{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"LA\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2020/12/31/higgins-will-object-certification-electoral-college-votes/", "Higgins Will Object to Certification of Electoral College Votes", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u201cI will object to the certification of electoral votes on January 6th. Reports of voter fraud and actions by some states to alter election processes in an unlawful manner have not been properly reviewed. Evidence that a crime has been committed leads to an investigation. That standard is reasonable suspicion. Investigation into an alleged crime produces evidence either exculpatory or condemning. Investigations crossing multiple jurisdictional authorities are particularly complex and require time. Our Constitutional requirement to inaugurate a President on January 20th does not abrogate our Constitutional requirement to investigate reasonable suspicion of election fraud and violation of election laws within several of the sovereign states. I believe those actions of fraud and illegal election processes thwarted the true will of We, the People, and flipped the Presidential election to career politician Joe Biden. America is not a confederacy of states. We are a Union of States. We are a Representative Republic. Therefore, each sovereign state has a deep obligation to follow its own written election laws when that state participates in a federal election. Otherwise, the Union itself is violated, and the federal election is compromised. I warned of this prior to November 3rd, 2020. Six weeks ago, I instructed my Congressional staff to begin preparing for my formal objection to Electoral slates of several sovereign states. While the mainstream media and establishment forces want to ignore election irregularities that began coming to light in the days following the election, We, the People, will not stand idly by. For over a month now, I have been examining and researching the various allegations that have come forth, and I will take every legal and Constitutionally-available action to ensure a righteous outcome. That includes objecting to the electoral slates from disputed states. There is sufficient evidence, at a minimum, to investigate criminal acts, which may have compromised the integrity of our election. This effort and action to safeguard our election systems must continue, even beyond January 20th, 2021.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-will-object-certification-electoral-college-votes", "Higgins Will Object to Certification of Electoral College Votes", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement today after announcing that he will object to the certification of Electoral College votes on January 6, 2021.\n\tI will object to the certification of electoral votes on January 6th. Reports of voter fraud and actions by some states to alter election processes in an unlawful manner have not been properly reviewed. Evidence that a crime has been committed leads to an investigation. That standard is reasonable suspicion. Investigation into an alleged crime produces evidence either exculpatory or condemning. Investigations crossing multiple jurisdictional authorities are particularly complex and require time. Our Constitutional requirement to inaugurate a President on January 20th does not abrogate our Constitutional requirement to investigate reasonable suspicion of election fraud and violation of election laws within several of the sovereign states. I believe those actions of fraud and illegal election processes thwarted the true will of We, the People, and flipped the Presidential election to career politician Joe Biden. America is not a confederacy of states. We are a Union of States. We are a Representative Republic. Therefore, each sovereign state has a deep obligation to follow its own written election laws when that state participates in a federal election. Otherwise, the Union itself is violated, and the federal election is compromised. I warned of this prior to November 3rd, 2020. Six weeks ago, I instructed my Congressional staff to begin preparing for my formal objection to Electoral slates of several sovereign states. While the mainstream media and establishment forces want to ignore election irregularities that began coming to light in the days following the election, We, the People, will not stand idly by. For over a month now, I have been examining and researching the various allegations that have come forth, and I will take every legal and Constitutionally-available action to ensure a righteous outcome. That includes objecting to the electoral slates from disputed states. There is sufficient evidence, at a minimum, to investigate criminal acts, which may have compromised the integrity of our election. This effort and action to safeguard our election systems must continue, even beyond January 20th, 2021.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-reflects-tragic-loss-congressman-elect-luke-letlow", "Scalise Reflects on Tragic Loss of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sFox and Friendsto reflect on the tragic loss of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow. Whip Scalise remembered Luke as a friend and highlighted his positive spirit and excitement to begin serving the people of Louisiana in Congress. Scalise offered his prayers to Luke's wife, Julia, and their two young children during this incredibly difficult time.  \n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn the passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow:\n\tIt's just such devastating news last night. I know I've been talking to Luke the last few days. He's been fighting, he was battling in the hospital up in Shreveport and, you know, had taken a turn for the worse right before Christmas. It was going up and down. And, you know, it was just heartbreaking. I mean, Luke is a young guy, 41 years old, in great health, and looking forward to a bright future. He had just gotten elected to Congress three weeks ago. We would talk a lot about the things he wanted to do, the committees he wanted to get on. Boy, talk about a loss of someone with so much energy. He's got a beautiful young family. I know my prayers are with Julia, his two young kids. You know, everything about this is just heart breaking. Our whole delegation is devastated. Luke is just, you know, one of those people that everybody liked and, boy, he was really looking forward to the opportunity to serve in Congress and just a tragic loss.\n\tOn reforming Section 230:\n\t\"Well, first of all, I'm very encouraged that Mitch and the Senate are working on reforms to Section 230. This is a law that's been abused by the Big Tech companies shielding themselves with legal protections while they go out and this was intended for any social media platform, it was a town square if you just let people post whatever their thoughts are, the company would be protected from liability. And yet some of these tech companies are censoring data. Primarily conservative data, by the way, where they now would be considered publishers. That was not the intent of Section 230. So, I think it's very important that the Senate look at that. I hope they get something out.\" On election reform legislation:  \n\t\"Election reform as we've seen, I mean, look at all the different states that went against their own state laws that said how election day was supposed to work. And, yet, whether it was their Secretary of State or a Supreme Court in the state, making up a new law when the legislature framed a different law. We need some standards, especially when you think about election night. We ought to know in America what the results are on election night. Whoever wins or loses, look at a state like Florida, very large state, they were able to get their results in by 10:00 at night. Then you have other states  New York is still counting votes right now in a Congressional race. Claudia Tenney is up by about 25 votes and they're still counting votes or finding ballots. I mean, that's really what undermines public trust when, you know, it's 3:00 in the morning and they kick everybody out of a room when you're legally supposed to be able to watch what's going on in that room and then you wake up the next morning and hundreds of thousands of votes swung a different direction. That's what undermines public confidence. I hope they get that right and get a bill out that will address those problems that we saw.\"  \n\t  \n\t[...]  \n\t  \"Well, obviously you want to see what they come up with. If they come up with something that actually fixes those problems  these problems have been identified. Courts don't like getting in the middle of that. But again, you go look at some of the state Supreme Courts, Pennsylvania, their law says a ballot that comes in after 8:00 on election night when the polls close, that shouldn't be counted because the polls close at 8:00. By the way, other states do that, and their state law said that and yet [their] Supreme Court just said, 'You know what? We'll just let ballots come in for days later and selectively count what happens.' That's not what a fair system is about. You want to know what the rules are, play by the rules. But when somebody changes the rules in the middle of the game at halftime or something, it creates, again, it breeds a lot of distrust in the election that you still see right now. Millions of people have been asking these questions. I hope they're able to get a bill out.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/louisiana-delegation-statement-passing-congressman-elect-luke-letlow", "Louisiana Delegation Statement on the Passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.), Congressman Ralph Abraham (R-La.), Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.), Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), Congressman Clay Higgins (R-La.), and Congressman Mike Johnson (R-La.) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman-Elect Luke Letlow: \"We are devastated to hear of Luke Letlow's passing. Luke had such a positive spirit, and a tremendously bright future ahead of him. He was looking forward to serving the people of Louisiana in Congress, and we were excited to welcome him to our delegation where he was ready to make an even greater impact on our state and our Nation. More than anything, Luke was a loving husband, father, brother, and son, and his family like so many others who have been affected by this evil disease needs our prayers. \"We all join in sending our strongest support to Luke's wife Julia and their young family, and are keeping them in our prayers.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-passage-of-his-descend-act-legislation-heads-to-president-trumps-desk", "Cassidy Announces Passage of his DESCEND Act, Legislation Heads to President Trump\u2019s Desk", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.24.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy Announces Passage of his DESCEND Act, Legislation Heads to President Trump's Desk \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the Senate unanimously passed the House version of hisDirect Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices (DESCEND) Actto improve the health of reef fish populations in the Gulf of Mexico. The legislation now heads to President Trump's desk for his signature.\r\nFishing in the Gulf is something folks have enjoyed for decades. With passage of the DESCEND Act, Congress continues to take conservation-focused steps toward better sustainability of our fisheries which ultimately lead to more opportunities for folks to get out on the water. Louisiana's recreational and commercial fishermen can be assured that we will maintain healthy populations of our reef fish that are so vital to our regional economy,said Dr. Cassidy.\r\nSenator Cassidyintroduced companion DESCEND Act legislationin the Senate with Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) in November 2019.\r\nThe DESCEND Act requires fishermen to have descending devices aboard their vessels to help deep water fish recover after being released. The requirement lasts for five years and incorporates a study to examine the overall impacts of descending devices.\r\nReef fish, such as red snapper, caught and rapidly brought to the surface from deep water can suffer from barotrauma, a condition that kills fish because they cannot readjust to deep water upon release. Venting toolsand descending devicesreduce barotrauma and save fish harvested for both recreational and commercial uses.\r\nThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council are preparing to launch an eight-year, $30 million project to further reduce barotrauma. However, current regulations prevent the Council from both requiring fishermen to use venting tools or descending devices to return fish to the ocean and also federal dollars to study the issue.\r\nThe DESCEND Act allows the study to remain in placeeven after new regulations are implemented to comply with the legislation.\r\nSupporting organizations include:\r\n \r\nCongressional Sportsmen's Foundation\r\nAmerican Sportfishing Association\r\nCenter for Sportfishing Policy\r\nTheodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership\r\nNational Marine Manufacturers Association\r\nCoastal Conservation Association.\r\n \r\nThe bill was also supported by the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission which is comprised of members representing the governors, state legislatures and state fish and wildlife agencies for the five Gulf States.The Commissionsent a letterto Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) in support of the DESCEND Act and is attached here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-achieves-several-legislative-wins-in-covid-19-relief-package-government-funding-deal", "Cassidy Achieves Several Legislative Wins in COVID-19 Relief Package, Government-Funding Deal", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.23.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy Achieves Several Legislative Wins in COVID-19 Relief Package, Government-Funding Deal \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced several major legislative wins in the government funding agreement and COVID-19 relief package which Congress overwhelmingly passed on Monday. Cassidy voted in favor of the $900 billion coronavirus legislation and $1.4 trillion omnibus bill, which included a provision to end surprise medical billing that Senator Cassidy championed through Congress. The package now heads to President Trump's desk for his signature.\r\nThere is an urgent need in Louisiana to help families, small businesses and frontline workers who are suffering. Congress came together to deliver critical relief for them.Though this legislation cannot restore all that has been lost, it puts our nation on track to recovery as we near the end of this pandemic,said Dr. Cassidy.Aside from COVID-19 relief, I'm proud to have secured a fix for surprise medical billing after more than two years working across the aisle to end this unfair practice. Patients no longer have to fear being stuck with outrageous medical bills after a visit to the hospital.