especially into rural and underserved areas. Since 2022, Buffalo Toronto Public Media has sent nearly 30,000 Wireless Emergency Alerts via its television and radio broadcast towers. Buffalo Toronto Public Media is in full support of Congressman Kennedy\u2019s efforts to ensure that FEMA stewards these funds towards public media stations and to the communities they serve.\u201d \u2013 Tom Calderone, President & CEO of Buffalo Toronto Public Media\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s Public Television Stations, on behalf of the 158 locally operated, locally controlled public television stations, commend Representative Kennedy and the other co-sponsors for the introduction of the SAFE Comms Act. This bill recognizes the lifesaving work of local public broadcasting stations and requires that FEMA follow Congressional intent in spending funds that Congress has already appropriated to support local stations\u2019 public safety services. We greatly appreciate the long-standing bipartisan support for the Next Generation Warning System at FEMA and are grateful that this legislation would ensure that this critical program continues to support the lifesaving emergency alert, warning and public safety services provided to local communities by their public broadcasting stations.\u201d \u2013 Kate Riley, CEO & President of America\u2019s Public Television Stations\n\nEstablished by Congress in 2022, the NGWS grant program allows public media stations to upgrade technology and infrastructure used to broadcast emergency alerts. The program, implemented by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), strengthens reliability and resilience for emergency communications including upgrading transmitters, expanding coverage, and improving the ability to reach vulnerable and rural populations. Every day, local public radio and television stations serve as lifelines for communities across the United States, delivering critical, real-time information to families when disaster strikes. From lake effect snowstorms to flash floods, Western New Yorkers rely on these trusted resources to provide the timely alerts that save lives. Alarmingly, a breakdown in federal funding and grant administration, spurred by the Trump administration, has put this funding at risk.\n\nIn July, congressional Republicans passed the Rescissions Act of 2025 which defunded CPB, the lone administrator of the NGWS grant program. Without CPB to manage the NGWS grant program, millions of dollars in previously approved funding were left in limbo at FEMA, jeopardizing upgrades for critical technology that ensure emergency alerts reach people when they\u2019re needed most.\n\nThe SAFE Comms Act safeguards continuity and accountability by directing FEMA to assume full responsibility for the NGWS program, disburse already obligated Fiscal Year 2022 funds within 180 days of bill enactment, and begin the process of awarding grants for Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024. Through Congressman Kennedy\u2019s bill, local stations will be able to continue improving their emergency communications systems without further delay.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by Buffalo Toronto Public Media and America\u2019s Public Television Stations.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2337", "Kennedy Slams Noem\u2019s Failures That Have Put Western New York and the Nation at Risk", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "During Committee Hearing Kennedy Grills DHS Secretary Noem, Calls for Resignation\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 During a Homeland Security Committee hearing, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) pressed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the agency\u2019s unlawful immigration raids, the dismantling of our nation\u2019s emergency preparedness and management capabilities, and unprecedented cuts to counterterrorism funding. Kennedy condemned the deviation from the core missions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during Noem\u2019s tenure, highlighting a pattern of politically-driven decisions that have made Americans less safe and stripped New York State of essential national security funding.\n\nDuring the hearing, Kennedy delivered a pointed rebuke of the Secretary\u2019s failed leadership, stating: \u201cYour cuts are blatantly political, callous, and outright dangerous. It is clear that you have no interest in countering real threats to the homeland. While high-risk cities and disaster zones wait for help, you\u2019ve devoted the past 11 months to violent raids, anti-police policies, and nonstop photo-ops. You\u2019ve brought shame to a Department that was created in a time of unity to protect our people, and it is in the best interest of this nation that you resign immediately.\u201d\n\n(Congressman Kennedy\u2019s Full Hearing Remarks)\n\nUnder Secretary Noem, DHS has slashed over 90 percent of New York State\u2019s counterterrorism funds, including $134 million in Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding intended to protect New York City, the nation\u2019s top terrorism target. The State Homeland Security Program cuts alone eliminated $1.7 million from Erie County and nearly $400,000 from Niagara County, jeopardizing local preparedness and emergency response capacity.\n\nAs Ranking Member of the Emergency Management & Technology Subcommittee, Kennedy questioned Secretary Noem\u2019s sweeping attacks on FEMA\u2019s workforce, capabilities, and grant programs. Her cancellation of the nationwide Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program erased funding for flood mitigation, emergency communications upgrades, and infrastructure improvements across the nation, including a $284,000 award for Buffalo for building code modernization. Kennedy also highlighted Noem\u2019s mismanagement of FEMA\u2019s response to catastrophic flooding in Central Texas in July of this year, including a three-day delay in aid and unanswered emergency lines.\n\nKennedy emphasized that these failures are a product of the reckless decisions made by an administration more focused on carrying out extreme and unlawful immigration practices than responsibly monitoring real threats to the homeland, leaving communities like Western New York unnecessarily vulnerable.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chair-cassidy-slams-democrats-voting-to-raise-health-care-costs-block-money-to-american-families/", "Chair Cassidy Slams Democrats Voting to Raise Health Care Costs, Block Money to American Families", "2025-12-11", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, slammed Democrats for voting to raise health costs on millions of Americans and preventing families from receiving up to $5,000 to pay for care.\n\nCassidy\u2019s Republican legislation, introduced alongside Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID), lowers insurance premiums by 11 percent, lowers out-of-pocket costs, and gives thousands of dollars directly to families to control their own care. This bill is an alternative to Democrats\u2019 temporary COVID bonuses, which send billions of tax dollars to giant insurance companies without lowering insurance premiums.\n\n\u201cDemocrats want to force families to pay $6,000 out-of-pocket before their insurance kicks in. Republicans want to make health care affordable and put thousands in patients\u2019 pockets to help pay for their out-of-pocket expenses,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cDemocrats need to stop playing politics with people\u2019s health care and come to the table to find real solutions.\u201d\n\nBefore the vote, Cassidy spoke on the U.S. Senate floor in support of the Republican legislation.\n\nCassidy has continuously called for Congress to work together on solutions to lower the cost of health insurance for families. Over the past few months, Cassidy has urged Congress to address rising health care costs in a Senate Finance Committee hearing, a HELP Committee hearing, and on the U.S. Senate Floor.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2336", "Kennedy Leads Members of Congress in Letter Urging Trump Administration Reverse Termination of Burma TPS", "2025-12-10", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Kennedy Joined by 11 House Democratic Colleagues in Letter Demanding Trump Change Course on Revoking Temporary Protected Status for Burma\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) led fellow Members of Congress in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State urging the Trump administration to reverse its recent decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma.\n\nIn the letter, Kennedy outlines the dire and worsening humanitarian conditions in Burma, where the military junta continues to commit widespread abuses, block humanitarian aid, and destabilize communities through violence, forced displacement, and political oppression. The administration\u2019s decision threatens more than 4,000 Burmese nationals living legally in the United States \u2013 people who contribute to local economies, raise families, and call communities like Western New York home.\n\nKennedy emphasized that ending TPS for Burma will have real, immediate consequences for families across the country.\n\n\u201cWestern New Yorkers know firsthand that our community is stronger when we protect families who are fleeing violence and working hard to build their lives here,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cStripping TPS from our Burmese neighbors sends them back to danger and tears apart the communities they\u2019ve strengthened, the workplaces they sustain, and the local economies they help grow. This heartless decision is wrong on the facts, wrong for our national interests, and deeply wrong for the innocent families who will be forced back into harm\u2019s way.\u201d\n\nKennedy\u2019s letter details ongoing violence, civilian displacement, restrictions on humanitarian relief, and major natural disasters that have exacerbated instability in Burma. Citing reports from the United Nations and U.S. Department of State, the letter underscores that conditions remain far too dangerous for individuals to return safely, despite the administration\u2019s claims that the situation may soon improve. For Western New York\u2019s vibrant Burmese community, Kennedy noted that TPS has enabled families to fully participate in the local workforce, open small businesses, support their children in school, and contribute to the region\u2019s long-term growth. Ending these protections would threaten not only their safety, but also the stability and economic vitality of neighborhoods across Buffalo and the greater area.\n\nThe letter calls on the administration to reverse its decision immediately and redesignate TPS for Burma in light of clear, ongoing humanitarian need.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found below:\n\nThe Honorable Kristi Noem\n\nU.S. Department of Homeland Security\n\n2707 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, S.E.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20528\n\nThe Honorable Marco Rubio\n\nU.S. Department of State\n\n2201 C Street NW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20520\n\nSecretary Noem and Secretary Rubio,\n\nWe write to express deep concern regarding this administration\u2019s recent termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma. Currently, it is estimated that over 4,000 Burmese citizens reside in the U.S. with TPS, relying on this legal designation as a lifeline to support their families, contribute to the economy, and avoid return to a country plagued by civil unrest, violence, corruption, and instability. Accordingly, we urge the administration to immediately reverse its decision to end TPS for Burma and instead redesignate status for the thousands of Burmese nationals currently living and working in the U.S. lawfully.\n\nAs you know, in February 2021, a military junta in Burma seized power from a democratically elected government, thrusting the country into a civil war, political upheaval, and dire humanitarian conditions. Four years later, ethnic groups and pro-democracy coalitions continue to clash with the junta in efforts to fight back against military rule, and as such, the conditions in Burma continue to deteriorate. As recently as last month, a United Nations independent council that investigates crimes in Burma warned that \u201cthe frequency and severity of international crimes\u201d continues to escalate. This includes abuses during military detention, attacks on hospitals, places of worship, and schools, and civilian starvation as a result of continued conflict. Additionally, a 2024 report by the U.S. Department of State concluded similar findings of abuses, including disappearances, unlawful killings, forced labor, and illegal recruitment of children, among others.\n\nFurther compounding an already devastating humanitarian crisis, earthquakes hit central Burma in March of this year, leaving roughly 200,000 people homeless. Following the natural disaster, military forces reportedly blocked humanitarian aid, threatened relief workers, and capitalized on the already delicate situation to conduct civilian airstrikes, leaving more than half of western Rakhine state families unable to meet basic needs. In addition to an estimated 21.5 million Burmese citizens in need of humanitarian assistance such as food, shelter, sanitation, and water, the United Nations projects that 3.5 million individuals are internally displaced.\n\nSince 1990, the law has allowed foreign nationals from countries with severe civil unrest, violence, or natural disasters to remain in the country legally under TPS. Just weeks after the military takeover in February 2021, the federal government designated TPS for Burma and renewed the status for individuals in the U.S. twice thereafter due to worsening conditions in the country.[1] This lifesaving designation has allowed an estimated 4,000 Burmese individuals to remain in the U.S. safely and lawfully, protected from forced return to a country wrought with life-threatening conditions.\n\nAs evidenced above, this humanitarian crisis has not changed despite the administration\u2019s cancellation of TPS, making Burma unsafe for return. As a result, 4,000 Burmese nationals living in the U.S. and covered by TPS will face deportation on January 26, 2026, back to a country that they likely will no longer recognize, and where they will have little to no quality of life. Further, this administration\u2019s justification for TPS cancellation is purely based on speculation that conditions in the country may improve. In its recent decision, DHS cited the end of a state of emergency, a \u201ctimeline\u201d for elections, and a \u201ccredible\u201d ceasefire agreement as promises for Burma\u2019s future, with a total disregard for the current devastating humanitarian conditions on the ground.[2]\n\nIn communities across the U.S., Burmese nationals with TPS contribute to their local economies, start businesses, and raise families, working towards a future they could not currently sustain safely in their home country. From Western New York to Indianapolis, regions with thriving Burmese communities risk being upended should this administration continue with its cancellation of TPS. Accordingly, we urge the Trump administration to immediately reverse the cancellation of TPS for Burmese nationals and redesignate status in line with continued conflict and humanitarian devastation in Burma.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###\n\n[1] Department of Homeland Security. Secretary Mayorkas Designates Burma for Temporary Protected Status. March 21, 2021. https://www.dhs.gov/archive/news/2021/03/12/secretary-mayorkas-designates-burma-temporary-protected-status", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2335", "Kennedy Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Transparency, Predictability, and Local Impact of FEMA Preparedness Grants", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Kennedy\u2019s DHS Grants Accountability Act Would Ensure Funding Decisions Are Data-Driven\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, introduced the DHS Grants Accountability Act, legislation that would guarantee greater transparency, consistency, and data-driven decision-making within the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) homeland security preparedness grants programs. The bill directly addresses long-standing concerns raised by the Government Accountability Office and stakeholders about unpredictable timelines, opaque risk methodologies, and abrupt funding shifts that compromise local preparedness. By codifying clear award timelines and transparent methods, the DHS Grants Accountability Act strengthens the integrity of one of the federal government\u2019s most critical homeland security programs nationwide.\n\n\u201cI am proud to lead legislation that makes commonsense, necessary reforms to restore fairness and predictability to FEMA\u2019s suite of preparedness grant programs,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cWhen local needs are placed at the forefront of these funding decisions, communities can focus on what matters most: keeping people safe. Western New York families and first responders deserve a system of federal support that is transparent, reliable, and rooted in real risk.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor decades, the federal government has distributed billions in homeland security grants to our communities to prevent terror attacks and respond to disasters,\u201d said Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie Thompson. \u201cThis legislation will clarify Congressional intent and ensure that FEMA awards grants based on need and in a timely and reliable manner. The DHS Grants Accountability Act helps keep our preparedness grants consistent and transparent, giving States and local partners the stability they need to keep our communities safe. I thank Congressman Kennedy for introducing this much-needed legislation and I look forward to working with him on passage.\u201d\n\nFEMA\u2019s preparedness grants portfolio includes the State Homeland Security Program, the Urban Area Security Initiative, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the Port Security Grant Program, and numerous public transportation security grant programs. These investments help state, local, nonprofit, and tribal partners prevent, protect against, and respond to evolving threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and natural disasters.\n\nThis year, cities and states were given just two weeks to develop and submit complex grant applications for this funding - far short of the typical 60-day window and insufficient for coordinating local priorities. FEMA also altered its funding parameters without advance notice, cutting millions for New York State compared to FY24. Sudden shifts like these jeopardize public safety planning, hamper long-term investments, and leave high-risk areas, like Western New York\u2019s border crossings, transit systems, and major population centers, without the support they rely on.\n\nThe DHS Grants Accountability Act addresses these problems by:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-4-9-million-for-louisiana-firefighters/", "Cassidy Secures\u00a0$4.9 Million for Louisiana Firefighters", "2025-12-09", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "Funding AmountRecipientProject Description$793,931Caddo Parish Fire District #4This grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$742,857North Sabine Fire Protection DistrictThis grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$714,285Coulee Croche Fire District #4This grant provides federal funding for vehicle acquisition.$434,782State Fire MarshalThis grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$390,000Livingston Fire Protection District 2This grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$318,181Holiday Village Fire DepartmentThis grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$246,857Pointe Coupee Fire District #2This grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$247,619Caddo Parish Fire District Number FiveThis grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$230,038Haughton (Town of)This grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$204,857Caddo Fire District No. 1This grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$175,238Rapides Parish Fire District 12This grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$87,619Vidrine Community Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.This grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$74,838Bossier Parish Fire District #7This grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$73,333Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.This grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$57,142Rapides Parish Police JuryThis grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.$53,604NE Bossier Parish Fire District 5This grant provides federal funding for operations and safety.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-republicans-introduce-back-the-blue-act/", "Cassidy, Republicans Introduce Back the Blue Act", "2025-12-08", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and a group of Senate Republican colleagues introduced the Back the Blue Act to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves. In October, Iberville Parish Deputy Charles Riley was killed, and Captain Brett Stassi Jr. was injured in a tragic shooting.\n\n\u201cAmericans in Blue deserve our support. Let\u2019s do everything we can to protect Louisiana\u2019s law enforcement from violent criminals and targeted attacks,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn, (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), John Barrasso (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Todd Young (R-IN), James Lankford (R-OK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) in introducing the legislation.\n\nThe Back the Blue Act:\n\nStrengthens Laws to Protect Police Officers.\n\nCreates a new federal crime for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to the death penalty and a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years if death results; the offender would otherwise face a minimum sentence of 10 years.\n\nCreates a new federal crime for assaulting a federally funded law enforcement officer with escalating penalties, including mandatory minimums, based on the extent of any injury and the use of a dangerous weapon. However, no prosecution can be commenced absent certification by the Attorney General that prosecution is appropriate.\n\nCreates a new federal crime for interstate flight from justice to avoid prosecution for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for this offense.\n\nCreates a Specific Aggravating Factor for Federal Death Penalty Prosecutions\n\nClarifies that the murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer or first responder is a statutory aggravating factor for purposes of the federal death penalty.\n\nLimits Federal Habeas Relief for Murders of Law Enforcement Officers\n\nImposes time limits and substantive limits on federal courts\u2019 review of challenges to state-court convictions for crimes involving the murder of a public safety officer, when the public safety officer was engaged in the performance of official duties or on account of the performance of official duties. These changes are consistent with the fast-track procedures created in 1996, which are applied to federal death penalty cases.\n\nLimits Recovery of Certain Damages and Fees for Individuals Engaged in Felonies\n\nLimits the type of civil damages and attorney\u2019s fees recoverable by a criminal as a result of purported injuries incurred during the commission of a felony or crime of violence.\n\nExpands Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights for Law Enforcement Officers\n\nAllows law enforcement officers, subject to limited regulation, to carry firearms into federal facilities and other jurisdictions where such possession is otherwise prohibited.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), National Narcotic Officers\u2019 Associations\u2019 Coalition (NNOAC), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2333", "Kennedy Warns: Trump\u2019s Cruel Loan Cuts Will Cause Healthcare Workforce to Flatline", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "In Speech Before Congress and in Letter to Trump Administration, Kennedy Condemns New Loan Rules That Will Deepen Workforce Shortage\n\nKennedy, an Occupational Therapist, Demands Repeal of Misguided Rule That Will Further Weaken our Healthcare System\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) led 69 of his colleagues in a letter to the Trump Administration demanding the reversal of its dangerous decision to impose strict federal loan limits on certain advanced degree programs. Under the new Department of Education policy, certain advanced degree programs including those in high-demand healthcare fields such as nursing, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, speech-language pathology, social work, public health, and others, are not classified as \u201cprofessional programs,\u201d meaning students pursuing these degrees will only be able to borrow half as much as their counterparts in unaffected fields.\n\nKennedy warned that these new restrictions will severely hinder the ability of prospective healthcare professionals to finance their education and enter the field, further destabilizing a healthcare system already in crisis. These loan limits will worsen staff shortages, restrict access to higher education, and further strain a healthcare system already at its breaking point. Kennedy also underscored these concerns in remarks on the House floor, citing deepening staff shortages, clinic closures, and communities increasingly being left without access to timely care.\n\nKennedy Speaks on the House Floor\n\n\u201cWhen I went to grad school to become an OT, I had to take out loans. I remember filling out those forms, hoping I\u2019d have enough to cover tuition, books, and rent,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cI remember the weight of those payments followed me for years. I took on that debt because I wanted to build a better future for my family, and because I wanted to help people. This administration wants to force aspiring healthcare professionals to mortgage their futures before they treat their first patient. Worse, this move will deter them from answering their calling, taking an axe to the very system that trains them. As the only occupational therapist in Congress, I will not sit idly by while Trump and Congressional Republicans sabotage the very workforce that keeps this nation alive.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, Kennedy and his colleagues detailed ongoing healthcare workforce shortages, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating that the nation will need to fill nearly 195,000 nursing positions every year through 2033. This policy change is compounded by the vast damage caused by the passage of the Big, Ugly Bill that gutted $1 trillion from the nation\u2019s healthcare system, threatening to push struggling clinics and hospitals over the cliff. Without action to prevent these new loan limits from taking effect, generations of students will lose the ability to enter the healthcare workforce.\n\nThe text of the Kennedy-led letter is below:\n\nThe Honorable Linda McMahon\n\nSecretary of Education\n\nU.S. Department of Education\n\n400 Maryland Avenue SW\n\nWashington, D.C. 20202\n\nDear Secretary McMahon,\n\nWe write with deep concern regarding recent policy changes that impose strict federal student loan limits on advanced healthcare degree programs. As a result of provisions in H.R. 1, the Department of Education\u2019s (Department) most recent negotiated rulemaking introduces new distinctions between graduate programs in determining federal loan eligibility. These distinctions will directly undermine the ability of nurses, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, public health workers, mental health counselors, and other essential healthcare professionals to finance their education. Federal aid is one of the most effective tools for ensuring a stable and accessible healthcare workforce. This inequitable restructuring of graduate loan access places careers - in healthcare and a range of other professions - out of reach for middle-class students, deepens existing workforce shortages, and further strains a healthcare system already in crisis. We urge the Department to immediately reverse this harmful policy and ensure equal access to federal loans for all graduate degrees.\n\nHistorically, most graduate and professional students across disciplines have had access to the same federal borrowing limits. However, H.R. 1 made disastrous changes to these programs, creating disparities in how much certain graduate students can borrow for direct unsubsidized loans. Subsequently, on November 6, 2025, the Department moved forward with a proposal that compounds these disparities by failing to classify nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other graduate medical degrees as \u201cprofessional programs.\u201d As a result of the Department\u2019s failure to classify these professions appropriately, students pursuing these degrees will be permitted to borrow only half as much in federal loans compared to their counterparts in other fields. This reduction, combined with the elimination of the Grad PLUS program, represents a dramatic and destabilizing shift in how individuals pursue necessary advanced training for healthcare professions.\n\nIn practice, this policy undermines the future and stability of our healthcare system at a time of unprecedented workforce need. Across hospitals, clinics, and community health centers, the warning signs are clear. Nursing units are short-staffed, mental health providers are overwhelmed, and rehabilitation clinics cannot hire therapists fast enough to meet soaring patient needs. Federal labor projections paint a stark picture of what these shortages look like on the ground. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the U.S. will need to fill roughly 194,500 nursing positions every year through 2033, and demand for social workers and mental health counselors is expected to require nearly 123,000 new professionals annually. In rehabilitation fields, where patients rely on consistent access to physical and occupational therapy, demand for providers is projected to grow at rates nearly triple the national average, leaving thousands of unfilled positions each year.\n\nThese are not abstract numbers; they represent real patients waiting longer for care, communities losing vital services, and exhausted providers being stretched beyond capacity. By restricting access to federal loans, the Department is narrowing the pathway into these critical healthcare professions at the very moment that the need is surging, placing these degree programs out of reach for millions of prospective students. The result will be immediately felt in clinics already contending with staffing shortages and, over time, in teaching hospitals and training programs where shrinking graduate cohorts will weaken the pipeline of future practitioners. This policy only worsens the workforce crisis that is already compromising care and threatens to destabilize the nation\u2019s entire healthcare infrastructure for generations to come.