{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"LA\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-path-act", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the PATH Act", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after the House passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act:\nAmerica expects more from their government than the short-sighted, irresponsible tax plan that passed the House today, said Rep. Richmond. The $622 billion in unpaid for tax cuts will cause a substantial budget short fall, and working class Americans will bear the brunt of the consequences.\nCritical programs like Medicare, HeadStart, SNAP as well as funding for job training, public housing, and Pell Grants will be on the chopping block in order to cut the budget so that we can pay for the tax breaks passed today. This Bobby Jindal-styled governance in which we offer tax breaks to corporations then slash the budget is why Louisiana is in the midst of a fiscal catastrophe, and Congress is putting America on that same path.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-addresses-reports-iranian-ballistic-missile-tests", "Rep. Richmond Addresses Reports of Iranian Ballistic Missile Tests", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement concerning reports of Iran conducting illegal missile tests:\nThe reports that Iran has continued to ignore international agreements and U.N. resolutions by testing medium-range ballistic missiles potentially capable of carrying nuclear warheads are deeply disconcerting and require our immediate attention, said Rep. Richmond.\nThese actions not only undermine the credibility of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) they threaten the security of the international community. I call upon members of the P5 +1 to thoroughly verify that Iran is strictly following the letter and the spirit of the JCPOA.\nThe Administration must work with our international allies to investigate these serious allegations of this dangerous and provocative behavior by the Iranian regime. If these reports are true, the Administration must swiftly and decisively take the appropriate action, including sanctions against Irans ballistic missile program. Hardliners in Iran are actively seeking to discredit the JCPOA, we must act to prevent them from achieving that goal.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-expresses-support-every-student-succeeds-act", "Rep. Richmond Expresses Support for the Every Student Succeeds Act", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (D-LA) released the following statement in support of the Every Student Succeeds Act that passed the House of Representatives yesterday:\nBy approving the Every Student Succeeds Act, the House took a much-needed step towards improving education across the nation, said Rep. Richmond. This is an example of what we can accomplish when both sides put politics aside and commit to work together on an important issue. Like any compromise, neither side got everything they wanted. This is not a perfect bill, but it is a significant one that will improve life in classrooms across the country for our children and teachers. It empowers educators, reduces the fixation on test results, and ensures that there are proper assessment tools and federal oversight to hold failing schools accountable.\nThis bill also implements positive reforms to end the school to prison pipeline by improving school discipline practices so that children spend school time in classrooms, not in jail cells. It provides the funding necessary for schools to better support teachers and use evidenced-based, positive behavior intervention and support, instead of relying on severe and ineffective zero-tolerance policies. It also encourages schools to develop programs that address discipline gaps, programs that can be expanded if we pass legislation like the Youth Promise Act or the Youth Justice Act. These are critical steps in the right direction, and I am committed to making sure we continue on this path. How we treat our children is a fundamental reflection of the values we hold. Keeping children in school and creating environments where all children feel safe and eager to learn should be everyones priority.\nWhile this bill is essential, it is not the end. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and our local education community to make sure that we continue to fix problems in our education system and provide all our children with the high-quality education they deserve.\nESSA requires states and localities to focus on the overuse of exclusionary and dangerous discipline practices:\n State plans must describe how they will support LEAs to improve school conditions for student learning, including, reducingincidences of bullying and harassment; the overuse of discipline practices that remove students from the classroom; and the use of aversive behavioral interventions that compromise student health and safety.\n\tLocal plans must describe how they will support efforts to reduce the overuse of discipline practices that remove students form the classroom.\n ESSA provides funding for states and localities to implement effective discipline practices and engage parents and families in school success:\n Localities can use Title II funds to develop programs and activities that increase the ability of teachers to effectively teach children with disabilities, including children with significant cognitive disabilities.\n\tLEAs can use federal funding to develop many programs and activities aimed at reducing the school discipline gap, including:\n\t\tTraumainformed and evidencebased, school based mental health services\n\t\t\tBullying and harassment prevention programs\n\t\t\tSchool dropout and reentry programs\n\t\t\tDesigning and implementing a locallytailored evidencebased plans to reduce exclusionary discipline practices in elementary and secondary schools\n\t\t\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-fort-hood-helicopter-crash", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the Fort Hood Helicopter Crash", "2015-11-27", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement after four soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash earlier this week at Fort Hood, Texas, including Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason M. Smith from Destrehan, LA:\nMy deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the families of the four soldiers killed in Mondays tragic accident, said Rep. Richmond. The loss of a father, husband, or son is never easy but it is made especially difficult during the time of year when families come together. These four men exemplify the extraordinary sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and this catastrophe makes that much more of a reality.\nThere will be a full investigation to find what caused this disaster so that we can avoid this type of untimely loss in the future. Their admirable dedication to our nation will not be forgotten and their legacies will receive the honor and distinction each of them deserves.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-judiciary-committee-move-toward-criminal-justice-reform", "Rep. Richmond, Judiciary Committee Move Toward Criminal Justice Reform", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after the Judiciary Committee passed the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015:\nWe have a lot of work to do in order to achieve comprehensive criminal justice reform, said Rep. Richmond. I am proud that Republicans and Democrats could come together to reduce the prison population by tens of thousands, make our communities safer, and improve some key shortfalls in the system with regard to mental health. It is a step in the right direction.\nWe must continue this bipartisan momentum in order to accomplish our goal of truly reforming this broken system. That means addressing recidivism by investing in re-entry programs and focusing on data driven solutions to ensure we are making an impact. The progress we have made gives me confidence that we can accomplish that goal. This is an encouraging start, but we must continue to push for truly comprehensive reform.\nThe Sentencing Reform Act of 2015 would:\n \nOffer relief to over 50,000 individuals and their families over the next 10 years.\n\tReduce mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenders and applies those changes retroactively.\n\tIncrease judicial discretion by expanding the existing drug safety valve to offenders with prior misdemeanor convictions and creating a second safety valve that allows judges to sentence certain offenders below the 10-year mandatory minimum.\n\tApply the Fair Sentencing Acts reduction of the crack-to-powder cocaine disparity retroactively.\n \nClick here to view Congressman Richmonds full remarks.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-supports-seiu-s-rally-raise-wage", "Rep. Richmond Supports SEIUs Rally to Raise the Wage", "2015-11-12", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement in support of the rally by the SEIU to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour:\nAmerica needs a raise, said Rep. Richmond. Every day Americans are still struggling following the recession while the investor class has seen their incomes grow substantially. In America, if you work hard and play by the rules you should not have to live in poverty. Our nation is better than that and it is time to take action.\nI applaud the SEIUs effort to bring attention to this issue and I will continue to push my colleagues in Congress to address this to bring some relief to the millions of working families fighting to make ends meet.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-mourns-passing-allen-toussaint", "Rep. Richmond Mourns the Passing of Allen Toussaint", "2015-11-10", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement after the passing of Allen Toussaint:\nThe world has lost a fantastic musician but an even better man, said Rep. Richmond. Allen Toussaint used his gifts to fill the world with music. Early on he proved himself a rare talent both on stage and behind the scenes as a producer, arranger, and songwriter.\nAllens influence can be felt across the globe, from acts as famous as the Rolling Stones to the dulcet tones that waft through the streets of the French Quarter. He spent his life doing what he loved, bringing joy to the lives of others through song. In 1998, his place in history was cemented with his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His iconic presence will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on forever through the dynamic melody that was his life in music.\nMy heartfelt prayers and condolences are with his family as they mourn this tremendous loss.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-introduces-bipartisan-bill-address-high-school-football-deaths", "Rep. Richmond Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Address High School Football Deaths", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (D-LA), Ralph Abraham, M.D. (R-LA), and Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Il) introduced the High School Football Safety Study Act, a bipartisan bill that would direct the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Presidents Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, to study the causes of a string of deaths in high school football and deliver recommendations about how to prevent these tragedies in the future:\nOur children are our greatest national treasure, and protecting them is paramount in our work in Congress, said Rep. Richmond. It is our responsibility to ensure that we leave no stone unturned to make the game as safe as possible for young people and prevent these tragedies from happening in the future. Moving forward, I hope this legislation will start that process and begin a national conversation about how to better protect youth in football.\nMy district felt the terrible effects of one of these tragedies just this year, Dr. Abraham said. This bill will seek the root causes of such incidents so that we can better protect our children while preserving the game we love. Saving the lives of our children is a worthy cause to pursue, and I commend Rep. Richmond and Rep. Rush for their leadership on this issue.\nNo child should suffer a deadly accident or injury while participating in high school sports, said Rep. Rush. This legislation is important because it will help us protect Americas children and keep them safe. There have been far too many reports of high school deaths related to sports and it is time we address this issue head on and so I urge my colleagues to support this bill.\nSince July 1st eleven high school football players have passed away from causes directly or indirectly related to football. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research at the University of North Carolina, 1,207 high school football players have died from causes related to football. \nThe bill would require that the CDC seek input from parents, coaches, athletic trainers and healthcare professionals, and asks the CDC to analyze how technology and data analytics can be used to prevent serious injuries and deaths in the future. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-passes-cybersecurity-strategy-bill", "Rep. Richmond Passes Cybersecurity Strategy Bill", "2015-10-06", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, Rep. Richmond, Ranking Member of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies Subcommittee issued the following statement after H.R 3510, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity Strategy Act of 2015, passed the House of Representatives:\nProtecting our nation's critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks is one of the biggest challenges we face today, said Rep. Richmond. We must develop a thoughtful and comprehensive plan in order to resolve vulnerabilities and avoid future attacks. As evidenced by breaches at the Office of Personnel Management, Anthem, and Sony, our current level of cybersecurity must be raised.\nAn important part of improving our nation's cybersecurity is making sure that the Department of Homeland Security is able to defend our nation and its people from cyber-attacks. We must be sure that the DHS has a ample strategy to carry out its mission in the face of ever-changing threats.\nThis legislation is proof that there is bipartisan support for finding effective solutions to this issue, and that we are not content to leave security to improvisation. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress and partners at DHS to ensure the best possible protection from any potential threats.\nThe Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Strategy Act of 2015 directs the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a departmental strategy to carry out cybersecurity responsibilities as set forth in law. Rep. Richmond is the lead sponsor. \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-passes-cybersecurity-strategy-bill", "Rep. Richmond Passes Cybersecurity Strategy Bill", "2015-10-06", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, Rep. Richmond, Ranking Member of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies Subcommittee issued the following statement after H.R 3510, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity Strategy Act of 2015, passed the House of Representatives:\nProtecting our nation's critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks is one of the biggest challenges we face today, said Rep. Richmond. We must develop a thoughtful and comprehensive plan in order to resolve vulnerabilities and avoid future attacks. As evidenced by breaches at the Office of Personnel Management, Anthem, and Sony, our current level of cybersecurity must be raised.\nAn important part of improving our nation's cybersecurity is making sure that the Department of Homeland Security is able to defend our nation and its people from cyber-attacks. We must be sure that the DHS has a ample strategy to carry out its mission in the face of ever-changing threats.\nThis legislation is proof that there is bipartisan support for finding effective solutions to this issue, and that we are not content to leave security to improvisation. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress and partners at DHS to ensure the best possible protection from any potential threats.\nThe Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Strategy Act of 2015 directs the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a departmental strategy to carry out cybersecurity responsibilities as set forth in law. Rep. Richmond is the lead sponsor. \n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-historic-settlement-bp", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Historic Settlement with BP", "2015-10-05", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, Rep. Richmond issued the following statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the filing in federal court of the $18.7 billion settlement agreement with BP to resolve claims over the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill:\nTodays settlement will allow the long process of restoring the Gulf Coasts natural resources and economic vitality to continue, said Rep. Richmond. The residents of the Gulf States and the environment have struggled mightily in the aftermath of this disaster. This settlement, secured by DOJ, holds accountable those responsible for one of the worst man-made disasters in history.\nThe resources secured in this settlement will go towards restoring water quality, revitalizing the surrounding area, and protecting one of the most important ecosystems in the country. In addition to rectifying the damage to our natural resources the settlement will also supplement the revitalization of local industry and spur economic activity. The coast in addition to being one of the most beautiful areas of our state is an economic engine that will finally begin to regain its liveliness.\nBy putting in place new innovative safety measures, Im hopeful that this agreement will make future deepwater energy exploration safer and prevent a disaster of this kind from ever happening again.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-historic-settlement-bp", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Historic Settlement with BP", "2015-10-05", "2015", "2015-10", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC- Today, Rep. Richmond issued the following statement after the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the filing in federal court of the $18.7 billion settlement agreement with BP to resolve claims over the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill:\nTodays settlement will allow the long process of restoring the Gulf Coasts natural resources and economic vitality to continue, said Rep. Richmond. The residents of the Gulf States and the environment have struggled mightily in the aftermath of this disaster. This settlement, secured by DOJ, holds accountable those responsible for one of the worst man-made disasters in history.\nThe resources secured in this settlement will go towards restoring water quality, revitalizing the surrounding area, and protecting one of the most important ecosystems in the country. In addition to rectifying the damage to our natural resources the settlement will also supplement the revitalization of local industry and spur economic activity. The coast in addition to being one of the most beautiful areas of our state is an economic engine that will finally begin to regain its liveliness.\nBy putting in place new innovative safety measures, Im hopeful that this agreement will make future deepwater energy exploration safer and prevent a disaster of this kind from ever happening again.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-pope-francis-addressing-joint-meeting-congress", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Pope Francis Addressing a Joint Meeting of Congress", "2015-09-25", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released this statement following remarks by Pope Francis during a joint meeting of Congress.\nIt was a great honor to be in the room for the Popes message, said Rep. Richmond. Too often, we get so concerned with politics and partisanship that we lose sight of our true purpose. Pope Francis offered a refreshing reminder that we must not waver in our commitment to our values and morals, both as people and as lawmakers.\nLiberty, equality, and reverence for the least of these should be guiding principles as we move forward. The words of Pope Francis resonated within our chamber today, and I hope they will have a lasting impact on the decisions we make in Congress.\nI hope that everyone in the chamber today leaves with a renewed commitment to the Golden Ruledo unto others as you would have them do unto you. That means protecting life, helping the vulnerable, granting mercy for those who have made mistakes, welcoming in strangers, protecting our planet, and promoting peace.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-pope-francis-addressing-joint-meeting-congress", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Pope Francis Addressing a Joint Meeting of Congress", "2015-09-25", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released this statement following remarks by Pope Francis during a joint meeting of Congress.\nIt was a great honor to be in the room for the Popes message, said Rep. Richmond. Too often, we get so concerned with politics and partisanship that we lose sight of our true purpose. Pope Francis offered a refreshing reminder that we must not waver in our commitment to our values and morals, both as people and as lawmakers.\nLiberty, equality, and reverence for the least of these should be guiding principles as we move forward. The words of Pope Francis resonated within our chamber today, and I hope they will have a lasting impact on the decisions we make in Congress.\nI hope that everyone in the chamber today leaves with a renewed commitment to the Golden Ruledo unto others as you would have them do unto you. That means protecting life, helping the vulnerable, granting mercy for those who have made mistakes, welcoming in strangers, protecting our planet, and promoting peace.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-mourns-passing-restaurateur-willie-mae-seaton", "Rep. Richmond Mourns the Passing of Restaurateur Willie Mae Seaton", "2015-09-22", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after the passing of Willie Mae Seaton, longtime owner of Willie Maes Scotch House in New Orleans:\nMs. Seaton represented everything that is great about New Orleans, said Rep. Richmond. She had a wonderful essence about her and always greeted everyone who came to visit her restaurant with warmth and love. To this day, Willie Maes is among the best chicken you will ever find. It attracts visitors from all over the world, including the President of the United States, just to taste her fantastic fried chicken.\nNew Orleans will not be the same without her, but her legacy will forever be a part of the city. Her story of turning her small beauty shop into a world renowned establishment exemplifies the spirit of New Orleans. Stories like hers will show generations of Americans that if we work hard, our dreams can become a reality.\nA beloved mother, grandmother, and example to African-American entrepreneurs everywhere, Ms. Seaton will surely be missed. My sincere condolences and prayers are with her family.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-mourns-passing-restaurateur-willie-mae-seaton", "Rep. Richmond Mourns the Passing of Restaurateur Willie Mae Seaton", "2015-09-22", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after the passing of Willie Mae Seaton, longtime owner of Willie Maes Scotch House in New Orleans:\nMs. Seaton represented everything that is great about New Orleans, said Rep. Richmond. She had a wonderful essence about her and always greeted everyone who came to visit her restaurant with warmth and love. To this day, Willie Maes is among the best chicken you will ever find. It attracts visitors from all over the world, including the President of the United States, just to taste her fantastic fried chicken.\nNew Orleans will not be the same without her, but her legacy will forever be a part of the city. Her story of turning her small beauty shop into a world renowned establishment exemplifies the spirit of New Orleans. Stories like hers will show generations of Americans that if we work hard, our dreams can become a reality.\nA beloved mother, grandmother, and example to African-American entrepreneurs everywhere, Ms. Seaton will surely be missed. My sincere condolences and prayers are with her family.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-recognizes-civil-rights-heroes-alice-thompson-rev-dr-joseph-profit-and", "Rep. Richmond Recognizes Civil Rights Heroes Alice Thompson, Rev. Dr. Joseph Profit and Calvin Moret", "2015-09-18", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after honoring Alice Thompson, Rev. Dr. Joseph Clifford Profit Jr., and Tuskegee Airman Calvin George Moret in the official record of the United States House of Representatives:\nRev. Profit, Calvin Moret, and Alice Thompson were pillars in the New Orleans community and their loss weighs heavily on our hearts, said Rep. Richmond. Each of them touched the city in their own personal way and made it a much more just and equal place to live. We have them to thank for many of the freedoms we enjoy today.\nAlice, Rev. Profit, and Mr. Moret were true American heroes. Their courage, their dedication, and their tireless pursuit of equality and justice will inspire us for generations to come. They will be sorely missed by their families, their friends and all of those who enjoy a better world because of their bravery.\nExcerpts from Congressman Richmonds remarks can be found below.