\r\nImportant provisions in this year's government funding and COVID-19 relief package that Senator Cassidy helped secure include:\r\nHealth\r\n \r\nCassidy worked with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) to include provisions toend the practice of surprise medical billingin the government funding package.Senators Cassidy and Hassan have led efforts to address surprise medical bills for the last two years.\r\nThe Mental Health Parity Compliance Act of 2019introduced with Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)improves transparency and accountabilityto help consumers have access to mental health and substance use services included in their plans. It would strengthen compliance with mental health parity laws by requiring issuers or plans to submit comparative analyses upon request from federal oversight agencies.\r\nThe Know the Price Actintroduced with Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)ends the use of gag clauses in contracts between health care providers and insurers that are used to restrict a patient's access to price information.\r\nThe Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Actintroduced with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL)provides seniors who received kidney transplants with extended Medicare Part B to help cover lifesaving medication. This legislation doesaway with the coverage time limit, ensuring that individuals who received a kidney transplant paid for by Medicare do not have to worry about coverage for medications and protect their transplant.\r\n \r\nTax Relief for Louisiana Families and Businesses\r\n \r\nSenator Cassidy's bicameral lookback legislation with Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Brian Higgins (D-NY) ensures low-income families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can use their wages reported in their 2019 tax return to compute the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) sections on their 2020 tax return. This legislation helps low-income workers who would have reported lower wages in 2020 to receive higher refunds this filing season.\r\nThe Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020authored by Cassidyand Sens. John Kennedy (R-LA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) provides taxrelief to the individuals, families, and small businesses in presidentially-declared disaster areas, including those impacted by Hurricane Laura, declared on or after July 1, 2020, through the period ending 60 days after the date of enactment.\r\n \r\n The bill:\r\nnRemoves penalties on early withdrawals from retirement accounts so folks can access their savings to help cover the cost of certain storm-related expenses.\r\nnProvides a tax credit for employee retention during business interruption.\r\nnEncourages charitable giving to affected areas, by suspending limits on deductions for certain contributions.\r\nnCreates special rules for qualified disaster-related personal casualty losses.\r\nnAllows low-income workers to use their previous year's income to claim certain tax credits, ensuring that they do not lose access to the credits or receive a lower amount.\r\n \r\nSenator Cassidy helped secure more family-focused economic impact payments in the COVID-19 relief package. Unlike in the CARES Act, each family member will receive a one-time payment of $600 in direct cash assistance, with adults and childrenreceiving the same amounteach. A family of four would receive a total of $2,400. The payments include eligibility for U.S. citizens married to foreign nationals to receive EIPs but does not include eligibility for foreign nationals or ITIN filers.\r\nLocal trade and professional associationsare now eligiblefor assistance under the Paycheck Protection Program. 501(c)(6) associations and Destination Marketing Organization are major drivers of Main Street economic development and include entities such as regional chambers ofcommerce, nursing professional organizations, state certified public accountant societies, state restaurant associations, and tourism and hospitality leagues, among others.\r\nHard-working Americans that were granted temporary relief from troubled debt restructurings under the original CARES Act will now have extended coverage until Jan. 1, 2022.\r\n \r\nEducation\r\n \r\nSenator Cassidy was instrumental in securing and structuring $2.75 billion for private and parochial school relief, which is included in the broader $82 billion set aside for education relief to support in-person learning in the COVID-19 package.\r\nSenator Cassidy also achieved forgiveness for capital financing debt held by all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) institutions. In Louisiana, this will result in more than $100 million forgiven between Grambling State University and the Southern University System.\r\n \r\nEnergy\r\n \r\nKey provisions of Senator Cassidy'sLEADING Actwere included in the bipartisan energy package.Among the provisionsthat made the package include strengthened definitions of natural gas and natural gas generation facilities that will allow DOE to more closely examine natural gas plants for carbon capture. It also requires DOE to identify barriers to commercial development of carbon capture technologies and ensures that a broad range of technologies and electric generation facilities are chosen for pilot and demonstration projects.\r\nThe Technology Transition Actcodifies the Office of Technology Transition, which works to advance and expand technology transfer and commercialization efforts within the Department of Energy (DOE). The bill would prioritize and provide structure to an office that aims to govern the DOE's role in efficiently developing next generation technologies.\r\nSeveral provisions of theEnergizing Technology Transfer Actintroduced with Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)made it into the final package, including:\r\n \r\n\r\nnLab partnering service pilot program\r\n-Similar to DOE's existing Lab Partnering Service (LPS), this section authorizes DOE to provide an online platform and in-person services to facilitate information sharing about national lab resources, facilities, expertise, and IP.\r\nnStreamlining prize competitions\r\n-Authorizes a program to provide central expertise within DOE for planning and administering prize competitions.\r\nnMilestone-based demonstration projects\r\n-Gives DOE the authority to carry out demonstration projects using a tiered, pay-for-success model, in which multiple entities can compete to receive funding for a demonstration project if they meet certain technical and financial milestones, and only receive funding if they successfully meet such milestones. Based on an existing model at NASA, proposed for adaptation in the nuclear energy industry.\r\nnOther transaction authority extension\r\n-Removes the September 2020 sunset on DOE's existing other transaction authority, which provides DOE flexibility to carry out certain projects in partnership with the private sector outside of typical contracting mechanisms.\r\nBroadband Access\r\n \r\nThe COVID-19 relief package includes $7 billion for rural broadband funding to promote access to telehealth and an expansion of services to rural areas and low-income families.\r\nSenator Cassidy helped secure $300 million for abroadband deployment grant program at NTIA to support broadband infrastructure deployment to areas lacking broadband, especially rural areas. The grants would be issued to qualifying partnerships between state and local governments and fixed broadband providers. Priority for grants would be given to networks that would reach the most unserved consumers.\r\n \r\nSenator Cassidy also helped push through $250 million to the FCCto carry out the temporary telehealth pilot program authorized under the CARES Act.It also puts in place new transparency obligations for the program surrounding the FCC's review of applications, and directs the Commission to ensure, to the extent feasible, that all states benefit from the program.\r\nOther major highlights in the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act include:\r\n \r\n$280 billion to expand the Paycheck Protection Program.\r\nSimplification of loan forgiveness application process and enhancement of borrower flexibility.\r\n$8.75 billion for vaccine distribution, administration and ensuring Americans' access.\r\n$22 billion for testing and contact tracing.\r\n$20 billion for vaccine, therapeutic and diagnostic programs.\r\n$3 billion to the Provider Relief Fund to be dispersed to hospitals.\r\n$1.6 billion for mental health services block grants.\r\nAdditional $300-per-week in emergency unemployment benefits extended for 11 weeks.\r\nEviction moratorium extension through January 31, 2021.\r\n$25 billion fund for emergency rental assistance.\r\n$10 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant.\r\nExtension of refundable payroll tax credits for paid sick and family leave through the end of March 2021.\r\n$15 billion grant program to support live venues, theaters, museums and zoos that were closed.\r\nExtension of timeframe for already-distributed $150 billion in CARES Act funds to be used by state and local governments.\r\n$11 billion for farmers and ranchers.\r\n$45 billion in transportation assistance, including passenger airlines, airports, transits, highways, and passenger rail and vessels.\r\n \r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-statement-st-george-fire-department-achieving-class-1-rating", "Graves Statement on St. George Fire Department Achieving Class 1 Rating, Advances Community Members Toward Potential Insurance Savings", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BATON ROUGE, LA  U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) released the following statement after the St. George Fire Protection District was notified of their improvement from a Public Fire Protection Classification of Class 2 to Class 1, effective January 1, 2021. Based on a metric designated by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana, a Class 1 Rating is the highest rating possible, meaning local businesses and homeowners could possibly receive a reduction in their insurance premium after the new rating takes effect January 1.\nThe Property Insurance Association of Louisiana sets class ratings on a scale of 1 to 10, so the lower the number, the better the insurance rates. The scores are assessed every five years and not publicized on the internet.\nThe highest rating possible potentially saves community members in insurance costs  which can lead to the best possible home and business property insurance rates. Hats off to Chief Gerard Tarleton and the firefighters for their training, equipment and performance, especially this year with the challenges they've faced during the pandemic, Graves said. The ratings encompass every aspect of the community  fire department, utilities, building codes, and several other participation factors  which means it is a total team effort. Credit is due to the St. George Fire Department and the entire community that work hand in hand to keep making the South Baton Rouge area a great place to raise a family or grow a business.\nIn August, Zachary Fire Department achieved the same Class 1 Rating to benefit the entire Zachary community. The rating built on top of ongoing efforts, such as the Comite River Diversion Canal and Mayor's drainage projects, to better protect our homes from floods and helphomeowners pay less in flood insurance.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-covid-relief-provides-lifeline-fully-reopen-america", "Scalise: COVID Relief Provides Lifeline to Fully Reopen America", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sHannityto discuss theBipartisan, Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal. Whip Scalise blasted Speaker Pelosi for single-handedly blocking this deal for months to play politics at the expense of struggling small businesses and hard-working families. Whip Scalise emphasized how thisshould have never been about politicsand highlighted the significance of passing the COVID relief package which provides a lifeline to small businesses, provides the resources to make Operation Warp Speed vaccines available, and helps reopen schools and the economy.  \n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn Speaker Pelosi's decision to block COVID relief to play politics for months:\n\t\"Unfortunately, we've seen this movie before when she was Speaker last time, and she's been Speaker this time. She loves setting arbitrary deadlines, running up past the deadline, and then just trying to threaten for things that nobody else wants to give. And in fact, we didn't give her a lot of those things she wanted.\n\t\n\t\"You saw and covered it a little earlier, President Trump offered her a lot more relief and money just months ago and she walked away from that because not because she didn't like the deal, because she didn't want President Trump to get credit. She said she was waiting for a new president. That's why small businesses across this country did not get the relief that they should have had back in September, Jason. There was bipartisan interest in a bill like this back then.\"\n\tOn the importance of the COVID relief package for hard-working families and small businesses:\n\t\"In the end, the COVID relief is critically important to save these small businesses You know and I know that businesses all across our country  in South Louisiana, I talked to restaurants and other businesses every day who are about to literally teeter on the edge of bankruptcy and they need this lifeline. This gives a second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans; it helps those gig workers. You know, in New Orleans, we've got a great thriving music industry. None of them can go out and perform.\n\t\n\t\"And so, we need to keep that culture and keep those industries alive. But they are literally dying on the vine right now. Not to mention in the states like New York and California where they are arbitrarily shutting down their entire economies even though the science says they shouldn't be doing it. And so, so many businesses, over a third of all small businesses in the state of New York are gone for good. We need to save those jobs and the millions of people who are tied to them right before Christmas, this will be a lifeline to save our economy as we round the corner, as we get the vaccine widely distributed because of President Trump's Operation Warp Speed. So, it was critical. I wish it was done differently. There should have been done months ago, but it's a vital lifeline to those people who need it most.\"\n\tOn providing critical support for our men and women in uniform:\n\t\"Yeah, there are some tax cuts that get extended through this, which is going to be good for overall economic growth. There are a number of other provisions. This bill includes a pay raise for our troops, much needed pay raise for our men and women in uniform which, by the way, has been a big priority of President Trump. You saw under the Barack Obama and Joe Biden Administration, our troops were depleted, our military was depleted and our troops hadn't gotten that kind of support.