{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"LA\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-passing-millie-charles", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the Passing of Millie Charles", "2020-11-23", "2020", "2020-11", "Democrat", "Senate", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement on the passing of esteemed New Orleans social worker and social justice advocate, Millie M. Charles:\nMrs. Millie Charles will be sorely missed, said Rep. Richmond. She dedicated her lifetime to serving and uplifting families and communities of New Orleans. For nearly a century, she was steadfast in her efforts as an educator, social worker, civil rights activist, and social justice advocate.\nAmongst her many accomplishments, she founded the School of Social Work at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) in 1965, where she served as dean. Her work and legacy became so profound that SUNO dedicated the School of Social Work in her name. I am proud of the legacy Mrs. Charles has left in New Orleans and send my condolences to her family at this challenging time.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-house-passage-crown-act", "Rep. Richmond Statement on House Passage of the CROWN Act", "2020-09-22", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement on the passage of the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act:\nYesterday, I was incredibly proud to see the House pass the CROWN Act. said Rep. Richmond. Racial discrimination in the form of hair discrimination has directly and negatively impacted Black people in the workplace and schools for far too long. It was an honor to author this groundbreaking legislation with my colleagues Congresswomen Lee (CA-13), Fudge (OH-11), and Pressley (MA-07). Their partnership, along with Adjoa B. Asamoah of the Crown Coalition, law professor Wendy Greene, and countless other stakeholders was integral in making this historic moment possible.\nNow that the House has acted, it is time for the Senate to demonstrate leadership and swiftly pass this critical legislation. Our nation must right this wrong and ensure that no Black child or adult ever lives in fear of discrimination simply because of their hair texture or style.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-mourns-passing-supreme-court-justice-ruth-bader-ginsburg", "Rep. Richmond Mourns the Passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg", "2020-09-18", "2020", "2020-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement on the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:\n\nJustice Ginsburg is regarded as one of the most brilliant legal minds in our nation's history. We will forever be indebted to her for showing a steadfast commitment to women's rights, civil rights, and voting rights. A trailblazer in her own right, Justice Ginsburg was integral to our pursuit of a more perfect union.\nOnly the second woman Supreme Court Justice at the time of her confirmation, she understood and practiced perseverance from the moment she was sworn onto the bench by President Bill Clinton. During her time on the Court, Justice Ginsburg said that the three most damaging decisions the court made were Shelby County v. Holder, Rucho v. Common Cause, and Citizens United v. FEC. Justice Ginsburg, like all great civil rights pioneers, knew that the right to vote is the power that drives all rights. In her dissent for Shelby County, Ginsburg famously wrote that gutting the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.'\nAs a lawyer myself, I have always revered Justice Ginsberg for her tenacity, grit, and intellect. Her passing could not have come at a more vulnerable time for our country. As we collectively mourn her passing, let us honor her legacy by ensuring her fight for equality and justice endures. I send my sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all those who loved and admired her.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-fatal-shooting-trayford-pellerin", "Rep. Richmond Statement On the Fatal Shooting of Trayford Pellerin", "2020-08-25", "2020", "2020-08", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement on fatal shooting of Trayford Pellerin by police in Lafayette, Louisiana:\nOnce again, the world has witnessed yet another killing of a Black man at the hands of police, said Rep. Richmond. Without question, Trayford Pellerin should be alive right now. He had a loving family, support of his community, and his life mattered. Police have a responsibility to use non-lethal de-escalation tactics in serious situations. Instead, the Lafayette police chose fear over coherence and took the life of a man who caused them no harm whatsoever.\nTo make matters worse, we also just witnessed the shooting of another unarmed Black man, Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Thankfully he is still alive but is critically injured after being shot in the back eight times at point blank range while walking away. After the tragedies of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Trayford Pellerin, and countless others, law enforcement has failed to live up to its responsibility to always serve and protect. Instead, these actions caught on camera send a clear message that some police don't believe that Black lives matter.\nIt is also not enough to only call for police accountability. The people of Lafayette, as well as all those across the country, deserve justice and real reform once and for all. That is why I joined my colleagues in the House to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act two months ago today. Unfortunately, more than 60 days later, Republican leadership in the U.S. Senate has refused to even consider this urgently needed legislation. Without comprehensive action, we will continue to see these kinds of events occur with impunity.