\n\nAside from the workforce shortage this policy will create, it puts up yet another barrier to the middle class in the midst of our nation\u2019s ongoing cost-of-living crisis. For tens of thousands of students, federal aid is the only viable pathway to afford the advanced training required for these medical professions, as well as those outside healthcare, including education, accounting, and architecture. By arbitrarily capping support, the Department is effectively pulling up the ladder of opportunity, forcing aspiring healthcare professionals to take on predatory private debt or abandon their calling altogether. This decision is the height of hypocrisy by an administration that claims to support the middle class, while actively penalizing working-class students seeking to serve their communities.\n\nIn the richest country in the world, the Department\u2019s proposal saddles an already overburdened health workforce with tremendous financial and staffing challenges. At a critical inflection point in the future of our nation\u2019s healthcare, the administration must be advancing policies that address pressing workforce shortages and the cost of delivering care rather than exacerbating them. Given the need to correct this issue, we are actively considering policy options to ensure equal treatment of federal loans for graduate degrees. We urge you to reverse course immediately to prevent irreversible damage to critical medical workforces.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-legislation-to-encourage-unemployed-workers-to-reenter-the-workforce/", "Cassidy Introduces Legislation to Encourage Unemployed Workers to Reenter the Workforce", "2025-12-05", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Expedited Access to Reemployment Learning Yields (EARLY) Benefits for Workers Act, which would allow unemployed workers faster access to reemployment services so they can quickly reenter the workforce.\n\n\u201cBy getting unemployed Americans the tools they need to quickly return to the workforce, we\u2019re fueling the economy, filling job openings, and supporting businesses,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nBackground\n\nEmployers across many industries are facing serious labor shortages, and too many unemployed Americans are struggling to find suitable work. As artificial intelligence and other technologies change our economy, workers will face greater dislocation. Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) benefits \u2013 such as resume assistance, job search planning, and career workshops \u2013 are designed to help people get back to work faster. But under current law, states cannot offer RESEA services until after an unemployment insurance (UI) claim is approved. It typically takes weeks to process an initial unemployment claim after workers lose their jobs, meaning most workers do not receive help until they have already been out of work for some time. Today, more than one in three Americans exhaust their UI benefits before finding a new job, and research indicates that the longer a person is unemployed, the more difficult it becomes to reenter the workforce.\n\nThe EARLY Benefits for Workers Act would address these issues by allowing states to provide basic reemployment services as soon as a worker applies for unemployment benefits. This will help workers find jobs faster, shortening their unemployment and saving taxpayer dollars.\n\nCasidy was joined by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) in introducing the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-calling-to-make-health-care-affordable-empower-patients/", "Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Calling to Make Health Care Affordable, Empower Patients", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor calling on Congress to address rising health care costs for families. Specifically, Cassidy criticized the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which funnel billions of taxpayer dollars to giant insurance companies with no incentive to lower the cost of health premiums. In his speech, Cassidy outlined his plan to send this money directly to patients, rather than insurance companies, so they can better afford their care and out-of-pocket expenses. President Trump has expressed support for this concept.\n\n\u201cInstead of 100% of this money going to insurance companies, who take 20% of it \u2026 we give 100%, almost, to the patient, to our fellow American, in an account that she controls and use as she wishes.\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s give power to the patient, not profit to the insurance company. Let\u2019s make health care affordable again!\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nBackground\n\nIn November, Senator Cassidy urged Congress to address rising health care costs at a Senate Finance Committee hearing.\n\nCassidy has also continuously called for Congress to work together on solutions to lower the cost of health insurance for families in speeches on the Senate floor.\n\nClick here to watch Cassidy\u2019s full speech.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-leads-bill-to-streamline-veterans-benefits/", "Cassidy Leads Bill to Streamline Veterans\u2019 Benefits", "2025-12-04", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Veterans Appeals Modernization Act 2.0 to eliminate red tape in the veterans\u2019 benefits appeals process and add additional oversight and accountability.\n\n\u201cVeterans served our country without hesitation,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThey deserve to receive their benefits just as quickly.\u201d\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in introducing the legislation.\n\nBackground\n\nWhile the Appeals Modernization Act of 2017 (AMA) system was a substantial improvement over the legacy system, the changes below would continue to build on those successes:\n\nEliminate arbitrary \u201cdonut holes\u201d or blackout periods that prevent veterans from submitting evidence during certain periods of the appeals process.\n\nMake it easier for veterans to efficiently change review lanes without penalization.\n\nRequire VA to regularly publish online data about the outcome of AMA disputes, including Board appeals.\n\nMake electronic notice of Board decisions the default option and require the Board to include greater detail and explanation in its decisions.\n\nEnsure better caseflow management by requiring the Secretary of VA to complete a review of the electronic systems used to process appeals.\n\nGive veterans the right to seek Board reconsideration by a different panel\n\nConduct a third-party review of the veterans appeals process.\n\nRequire the comptroller general to conduct a review of VA\u2019s implementation of precedent setting decisions.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-applauds-300-million-investment-to-expand-franklin-shipyard/", "Cassidy Applauds $300 Million Investment to Expand Franklin Shipyard", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauded Saronic Technologies, Inc. for expanding operations in St. Mary Parish to increase production capacity at its autonomous surface vessels shipyard. The $300 million investment will strengthen Louisiana\u2019s advanced manufacturing base and generate 3,200 jobs.\n\n\u201cCompanies invest in Louisiana because we have the workforce and infrastructure to run a successful business,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cSaronic knows that. Their expansion means real jobs, real innovation, and a stronger economy in South Louisiana.\u201d\n\nThe company is expected to create 1,500 direct new jobs with an average annual salary of $87,936 at full employment, which is 46% above the average St. Mary Parish wage. When Saronic acquired the shipyard in April, it retained the existing workforce of 35 employees and has since grown to more than 100. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 1,770 indirect new jobs, for a total of 3,270 potential new job opportunities in the Bayou Region.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-trump-signs-cassidys-legislation-to-simplify-irs-notices-into-law/", "President Trump Signs Cassidy\u2019s Legislation to Simplify IRS Notices into Law", "2025-12-03", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released the following statement after President Trump signed his Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Health (IRS MATH) Act into law. The legislation will improve math and clerical error notices, an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) authority used to quickly adjust taxpayers\u2019 returns.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump and I want Americans who play by the rules to keep their hard-earned income. An honest mistake on a tax return should be met with clear guidance from the IRS, not confusion. I appreciate President Trump\u2019s partnership in making this a priority,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nBackground\n\nIn October, Cassidy applauded the U.S. Senate passage of his IRS Math Act.\n\nThe Internal Revenue Code allows the IRS to make \u201cmath error\u201d corrections \u2014 expedited adjustments to tax returns that contain simple math or clerical errors. Unlike other adjustments, which are made after a notice period and are challengeable in U.S. Tax Court, math and clerical adjustments are made automatically and require taxpayers to initiate responses to reverse them within 60 days. If the taxpayer does not contest the notice within the 60 days, the taxpayer forfeits their right to challenge, and the IRS can move forward with its normal collections process.\n\nEach year, millions of Americans receive math error notices reducing their tax refunds but find the notices \u201cvague and confusing\u201d because they do not explain what error the IRS has corrected or that taxpayers have only 60 days to challenge the IRS\u2019s position. The notices often list several potential errors that may have been made rather than specifying the exact issue, and they do not properly notify taxpayers of ways to contest the IRS adjustment, resulting in compounding errors on future tax returns and further risks to taxpayers. The legislation aims to improve the unworkable system to help hardworking taxpayers, who often cannot afford expensive tax advisors to help them navigate the complicated correspondence process. The legislation follows the 2024 tax filing deadline and vastly improved taxpayer services this filing season, but the lawmakers are urging the IRS to build on those improvements by fixing long-standing issues with math error notices.\n\nThe IRS MATH Act addresses this problem for taxpayers by directing the IRS to improve notices of math or clerical errors, requiring that notices:\n\nIdentify the line item IRS is changing;\n\nExplain the reason for the change, and;\n\nClearly list the taxpayer\u2019s required response date.\n\nIn addition, the bill requires:\n\nthe IRS to notify the taxpayer of abatement determinations when taxpayers disagree with the IRS.\n\nthe U.S. Treasury Secretary to provide additional procedures for requesting an abatement of a math or clerical error adjustment, including by telephone or in person.\n\nCreation of a pilot program coordinated by the IRS and National Taxpayer Advocate to determine the benefit of sending math or clerical error notices by certified or registered mail.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-applauds-president-trump-signing-his-support-act-into-law/", "Cassidy Applauds President Trump Signing His SUPPORT Act Into Law", "2025-12-01", "2025", "2025-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded President Trump signing his SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act into law. The law bolsters prevention, treatment, and recovery services for Americans with substance use disorders and mental illness.\n\n\u201cThe opioid and mental health crisis is devastating families across the nation. Thousands of Americans die each month from an overdose,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cPresident Trump and I are committed to tackling this crisis head-on. I\u2019m proud to work with him to enact the SUPPORT Act to equip communities with vital resources to save lives.\u201d\n\nThe SUPPORT Act originally passed Congress and was signed into law by President Trump in 2018. The legislation expired on September 30, 2023.\n\nSince arriving to Congress, Cassidy has worked with President Trump on multiple efforts to combat the opioid crisis and strengthen mental health resources for families and children. In July, President Trump signed into law Cassidy\u2019s HALT Fentanyl Act, which gives law enforcement another tool to combat drug cartels by permanently scheduling fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act.\n\nThe SUPPORT Act Reauthorization of 2025:\n\nRenews and strengthens important programs for prevention, treatment, and recovery.\n\nHelps individuals in recovery reenter the workforce to get back on their feet.\n\nReauthorizes specialized programs that treat moms and babies with alcohol and other substance use disorders.\n\nReauthorizes comprehensive opioid recovery centers that provide a full spectrum of support services for individuals with substance use disorders.\n\nHelps more addiction medicine providers enter the workforce, increasing capacity of recovery programs.\n\nEnsures that 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Lifeline is protected from cybersecurity threats.\n\nTrains first responders to administer life-saving opioid overdose reversal medications.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:09:11Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-budd-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-ban-terrorist-sympathizers-from-the-united-states/", "Cassidy, Budd, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Ban Terrorist Sympathizers from the United States", "2025-11-25", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Ted Budd (R-NC), and a group of Republican colleagues introduced the Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act to close loopholes in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and expand the existing INA provision that bans officers, officials, representatives, or spokesmen of the Palestine Liberation Organization to additionally include any member or anyone who publicly endorses the terrorist activities of Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Palestine Islamic Jihad, or any successor or affiliate group, from receiving a visa or admission into the United States.\n\n\u201cFreedom of speech does not protect terrorism and calls to terror,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe\u2019re strengthening the law so terrorists and their supporters can go hate us somewhere else.\u201d\n\n\u201cEver since the horrific terrorist attacks of October 7, we have seen a dramatic rise in pro-Hamas rhetoric across our country, including from international students here on visas. This needs to stop. Those seeking to come to the U.S., whether for school, work, or otherwise, and who publicly endorse Foreign Terrorist Organizations, must face consequences for their actions. The Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act will close ambiguous loopholes in our immigration law by prohibiting them from entering our borders,\u201d said Senator Budd.\n\nCassidy and Budd were joined by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Cornyn (R-TX), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Rick Scott (R-FL) in introducing the legislation.\n\n\u201cWe have a fundamental responsibility to protect American citizens and our allies from those who would spread hatred and violence on our soil. This legislation simply codifies what should be common sense: if you\u2019re a member of or spokesperson for Hamas, Hezbollah, or other terrorist organizations\u2014or if you publicly endorse their barbaric acts\u2014you have no right to enter or remain in the United States. We saw the disgusting displays on college campuses after October 7th, and this bill ensures we have the statutory tools to prevent terrorist sympathizers from exploiting our visa system,\u201d said Senator Lummis.\n\n\u201cThe October 7 terrorist attacks were a dark day for the world. Since those attacks, we have witnessed a disturbing rise in pro-Hamas support among foreign visa holders inside the United States. The Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act would ensure that an alien who backs Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, or any other group supporting the Palestine Liberation Organization is deemed inadmissible to the United States,\u201d said Senator Blackburn.\n\n\u201cOur nation has learned the hard lesson that when terrorists come into our country, they harm Americans. I\u2019m proud to join Senator Budd and our colleagues in this commonsense effort to further prevent terrorist sympathizers and associates from coming to the U.S., threatening our national security, and spreading their anti-American propaganda and hatred,\u201d said Senator McCormick.\n\n\u201cIsrael is our strongest ally in the Middle East and those who sympathize with terrorists like Hamas and Hezbollah have absolutely no place in our country. I\u2019m proud to join Senator Budd and our colleagues in introducing this bill to keep our nation safe and send a strong signal across the globe that America will not tolerate any form of violent antisemitism,\u201d said Senator Daines.\n\n\u201cIn the aftermath of Hamas\u2019 unprovoked attack on Israel two years ago, we\u2019ve seen an alarming wave of antisemitic, pro-terrorist advocacy by foreign visa holders present in the U.S. who seek to do Americans harm. By broadening the Immigration and Nationality Act, this commonsense legislation would ensure those who support or sympathize with terrorist groups and their affiliates are inadmissible to the United States, and I\u2019m proud to support it,\u201d said Senator Cornyn.\n\n\u201cTerrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda seek to murder Americans. Their terrorist members, spokesmen, and supporters should not be allowed into our country. This bill will keep Americans safe,\u201d said Senator Ricketts.\n\n\u201cAmerica must never be a safe haven for anyone who supports terrorist organizations or celebrates violence against our ally, Israel. After the horrific terrorist attacks on October 7, we saw individuals in this country openly praising Hamas and other foreign terrorist groups. That is unacceptable. This bill makes crystal clear in federal law that any individual in the U.S. on a visa who openly support Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, or any other terrorist organization, is not welcome in the United States. We are closing dangerous loopholes and standing firmly with Israel, with the Jewish community, and with America\u2019s commitment to fight terrorism at every turn,\u201d said Senator Scott.\n\nU.S. Representative August Pfluger (R-TX-11) previously introduced the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cThere is no place in America for foreign adversaries or terrorist sympathizers. As our nation faces a disturbing rise in antisemitic and illegal alien terror attacks, along with increasing pro-Hamas sentiment on our college campuses, we must take action to ensure our borders are secure from those wishing harm against Americans. The Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act would take a critical step in that effort,\u201d said Representative Pfluger.\n\nBackground\n\nFollowing the terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, there has been a wave of anti-Israel, antisemitic, and pro-Hamas advocacy by foreign visa holders present in the United States, as well as visa applicants seeking to enter the country.The Trump administration has revoked the visas of individuals who engaged in pro-Hamas advocacy and tightened the vetting process to detect such advocacy conducted by visa applicants.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-highlights-baton-rouge-business-owner-katie-jenkins-for-employing-people-with-disabilities/", "LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights Baton Rouge Business Owner Katie Jenkins for Employing People with Disabilities", "2025-11-25", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, highlighted Katie Jenkins, owner of STIR Coffee in Baton Rouge, who primarily employs Louisianans with cognitive disabilities. By providing good jobs for people who may otherwise face barriers to employment, Katie is improving life for those she employs and setting a positive example for businesses across the country. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency.\n\nRead his full November 2025 Local Spotlight below:\n\nA big shoutout to Katie Jenkins, owner of STIR Coffee in Baton Rouge\u2014a caf\u00e9 that primarily employs people with disabilities.\n\nFor someone with cognitive differences, whether from birth or trauma, finding a job can be hard.\n\nAnd many want to work but are never given a chance.\n\nPerhaps the best thing about STIR Coffee is the brewing sense of hope so many of their employees feel\u2014expanding their expertise, sharpening their skills, and staying involved in a community despite the challenges they face.\n\nEvery American\u2014including those with disabilities\u2014deserves the freedom to work and reach their fullest potential.\n\nKatie, a real shoutout, applauding you for starting a business that improves the life of people in our community in such a heartwarming way.\n\nYou set out to make a difference, and drip by drip\u2014and, in all seriousness\u2014person by person, you are succeeding!\n\nKeep making Louisiana and our world a better place!\n\nBackground\n\nIn October, Cassidy recognized St. Bernard Parish firefighter, Andrew Nixon, for saving a woman\u2019s life while off-duty seconds before her car was engulfed in flames following a collision with an 18-wheeler. Andrew was on his way home from a wedding with his fianc\u00e9e when he pulled the young woman from her vehicle and carried her to safety. The 23-year-old firefighter reflects on the experience as a full-circle moment\u2014drawing strength from the memory of his niece, Everleigh, whose tragic passing continues to inspire his commitment to protect others.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-lankford-introduce-bill-to-protect-medical-residents-from-coercive-abortion-training-practices/", "Cassidy, Lankford Introduce Bill to Protect Medical Residents from Coercive Abortion Training Practices", "2025-11-24", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced the Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Actto ensure medical students and residents are never pressured or coerced into abortion training that violates their moral or religious beliefs. The legislation establishes clear federal protections, so residents are not forced to choose between their consciences and their careers.\n\n\u201cThose training to save lives should be exempt from participating in that which goes against her or his conscience,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cAllow students to choose a culture of life.\u201d\n\n\u201cMedical residents should never be pressured to violate their beliefs in order to finish their training or advance in their careers,\u201d said Senator Lankford. \u201cMany went into medicine to protect life, not take it. No one should have to choose between their conscience and their future in medicine. Our bill makes that clear and ensures medical students and residents can follow their convictions as they care for their patients.\u201d\n\nCassidy and Lankford were joined by U.S. Representative Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC-03), and U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Jim Banks (R-IN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Katie Britt (R-AL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Todd Young (R-IN) in introducing the legislation.\n\n\u201cMedical residents should not be compelled to participate in abortion training if it violates their conscience,\u201d said Representative Murphy. \u201cOpting out of such training enables potential retaliation by faculty who have enormous power over residents and their future success. Pursuing an elective abortion is not the same as receiving lifesaving care, such as for miscarriages or ectopic pregnancies, and training should reflect that. This issue is about restoring a non-ideological educational environment where individuals do not fear expressing moral or religious objections.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is supported by The American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Americans Defending Freedom, Americans United for Life, National Right to Life Committee, Center for Urban Renewal and Education, CatholicVote, Vitae Foundation, Human Coalition, March for Life Action, Heartbeat International, Students for Life Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Live Action, Heritage Action, Family Policy Alliance, Liberty Counsel, Family Research Council, and Liberty Counsel Action.\n\nBackground\n\nUnder current rules from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, residents are allowed to opt out of abortion training, but the opt-out system puts pressure on trainees to participate in procedures that violate their moral or religious beliefs. Residents often fear that opting out could affect evaluations, recommendations, or future career opportunities.\n\nThe Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act replaces the opt-out system with an opt-in system. It ensures residents can choose whether to participate in abortion training and protects them from discrimination or retaliation if they decline.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-backed-proposed-oil-and-gas-lease-sale-in-gulf-of-america-announced-by-trump-administration/", "Cassidy-Backed Proposed Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Gulf of America Announced by Trump Administration", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauds the Trump Administration\u2019s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announcement of the Proposed Notice of Sale for the second offshore oil and gas lease sale. Cassidy played a key role in getting this sale authorized through President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts bill.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m working with President Trump to boost American energy, lower costs, and create jobs,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThat starts right here in Louisiana\u2019s backyard\u2014the Gulf of America.\u201d\n\nThe proposed lease sale is scheduled to take place on March 11, 2026. This sale is the second of thirty Gulf of America oil and gas lease sales required by the Working Families Tax Cuts bill. By committing to a predictable sale schedule, the department is delivering on President Trump\u2019s promise to expand American energy production and strengthen U.S. energy dominance.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-legislation-to-protect-americans-from-foreign-robots/", "Cassidy Introduces Legislation to Protect\u00a0Americans from Foreign Robots", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Humanoid Robots Oversight and Blocking of Obtainment from Totalitarians (Humanoid ROBOT) Actto ensure the United States remains the leader in robotics and protect American systems from adversarial nations accessing them through humanoid robot technologies. The bill would prevent federal agencies and their contractors from using humanoid robots developed by China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea, while establishing oversight of foreign investment in U.S. humanoid robotics.\n\n\u201cAmericans win when we lead in technology,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe\u2019re keeping that lead by blocking countries like China from putting their robots in our workplaces and homes.\u201d\n\nHumanoid robots are expected to become increasingly integral for industrial, household, and defense applications. Although the U.S. currently leads in this field, hostile nations are investing in the technology, posing risks to American data, national security, and economic strength.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) in introducing the legislation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-nearly-3-million-for-jefferson-parish-bus-stop-improvements/", "Cassidy Secures Nearly $3 Million for Jefferson Parish Bus Stop Improvements", "2025-11-21", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Jefferson Transit will receive $2,975,000.00 to upgrade bus stops throughout its service area to ensure compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Cassidy secured this funding through a combination of Congressionally Directed Spending and Cassidy\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the Federal Transit Administration.\n\n\u201cJefferson Parish families rely on these routes to get to work, school, the grocery store, appointments, and more,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis project ensures the stops along the way are safer and more accessible.\u201d\n\nThe project will modernize bus stop locations parish-wide to improve accessibility and enhance rider experience.\n\nSince taking office, Cassidy has been one of the most effective U.S. Senators at directing federal dollars home to Louisiana, despite not serving on the Appropriations Committee. In FY2024, Roll Call reported Cassidy was one of the top 20 senators in total funding secured for his state\u2014and one of only five in that group who does not sit on the committee. That year, he secured a record $1.3 billion for Louisiana, the highest of any member of the state\u2019s congressional delegation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-updates-bill-to-help-veterans-military-spouses-rejoin-the-workforce/", "Cassidy Updates Bill to Help Veterans, Military Spouses Rejoin the Workforce", "2025-11-20", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced an updated version of the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Act that was reintroduced earlier this year to help veterans and military spouses find high-paying jobs. The bill enables business owners to invest in staffing, training, wages, and benefits to expand employment opportunities for workers. The updated legislation extends eligibility to military spouses, includes a 5-year extension of the credit, and indexes the credit to inflation. Without Congressional action, WOTC will expire at the end of this year.