\n\t\n\t\"President Trump rebuilt our military. This is one more piece of continuing President Trump's ability to rebuild our military. And, by the way, Jason, this bill also includes billions more to build more border wall which, you know, as you've heard Joe Biden say he doesn't want to build new wall, this allows President Trump to continue building the wall on his terms. Some other provisions like that, that are important to our national security that was in this package as well.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/kennedy-announces-louisiana-wins-in-federal-spending-package", "Kennedy announces Louisiana wins in federal spending package", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure key provisions of the funding bill that Congress is expected to vote on soon.\r\nLouisianians send big chunks of their paychecks to Washington, and I work as hard as I can to ensure our state doesn't stand alone when we face challenges like historic hurricanes. This year, I'm pleased to say that, should this funding bill pass, our state will receive $1.3 billion in loan forgiveness for interest owed on New Orleans' storm protection system. Additionally, the executive branch must submit a proposal for a new federal courthouse in Lake Charles, and key water infrastructure projects could now move forward.\r\nThis year's funding package invests in protecting our people, preserving our coasts and supporting Louisiana's economy as we recover from the pandemic. It protects Louisiana jobs through the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act and by bringing a National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gasto Louisiana to increase training in this growing field. Finally, this package will safeguard Louisiana wallets by stopping the IRS from sending taxpayer dollars to dead people and fraudsters,said Kennedy.\r\nLake Charles courthouse\r\nAs chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, Kennedy secured language to require the General Services Administration and the federal courts to submit a plan to Congress for building a new courthouse in Lake Charles, Louisiana following the severe damage Hurricane Laura did to the Edwin F. Hunter, Jr. U.S. Courthouse.\r\nI saw firsthand how Hurricane Laura wrecked Lake Charles, and I've been fighting for a new federal courthouse since then. I'm glad to see the federal courts there get the green light they need to rebuild as the Lake Charles community keeps recovering from a wicked hurricane season,said Kennedy.\r\nProtecting jobs by keeping the U.S. competitive\r\nAfter introducing the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, Kennedy announced a historic bipartisan agreement to include the AIM Act in the government funding bill.\r\nMore than ever, foreign competition demands we protect American jobs by keeping the U.S. competitive in global industry. Investing in next-generation refrigerants will create thousands of jobs, save billions of dollars and safeguard the environment, all of which matter deeply to Louisianians. I'm grateful to have worked with Chairman Barrasso and Sen. Carper to champion the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act and bring American production into the future,said Kennedy.\r\nFor the first time, the funding package includes a provision for a 15-year phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons at a national level, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.The legislation gives U.S. companies the certainty they need to make the investments necessary to lead the world in the production of next-generation coolants. It will create jobs, save Louisiana jobs and ensure the U.S is the world leader in this emerging global market.\r\nEstablishing the National Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas in Louisiana\r\nKennedy successfully negotiated a provision in pipeline infrastructure reauthorization (PIPES Act) legislation that locates a newly establishedNational Center of Excellence for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Louisiana.The center will promote and facilitate training, education and research and development in the burgeoning field of liquified natural gas. Louisiana will see the construction of this LNG National Center of Excellence within two years.\r\nStopping taxpayer money from going to dead people\r\nThe government funding bill includes theStoppingImproperPaymentsto Deceased People Act, which Kennedy introducedto ensure that taxpayer dollars are not wasted on paying government benefits to dead people or to fraudsters.\r\nEvery so often, Washington actually saves taxpayer dollars instead of watching that money circle the bureaucratic drain. Today, the Senate is set to pass the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act as part of the government funding bill. Now, we are closer than ever to ensuring taxpayer dollars work on behalf of hardworking Americans instead of fraudsters who take advantage of flaws in the system,said Kennedy.\r\nThe Social Security Administration maintains the most complete federal database of individuals who are reported to have died.However, only a small number of federal agencies have access to this official list, and most federal agencies rely ona slimmed down, incomplete and less timely version of the death information.\r\nIn addition, most inspectors general lack access to the complete death information.As a result, many federal agencies make erroneous payments to people who are actually deceased.\r\nTheStopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act provision in the funding billwould allow federal agencies access to the complete death database, require agencies to use death data to curb improper payments and improve that death data so that federal payments are made accurately.\r\nDeveloping water resources\r\nThe Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) set to pass with the funding bill authorizes several Army Corps of Engineers projects throughout Louisiana.These projects invest in the state's flood control, hurricane protection, navigation and conservation efforts.\r\nKey provisions include: \r\n \r\nThanks to a provision negotiated by Kennedy, WRDA directs the Corps of Engineers to accept, without interest, Louisiana's cost share loan payment for the storm protection system encircling the New Orleans area, provided that the state pays at least $200 million of its debt by Sept. 30, 2021 and pays the remaining unpaid principal balance by Sept. 30, 2023. This direction to the Corps eliminates $1.3 billion of debt that Louisiana would have otherwise owed to the Corps.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA authorizes $394 million in new construction projects. The Baptiste Collette Bayou navigation channel deepening project in Plaquemines Parish is authorized at a total cost of $44,920,000. The Houma navigation canal deepening project in Terrebonne Parish is authorized at a total cost of $253,458,000. The Port Fourchon Belle Pass channel deepening project in Lafourche Parish is authorized at a total cost of $95,483,000.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA authorizes the Corps of Engineers to modify the existing federal levee system that protects Shreveport, known as the Red River below Denison Dam Project, by incorporating the Cherokee Park levee segment into the existing federal system. The Caddo Levee District built the segment to meet Corps standards. Once the levee segment becomes part of the federal system, it will facilitate FEMA accreditation.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA modifies the existing Ouachita and Black Rivers (Arkansas and Louisiana) project for navigation to include water supply as an authorized purpose. The original authorization only allowed the Corps of Engineers to perform work related to navigation. With the new expanded authorization, the Corps can also perform work related to the water supply.\r\n \r\n \r\nWithin 120 days after its enactment, WRDA directs the Corps of Engineers to provide a report on plans to modify the Calcasieu River and Pass dredged material management plan and supplemental environmental impact statement to allow for expansion of dredged material placement facilities.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA directs the Corps of Engineers to identify the causes of and implement measures to effectively detect, prevent, treat, and eliminate, harmful algal blooms associated with water resources development projects. WRDA also directs the Corps to undertake program activities related to harmful algal blooms in seven different areas of the U.S., including Louisiana's coast.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA directs the Corps of Engineers to expedite the completion of the ongoing feasibility study for the Amite River and its tributaries east of the Mississippi River, Louisiana flood control project, as Congress requires the Corps to submit a favorable feasibility study before authorizing project construction.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA directs the Corps of Engineers to expedite the completion of the ongoing feasibility study for the Upper Barataria Basin Louisiana project for coastal storm risk management. \r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA authorizes the Corps of Engineers to assist the Grand Isle Independent Levee District with modifying the scope of the existing Grand Isle beach erosion and hurricane protection project to include periodic beach nourishment in response to erosion.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA authorizes the Corps of Engineers to assist Jefferson Parish with obtaining a feasibility study for the proposed flood protection project in the Cataouatche sub-basin, which encompasses part of the west bank of Jefferson Parish.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA authorizes the Corps of Engineers to assist the non-federal project sponsor with obtaining a feasibility study for the proposed flood and storm protection project in the Hoey's Basin area of the east bank of Jefferson Parish.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA authorizes the Corps of Engineers to review a project proposal and issue a report to Congress on whether the portion of the Ouachita River levee system from Monroe to Caldwell Parishes should be included in the Mississippi River and tributaries project.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA authorizes the Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study of a proposed project for flood-risk management in Tangipahoa Parish. A positive feasibility study is the first step in obtaining construction authorization for the proposed project.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA directs the Coastal Louisiana Ecosystem Protection and Restoration Task Force to submit, within one year after enactment of this WRDA bill, a report to Congress summarizing the activities and recommendations of the task force for conserving, protecting, restoring and maintaining Louisiana's coastal ecosystem.\r\n \r\n \r\nWRDA directs the Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with the heads of other relevant federal agencies, to conduct a comprehensive study of the Lower Mississippi River basin for the comprehensive management of the basin for the purposes of hurricane and storm damage reduction, flood-risk management and floodplain management strategies; navigation; ecosystem and environmental restoration; hydropower production; recreation; and other purposes as determined by the Corps of Engineers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2020/12/21/higgins-will-vote-against-combined-omnibus-covid-bill/", "Higgins Will Vote Against Combined Omnibus, COVID Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u201cI\u2019ll be voting no today on the massive Omnibus spending Bill. Speaker Pelosi has attached the COVID-19 relief Bill to the Omnibus.\n\nThat maneuver is insidious. It is swamp. Omnibus funding bills are wrong, and the COVID-19 vote should be separate.\n\nRepublican negotiators did an amazing job on the COVID-19 relief bill to move it from Pelosi\u2019s $3 trillion monstrosity to $325 billion of new spending. However, by connecting that legislation to the Omnibus spending bill, Madame Speaker Pelosi has violated the basic tenet of representative discretion within the People\u2019s House.\n\nAccording to our Constitution, the House of Representatives initiates all federal spending bills. We should actually have individual votes on each appropriations bill. There are 12 Appropriations Committees. They produce 12 bills, and we should have 12 votes. An Omnibus is when all those bills are merged as one. An Omnibus spending bill forces abandonment of core principles on both sides of the aisle. It\u2019s just wrong. Merging an Omnibus with a COVID-19 relief bill is beyond wrong. It\u2019s DC wrong. It\u2019s swamp. Today, we should at the very least have two votes, on two bills. Not one vote on one Frankenstein bill.\n\nI\u2019ll be voting no.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-will-vote-against-combined-omnibus-covid-bill", "Higgins Will Vote Against Combined Omnibus, COVID Bill", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today his intent to vote against the combined omnibus spending and COVID-19 relief bill.    Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n \n\tI'll be voting no today on the massive Omnibus spending Bill. Speaker Pelosi has attached the COVID-19 relief Bill to the Omnibus. That maneuver is insidious. It is swamp. Omnibus funding bills are wrong, and the COVID-19 vote should be separate. Republican negotiators did an amazing job on the COVID-19 relief bill to move it from Pelosi's $3 trillion monstrosity to $325 billion of new spending. However, by connecting that legislation to the Omnibus spending bill, Madame Speaker Pelosi has violated the basic tenet of representative discretion within the People's House. According to our Constitution, the House of Representatives initiates all federal spending bills. We should actually have individual votes on each appropriations bill. There are 12 Appropriations Committees. They produce 12 bills, and we should have 12 votes. An Omnibus is when all those bills are merged as one. An Omnibus spending bill forces abandonment of core principles on both sides of the aisle. It's just wrong. Merging an Omnibus with a COVID-19 relief bill is beyond wrong. It's DC wrong. It's swamp. Today, we should at the very least have two votes, on two bills. Not one vote on one Frankenstein bill. I'll be voting no.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-red-snapper-descend-act-passes-us-senate-heads-potus-desk", "Graves Red Snapper DESCEND Act Passes U.S. Senate, Heads to POTUS Desk", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) released the following statement after his bill, the DESCEND Act, passed the U.S. Senate and is now headed to the president's desk. The legislation will help to improve fishing opportunities by increasing fish populations in the Gulf of Mexico. It is estimated that over half a million red snapper are killed each year in the Gulf due to barotrauma (reeling in fish from deep waters causes rapid pressure changes  killing fish). Due to strict fishing seasons and a two-fish limit, anglers are required to throw fish caught out of season or over limits back into the water  resulting in hundreds of thousands of dead fish annually.