\nRev. Profit was a leader in rebuilding New Orleans  physically and spiritually. Although he evacuated to San Antonio, Texas, Reverend Profit drove to New Orleans every other weekend to hold service, and finally in 2008, he completely rebuilt The Stronger Hope Baptist Church with the help of his loyal congregation.\nCalvin Moret was the last surviving New Orleans member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American pilots who fought in World War II and were the first African-American pilots in the United States military.\nAlice was active in countless pickets, sit-ins, and sit downs and integrated a number of high-profile public places in the city such as McCrory's, Woolworths, the Loews Theater, and the City Hall Cafeteria. In 1961, when the Interstate Commerce Commission ended segregation on buses, terminals, and restrooms, in 1961, Alice and fellow New Orleans CORE members began to test the ruling throughout the South. As a result, she faced death threats and was even thrown in jail for two days. For her safety from angry mobs and death threats, she was escorted out of town by city officials after her release.\nHis full remarks in the Congressional Record on Rev. Profit and Mr. Moret can be found here. His remarks on Ms. Thompson can be found here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-recognizes-civil-rights-heroes-alice-thompson-rev-dr-joseph-profit-and", "Rep. Richmond Recognizes Civil Rights Heroes Alice Thompson, Rev. Dr. Joseph Profit and Calvin Moret", "2015-09-18", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after honoring Alice Thompson, Rev. Dr. Joseph Clifford Profit Jr., and Tuskegee Airman Calvin George Moret in the official record of the United States House of Representatives:\nRev. Profit, Calvin Moret, and Alice Thompson were pillars in the New Orleans community and their loss weighs heavily on our hearts, said Rep. Richmond. Each of them touched the city in their own personal way and made it a much more just and equal place to live. We have them to thank for many of the freedoms we enjoy today.\nAlice, Rev. Profit, and Mr. Moret were true American heroes. Their courage, their dedication, and their tireless pursuit of equality and justice will inspire us for generations to come. They will be sorely missed by their families, their friends and all of those who enjoy a better world because of their bravery.\nExcerpts from Congressman Richmonds remarks can be found below.\nRev. Profit was a leader in rebuilding New Orleans  physically and spiritually. Although he evacuated to San Antonio, Texas, Reverend Profit drove to New Orleans every other weekend to hold service, and finally in 2008, he completely rebuilt The Stronger Hope Baptist Church with the help of his loyal congregation.\nCalvin Moret was the last surviving New Orleans member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American pilots who fought in World War II and were the first African-American pilots in the United States military.\nAlice was active in countless pickets, sit-ins, and sit downs and integrated a number of high-profile public places in the city such as McCrory's, Woolworths, the Loews Theater, and the City Hall Cafeteria. In 1961, when the Interstate Commerce Commission ended segregation on buses, terminals, and restrooms, in 1961, Alice and fellow New Orleans CORE members began to test the ruling throughout the South. As a result, she faced death threats and was even thrown in jail for two days. For her safety from angry mobs and death threats, she was escorted out of town by city officials after her release.\nHis full remarks in the Congressional Record on Rev. Profit and Mr. Moret can be found here. His remarks on Ms. Thompson can be found here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/richmond-announces-support-iran-nuclear-deal", "Rep. Richmond Announces Support for the Iran Nuclear Deal", "2015-09-10", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement today on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA):\nEarly in my Congressional career, I made it a top priority to visit Israel and personally meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and then-President Peres. My time in Israel confirmed that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was right when he said that Israels right to exist as a state in security is incontestable. Over the past 58 days since the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was announced on July 14th in Vienna, I have spent countless hours researching and reviewing the agreement. I have attended briefings with President Obama, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy, studied the classified and unclassified portions of the JCPOA, held meetings with a variety of passionate constituents on all sides of the issue, thoroughly analyzed the opinions of leading nuclear scientists, non-proliferation experts and think tanks and met with foreign prime ministers and presidents.\n The JCPOA should be analyzed for its merits and shortcomings not in a vacuum, but against other reasonable options. The status quo is unacceptable and dangerous. Prime Minister Netanyahu and nuclear experts estimate that Iran can currently produce enough nuclear material to produce a weapon in just two months. In fact, just this past Sunday, former Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell said that Iran has been on a superhighway for the last ten years to create a nuclear weapon or a nuclear weapons program, with no speed limit.\n Opponents of the JCPOA have raised many legitimate concerns. The point most often raised is that by rejecting this deal, we can force Iran back to the table and negotiate a better one. I firmly believe that this argument is unrealistic. The JCPOA is the result of painstaking negotiations between Iran, the United States, Russia, China, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Many of our negotiating partners have made clear that this scenario is unlikely. British Ambassador Peter Westmacott referred to this outcome as far-fetched. Philipp Ackermann, Germanys Deputy Chief of Mission to the United States, called the chances of bringing all parties back to the table close to zero and the prospect of rejecting the deal a nightmare for every European country. From these statements it is clear that rejecting the JCPOA will isolate the United States in the international community and cause the other countries involved to walk away from the table, leaving the world with no deal at all.\n Another objection raised by opponents of the JCPOA is that this deal does not address Irans other nefarious activities, like supporting terrorism. They are right; this deal does not touch upon these issues. However, U.S. and U.N sanctions aimed at these actions remain in place, and this deal does nothing to prevent any future sanctions or military action to stop Irans heinous actions.\n Critics have other understandable concerns  for example, that Iran will be allowed to buy and sell conventional arms after five years and ballistic missiles after eight years, and that Iran will have nuclear capabilities after portions of the deal expire in 15 years. These are real concerns. Even though Iran clearly pledges in the JCPOA that it will never seek to build nuclear weapons, its poor track record invites our distrust and skepticism.\n There are a number of steps that we can take, beyond the JCPOA, to minimize the vulnerabilities that opponents have pointed out. The U.S. can redouble efforts to intercept Iranian imports of conventional arms and ballistic missiles during the period in which they are still forbidden under the agreement. We can increase our efforts to prevent Iran from shipping arms to its terrorist allies, such as Hizbullah, Hamas and the Houthis. We should provide Israel with all relevant intelligence about Irans compliance with the JCPOA, transfer Israel advanced weapons with which they can attack Irans nuclear facilities, and work with Israel and our Arab allies in the region to plan in the event that Iran increases aid to its terrorist allies. We must make clear to Iran that no violations of the agreement  big or small  will be tolerated, and plan appropriate retribution for all possible infractions. Congress can pass legislation to authorize the use of military force if Iran takes steps towards acquiring a nuclear weapon. In order to guarantee Israels continued security, I strongly support a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding with Israel that enhances our strong security relationship. I also support an increase in missile defense funding so that the United States and Israel can develop the Arrow-3 and Davids Sling defense systems. To ensure that Israel retains its qualitative military edge, I support further military enhancements that are now underway.\n For all of its shortcomings, this deal takes clear and strong steps to ensure that Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon. It forces Iran to reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium by 98% and cut its number of installed centrifuges by two thirds  to 5,060. It requires Iran to disable its heavy water reactor at Arak, eliminating its path to plutonium. It strictly curtails research and development, so that even when provisions of the deal expire, Iran will be saddled with old nuclear technology. It also creates the most intrusive system of inspections ever negotiated without war that will allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) unprecedented access to every part of Irans nuclear program  from uranium mines to enrichment facilities to the sites at which weapons parts are produced.\nThis agreement is not built on trust. It is built on distrust, verification, vigilance and enforcement. The Iranian regime will not receive a dime of sanctions relief until the IAEA has certified that they have fulfilled their end of the deal. The deal allows the U.S. to unilaterally reimpose sanctions if Iran cheats. Sanctions not related to Irans nuclear program will remain in place. The intrusive inspections will ensure that, if military action is ultimately necessary, we have the information we need to make strategic and tactical decisions. Though this deal is far from perfect, I will vote to support the JCPOA.\nI have not reached this decision lightly. This is among the most difficult I have faced during my time in Congress. I have concluded that it is in the best interest of American and Israeli security that the JCPOA be implemented.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-mourns-passing-rev-joseph-clifford-profit-jr", "Rep. Richmond Mourns the Passing of Rev. Joseph Clifford Profit Jr.", "2015-09-08", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement after learning of the loss of Rev. Joseph Clifford Profit Jr.:\nMy thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rev. Joseph Clifford Profit Jr. They, the parishioners of Stronger Hope Baptist Church, and all the citizens of New Orleans have lost a spiritual giant. Rev. Profit was the perfect example of the resilience we often associate with New Orleans. A good and faithful servant, Rev. Profit never let any obstacle, including hurricanes, keep him from serving Gods people and his community. The city and the faith community are better off because Rev. Profit took his role as an educator and mentor to so many young ministers seriously. Each day, he set out to save and nurture souls for Christ. The successes in the lives of the people he touched are a direct reflection of his stubborn faith and tirelessness.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-tenth-anniversary-hurricane-katrina", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the Tenth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina", "2015-09-02", "2015", "2015-09", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrinas landfall in Louisiana:\nWe have come a long way since Hurricane Katrina reached our shores and the levee system gave way to flood waters, said Rep. Richmond. Ten years ago we suffered the loss of loved ones, were displaced from our homes, and faced an uncertain future. We have made great strides since that tragic day in 2005. Our tenacity and resiliency has been on full display for the nation and the world.\nToday, our levee system has been fortified to better protect us from future storms. Business and entrepreneurship is growing at an extraordinary rate. State of the art health centers are being built throughout the city that will provide quality healthcare. People from all over the world are visiting New Orleans in record numbers to take part in our culture and hospitality.\nDespite all of our successes our work is still not done. We still have households who have not been made whole stemming from Road Homes flawed pre-storm valuations. We have a shortage of affordable housing for hard working people. Thousands of families displaced by the storm are still struggling to return home. There are still promises to keep.