\n\n\u201cVeterans and military spouses deserve every opportunity to build stable, rewarding careers,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cBy reducing the burden on employers who hire them and other individuals who have fallen through the cracks, we strengthen our economy and give people the chance they need.\u201d\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Jim Justice (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Peter Welch (D-VT).\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) and Steven Horsford (D-NV-04).\n\n\u201cSome of the most productive and reliable workers happen to be married to members of the military, but they often struggle with employment because of frequent relocation,\u201d said Senator Boozman. \u201cI am pleased to join the bipartisan effort to update the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and extend eligibility to include military spouses. Doing so will only strengthen this initiative, support families serving our country and benefit our economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor hardworking Americans who\u2019ve faced real obstacles entering the workforce and pursuing their American Dream, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit has long been a vital lifeline,\u201d said Senator Marshall. \u201cBy extending and modernizing WOTC \u2013 and adding military spouses alongside the long-term unemployed, those transitioning off assistance, and our veterans \u2013 we\u2019re giving more people a fair chance at meaningful work and the independence that comes with it. I\u2019m proud to join Senator Cassidy in introducing this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cExpanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit offers support to employers in Kansas and across the country to fill critical workforce needs while providing opportunities for more Americans to find steady, meaningful jobs,\u201d said Senator Moran. \u201cThis commonsense legislation will provide those who face barriers to employment, including veterans, military spouses and individuals with disabilities, the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families while working in their local communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur veterans and military families have always stepped up for our country and we absolutely owe it to them to ensure they have the opportunity to succeed when they return home. Updating and extending the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) helps our businesses and hard-working Americans. It\u2019s common sense, pro-worker, and it strengthens our communities in West Virginia and across our nation,\u201d said Senator Justice.\n\n\u201cThe best anti-poverty program is a good job. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) helps both employers and workers, as individuals transition back into the workforce. I remain dedicated to helping disadvantaged Americans return to work by advancing legislation that strengthens this proven tool. WOTC is a bipartisan, commonsense approach that every Member of Congress should champion,\u201d said Representative Smucker.\n\nThe WOTC provides a federal tax credit to employers who invest in American workers who have consistently faced barriers to employment, including eligible veterans, SNAP recipients, individuals with disabilities, and long-term unemployed individuals. Employers incur higher recruitment and training costs to reach WOTC-eligible populations and support their successful transition back into employment. WOTC has not been updated since its enactment twenty-seven years ago, and its value has been eroded significantly due to inflation. The National Employment Opportunity Network reports that the WOTC has saved the federal government an estimated $202 billion over ten years. According to EY, the legislation is estimated to directly support 350,000 new jobs, generating $3.7 billion in labor income and contributing $5.6 billion to GDP.\n\nThe Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act would:\n\nUpdate the WOTC, which has not been changed since its enactment twenty-seven years ago, and encourage longer-service employment.\n\nIncrease the current credit percentage from 40% to 50% of qualified wages.\n\nIncentivize employee retention by expanding the credit for those who work 400 or more hours.\n\nEliminate the arbitrary age cap at which SNAP recipients are eligible for WOTC. This change will provide an incentive to hire older workers and better align the credit with previously adopted work reforms.\n\nExtend the credit for 5 years.\n\nExpand eligibility to military spouses.\n\nIndex the credit to inflation.\n\n\u201cThe Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a critical part of our mission\u2026 WOTC not only opens doors to opportunity for thousands of Louisianans each year but also supports businesses in finding and retaining skilled, motivated workers. With the WOTC program set to expire at the end of this year, we respectfully urge your support for its extension and continued authorization.\u201d \u2013 Louisiana Works\n\n\u201cFor more than two decades, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit has been one of the federal government\u2019s most effective tools for improving veteran employment outcomes. By strengthening WOTC, extending it through 2030, and finally adding military spouses as a new target group, this legislation aligns federal hiring incentives with the lived realities of today\u2019s military families. These reforms will open doors, strengthen economic opportunity, and support the financial stability and readiness of the all-volunteer force.\u201d \u2013Lt. General Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret.), President and CEO of the Military Officers Association of America\n\n\u201cWOTC tax credits are a great benefit to job seekers finding meaningful employment opportunities. It\u2019s a WIN/WIN for both the job seeker and the employer. Not continuing this program would be a huge setback to workforce ecosystem.\u201d \u2013 Brandon Smith, Flexicrew Tech\n\n\u201cI am writing on behalf of our restaurants in the Louisiana Market. The WOTC credit is crucial to the financial success of our business in the state of Louisiana that the WOTC tax credits are extended. These are one of the main reasons we are still able to maintain profitability and keep those 10 restaurants open. We employee over 500 people with a weekly payroll of over $100,000.\u201d \u2014 Christopher Ballard, Human Resource Director, Big River Restaurants\n\n\u201cThe Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a lifeline for Louisiana employers and workers alike. It helps small businesses fill critical jobs, invest in training, and bring overlooked workers \u2014 including veterans and those rebuilding after unemployment \u2014 back into the workforce. Senator Cassidy\u2019s legislation to extend and strengthen WOTC will keep these opportunities growing and our communities thriving.\u201d\u2014 Mark Leyoub, Manager, Complete Staffing LLC, Lake Charles, LA\n\n\u201cWOTC helps Louisiana employers fill open jobs, reduces hiring costs, and supports workforce stability by encouraging employers to bring in workers who might otherwise be overlooked. For many Louisiana small businesses, WOTC provides a financial bridge to invest in training and retention for new hires, helping individuals move from public assistance to employment and empowering families to achieve long-term financial independence.\u201d \u2013 Quinn Jones, CFO & Owner, Cabildo, New Orleans\n\n\u201cWith six Buffalo Wild Wing locations in Louisiana, the WOTC provides much needed assistance on rising payroll costs in an already thin margin business. This credit assists with the viability of our entities and allows us to continue operations, employ other individuals throughout our restaurants and support the local community via fundraising and sponsorship.\u201d \u2013 Matt Soderman, Chief Financial Officer, Patton Wings, Inc.\n\n\u201cThe updated \u2018Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act\u2019 not only strengthens WOTC \u2014 it will drive economic activity in communities across the country, assist individuals such as veterans, the long-term unemployed, and SNAP and TANF recipients get off the sidelines and into good-paying jobs, and reduce the cost of federal and state social assistance programs. This program has been valuable for our company and growth opportunities, and we look forward to working in a bipartisan manner to enact it.\u201d \u2013 Scott Adams, Corporate Tax Director, Turner Industries Group, Baton Rouge LA\n\n\u201cThis legislation includes \u2018the most significant improvements to the program since its inception, will drive economic activity in communities across the country, and encourage employers to hire spouses of active-duty members, many of whom have sacrificed their careers in service of our country.\u201d \u2013 Charles Daroca, CFO, Restaurant Antoine, New Orleans, LA", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/38686-2/", "Cassidy Calls to Make Health Care Affordable, Send Money to Patients at Finance Hearing", "2025-11-19", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) called on Congress to work together to address rising health care costs by sending money directly to Americans at a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing. Cassidy also criticized the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which funnel billions of taxpayer dollars to giant insurance companies with no incentive to lower the cost of health premiums. Cassidy\u2019s proposal would redirect that money to patients to help pay for care and out-of-pocket expenses. President Trump has spoken supportively of Cassidy\u2019s concept.\n\n\u201cUnder the status quo, the insurance companies get the money that subsidizes premiums, the insurance company makes the decision, and it doesn\u2019t lower health care costs. In fact, it actually contributes to higher costs, and it fuels fraud and unauthorized enrollment.\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cUnder what we\u2019re proposing, is that 100% goes to a patient-driven account in which she can use for a physician, or dentist, or drugs,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy has continuously called for Congress to work together on real solutions to lower health insurance costs for families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-louisiana-first-in-the-nation-to-receive-approval-for-1-4-billion-in-broadband-funding-from-his-infrastructure-bill/", "Cassidy Announces Louisiana First in the Nation to Receive Approval for $1.4 Billion in Broadband Funding from His Infrastructure Bill", "2025-11-18", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced that Louisiana has become the first state in the nation to receive full federal approval of its plan to deploy $1,355,554,552.94 billion in broadband internet funding from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\n\u201cI was proud to negotiate the infrastructure bill to secure this $1.36 BILLION in funding for Louisiana. Access to high-speed internet is essential for every small business owner, student, and worker. I am grateful to President Trump for his work to get it moving,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nWhile negotiating the infrastructure bill, Cassidy pushed for a fair broadband formula that would benefit Louisiana\u2019s needs and ensure the funding was directed to areas that lacked access to high-speed internet. The formula is based on the number of unserved and underserved broadband recipients in each state as determined by updated Broadband internet-coverage maps. A map of Louisiana residents accessing broadband internet before Cassidy\u2019s bill was passed can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-recognized-for-work-to-advance-historic-tax-credit-in-new-orleans-2/", "Cassidy Discusses Growing Louisiana\u2019s Economy with LABI Members in Baton Rouge", "2025-11-14", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "BATON ROUGE \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke at the Federal Outreach Tour for the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) this morning to discuss what he\u2019s doing in Washington to help create jobs, support small businesses, and expand Louisiana\u2019s economy.\n\n\u201cWe want Louisiana to be a place where young people move to,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe already have the best food in the world, so that means making life affordable and creating high-paying jobs. Thanks to my work with President Trump and our local business owners, this is all happening.\u201d\n\nIn July, Cassidy joined President Trump to support the Working Families Tax Cut Act. That legislation made permanent the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and cut taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security. The legislation also provided tax deductions for oil and gas exploration and required no less than two lease sales every year for 15 years in the central and western areas of the Gulf of America.\n\nAdditionally in October, Cassidy headlined the American Council for Capital Formation Energy Summit in New Orleans, to discuss using Louisiana\u2019s energy resources to boost U.S. manufacturing and help America remain energy independent. Cassidy has also introduced legislation to strengthen power grids, increase oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf, and protect permitting applications from frivolous lawsuits.\n\nAttending the event were leaders across Louisiana\u2019s business community. Cassidy was also welcomed by Mr. Will Green, President and CEO of LABI.\n\n\u201cThe Louisiana Association of Business and Industry appreciates Senator Cassidy taking the time to brief our members on the key issues and priorities shaping the business and policy landscape of Washington, D.C.,\u201d said President Green. \u201cHis insight into federal energy, infrastructure and economic competitiveness helps inform LABI\u2019s efforts to advance initiatives that strengthen Louisiana\u2019s economy and support job creation across all sectors.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-recognized-for-work-to-advance-historic-tax-credit-in-new-orleans/", "Cassidy Recognized for Work to Advance Historic Tax Credit in New Orleans", "2025-11-13", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "METAIRIE \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited the Shops at Jax Brewery in New Orleans to acknowledge a plaque unveiled in his honor thanking him for his support of the Historic Tax Credit (HTC). Thanks to that credit, they were able to renovate its building in 2024, supporting over 400 jobs.\n\n\u201cAcross New Orleans, old landmarks are finding new life as condos, restaurants, and attractions thanks to the Historic Tax Credit,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cLet\u2019s preserve our past as we build to a better future.\u201d\n\nOriginally, Jax Brewery opened in 1890 to brew Jax Beer, and at its height was the largest brewery in the southern United States. The brewery closed in 1974 but was later reopened as a shopping center and is one of many buildings in New Orleans which have benefitted from the HTC, including the Hibernia Bank Building and locations across the Warehouse District.\n\nThe HTC was originally struck by the U.S. House of Representatives when they passed their version of the TCJA. However, thanks to Cassidy\u2019s efforts, the credit was preserved in the Senate version of the TCJA and ultimately signed into law.\n\nCassidy was joined by several dignitaries, including from The Berger Company, which renovated the building. He was also welcomed by Mr. Albert Rex, Chair of the Historic Tax Credit Coalition.\n\n\u201cSenator Bill Cassidy has been an extraordinary champion of the federal historic tax credit,\u201d said Mr. Rex. \u201cWithout his leadership in 2017, the credit would have been eliminated in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Thanks to his efforts, more than 6,700 historic rehabilitation projects have been approved nationwide since then, generating over $41 billion in investment. In Louisiana, alone, more than 600 projects have driven $1.7 billion in private investment. Senator Cassidy continues to work tirelessly to strengthen this critical program, encouraging reinvestment in our communities and preserving America\u2019s historic heritage.\u201d\n\nMr. Rex added, \u201cthis plaque will serve as a permanent reminder of Senator Cassidy\u2019s work, not just in New Orleans where the credit has been so valuable, but across Louisiana and the nation. We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Cassidy to improve the credit so more buildings and communities can benefit from this important program.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-cassidy-cruz-resolution-condemning-abduction-demanding-release-of-pastor-ezra-jin/", "Senate Passes Cassidy, Cruz Resolution Condemning Abduction, Demanding Release of Pastor Ezra Jin", "2025-11-13", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX), released the following statements following U.S. Senate passage of their resolution condemning the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin and other leaders of the Zion Church and calling for their release.\n\n\u201cFaith isn\u2019t a crime. We need to call out China for once more targeting people of faith,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cChristians are fighting daily for their religious freedom against the Chinese Communist Party. Last month, the CCP carried out its largest nationwide crackdown in over four decades against a Christian house church in China. I\u2019m grateful to Senator Coons and my colleagues for standing with me to demand Pastor Jin and his congregation\u2019s release and to make clear that any government that fears faith is tyrannical,\u201d said Senator Cruz.\n\nCassidy and Cruz were joined by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jim Justice (R-WV), and Rick Scott (R-FL) in introducing the resolution.\n\nBackground\n\nOn October 10, 2025, the CCP conducted the largest coordinated, nationwide crackdown against a Christian urban house church in over four decades. At least 22 pastors and church members from Zion Church, one of China\u2019s largest underground congregations, were arrested, including a prominent pastor and the founder of Zion Church, Pastor \u201cEzra\u201d Jin Mingri.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-higgins-kennedy-johnson-back-mcneese-university-request-for-naval-rotc-program/", "Cassidy, Higgins, Kennedy, Johnson Back McNeese University Request for Naval ROTC Program", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), U.S. Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) expressed strong support for McNeese University\u2019s request to establish a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program.\n\n\u201cWe extend our support for McNeese State University\u2019s application to participate in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (Naval ROTC) program. Assigning a Naval ROTC program to McNeese would expand its academic offerings, enhance student life experiences, and align the University with becoming even more military-friendly for active service members, Veterans, and their families,\u201d wrote the members.\n\n\u201cWith its proximity to the Gulf of America, many of the nation\u2019s top ports, and the burgeoning home of Navy autonomous vessels, McNeese would be an excellent location for future naval officers,\u201d continued the members.\n\nRead the full letter here or below:\n\nSecretary Phelan,\n\nWe extend our support for McNeese State University\u2019s application to participate in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (Naval ROTC) program. Assigning a Naval ROTC program to McNeese would expand its academic offerings, enhance student life experiences, and align the University with becoming even more military-friendly for active service members, Veterans, and their families.\n\nWith its proximity to the Gulf of America, many of the nation\u2019s top ports, and the burgeoning home of Navy autonomous vessels, McNeese would be an excellent location for future naval officers. The University maintains highly successful Engineering and Computer Science programs and is experiencing an upward trend in enrollment due to its rigorous academic curriculum and value-based organizations. McNeese State University is already committed to these students and the Navy, identifying campus buildings and facilities for the program.\n\nLouisiana has a storied history in supporting our nation\u2019s defense and providing exemplary servicemen and women. McNeese is prepared to invest in this effort and capitalize on its students\u2019 desire to serve our country. A Naval ROTC program would solidify this pathway.\n\nWe appreciate your attention to this matter and respectfully request your full and fair consideration of McNeese State University for a Naval ROTC program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-releases-statement-on-vote-to-reopen-government/", "Cassidy Releases Statement on Vote to Reopen Government", "2025-11-12", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released the following statement on Democrats voting to reopen the government after 42 days. This legislation will reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) retroactive to October 1st, fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), pay our federal workers and troops, and get our airport operations back to normal.\n\n\u201cAfter weeks of pain for working American families, Democrats finally agreed to end their unnecessary shutdown,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cNow that the government is open, it\u2019s time to work together to address the health care affordability crisis.\u201d\n\nCassidy has continuously called for Democrats to end the shutdown and for Congress to work together on real solutions to lower health insurance costs for families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-calling-on-democrats-to-work-together-to-lower-families-health-costs/", "Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Calling on Democrats to Work Together to Lower Families\u2019 Health Costs", "2025-11-10", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor urging Democrats to work together on real solutions to make health care affordable for the American people. Specifically, he criticized the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which funnel billions of taxpayer dollars to giant insurance companies with no incentive to lower the cost of health premiums.\n\nIn the speech, Cassidy proposed an idea to give these credits directly to patients and empower them to manage their own health care decisions. President Trump has repeatedly called on Congress to end these subsidies that pad the profits of insurance companies, and instead give these resources directly to patients. The President has also spoken in support of Cassidy\u2019s idea as an alternative.\n\n\u201cObamacare has tried to make health care affordable by throwing more money at insurance companies. But, that doesn\u2019t make health care cheaper; it makes health insurance more expensive for many,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cInstead of paying insurance companies to manage more of our money, let\u2019s trust Americans to manage those extra dollars and manage their own care \u2014 with a pre-funded Federal Flexible Spending Account.\u201d\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s fix health care, and let\u2019s give the patient the power,\u201d continued Dr. Cassidy.\n\nClick here to watch Cassidy\u2019s full speech.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-calls-for-action-to-make-health-care-affordable/", "Cassidy Calls for Action to Make Health Care Affordable", "2025-11-09", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered remarks on the U.S. Senate floor calling on Congress to work together to address the real issues driving up health care costs for the American people. Specifically, Cassidy criticized the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which funnel billions of taxpayer dollars to giant insurance companies with no incentive to lower the cost of health premiums.\n\nPresident Trump has repeatedly called on Congress to end these subsidies that pad the profits of insurance companies, and instead give these resources directly to patients. Cassidy proposed an idea aligned with President Trump\u2019s mission to empower patients to manage their own health care dollars and decisions.\n\n\u201cI absolutely agree with President Trump that we need to redirect the subsidies from insurance companies and give patients the power,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThat\u2019s exactly what my Pre-Funded Flexible Spending Accounts do. As a doctor, I want my patients to have the power.\u201d\n\nClick here to watch Cassidy\u2019s full speech.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-continues-to-demand-end-to-shutdown-echoes-call-from-president-trump-to-make-health-care-affordable-for-families/", "Cassidy Continues to Demand End to Shutdown, Echoes Call from President Trump to Make Health Care Affordable for Families", "2025-11-08", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), delivered remarks on the U.S. Senate floor calling on Democrats to end the shutdown and for Congress to work together on real solutions to make health care affordable for families. Specifically, Cassidy criticized the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which funnel billions of taxpayer dollars to giant insurance companies with no incentive to lower the cost of health premiums.\n\n\u201cThe choice is before us. We can keep on paying insurance companies to hide the cost of the health care behind confusing bills and rising premiums\u2026 Or we can trust Americans with the tools to pay for the care directly, at fair prices, with total transparency,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nEarlier today, President Trump called on Congress to end these subsidies that pad the profits of insurance companies, and instead give these resources directly to patients. Cassidy proposed an idea aligned with President Trump\u2019s mission to empower patients to manage their own health care dollars and decisions.Click here and here to watch Cassidy\u2019s full remarks.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-to-demand-end-to-shutdown-call-for-action-to-lower-health-costs-for-american-families/", "Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech to Demand End to Shutdown, Call for Action to Lower Health Costs for American Families", "2025-11-07", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), delivered remarks on the U.S. Senate floor calling on Democrats to end the shutdown and for Congress to work together on real solutions to lower health insurance costs for families. Specifically, he offered an alternative to the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which funnel billions of taxpayer dollars to giant insurance companies with no incentive to lower the cost of health premiums.\n\nCassidy joined President Trump and Republican lawmakers calling for an end to the shutdown so Congress can work together on genuine reforms to fix the insurance market and lower health care costs.\n\n\u201cI want to present colleagues and fellow Americans with an idea that can move us forward out of this stalemate and solve the health care affordability problem.\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nSince arriving to Congress in 2009, Cassidy has led multiple efforts to deliver solutions that make health care affordable for families. In his speech, Cassidy proposed an idea to empower patients to manage their own health care and ensure resources go directly to families\u2019 pockets, rather than insurance companies.\n\nClick here to watch Cassidy\u2019s full remarks.\n\nSee below for the remarks as prepared for delivery.\n\nMr. President,\n\nThe government has been shut down for 38 days now.\n\nWe are about to have another failed vote that will continue the shutdown into next week.\n\nFamilies across the country are frustrated.\n\nWe need to open the government. If we need to talk about health care to do it, then let\u2019s talk about health care.\n\nWe have an affordability crisis and health care is part of this\n\nThis is personal to me. I practiced in a public hospital for the uninsured for two decades. I saw middle income patients who could no longer afford insurance and now came to the hospital where I worked.\n\nWe have to put down our entrenched way of thinking and think creatively.\n\nWashington and Obamacare have tried to make health care affordable by throwing more money at insurance companies.\n\nThe Enhanced Premium Tax Credit, or ePTC, is the latest example \u2014 a program that sends billions of taxpayer dollars straight to insurers in the hope that families will see smaller bills.\n\nBut let\u2019s face it \u2014 that doesn\u2019t make health care cheaper and makes it more expensive for millions.\n\nWe can do better than hiding the cost behind layers of bureaucracy.\n\nInstead of paying insurance companies to manage our money, let\u2019s trust Americans to manage their own care \u2014 with a pre-funded Federal Flexible Spending Account.\n\nI want to present colleagues and fellow Americans with an idea that can move us forward out of this stalemate and solve the health care affordability problem.\n\nLet me make clear: This is not me speaking for the Republican Conference or even as Chairman of HELP.\n\nThis is me speaking as a Senator and an American who wants to make health care more affordable for all Americans and by the way, end the shutdown.\n\nHere\u2019s the problem.\n\nUnder the ePTC, if your insurance premium goes up, Washington simply pays more of the bill.\n\nInsurers get paid no matter what \u2014 and taxpayers get stuck with the tab.\n\nThere\u2019s no incentive to bring costs down, no transparency about what care really costs, and no reward for families who try to save.\n\nIt\u2019s like putting a band-aid on a broken bone.\n\nWe\u2019re not fixing the system \u2014 we\u2019re just hiding the fracture. .\n\nThe ePTC doesn\u2019t empower patients. It enriches insurance companies. Insurance companies are important, we need them, but give me the choice of empowering you or enriching an insurance company, I pick you every time.\n\nNow imagine a different kind of help \u2014 not another insurance subsidy, but a health account you, a fellow American controls. .\n\nEvery eligible American would receive a Federally Pre-Funded Flexible Spending Account.\n\nIt would work like a prepaid health account that you could use for real-world health expenses:\n\nDental care \u2013 from cleanings to crowns;\n\nVision care \u2013 eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses;\n\nOrthodontics \u2013 braces for kids or adults;\n\nPrescription drugs and medical supplies;\n\nRoutine medical services and preventive care.\n\nIt would not pay insurance premiums.\n\nInstead, it would pay for the care that families actually use \u2014 the parts of health care most Americans struggle to afford day-to-day.