\nProven conservation measures utilizing descending devices or venting tools significantly improves the survivability of these reef fish. The law, together with ongoing efforts, will help make the devices available to commercial and recreational anglers and increase their use.\nIn 2016, we won the battle to wrestle control of flawed red snapper management from the federal government. We now have better fish management, better access to fishing and improved economic activity. The Modern Fish Act, our bill to require the inclusion of recreational fisheries and better data in fish management practices, became law in 2018. Now, with the DESCEND Act, we are going to see more fish, more fishing opportunities in the Gulf, more tourism and better sustainability of our fisheries. This is a win-win for conservation and good eating. I appreciate all of the support and hard work of the Coastal Conservation Association, American Sportfish Association, Center for Sportfishing Policy, TRCP and all the anglers out there that are the true conservationist that want to ensuring fishing opportunities for generations to come. We've created a foundation for successful state management of the species through our previous legislation and the unanimous approval in the Senate is reflective of the progress we have made. I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law and our anglers getting to spend more time on the water, Graves said.\nBefore passing the U.S. House in October, the Direct Enhancement of Snapper Conservation and the Economy through Novel Devices (DESCEND)Act of 2019 passed outof the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee on March 11, 2020 andpassedout the U.S. House Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife on January 14, 2020.\nThe legislation is supported by the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission and many stakeholders in the recreational fishing and boating community.\nGraves' Red Snapper Efforts:\nOn September 11, 2020, Gravesjoined colleaguesin asking U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to fully equip the Gulf States with more science and independent data to improve management of this species so we don't lose ground on the success we've made in conservation efforts.\nIn April 2019, Graves released astatementfollowing the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council voting to allow state management of Recreational Red Snapper for Private Anglers. In 2018, Graves had introduced the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act, a bill designed to provide resource managers with more flexibility compared to the previous system. Through months of hard work and grassroots advocacy, the Modern Fish Act passed the House of Representatives and was signed into law by President Trump, setting the stage for Reef Fish Amendment 50 to keep the momentum going.\nIn December 2017, Gravesadvancedlegislation through the House Natural Resources Committee that would give normal, everyday Americans who like to fish better and more sustainable access to saltwater fishing compared to the current, highly restrictive and outdated federal fisheries management model. His bipartisan bill the Regionally Empowered Decision-making for Snapper, Noting the Angling Public and the Preservation of an Exceptional Resource Act,the RED SNAPPER Act of 2017- is a conservation-based approach that will allow states to work with federal fisheries managers to expand access for recreational fishing to 25 miles or to a depth of 150 feet into the Gulf of Mexico.Graves and Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced the bill earlier that year to provide a long term solution to management of red snapper for private recreational anglers in the Gulf.\nGraves previously introducedH.R. 3094, The Gulf States Red Snapper Management Authority Act, a bipartisan solution that highlights how states are in a position to immediately put into practice management approaches that correct federal missteps and use the best available science and data to conservatively manage this iconic Gulf fish.\nIn 2015, Gravessecuredan inclusion of an of an important red snapper management provision in the Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill. The provision marked substantive progress on the Graves-led effort in the House to improve management and increase recreational access to the Gulf red snapper fishery.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/critical-step-reopen-america", "A Critical Step to Reopen America", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.)released the following statement upon House passage of the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal:\n\"I am glad this COVID relief package finally passed the House, and I look forward to President Trump signing it quickly so hard-working families and small businesses who are still struggling can get the much-needed help they need.\nIn addition to another round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans, we also got an agreement to help gig workers and others in the live music industry, and ensure that PPP loans will be deductible. On top of that, we added funds to mass produce and distribute the COVID vaccine to every American who wants to take it. This package is a critical step in the right direction in our efforts to fully reopen Americaand finally put this pandemic behind us for good.\n\"It is unfortunate that despite having bipartisan agreement on several items, such as the continuation of the PPP that saved millions of jobs, Speaker Pelosi single-handedly blocked a deal from coming to the Floor because, in her own words, she wanted to wait until after the election. This shouldn't have been about politics: it is about saving the livelihoods of Americans that have been destroyed by lockdowns across the country through no fault of their own.\n\"I look forward to seeing this aid delivered quickly to our communitiesand will continue to work towards ensuring our country comes back from this pandemic even stronger than before.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-covid-package-delivers-relief-small-businesses-families", "Scalise: COVID Package Delivers Relief to Small Businesses & Families", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox Business Network'sMornings with Mariato discuss the COVID relief package that provides effective, targeted relief to families, small businesses, and workers. Scalise emphasized how Republicans stayed united on passing targeted relieffor the millions of Americans and thousands of small businesses that suffered for months as Speaker Pelosi refused to pass bipartisan COVID relief. Whip Scalise alsodemanded answers from Speaker Pelosi about why she hasn't removedRep. Eric Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee when his reported ties to a Chinese spy are an alarming national security risk.\n\t\n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\n\nOn the targeted COVID relief package:\n\tThe big focus for months now has been on getting more relief to our small businesses and the millions of workers that are tied to those companies so that they can keep their jobs, the businesses can make it through these tough times. So, getting a second round of PPP loans authorized was probably the number one priority. [] The first round of PPP loans were highly successful, saved probably over 50 million jobs. So, that's probably the cornerstone of this bill. Businesses that are experiencing at least a 25% loss still to this day will be able to get a second round of forgivable loans. So, of course, a business that's doing better today, they won't be able to get it, but anybody who is struggling can still be able to get another round.\n\t\n\tAnd, by the way, we fixed what has probably been the biggest complaint for weeks now  it's that these loans would have been taxed in the past. We're going to have full deductibility for those PPP loans, so you won't be hit with the sticker shock of anend of year tax bill on the loan that got you through this pandemic. So, that's going to be in there. Of course, as you mentioned, some of the other relief items. A fix to the problem of surprise medical billing, that's something our Doctor's Caucus and so many of us have wanted to get resolved for probably well over a year that we've been working [on]. Families back home, they go to a hospital, next thing you know weeks later they're getting a bill for thousands of dollars they never knew they were going to get. That will be fixed. That's a major win for families across the country. So, there's a number of other things in here in addition to this COVID relief package.\n\tOn liability protection:\n\tThis has been a frustration going back to the first CARES package. We tried to get real liability reform in that first package. As you know, the Democrats through the trial lawyers have been blocking it every step of the way, and then they were trying to literally ask for hundreds of billions of dollars to bail out failed states. So, last week you saw Mitch McConnell finally acknowledge that if we're not going to get liability reform, there won't be any more relief for states. And that's something that ultimately both of those got pushed to the side. And it's disappointing because I think many people would like to see the liability reform. But the trial lawyers, as we can see, have a stranglehold over the Democrats writing these bills right now.\n\t\n\t[]\n\t\n\tI mean, this is something we've been trying to get included for months, but you see strong pushback from the Democrats on liability reform. Again, going back to the very first CARES relief package. So, can we get agreement on that? We've been trying for months, and they don't seem to have an interest in budging. So, at least we were able to get some other relief that's vital for millions of jobs across the country and save a lot of those small businesses, these heartbreaking stories we see of businesses just barely holding on or never coming back. We want to see them make it through this.\n\tOn the Georgia Senate elections:\n\tEverything's at stake in this election, and it starts with control of the United States Senate. It's going to go one way or the other based on how these two races go. You see very, very radical Democrats in both [Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff]. So, you know, Kelly Loeffler's been making that case and so has Senator Perdue. So, it's critical people show up in this election because this will be a turnout election. You can see the Democrats are very motivated because they want to grab control of the Senate, they want to push Medicare for All, and the Green New Deal, and defund the police. That's a radical agenda, but it's theirs if the people in Georgia sit at home. So, look, we can all be upset about what happened in Georgia. Clearly, their Secretary of State's taken a lot of incoming, and he needs to do a better job this time around. But the people are glad the President's going.\n\tOn Rep. Eric Swalwell's reported ties to a Chinese spy and position on the House Intelligence Committee:\n\tIt's alarming, Maria, that Eric Swalwell's still on the Intelligence Committee. It raises even more questions about why he even got on this committee especially [in his] second term. It's a very sought-after committee. Clearly, he had ties to a Chinese spy. The Chinese spy was able to infiltrate his own office. Look, the Democrats have a China problem, Maria. The fact that Speaker Pelosi pulled back from the bipartisan China commission that was going to look into the wrongdoings of China. You saw Senator Feinstein for 20 years [she] had a Chinese spy on her staff as her driver listening to maybe some of her most intimate conversations.\n\t\n\tWhy is the Democrat Party, especially when you look at the Bay Area, what's going on over there, it's alarming. Why won't they come clean? Why won't Speaker Pelosi answer these basic questions and why won't she remove Eric Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee? It boggles the mind. Every American ought to be alarmed by this. China's been infiltrating, stealing our intellectual property. You've covered a lot of that for years. But to see the depth, they went after Eric Swalwell when he was a councilman in California. That's how pervasive it is. It's got to get addressed. Democrats need to get serious about taking on China like we have for a long time.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-democrats-congress-turn-blind-eye-chinese-threats", "Scalise: Democrats in Congress Turn a Blind Eye to Chinese Threats", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sThe Daily Briefing with Dana Perinoto blast Speaker Pelosi for keeping Rep. Eric Swalwell on the House Intelligence Committee when his reported ties to a Chinese spy pose a dangerous threat to U.S. national security. Whip Scalise criticized Democrats in Congress for turning a blind eye towards China and for refusing to aggressivelypush back against their alarming intrusion.  \n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\n\nOn the Democrat Party turning a blind eye towards China:\n\tFirst of all, if you look the Democrat Party up here in Washington, they've got a serious China problem. Pelosi herself has been very soft on China. [Republicans] were putting together a bipartisan commission to look into China's activities on many fronts, from COVID-19, theft of intellectual property, all the way down to attempted spying, and successful spying. Senator Feinstein had a spy, a Chinese spy, for over 20 years driving her around, and yet Pelosi pulled the plug on that commission, Dana. Leader McCarthy went forward anyway and Chairman McCaul put out a report that really is scathing and alarming. If any American reads it, they would be very concerned about China too. But for whatever reason, Speaker Pelosi won't continue to be aggressive on China and then she won't pull Swalwell off the [Intelligence Committee.] There are serious questions that she needs to answer, she hasn't answered. Swalwell himself should be answering some of these very basic questions but it raises alarms about a deeper rift and problem within the Democrat Party in Congress that they have a blind eye towards China.\n\tOn Speaker Pelosi's refusal to answer questions regarding Rep. Swalwell's position on the House Intelligence Committee:\n\tI hope the [FBI will brief the Intelligence Committee], because, you know, it took weeks for Leader McCarthy to get that briefing and raised even more concern to him than before he had briefing. And again, did Speaker Pelosi know about the relationship that Eric Swalwell had with this Chinese spy before she put him on the Intelligence Committee, potentially compromising that committee? Fang Fang, the spy, actually infiltrated Swalwell's office. Were there classified documents from the Intel Committee that were exposed and available for that Chinese spy in his office to get access to? All these are very basic questions that deserve answers and so far, Speaker Pelosi has been conspicuously silent on these fronts.