\nOur local, state, and federal partners must continue to work together to finish what we began a decade ago. Until our infrastructure has been fully restored, economic opportunity is reestablished, and everyone seeking to come home has returned our recovery will not be truly complete.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-road-home-program-announcement", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Road Home Program Announcement", "2015-08-25", "2015", "2015-08", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced its plan to address issues within the Road Home Homeowner Assistance program:\nI commend the administration for making these necessary changes, saidRep. Richmond. I have been engaging the President on our Road Home concerns for some time, including during my trip to Africa with him earlier this month. There is no better time to announce these changes than during the 10 year commemoration of Katrina and Rita. I thank the President and Secretary Castro for hearing our concerns and providingan opportunity for our residents to regain financial security as well as peace of mind.\nWhile todays announcement is welcome news, I will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure those residents who were shortchanged by the Road Home programs flawed formula are ultimately made whole.\nA sample of Congressman Richmonds advocacy on this issue can be found here:\nAddressed to Secretary Castro\nFor additional letters please contact Brandon Gassaway at Brandon.Gassaway@mail.house.gov.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/richmond-bipartisan-coalition-introduce-solitary-confinement-study-and-reform-act-2015", "Richmond, Bipartisan Coalition Introduce the Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Act of 2015", "2015-07-30", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC -- Yesterday, Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), and Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL) introduced H.R. 3399, the Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill to dramatically reform the practice of solitary confinement in the United States federal prison system. This legislation would start a national conversation on the use of solitary confinement and move toward a more rational and fiscally responsible approach to incarceration:\nCongressman Richmond:\nWe have abused the practice of solitary confinement to the point where it has become modern day torture, said Rep. Richmond. Too many prisoners, including the seriously mentally ill and juveniles are locked away for twenty-three hours a day often with little to no due process and at a steep cost to the taxpayer. Instead of being reserved for the worst of the worst, solitary confinement is too often being overused for administrative reasons to avoid providing treatment for the mentally ill and rehabilitation for those who will return to society. This practice, in its current form is inconsistent with our morals and values in America. We must be better than that.\nCongressman Chaffetz:\nSerious concerns have been raised about the use of solitary confinement as a punishment, said Rep. Chaffetz. I question whether this tactic is effective at deterring or reforming criminal behavior and, if so, whether it is being used appropriately. The impact of extended isolation on the human psyche requires additional study. As we consider changes to the criminal justice system, reforms must be grounded in reality and based on facts.\nCongressman Scott:\nToo many inmates confined to extreme periods of isolation have significant underlying mental health issues and solitary confinement only exacerbates these problems, said Rep. Scott. The Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Act will ensure that we have all the available data to better understand the impacts of solitary confinement so that we can develop and implement national standards to reduce the use of this practice in our nations prisons.\nCongressman Rooney:\n\"As we work toward bipartisan reform, we need to look at all aspects of our criminal justice system to determine what works and what doesn't, said Rep. Rooney. This bill will establish evidence-based standards and best practices to help ensure that punishments are necessary, appropriate and effective.\"\nThe Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Act of 2015 would:\n Establish the National Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Commission to work with all pertinent stakeholders to study the practice of solitary confinement and recommend best practices for reform to Congress and the Administration\n\tRequire the Department of Justice to issue regulations on best practices in this area that would bind facilities in the Federal prison system and incentivize changes in behavior in state and local prison systems\n\tBring about significant changes to the way mentally ill prisoners and juvenile offenders are designated for solitary confinement\n The Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Act of 2015 is supported by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the American Civil Liberties Union, the International Coalition to Free the Angola 3 and the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-announces-over-15m-homeland-security-grants-louisiana", "Rep. Richmond Announces Over $15M in Homeland Security Grants for Louisiana", "2015-07-29", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA-02), today announced the availability of $15 million in Homeland Security grants for Louisiana. This funding is provided through the FY 2015 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency and will go toward various projects throughout the state. This includes over $200K to the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) and $4.8M to New Orleans Port Area entities, an increase of more than $300K compared to last year:\nIm proud of this needed funding to support critical functions throughout our state, Rep. Richmond said. These resources are necessary to better secure our ports and prepare them for any possible disaster. They will also be used to fortify our public transportation infrastructure, protect our urban areas, and support our first responders. It is a priority for me to ensure Louisiana receives all critical funding so that we are better prepared for the future.\nA full list of DHS FY 2015 grant awardees can be found here:\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-join-president-barack-obama-members-congress-historic-trip-africa", "Rep. Richmond to Join President Barack Obama, Members of Congress for Historic Trip to Africa", "2015-07-24", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC --Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement before traveling with President Barack Obama and a group of Members of Congress on a historic trip to Kenya and Ethiopia:\nI look forward to joining President Obama and my fellow members of Congress on this momentous trip to Africa, said Rep. Richmond. I anticipate learning from our overseas colleagues and developing relationships that will further global cooperation and prosperity.\nThe 2nd District is home to some of the largest ports in the world that ship American products across the globe. Expanding our access to new markets would benefit our workers and grow the economy. It is as important as ever to engage with our international partners around the world to enhance security and spur the global economy. I share the Presidents desire to work with our partners in Africa and around the world to benefit us here at home.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-announces-824m-disaster-recovery-grants-southern-university-new-orleans", "Rep. Richmond Announces $82.4M in Disaster Recovery Grants for Southern University of New Orleans", "2015-07-22", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) announced the availability of additional disaster recovery grants for Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) for damage suffered as a result of Hurricane Katrina. These funds, through the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be used for the construction of four new school buildings on the SUNO campus:\nSUNO is an essential part of our community and provides a quality education to many of our hard-working students, said Rep. Richmond. This funding from the Department of Homeland Security will help revitalize the campus after the devastation caused by the storm. As we approach the 10th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, it is important to remember that our recovery will not be complete until all of our people and institutions are made whole. I will continue to work in Congress to ensure that this is a reality.\nDetails of the project worksheet updates and announcements are listed below.\n\n###\n\t\t\t\tFACILITY PLANNING AND CONTROL, STATE OF LOUISIANA  Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO)\n\t\t\t\t\tDeclaration Date: 8/29/2005This award provides $82,453,792.52 in federal funding to Facility Planning and Control, State of Louisiana (Sub-grantee) for the approval by FEMA of a Consolidated Sub-grant Project under the Sandy Improvement Act (SRIA) of 2013. The Sub-grantee intends to utilize funding from four (4) donors, or contributing projects under PWs 3295, 5653, 5716 and 6002 toward construction of four (4) new school buildings for their Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) campus. The work is required as a result of Hurricane Katrina FEMA-DR-1603-LA, and is authorized under Section 406 of the Stafford Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/greater-access-high-speed-internet-coming-new-orleans-and-baton-rouge", "Greater Access to High Speed Internet Coming to New Orleans and Baton Rouge", "2015-07-16", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after the White House announced that New Orleans and Baton Rouge will be included among the twenty-seven cities in the Presidents ConnectHome initiative. The initiative brings communities, the private sector, and federal government together to expand high speed broadband, access to more families across the country:\nAccess to the Internet has become an crucial part of everyday life, yet thousands of families across the country remain disconnected, said Rep. Richmond. While many students are fortunate to have internet access at home, too many low-income children in Louisiana are disconnected every afternoon when school ends. This break in access widens the achievement gap, denies hardworking students the ability to do research and communicate digitally with their teachers and other students.\nThrough ConnectHome, high speed internet will be made available to more households throughout New Orleans and Baton Rouge helping to close the digital divide in Louisiana.\nConnectHome is the next step in the Presidents continued efforts to expand high-speed broadband to all Americans and builds on his ConnectED initiative that is on track to connect 99 percent of K-12 students to high-speed Internet in their classrooms and libraries over the next five years.\nThe pilot program is launching in twenty-seven cities and one tribal nation and will initially reach more than 275,000 low-income households  and nearly 200,000 children  with the support they need to access the Internet at home. Internet Service Providers, non-profits and the private sector will offer broadband access, technical training, digital literacy programs, and devices for residents in assisted housing units.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-deepwater-horizon-settlement", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Deepwater Horizon Settlement", "2015-07-02", "2015", "2015-07", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement regarding the settlement between BP and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for 18.7 billion with $6.8 billion directed to Louisiana, to compensate for damages from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon tragedy.\nOn April 20, 2010, we witnessed the most devastating offshore drilling accident in American history, said Rep. Richmond. Tragically, 11 workers lost their lives, and millions of gallons of oil poured into the Gulf of Mexico, threatening nearly 5 million acres of coastal wetlands and 1300 miles of shoreline.\nTodays settlement is critical to bolstering the long-term health of the Gulf of Mexico, and providing much needed funds to the local communities whose natural resources and economic vitality were damaged by the spill. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure these resources are properly allocated to achieve these goals.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-king-v-burwell-decision", "Rep. Richmond Statement on King v. Burwell Decision", "2015-06-26", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court announced its decision in King v. Burwell:\nI applaud the Supreme Courts decision today, said Rep. Richmond. Ensuring all Americans have access to affordable health insurance was the goal of the Affordable Care Act. This decision marks the second time the ACA has been validated by the Supreme Court. It is a victory for common sense and for all American families.