\n\nThe Pre-Funded Flexible Spending Account does exactly that.\n\nI will admit, this seems too complicated for some. It doesn\u2019t have to be. This is a tried-and-true means of paying for health care. 72% of Americans working for the government are offered FSAs. 47% of Americans employed by business have access to FSAs. What I am proposing just gives the same option to people on the exchanges.\n\nBy the way, speaking to private industry, they can stand it up.\n\nThe Federal Government already offers FSAs on the Small business Obamacare exchanges. Senators and Representatives are on these Small business Obamacare exchanges and the Treasury Department has an office which directs a portion of the Representatives or the Senator\u2019s paycheck into their FSA. My wife and I have one.\n\nAll this to say, the Federal Government can take the laws, tools, vendors and departments to make this happen.\n\nBy the way, if there is anyone who can push the bureaucracy to move faster, it is President Trump. His Operation Warp Speed developed a vaccine to protect Americans from Covid in 10 to 11 months when some said it would take 10 years and the most optimistic was 18 months. President Trump can make this happen.\n\nLet me make clear the key difference between ePTCs and a Federally pre-funded FSA\n\nWith the Pre-Funded Flexible Spending Accounts, we\u2019re taking money that the ePTC would send to an insurance company for profit, bureaucracy, administrative costs, oh, and by the way paying for some health care and, this is the difference, we send it to you, the consumer, the patient, an American citizen to directly pay for care without the markups and hidden costs of an insurance policy\n\nAnd there\u2019s more:\n\nIf the cash price for a service \u2014 say, a dental cleaning or a prescription refill \u2014 is lower than the insurance copay, YOU, the consumer can pay the cheaper cash price with their Pre-Funded Flexible Spending Accounts.\n\nThat means you save money, and so do the taxpayers funding the account.\n\nThis is the essence of giving power to patients: you pick the best deal, like in every other part of life.\n\nThe Pre-Funded Flexible Spending Accounts don\u2019t treat people like dependents of a government program as the PTCs do.\n\nIt treats you like capable consumers who knows what\u2019s best for your family.\n\nYou decide where to go for dental work.\n\nYou decide which pharmacy to use.\n\nYou decide whether to pay the negotiated rate or the cheaper cash price.\n\nInstead of Washington paying insurance companies to manage your day-to-day care, you manage it \u2014 with fairness, transparency, and flexibility.\n\nSome will ask: \u201cWon\u2019t this cost money?\u201d\n\nYes, it will \u2014 about the same as the current ePTC. My democratic colleagues should like that. An individual is getting better value through the Federally funded FSA.\n\nBut the difference is where that money goes.\n\nThat means more value for every federal dollar.\n\nAnd because it is in a family\u2019s financial interest to shop wisely, total spending is likely to go down over time \u2014 without a single new mandate or price control.\n\nThis isn\u2019t just fiscally responsible \u2014 it\u2019s common sense.\n\nSo here\u2019s the choice before us:\n\nWe can keep paying insurance companies to hide the cost of health care behind confusing bills and rising premiums in a system which actually raises the cost for some.\n\nOr we can give Americans the tools \u2014 and the trust \u2014 to pay for their care directly, at fair prices, with total transparency.\n\nIf we can, it puts patients, not insurers.\n\nIt encourages competition.\n\nIt rewards smart choices.\n\nAnd it makes health care truly affordable \u2014 not by inflating subsidies, but by unleashing the power of the consumer.\n\nLet\u2019s stop writing blank checks to bureaucracies and insurance companies.\n\nLet\u2019s invest in you.\n\nI will say, to accomplish this, we have to first open the government!\n\nWe have to be willing to take a risk to solve the problem and not be afraid to do something different, to tackle complex problems.\n\nWe will not solve them by retreating to where we have always been.\n\nI am a rock ribbed Republican but I will say, this is not a Republican solution, it is not a Democrat solution, it is an American solution.\n\nLet\u2019s open the government and then let\u2019s fix health care the American way,\n\nThank you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-protect-flood-insurance-program/", "Cassidy Introduces Bill to Protect Flood Insurance Program", "2025-11-07", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced legislation to protect the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) from lapsing during a government shutdown.\n\n\u201cLouisiana families have to be ready when floods hit,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe\u2019re making sure they are covered, no matter what happens in Washington.\u201d\n\nThis legislation ensures the National Flood Insurance Program never shuts down again by automatically extending the program if Congress misses a deadline. By creating a built-in safety-net year of authority, we protect homeowners, lenders, and coastal economies from needless disruption during lapses in authorization.\n\nBackground:\n\nMost recently, to help alleviate the pressure of the Schumer Shutdown, Cassidy and U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the NFIP Extension Act to reauthorize the NFIP until November 21, 2025. He also introduced a bill to reauthorize the NFIP for the remainder of FY2026. It would protect all policies that have lapsed during the shutdown.\n\nLast week, Cassidy delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor outlining the harm the Schumer Shutdown is causing half a million Louisianans enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).\n\nIn August, Cassidy delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor commemorating the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and emphasizing the significant progress made since the storm to rebuild and strengthen our infrastructure.\n\nIn June, Cassidy delivered a speech highlighting the need to end the Biden-era Risk Rating 2.0 policy and make NFIP affordable again.\n\nLast year, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP at the request of Cassidy. The hearing highlighted the urgent need for Congress to act and featured a Louisiana witness. Cassidy also participated in a roundtable hosted by GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance to hear from community leaders and advocates on the issue.Cassidy traveled St. Bernard Parish in 2023 to talk with residents about their flood insurance premiums, recording the second episode of his Bill on the Hill series.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-kennedy-raise-concerns-on-foreign-imported-radioactive-shrimp-advocate-for-gulf-shrimp/", "Cassidy, Kennedy Raise Concerns on Foreign Imported Radioactive Shrimp, Advocate for Gulf Shrimp", "2025-11-07", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and John Kennedy (R-LA) raised safety concerns to the largest grocery stores in the United States for selling foreign imported shrimp that contains dangerous radioactive substances despite repeated safety recalls.\n\n\u201cDespite these numerous concerns, [you] continue to sell imported shrimp at your stores, rather than support domestic fisheries that offer a safer product while supporting small American businesses,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cEnsuring that American families have access to safe, quality food is essential for us to advance President Trump\u2019s agenda to Make America Healthy Again.\u201d\n\nSince August, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued eight safety alerts related to imported shrimp potentially contaminated with Cesium-137, a radioactive substance that can cause serious health harms like cancer. In response, Cassidy and Kennedy are calling on Americans to eat shrimp produced in states like Louisiana, as it poses significantly less health risks and benefits local businesses.\n\nUnder the Biden administration, FDA failed to adequately prioritize foreign food inspections, inspecting less than one percent of all foreign facilities in 2024. As Chairman of the HELP Committee, Cassidy is committed to working with President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to improve food safety.\n\nRead the full letter to Walmart here.\n\nRead the full letter to Kroger here.\n\nRead the full letter to Albertsons here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidyjoins-president-trump-for-breakfast-at-white-house/", "CassidyJoins\u00a0President Trump\u00a0for Breakfast\u00a0at White House", "2025-11-05", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, President Donald Trump invited U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Senate Republicans to the White House for breakfast to discuss the issues facing our country, including finding an end to the Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cAnother great visit with President Trump. I appreciate his continued friendship,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThe President is focused on fulfilling an agenda to benefit our country. I share that focus.\u201d\n\nRecently, Cassidy joined President Trump at the White House to celebrate Louisiana baseball and again to discuss advancing nominations through the U.S. Senate and an end to the Schumer Shutdown.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-when-the-gulf-of-america-is-open-america-thrives/", "ICYMI:\u00a0When the Gulf of America is Open, America Thrives", "2025-11-05", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in the American Press underscoring the importance that the Gulf of America plays in powering the nation\u2019s economy, supporting Louisiana jobs, and advancing President Trump\u2019s energy dominance agenda.\n\n\u201cWhat begins off the coast of Louisiana leads to economic growth across all 50 states, greater energy independence for our nation, and a steadfast commitment to freedom and prosperity for every American. That is my goal, and that is President Trump\u2019s goal,\u201d wrote Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cLouisiana is ready to lead. The workers are here. The resources are here. Let\u2019s keep the Gulf of America open, keep the jobs coming, and continue powering the freedom and prosperity that define this great country,\u201dconcluded Dr. Cassidy.\n\nRead the full op-ed here or below:\n\nWhen the Gulf of America is Open, America Thrives\n\nWhen the Gulf of America is open, America does better. Families have good jobs. Energy prices stay affordable. Restaurants fill up on Friday nights. Our country grows stronger. What begins off the coast of Louisiana leads to economic growth across all 50 states, greater energy independence for our nation, and a steadfast commitment to freedom and prosperity for every American. That is my goal, and that is President Trump\u2019s goal.\n\nThe energy produced in the Gulf of America powers Louisiana\u2019s economy. Oil and gas from the Gulf account for roughly 25% of our state\u2019s total economic output and support 15% of all jobs.\n\nOffshore production sustains over 250,000 Louisiana workers \u2014 men and women whose paychecks help support schools, local small businesses, libraries, and mor. Each year, this industry contributes $4.5 billion in taxes and adds $2.1 billion to our state\u2019s overall economy.\n\nThe Gulf\u2019s importance stretches far beyond our state\u2019s borders. It provides nearly all of America\u2019s offshore oil and gas \u2014 about 14% of our total energy supply \u2014 and generated nearly $7 billion in federal revenue just last year. Energy flowing from the Gulf means reliable power for families and businesses all across the nation, and it\u2019s done with high safety and responsibility standards.\n\nTo maintain a strong flow of energy, federal agencies conduct routine reviews known as biological opinions, or BiOps. These reviews are meant to keep energy projects moving forward responsibly, while protecting key natural resources, and giving businesses and workers the certainty they need to invest and create jobs. For President Trump\u2019s energy dominance agenda to succeed, we need a BiOp that provides stability, fuels growth, and keeps America energy independent.\n\nThe current BiOp, developed on a rushed timeline under the Biden administration, relies on outdated data and speculative modeling. Reviews this important should be built on real, verifiable evidence, not guesswork. When the science is thin, the consequences are not: workers, communities, and our allies who depend on American energy pay the price. We need a BiOp anchored in current facts and rigorous methodology to avoid creating a false choice between conservation and energy security.\n\nAmerican natural gas allows European countries to rely less on Russia, which keeps markets strong and supports freedom around the world. Cutting back production here doesn\u2019t protect anyone; it just hands control to countries like China, Russia, and Venezuela.\n\nThat\u2019s why, in President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts bill, we\u2019ve expanded Gulf lease sales for the next 15 years. Republicans promised to create jobs and restore Ameri- can energy dominance, and this is a clear step toward delivering on those promises. Alongside that, with the REPAIR Act \u2014 which I\u2019ve introduced with Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo \u2014 we\u2019re working to stop frivolous lawsuits that bog down the permitting process, waste taxpayer dollars, and hurt American workers.\n\nWhen the Gulf of America is open, everyone benefits \u2014 from the offshore worker in Houma to the family in Ohio paying less at the pump, to our allies overseas who rely on reliable, affordable American energy. Keeping the Gulf open fuels opportunity, prosperity, and freedom for all Americans. It keeps our country energy in- dependent and competitive on the world stage.\n\nWith President Trump\u2019s energy dominance agenda leading the way, we are expanding and securing America\u2019s energy future like never before. We can unlock even more of the Gulf\u2019s potential and keep Louisiana at the heart of this great success story.\n\nLouisiana is ready to lead. The workers are here. The resources are here. Let\u2019s keep the Gulf of America open, keep the jobs coming, and continue powering the freedom and prosperity that define this great country.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-risch-republican-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-second-amendment-rights-during-government-shutdowns/", "Cassidy, Risch, Republican Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Second Amendment Rights During Government Shutdowns", "2025-11-04", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Jim Risch (R-ID) introduced the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act to ensure law-abiding gun owners can exercise their Second Amendment rights during government shutdowns. The bill would require federal agencies to continue processing firearm applications and licenses despite a lapse in appropriations.\n\n\u201cThe Constitution doesn\u2019t stop working when the government shuts down. The right to protect your family is God-given. We should process these applications regardless of the Schumer Shutdown,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cThe government shutdown has real impacts on real people, but it certainly should not compromise our constitutional rights. While Democrats pander to their far-Left base, federal agencies have stopped processing firearm applications, unjustly restricting law-abiding Idahoans\u2019 Second Amendment rights,\u201d said Senator Risch. \u201cMy Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures our right to lawfully bear arms is not infringed when there is a lapse in appropriations.\u201d\n\nCassidy and Risch were joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) in introducing the legislation.\n\nBackgroundDuring government shutdowns, federal agencies are limited in the work they can conduct. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have halted most operations associated with the background checks and licensing applications due to the shutdown, impacting law-abiding gun owners and disrupting firearm sales nationwide.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-ernst-recognize-veteran-small-business-owners/", "Cassidy, Ernst Recognize Veteran Small Business Owners", "2025-11-03", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) led a group of colleagues in designating November 3rd \u2013 7th, 2025, as National Veterans Small Business Week to highlight the important role veteran-owned businesses play in contributing to Louisiana\u2019s economy and strengthening communities.\n\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to care for those who have served our country, as well as their families. Supporting and helping veterans\u2019 small businesses grow is a way to do so,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cEnsuring veterans have every opportunity to pursue the American Dream is personal to me. They fiercely protected our freedoms during their service and, now as civilians, exemplify the American entrepreneurial spirit. During National Veterans Small Business Week, join me in celebrating these men and women who have served their country and now their communities,\u201d said Senator Ernst.\n\nCassidy and Ernst were joined by U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jim Banks (R-IN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Hoeven (R-ND), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Steve Daines (R-MT), Katie Britt (R-AL), John Kennedy (R-LA), John Boozman (R-AR), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Cindy Hyde-smith (R-MS), John Barrasso (R-WY), James Lankford (R-OK), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Todd Young (R-IN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Rick Scott (R-FL), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jon Husted (R-OH), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Curtis (R-UT), Tim Scott (R-SC), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in introducing the resolution.\n\nBackground\n\nThis week, Cassidy honored veterans and their families in Slidell during the community\u2019s annual Veterans Appreciation Reception to thank them for defending America\u2019s freedom.\n\nLast month, the U.S. Senate passed Cassidy\u2019s Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act to increase access to job counseling services for spouses of members of the Armed Forces who died while on active duty \u2013 \u201csurviving spouses\u201d \u2013 through the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program.\n\nRecently, Cassidy convened a field hearing in New Orleans titled \u201cBreaking Barriers: Improving Veterans\u2019 Mental Health in Louisiana, where he examined how mental health care services are functioning for veterans in Louisiana, and where they can be improved.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-honors-veterans-in-slidell/", "Cassidy Honors Veterans in Slidell", "2025-11-03", "2025", "2025-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "METAIRIE \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) yesterday afternoon honored veterans and their families in Slidell during the community\u2019s annual Veterans Appreciation Reception to thank them for defending America\u2019s freedom.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s event celebrated being a veteran and serving our country. There is a camaraderie, even as veterans joke between the services,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThey were living life as they lived their service to our country.\u201d\n\nAs a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee (SVAC), Cassidy works to pass legislation that benefits veterans and their families. His Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act passed through the Senate earlier this month. The bill increases access to job counseling services for spouses of members of the Armed Forces who died on active duty. Cassidy also recently convened a SVAC field hearing in New Orleans to discuss how to improve mental health care services for veterans.\n\nAt the Veterans Appreciation Reception, retired officers from the Army and Navy also thanked those in attendance for their service. The presentation of the colors was conducted by Northshore High School\u2019s ROTC unit, and a medley of patriotic songs was performed by the Knights of Columbus Regional Choir.\n\nCassidy was welcomed to the reception by Mr. Chuck Sabadie, the Chairman for the Veterans Appreciation Reception.\n\n\u201cSeventeen years ago, a group of community leaders inspired by a young sergeant home from Iraq began honoring veterans in Slidell,\u201d said Mr. Sabadie. \u201cWe now have an annual reception with the support of the mayor, volunteers, and most importantly, our veterans. Every year we have guest speakers, and now a Member of Congress to personally acknowledge our veterans. We thank Senator Cassidy for his support and advocacy in Washington.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:52:45Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2326", "Kennedy Calls to End the Republican Shutdown as Safety Net Cliff Threatens Families", "2025-10-31", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "On November 1, HEAP and Nutritional Benefits Run Out, and Open Enrollment With Skyrocketing Premiums Begins\n\nAs Republicans Keep the Government Shut Down Rather Than Protect Healthcare, Americans Will Suffer\n\nLACKAWANNA, N.Y. - Joined by elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and members of the faith community at Second Baptist Church in Lackawanna, NY, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) alerted his constituents that the safety net cliff he has long warned about is arriving. The loss of funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and nutritional benefits, coupled with the beginning of the healthcare exchange's open enrollment period and skyrocketing premiums, means working families across Western New York and the entire nation will begin to acutely feel the pain of the Republican-led government shutdown. As Democrats continue to fight to reopen the government and cancel the deadly healthcare cuts, Kennedy called on Western New Yorkers to rally around one another to help get them through this difficult time and reiterated his demand that Congressional Republicans come back to Washington and immediately enter into good-faith negotiations.\n\n\u201cWe have warned for months of the risk of inaction in addressing the impending safety net cliff that our community is facing,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cTragically, those warnings have been met with silence by Congressional Republicans. Make no mistake about what this will mean. Families will struggle to put food on the table, seniors will suffer through a cold winter, and the nearly two million New Yorkers who buy their insurance on the healthcare exchange will wake up to impossibly high premiums. This confluence is creating a perfect storm that threatens to rip the rug out from under working families and make America sick. Republicans must come to the negotiating table and stop playing games with people's lives and livelihoods.\u201d\n\nWatch Congressman Kennedy\u2019s full remarks here.\n\n\u201cAs we enter the holiday season, community members in Western New York should be focusing on family, on celebration, and on prayer,\u201d said Pastor Mark Blue. \u201cUnfortunately, far too many will instead have to worry about putting food on the table, keeping warm, and finding affordable healthcare. At Second Baptist Church, we will do our part to stand up for the community, and we urge all Western New Yorkers to do the same. I urge Congress and the President to protect our healthcare and reopen the government in order to deliver for the American people and prevent further suffering.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Republican majority is showing us just where their priorities lie with these cruel cuts, and it\u2019s not with the American people, it\u2019s with tax cuts for billionaires. Because of the GOP thousands of Erie County residents including infants, children, seniors and veterans will be colder, hungrier and sicker as we enter this month of Thanksgiving, all to further enrich the top 1%,\u201d said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. \u201cWhile the GOP ran away for a long vacation, turning their backs on their constituents, hardworking people out here in the real world have had to make difficult decisions about how to make ends meet. The Republicans have shown that they have no interest in or cares about the health and wellbeing of their constituents, so it is up to us to rise as a community, call out their cruelty for what it is, and move forward together despite them.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe impending loss of federal program benefits and programs which provide our most vulnerable populations with access to food, heat, healthcare and other benefits will be heavily felt in the City of Lackawanna, and similar communities across the country, as nearly one-quarter of our resident population lives below the poverty level,\u201d said Mayor Annette Iafallo. \u201cAs elected officials we must come together, across the aisle, and get SNAP, HEAP and other necessary benefits funded ASAP \u2013 while continuing to make affordable healthcare options available. While politics at any level of government can be complicated, it should never result in depriving the people we serve of basic needs and dignity.\u201d\n\n\u201cFeedMore WNY and our network of partner agencies are preparing for a substantial increase in need in November,\u201d said Collin Bishop, Chief Communications Officer of FeedMore WNY. \u201cThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides benefits to approximately 201,000 individuals in our service area each month. If they do not receive that benefit, many will turn to our network for help. Anyone in need of that assistance can use the Find Food button on the FeedMore WNY website for a list of all the resources that are available through our organization. Ensuring all of these community members have the necessary nutrition for the month would be a substantial increase on the work we do, and we cannot do it alone. The Western New York community has already responded by reaching out to us, organizing food drives, sending donations, and offering to volunteer. This is the help we need now, and in the weeks to come. The longer the shutdown continues, the greater the burden will be on our food bank distribution network.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe impending pausing of HEAP and SNAP, along with healthcare open enrollment without the benefit of enhanced tax credits puts an undue burden on working families. I would ask why this is necessary, but for this administration, the cruelty is the point,\u201d said New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes. \u201cI stand with Congressman Kennedy in bringing attention to this issue as we all work on solutions to mitigate this administration\u2019s assault on the working class.\u201d\n\n\u201cWithout the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, working families, seniors, and low- and middle-income households in Western New York will face steep premium hikes, higher out-of-pocket costs, and reduced coverage options,\u201d said Keisha A. Williams, Deputy Director of Neighborhood Legal Services. \u201cWithout access to affordable health care, health conditions worsen, financial distress grows, and families are forced to make impossible choices between medical care and other basic needs. Restoring funding for the Essential Plan and extending the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits will ensure that every member of our community can continue to access the care they need without risking financial hardship.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe financial hardship currently facing American families is not only heartbreaking, it is unethical and truly unamerican,\u201d said First Ward Councilmember Amira Muflahi. \u201cThe inability to feed your family has to be the toughest struggle someone has to endure. Cutting benefits and services while inflation ravages the economy, is absolutely disheartening. I pray for a better tomorrow.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe looming halt to SNAP and HEAP benefits is just the latest example of the federal government\u2019s disregard for working families and vulnerable people,\u201d said Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart. \u201cFirst, they gutted Medicaid and food assistance that millions of Americans rely upon, then they refused to extend tax credits that allow millions more to afford insurance on the healthcare exchange, and now they are choosing to let some 40 million Americans go hungry. As made clear by the lawsuit filed by 25 state attorneys general, including New York\u2019s own Attorney General James, the administration not only has billions in contingency funding to maintain SNAP benefits during the shutdown, but also is legally obligated to do so. I join Congressman Kennedy in calling on Congress and the White House to stop prioritizing tax cuts for billionaires above the basic needs of working people.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe loss of vital supports like HEAP and SNAP, combined with rising costs, will leave too many Buffalo residents and community members in the Lovejoy District struggling to choose between heat, food, and healthcare,\u201d said Councilmember Bryan Bollman. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to Congressman Kennedy for bringing attention to this critical issue, and I stand with him in calling for immediate action to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.\u201d\n\nDue to the shutdown, the start of New York's HEAP program has been delayed until at least mid-November from its typical early November opening. This delay means over a million low-income New York households cannot receive federal heating aid as temperatures drop. In Western New York, this week\u2019s lowest temperatures dipped into the 30s, already putting the energy squeeze on families.\n\nAs a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown and the Trump Administration's refusal to use its legal authority to maintain benefits, millions of New Yorkers face the loss of their November SNAP benefits after already sustaining billions in cuts earlier this year. This is a choice by the Administration to play politics with food assistance, abandoning hungry seniors, veterans, and families with children by not releasing available funds.