\n\tOn how keeping Rep. Swalwell on the House Intelligence Committee poses a threat to national security:\n\tAmerica is more at risk if we don't have a united front taking on China when they do things like put spies in offices of Members of Congress. Again, Eric Swalwell was not the first person that they were able to infiltrate. Senator Feinstein, for 20 years, had a Chinese spy embedded in her office, and in fact, who was driving her around probably listening to some very sensitive information and then feeding that right back to the Chinese Communist Party. This has been going on for a long time. President Trump has been willing to take on China, but why aren't Democrats in Congress willing to do the same thing? It puts America at risk when they're not aggressively pursuing this like we are.\n\t\n\t[]\n\t\n\tIt should be alarming and raise red flags to everybody that this isn't just at the Congressional level, they literally were infiltrating Eric Swalwell's office when he was a councilman in California. Mayors supposedly had relationships inappropriately with Fang Fang the Chinese spy. What is going on over there, especially in the Bay Area, where you have this outbreak of China's intrusion and why aren't they alarmed and raising the same red flags that we are?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-helps-secure-wrda-2020-year-end-relief-package", "Scalise Helps Secure WRDA 2020 in Year-End Relief Package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.)released the following statement after the House passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 as a part of the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal:\n\tToday, the House passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) as a part of the year-end COVID relief package. After working hard to get this across the finish line, I'm proud to help secure WRDA 2020 as part of the final relief package. WRDA 2020 includes several provisions I added that will strengthen flood protection for families and communities in Southeast Louisiana, and improve the navigation projects essential for Louisiana's economy and America's maritime industry. \"Among these provisions, this year's bill includes authorizations for deepening Baptiste Collette, the Houma Navigation Canal, and Port Fourchon Belle Pass, all of which will improve Louisiana's ability to move commerce on our waterways, strengthening our position as a leading export state and a top producer of our nation's oil and natural gas supply. \"An investment in Louisiana infrastructure is an investment in the American economy, and I'm glad I was able to secure major progress on the infrastructure projects that are so important to our state and nation. I look forward to President Trump signing this into law so wecan finalize a WRDA package before the end of this year.\"  Click here to see what stakeholders have to say about WRDA 2020.\n\tBackground:\n\t\n\tThe Water Resources Development Act of 2020 includes a number of provisions that benefit flood protection and waterway navigation in Louisiana's First District, including:\n HSDRRS Renegotiation  Language that allows the State to renegotiate the terms of the deferred payment agreement for the hurricane protection system around New Orleans, which has experienced significant delays. Options for renegotiation include forgiveness of interest, recalculation of the interest rate, credit for investments made by the non-federal sponsor, and allowing the State's contribution to be made without interest.\n\t\t\n\tTangipahoa Flood Study  Authorization of a feasibility study for flood risk management in Tangipahoa Parish.\n\t\t\n\tBaptiste Collette Deepening Authorization  Authorizes the deepening of Baptiste Collette from current depths of 14 feet in the inner reach and 16 feet in the outer reach to depths of 22 and 24 feet respectively.\n\t\t\n\tPort Fourchon Belle Pass Deepening Authorization  Authorizes the deepening Of Belle Pass to provide access to the port's planned deep-water facility for rig repair and refurbishment.\n\t\t\n\tHouma Navigation Canal Deepening Authorization  Authorizes the deepening of the Houma Navigation Canal from 15ft to 20ft.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/kennedy-secures-funding-for-new-lake-charles-courthouse", "Kennedy secures funding for new Lake Charles courthouse", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, secured language to require the General Services Administration and the federal courts to submit a plan to Congress for building a new courthouse in Lake Charles, Louisiana following the severe damage Hurricane Laura did to the Edwin F. Hunter, Jr. U.S. Courthouse.\r\nI saw firsthand how Hurricane Laura wrecked Lake Charles, and I've been fighting for a new federal courthouse since then. I'm glad to see the federal courts there get the green light they need to rebuild as the Lake Charles community keeps putting the pieces back together after a wicked hurricane season,said Kennedy.\r\nKennedy also worked with theGeneral Services Administrationto identify the appropriate resources for building a new courthouse in Lake Charles.\r\nThe appropriations bill requires the General Services Administration to submit a plan within 150 days of the passage of the bill that fully meets the operational needs of the Federal courtsthrough the new Lake Charles facility.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/kennedy-senators-announce-historic-bipartisan-agreement-on-american-innovation-and-manufacturing-act", "Kennedy, senators announce historic bipartisan agreement on American Innovation and Manufacturing Act", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) in announcing a historic bipartisan agreement to include the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act in the government funding bill.\r\nMore than ever, foreign competition demands we protect American jobs by keeping the U.S. competitive in global industry. Investing in next-generation refrigerants will create thousands of jobs, save billions of dollars and safeguard the environment, all of which matter deeply to Louisianians. I'm grateful to have worked with Chairman Barrasso and Sen. Carper to champion the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act and bring American production into the future,said Kennedy.\r\nHFC chemicals are in every home  from our cars, to our air conditioners. The emissions from the use of these chemicals contribute to climate change. This agreement will authorize a 15-year phase down of their use, while safeguarding consumers and American manufacturers,said Barrasso.\r\nInside nearly every home in this country are hydrofluorocarbons, potent greenhouse gases used as coolants in air conditioning and refrigerators. The cruel irony is that, while HFCs keep our homes cool and our groceries cold, they heat up our planet. With a global warming effect that is thousands of times more potent than carbon, HFCs are slowly destroying our planet. Fortunately, there is a solution  one that would have huge economic benefits for our country. For years, Senator Kennedy and I have been working to pass legislation that would put American workers and industries in the driver's seat of the global phasedown of these super-polluting chemicals. By implementing a national phasedown of HFCs, we can reap close to $39 billion in economic benefits while creating tens of thousands of new jobs. I thank Senator Kennedy for being such a good partner on this legislation and thank Chairman Barrasso for his work to help us to find a compromise that can get this bill across the finish line. Thanks to all our efforts, Congress is now on the cusp of passing the most significant climate solution in more than a decade, and American workers and families will reap the benefits for decades more to come,said Carper.\r\nThe appropriations package will now include, for the first time, a provision for a 15-year phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) at a national level, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The amendment is based on Kennedy'sAIM Actand requires EPA to implement an 85 percent phase down of the production and consumption of HFCs, so they reach approximately 15 percent of their 2011-2013 average annual levels by 2036.\r\nThe legislative language matches theagreementreached earlier this year by Kennedy, Barrasso and Carper to protect critical uses of HFCs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/kennedy-supports-relief-for-louisiana-venues-in-covid-package", "Kennedy supports relief for Louisiana venues in COVID package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today issued the following statement in response to urgent relief for entertainment venues included in the bipartisan, bicameral COVID relief package. Based on theSave Our Stages Act, which Kennedy has cosponsored, the provisions in the relief bill include $15 billion in funding for performance venues, movie theaters and museums.\r\nLive performing arts and entertainment venues are a huge part of Louisiana's culture and economy, but these were the first to shutter when the pandemic struck. There's no question that key industries with significant revenue losses deserve relief. The government shut down this major sector of our economy, and it's right that we help preserve those jobs while we work to vaccinate our country and reopen it safely. I'm glad to see our efforts on the Save Our Stages Act become part of a package focused on helping hardworking Americans recover from what has been an unbelievably hard year for Louisiana and other states,said Kennedy.\r\nSpecifically, the legislation authorizes the Small Business Administration to provide grants to eligible live venues, performing arts venues, movie theaters and other operators or promoters that demonstrate a significant reduction in revenue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/president-issues-executive-order-based-on-kennedy-s-effort-to-reunite-americans-with-26-billion-in-unclaimed-savings-bonds", "President issues executive order based on Kennedys effort to reunite Americans with $26 billion in unclaimed savings bonds", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has issued an executive order based on Sen. John Kennedy's (R-La.) legislation requiring the Treasury Secretary to provide states with information to help their residents claim approximately $26 billion in unredeemed savings bonds.\r\nGovernment is always delighted to collect taxes, but it's not often that Big Brother goes out of its way to reunite people with their hard-earned money. I'm thankful that the president's executive order does just that by making the government pay up on matured savings bonds, even if the original investors have passed away.\r\nPeople in Louisiana and all over the country are pinching pennies to make it through this pandemic. It's common sense and basic decency that the Treasury would help men and women find unclaimed savings bonds that rightfully belong to them and their families, and they can thank President Trump for this massive step forward. I look forward to seeing the Treasury right this wrongright away,said Kennedy.\r\nKennedy chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Treasury. His bill to equip states with information needed to identify who owns unclaimed bonds passed the Senate unanimously in July.\r\nThe executive order, inspired by Kennedy's bill, would require the U.S. Treasury to:\r\n \r\nBegin, before year's end, a pilot program with multiple vendors to continue digitizing the records of unredeemed savings bonds.\r\nMake the digitized information on unredeemed bonds publicly available while keeping that information secure.\r\nConduct consumer research to determine why individuals often do not redeem their savings bonds upon maturity.\r\nCollaborate with state counterparts to identify owners of unredeemed savings bonds.\r\nIssue a public report on all the above initiatives within six months of the president's signing the executive order.\r\n \r\nLouisiana estimates that approximately $337 million in unredeemed savings bonds belong to its residents. Other states estimate that their residents have more than $1 billion in matured, unclaimed savings bonds.These bonds are currently sitting in the Treasury, but the department has previously taken little initiative to return the proceeds to their owners. \r\nLast December, Kennedy secured $25 million for the Treasury Department to digitize and distribute records of unclaimed U.S. savings bonds.The funding is helping the Treasury reunite unclaimed savings bonds with their rightful owners.\r\nAt Kennedy's urging, the Treasury also launchedTreasury Hunt, an online search tool that allows bond owners to find information such as whether bonds are no longer earning interest or are owned by deceased family members. More than $23 million has been returned to bond owners through Treasury Hunt. \r\nGovernment savings bonds were originally sold as part of an effort to finance America's victory in WWI, and returning those bonds to their owners honors the patriotism of the Americans who invested in their nation as a global leader for freedom.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/senate-passes-kennedy-carper-legislation-to-stop-improper-payments-to-dead-people-save-taxpayer-dollars", "Senate includes Kennedy, Carper legislation to stop improper payments to dead people, save taxpayer dollars in funding package", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, the Senate will vote to pass themajor provisions of Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Tom Carper's (D-Del.)StoppingImproperPaymentsto Deceased People Actas part of the government spending bill. The bill, introduced by Kennedy and Carper in 2019, would help save millions of federal dollars by curbing erroneouspaymentsto deceased individuals.\r\nThe Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains the most complete federal database of individuals who are reported to have died. However, only a small number of federal agencies have access to this official list, and most federal agencies rely on a slimmed down, incomplete and less timely version of the death information. In addition,the federal government's centralized improper payments screening initiative, the Treasury Department's Do Not Pay program,lacks access to the complete death information. As a result, many federal agencies make erroneouspaymentsto people who are actually deceased.\r\nEvery so often, Washington actually saves taxpayer dollars instead of watching that money circle the bureaucratic drain. Today, the Senate made the commonsense move to include the Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act as part of the government funding bill. Now we can make sure taxpayer dollars work on behalf of hardworking Americans instead of fraudsters who take advantage of flaws in the system. I'm thankful for Sen. Carper's leadership in helping save billions in taxpayer money from flowing to ghosts,said Kennedy.