\nNo Black man, woman, boy, or girl should have to live in fear of police who they have seen too frequently terrorizing their communities. Video footage of Mr. Pellerin's death is horrifying, and I join the Lafayette community in feeling the despair and rage of seeing one of their own succumb to death in this way. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-passing-american-icon-congressman-john-lewis", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the Passing of American Icon Congressman John Lewis", "2020-07-17", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement on passing of longtime congressman, Civil Rights legend, and American hero Representative John Lewis of Georgia's Fifth Congressional District:\nAs I painfully mourn the loss of my mentor, colleague, dear friend, and American legend, Congressman John Robert Lewis, I know my words will never be able to do justice to someone of such monumental significance, said Rep. Richmond. Congressman Lewis blessed our nation with his endearing presence and through his unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and equality for all. While I struggle to accept this loss, we should all be heartened by the far-reaching impact of his voice, activism, and sacrifices throughout his lifetime of service.\nCongressman Lewis was a leader amongst leaders who always answered the call to serve his community in the face of injustice. As a young boy in rural Alabama, he drew inspiration from the work of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. At the age of 23, he became Chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and was the youngest person to deliver a keynote speech at the March on Washington in the summer of 1963. His belief in the power of protest and the mobilization of young folks was apparent from his formative years until his last breath. A fearless fighter, he never let intimidation or police brutality stop him from fighting on the frontlines in America's battle for justice. It was this dogged determination that made way for long lasting, meaningful change in this country.\nCongressman Lewis's tireless work during the Civil Rights Movement paved the way for the passage of landmark legislation, including the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the Fair Housing Act. A giant in his own right before assuming elected office, he has been equally influential during his time in Atlanta City Council and most recently in Congress, as well. During my tenure as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I sought his counsel and wisdom as we set out to take on an administration overtly hostile to the very communities we serve. Above all, Congressman Lewis instilled in his colleagues the importance of fighting to protect what he was willing to die for decades prior. Whether it was inspiring people to get out and vote or reminding Americans about the power of protest by leading a sit-in on the House floor, he made sure that his colleagues aspired to make good on the promise of America and his commitment to forming a more perfect union.\nWhat drove Congressman Lewis was not complex, it was actually simple. It was the adage of good trouble' that he coined and often spoke about. At its core, good trouble meant standing up for what is right, organizing, and giving voice to the voiceless no matter how precarious or perilous the circumstances. Good trouble meant leading a march through Selma, Alabama and crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge over 55 years ago only to be severely beaten. That's who Congressman Lewis was and that is exactly what made him a larger than life hero to so many including me. It is that same spirit that we have seen across the world in the wake of George Floyd's murder. America must maintain this spirit if we truly want to implement real structural change in our country.\nAs Congressman Lewis so poignantly stated, When we see something that's not right, not fair, or not just, we have a moral obligation to speak up and speak out to do something about it.' At this moment in our nation's history, those words carry an even deeper meaning. Let us honor his legacy and strive to bend the moral arc of the universe towards justice because that is what this moment requires. While change has never been easy, it requires the kind of resilience, perseverance, and strength he exemplified throughout Congressman Lewis's entire life. As we say goodbye to a deeply beloved and respected friend and colleague, let me extend my deepest condolences, gratitude, love, and strength to his family, friends, staff, and all those whose lives he touched. May his soul rest in peaceful paradise, and may his legacy live forever.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-covid-testing-transparency-act", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the COVID Testing Transparency Act", "2020-07-16", "2020", "2020-07", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after introducing the COVID Testing Transparency Act:\nToday, I introduced the COVID Testing Transparency Act, which would require the Trump Administration to share COVID-19 testing data with Congress and the public, Rep. Richmond said. This bill is desperately needed after the Administration recently changed the data reporting procedures for hospitals and stopped publishing some data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on hospital capacity.\nInformation is power, and Congress has an obligation to ensure that power does not get abused. Too many people of color and those who live in marginalized communities have been disproportionately impacted by this deadly virus. They desperately need to be equipped with the most accurate information in order to best protect themselves and keep their families safe. Given the worsening circumstances of this global public health crisis, this bill must be enacted with a sense of urgency.