\n\nBeginning November 1, many New Yorkers using the NY State of Health marketplace will face a sharp increase in their health insurance premiums due to the expiration of the Affordable Care Act's enhanced healthcare premium tax credits. This steep jump, which follows Republicans\u2019 refusal to extend the credits, is compounded by other federal cuts to the state's healthcare programs, including a major reduction in funding for the Essential Plan.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-cruz-colleagues-condemn-abduction-demand-release-of-pastor-ezra-jin/", "Cassidy, Cruz, Colleagues Condemn\u00a0Abduction, Demand Release of Pastor Ezra Jin", "2025-10-31", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee introduced a resolution condemning the Chinese Communist Party for the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin and other leaders of the Zion Church and calling for their release.\n\n\u201cFaith isn\u2019t a crime. We need to call out China for once more targeting people of faith,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party is conducting yet another sweeping crackdown on Christians, and they are again targeting Pastor Jin and the Zion Church. The CCP fears anything it cannot directly control, perhaps most of all, faith. The United States has powerful tools to provide protection and relief to people facing persecution and violence, and we should use those tools unless and until China releases the members of the Zion Church,\u201d said Senator Cruz.\n\nCassidy and Cruz were joined by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV),Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jim Justice (R-WV), and Rick Scott (R-FL) in introducing the resolution.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party\u2019s campaign of repression against Christians, including the targeting of churches such as the Zion Church, is a violation of fundamental religious freedom rights. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this resolution, which sends a clear message: faith is not a crime, and the United States condemns the recent alarming arrests of church leaders by CCP authorities,\u201d saidSenator Capito.\n\n\u201cThe abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin and the ongoing religious persecution against Christians in China is a tragedy and a violation to individual rights and freedoms. I strongly condemn the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s continued religious persecution of Christians, as well as believers of other faiths, and will continue to advocate for those being unfairly silenced,\u201d said Senator Grassley.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party\u2019s crackdown on Pastor Jin and the Zion Church is an attack on the God-given right to live out one\u2019s faith. I\u2019m joining this bipartisan resolution to condemn China\u2019s persecution of Christians and other religious minorities and to call for the immediate release of all those arrested. The United States stands with the persecuted and is committed to defending religious freedom,\u201dsaid Senator Tim Scott.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party\u2019s (CCP) track record of brutal religious persecution and oppression is evil and unacceptable, with the arrest of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and members of the Zion Church as the regime\u2019s latest violation of religious freedom and human dignity. America must always stand on the side of religious freedom as a basic human right and commit always to condemning evil violations of this right around the globe. I\u2019m proud to join Senator Cruz on this resolution to condemn China\u2019s religious persecution and demand the immediate release of Pastor Jin and all those imprisoned for worshipping God,\u201d said Senator Rick Scott.\n\n\u201cEveryone deserves the right to practice their religion freely without fear. For years we\u2019ve seen the Chinese government terrorize, persecute, and disappear Uyghurs, Christians, Buddhists, and other religious minorities. Just in the last few days, they\u2019ve arrested Pastor Ezra Jin and other members of the Zion Church for simply doing what so many of us do each day: worshiping their God. I urge President Xi to release them along with all political prisoners,\u201d said Senator Coons.\n\nCompanion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Representative Andy Barr (R-KY-06).\n\n\u201cThe CCP\u2019s latest human rights violation is attacking and persecuting Christians. Senator Cruz and I are fighting to hold the CCP accountable if they continue targeting people of faith. We won\u2019t rest until they release Pastor Jin and all the other people of faith wrongly detained,\u201d said Representative Barr.\n\nBackground\n\nOn October 10, 2025, the Chinese Communist Party conducted the largest coordinated, nationwide crackdown against a Christian urban house church in over four decades. At least 22 pastors and church members from Zion Church, one of China\u2019s largest underground congregations, were arrested, including a prominent pastor and the founder of Zion Church, Pastor \u201cEzra\u201d Jin Mingri.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-recognizes-off-duty-st-bernard-parish-firefighter-for-saving-louisiana-womans-life/", "LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Recognizes Off-Duty St. Bernard Parish Firefighter for Saving Louisiana Woman\u2019s Life", "2025-10-31", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, recognized St. Bernard Parish firefighter, Andrew Nixon, for saving a woman\u2019s life seconds before her car was engulfed in flames following a collision with an 18-wheeler. Andrew was on his way home from a wedding with his fianc\u00e9 when he pulled the young woman from her vehicle and carried her to safety. The 23-year-old firefighter reflects on the experience as a full-circle moment\u2014drawing strength from the memory of his niece, Everleigh, whose tragic passing continues to inspire his commitment to protect others.\n\nRead his full October 2025 Local Spotlight below:\n\nI want to recognize Andrew Nixon, a St. Bernard Parish firefighter who saved a young woman\u2019s life.\n\nAfter witnessing a car crash off-duty\u2014on his way home from a wedding with his fianc\u00e9e\u2014Andrew pulled over to the side of the road to check on a woman whose vehicle had just been struck by an 18-wheeler.\n\nNoticing that the car\u2019s tires were on fire, Andrew broke the woman\u2019s windshield, lifted her out of the vehicle, and got her to safety seconds before her vehicle was completely overtaken by flames.\n\nA woman\u2019s life was saved because Andrew put himself in harm\u2019s way to help her.\n\nAndrew is a local hero\u2014and anyone who saw him as an uncle knows his bravery and selflessness run deep.\n\nAndrew, thank you for your bravery in the service of someone you did not even know. But because we\u2019re to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, you saved her life.\n\nEverleigh is in Heaven. She is proud of you for saving another\u2019s life, even though hers could not be.\n\nBackground\n\nIn September, Cassidy highlighted French Settlement Mayor Jeremy Aydell, whose request to the office in June 2024 to include beauticians in President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts Bill became federal tax policy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-backs-republican-legislation-to-pay-capitol-police-officers-during-schumer-shutdown/", "Cassidy Backs Republican Legislation to Pay Capitol Police Officers During Schumer Shutdown", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) co-sponsored the Pay Our Capitol Police Act to ensure members of the United States Capitol Police, their civilian staff, and essential contractors continue to receive pay during a government shutdown.\n\n\u201cCapitol Police is showing up every day to protect folks like Chuck Schumer who keep voting against paying them. That\u2019s dedication to our country. They deserve a lot of credit\u2014and more importantly, a paycheck,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in supporting the bill.\n\nThe Pay Our Capitol Police Act provides:\n\nContinuing appropriations to pay members of the Capitol Police performing active service.\n\nPay for civilian employees and contractors who directly support Capitol Police operations.\n\nAutomatic coverage during any period in which interim or full-year appropriations are not in effect, retroactive to Oct. 1, 2025.\n\nThe bill is effective immediately upon enactment and remains in place until the passage of the next appropriations legislation or Sept. 30, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-on-senate-floor-end-the-schumer-shutdown-restore-flood-insurance-stability/", "Cassidy on Senate Floor: End the Schumer Shutdown, Restore Flood Insurance Stability", "2025-10-30", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor outlining the harm the Schumer Shutdown is causing daily for the half a million Louisianans enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Cassidy called on Senate Democrats to work with Republicans to reopen the government, restore stability for homeowners, and end the disruption to NFIP coverage.\n\n\u201cThe Democratic Leader said that every day, the shutdown gets better for them. Well, I can tell you that every day the government is shut down gets worse for Americans in my state who are worried about flooding and losing everything.,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cReopen the government. Restore certainty to the American people. Protect homes. Protect families. Protect livelihoods,\u201d continued Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:\n\nMr. President,\n\nI spoke on this floor a month ago about the consequences of a government shutdown on our country and my state of Louisiana\u2014particularly the half a million Louisianans enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program\u2014or NFIP.\n\nI called on Senate Democrats to join me and my Republican colleagues in keeping the government open and Congress working.\n\nUnfortunately, the Senate Minority Leader shut down the government nearly a month ago to appease his radical base.\n\nThat\u2019s nearly a month that many Louisianans on the NFIP have gone without the trust, certainty, and stability that the program is designed to provide.\n\nFamilies are unable to close on a new home because they can\u2019t purchase a new flood insurance policy.\n\nHomeowners are vulnerable during hurricane season because they can\u2019t renew existing policies.\n\nAnd that raises a question the American people are asking every day: how can they trust a government that isn\u2019t even open?\n\nWe know the NFIP is not perfect. It faces financial challenges. Some reforms are needed. But shutting it down makes the problem worse, not better.\n\nThe Democratic Leader said that every day, the shutdown gets better for them.\n\nWell, I can tell you that every day the government is shut down gets worse for Americans in my state who are worried about flooding and losing everything.\n\nThe American people want solutions. They want a government that works. They want flood insurance that protects their homes, families, and livelihoods.\n\nThat\u2019s why I\u2019m working on legislation that would automatically reauthorize the NFIP during any lapse in government funding\u2014in other words, prevent any future shutdown from interrupting the NFIP.\n\nIt fixes the damage caused by the Schumer Shutdown and ensures stability going forward.\n\nMy colleague from Louisiana and I have introduced two bills\u2014one to extend NFIP in the short term, another to provide a full year of coverage.\n\nWe\u2019re also working toward broader reforms that keep premiums affordable and the program sustainable for generations to come.\n\nWe must reopen the government immediately. Democrats have voted against doing so 13 times.\n\n13 opportunities we have given them to end their shutdown, and they\u2019ve thrown it back in Americans\u2019 faces.\n\nGovernment services might be on pause, but Hurricane Season isn\u2019t.\n\nReopen the government. Restore certainty to the American people. Protect homes. Protect families. Protect livelihoods.\n\nRepublicans are trying to prevent the worst effects of the Schumer Shutdown from taking place, but Democrats keep blocking our efforts.\n\nWe want to pay the troops, we want to fund SNAP, we want to extend NFIP.\n\nDemocrats are a blanket \u201cNO.\u201d\n\nThe American People deserve better. They deserve more than the Democratic Party is willing to give them.\n\nWith that, I yield.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-speech-calling-for-end-to-schumer-shutdown-as-snap-benefits-hang-in-the-balance/", "Cassidy Delivers Speech Calling for End to Schumer Shutdown as SNAP Benefits Hang in the Balance", "2025-10-29", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor slamming Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer for the negative effects of the Schumer Shutdown, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits running out, leaving nearly 800,000 Louisianans without critical food assistance beginning November 1st.\n\n\u201cSNAP can be the difference between a child having a full belly and that same child asking their mother when is the next time they will eat a meal,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cIf Democrats are interested in lowering health care costs as they say they are, then reopen the government, pay our troops, and stop taking food from our children,\u201d continued Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:\n\nMr. President,\n\nThe government has been shut down for nearly a month.\n\nIt\u2019s the longest full government shutdown in American history.\n\nAnd it all began with the Democrat Leader\u2019s desire to play politics with people\u2019s lives and paychecks.\n\nAmericans\u2014including those in Louisiana\u2014are paying the price.\n\nNationwide, 1.4 million federal employees, many living paycheck to paycheck, are furloughed or working without pay.\n\n13,000 air traffic controllers have already missed one paycheck and will miss another soon.\n\nSNAP\u2014or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program\u2014benefits will run out on November 1st in many states like Louisiana\u2014that\u2019s just two days away.\n\nIn my state alone, that\u2019s eight hundred and four thousand individuals, including three hundred and twelve thousand children who rely on SNAP.\n\nThis isn\u2019t some abstract ideological issue. We\u2019re literally talking about food on the table.\n\nSNAP can be the difference between a child having a full belly and that same child asking their mother when is the next time they will eat a meal.\n\nRepublicans are working to extend it\u2014I am on a bill to fund SNAP.\n\nBut it looks like we don\u2019t have the Democratic support to pass it.\n\nMr. President, that\u2019s a lot of empty dinner tables\u2014and a lot of children going to bed hungry.\n\nDemocrats have voted against reopening our government 13 times since.\n\n13 times they have voted to take food out of children\u2019s mouths and send families to the food banks instead.\n\nI\u2019m told that food banks will not be able to keep up. Federal workers, single parents with young kids\u2014walking into empty food banks.\n\nThis is coming from a party that regularly claims that they are the party of children, families, and vulnerable communities.\n\nRepublicans and the Trump administration are working hard to mitigate the worst parts of this shutdown.\n\nPresident Trump found the money to pay our troops.\n\nSenate Republicans voted for a bill to pay all federal employees, including our air traffic controllers, who are working without pay right now.\n\nDemocrats blocked it. They are the party of \u201cNO\u201d right now, and the bizarre part is, no one could figure out why.\n\nUntil one of their leaders said the quiet part out loud.\n\nThe House Democratic Whip acknowledged Democrats are allowing people to suffer because a shutdown: \u201c\u2026is one of the few leverage times we have.\u201d\n\nThis is the second-highest-ranking House Democrat openly confirming that working families are being used as political leverage.\n\nThis is all about politics, not what\u2019s best for the country.\n\nNow they will tell you it\u2019s about health care, but again their position crumbles under scrutiny.\n\nIf it were about health care costs, why would they make people suffer more in order to change health care policy rather than reopen the government and negotiate with Republicans on solutions which actually lower health care costs?\n\nRepublicans have repeatedly said we will negotiate how to lower health care costs, just not while Americans suffer.\n\nOur position is clear: End the shutdown, and then let\u2019s talk about health care.\n\nSeems reasonable. You might ask why they are still voting against reopening the government.\n\nIt\u2019s because they know their proposals on health care won\u2019t actually lower health care costs!\n\nUnder Democrats\u2019 current plan, premiums will still go up next year.\n\nNot to mention their proposed solution is just aimed at papering over the mess that Obamacare created, because the facts are clear: the Affordable Care Act did not make care affordable.\n\nAll of this seems one elaborate attempt to save face.\n\nWell, it\u2019s not working, and more importantly, Americans are suffering.\n\nI repeat, REOPEN the government, then let\u2019s have a conversation about the areas in health care we can address to actually lower premium costs and out-of-pocket costs for middle-class Americans.\n\nBy the way, the Democrats\u2019 current plan will only affect the seven percent of people on Obamacare.\n\nTheir plan ignores ninety-three percent of Americans, who will also see costs go up. We need to help all Americans by fixing our health care system, not just papering over the failures of Obamacare to only help a few.\n\nI\u2019ll add that for as much as they talk about health care, the Democrat\u2019s shutdown is defunding important health care programs. As Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, I led a bipartisan effort to protect Americans\u2019 access to affordable over-the-counter drugs.\n\nThe members of my committee worked together to reauthorize the Over-the-counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program, sometimes referred to as OMUFA, which funds the review process to bring over-the-counter drugs to market.\n\nBecause of Democrats, for the first time in history, a user fee program has expired, meaning patient access to new over-the-counter treatments for common ailments is in jeopardy.\n\nI\u2019m a doctor. I want to tackle the numerous issues facing our health care system.\n\nI\u2019ve spent my whole career fighting for patients. Let\u2019s have a conversation about lowering costs for all Americans\u2014like those on Medicare, those with employer-sponsored insurance, and small business owners who provide insurance to their workers.\n\nIf Democrats are interested in lowering health care costs as they say they are, then reopen the government, pay our troops, and stop taking food from our children.\n\nI\u2019m tired of hearing people say there\u2019s no off-ramp or way out of this shutdown.\n\nHere it is, that\u2019s the way forward.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-backs-bill-to-fund-snap-program-during-schumer-shutdown/", "Cassidy Backs Bill to Fund SNAP Program during Schumer Shutdown", "2025-10-28", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), co-sponsored a bill to reinstate Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the government shutdown. Cassidy joins U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO), James Lankford (R-OK), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Susan Collins (R-ME), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Jon Husted (R-OH) in pushing a U.S. Senate vote on the Keep SNAP Funded Act.\n\n\u201cChuck Schumer is taking food out of children\u2019s mouths by forcing this shutdown to continue. It\u2019s wrong,\u201d saidDr. Cassidy. \u201cWe\u2019re stepping up to make sure families can still put food on the table.\u201d\n\nThe Keep SNAP Funded Act would ensure full funding for the SNAP program during the government shutdown. Under the bill, Congress would appropriate the necessary funding to provide uninterrupted SNAP benefits, retroactive to the start of the shutdown. This legislation also provides a path for states to get reimbursed by the federal government for any funds used to keep the program going during the government shutdown.\n\nBackground\n\nOn Friday, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed an emergency declaration to help fund SNAP, for the nearly 800,000 Louisianans who rely on the program, if the ongoing government shutdown continues into November. Cassidy responded to the announcement by saying he was working on legislation to address this issue before the deadline.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2320", "Kennedy Statement on Ending of Canada Trade Talks", "2025-10-24", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congressman Tim Kennedy, Co-Chair of the Northern Border Caucus, released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump\u2019s announcement that the United States will end all trade talks with Canada:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s impulsive decision to end trade discussions with Canada shows how unserious he is about fixing our broken economy and making life more affordable for all Americans. This move will have devastating consequences for our economy, our workers, and our northern border communities, including right here in Western New York.\n\n\u201cCanada is one of our closest allies and largest trading partners. In northern border communities like mine, trade and tourism are a lifeline for jobs and local businesses. President Trump\u2019s senseless trade war and constant insults against Canada are destroying that relationship, weakening our economy, and hurting Americans across the country. As families struggle with the skyrocketing cost of living, we need smart, strategic economic policy, not presidential temper tantrums that create instability and uncertainty.\u201d\n\n\u201cOnly Congress has the constitutional authority to impose tariffs, and the Supreme Court now has an opportunity to make that clear to this president who continues to disregard the rule of law. It is time for Congressional Republicans to stop bending the knee to this out-of-control president and stand up for their constituents by rescinding these tariffs that are tearing apart our nation\u2019s economy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/democrats-block-republican-effort-to-pay-troops-federal-workers-during-government-shutdown/", "Democrats Block Republican Effort to Pay Troops, Federal Workers During Government Shutdown", "2025-10-23", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), today released a statement after Democrats voted to block the passage of his Shutdown Fairness Act to pay federal employees who work through a shutdown like active-duty military and air traffic controllers.\n\n\u201cReally?! Chuck Schumer won\u2019t pay the troops! This is wrong!\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cIf you can\u2019t bring yourself to cross party lines to ensure our troops get a paycheck, you should reconsider why you ran for Congress.\u201d\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tom Cotton (R-AR), James Risch (R-ID), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Todd Young (R-IN ) in introducing the bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-led-legislation-to-simplify-irs-notices-passes-senate-heads-to-president-trumpsdesk/", "Cassidy-Led Legislation to Simplify IRS Notices Passes Senate, Heads to President Trump\u2019sDesk", "2025-10-22", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauded the U.S. Senate passage of his Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Health (IRS MATH) Act to improve math error notices, an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) authority used to quickly adjust taxpayers\u2019 returns. This legislation now heads to President Trump\u2019s desk for signature.\n\n\u201cAmericans should have every opportunity to keep their hard-earned income,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cIf the IRS thinks someone made an honest mistake filing their taxes, the IRS should be clear about how to correct it.\u201d\n\n\u201cNo one should have to spend a fortune on a lawyer or hours trying to figure out what went wrong on their taxes when the IRS already knows the answer,\u201d said Senator Warren. \u201cOur bill is a common-sense bipartisan solution to protect taxpayers and help put more money in their pockets.\u201d\n\nThe Internal Revenue Code allows the IRS to make \u201cmath error\u201d corrections \u2014 expedited adjustments to tax returns that contain simple math or clerical errors. Unlike other adjustments, which are made after a notice period and are challengeable in U.S. Tax Court, math and clerical adjustments are made automatically and require taxpayers to initiate responses to reverse them within 60 days. If the taxpayer does not contest the notice within the 60 days, the taxpayer forfeits their right to challenge, and the IRS can move forward with its normal collections process.\n\nEach year, millions of Americans receive math error notices reducing their tax refunds but find the notices \u201cvague and confusing\u201d because they do not explain what error the IRS has corrected or that taxpayers have only 60 days to challenge the IRS\u2019s position. The notices often list several potential errors that may have been made rather than specifying the exact issue, and they do not properly notify taxpayers of ways to contest the IRS adjustment, resulting in compounding errors on future tax returns and further risks to taxpayers. The legislation aims to improve the unworkable system to help taxpayers, who cannot afford lawyers to help them navigate the complicated correspondence process. The legislation follows the 2024 tax filing deadline and vastly improved taxpayer services this filing season, but the lawmakers are urging the IRS to build on those improvements by fixing long-standing issues with math error notices.\n\nThe IRS MATH Act addresses this problem for taxpayers by directing the IRS to improve notices of math or clerical errors, requiring that notices:\n\nIdentify the line item the IRS is changing;\n\nExplain the reason for the change, and;\n\nClearly list the taxpayer\u2019s required response date.\n\nRequiring that the IRS notify the taxpayer of abatement determinations.\n\nRequiring the U.S. Treasury Secretary to provide additional procedures for requesting an abatement of a math or clerical error adjustment, including by telephone or in person.\n\nCreating a pilot program coordinated by the IRS and National Taxpayer Advocate to determine the benefit of sending math or clerical error notices by certified or registered mail.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in introducing the legislation. U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) and Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04) introduced the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-joins-fox-news-to-discuss-todays-meeting-with-president-trump/", "Cassidy Joins Fox News to Discuss Today\u2019s Meeting with President Trump", "2025-10-21", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) appeared today on Fox News\u2019 The Story with Martha MacCallum to discuss his working lunch this afternoon with President Trump at the White House, where Senate Republicans discussed working together to end the Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cI think for the President it has been easier to negotiate with Hamas than it has been with Chuck Schumer. We need an end to the shutdown. Let\u2019s get to work,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cThe President was gracious as always,\u201d continued Dr. Cassidy. \u201cConnecting with the President about how we go forward was the most important thing we did.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-president-trump-meet-at-white-house/", "Cassidy, President Trump Meet at White House", "2025-10-21", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, President Donald Trump invited U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Senate Republicans to the White House for a working lunch to discuss advancing nominations through the U.S. Senate and an end to the Schumer Shutdown.\n\n\u201cGreat to be back at the White House today for lunch with President Trump,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWorking together, we\u2019re moving his agenda forward in the Senate to get results for the American people.\u201dYesterday, Cassidy joined President Trump at the White House to celebrate Louisiana baseball.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-senate-republicans-introduce-bill-to-pay-active-duty-military-excepted-workers-during-schumer-shutdown/", "Cassidy, Senate Republicans Introduce Bill to Pay Active-Duty Military, Excepted Workers During Schumer Shutdown", "2025-10-21", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tom Cotton (R-AR), James Risch (R-ID), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced legislation to ensure federal workers who are excepted, like our active-duty military and air traffic controllers, don\u2019t miss a paycheck during a government shutdown.\n\n\u201cMiddle-class Americans showing up to work cannot miss multiple paychecks because Democrats shutdown the government,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cLet\u2019s make sure our troops, like those at Barksdale, Fort Polk, and the Joint Reserve Base in Belle Chasse, and others who protect our nation and keep our country running still get paid.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chair-cassidy-majority-whip-barrasso-nominate-president-trump-for-nobel-peace-prize-praise-historic-operation-warp-speed/", "Chair Cassidy, Majority Whip Barrasso Nominate President Trump for Nobel Peace Prize, Praise Historic Operation Warp Speed", "2025-10-21", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and John Barrasso (R-WY), Senate Majority Whip, introduced a resolution nominating President Donald J. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for launching Operation Warp Speed, which delivered safe and effective vaccines that saved millions of lives during the pandemic. President Trump calls Operation Warp Speed, \u201cone of the greatest achievements ever.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s decisive action in Operation Warp Speed not only saved millions of lives but brought the American economy back to life. When Americans needed a vaccine in record time to stop a once-in-a-generation pandemic, President Trump delivered,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThe Nobel Prize has been given for a lot less. He should receive the next one!