\nBecause of the ACA, millions of Americans have been able to get affordable health insurance and our nations spending on healthcare has slowed. Moving forward, I hope my Republican colleagues will drop their repeal-at-all-cost mantra and work with us to continue improving the healthcare system.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-death-officer-daryle-holloway", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the Death of Officer Daryle Holloway", "2015-06-20", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, La  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement following the shooting death of Officer Daryle Holloway in the line of duty:\nDaryle was an outstanding police officer, human being and friend, said Rep. Richmond. My heart aches for his family and this loss will be felt by the entire community. This tragedy should remind us that every day when our law enforcement officers suit up to protect us, they are putting their lives on the line.\nDaryle died in the line of duty and will always be remembered as the Hero he was.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-announces-103m-disaster-recovery-grants-roads-streets-and-bridges-city", "Rep. Richmond Announces $10.3M in Disaster Recovery Grants for Roads, Streets, and Bridges in the City of New Orleans", "2015-06-19", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) announced the release of additional disaster recovery grants for infrastructure repair work resulting from a re-evaluation of Hurricane Katrina related damage. These grants, funded through the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be used to restore roads, streets, and bridges throughout New Orleans.\nThe State of Louisiana will receive the full $10.3 million to be utilized for road restoration and repair for multiple neighborhoods in New Orleans:\nIt has been evident for years now that our roads and bridges have been in desperate need of repair, said Rep. Richmond. This funding from the Department of Homeland security will improve the infrastructure in New Orleans and help create streets befitting our status as a major city. I will continue to work on the federal level to direct necessary resources to projects that Louisiana needs most.\nDetails of the project worksheet updates and announcements are listed below.\n###\n\t\t\t\tNEW ORLEANS, CITY OF  Roads and Bridges\n\t\t\t\t\tDeclaration Date: 8/29/2005This award provides $1,233,545.16 in federal funding to the City of New Orleans (Sub-grantee) for road repair work resulting from a comprehensive re-evaluation of disaster-related damage. The work is required as a result of Hurricane Katrina FEMA-DR-1603-LA, and is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNEW ORLEANS, CITY OF - Roads and Streets\n\t\t\t\t\tDeclaration Date: 8/29/2005This award provides $9,098,216.61 in federal funding to the City of New Orleans (Sub-grantee) for road restoration work for multiple neighborhoods in New Orleans. The work is required as a result of Hurricane Katrina FEMA-DR-1603-LA, and is authorized under the Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-introduces-youth-empowerment-strategy", "Rep. Richmond Introduces the Youth Empowerment Strategy", "2015-06-16", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) introduced the Youth Empowerment Strategy as part of his effort to provide more opportunities for youth across the country. The Youth Empowerment Strategy, made up of the Youth Summer Jobs and Public Service Act of 2015 and the Student Disciplinary Fairness Act of 2015 would expand summer job programs and take steps to combat the use of the criminal justice system for routine school discipline.\nThe best investment we can make as a country is in our future, said Rep. Richmond. Keeping our children in school instead of in jail should be a priority for us all. These bills present a comprehensive approach we should take right now. Getting a young person a summer job develops the habits and skills they need to succeed and encourages them to further their education.\nResearch shows that summer jobs play a key role on the path to success. If a teen has a summer job, they are significantly less likely to commit a violent crime and more likely to stay in school. While they are in school, we must ensure they are being treated fairly. Using the criminal justice system to punish students for routine violations makes criminals out of students just for wearing the wrong clothes. We know that the earlier someone has contact with the criminal justice system, the less likely they are to finish school and the harder it is for them to achieve success later in life. By keeping kids in school and creating summer job programs, we give more of our children the chance to succeed.\nThe Student Disciplinary Fairness Act of 2015 would devote federal resources to preventing the overuse of the criminal justice system for activity that takes place in school settings. It would create an office in the U.S. Department of Justice to collect data and develop alternatives to the use of the criminal justice system by schools. It also creates a grant program in the U.S. Department of Education to fund training for teachers and administrators in de-escalation techniques for mitigating delinquent student behavior without the involvement of law enforcement.\nThe Youth Summer Jobs and Public Service Act of 2015 would create grants for local areas to carry out summer jobs programs for youth. The bill would prioritize jobs that include an element of public service so that youth could serve their community while they are employed.\n\nTo download video of Congressman Richmonds remarks on the House Floor, click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-release-albert-woodfox", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Release of Albert Woodfox", "2015-06-09", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement following the ruling of U.S. District Judge James Brady to grant the unconditional release of Albert Woodfox from state custody:\nAttorney General Caldwell must respect the ruling of Judge Brady and grant Mr. Woodfox his release immediately, said Rep Richmond. This is an obviously personal vendetta and has been a waste of tax payer dollars for decades. The state is making major cuts in education and healthcare but he has spent millions of dollars on this endeavor and the price tag is increasing by the day.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-featured-harvard-journal-legislation", "Rep. Richmond Featured in Harvard Journal on Legislation", "2015-06-01", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Rep. Richmond (LA-02), a graduate of Harvard Universitys Executive Education Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, authored a policy essay that has been featured in the Winter 2015 edition of the Universitys Journal on Legislation. The essay, titled Toward a More Constitutional Approach to Solitary Confinement: The Case for Reform, discusses the need for reforms to the criminal justice system, focusing on the practice of solitary confinement:\nThere is no question that inmates must pay their debts to society, but justice demands that we address the matter within the limits of our Constitution and accepted standards of human decency, said Rep. Richmond. The rising prevalence of solitary confinement as an administrative tool for public and private penitentiaries has also led to a rise in disturbing stories by inmates subjected to a psychological, emotional, and oftentimes physical hell. We are better than that as a society.\nThe growth in the use of solitary confinement has happened with little oversight or discussion. We cannot continue to allow that to happen. We should have a national conversation about this issue, and Congress should take a leading role in it. There are moral and financial reasons to act, but it is critical that policymakers reform the use of solitary confinement so that it reflects the proper aims of criminal justice policy. This Congress I will introduce legislation to start the conversation and bring the practice more in line with the Constitution.\nThe full policy essay can be found here.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-mourns-passing-president-emeritus-dolores-r-spikes", "Rep. Richmond Mourns the Passing of President Emeritus Dolores R. Spikes", "2015-06-01", "2015", "2015-06", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement regarding the death of Dr. Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes.\nI am deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Dolores Spikes passing. Her brilliance was only matched by her zeal for improving the access and impact of education for a diverse array of students, said Rep. Richmond. Her contributions to higher education in Louisiana and throughout the country cannot be overstated. She blazed a trail and built a legacy that will live on for generations to come. My heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with her family and loved ones.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-expresses-support-hano%E2%80%99s-redevelopment-strategy", "Rep. Richmond Expresses Support for HANOs Redevelopment Strategy", "2015-05-28", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  After a second meeting with HANO Director Greg Fortner in New Orleans to discuss the HANO Scattered Sites Strategy, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released the following Statement:\nThe strategy HANO has in place to repurpose vacant properties for mixed-income housing is the right way to go, said Rep. Richmond. This plan is a smart and prudent path to ensuring HANO can secure consistent revenue rather than a one-time influx of cash. The practice of selling off government assets with no possibility for future earnings has caused many of this states financial problems. This new direction will allow much greater flexibility.\nThis method is very similar to the plan the City Council recently approved for the World Trade Center property. Creating recurring revenue through mixed-income, mixed-use developments will put HANO on more stable financial footing, while creating more available affordable housing that the city sorely needs.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/usps-deferring-all-activities-louisiana-until-2016", "USPS is Deferring All Activities in Louisiana until 2016", "2015-05-27", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  The United States Postal Service (USPS) has decided to defer plant consolidations in Louisiana that were scheduled to take place this summer. In a letter sent to Postmaster General Megan Brennan earlier this month, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) expressed his disappointment in the United States Postal Service (USPS) for their failure to provide clear and coherent data justifying the decision to consolidate processing activities at the New Orleans Processing and Distribution Center to the Baton Rouge facility. A move that would have eliminated hundreds of jobs and stagnated mail service in New Orleans:\nI am pleased with USPSs decision to defer consolidations in Louisiana, said Rep. Richmond. Consolidating the New Orleans Processing Center hurts small business, delays service to households, and would put hundreds of hard working people out of work. At no point did USPS provide any credible justification for making this move and their decision to defer proves that to be the case.\nI will continue to hold USPS accountable until we find a permanent solution that both protects jobs and provides the most efficient service to households and businesses throughout the 2nd District.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-calls-doj-investigation-alleged-civil-rights-violations-inside-iberia", "Rep. Richmond Calls for DOJ Investigation into Alleged Civil Rights Violations Inside the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office", "2015-05-20", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  In a letter sent to Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Rep. Richmond (LA-02), Member of the House Judiciary Committee, requested a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into alleged abusive patterns and practices of the Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office (IPSO):\nWe can no longer allow the abusive culture that has permeated IPSO to go unchecked, said Rep. Richmond. The accounts of discrimination, abuse, and even deaths occurring as a result of the actions of deputies clearly illustrate a pattern and practice that systematically violates the basic rights of citizens. It is imperative that the Department of Justice step in and correct this conduct before there is any more loss of life.