\r\nThis has been a long, hard fight for many years, but this is good news for American taxpayers. As government officials, one of our most important responsibilities is to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. That's why, for years, I have worked across the aisle to assess federal government spending and eliminate billions of taxpayer dollars in waste, fraud and abuse. But there is still work to be done because we know that year after year, the federal government continues to mismanage billions of dollars throughimproperpayments. The money saved by curbing improper payments to the deceased can be used to fund health care programs or invest in our decades-old infrastructure. With a little hard work and bipartisanship, we can take the common sense steps necessary to reduceimproperpaymentsand put these funds to better use for the American people. I want to thank my wingman, Senator Kennedy, for his leadership on this issue,said Carper.\r\nIn the Senate, the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.).Bipartisan companion legislation was introduced in the House by Reps. Greg Gianforte (R-Mont.) and Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.).\r\nKey provisions in the bill include:\r\nProviding Do Not Pay withaccess to the complete death database.Under current law, only federal agencies that directly manage programs making beneficiarypaymentshave access to complete death data. This legislation provides the federal government's centralized improper payments screening service, Do Not Pay, withaccess to the complete death datato help agencies identify and prevent improper payments.\r\nImproves management of death data.The legislation safeguards the Social Security Trust Funds by allowing the SSA to recoup the costs of managing this data. The legislation allows for the SSA to correct errors in the death data and ensures states can maintain their death registration systems.\r\nImproving Death Data Sharing in the Future.The legislationrequires the National Academy of Public Administration to conduct an independent study of the sources and access to state-owned death data for use by federal agencies for program administration and payment integrity and to report on options for future distribution of death data government-wide.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2020/12/20/higgins-commends-passage-bill-expand-disaster-mitigation-efforts/", "Higgins Commends Passage of Bill to Expand Disaster Mitigation Efforts", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) commended the passage of S. 3418, the Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act, which expands funding opportunities through FEMA for disaster and hazard mitigation efforts.\n\nThe bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide capitalization grants to states to establish revolving funds for hazard mitigation assistance.\n\nProjects mitigating the impacts of the following disasters would be eligible for assistance:\n\ndrought and prolonged episodes of intense heat;\n\nsevere storms, including hurricanes, tornados, wind storms, cyclones, and severe winter storms;\n\nwildfires;\n\nearthquakes;\n\nflooding, including the construction, repair, or replacement of a non-Federal levee or other flood control structure;\n\nshoreline erosion;\n\nhigh water levels; and\n\nstorm surges.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\nCongressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cInvestments in pre-disaster mitigation save property, lives, and tax dollars. These programs make our communities more resilient to floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. I\u2019m glad to see the STORM Act passed and heading to President Trump\u2019s desk. This bill delivers increased funding opportunities through FEMA and will help Louisiana strengthen flood protection and storm mitigation infrastructure.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-commends-passage-bill-expand-disaster-mitigation-efforts", "Higgins Commends Passage of Bill to Expand Disaster Mitigation Efforts", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) commended the passage of S. 3418, the Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act, which expands funding opportunities through FEMA for disaster and hazard mitigation efforts.\nThe bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide capitalization grants to states to establish revolving funds for hazard mitigation assistance.\nProjects mitigating the impacts of the following disasters would be eligible for assistance:\n drought and prolonged episodes of intense heat;\n\tsevere storms, including hurricanes, tornados, wind storms, cyclones, and severe winter storms;\n\twildfires;\n\tearthquakes;\n\tflooding, including the construction, repair, or replacement of a non-Federal levee or other flood control structure;\n\tshoreline erosion;\n\thigh water levels; and\n\tstorm surges.\n Read the bill text here.\n\nCongressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n \n\tInvestments in pre-disaster mitigation save property, lives, and tax dollars. These programs make our communities more resilient to floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. I'm glad to see the STORM Act passed and heading to President Trump's desk. This bill delivers increased funding opportunities through FEMA and will help Louisiana strengthen flood protection and storm mitigation infrastructure.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/covid-relief-pelosi-folds-america-wins", "COVID Relief: Pelosi Folds, America Wins", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Tomorrow, the House is expected to vote on the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal. This relief billis great newsbut comes too late for the millions of Americans and thousands of small businesses that suffered for months as Speaker Pelosi refused to pass targeted relief.  \n\t\n  \n\tSpeaker Pelosi repeatedly blocked COVID relief to hurt Republicans at the polls and secure hundreds of billionsfor state and local bailouts. Her cynical politics backfired, Democrats lost seats in the House, and Speaker Pelosi folded. Republicans stayed united on passingtargeted relief to small businesses, ensuring the success of Operation Warp Speed, reopening schools, and revitalizing the economy. This package delivers on those bipartisan, Americanpriorities.  \n\t\n    Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal The final COVID Relief package is approximately $900 billion, or a net of approximately $325 billion after rescinding $429 billion in Federal Reserve 13(3) authority and repurposing unused PPP funds, compared to the $3.4 trillion Heroes 1 and $2.4 trillion Heroes 2. The final package does not include the Democrats' liberal wish list demands for blue state bailouts, checks for illegal immigrants, and federal prisoner release. COVID Relief:\n Extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and adds deductibility for PPP expenses\n\t\tGives businesses experiencing severe revenue reductions an opportunity to apply for a second draw PPP loan\n\t\t\tIncludes 501(c)(6) organizations but excludes unions from eligibility\n\t\t\t$15 billion in funding for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss\n\t\t\tCodifies federal rules that ensure churches and faith-based organizations are eligible for PPP loans\n\t\t\n\tReopening America\n\t\t$20 billion for the purchase of vaccines that will make the vaccine available at no charge for anyone who needs it\n\t\t\t$8 billion for vaccine distribution\n\t\t\t$20 billion to assist states with testing\n\t\t\t$20 billion distribution from existing provider relief fund\n\t\t\n\tEnds CARES Act emergency powers for the Federal Reserve\n\t\tRescinds $429 billion in unused funds provided by the CARES Act for the Federal Reserve's emergency lending facilities and terminates these facilities to ensure that Democrats cannot use these funds to bail out poorly managed blue states\n\t\t\n\tStimulus checks -- $600 for both adults and dependents with safeguards to prohibit illegal aliens from receiving payment\n\tTemporarily extends a number of unemployment programs created by CARES Act that expire Dec. 31, 2020\n\t\tProvide unemployed individuals an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks from December 26, 2020-March 14, 2021\n\t\t\tExtends and phases-out PUA, which is a temporary federal program covering self-employed and gig workers, to March 14 (after which no new applicants) through April 5, 2021\n\t\t\n  $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen\n\t$4 billion for substance abuse  significant progress made over past several years on opioid addiction has been reversed because of impact of COVID lockdowns\n\t$82 billion in funding for schools and universities to assist with reopening for in-person learning that also includes $2.75 billion in designated funds for private K through 12 education\n\t$25 billion in temporary and targeted rental assistance for individuals who lost their source of income during the pandemic\n\t\tExtends the eviction moratorium until January 31, 2021\n\t\t\n\t$7 billion in broadband funding that includes\n\t\tNearly $2 billion to replace foreign-manufactured broadband equipment that poses national security threats\n\t\t\t$300 million to build out rural broadband\n\t\t\t$250 million for telehealth\n\t\t\n\t$45 billion for transportation, including\n\t\t$16 billion for another round of airline employee and contractor payroll support\n\t\t\t$14 billion for transit\n\t\t\t$10 billion for highways\n\t\t\t$2 billion for intercity buses\n\t\t\t$2 billion for airports\n\t\t\t$1 billion for Amtrak\n\t\t\n  Increases SNAP benefits by 15% for six months, but does not expand eligibility, and requires the Secretary to issue a report on redemption rate and unexpended balances\n\tProvides funding for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, a program that serves over 700,000 older Americans monthly\n\t$13 billion to support our farmers and agriculture sector\n\t\tEnhances assistance under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to support specialty crop, non-specialty crop, livestock, dairy, and poultry producers\n\t\t\tGives discretionary authority to the Secretary to support producers of biofuels, producers of organics or value-added products, and timber harvesting and hauling businesses\n\t\t\tAdditional funding is directed to programs that support local producers and new and beginning farmers, dairy producers, dairy processors via reimbursement for donated dairy products, fisheries, textile mills, agricultural research, small and medium size meat processors, and to state departments of agriculture for farm stress programs\n\t\t\n Omnibus:\n Completes the FY21 appropriations process and adheres to the established budget caps despite Democrat demands to break the caps\n\tProvides our military with the resources to defend our nation and advance U.S. national security\n\tIncludes a 3% pay raise for the troops and provides the resources to continue rebuild our military, deter adversaries, and defend our national security interests\n\tProvides the Trump Administration flexibility to build the wall and manage detention needs along the border\n\t\t$1.375 billion in new funding for the wall and additional funding for border security technology and enforcement\n\t\t\t$20 million for new border processing coordinators\n\t\t\tProtects the President's authority to use funds for immigration and border law enforcement actions\n\t\t\n\tIncreases funding for House Republican priorities, such as continuing support for our law enforcement, NASA, maintaining our nuclear deterrent, and an all-of-the-above energy strategy\n\t\tRejects Democrat efforts to defund the police and provides strong support for our nation's federal, state, and local law enforcement\n\t\t\tPrioritizes funding to protect national security interests, enhance school safety, advance scientific research and exploration, and combatting the opioid epidemic\n\t\t\n\tPreserves pro-life protections and other conservative riders in current law\n\t\tProhibits federal funds from being used to pay for abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment of the mother\n\t\t\tProhibits the creation or destruction of embryos for research purposes\n\t\t\tProtects the Trump Administration's Title X Family Planning regulations\n\t\t\tMaintains the Hyde Amendment, Tiahrt Amendment, Helms Amendment, Dickey Amendment, and Kemp-Kasten Amendment\n\t\t\n\tDeprives new administration of artificial funding cliffs\n Other Matters:\n Extends important public health programs for three years, including community health centers - eliminating several funding cliffs over next several years\n\tEnds surprise medical billing\n\t\tTrue and honest cost estimate for patients three days prior to scheduled procedure\n\t\t\tArbitration  independent dispute resolution process with no benchmark rate and multiple factors (but not government program reimbursement rates) which can be considered in arbitration process\n\t\t\n\tSupports Front Line Health Care Providers by injecting billions of dollars into Medicare physician pay in 2021 and heading off payment cuts due to be enacted next year\n\tImproves support for Rural and Underserved Health Care\n\tTax extenders package includes permanence for some policies, multi-year extensions for others and eliminates outdated or misguided policies\n\t\tMakes meals deductible business expense for 2 years\n\t\t\n\tTechnical corrections to USMCA\n\tEnergy package includes Republican priorities such as promoting carbon capture and utilization, ending reliance on critical minerals from foreign countries, and creating commercial opportunities for advanced nuclear technologies.\n\tIncludes Intel reauthorization\n\tIncludes pipeline reauthorization as well as bipartisan agreement to reform aircraft certification process\n\tIncludes WRDA Reauthorization\n  \n    PELOSI'S BLUNDER July 9th, 2020:\n  \n  August 28th, 2020:\n  \n  October 1st, 2020:   \n\n  October 10th, 2020:   \n\n  October 12th, 2020:   \n\n  December 4th, 2020:   \n\n  December 8th, 2020:\n  \n  December 9th, 2020:   \n\n  Notice a pattern? Speaker Pelosi rejected targeted relief for American families month after month in an attempt to hurt President Trump at the polls. She held out for a liberal wishlist that included billions in state and local funding but eventually folded when it became clear that Americans blamed Congressional Democrats for COVID inaction and punished them at the voting booth. Speaker Pelosi described blocking assistance for workers as, \"not a mistake, that was a decision and it has taken us to a place where we can do the right thing.Surely the thousands of small businesses that were forced to close would agree that Pelosi could have done \"the right thing\" months ago. Instead of re-authorizing the Paycheck Protection Programa program that saved 18.6 million jobs anda vote that Democrats blocked over 40 times Pelosi spent the past months seeking handouts for special interests and trial lawyers.In the Washington Post, Marc Thiessen writes:   \n \"Before Election Day, Democrats blocked covid-19 relief in order to hurt President Trump at the polls. So, what has been the holdup since then? Simple. Democrats have blocked small business loans; unemployment subsidies; emergency rental and food assistance; funds for testing, tracing and vaccine distribution; and extended student loan forbearance  all to protect the ability of personal injury lawyers to cash in on the pandemic.