\u201d\n\n\u201cOperation Warp Speed is a model of American strength and ingenuity. It would not have been possible without President Trump\u2019s bold leadership. He bent an infamously slow bureaucracy to his will to bring a vaccine to market in under a year. Operation Warp Speed saved millions of lives in the United States and millions more lives around the world. President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his life-saving achievement,\u201d said Senator Barrasso.This effort echoes multiple Trump administration officials, including Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, who have publicly called for the President to get the Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2319", "Kennedy, Parents, And Providers Sound The Alarm On Risk Medicaid Cuts And Dept. Of Education Firings Pose To Early Intervention Care", "2025-10-20", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Early Intervention Services At Bornhava Rely On Medicaid And Department Of Education's Office Of Special Education Programs\n\nWith Medicaid Reimbursement Rates Already Too Low, New Cuts Threaten To Pull The Rug Out From Families\n\nAMHERST, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) stood today with parents, early intervention providers, and advocates to sound the alarm on the risk that enacted Medicaid cuts and illegal Department of Education firings pose to the ability to continue to provide early intervention services. Standing at Bornhava, where Kennedy worked as an occupational therapist for nearly a decade, he warned that the Big, Ugly Bill\u2019s massive cuts to Medicaid pose an existential threat to the services provided at the school and at other providers across the state and nation. This risk is exacerbated by the illegal layoffs at the Department of Education\u2019s Office of Special Education Programs, which oversees billions of dollars of budget funding. According to public reports, employment levels at the Office of Special Education Programs may go into the single digits if the firings are allowed to continue. As of last week, the firings have been temporarily halted by a federal court. Rather than focus on working with Democrats to stop the government shutdown and cancel the cuts, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have chosen instead to punish the most vulnerable in our community by engaging in illegal firings.\n\n\u201cBornhava and other early intervention providers change lives for the better every single day, helping children to live up to their fullest potential, and giving families the peace of mind knowing that their young ones are receiving the care they need and deserve to thrive,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cI\u2019ve seen it firsthand, working for nearly a decade at Bornhava as an occupational therapist. The children here aren\u2019t a line item or a place to find budget savings - they are our future, and these cuts are robbing both them and our entire community of a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow by stripping away crucial resources and support they desperately need to succeed. It\u2019s time to cancel the cuts, protect our kids, and make life more affordable for all working class families.\u201d\n\n\"The proposed Medicaid cuts are not just financial\u2014they are a direct threat to the lives and futures of our most vulnerable children, including those here at Bornhava,\u201d said Dr. Shannon Karcher, Ed.D., Bornhava Executive Director. \u201cCutting critical early intervention services for children with disabilities creates setbacks with long-term consequences for their learning, growth, and independence. If the federal government steps back from providing adequate oversight and funding, the resulting gap will jeopardize the future prospects of students with disabilities, fundamentally limiting their potential.\"\n\n\u201cMy daughter Claudia received Early Intervention Care and Special Education Services for 18 years\u2014services that were essential to her being able to thrive and lead a meaningful life,\u201d said Tom Rosenecker, President of Claudia\u2019s Club. \u201cShe\u2019s now 22, and I shudder to think about the long-term impact program cuts will have on individuals like her and their families.\u201d\n\n\u201cCuts to Medicaid and Social Security will have long lasting effects on our most vulnerable population,\u201d said Amy Monson, President of Down Syndrome Parents Group of WNY. \u201cFamilies of all incomes of people with disabilities rely on the support it gives to provide essential services like specialized education, speech, physical, and occupational therapy. These interventions at an early age help people with disabilities to develop to their fullest potential. Additionally, most adults with disabilities rely solely on Social Security as they are not able to be competitively employed. The absence of services throughout different stages of life will have negative impacts in the future. This support is essential for people with additional needs at all ages and stages of life.\u201d\n\n\"The essential services provided by organizations like Bornhava are not just about education; they are about unlocking potential and building futures,\u201d said Stefanie Mueller, Bornhava Student Parent and Board Member. \u201cMy son was born with a rare genetic disorder. But from ages two to five, Bornhava provided him with the crucial support he needed - giving him his legs, his voice, and the confidence to embrace all the joys and challenges of typical children. The recent attempted gutting of the Office of Special Education at the Department of Education is deeply concerning. These cuts target our community's brightest - but most vulnerable - stars, and as a parent and Bornhava Board Member, I am grateful to Congressman Kennedy for bringing attention to this. I urge our community to unite in the fight to protect these crucial services.\"\n\n\u201cThe Republican Congress\u2019s draconian cuts to Medicaid, along with the administration\u2019s purging of key Department of Education civil servants, will have consequences - and sadly, families and students in our community who rely on early intervention care programs are going to bear the brunt of these destructive policies,\u201d said Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart. \u201cIf the federal government refuses to change course, schools like Bonhava will suffer, families will lose access to early intervention care, and students with learning challenges will fall further and further behind in their academics, with grave long-term consequences not only for these students as individuals but for their families and our society as a whole. I\u2019m proud to stand with Congressman Kennedy and our community\u2019s educators to call on the federal government to reverse these cruel cuts and give every student an opportunity to learn, achieve, and thrive.\u201d\n\nThe Office of Special Education Programs is a component of the U.S. Department of Education that provides leadership and financial support to states and local districts. Its mission is to improve outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities by administering the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and ensuring access to a free and appropriate public education. The personnel who are under threat of firing are critical for administering billions in IDEA grants, monitoring state compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), providing technical assistance, and ensuring the civil rights of the nation's 7.5 million students with disabilities are protected.\n\nMedicaid is a critical funding source for Early Intervention (EI) services under IDEA Part C, covering eligible services for infants and toddlers with disabilities who are enrolled in both programs. States leverage Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit and other state Medicaid options to secure federal matching funds, significantly offsetting the cost to state and local Part C programs.\n\nBornhava is an Early Childhood Center in the Town of Amherst that provides specialized early intervention and preschool programs for children from birth to age five across the region who have developmental disabilities or delays. This center offers a nurturing, play-based environment with a team of special education teachers and therapists to empower children to reach their fullest potential, at no cost to families.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-bill-to-support-gold-star-spouses-passes-senate/", "Cassidy Bill to Support Gold Star Spouses Passes Senate", "2025-10-20", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauded the U.S. Senate\u2019s passage of the Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act. The legislation increases access to job counseling services for spouses of members of the Armed Forces who died while on active duty \u2013 \u201csurviving spouses\u201d \u2013 through the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, a program housed within the Veterans\u2019 Employment and Training Service at the U.S. Department of Labor. The program provides every state with funding to hire dedicated workforce specialists to provide individualized career counseling support with localized knowledge to eligible surviving spouses.\n\n\u201cDuring the Civil War, President Lincoln said that we the living have the obligation \u2018to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.\u2019 The Gold Star Spouse bill fulfills this command in the modern world\u2014that the surviving wife or husband would have access to career services to care for themselves and their family,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) in securing the legislation in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill now awaits input from the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-trump-celebrate-louisiana-baseball-at-white-house-ceremony/", "Cassidy, Trump Celebrate Louisiana Baseball at White House Ceremony", "2025-10-20", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, President Donald Trump invited U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) to attend a ceremony at the White House honoring the 2025 LSU Baseball NCAA National Champions and the 2025 LSU-Shreveport NAIA National Champions. Cassidy is an LSU graduate \u2014 earning both his undergraduate and medical degrees there \u2014 and now serves as a professor at the university.\n\n\u201cOnly in Louisiana do you get two national champions in the same sport in one year! It was great to mark the moment with President Trump and both teams at the White House,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nTomorrow, Cassidy will go back to the White House to have lunch with President Trump and Senate Republicans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chair-cassidy-republican-colleagues-urge-governors-to-opt-in-to-trump-backed-school-choice-program/", "Chair Cassidy, Republican Colleagues Urge Governors to Opt-In to Trump-Backed School Choice Program", "2025-10-17", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON\u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) sent letters urging states to opt-in to the upcoming federal school choice scholarship tax credit. In July, President Trump signed Cassidy\u2019s Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) as a part of the Working Families Tax Cut bill to authorize this program.\n\n\u201cThis innovative credit will unlock billions of private dollars to fund scholarships for K-12 students across the country, including in your state,\u201d said the members.\n\n\u201cEach of these scholarships could improve a child\u2019s trajectory, open new opportunities, and strengthen your state\u2019s educational outcomes and future workforce. We urge you to act quickly to ensure students can benefit from this tax credit from day one and dollars donated to your state remain in the state,\u201d continued the members.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and U.S. Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), Burgess Owens (R-UT-04), and Tim Walberg (R-MI-07) in sending the letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-headlines-accf-louisiana-energy-summit-highlights-future-of-energy-security/", "Cassidy Headlines ACCF Louisiana Energy Summit, Highlights Future of Energy Security", "2025-10-16", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "NEW ORLEANS \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) headlined the American Council for Capital Formation (ACCF) Energy Summit in New Orleans, bringing together top industry leaders and federal, state, and local officials. In his remarks, Cassidy highlighted how smart energy policy is the key to international competition, domestic security, and prosperity.\n\n\u201cSmart energy policy is the key to making Louisiana and America more prosperous, competitive, and energy independent,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe\u2019re bringing decision-makers here \u2014 to Louisiana, the energy powerhouse for our country \u2014 to accomplish these goals.\u201d\n\nThe Summit featured eleven panels that explored bolstering U.S. manufacturing, securing energy independence, and understanding the future of AI in the energy sector.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s no better place to have this conversation than right here in Louisiana, surrounded by its industry, workforce, and researchers. The Senator\u2019s vision was to create a venue to foster dialogue among Louisiana stakeholders that was inclusive and open to the public. Today, he achieved that goal: the Summit convened 11 panels, 70 speakers, and 450 registered attendees,\u201d said George David Banks, Chief Operating Officer, ACCF. \u201cACCF is grateful for Senator Cassidy\u2019s leadership and looks forward to working with him and his team next year.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nIn May, Cassidy introduced legislation to strengthen power grids resiliency across the country by reauthorizing two U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant programs that help states and utilities invest in modernizing their grid infrastructure.\n\nIn April, Cassidy and Senate Republicans introduced legislation to protect the permitting process for U.S. energy, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure projects from frivolous lawsuits designed to stall judicial reviews of approved projects.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-celebrating-louisiana-veterans-102nd-birthday/", "Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Celebrating Louisiana Veteran\u2019s 102nd Birthday", "2025-10-15", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor recognizing Mary Nugent, a Louisiana World War II U.S. Navy veteran, who turned 102 years old this month. Cassidy reflected on Mary\u2019s life of service and devotion to God, her country, and her community.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m told Mrs. Nugent still greets people with a warm smile and has a deep appreciation for nature. Perhaps her habit of looking for the good in everything and everyone is the secret to a long life,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cMary, thank you for your service to our country and state\u2014you\u2019ve made Louisiana and our country a better place for 102 years. You inspire, you bless, you make Louisiana proud. Happy birthday!\u201d concluded Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:\n\nMr. President, I want to recognize Mary Hajek Nugent, a Louisianan who exemplifies the best of our state\u2014hard work, service, and faith\u2014and just turned 102 years young this month.\n\nBorn on a farm near Libuse, Louisiana, Mary has been always been a hard worker. She grew up tending vegetable gardens, a fruit orchard, and farm animals before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, building planes at a bomber plant, and serving as a parachute rigger.\n\nAfter World War II, she returned to Central Louisiana and devoted her time and talents to the tuberculosis unit at Pineville Veterans Hospital. She later worked at a downtown Alexandria Veterans Affairs office, where she met her husband, Robert Nugent.\n\nI\u2019m told Mrs. Nugent still greets people with a warm smile and has a deep appreciation for nature. Perhaps her habit of looking for the good in everything and everyone is the secret to a long life. A long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church, Mary\u2019s faith is strong, and she still wakes up every day with a smile and words of thanksgiving.\n\nMary, thank you for your service to our country and state\u2014you\u2019ve made Louisiana and our country a better place for 102 years. You inspire, you bless, you make Louisiana proud. Happy birthday!\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2318", "Kennedy, Organized Labor, Nursing Home Leadership, and Residents Warn of Dire Consequences of Medicaid Cuts on Nursing Home Care", "2025-10-10", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Kennedy: Congress Must Cancel the Cuts and Stop the Shutdown\n\nIn Kennedy\u2019s District, 63% of Nursing Home Residents Rely on Medicaid Coverage, Threatening Long-term Viability of Critical Services\n\nTONAWANDA, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) was joined by members of 1199SEIU, residents, and leadership from the McAuley Residence in Tonawanda, New York, to highlight the dire consequences that Congressional Republicans\u2019 massive Medicaid cuts will have on nursing home residents and the facilities they rely on. With 63% of nursing home patients in Kennedy\u2019s district relying on Medicaid, the well-being of thousands of Western New Yorkers, as well as the facilities they rely on, are at severe risk. Kennedy warned that the Medicaid cuts will lead to more facility closures, adding to the pain already felt from the closure of Weinberg Campus in 2024, which upended the lives of hundreds of residents and employees. Kennedy demanded that House Republicans return to Washington to stop the shutdown, cancel the cuts, and extend healthcare tax credits.\n\n\u201cThe hardworking men and women of 1199SEIU provide thoughtful, empathic, and loving care each day to the more than 130 residents of McAuley Residence, a story that is played out each day in dozens of nursing homes across the region,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cWith 63% of nursing home residents in the region relying on Medicaid coverage, we are careening towards disaster, and we risk the closure of more nursing homes. As an occupational therapist, I know firsthand that when nursing homes close, care is interrupted and, tragically, people die. It\u2019s time for Congressional Republicans to stop playing games with our healthcare. Cancel these deadly cuts and stop the shutdown.\u201d\n\n\u201c1199SEIU members provide essential care and services to the most vulnerable seniors in our community. For decades, unionized healthcare workers have fought hard to win quality benefits and wages to sustain working families in WNY,\u201d said Grace Bogdanove, 1199SEIU Vice President, WNY Nursing Home Division. \u201cCongressional Republicans who recently shut down our government and voted to cut $1.2 trillion dollars in healthcare funding are putting jobs and care for New Yorkers at risk \u2013 all to line the pockets of billionaires. As 1 out of every 4 nursing homes face closure due to inadequate funding, already strained hospital systems will continue to be overburdened when these critical long term care and rehabilitative beds go offline.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Kennedy knows our nursing homes \u2013 and the compassionate care we provide \u2013 well, and has been a tireless partner in Albany, and now in D.C., to shine a light on the financial challenges threatening nursing homes, especially in communities like ours,\u201d said John Durno, Administrator of the McAuley Residence. \u201cMore than 90 not-for-profit nursing homes have closed or been sold in the last 10 years in New York, and four \u2013 all upstate -- have closed in the last 12 months. It is critical that policymakers at the state and federal level all work to fund nursing homes and adequately reimburse for the care provided. Our region\u2019s elderly deserve to have high quality, skilled care provided in our community.\u201d\n\nAssemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, \"Republican leadership\u2019s refusal to cancel these Medicaid cuts is not just a budget issue, it\u2019s a moral failure. Here in Western New York, nursing homes are already stretched thin, struggling to recruit staff and provide the level of care our seniors deserve. If these cuts go through, it will mean fewer beds, fewer caregivers, and more families forced to make impossible choices about their loved ones\u2019 care. We cannot allow Washington\u2019s political games to endanger the health, dignity, and safety of our seniors.\"\n\nMcAuley Residence, operated by Catholic Health and led by the members of 1199SEIU, has an average daily census of 135 and was rated by Newsweek as one of the Top 50 best nursing homes in the nation in 2024.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-speech-honoring-two-louisiana-police-officers-shot-in-the-line-of-duty/", "Cassidy Delivers Speech Honoring Two Louisiana Police Officers Shot in the Line of Duty", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor recognizing Captain Brett Stassi Jr. of the Iberville Parish Sheriff\u2019s Office, the son of Sheriff Stassi, and Deputy Charles Riley, who were shot in the line of duty Monday, October 6th,, in Plaquemine, Louisiana. Deputy Riley did not survive his injuries. Captain Stassi remains in critical but stable condition.\n\n\u201cMr. President, a tragedy like this reminds us that law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for us every single day,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cDeputy Riley gave his life protecting our community,\u201d continued Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe pray for his close friends and loved ones\u2014those here who grieve the loss of someone they look up to and will deeply miss.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe pray and hope for Stassi\u2019s strength and full recovery\u2014and for his wife and family,\u201dcontinued Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:\n\nMr. President,\n\nOn Monday evening, a tragedy occurred at a courthouse building in Plaquemine, Louisiana.\n\nCaptain Brett Stassi Jr. of the Iberville Parish Sheriff\u2019s Office, the son of Sheriff Stassi, and Deputy Charles Riley were shot by a suspect they were attempting to arrest in connection with a sexual assault case.\n\nThe two officers were taken to a hospital, where Deputy Riley\u2014a six-year veteran of the Iberville Parish Sheriff\u2019s Office, husband, and father\u2014died.\n\nCaptain Stassi, I\u2019m told, has undergone surgeries and is in critical but stable condition as of now.\n\nThese officers were attacked while booking a sex offender.\n\nMr. President, a tragedy like this reminds us that law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for us every single day.\n\nWe can never take that for granted.\n\nDeputy Riley gave his life protecting our community.\n\nWe pray for his close friends and loved ones\u2014those here who grieve the loss of someone they look up to and will deeply miss.\n\nOur hearts are with the fellow deputies who are hurting and the Plaquemine community.\n\nWe pray and hope for Stassi\u2019s strength and full recovery\u2014and for his wife and family.\n\nThe support we get from law enforcement\u2014the willingness to put themselves in harm\u2019s way\u2014can never be repaid.\n\nWe should support law enforcement, as well as those who are suffering in the wake of this tragedy.\n\nWith that, I yield.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-mullin-republican-colleagues-introduce-resolution-honoring-service-members-lost-in-abbey-gate-bombing-establishing-national-day-of-remembrance/", "Cassidy, Mullin, Republican Colleagues Introduce Resolution Honoring Service Members Lost in Abbey Gate Bombing, Establishing National Day of Remembrance", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and a group of Republican colleagues introduced a resolution honoring the lives of the 13 brave service members who died in the bombing at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, and establishing a National Day of Remembrance to officially recognize the victims and their faithful service to the United States.\n\n\u201cFor 13 American families, August 26th marks another painful year without their loved ones because of the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. We must honor their sacrifice by demanding accountability and ensuring such failures never happen again,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\n\u201cNot a day goes by that I don\u2019t think about the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and the 13 servicemembers we lost at Abbey Gate. Four years later, not one person has been held accountable for the Biden administration\u2019s reckless decision-making that cost American lives. Our resolution will ensure no one forgets the 13 heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice as we continue to push for answers,\u201d said Senator Mullin. \u201cWe owe it to the Americans the Biden-Harris administration left behind and those who needlessly lost their lives to provide accountability, so a disaster of this magnitude never happens again.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Hoeven (R-ND), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), John Boozman (R-AR), Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Todd Young (R-IN) joined Cassidy and Mullin in cosponsoring the resolution.\n\n\u201cAugust 26 will always be a somber date in our nation\u2019s history, marking the day when 13 American heroes lost their lives at Abbey Gate. We will never forget their service or sacrifice,\u201d said Senator Cotton.\n\n\u201cThe Biden admin\u2019s botched Afghanistan withdrawal will forever be a stain on our nation. We will never forget the fallen 13 and all those wounded in the tragedy at Abbey Gate,\u201d said Senator Cornyn.\n\n\u201cIt is our solemn duty to honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation at Abbey Gate. That\u2019s why I am proud to cosponsor a resolution establishing a National Day of Remembrance. As we remember their sacrifice, we also pay tribute to the Gold Star Families who have faced unimaginable grief. We will never forget their loved ones\u2019 bravery, nor the cost of our freedom,\u201dsaid Senator Moody.\n\n\u201cThe 13 U.S. servicemembers and civilians whose lives were needlessly taken from them four years ago deserve to be remembered in history books for years to come. President Trump has gone above and beyond to honor the families of each of these fallen servicemembers, and it is now time for Congress to do the same. I am thankful for their sacrifice and honored to be a part of an important effort to ensure their heroic actions are never forgotten,\u201d said Senator Tuberville.\n\n\u201cDue to senseless policy decisions made by the Biden administration, 13 heroic servicemembers were tragically killed at Abbey Gate during America\u2019s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. While the pain felt by their loved ones will never fade, there is no better way to remember and honor the service and sacrifice of those lost that fateful day than by establishing a National Day of Remembrance,\u201d said Senator Budd.\n\nU.S. House Representative Max Miller (R-OH-07) introduced the House companion, H.J. RES 116, on August 26, 2025.\n\n\u201cFour years ago, 13 service members lost their lives at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan. These men and women embodied the values of America: Bravery, Selflessness, Dedication, and Service. As a Marine, I know the sacred responsibility we carry to honor the memory of the fallen, not just in words, but in action,\u201d said Representative Miller. \u201cI introduced a resolution to designate August 26 the official National Day of Remembrance for the victims of the bombing at Abbey Gate. A grateful nation must never forget their sacrifice.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nOn August 26, 2021, an ISIS-K suicide bomber targeted a civilian gate (Abbey Gate) at Hamid Karzai International Airport during the withdrawal of U.S. military forces and non-combatant evacuation of Kabul, Afghanistan.\n\nThe attack resulted in the death of 13 U.S. servicemembers and more than 160 Afghan civilians in the deadliest day for the U.S. military in Afghanistan since 2011.\n\nPresident Trump signed a proclamation on August 25, 2025, to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the attack.\n\nThe Resolution designates a National Day of Remembrance in honor of the American servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice at the bombing of Abbey Gate at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26, 2021, and expresses condolences and gratitude to the Gold Star Families of those lost.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-supports-national-defense-package-secures-louisiana-investments/", "Cassidy Supports National Defense Package, Secures Louisiana Investments", "2025-10-09", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement after voting to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\n\n\u201cThe Schumer Shutdown is harming families and denying our troops their pay,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThat\u2019s why Republicans are working to strengthen our defense, support Louisiana\u2019s military bases, and protect our troops.\u201d\n\nProvisions Cassidy secured for Louisiana in the NDAA include:\n\nThe NDAA also includes language establishing a Military\u2013Civilian Medical Surge Program as a program of record, building on Cassidy\u2019s prior $6 million in DoD funding that added LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) as an National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) pilot site. This will stabilize long-term funding, strengthen LSUHS\u2019s partnership with Barksdale and the Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs, and enhance Louisiana\u2019s role in national disaster and medical readiness.Additionally, the NDAA increases authorization for shipbuilding and amphibious fleet programs, supporting Louisiana shipyards and strengthening America\u2019s maritime defense industrial base.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-applauds-senate-confirmation-of-president-trumps-pick-for-the-middle-district-of-louisiana/", "Cassidy Applauds Senate Confirmation of President Trump\u2019s Pick for the Middle District of Louisiana", "2025-10-07", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released the following statement applauding the U.S. Senate confirmation of Kurt Wall to serve as United States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana. A career prosecutor for over 30 years, Wall currently serves as the Assistant District Attorney and Chief Felony Prosecutor in Livingston Parish. Wall\u2019s distinguished service to the state of Louisiana also includes directing the Criminal Division of the Louisiana Attorney General\u2019s Office and serving as Assistant District Attorney in East Baton Rouge Parish.