\nJust last year Victor White III died as the result of a fatal gunshot wound while handcuffed in the backseat of an IPSO squad car. According to IPSO Deputies, Mr. White pulled out a handgun, while his hands were cuffed behind his back, and shot himself in the back. However, the full coroner's report indicated that Mr. White had died from a single shot to his right chest, contradicting the initial police statement that he had shot himself in the back. This is just one example of the copious discrepancies that has plagued the office.\nRecent unrest in communities across the country have shed light on the fact that many people feel they have been unfairly targeted by police and forced to live their lives under the threat of an oppressive regime. The role our law enforcement officers fill is too important to the function of our society to allow this dynamic to go on unchecked.\nThe letter to Attorney General Lynch can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-celebrates-50th-anniversary-launch-head-start", "Rep. Richmond Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Launch of Head Start", "2015-05-19", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA-02) joins students, parents, and educators throughout the country in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the launch of Head Start:\nNothing has better returns than our investments in education, from early childhood through lifetime learning, said Rep. Richmond. Affordable, accessible education is essential for succeeding in the American economy, and it is my hope that we can continue to strengthen our community by providing children with quality education early on in their development.\nHead Start has served over 30 million children and their families in urban and rural areas all over the country. Head Start promotes school readiness of young children from low-income families through partnerships in their local community. In addition, Head Start programs provide children and their familys health, nutrition, social, and other services vital to early childhood development. Head Start services are responsive to each child and family's ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage.\nEvery child in America should be afforded an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of what neighborhood they live in or how much money their parents make.Head Start has a proven track record of success over the last fifty years and now is not the time to disinvest in our childrens futures. I call on my Republican colleagues to abandon their plan to cut funding for Head Start and work with House Democrats to close the educational opportunity gap.\nRep. Richmond participates in todays event as a part of House Democrats Building on Our Legacy, Embracing the Future initiative, which highlights some of the major legislative achievements of 1965 and the ongoing fight to protect them from dangerous Republican attacks. Fifty years after the enactment of groundbreaking legislation on these priorities, House Democrats continue to stand for guaranteeing voting rights for all Americans, making college and early childhood education more affordable, defending Medicare and Medicaid, and protecting our environment.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-demands-usps-data-supporting-new-orleans-mail-processing-activities-baton", "Rep. Richmond Demands USPS Data Supporting New Orleans Mail Processing Activities to Baton Rouge", "2015-05-14", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  In a letter sent to Postmaster General Megan Brennan Rep. Richmond (LA-02) expressed his disappointment in the United States Postal Service (USPS) for their failure to provide clear and coherent data justifying the decision to move processing activities at the New Orleans Processing & Distribution Center to the Baton Rouge facility. In addition to eliminating more than 800 middle-class jobs, this proposed consolidation would threaten thousands of small businesses and households that rely on the USPS for timely mail service:\nGiven the profound impact that this decision will have on my constituents, it is unacceptable that, despite several requests from my office, the USPS has provided data that either fails to explain the financial advantage of consolidating these facilities, or is so heavily redacted it is impossible to interpret in any meaningful way. There are numerous cases in the report in which the USPS reports savings that are illogical, while redacting all data used to reach these numbers.\nIn the letter, Rep. Richmond reiterated his concerns with the report justifying the consolidation, and requested that the USPS provide his office with specific data used to make the decision. In addition, Rep. Richmond requested assurances that the delayed mail delivery experienced in other communities with consolidations will not occur in New Orleans.\nThe letter to Postmaster General Brennan can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-announces-over-18m-funding-health-center-sites-new-orleans-and-luling", "Rep. Richmond Announces Over $1.8M in Funding for Health Center Sites in New Orleans and Luling", "2015-05-06", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) announced approximately $1.8 million in Affordable Care Act funding to two new community health center sites in New Orleans and one in Luling for comprehensive primary health care services.\nThese new clinics, provided through funding from the Affordable Care Act will allow easier access to healthcare in the neighborhoods that have been traditionally underserved, said Rep. Richmond. Community health centers are on the frontlines of providing dependable, accessible primary care. With unprecedented numbers of Americans with health insurance these facilities are more vital than ever before.\nFor the full list of awardees, click here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-applauds-confirmation-loretta-lynch-attorney-general", "Rep. Richmond Applauds Confirmation of Loretta Lynch as Attorney General", "2015-05-06", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement regarding the confirmation of U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch as the 83rd Attorney General of the United States:\nI wish to congratulate U.S. Attorney Lynch on todays historic vote. Her confirmation as the first African American female Attorney General is long overdue, but well-deserved. Her intellect, tenacity, and work ethic brought her to this point, and I am certain it will bring her many successes as Attorney General. I look forward to working with her to advance the cause of justice in communities throughout the country, safeguard the right to vote, stymie the incarceration epidemic, and establish a greater level of confidence in our criminal justice system for all Americans\nI salute Attorney General Eric Holder for his stellar service over the past 6 years. During his tenure, he addressed many injustices and laid the foundation for building a better and more equal standard of justice in this country\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-introduces-bill-establish-greater-accountability-us-attorney%E2%80%99s-office", "Rep. Richmond Introduces Bill to Establish Greater Accountability for U.S Attorneys Office", "2015-05-06", "2015", "2015-05", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) introduced the Inspector General Access Act of 2015. The bill grants the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Justice (OIG) the authority to investigate alleged misconduct committed by Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys when they act in their capacity as lawyers. Currently, this role is exclusively reserved for DOJs own Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). Unlike DOJ-OIG, OPR is not an independent entity. The IG is confirmed by the Senate and accountable to Congress. OPR Counsel is selected and appointed by the Attorney General, answers to the Attorney General, and can be removed or disciplined by the Attorney General:\nThe report by OPR regarding the misconduct at the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana illustrated that a greater level of oversight is necessary to avoid any future impropriety, said Rep. Richmond. By transferring the responsibility to investigate misconduct by DOJ attorneys to the DOJ-OIG, we hope to bring a greater level of transparency and accountability to DOJ operations. From 2002 through 2013, OPR documented more than 650 infractions, including allegations that federal attorneys intentionally misled courts and alleged abuses of the grand jury or indictment process. In the majority of the matters OPR categorized the violations as recklessness or intentional misconduct, as distinct from error or poor judgment. However, DOJ does not make public the names of attorneys who acted improperly or the defendants whose cases were affected. Also, OPRs reports are not available for public review. They are only available by FOIA request and even then they are often heavily redacted. As a result, DOJ, its lawyers, and the internal watchdog office itself are shielded from public scrutiny and responsibility. This legislation will restore public trust by providing the necessary checks and balances. \nFar too often we are reminded of the imbalances within the justice system. Individuals in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana intentionally misled a federal judge, OPR officials, and their superiors but have yet to face significant penalties. If a target of the U.S. Attorneys Office was caught lying to federal officials, attorneys would do everything in their power to exact penalty. There must be equal justice under the law.\nThese acts of impropriety carried out by employees of the U.S. Attorneys office have caused irreparable harm to the families of victims, people who sought justice, and the citizens of Louisiana, who will now have to relive some of the darkest moments in our states recent history. It is incumbent upon attorneys throughout the DOJ to live up to the high standards expected of the agency so that it can maintain the confidence of the public it serves.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-responds-joint-economic-committee-report", "Rep. Richmond Responds to Joint Economic Committee Report", "2015-04-15", "2015", "2015-04", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement following the release of a report highlighting major, persistent economic challenges facing the African American community by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) in consultation with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC):\nThe cold hard facts in todays report support the anecdotes we have heard for years and confirm that we are failing African-Americans throughout this country, said Rep. Richmond. The growing economic disparity facing the African-American community is not merely an economic crisis but a great moral emergency. There is much work to be done on the federal, state, and local levels that will require all hands on deck including elected officials, community leaders, business leaders, and candidates for office in order to curb this epidemic.\nIn Louisiana, African-Americans unemployment is more than double that of their white counterparts. Their household income is almost half. Over 30 percent of African-American families are living in poverty. African-American families throughout the state are working tirelessly to get ahead but cannot because the system is rigged against them.\nThere is a clear and immediate need for comprehensive action to open paths to the middle class and allow more families to experience the American dream. This report will inform the actions I take, along with my colleagues in the CBC, to address this crisis on the federal level. We must take a multifaceted approach that focuses on investing in and supporting minority-owned small businesses, reforming our broken criminal justice system, and increasing access to early childhood and post-secondary education and job training programs.\nThis report is proof that the conservative economic theories are counterproductive a rising tide does not lift all boats and economic prosperity does not trickle down. We must work to guarantee that if we all work hard, we all succeed.\nThe full report can be found here.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/congressman-richmond-meets-louis-armstrong-international-tsa-agents", "Congressman Richmond Meets With Louis Armstrong International TSA Agents", "2015-03-24", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC - Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement after meeting with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at the Louis Armstrong International Airport. The Congressman thanked the agents for the work they do on a daily basis and for their efforts surrounding the Friday, March 20th incident at the airport.