\" \n  \n\tSpeaker Pelosi has proudly taken responsibility for repeatedly blocking COVID relief, but she didn't get anything for it in return.There is absolutely no reason why this bill full of bipartisan provisions couldn't have passed months ago, but instead, millions ofAmericans were forced to suffer without assistance. Thiswas a monstrous abuse of power by Speaker Pelosi. Americans will not forget it.\n \n    BOTTOM LINE: The American people needed help months ago. Make no mistake: this relief package will do a tremendous amount of good for families and workers, but it is only happening now because Speaker Pelosi gave up on her obscene and radical demands. Republicans focused on effective, targeted relief, and now help is on the way.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-cassidy-hassan-secure-end-to-surprise-medical-billing-legislation-in-government-funding-package", "Senators Cassidy, Hassan Secure End to Surprise Medical Billing Legislation in Government Funding Package", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.20\n\t\t\t Senators Cassidy, Hassan Secure End to Surprise Medical Billing Legislation in Government Funding Package \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) issued the following statement after the House and Senate government funding agreement was announced, which will include provisions to end the practice of surprise medical billing:\r\nFor far too long, our constituents have done everything right at the doctor's office or hospital yet still found themselves stuck with surprise medical bills, sometimes to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars. And frequently, they have to fight these bills at the same time they are facing a medical crisis. That's why we teamed up two years ago to work across the aisle, find a compromise, and put an end to the outrageous and unfair practiceand we have continued this bipartisan work ever since then. We are proud that our efforts have now led to the inclusion of legislation to end surprise medical billing in this year's government funding agreement, which will help provide significant relief to countless Americans.\r\nSenators Cassidy and Hassan have led efforts to address surprise medical bills for the last two years. They worked with colleagues from both parties to crafttheSTOP Surprise Medical Bills Actto end this practice. In May of 2019, Senators Cassidy and Hassan joined President Trump at aWhite House eventon the need to address this issue. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee  on which Senators Cassidy and Hassan serve  passed legislation to end surprise medical bills as part of a broader package of legislation to address health care costs called theLower Health Care Costs Act. Since then, Senators Cassidy and Hassan have worked with their colleagues in both parties in the Senate and House to reach a final agreement.\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/icymi-despite-2020-s-challenges-we-can-be-confidently-thankful-this-christmas", "ICYMI: Despite 2020s challenges, we can be confidently thankful this Christmas", "2020-12-20", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) published thisop-edin the Baptist Message on December 18, 2020.\r\nBelow are key excerpts from the article, which focuses on the challenges Louisianians have faced in 2020 and reasons to be confidently hopeful this Christmas season.\r\nThis year not been easy for Louisiana.\r\nNo one could have foreseen when 2020 began that, in just a few months, an unprecedented pandemic would shut down America's economy and a novel coronavirus would infect more than 200,000 Louisianians, with over 6,000 confirmed deaths.\r\nAs if the coronavirus didn't cause enough loss, Louisiana has also had a particularly bad hurricane season, too. In August, Hurricane Laura killed at least 28 Louisianians, destroyed over 10,000 homes, and caused up to $14 billion in damages. Tragically, while we were still recovering from Laura, Hurricanes Delta and Zeta followed, further devastating much of the state.\r\n\r\nLouisianians are tough. We have been through worse and always come out stronger. We are tired. We will, however, make it through this challenging year and be the better for it, with God's help.\r\n\r\nIt can be difficult to focus on God's love in such hard times. But this is exactly when we must draw encouragement from the Lord. The same God who loved us by being born into humble surroundings and dying in our place is the same God who will carry us through any trial we ever facewhether that storm is called Laura or COVID-19.\r\nSo whatever life's trials, whatever we have suffered through this year, we can hold onto God's love and know that we didn't make it through 2020 by ourselves and we don't face 2021 alone.\r\nRead the full op-ed in the Baptist Messagehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-speaker-pelosi-risks-national-security-keeping-swalwell-house-intel", "Scalise: Speaker Pelosi Risks National Security by Keeping Swalwell on House Intel", "2020-12-19", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sHannitylast night to blast Speaker Pelosi for keeping Rep. Eric Swalwell on the House Intelligence Committee knowing he has reported ties to a suspected Chinese spy. Whip Scalise also joined Fox News Channel'sFox & Friendsthis morning to demand answers from Speaker Pelosi about why Rep. Eric Swalwell remains on the House Intelligence Committee when his reported ties to a Chinese spy are an alarming national security risk. Whip Scalise slammed Rep. Swalwell for falsely accusing Republicans of collusion to distract from his own foreign influence.  \n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the Hannity interview.\n\tClickhereor on the image above to watch the Fox & Friends interview.  \n\t\nTranscribed remarks fromHannity:\nOn Rep. Eric Swalwell's reported ties to a Chinese spy and position on the House Intelligence Committee:\n\t\"Jason, you just can't make this stuff up. I mean, you served in the House. You know how hard it is to get on the House Intelligence Committee. And here's a guy who was compromised back when he was a council member in California before he was elected to Congress, targeted by the Chinese, ended up not only having some kind of a relationship with a Chinese spy but she actually infiltrated his office with other Chinese spies. And then he gets on the Intel Committee in his second term.\n\t\n\t\"Look, there are more questions than there are answers right now. And Speaker Pelosi won't answer these direct questions. Why is he still on the committee? He absolutely needs to be removed from the committee. But it makes you wonder. Look, clearly, the House Democrats have a China problem. They have been soft on China on so many fronts. But we were about to put together a bipartisan commission to look into the China's activities about a year ago and Speaker Pelosi pulled the plug on it. We went forward anyway. Kevin McCarthy appointed Mike McCaul as the leader. He put out a blistering report that identified all kinds of problems that China has caused here in the United States. But it begs the question, why did Pelosi pull back on that China commission? Why does she keep Swalwell on the committee? What's really going on with China that they have this blind eye towards the espionage that has infiltrated Members of Congress who will serve on the House Intelligence Committee?\"\n\tOn the mainstream media's failure to hold Democrats accountable:\n\t\"Look, there needs to be a special counsel because there are so many questions out there that need to be answered. And these are serious national security questions. You know, when you look at what's going on with Swalwell. Swalwell, by the way, has never been shy to get in front of a camera. So, the fact that he is avoiding the press tells you there is something serious going on there. Again, why he is still on the Intelligence Committee boggles the mind.\n\t\n\t\"But then with Hunter Biden, more things continue to come out. You go back to the first presidential debate. President Trump brought up some of this stuff and Joe Biden denied there was anything going on with Hunter Biden in China or Russia. And now, you're seeing even more things that there is actually an investigation going on.\n\t\n\t\"Look, there are a lot of serious questions that are being raised, that should have been answered, by the way, to Matt's point if there was an aggressive press out there doing their job on both sides. They went after Trump on things that turned out not to be true and they impeached him on something that never even happened. Frankly, the things that they were accusing Trump of they were doing themselves. The spy activity was Chinese spies infiltrating Democrats, not Russian spies infiltrating Republicans.\" Transcribed remarks fromFox & Friends: On Speaker Pelosi's failure to answer questions regarding Rep. Eric Swalwell's position on the House Intelligence Committee:  \n\t  \"Two very important questions that Speaker Pelosi needs to answer because she herself put him on that committee and as you mentioned, just in his second term, which is very early off in a career of a Member of Congress. Most people wait years to get on that committee and have to have a lot of background in intelligence. We have had former CIA officers who have served in Congress that got on that committee. People who served in the military in intelligence are often the ones who are put on that committee because it's a very sought after committee. But to put somebody on that committee that had ties to a Chinese spy, it just boggles the mind.  \n\t  \"Did Speaker Pelosi know, by the way, about the tie to Fang Fang the Chinese spy before she put him on the committee? And why hasn't she removed him now? There are serious questions that need to be raised, especially when you look at the China problem that the Democrat Party has. They've been soft on China on many fronts including [when] we were putting together a bipartisan commission to look into China about a year ago. Speaker Pelosi pulled back and ended up not participating. We still moved forward. Leader McCarthy put together a slate of Members, including Mike McCaul, who issued a scathing report on China's scathing activities. Not just the Wuhan virus but stealing intellectual property, clearly spying on America. Why is this guy still on the committee and why won't Speaker Pelosi answer these real questions?\"  \n\t  On Rep. Swalwell falsely accusing Republicans of collusion to distract from his own foreign influence:  \n\t  \"He was the guy running around if you remember during impeachment, probably the most vocal voice to jump in front of anybody to get to a TV camera to call Republicans Russian spies, and accusing the President falsely of being involved in Russian spies. Turns out he is the guy that is involved with spies, in this case the Chinese spy. But look, if Speaker Pelosi thinks the story is going away, it's just starting to get legs as they would say. Even though the mainstream media is not covering it right now, people in the intelligence community, both Republican and Democrat, are very alarmed by developments in this story. \"There is more to this. And, you know, was Swalwell tipped off prior to her leaving the country? Why did she leave the country? Typically, if you find a spy, our intelligence agents want to hold on to them to find out more information about what they were doing and she was able to flee the country. All of these questions need to be answered. But to think that the story is going to go away, it's very alarming and it's just the tip of the iceberg with China's involvement with this country.\"  \n\t  On finalizing the ongoing COVID-19 relief negotiations:  \n\t  \"These negotiations have been going on for weeks now. I would have liked to have seen it resolved back in September. We had a bipartisan bill to give people another round of Paycheck Protection Program loans for our small businesses who were dying on the vine so they could keep those millions of jobs tied to them. I really think we are going to have it completed by today. The final details were almost worked out last night. Today I think you'll see it come together and tomorrow we could vote on that package. So, I'm very hopeful we will get this voted on by the end of this weekend and then that relief will be available to our small businesses and all of those families across this country who are still struggling starting Monday morning, hopefully.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/despite-2020-s-challenges-we-can-be-confidently-thankful-this-christmas", "Despite 2020s challenges, we can be confidently thankful this Christmas", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONThisop edby Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) first appeared in The Baptist Message on December 18, 2020.\r\nWASHINGTON (LBM)  This year not been easy for Louisiana.\r\nNo one could have foreseen when 2020 began that, in just a few months, an unprecedented pandemic would shut down America's economy and a novel coronavirus would infect more than 200,000 Louisianians, with over 6,000 confirmed deaths.\r\nAs if the coronavirus didn't cause enough loss, Louisiana has also had a particularly bad hurricane season, too. In August, Hurricane Laura killed at least 28 Louisianians, destroyed over 10,000 homes, and caused up to $14 billion in damages. Tragically, while we were still recovering from Laura, Hurricanes Delta and Zeta followed, further devastating much of the state.\r\nThe destructive hurricane season and the pandemic have hurt Louisiana jobs as well. Although the economy has begun to recover, the unemployment rate reached 9.4% in October, and small businesses have been hit especially hard.\r\nThis year, I have worked as hard as I can to help Louisianians recover from these disasters. To help those who have lost their homes and livelihoods, I introduced a bill providing $10 billion to the Disaster Relief Fund, as well as two bills that simplify forgiveness for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, which have been a vital lifeline for Louisiana's small businesses.\r\nLouisianians are tough. We have been through worse and always come out stronger. We are tired. We will, however, make it through this challenging year and be the better for it, with God's help.\r\nAnd there can be no better season to remind ourselves how grateful we are for God's care. Despite the pandemic, the hurricanes, the job losses, the politics, and everything else we have suffered through in 2020, we can still be confidently thankful this Christmas season. Yes, we have lost much, but we have never lost God's love, and we can remind ourselves that In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him (1 John 4:9).