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-applauds-effort-rename-jefferson-davis-parkway", "Rep. Richmond Applauds Effort to Rename Jefferson Davis Parkway", "2020-06-05", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement in support of renaming Jefferson Davis Parkway to Norman C. Francis Parkway:\n\nDr. Norman C. Francis is an icon, and we are proud to claim him as one of our own, said Rep. Richmond. He has dedicated his life to service and uplifting our community through his work in educational empowerment and civil rights. A U.S. Army veteran and trailblazer, Dr. Francis was the first African-American student at Loyola University in New Orleans and later became the first non-clergyman to serve as the President of Xavier University. He was also Xavier's longest tenured university president upon his retirement in 2019. New Orleanians, as well as those touched by his legacy across Louisiana, deserve to have his illustrious career honored for the world to see.\n\nDr. Francis is a hero and someone who exemplifies true leadership. During this time of injustice, grief, and protest for change, it is only right that we uplift his voice and what he stands for. As cities across the country mobilize to eradicate police brutality and strive for racial equity. I am equally encouraged by those who have mobilized to remove landmarks honoring racist historical figures. It is past time to remove the stain of symbolic racism and shine light on what New Orleans truly represents. I applaud the collaborative effort of New Orleans City Council Members Helena Moreno and Jason Williams for their work to make this transformative change in the city that we all love and respect.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-executive-order-weaken-environmental-protections", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Executive Order to Weaken Environmental Protections", "2020-06-05", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after President Trump signed an executive orderthat undermines environmental laws in exchange for expedited approval of infrastructure projects impacted by COVID-19:\nPresident Trump is exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to achieve his long-planned goal of attacking environmental laws partially intended to protect our vulnerable communities from harmful emissions, said Rep. Richmond. Not only does his executive order dismiss the threat of global warming, it also threatens the very communities that have disproportionately suffered from COVID-19 as a result of increased air pollution. These communities, many of which are communities of color, desperately need strong environmental protections and cannot afford to see them indiscriminately rolled back.\nWhile I share the desire to improve our infrastructure, Louisianans deserve a safer environment to raise their families in.Waiving environmental protections will only put our communities in harm's way now and for years to come. If we are to achieve that goal, the President's actions are clearly a step in the wrong direction.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-passing-dr-linda-johnson-stelly", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the Passing of Dr. Linda Johnson Stelly", "2020-06-05", "2020", "2020-06", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement mourning the loss of Dr. Linda Johnson Stelly:\n\nDuring this already tragic time, a daughter of New Orleans was recently called to rest, said Rep. Richmond. Dr. Linda Johnson Stelly was a pillar of her community, a dedicated mother and wife, proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and someone I considered a role model. She and her husband were dedicated coaches and mentors at Goretti playground. They sacrificed their time and money to make sure that kids like me had all the resources and opportunity to succeed. Dr. Stelly admirably served her community throughout her career in education in both New Orleans and Washington, D.C.\n\nDr. Stelly will be sorely missed. I offer my strength, condolences, and prayers to her entire family and all those who loved her. Now, more than ever, her impact in education will serve as the foundation for the leaders of tomorrow who will be tasked with fundamentally changing our nation for the better. Let her legacy eternally shine in the city she loved and let her work serve as the inspiration for all Americans who believe in the life-changing power of education and learning.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-passing-george-floyd-and-current-state-racism", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the Passing of George Floyd and the Current State of Racism in America", "2020-05-30", "2020", "2020-05", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "New Orleans, LA Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement following this past week's events across the country displaying race related profiling, prejudice, and death:\nIn the midst of a global pandemic with a disproportionate amount of Black families putting their loved ones to rest, it infuriates me to see the African-American community wake up in fear each day, said Rep. Richmond. As a Black man raising a young Black boy, I refuse to sit quietly while institutional racism continues to deprive parents of seeing their sons and daughters reach their fullest potential. George Floyd should be with us here today. His murder was unwarranted and unacceptable and only underscored that the scourge of police brutality is alive and well. Let us make no mistake that this type of abuse of power by those in authority should be considered an act of terrorism and addressed accordingly. The inability to root out systemic use of fear, intimidation, and aggression will only guarantee more outcomes like the ones we continue to see today. \nLess than a week ago, the murder of Mr. Floyd was filmed and distributed for the entire world to see. After he was thrust out of the driver's seat of his car, Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin was seen shoving his knee into Mr. Floyd's neck for a total of eight minutes and 46 secondsall while he pleaded for his mother and most notably saying, I can't breathe.' I wish I could say that these tragic moments are isolated, but unfortunately, they are not. Throughout our history they have occurred frequently, but now cellphone footage has just illuminated our nation's darkest flaws and original sin. A couple of days ago, we witnessed Amanda Cooper call 911 and falsely claim she was being physically threatened by Christian Cooper, a Black male birdwatcher in New York City's Central Park. Had he not filmed her while she made these dubious claims, Christian could have ended up just like George Floyd.  \nEnough is enough! The protests we see today are reflective of warranted anger, frustration, and a real desire for systemic change in America. Protesting is what laid the foundation for our country's existence and it will continue to serve as the mechanism to improve its shortcomings. For far too long, African-Americans have had to endure institutional racism, economic instability, and a criminal\n\tjustice system stacked against them. The murder of Mr. Floyd and the loss of 100,000 lives at the hands of COVID-19 is a stark reminder of the cumulative grief and anxiety the African-American community feels right now. \nWhile the murder of Mr. Floyd was an absolute tragedy, it presents an opportunity for change we desperately need. In order to move forward, leaders at every level must listen to the voices of the people and commit to accountability and transformative reforms of our law enforcement practices. With young Black males three times more likely to be murdered by police than their white counterparts, the status quo is unsustainable and will only increase distrust between police and the communities they are tasked to protect. So, as this president attempts to sow division instead of healing our wounds, let us forge ahead together with a renewed sense of purpose and action to ensure that we are honoring the legacy of all of those who should be with us today.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-passage-heroes-act", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Passage of the HEROES Act", "2020-05-15", "2020", "2020-05", "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 on the latest coronavirus relief package, H.R. 6800, the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES Act):\nI came back to Washington today to vote on our most robust coronavirus stimulus relief package yet, said Rep. Richmond. This bill does more to cover our essential workers, including hazard pay for our essential frontline workers, coverage of student loan debt, and further protections for renters and homeowners.\nAs we continue to weather through this difficult time, this bill would provide our state and communities with crucial funding. Under this bill, school districts across the state would receive over $900 million and our public colleges would receive over $450 million. This funding would keep teachers employed and students engaged. Our state, parish, and city governments, which have been devastated financially by this crisis, would also receive funding so they could keep our public services going.\nUnder this bill, the State would get $4 billion and local governments across the state would receive over $3 billion this year in relief funding. Parishes would receive funding directly and cities would receive their own funding directly. Across the parishes of the 2nd District, this bill would provide:\nAscension Parish - $47 million\nAssumption Parish - $8 million\nEast Baton Rouge Parish - $164.9 million\nIberville Parish - $12 million\nJefferson Parish - $162 million\nOrleans Parish - $724 million\nSt. Charles Parish - $19.9 million\nSt. James Parish - $7.9 million\nSt. John the Baptist Parish - $16 million\nWest Baton Rouge Parish - $9.9 million\nThis funding would let our local governments keep first responders employed and public services running when they are needed most. Additionally, our state would get over $56 million to help put on safe and secure elections this fall.\nThis bill also takes other important steps to make government work better and to protect more people during this crisis. It would improve the Paycheck Protection Program to make it work better for our small businesses, particularly those in the restaurant industry. I fought to ensure inclusion of important protections for the health and safety of the staff and those incarcerated in jails and prisons across the country. This bill provides $75 billion for improving testing and tracing, funding to save the U.S. Postal Service, and serious steps towards addressing the racial disparities we are seeing with COVID-19, which include better data collection nationwide. We have also allocated $50 million in environmental justice grants to investigate the link between pollution and coronavirus.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-collateral-consequences-changes-paycheck", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Collateral Consequences of Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program", "2020-04-06", "2020", "2020-04", "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 sending a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Small Business Administration in opposition to recent guidance on the Paycheck Protection Program:\nTrue leadership is doing the right thing in times of discomfort and crisis, even when it is not what you would like to do, said Rep. Richmond. This weekend, my colleagues and I sent a letter to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Small Business Administration voicing our concerns about the Paycheck Protection Program Interim Final Rule. This rule, which is egregiously inconsistent with congressional intent, senselessly attacks business owners who were formerly incarcerated, are currently on probation, and even those who have not been convicted at all. Last time I checked, doing the right thing in the midst of a global pandemic does not include picking who deserves relief and who deserves to be discriminated against. The federal government should extend its empathy and mercy to all who have been impacted by COVID-19, regardless of past adversity.