\n\n\u201cWhen President Trump wants results, he picks people who get them,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cKurt is the man for the job. He\u2019s ready to protect Louisiana families and enforce the law.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-cassidy-releases-statement-joins-resolution-recognizing-two-year-anniversary-of-october-7/", "VIDEO: Cassidy Releases Statement, Joins Resolution Recognizing Two-Year Anniversary of October 7", "2025-10-07", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a video recognizing the two-year anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel that killed over a thousand Israelis and Americans. Cassidy also joined U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in introducing a resolution condemning Iran-backed Hamas for its actions, calling for the return of all remaining hostages, and supporting Israel.\n\n\u201cWhen you see the images and hear the stories of what families endured on October 7th, your heart breaks,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe stand with Israel and against the antisemitism that fuels Hamas. Let\u2019s end the war with President Trump\u2019s peace deal.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nCassidy applauded President Trump\u2019s work to develop a proposed peace deal between Israel and Gaza.\n\nAs Chair of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy is leading multiple efforts to address antisemitism on college campuses following the attacks. At the HELP Committee hearing on antisemitic disruptions on campuses, Cassidy launched an investigation into the Hamas associated American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) group for helping organize, support, and facilitate violent, antisemitism demonstrations that are disrupting college campuses across the country. Additionally, Cassidy introduced the Protecting Students on Campus Act, that holds universities accountable to address discrimination and maintain a safe learning environment for all students.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2315", "Kennedy Joins Primary Care and Emergency Care Providers to Demand GOP Cancel the Cuts and Reopen the Government", "2025-10-06", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Standing With Doctors, Nurses, Patients, Elected Officials, Kennedy Underscores the Dire Need to Cancel the Cuts from Trump\u2019s Big Ugly Bill\n\nReconciliation Bill Slashed Medicaid, Failed to Renew ACA Tax Credits, Setting Families Up For Dramatic and Unaffordable Premium Increases and Loss of Healthcare\n\nBUFFALO, N.Y. - Joined today at Neighborhood Health Center\u2019s Mattina facility by primary care and emergency care providers, as well as patients and colleagues in government, Congressman Tim Kennedy demanded that Congressional Republicans and President Trump end their government shutdown, cancel the Medicaid cuts, and permanently extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits that keep exchange-purchased health plans affordable for families.\n\nAs the Republican shutdown enters its sixth day, the need for Republicans to return to the negotiation table is more dire than ever. Without swift action from Congress to renew the ACA tax credits, families in Kennedy\u2019s district face average premium increases of $1,670, while more than 1 million New Yorkers will lose health coverage entirely, and 11 rural hospitals risk closure. While Congressional Republicans were eager to provide tax cuts to billionaires permanently, they have failed to take care of working-class Americans by extending the tax cuts, threatening to remove access to healthcare for tens of millions.\n\n\u201cI spent more than a decade practicing as an occupational therapist, and I\u2019ve seen firsthand what happens when there is a lapse in care, or worse, when there is a cancellation of care,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cCongressional Republicans and President Trump made sure to take care of their billionaire friends by permanently extending their tax cuts, while at the same time leaving tens of millions of hardworking Americans out in the cold. Make no mistake, if they don\u2019t cancel the cuts and extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, we will make America sicker and people will die. I won\u2019t stop fighting to reopen the government and cancel these deadly cuts.\u201d\n\n\"You may think this doesn\u2019t affect you, but there are ripple effects,\u201d said Joanne Haefner, President & CEO of Neighborhood Health Center of WNY. \u201cFor example, when a health center cuts services, hours, staff, or closes entirely, that limits access to care for everyone who relies on that health center \u2013 whether you have private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or are uninsured.\"\n\nAssemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, \u201cThis current government shutdown didn't happen by accident. It\u2019s a choice made by Republican leadership in Congress, and they have to own it. By refusing to govern responsibly, they\u2019ve thrown our healthcare system into uncertainty, threatened Medicaid funding that millions depend on, and jeopardized Affordable Care Act tax credits that help working families afford coverage. Here in Western New York, our hospitals, providers, and patients are paying the price for the dysfunction of Republicans in Washington. It\u2019s past time for Republican leaders to reopen the government and stop playing games with people\u2019s health and livelihoods.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s outrageous that Congressional Republicans, fresh off voting to rip Medicaid from some 12 million Americans, now want to let the enhanced ACA tax credits expire and kick millions more off their health insurance - and are even willing to shut down the federal government to do so,\u201d said Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader and Ellicott District Council Member Leah Halton-Pope. \u201cWe know what happens when people lose access to healthcare. They go into medical debt, they fail to receive essential preventative care, and some even lose their lives. I stand with Representative Kennedy and local healthcare providers with a clear message for the White House and Congress: stop putting the profits of billionaires ahead of the health and lives of the American people.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe expanded Affordable Care Act tax credits are a critical lifeline for thousands of Western New Yorkers and millions of Americans, and yet MAGA Republicans want to strip these protections in order to fund more handouts for the billionaire class,\u201d said Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart. \u201cLet\u2019s be clear: the government shutdown could end this morning if the White House and Congressional leaders committed to protecting health coverage. I\u2019m proud to stand with Representative Kennedy and healthcare leaders to tell them, \u2018Hands off Medicaid, hands off the ACA, hands off our healthcare.\u2019\n\n\u201cWe cannot afford to wait,\u201d said Legislator Lawrence Dupre. \u201cI stand with Congressman Kennedy and urgently demand the cancellation of Medicaid Cuts and the extension of ACA tax credits to restore the critical benefits our citizens deserve and need. The federal government must reopen and get to work on these issues.\u201d\n\nThis failure by Republicans will blow a $1,670 hole in the annual budgets of the 10,000 people in Kennedy\u2019s district who rely on ACA coverage, representing a 35% premium increase. The burden is even steeper for some. For example, a 60-year-old couple with a household income of $85,000 will face an extra $4,116 in annual health insurance costs\u2014a 57% spike. Congressional Democrats have introduced legislation that will cancel the cuts, extend the ACA tax credits, and reopen the federal government. With Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, Senate, and White House, the onus is on them to come back to the table and negotiate in good faith.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:10:06Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-lummis-republican-colleagues-introduce-resolution-to-celebrate-domestic-energy-producers/", "Cassidy, Lummis,\u00a0Republican\u00a0Colleagues Introduce Resolution to Celebrate Domestic Energy Producers", "2025-10-04", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and a group of Republican colleagues introduced a resolution designating October 4, 2025, as National Energy Appreciation Day to celebrate the men and women who work to power Louisiana, the nation, and the world.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump is focused on unleashing American energy\u2014so am I,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cAmerican energy dominance means peace, a strong economy, and a better life for the American family. The people who work every day toward that goal are worth celebrating.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is the time for American energy dominance,\u201d said Senator Lummis. \u201cAfter a four-year war on the west, President Trump unleashed American energy, opening our lands and resources to production and empowering our workers. I am proud to lead my colleagues in introducing this resolution that celebrates American energy independence, and the men and women throughout the west who are powering our lives.\u201d\n\nCassidy and Lummis were joined by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), and Jim Risch (R-ID) in cosponsoring the resolution.\n\n\u201cIn Wyoming, we know firsthand how American energy production fuels American success,\u201d said Senator Barrasso. \u201cWyoming is America\u2019s energy breadbasket. Our workers produce the energy and resources that keep America running and our economy strong. Wyoming will proudly lead the way in celebrating National Energy Appreciation Day.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis Energy Day, I celebrate Idaho\u2019s immense contributions to the production of home-grown energy,\u201d said Senator Crapo. \u201cIt is vital we shore up domestic energy supply chain production to reduce the influence of foreign countries like China. We must work together to find collaborative solutions to our nation\u2019s overall energy needs and an \u2018all of the above\u2019 energy strategy that promotes our energy independence and national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnergy and prosperity are inseparable, and America\u2019s energy producers drive the growth and strength of our nation,\u201d said Senator Cruz. \u201cThe American oil and gas industry, led by Texas producers, is the backbone of our economy and supports millions of hardworking families. The Biden-Harris administration pursued a climate agenda that disregarded these basic facts and undermined American energy production, but now with President Trump in the White House and a Republican congress we are restoring American energy. I am proud to join Senator Lummis and my fellow Republican Senators in introducing this resolution.\u201d\n\n\u201dThis resolution honors the hardworking Americans who power our nation,\u201d said Senator Hoeven. \u201cUnder President Trump\u2019s leadership, we\u2019ve cut burdensome regulations, expanded access to taxpayer-owned lands and minerals, and strengthened domestic energy production. Celebrating these achievements on National Energy Appreciation Day highlights the critical role our energy workers play in driving economic growth, securing our future and maintaining energy dominance.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnleashing American energy is essential to our nation\u2019s strength and security, and it would not be possible without the hardworking men and women who power every part of the industry,\u201d said Senator Hyde-Smith. \u201cFrom our offshore rigs and oil fields to our power plants, their work fuels our economy, lights our cities, cools our homes, and delivers the cleanest, safest, and most reliable energy in the world.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-speaks-to-lsu-turning-point-usa-chapter/", "Cassidy Speaks to LSU Turning\u00a0Point USA Chapter", "2025-10-03", "2025", "2025-10", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Last night, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke to Louisiana State University\u2019s Turning Point USA chapter. He honored the memory of its organization\u2019s founder, Charlie Kirk, and pledged to keep advancing conservative values in Washington.\n\n\u201cCharlie Kirk inspired students to defend freedom, faith, and the values that America was built on,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\u201cIt\u2019s up to us to carry that legacy forward in Louisiana and across America.\u201d\n\nCassidy was thanked for his attendance by Mr. Mark Schoeppel, Director of Recruitment and Outreach of the Turning Point USA chapter at Louisiana State University.\n\n\u201cWe had a terrific time hosting Senator Cassidy at our meeting,\u201d said Mr. Schoeppel. \u201cAt a moment where discourse is invaluable, we greatly appreciate the Senator taking time to discuss crucial issues with constituents and young conservatives.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:32:54Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-highlights-flood-insurance-risks-in-face-of-government-shutdown/", "Cassidy Highlights Flood Insurance Risks in Face of Government Shutdown", "2025-09-30", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor outlining the harm the looming government shutdown would have on the 500,000 Louisianans, and millions more Americans, relying on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Cassidy called on Democrats to join Republicans in keeping Congress working for the American people.\n\n\u201cIf Democrats would stop trying to please the fringe of their party and start focusing on the real, immediate needs of the American people\u2014like keeping the government open, maintaining flood insurance, and protecting access to rural health care\u2014we could solve this today,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy\u2019s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:\n\nMr. President,\n\nHurricane season ends November 30th\u2014two months left to go.\n\nLast week marked the first anniversary of Hurricane Helene\u2014one of many storms so severe that Louisiana sent its own first responders to affected states to support emergency operations on the ground.\n\nThe weekend saw two Category 4 storms churning in the Western Atlantic.\n\nThankfully, it doesn\u2019t appear that they will hit our coast.\n\nStill, these storms remind folks in Louisiana, and in other states, that flooding isn\u2019t a matter of if, but when.\n\nDemocrats are pushing us towards a government shutdown.\n\nWhat does that mean for those on the National Flood Insurance Program?\n\nImagine you are about to close on a house. That house requires you to have flood insurance.\n\nIf you are in a special flood hazard area\u2014by the way, over half of Louisiana is a special flood hazard area\u2014and you\u2019re purchasing a house with help from a federally-backed loan, you may not be closing on that home.\n\nNor will you be able to renew your existing policy.\n\nAll because Democrats rejected a clean continuing resolution to keep the government open.\n\nLet me repeat: they walked away from a bill that simply extended the existing budget for seven weeks to allow further negotiation.\n\nNow, they demand a highly partisan bill which would add more than one TRILLION dollars to our national debt.\n\nThey want taxpayer-funded health care for illegal immigrants.\n\nTransgender surgery for minors.\n\nAnd to cut the $50 billion Rural Hospital Fund Republicans created as part of our Working Families Tax Cuts bill.\n\nAmericans are left wondering how a shutdown will affect their flood insurance, while Democrats are writing checks to appease the far-Left.\n\nI\u2019ll tell you what the American people care about.\n\nThey want the government to do its job.\n\nThey want disaster recovery when it\u2019s needed.\n\nThey want flood insurance that works.\n\nThey want rural hospitals to stay open.\n\nThey want energy security and a balanced budget\u2014not trillion-dollar add-ons that only serve a political agenda.\n\nMr. President, the American people deserve accountability. And they expect Congress to put their needs before partisan politics.\n\nIf this shutdown happens, it will mean that the National Flood Insurance Program can\u2019t renew policies.\n\nThat\u2019s 500,000 Louisianans, and millions more across the country, unable to renew their policies while we are still in hurricane season.\n\nIt will mean delays in disaster aid and emergency response coordination. It will mean uncertainty for families still recovering from past storms.\n\nThis is personal for families in Louisiana.\n\nIf Democrats would stop trying to please the fringe of their party and start focusing on the real, immediate needs of the American people\u2014like keeping the government open, maintaining flood insurance, and protecting access to rural health care\u2014we could solve this today.\n\nSo I ask them: Who are you working for?\n\nAre you working for the American families watching the weather, hoping the next storm doesn\u2019t wipe out everything they\u2019ve built?\n\nAre you working for the veterans waiting on care, the seniors relying on their Social Security checks, or the communities who count on rural hospitals to be there in a crisis?\n\nOr are you working for political activists and special interest groups that have nothing to do with the lives of the people you were elected to serve?\n\nMr. President, the path forward is simple: pass a clean bill to keep the government open.\n\nBackground\n\nEarlier this month, Cassidy delivered a floor speech warning of the consequences if the National Flood insurance Program lapses.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-resolution-designating-september-20-27-national-estuaries-week/", "Cassidy Introduces Resolution Designating September 20\u201327 National Estuaries Week", "2025-09-29", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced a resolution designating September 20 through September 27, 2025, as National Estuaries Week and calling for the protection and restoration of America\u2019s estuaries, which drive economic activity and are facing mounting threats from rising sea levels, pollution, and extreme weather.\n\n\u201cWhen Louisiana\u2019s coastlines are protected, so is our way of life. Our estuaries are a lifeline. We must keep them healthy,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in introducing the resolution.\n\n\u201cNational Estuaries Week reminds us of the vital role estuaries, bays, sounds, and coastal regions play in our nation\u2019s future,\u201d said Daniel Hayden, President of Restore America\u2019s Estuaries. \u201cNearly 40% of Americans live in a coastal region and many more rely on them for food, recreation, and trade but more can be done to ensure these ecosystems continue to thrive. We depend on our estuaries, and our estuaries depend on us. Restore America\u2019s Estuaries thanks Senator Cassidy, Senator Whitehouse, and all of their colleagues who signed on to this bipartisan resolution \u2013 demonstrating continued support of our estuaries from our nation\u2019s capital.\u201d\n\n\u201cNational Estuaries Week is a chance to celebrate the places that sustain our way of life in Louisiana and across the country,\u201d said Bren Haase, Director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program. \u201cEstuaries are working landscapes\u2014they buffer us from storms, fuel our fisheries, and anchor the communities and traditions that define coastal life. Here in the Barataria-Terrebonne region, we see every day how important it is to invest in restoring and protecting these waters and wetlands. We\u2019re grateful for the bipartisan leadership in the Senate that recognizes the value of our nation\u2019s estuaries and the role they play in building a more resilient future.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nAn estuary is a partially enclosed, coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams meets an open body of water, typically the sea or Great Lakes. Nearly 40 percent of Americans live in estuarine regions, which support nearly 47 percent of U.S. economic output. Estuaries provide key ecosystem services that protect human health and safety, including water filtration, flood control, shoreline stabilization, and erosion prevention. They also protect coastal communities during increasingly frequent hurricanes and other extreme weather events.\n\nEstuarine regions of the United States contribute disproportionately to the national economy. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, estuary regions cover only 13 percent of the land area of the United States, but they contain nearly 40 percent of the population and make up almost half of the country\u2019s economic output.\n\nThreats to estuaries are increasing, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated that the continental United States has lost more than half of its wetlands since the 1780s. Additionally, bays across the country that once served as important fisheries are now considered \u201cdead zones\u201d filled with algal blooms, chemical waste, nutrient pollution, and marine debris.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-recognizes-louisiana-business-owner-who-influenced-president-trumps-working-families-tax-cuts-bill/", "LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Recognizes Louisiana Business Owner Who Influenced President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts Bill", "2025-09-29", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, recognized Louisiana business owner and French Settlement Mayor Jeremy Aydell, whose request to the office in June 2024 to include beauticians in President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts Bill became federal tax policy. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency.\n\nRead his full September 2025 Local Spotlight below:\n\nI would like to recognize Jeremy Aydell from Livingston Parish, Louisiana, who visited my office over a year ago representing the needs of small business owners in Louisiana.\n\nJeremy saw that, under prior law, employers of waiters and waitresses saved 7.65% in payroll taxes on tips, freeing up money to raise wages, add shifts, and support workers who earn those tips.\n\nAs a Sport Clips franchise owner in Louisiana, Jeremy wanted the same thing for the folks working in his stores.\n\nSo when Jeremy saw the opportunity to include this in President Trump\u2019s tax bill, I agreed, and we got it done.\n\nBecause of that meeting\u2014that conversation, Jeremy Aydell, a Louisiana business owner, helped influence national policy. Employer tip credit for tip income was included in the final text of President Trump\u2019s tax bill, and Louisianans working in the beauty industry will take home more of their hard-earned pay, and salon owners will have a much-needed financial break.\n\nI want to thank Jeremy\u2014give him a shoutout\u2014for coming to my office with that request. You helped make tax policy work better for Louisianans and for people across the country. You make Louisiana proud, and I am proud to have worked with you.\n\nBackground\n\nRecently, Cassidy highlighted Louisiana search and rescue personnel Samuel Haynes, Turner Gore, Gordon Seagraves, Steven Maestas, Roy Gros, Christopher Whatley, Justin Wolfe, Colby Reed, David Burden, Austin Tull, Chris Shadoin, and Craig Bynog for aiding in rescue efforts following the flooding in Texas.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-34-6-million-for-louisiana-hurricane-recovery-and-emergency-preparedness/", "Cassidy Announces $34.6 Million for Louisiana Hurricane Recovery and Emergency Preparedness", "2025-09-26", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive a combined $34,568,131.81 from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support recovery and emergency preparedness following Hurricanes Laura, Ida, and Francine. The funding will reimburse local governments, utilities, and state agencies for permanent repairs, emergency measures, and management costs.\n\n\u201cAfter a storm hits, families need their hospitals, schools, and power restored quickly,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis funding gets Louisiana back on its feet and ready for the next storm.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-tours-facility-meets-employees-at-rngd-in-metairie/", "Cassidy Tours Facility, Meets Employees at RNGD in Metairie", "2025-09-26", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "METAIRIE \u2013 On Friday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited RNGD\u2019s Southeast Region campus in Metairie, where he visited with employees and toured the complex.\n\n\u201cRNGD is a Louisiana company employing people from Louisiana as they build structures across the south. President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts bill gives more opportunity to create more jobs, and lets those workers keep more of their hard-earned money. I was glad to support it,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy.\n\nCassidy\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has provided over $10 billion to Louisiana. Much of that money is going to build and improve roads, bridges, and highways in Louisiana. Companies like RNGD build the infrastructure funded by that bill.\n\nAdditionally, Cassidy voted for President Trump\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts bill, which made permanent income tax reductions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and a deduction to help small businesses expense capital investments.\n\nAt RNGD, Cassidy discussed how they invested $25 million to consolidate their Southeast Region campus. This project will retain 265 jobs in the region, while creating an additional 130 jobs. There is also a Renegade Academy on site, a training center that hosts their award-winning professional and workforce development program.\n\nCassidy was joined on the tour by Mr. Jerry Bologna, President and CEO of JEDCO, the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission, which helped RNGD expand in the parish.\n\n\u201cRNGD\u2019s decision to deepen its presence in Jefferson Parish has helped create more high-paying jobs and opportunities in our community while also amplifying the global message that JP is a destination for business, innovation and economic growth,\u201d said Mr. Bologna. \u201cSenator Cassidy\u2019s visit to the state-of-the-art, 14-acre campus provides a special recognition of the company\u2019s significant investment in Jefferson Parish and highlights the attention that this project has received on a national scale.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-50-million-to-boost-duck-hunting-access-expand-bird-habitat-in-louisiana/", "Cassidy Announces $50 Million to Boost Duck Hunting Access, Expand Bird Habitat in Louisiana", "2025-09-25", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced that Louisiana will receive $49,838,000.00 from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to conserve more than 20,000 acres of waterfowl habitat and expand public access on two national wildlife refuges. Funding was approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission through revenues primarily generated from the sale of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, commonly known as Duck Stamps.\n\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s duck hunting at sunrise or casting a line in the afternoon, Louisianans know how important the outdoors are to our way of life,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThis funding allows folks to keep enjoying while boosting local economies in North Louisiana.\u201d\n\nThis latest round of funding provides $35,238,000.00 to the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge for the conservation of 17,023 acres and $14,600,000 to the Red River National Wildlife Refuge for the conservation of 3,285 acres. These investments will strengthen migratory bird habitats, and expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and other recreational activities that boost local economies.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2312", "Kennedy, Ramirez Lead 95 House Democrats in Demanding VA Reinstate Collective Bargaining Agreements for 377,000 Workers", "2025-09-24", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Lawmakers Emphasize that Suppression of Labor Rights Will Only Worsen VA Staffing and Reduce Quality of Care for Veterans\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03) led a coalition of House Democrats demanding that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) immediately reinstate collective bargaining agreements for more than 377,000 VA employees that were unilaterally terminated by the Trump administration, including nurses, doctors, and frontline staff who care for millions of veterans nationwide.\n\nKennedy and Ramirez underscored that the termination of these collective bargaining agreements is an egregious attack on organized labor and a direct threat to the stability of the VA healthcare system, the security of its workforce, and the quality of the care our veterans rely on.\n\n\u201cWhen you rip away workplace protections from nurses, doctors, and caregivers \u2013 many of whom are veterans themselves \u2013 you destabilize the very system our heroes depend on for their care,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cThis is reckless, it is politically motivated, and it will harm veterans in Western New York and across the country.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers\u2019 letter comes after VA Secretary Doug Collins\u2019s repeated insults regarding the integrity of hardworking union employees who tirelessly care for our nation\u2019s heroes. Silencing unions who speak up against harmful policies not only violates workers\u2019 rights but also weakens oversight, discourages whistleblowers, and erodes public trust in the VA\u2019s ability to protect those who protect us. These actions to suppress collective bargaining protections will only deepen staffing shortages and threaten timely, quality care for veterans.\n\nKennedy, a longtime advocate for organized labor and a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, will continue holding the VA accountable to its mission of serving our nation\u2019s heroes with the dignity, fairness, and respect they deserve.\n\nBackground\n\nOn August 6, the Trump administration abruptly terminated collective bargaining agreements for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), AFL-CIO, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNU), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Together, these unions represent the vast majority of VA\u2019s 450,000-person workforce.