\nI would like to thank Lt. Heather Sylve, Supervisor Carol Richel, and Agents Walter Johnson and Chris Lucia for their bravery and determination, said Rep. Richmond.Without their extraordinary efforts, the incident could have injured numerous passengers traveling through MSY. These men and women are examples of the bravery of our TSA agents and Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Officers who protect passengers and airport personnel every day. We trust TSA to protect airports across the nation, and I cannot be more proud of the job the agents and officers did in my home airport to keep us safe and secure.\nThis incident underscores the importance and necessity of comprehensive mental health treatment. The State of Louisiana has and continues to fail our citizens who have mental health challenges. Our men and women on the front line acted heroically and saved many lives but what is the most unfortunate is that this was preventable.\nThrough my post on the Homeland Security committee I will continue working to provide the best possible tools and resources to keep us safe.\nCongressman Richmond sits on the House Committee on Homeland Security (CHS) and is the ranking member over the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Secure Technologies subcommittee. As a member of the CHS, he works closely with TSA leadership to make sure the Agents have the right tools to keep our ports and airports safe and secure.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-responds-extension-flood-risk-management-comment-period", "Rep. Richmond Responds to Extension of the Flood Risk Management Comment Period", "2015-03-24", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC  Today, the Obama administration announced that they will extend the comment period for the recent standards outlined in Executive Order 13690, Establishing a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). Rep. Richmond (LA-02) has played a pivotal role in extending the comment period in order to enumerate what the impacts of the new standards on Louisiana.\nI am pleased the President has decided to extend the period in which we can gather all necessary information, said Rep. Richmond. We need to assess the full scope of the impact of the new proposed standards before we take any steps toward implementation. I will continue to work with our local leaders and the other members of our delegation to make sure there are no negative repercussions as we continue to rebuild and restore our community.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-supports-legislation-protect-and-modernize-voting", "Rep. Richmond Supports Legislation to Protect and Modernize Voting", "2015-03-24", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Rep. Richmond (LA-02) joined veterans of the civil rights movement, voting rights advocates and leaders in the U.S. House in sponsoring legislation to strengthen federal law on voting rights.\nThe Voter Empowerment Act removes unnecessary barriers between voters and the ballot box and utilizes modern technology to bring our elections into the 21st Century, said Rep. Richmond. The right to vote is the single most essential element to maintaining our democracy. I will continue to be a strong voice in Congress as we fight to safeguard the right to vote for every American.\nThe Voter Empowerment Act will modernize voter registration, ensure equal access to the ballot box for all Americans and prohibit deceptive practices and voter intimidation that keep people from exercising their constitutional right to vote. The legislation contains three main sections: improving access, protecting integrity, and ensuring accountability.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-announces-584m-disaster-recovery-grants-lsu-school-dentistry", "Rep. Richmond Announces $58.4M in Disaster Recovery Grants for LSU School of Dentistry", "2015-03-17", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) announced the availability of disaster recovery grants for areas still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Katrina. These grants funded through the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help to repair the LSU School of Dentistry.\nThe School of Dentistry will receive the full $58.4 million for consolidated projects and hazard mitigation:\nThe LSU School of Dentistry has been among the most prestigious institutions in the region for decades, said Rep. Richmond. This funding from the Department of Homeland security will allow LSU to not only restore their facilities from damage incurred before the storm, but also modernize the program to ensure that it remains one of the premiere professional schools in the nation.\nDetails of the project worksheet updates and announcements are listed below.\n\n###\n\t\t\t\tFACILITY PLANNING AND CONTROL, STATE OF LOUISIANA  Louisiana State University Health Science Center, School of Dentistry\n\t\t\t\t\tDeclaration Date: 08/29/2005This award provides $58,440,641.00 in Federal funding to Facility Planning and Control, State of Louisiana (Sub-grantee) for a Consolidated Improved Project with Section 406 Hazard Mitigation for their Louisiana State University-Health Science Center (LSU-HSC) School of Dentistry. The work is required as a result of Hurricane Katrina and is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-announces-over-16m-additional-disaster-recovery-grants", "Rep. Richmond Announces Over $1.6M in Additional Disaster Recovery Grants", "2015-03-16", "2015", "2015-03", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) announced the availability of disaster recovery grants for areas hit hard by Hurricane Isaac. These grants are through the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding will go toward completing existing recovery projects.\nThe city of Kenner will receive the full $1.6 million for restoration of the Pontchartrain Center to its pre-disaster design, function, and capacity:\nIm proud to announce these grants from the Department of Homeland Security allocated to assist in continued recovery from Hurricane Isaac and to ensure that we are better prepared as we move forward, said Rep. Richmond. As we approach the ten year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we are reminded of the need to remain vigilant in taking preventative measures to mitigate the impact of any future disasters. From my post on the Homeland Security Committee, I will continue to make the case to the Administration why funding to fortify our region must be a national priority.\nDetails of the project worksheet updates and announcements are listed below.\n###\n\t\t\t\tKENNER\n\t\t\t\t\tDeclaration Date: 8/29/2012$1,634,988.50 in Federal funding for cost effective roof mitigation, and to restore the Pontchartrain Center back to its pre-disaster design, function, and capacity in accordance with applicable codes and standards as a result of the major disaster Hurricane Isaac.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-urges-speaker-boehner-bring-clean-dhs-bill-vote", "Rep. Richmond Urges Speaker Boehner to Bring a Clean DHS Bill to a Vote", "2015-02-25", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  In a letter sent to Speaker John Boehner, Rep. Richmond (LA-02), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, expressed concerns with the impending expiration of funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):\nAs legislators, national security should be our most pressing concern at all times, said Rep. Richmond. Shutting down DHS because of a temper tantrum over immigration and the Presidents executive order ignores that responsibility and puts partisanship before the safety of the American people.\nThe adverse impacts of the appropriations limbo are real and impact not only DHS, but State and local governments. Critical State and local grant programs will be delayed, border security will be undermined, and immigration enforcement will be weakened, not enhanced.\nWe need a funding bill, with no additional conditions, to allow DHS to continue to carry out its vital mission uninterrupted by partisan political tactics.\nThe letter to Speaker Boehner can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-decision-not-attend-march-3rd-joint-meeting", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Decision Not to Attend March 3rd Joint Meeting", "2015-02-23", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC  Today Representative Cedric Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement regarding his decision to not attend the March 3rd Joint Meeting of Congress, during which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to speak:\nSpeaker John Boehners invitation to Prime Minister Netanyahu to speak, currently scheduled for March 3rd before a joint session of Congress, is a global slap in the face to President Barack Obama, said Rep. Richmond. The United States Congress is not a political pawn, nor is it the forum to set foreign policy decisions without consultation from the President. For these reasons I will not attend this joint session.\nThe Constitution places the primary responsibility for foreign affairs in the hands of the President. Speaker Boehner, a fervent defender of the Constitution, should understand this. However, when he chose to invite a foreign leader to address a joint session of Congress without consulting the White House or Congressional Democratic leadership, he clearly encroached on the Presidents Constitutional authority and breached tradition and protocol. Time and time again, Speaker Boehner and Congressional Republicans have disrespected and tried to embarrass the President of the United States. I hope that Speaker Boehners misguided action in this instance causes no irreversible harm.\nThe Prime Ministers scheduled address destabilizes the Presidents authority in foreign policy and forces lawmakers who are supportive of Israel to choose between offending Israel and undermining the President. We should not allow a short-sighted partisan action to cause discord among parties who agree on the threat of an armed Iran. Additionally, we must not allow Israels security to evolve into a partisan exercise and we must not allow the United States Congress to be used for any leaders political purposes.\nIsrael is one of our nations strongest allies. This is an indisputable fact. Throughout my career, I have been a staunch supporter of Israel through comments and actions. I was part of a select delegation to travel to Israel with Leader Nancy Pelosi to celebrate Independence Day and discuss our shared agenda with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A secure and prosperous Israel is in the best interest of the United States and the world. Irans pursuit of nuclear weapons undeniably threatens the security of both Israel and the United States. Because of this reality, the President and an overwhelming bipartisan majority in Congress agree that we must do all we can to prevent this from happening.\nElections will take place in Israel only a few short weeks after this proposed joint session. As a candidate in this election, Prime Minister Netanyahu should not speak before Congress. Using the floor of Congress for a stump speech not only marginalizes the integrity of Congress, but suggests an improper endorsement from the United States to a candidate in a foreign nation. We have established that Congress will not be a place for political posturing for foreign diplomats, even when they are our allies. Even in Israel, there is trepidation that the Prime Minister is overstepping his bounds if he goes forward with the speech as planned.\nMy decision not to attend the joint session is not an issue of partisanship, nor is it indicative of a lack of commitment to Israel. Members of Congress are tasked with upholding the sanctity of the Constitution. I intend to uphold that responsibility. I urge the Speaker to reconsider his unilateral and irresponsible decision to hold a Joint Session of Congress. The United States of America and Israel will remain steadfast allies, in spite of John Boehners political ploy. I will continue to support Israel and peace, but I will not undermine the President or the presidency of the United States of America.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/new-orleans-receives-500k-department-transportation-grants-disaster-evacuation", "New Orleans Receives $500K in Department of Transportation Grants for Disaster Evacuation Planning", "2015-02-11", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Yesterday, the United States Department of Transportation announced that the City of New Orleans, in partnership with the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and the University of New Orleans (UNO), will receive funding to improve the evacuation of city residents and vulnerable populations during emergencies and disasters:\n\u201cIt is important to routinely examine the city\u2019s evacuation protocol, to ensure the most vulnerable citizens have the ability to vacate the city in case of an emergency,\u201d said Rep. Richmond (LA-02). \u201cThe threat of future emergencies is ever present. The resources provided by the Department of Transportation will be vital to maintain the most up to date standards and procedures so that the errors of the past are not repeated.