\nAs we approach Resurrection Sunday, let us remember its core principles of peace, mercy, and forgiveness. As leaders in the legislative and executive branches of our country, those we serve are counting on us to show empathy and act responsibly with their best interests in mind. We must continue to walk our talk in the name of progressive criminal justice reform and ensure those who have been incarcerated or are on probation have an equal opportunity now more than ever.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-mourns-passing-legendary-new-orleans-jazz-musician-ellis", "Rep. Richmond Mourns the Passing of Legendary New Orleans Jazz Musician Ellis Marsalis Jr.", "2020-04-02", "2020", "2020-04", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement on the passing of New Orleans jazz legend Ellis Marsalis Jr.:\nNew Orleans has lost a piece of its heart with the passing of jazz legend and giant Ellis Marsalis Jr., said Rep. Richmond. As a musical maverick who won several Grammy awards and was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, his profound work remains synonymous with the culture and essence of the New Orleans we all know and love.\nWhile New Orleans has lost its jazz patriarch, Ellis was also a mentor, friend, and inspiration to so many all around the world. I grieve his loss at this deeply difficult time for New Orleans and the rest of Louisiana. I send my strength and condolences to the Marsalis family and everyone who celebrated his music.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-automatic-direct-payments-seniors", "Rep. Richmond Statement on Automatic Direct Payments to Seniors", "2020-04-02", "2020", "2020-04", "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 on the U.S. Department of Treasury's decision to automatically send coronavirus stimulus checks to Social Security recipients. Yesterday evening, Treasury reversed its previous guidance and announced that people who receive Social Security benefits will now receive the direct payments that Congress passed in the CARES Act. These are one-time payments of up to $1,200 for each eligible adult and $500 for each child claimed for the Child Tax Credit.\nPayments will be disbursed through direct deposit or through physical checks sent by mail. Previously, the Treasury Department announced that Social Security beneficiaries would need to fill out paperwork to file taxes for 2019 in order to receive these payments. After strong opposition from Congress, Treasury announced that Social Security beneficiaries will be able to automatically receive their payments without taking further action.\nThe treatment of our seniors has always been one of my top priorities. In the midst of this crisis, I'm glad that Treasury listened to the concerns my colleagues and I shared about the potential impact of their guidance. Treasury's decision to reverse their initial guidance and provide automatic payments for Social Security recipients is a step in the right direction, said Rep. Richmond. Our seniors are the bedrock of our communities and they rightfully deserve the money promised to them in the CARES Act without additional paperwork or administrative delay.\nI am also calling for our veterans and those who receive Supplemental Security Income to receive automatic direct payments. We cannot afford to leave out those in our community who have made selfless contributions to society during this urgent time of need.\nFor more information on the most up-to-date implementation of the payments, please visit: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-urges-suspension-halfway-houses-amid-coronavirus-growth", "Rep. Richmond Urges for Suspension of Halfway Houses Amid Coronavirus Growth", "2020-03-25", "2020", "2020-03", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement calling for the urgent release of everyone living and working in halfway houses across the country due to the spread of coronavirus:\nNow more than ever, the protection of our most vulnerable citizens is of paramount importance, said Rep. Richmond. The outbreak and continued growth of the coronavirus will inevitably do the most damage to people and communities most at risk. That is why I am calling on the Bureau of Prisons and probation officers to release all residents with appropriate residences to home confinement from halfway houses across the country. This will allow for appropriate social distancing measures within the halfway houses and protect staff as well. It is unconscionable to keep these 8,000 men and women living and working closely together during this dire public health crisis.\nHalfway houses most closely resemble overcrowded college dormitories where the practice of social distancing is nearly impossible. Many people who live in these facilities are elderly and have pre-existing health conditions that increase their risk of falling ill if infected. If one resident contracts coronavirus, the implications for the rest of the house could be catastrophic. As all levels of government rush to implement social distancing policies, we cannot leave behind those in halfway houses who are working hard to reintegrate into society.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-calls-urgent-and-robust-coronavirus-legislation", "Rep. Richmond Calls for Urgent and Robust Coronavirus Legislation", "2020-03-13", "2020", "2020-03", "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 calling for immediate cash assistance to help working families amid growing coronavirus concerns:\nOn April 1st, people will be faced with paying mortgages and rents, and we are not doing enough for them, said Rep. Richmond. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is a necessary first step in taking on this urgent public health and economic challenge. However, an inadequate bipartisan bill only means this initial effort is a bipartisan failure to meet the needs of all people.\nWe must promptly enact legislation that provides individual cash assistance immediately like FEMA has deployed during past disasters. This week, I called on President Trump and House Speaker Pelosi to get this done. The mother who suddenly has to worry about paying for childcare since schools are closing on top of other urgent bills cannot afford it without help. The musician whose livelihood is dependent on local gigs cannot afford to make ends meet without an audience. The waiter whose hours have been reduced cannot rely on Unemployment Insurance to make up the difference. We must also protect people from being evicted during this time. Forty percent of Americans currently do not have $400 in their pockets to cover an emergency expense, and millions of people will be woefully unprepared to survive financially in the midst of this crisis.\nWith strained state and local resources, it is the responsibility of Congress to lead and act in times of great uncertaintyespecially in the absence of presidential leadership. That time is now. As we consider future relief packages, I am committed to fighting for the funding our local governments and residents desperately need.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-passing-jerome-5th-ward-weebie-cosey", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the Passing of Jerome 5th Ward Weebie Cosey", "2020-01-09", "2020", "2020-01", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement on the passing of New Orleans entertainer and entrepreneur Jerome Cosey, also known as 5th Ward Weebie:\nJerome Cosey, more commonly known as 5th Ward Weebie, embodied the soul of New Orleans as an artist and cultural icon. I was blessed to call him my dear friend, and I am so sad he is no longer here with us, said Rep. Richmond. Jerome's energy lit up every stage he performed on and every room he stepped foot in. He was able to lift the spirits of everyone he came across. While he was widely known for his role pioneering Bounce music, he was also well known for bringing people together through his Seafood Trap Festival and used his platform to encourage people to vote. A legend gone far too soon, I'm grateful his legacy will be ingrained in New Orleans culture for years to come. I offer my support and condolences to Jerome's family during this difficult time.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-letter-addressing-air-quality-testing-communities", "Rep. Richmond Letter Addressing Air Quality Testing in Communities Surrounding Louisiana Chemical Plant", "2020-01-07", "2020", "2020-01", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) sent a letter yesterday to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Ken McQueen and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Chuck Carr Brown addressing the new air quality data collection system for the Denka Performance Elastomer plant in LaPlace, Louisiana:\nI write to commend the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to implement a new air quality data collection system for the Denka Performance Elastomer plant and to reiterate the importance of closely monitoring dangerously high chloroprene emissions moving forward, said Rep. Richmond. Louisiana has long been an economic engine for the country due to its geography and vast natural resources. Products manufactured in Louisiana are used by companies across the globe and spur economic growth across the country. Many of these goods are produced in plants located along the Mississippi River and play an integral role in bolstering the State's economy, as well as creating good-paying jobs for our residents. However, with that production comes adverse consequences that must be addressed to protect the safety of river parish communities.\nAs a result of such a heavy concentration of production, Louisiana has been disproportionately affected by the detrimental environmental effects of plant emissions. While economic vitality is important, it cannot ignore the reality of deteriorating air quality and the health risks it poses. For far too many years, people in communities along the Mississippi River have repeatedly expressed these very concerns which has prompted the federal government to intervene in the absence of action.\nWith the recent announcement of a new phase of air monitoring around the Denka facility, I am requesting that a community meeting be convened to explain the new air quality monitoring program. Considering the community's lack of trust in Denka, they must be able to trust the accuracy and results of this change. Providing such a forum will give community stakeholders an opportunity to get the answers they deserve. Specifically, it is imperative for them to know what this new data collection practice is expected to achieve and what next steps will be taken moving forward.\nI believe that continued monitoring and engagement on this issue will benefit the people of Louisiana and facilitate dialogue and action in the interest of improved environmental and public health outcomes.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 18, "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": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 18, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 15, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2020&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 3, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2020&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "LA", "label": "LA", "count": 18, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=LA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 18, "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": 144.61027504876256, "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"}