\n\nFull text of the letter below:\n\nThe Honorable Doug Collins\n\nSecretary\n\nU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs\n\n810 Vermont Avenue NW\n\nWashington, DC 20420\n\nDear Secretary Collins:\n\nWe write to express our outrage regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) decision to unilaterally terminate collective bargaining agreements covering over 377,000 employees. These workers, many of whom are veterans themselves, have dedicated their lives to serving our nation\u2019s heroes. To that end, we demand that the VA reinstate collective bargaining agreements for affected federal unions.\n\nOn August 6, the Trump administration wrongly decided to terminate the collective bargaining agreements for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), AFL-CIO, National Association of Government Employees (NAGE), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), National Nurses Organizing Committee/ National Nurses United (NNU), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The unions have previously issued statements and protested the Administration\u2019s decision against proposed staff cuts and have filed numerous lawsuits against such cuts.\n\nFor months, we have sought clarity from the VA regarding how they plan to implement the Executive Order related to the termination of collective bargaining agreements, but they have denied us any answers. The first official response we received was the VA\u2019s press release, which attempted to justify the current contracts as \u201coutdated\u201d or \u201cnot aligned with VA values.\u201d\n\nTo that end, it is clear that the Administration only terminated collective bargaining agreements for unions that have been critical of their actions, punishing those who have spoken out against VA policies that stripped protections for union members and the veterans they serve. Further, your assertion that \u201c...unions that represent VA employees fight against the best interest of Veterans while protecting and rewarding bad workers\u201d is both insulting and downright false. More than 80% of the VA\u2019s 450,000-person workforce is union-affiliated, and AFGE alone represents about 300,000 employees working for the VA. The assertion is nothing but a hollow pretense for silencing labor voices, voices that often speak out against administrative abuse against our veterans without fear of retaliation. Union contracts are renegotiated, not revoked.\n\nThe Supreme Court has repeatedly found that \u201ca fundamental principle of the First Amendment is that the government may not punish or suppress speech based on disapproval of the ideas or perspectives the speech conveys.\u201d Refusing to honor collective bargaining agreements is a direct affront to the rights of the VA employees who are union members. Chilling the speech of unions and their members instills fear in the workforce, rendering employees less likely to report abuse and practice accountability.\n\nSilencing VA\u2019s unionized workers is a direct contradiction to the agency\u2019s purported goal of improving efficiency and transparency. Anyone who purports to care about efficiency and accountability in government would, in good faith, empower workers to speak truth to power, to voice unpopular opinions, and alert the VA to potential abuse happening to our veterans. The mass termination of bargaining rights undermines trust, jeopardizes workplace stability, and discourages those who want to choose a career with the VA. Moreover, it signals an intent to weaken oversight and accountability, all of which will certainly impact the quality of care for our veterans.\n\nWe will not stand by while the administration makes decisions that intentionally violate the rights of its workers and jeopardize the health and well-being of our nation\u2019s heroes. The administration\u2019s decision to terminate the collective bargaining agreements of over 377,000 union members will destabilize the already overburdened workforce delivering critical care and greatly impact services to our nation\u2019s veterans. We demand that the VA cease any further attempts to bypass or undermine the collective power of employees who have honorably chosen to serve our nation\u2019s veterans\n\nSincerely,\n\nRep. Timothy M. Kennedy, Rep. Delia C. Ramirez, Rep. Chellie Pingree, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Danny K. Davis, Rep. Becca Balint, Rep. Shri Thanedar, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. John B. Larson, Rep. Lucy McBath, Rep. Kevin Mullin, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, Rep. Nikema Williams, Rep. Gwen S. Moore, Rep. Bill Foster, Rep. Sarah Elfreth, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Stephen F. Lynch, Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson, Rep. Paul D. Tonko, Rep. Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n, Rep. Herbert C. Conaway, Jr., Rep. Yassamin Ansari, Rep. Frederica S. Wilson, Rep. LaMonica McIver, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Joe Courtney, Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Rep. James P. McGovern, Rep. Betty McCollum, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Rep. Jason Crow, Rep. Glenn Ivey, Rep. Mike Thompson, Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr., Rep. Val Hoyle, Rep. Angie Craig, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Rep. David Scott, Rep. Johnny Olszewski, Jr., Rep. Dan Goldman, Rep. Marilyn Strickland, Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, Rep. Scott H. Peters, Rep. Morgan McGarvey, Rep. Nellie Pou, Rep. Dina Titus, Rep. John Garamendi, Rep. Mike Levin, Rep. Sylvia R. Garcia, Rep. Grace Meng, Rep. Brendan F. Boyle, Rep. Robin L. Kelly, Rep. Julia Brownley, Rep. Robin L. Kelly, Rep. Julia Brownley , Rep. Andrea Salinas, Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Rep. Maxine Dexter, Rep. Shontel M. Brown, Rep. Jared Huffman, Rep. Haley M. Stevens, Rep. Greg Casar, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. Maggie Goodlander, Rep. Kelly Morrison, Rep. Greg Stanton, Rep. Chris Pappas, Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Andr\u00e9 Carson, Rep. Summer L. Lee, Rep. Dwight Evans, Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, Rep. Joaquin Castro, Rep. Chris Deluzio, Rep. Gabe Amo, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Rep. Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr., Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Rep. Joe Neguse, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Rep. Donald Norcross, Rep. Suzan K. DelBene, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Jill Tokuda, Rep. Josh Harder, Rep. Teresa Leger Fern\u00e1ndez, Rep. Mark DeSaulnier\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-over-22-5-million-for-louis-armstrong-new-orleans-international-airport-runway-upgrades/", "Cassidy Announces Over $22.5 Million for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Runway Upgrades", "2025-09-24", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $22,539,337.00 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reconstruct Runway 02/20 at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. This funding comes from Cassidy\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\n\u201cMSY is the front door to Louisiana for millions of visitors each year,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cRebuilding this runway keeps New Orleans open for business, for Mardi Gras, and for all the people who fly here to enjoy our food, music, and culture.\u201d\n\nThe project will reconstruct 7,002 feet of concrete runway, and this grant funds the final phase of that construction.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-honors-law-enforcement-at-annual-awards-luncheon-in-new-orleans/", "Cassidy Honors Law Enforcement at Annual Awards Luncheon in New Orleans", "2025-09-24", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "BATON ROUGE \u2013 On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered remarks at the Metropolitan Crime Commission\u2019s Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards Luncheon. While there, Cassidy thanked law enforcement for their work and discussed how they can use his HALT Fentanyl Act, signed into law by President Trump, to target drug dealers.\n\n\u201cFentanyl dealers are criminals and murders,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cThanks to local law enforcement and my HALT Fentanyl Act, they are more likely to go to jail and Louisiana is safer.\u201d\n\nIn July, President Donald Trump signed Cassidy\u2019s HALT Fentanyl Act into law. Between 2014 and 2023, more than 400,000 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses, including 5,000 from Louisiana. The HALT Fentanyl Act addresses this crisis by giving law enforcement another tool by permanently scheduling fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act.\n\nAdditionally in August, Cassidy hosted a press event to honor angel families and celebrate President Trump\u2019s signing of his legislation. Video of the event is available here.\n\nAt the event, Cassidy was joined by Mr. Jonathan Tapp, the FBI special agent in charge for New Orleans, and Louisiana State Attorney General Liz Murrill. Cassidy was also welcomed to the event by Mr. Rafael Goyeneche, III, President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission.\n\n\u201cThe HALT Fentanyl Act that Senator Cassidy authored and earned bipartisan support for is important not just to Louisiana, but to our nation,\u201d said Mr. Goyeneche. \u201cFentanyl overdose deaths exceed the combined total of murders and vehicular deaths on an annual basis. This legislation addresses a public safety issue, and that\u2019s why the Metropolitan Crime Commission invited the Senator to speak to our membership. This is critically important for safer communities in Louisiana, and throughout the country.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2311", "Kennedy: As We Warned, Healthcare Cuts Are Closing Facilities, Driving Up Premiums, And Putting WNY in Danger", "2025-09-22", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Standing With Organized Labor, Healthcare Practitioners, and Patients, Kennedy Called on Congressional Republicans to Cancel the Cuts\n\nGOP\u2019s Budget Resolution Fails to Extend ACA Tax Credits, Hiking Premiums By 75% for Patients\n\nBUFFALO, NY \u2013 Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) stood outside of Buffalo Therapy Services in Amherst, which is slated to close in November, to sound the alarm on a deepening healthcare crisis spurred by President Trump and Congressional Republicans\u2019 Big, Ugly Law.\n\nBack in July, Congressional Republicans passed Trump\u2019s sweeping legislative package that, in part, slashes Medicaid funding and allows enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits to expire in order to provide permanent tax cuts for billionaires. At that time, Kennedy joined healthcare workers, labor leaders, and community advocates to warn that Trump\u2019s legislation would trigger devastating consequences: facility closures, skyrocketing premiums, degraded services, and millions losing health insurance. Today, those predictions are becoming reality.\n\n\u201cAs the only occupational therapist in Congress, I know firsthand the kind of life-changing care that happens inside facilities like this one,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cAt a time when our nation\u2019s healthcare system needed to be bolstered, Trump and Congressional Republicans have actively chosen to divest from our healthcare facilities in order to finance an economic agenda that only benefits the ultra-wealthy. We need to go back to Washington, fund the government properly, and cancel the cuts.\u201d\n\nBuffalo Therapy Services is one of several facilities set to close later this year \u2013 a list that includes the Millard Fillmore Surgery Center and the DeGraff Wellness Center. Kaleida Health has cited the upcoming Medicaid cuts as a key factor in their decision. Additionally, at least eleven rural hospitals in New York State are at risk of closure, threatening to worsen healthcare deserts where families already struggle to access basic care.\n\nThe crisis extends beyond facility closures. In the coming weeks, Western New Yorkers who rely on the ACA for their health insurance will receive notices showing an average premium hike of $1,670, a direct result of Congressional Republicans refusal to extend enhanced ACA tax credits. For many families and small businesses, this increase will mean impossible choices between keeping health insurance or paying rent.\n\nDespite these looming threats, last week House Republicans passed a government funding resolution that Kennedy opposed because it did nothing to address the healthcare crisis. The measure failed to extend ACA tax credits, failed to reverse Medicaid cuts, and failed to reduce costs for everyday Americans.\n\n\u201cAs a mother, a nurse, and a union leader, I can\u2019t imagine anything more cruel than what we\u2019re facing right now,\u201d said Denise Abbott, President of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. \u201cWhat Claudia Tenney and Nick Langworthy voted for, and what Donald Trump signed into law, will take away access to healthcare for nearly 40,000 workers, children, and seniors in our community, and some of them will die because of it. Working people everywhere are being forced to reckon with higher costs and local closures, like this facility in Amherst, so that the billionaires and CEOs can get another tax break. Healthcare shouldn\u2019t be about profits, it should be about the patients in need and the providers who can help. That\u2019s what our federation will continue to fight for, and we thank Congressman Kennedy for standing with us on this issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe results of these cuts and the failure to address them are unacceptable,\u201d said Sarah Buckley, RN, CWA 1168 Political Legislative Action Director. \u201cCWA 1168 appreciates Congressman Kennedy\u2019s leadership on this issue. The reduction in services at 705 Maple Rd, Buffalo Therapy Services, and Degraff Wellness Center will lead to untreated debilitating conditions. The miracles I have heard about from patients who learned to walk and speak again through the wrap-around adult neurotherapy, and those who receive life-changing lymphedema treatment, will no longer be possible. The alternative services are either full or too far away for patients to navigate, and this is just the tip of the iceberg\u2014not to mention the services lost with our family planning and ENT clinics, as well as the good union jobs and quality care from our ambulatory surgery center. We need more voices in Congress like Tim Kennedy who will prioritize the community over tax breaks for the super wealthy.\u201d\n\nNYSNA President Nancy Hagans, RN, BSN, CCRN said, \u201cNYSNA nurses have been sounding the alarm on the devastating effects that the Trump administration\u2019s attack on healthcare would have on patients, healthcare workers, and our communities. We are already seeing cuts to staff and essential services that threaten the safety and well-being of our patients. Nurses demand that hospital administrators put patients first and reverse the cuts that impact quality care. We also call on our elected officials to do all they can to reverse healthcare cuts and are proud to join allies who demand that Congressional Republicans Cancel the Cuts!\u201d\n\n\"We've heard about the threats to Medicaid and the disastrous impacts such cuts would mean for our area,\u201d said Assemblymember Karen McMahon. \u201cUnfortunately, Western New Yorkers are already feeling the effects as services are being trimmed and access to health care is being limited. Republicans, acting as a simple rubber stamp for the Trump administration, have slashed Medicaid and turned the lives of patients and practitioners upside down. I'm proud to join Congressman Kennedy in condemning these unconscionable cuts and calling on Republicans to pass a continuing resolution to restore essential funding so that people can get the healthcare they need.\"\n\nAssemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, \u201cThe Republican reconciliation law has already dealt devastating blows to Buffalo\u2019s health care system, with facility closures forcing families to travel farther for care and putting our most vulnerable neighbors at risk. And with the end of enhanced ACA tax credits looming, working families are now staring down steep increases in their health insurance costs. At a time when we should be strengthening health care access, these shortsighted cuts are dismantling it. I urge Republicans in Congress to end this manufactured crisis and use the continuing resolution to restore stability to our health care system before irreversible damage is done.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-improve-seniors-health/", "Cassidy, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Improve Seniors\u2019 Health", "2025-09-22", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act to provide access to medically-tailored meals, addressing the crisis of chronic disease in seniors. Medically tailored meals are designed by dieticians to manage or reverse severe diet-related illnesses and have shown promising results in reducing patients\u2019 hospitalizations and lowering healthcare spending.\n\n\u201cNutrition can determine how long patients stay out of the hospital,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cFor seniors with a chronic medical condition, healthy meals are essential.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs longtime advocates for policy initiatives that address the connection between nutrition and health, FIMC is deeply appreciative of Representatives McGovern, Malliotakis, Pingree, Fitzpatrick and Evans and Senators Booker, Marshall, Cassidy and Smith for their introduction of the Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act. This program will not only address the gap in access to medically tailored meals for older Americans and people with disabilities, but it will provide the data we need to make our health care system more efficient and patient centered. We look forward to working with these bipartisan champions, the Administration, and legislators on both sides of the aisle to advance this important bill,\u201d said Alissa Wassung, Executive Director, Food Is Medicine Coalition.\n\n\u201cOlder Americans face an urgent crisis of diet-related disease\u2014sapping their well-being, vitality, and retirement savings. It\u2019s time to reimagine our approach to health, and to recall the wisdom of the past, by integrating nourishing food into our national healthcare programs,\u201d said Dariush Mozaffarian, Cardiologist and Director of the Food Is Medicine Institute, Tufts University.\n\nCassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) in introducing the legislation.\n\nLast week, the group wrote a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz, urging the agency to establish standardized billing codes for Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) to help streamline reimbursements.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hyde-smith-introduce-legislation-to-crack-down-on-unfair-trade-practices-protect-louisiana-shrimp-catfish-industries/", "Cassidy, Hyde-Smith Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Unfair Trade Practices, Protect Louisiana Shrimp, Catfish Industries", "2025-09-19", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) introduced the India Shrimp Tariff Act to protect Louisiana\u2019s shrimp and catfish industries against India\u2019s dumping of cheap shrimp and produce into U.S. markets.\n\n\u201cPeople come from all over to try Louisiana gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp and grits. That\u2019s because our shrimpers and catfish farmers meet high standards,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cBy leveling the playing field, this bill protects Louisiana seafood and the jobs that depend on it.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too long Indian shrimp has been dumped on the U.S. market with minimal penalty or regulation, which has come at the expense of domestic shrimpers, processors, restaurants, and consumers. Senator Cassidy\u2019s common-sense legislation will help put our domestic industry on a more level playing field, and I will work with him to move this bill forward for the benefit of Gulf Coast shrimpers and everyone who enjoy domestic shrimp,\u201d said Senator Hyde-Smith.\n\nBackground\n\nLast week, during a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cassidy secured a commitment from President Trump\u2019s Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury nominee Jonathan Greenstein to support Louisiana shrimp producers and oppose unfair trade practices hurting the state\u2019s seafood industry.\n\nIn February, Cassidy and a group of Republican colleagues introduced the Prioritizing Offensive Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act to protect the Louisiana rice industry against dumping of cheap produce into U.S. markets from India and China.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-46-7-million-for-louisiana-airport-improvements-from-his-infrastructure-law/", "Cassidy Announces $46.7 Million for Louisiana Airport Improvements\u00a0from His Infrastructure Law", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana airports will receive a combined $46,681,737.00 in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The funding comes through Cassidy\u2019s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and will support safety upgrades, runway extensions, drainage systems, and hangar construction at airports across the state.\n\n\u201cThe airport is the first thing people see when visiting Louisiana,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWith this funding, we are making our state more accessible to families, businesses, and visitors.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-over-122-million-for-calcasieu-sabine-marsh-restoration-project/", "Cassidy Announces Over $122 Million for Calcasieu-Sabine Marsh\u00a0Restoration Project", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) will receive $122,112,519.00 to support the Calcasieu-Sabine Large-Scale Marsh and Hydrologic Restoration project. The investment will restore and protect natural resources, ecosystems, and coastal wetlands in the Cameron-Creole Watershed, while also supporting long-term economic health in the Lake Charles region.\n\n\u201cSouthwest Louisiana still feels the effects of Hurricane Laura years later. Our coastline took a beating,\u201d said Dr. Cassidy. \u201cWe secured this funding to restore marshland, strengthen homes and businesses, and keep Southwest Louisiana safe.\u201d\n\nThe project will construct seven gravity drainage structures along the eastern rim of the existing Calcasieu Lake levee, improve up to 18 miles of conveyance channels to strengthen flow pathways across the marsh, and partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to create approximately 400 acres of new marsh using dredged material.This investment is designed to reduce flood stress and land loss in the Cameron-Creole Watershed, protecting communities, ports, and wildlife habitat in the Calcasieu-Sabine Basin.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-colleagues-recognize-national-day-of-remembrance-for-charlie-kirk/", "Cassidy, Colleagues Recognize National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk", "2025-09-18", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined a resolution led by U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) to designate October 14, 2025, as \u201cNational Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.\u201d\n\n\u201cCharlie Kirk inspired millions of young people to engage thoughtfully in civic discourse and have a relationship with God. A day of remembrance will ensure his honorable legacy lives on for future generations,\u201dsaid Dr. Cassidy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"], ["https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2310", "Kennedy\u2019s Honoring Our Heroes Act Passes the House of Representatives", "2025-09-17", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "kennedy.house.gov", "kennedy", "https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Legislation to Guarantee Burial Honors for U.S. Veterans Received Strong Bipartisan Support\n\nBill Now Heads to the Senate for Consideration\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The House of Representatives has passed Congressman Tim Kennedy\u2019s legislation, H.R. 2721, the Honoring Our Heroes Act. If enacted into law, this legislation would correct a long-standing inequity in how the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes veterans who have passed away. The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for final passage.\n\n(Congressman Kennedy\u2019s remarks here.)\n\n\u201cAs Members of Congress, we have a moral obligation to fully honor the heroes who fought for this country,\u201d said Congressman Kennedy. \u201cThe families left behind are simply asking our government to properly recognize the bravery and dedication of their loved ones \u2013 Americans who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all hold dear.\u201d\n\nUnder current federal law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not provide government-issued headstones for veterans who died before November 1, 1990, leaving their families unable to secure this honor for their loved ones. Kennedy\u2019s legislation establishes a seven-year pilot program to allow eligible family members to request a VA headstone for veterans who died on or after December 7, 1941, when America entered World War II, provided they have not already received a marker, medallion, or headstone.\n\nFor decades, loved ones of veterans who served their country honorably have faced the painful reality of being denied this final recognition because of an arbitrary cutoff date. By expanding eligibility, the Honoring Our Heroes Act ensures that families will now have the opportunity to see their relatives remembered with the same dignity and respect as their fellow veterans.\n\nPassage of the bill marks an important step toward fairness for military families in Western New York and nationwide. It guarantees that service is honored consistently, regardless of when a veteran passed away, and it gives families the chance to properly memorialize those who answered the call to serve. For the thousands of families who have waited years for this recognition, this legislation represents not just policy change, but a long-overdue acknowledgment of sacrifice and service.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T15:07:37Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-34-8-million-for-louisiana-disaster-recovery-safer-roads-economic-development/", "Cassidy Announces $34.8 Million for Louisiana Disaster Recovery, Safer Roads, Economic Development", "2025-09-17", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", "cassidy", "https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list", "scraper", "Funding AmountRecipientProject Description$4,056,819.12St. James Parish HospitalThis grant provides federal funding for permanent repairs to the hospital and medical plaza following Hurricane Ida.$2,722,755.38Jefferson Parish \u2013 Water & Drainage DepartmentsThis grant provides federal funding for emergency pumping and generator operations to protect water and drainage systems during Hurricane Ida.$2,506,500.00Jefferson Parish Public School SystemThis grant provides federal funding for emergency mold remediation and air stabilization at school facilities following Hurricane Ida.$1,763,210.02Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal DistrictThis grant provides federal funding for replacement of the City Docks Transit Shed 7 warehouse building following Hurricane Laura.$1,727,040.01Plaquemines ParishThis grant provides federal funding for eligible loan and interest costs tied to permanent disaster repairs following Hurricane Ida.$1,676,972.28St. Charles Parish (Management Costs)This grant provides federal funding for management costs related to Hurricane Ida recovery.$1,578,919.95Town of Golden MeadowThis grant provides federal funding for permanent repairs to recreational facilities and mitigation following Hurricane Ida.$1,563,985.91The Society Of The Roman Catholic Church Of The Diocese Of Lake CharlesThis grant provides federal funding for the lease and placement of temporary modular classrooms, offices, and restrooms at St. Louis High School in Lake Charles following Hurricane Laura to serve students and staff until permanent replacements are completed.$1,496,684.55Jefferson Parish \u2013 Sanitary System (Hurricane Francine)This grant provides federal funding for emergency sanitary system pumping and temporary lift-station support during Hurricane Francine.$1,600,548.33St. Charles Parish Hospital Service DistrictThis grant provides federal funding for permanent repairs to St. Charles Parish Hospital Service District following Hurricane Ida.$1,428,700.43Livingston Parish Public SchoolsThis grant provides federal funding for temporary modular classrooms and campus facilities at Denham Springs Elementary following the 2016 floods.$1,154,024.46Chennault International Airport Authority (Management Costs)This grant provides federal funding for management costs related to Hurricane Laura recovery.$1,071,417.51Lafourche Parish Hospital Service District #1This grant provides federal funding for permanent restorations, including roof replacements and interior repairs, following Hurricane Ida.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 471, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "LA", "p2": "2025"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=LA&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 471, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=LA&year=2025&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=LA&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 471, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=LA&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "LA", "label": "LA", "count": 471, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2025", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=LA&year=2025", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 471, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=LA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2025-09-17,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecassidy~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fcassidy-announces-34-8-million-for-louisiana-disaster-recovery-safer-roads-economic-development~2F", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=LA&year=2025&_next=2025-09-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ecassidy~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnewsroom~2Fpress-releases~2Fcassidy-announces-34-8-million-for-louisiana-disaster-recovery-safer-roads-economic-development~2F&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 156.67034639045596, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}