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-expresses-concerns-president%E2%80%99s-revenue-sharing-proposal", "Rep. Richmond Expresses Concerns with the Presidents Revenue-Sharing Proposal", "2015-02-05", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013In a letter sent to President Obama, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) expressed concerns with his budget proposal as it pertains to revenue-sharing from oil and gas production in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).\n\u201cWhile the OCS is owned by all Americans, Gulf States have borne the environmental and infrastructure costs of energy production for decades,\u201d said Rep. Richmond. \u201cProvisions within the President\u2019s budget do not properly take this consideration into account, when calculating revenue sharing.\u201d\n\u201cThe Entire country benefits from the oil and gas production occurring everyday off the coast of Louisiana. However, most states do not share similar burdens resulting from that production. I trust upon further review the President will recognize these discrepancies and reconsider his proposal.\u201d\nThe letter to President Obama can be found here.\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/hano-receives-15-million-fema-grants", "HANO receives $1.5 Million in FEMA Grants", "2015-02-04", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement in response to FEMA announcing earlier this week that the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) was awarded an additional $1.5 million in federal grants. HANO will use the funds to complete the Florida housing development project in New Orleans, which broke ground in August of 2013.\n\u201cThe Florida housing development is a part of the city\u2019s history and home to hundreds of New Orleanians,\u201d said Rep. Richmond. \u201cThese funds will bring the redevelopment project closer to completion and provide much needed affordable housing to many working families.\u201d\n\u201cI will continue to work with FEMA to ensure that we have access to the vital resources necessary to restore the city for all who call New Orleans home.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-responds-release-fy16-white-house-budget-proposal", "Rep. Richmond Responds to the Release of FY16 White House Budget Proposal", "2015-02-03", "2015", "2015-02", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement in response to the release of the President Obama\u2019s proposed FY 2016 Budget:\n\u201cThis budget begins to balance the scales that have been tilted for so long toward the wealthy at the expense of our working class families,\u201d said Rep. Richmond. \u201cOur economy has made significant strides since the economic downturn but that progress has not reached many of the families that were hit the hardest. This budget makes smart investments in key areas that will allow a greater number of Americans to participate in our economy, and share in the growth.\u201d\n\u201cThe President\u2019s plan expands opportunities for a strong education to all of our children through actions like expanding Head Start, improving STEM education, and providing community college at no cost to all willing to put in the hard work. The budget proposal also improves workforce development and job creation, specifically through access to high quality training programs and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure.\u201d\n\u201cThis budget is one that prioritizes the overwhelming majority of Americans who work hard every day and yearn for a level playing field that will allow them to one day reap the benefits of their labor. It offers a fair approach that asks a little more of the most fortunate, in order to make critical investments that will pay dividends to us all. It is important that Congress come together in good faith to support a budget plan that is fiscally responsible yet committed to investing in our children, the nation\u2019s infrastructure, and working class families.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-expresses-concerns-financial-burdens-airline-passengers", "Rep. Richmond Expresses Concerns on the Financial Burdens of Airline Passengers", "2015-01-29", "2015", "2015-01", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Earlier this week, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) expressed his concerns on the financial burdens of airline passengers in a letter sent to Nicholas Calio, President and CEO of Airlines for America. In addition to pointing out that fares have remained stagnant despite significant declines in fuel costs, the Congressman also requested an explanation on the lawsuit recently filed to prevent travel websites from helping consumers save money by purchasing \u201chidden city\u201d plane tickets.\n\u201cOil prices have plummeted in recent months as a result of the ongoing American oil and gas boom and consumers are reaping the benefits at gas pumps nationwide,\u201d said Rep. Richmond. \u201cWith the cost of fuel dropping rapidly, it only seems fair that some of those savings would be passed on to consumers.\u201d\n\u201cGiven the high cost of air travel in these still difficult economic times, it makes sense that travelers would seek out alternative measures to save money on travel. While it is important to ensure American companies are able to compete globally on an even playing field, we must also take great care to protect the interests of American consumers.\u201d\nThe letteWashington, DC \u2013 Earlier this week, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) expressed his concerns on the financial burdens of airline passengers in a letter sent to Nicholas Calio, President and CEO of Airlines for America.r to Nicholas Calio can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-honored-serve-top-democrat-cybersecurity-subcommittee", "Rep. Richmond Honored to serve as Top Democrat on Cybersecurity Subcommittee", "2015-01-29", "2015", "2015-01", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement after becoming the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies.\n\u201cI am honored to serve as the lead democrat on a subcommittee that will be immensely significant in the 114th Congress,\u201d said Rep. Richmond. \u201cAs technology and communication have evolved, so too have the threats to American citizens, companies, and the U.S. Government.\u00a0 As the recent cyber-attack against Sony illustrated our enemies can wreak havoc without ever stepping foot on American soil. The cost of cybercrime is staggering, causing an estimated $100 billion strain on the economy. According to reports, in 2014 more than 40 million people in the U.S. had their personal information compromised on the internet. This cannot stand.\u201d\n\u201cThe President has made it clear that cybersecurity is among the nation\u2019s top legislative priorities. As we live more of our personal and professional lives online, it is imperative that we take action to protect the privacy of American citizens and businesses and secure our critical infrastructure. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the subcommittee to combat cybercrime and make this nation safer and more secure.\u201d\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-responds-state-union-address", "Rep. Richmond Responds to the State of the Union Address", "2015-01-29", "2015", "2015-01", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement in response to President Obama\u2019s State of the Union Address.\n\u201cTonight, the President laid out his legislative priorities and his vision for the nation,\u201d said Rep. Richmond. \u201cWhile the economy has grown and jobs have been created at a record pace, far too many Americans have yet to reap the benefits. I share the President\u2019s determination to build an economic agenda that helps working families as oppose to our current system that has left them on their own.\u201d\n\u201cPursuing innovative policies like creating a community college system that is free for anyone willing to put in the hard work allows more students to access the middle class and grows the economy. Taking steps to make mortgages more affordable provides protection for the individual rather than the mortgage companies. Defending our nation\u2019s infrastructure from cyber threats makes the country safer and more secure. Making the tax code fairer helps working families as they continue to struggle with cost of childcare, college, and secure retirement. Preventing parents from having to put their sick children on the school bus because they don't have leave to take care of them at home strengthens families. Although, we have an obligation to invest responsibly we cannot be afraid to lead in these areas.\u201d\n\u201cThe investor class has done well in this economic climate but the average working family has been left behind. Adopting many of the policies the President laid out tonight will allow them to share in the economic gains. I will stand with the President to allow every American who works hard and plays by the rules to succeed. \u201d\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-urges-swift-confirmation-loretta-lynch", "Rep. Richmond Urges Swift Confirmation of Loretta Lynch", "2015-01-29", "2015", "2015-01", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement today in support of Loretta Lynch\u2019s nomination as the next Attorney General of the United States:\n\u201cLoretta Lynch is a brilliant legal scholar and has been dedicated public servant through two administrations,\u201d said Rep. Richmond. \u201cA Harvard graduate and distinguished prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York, she is well qualified and has exhibited an exceptional ability to combat crime and corruption in one of the nation\u2019s toughest districts.\u201d\n\u201cThroughout her tenure, she has taken on violent criminals and prosecuted vicious terrorists as a member of the U.S. Attorney\u2019s office.\u00a0 When confirmed as our next Attorney General, I have full confidence that she will bring the same vigor for justice to safeguarding the right to vote, continuing to stymie the incarceration epidemic, and establishing a greater level of confidence in our criminal justice system for all Americans.\u201d\n\u201cI look forward to working with Attorney General Lynch to carry on the tremendous progress made under the leadership of Attorney General Holder, and building a more efficient and equal standard of justice in this country.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-republican-homeland-security-funding-bill", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Republican Homeland Security Funding Bill", "2015-01-13", "2015", "2015-01", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement on the House Republicans\u2019 Homeland Security funding bill for FY 2015.\n\u201cThe Homeland Security spending bill put forth by House Republicans last Friday fails to provide the necessary resources to adequately secure our nation and is outright reckless,\u201d said Rep. Richmond. \u201cInstead of presenting a bill that sufficiently addresses our national security, they have elected to jeopardize the safety of our nation for the sake of party politics. \u201c\n\u201cThese efforts to undermine immigration reform by delaying funding are jeopardizing the operation of DHS at a time when we must be fully equipped against acts of terrorism. Recent events have shown that the threat of terrorism is still very real whether it is through cyber-attacks, as we experienced with the breach of Sony, or acts of barbarism as we have witnessed in Paris during the shooting tragedy at Charlie Hedbo. It is imperative that we ensure DHS is well prepared to identify such acts so that they can be in the best possible position to prevent them. This Republican proposal would leave us vulnerable to these types of dangers, merely to undercut the President.\u201d\n\u201cI urge my Republican colleagues to stop pandering to the extremist wing of their party and put these political games aside. We must present a clean funding bill that will avoid a partial government shutdown and allow DHS to fulfill its mission of protecting our homeland.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 60, "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 \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "LA", "p2": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 60, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 60, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2015&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "LA", "label": "LA", "count": 60, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 60, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 146.1420301347971, "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"}