\r\nThis Christmas, through all the pain and loss, we remember that our biggest problem was solved before any of us were even born. Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came down to earth to reconcile us to God. That incredible act of love, God taking on human flesh, changed history forever.\r\nIt can be difficult to focus on God's love in such hard times. But this is exactly when we must draw encouragement from the Lord. The same God who loved us by being born into humble surroundings and dying in our place is the same God who will carry us through any trial we ever facewhether that storm is called Laura or COVID-19.\r\nSo whatever life's trials, whatever we have suffered through this year, we can hold onto God's love and know that we didn't make it through 2020 by ourselves and we don't face 2021 alone.\r\nIn light of this hope, Becky and I wish you a merry Christmas and joyful new year!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/president-signs-kennedy-s-bill-to-protect-americans-from-fraudulent-foreign-companies-into-law", "President signs Kennedys bill to protect Americans from fraudulent foreign companies into law", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON President Donald Trump today signed into lawSen. John Kennedy's (R-La.) bill to protect American investors and their savings from foreign companies that operate on U.S. stock exchanges while refusing to submit to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversight.\r\nThe Senate passed the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act unanimously in May, and the House passed the bill unanimously earlier this month. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) was an original cosponsor of the legislation.\r\nCommunist China has been the bully on the playground of America's stock exchanges for years, and that stops today. With President Trump's signature, Chinese firms that flout the rules that American and other companies follow do so at their own peril. Any foreign company that doesn't submit to our audits has to grow up or get off U.S. exchangesthey can't keep using our markets to exploit workers and families. I'm grateful to the president for calling Chinese Communist dishonesty to account by making fairness and common sense the law. Thanks to the partnership of Sen. Van Hollen and bipartisan, bicameral consensus, Americans finally have protection against Chinese Communist lackeys that would defraud them on U.S. soil,said Kennedy.\r\nThe Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act prohibits securities of a company from being listed on any of the U.S. securities exchanges if the company has failed to comply with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's (PCAOB) audits for three years in a row.\r\nThe bill would also require public companies to disclose whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government, including China's communist government.\r\nMany Americans invest in U.S. stock exchanges as part of their retirement and college savings, and dishonest companies operating on the exchanges put Americans at risk, as Luckin Coffee did. This legislation protects the interest of hardworking American investors by ensuring that foreign companies traded in America are subject to the same independent audit requirements that apply to their competitors in America and other countries.\r\nBackground:\r\nCongress established the PCAOB to inspect audits of public companies, ensuring the information companies provide to the public is accurate, independent and trustworthy.\r\nCurrently, China's communist government refuses to allow the PCAOB to inspect audits of companies registered in China and Hong Kong. Such companies represent a keen risk to American investors as nearly 11 percent of all securities class action lawsuits in 2011 were brought against Chinese-owned companies accused of misrepresenting themselves in financial documents.\r\nAccording to the SEC, 224 U.S.-listed companies are located in countries where there are obstacles to PCAOB inspections. These companies have a combined market capitalization of more than $1.8 trillion.\r\nIn the last 10 years, the number of Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges has increased significantly, as those firms take advantage of the capital available in America.\r\nThe bill text is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/kennedy-cramer-colleagues-call-on-administration-to-wave-tax-filing-penalties-for-those-delayed-by-covid-19", "Kennedy, Cramer, colleagues call on administration to wave tax filing penalties for those delayed by COVID-19", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.),Senate Banking Committee members, led a bipartisan letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig urging the Trump Administration to wave late filing penalties for taxpayers whose filing delay is caused by COVID-19.\r\nMany taxpayers are facing economic hardships and business closures due to COVID-19. Taxpayers expect fair treatment from their government, and the current unwillingness to provide an expedited process for taxpayers and their advisors to request pandemic-specific relief places an undue burden on them. We ask that you move to address these issues immediately so the American people can receive the relief they urgently need,the senators wrote.\r\nIn the letter, the senators urge the Trump Administration to:\r\n \r\nCreate a special COVID-19 first-time abatement option for taxpayers eligible for normal first-time abatement where taxpayers can attest to filing difficulty directly caused by the pandemic;\r\nProvide written guidance directing IRS customer service representatives to grant reasonable-cause and COVID-related abatement requests liberally;\r\nDevelop and advertise specific COVID-related examples that qualify for reasonable-cause abatement; and\r\nDevelop a dedicated telephone number, or dedicated prompt, for taxpayers and their advisors to call to request COVID-related penalty relief.\r\n \r\nKennedy and Cramer were joined on the letter by Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.).\r\nKennedy chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, which has jurisdiction over the IRS and Treasury Department.\r\nThe letter is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/kennedy-s-improving-mental-health-access-for-students-act-passes-senate-unanimously", "Kennedys Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act passes Senate unanimously", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON The Senate today unanimously passed John Kennedy's (R-La.)Improving Mental Health Access for Students Actto improve college students' access to available mental health resources. The legislation requires higher education institutions to print the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Crisis Text Line and an on-campus mental health program on the back of student identification cards or provide that information on the school's website.\r\nNow, more than at any point in my life, young people need helping hands and listening ears.Mental health resources can be lifesaving, and college students deserve to know what help is available to them when they need it most. I hope the House takes the opportunity to send this bill to the president's desk so young people who are facing new public health and social challenges know that they're not alone,said Kennedy.\r\nIn 2017, suicide took the lives of over 47,000 people, making it the tenth leading cause of death overall in the U.S. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students, and 39% of college students report experiencing a significant mental health issue.\r\nVideo of the senator's floor speech about the bill is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2020/12/16/higgins-votes-improve-veterans-caregiver-programs/", "Higgins Votes to Improve Veterans Caregiver Programs", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted today to pass S. 2216, the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act, which formally recognizes approved caregivers of Veterans on electronic health records and authorizes the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.\n\nIn 2017, Congressman Higgins introduced similar legislation calling on the VA to audit its caregiver programs and implement necessary reforms. More information on that bill can be found here.\n\nCongressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cSince coming to Congress, my office has worked to improve caregiver programs within the VA and VHA. Family caregivers provide critical support for our disabled Veterans. VA programs should fully support Veterans in need of constant care. I\u2019m encouraged to see these VA reforms passed and heading to President Trump\u2019s desk. One battle at a time, one issue at a time, regardless of anything else that might be happening in America, we must never lose focus on the debt owed to our Veterans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-votes-improve-veterans-caregiver-programs", "Higgins Votes to Improve Veterans Caregiver Programs", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted today to pass S. 2216, the TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act, which formally recognizes approved caregivers of Veterans on electronic health records and authorizes the VA to temporarily extend benefits under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. In 2017, Congressman Higgins introduced similar legislation calling on the VA to audit its caregiver programs and implement necessary reforms. More information on that bill can be foundhere. Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n \n\tSince coming to Congress, my office has worked to improve caregiver programs within the VA and VHA. Family caregivers provide critical support for our disabled Veterans. VA programs should fully support Veterans in need of constant care. I'm encouraged to see these VA reforms passed and heading to President Trump's desk. One battle at a time, one issue at a time, regardless of anything else that might be happening in America, we must never lose focus on the debt owed to our Veterans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2020/12/15/higgins-covid-19-relief-shouldnt-fund-bailouts-fiscally-irresponsible-cities/", "Higgins: COVID-19 Relief Shouldn\u2019t Fund Bailouts for Fiscally Irresponsible Cities, States", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) sent a letter today to House and Senate leadership urging them to ensure any forthcoming COVID-19 relief package will NOT be used to bail out state and local governments who have mismanaged their finances for decades.\n\nThe letter reads, in part, \u201cPrior to the onset of COVID-19, many states and municipalities were already experiencing budget shortfalls due to decades of their own negligence and liberal policies. Now, under the guise of COVID-19 financial relief, those same liberal government entities are anticipating tremendous sums of money, untold billions of dollars, from the Federal government. All Americans want to help our small towns, cities, counties, and parishes. We want to help them recover from COVID-19 economic impact. However, Americans do NOT want COVID-19 relief monies used to float the debt and deficit spending of fiscally irresponsible cities across America.\u201d\n\nIt continues, \u201cWe must recognize that we are in a unique position to place reasonable, common-sense parameters in the language of any pending COVID-19 relief bill, to constrain which municipalities and states are able to benefit from this taxpayer-funded program. Prioritizing funding to those government entities within our sovereign states who were fiscally responsible prior to the onset of COVID-19 should be our mission.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-covid-19-relief-shouldn-t-fund-bailouts-fiscally-irresponsible-cities", "Higgins: COVID-19 Relief Shouldnt Fund Bailouts for Fiscally Irresponsible Cities, States", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) sent a letter today to House and Senate leadership urging them to ensure any forthcoming COVID-19 relief package will NOT be used to bail out state and local governments who have mismanaged their finances for decades.  \n\t  \n\tThe letter reads, in part, Prior to the onset of COVID-19, many states and municipalities were already experiencing budget shortfalls due to decades of their own negligence and liberal policies. Now, under the guise of COVID-19 financial relief, those same liberal government entities are anticipating tremendous sums of money, untold billions of dollars, from the Federal government. All Americans want to help our small towns, cities, counties, and parishes. We want to help them recover from COVID-19 economic impact. However, Americans do NOT want COVID-19 relief monies used to float the debt and deficit spending of fiscally irresponsible cities across America.  \n\t  \n\tIt continues, We must recognize that we are in a unique position to place reasonable, common-sense parameters in the language of any pending COVID-19 relief bill, to constrain which municipalities and states are able to benefit from this taxpayer-funded program. Prioritizing funding to those government entities within our sovereign states who were fiscally responsible prior to the onset of COVID-19 should be our mission.  \n\t  \n\tRead the full letter below or as a pdf here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-announces-policy-team-changes", "Scalise Announces Policy Team Changes", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced today that Bill Hughes, his longtime Policy Director, will retire in the new year, with Marty Reiser, the current Deputy Policy Director assuming the role of Policy Director. Bill has been with Team Scalise for the entirety of Scalise's tenure as Whip  for six and a half years  and Hughes has spent more than 31 years working in Congress, serving as Policy Director to the Speaker of the House, as a Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate, and staff director for the Senate Republican Policy Committee. Marty Reiser also joined Team Scalise in 2014 and has served as the Deputy Policy Director and Business Coalitions Director in the Whip Office. In recent years, Marty was instrumental in developing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, USMCA, and coronavirus-related issues with the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. Before his time with Team Scalise, Marty was a Health Subcommittee staffer at the House Ways and Means Committee and a Chief of Staff in the House. He has also done stints in the private sector with Xerox, Citizens for a Sound Economy, and the Republican National Committee. Bill was my first hire after I was elected as Republican Whip in 2014. He has been a constant presence and a steady hand for the past six years with Team Scalise, and it is no exaggeration to say that the past three decades of federal legislating would look very different without Bill's positive influence. He is revered for his deep institutional knowledge and has been an invaluable source of advice and guidance to me, as well as Republican leadership, both in the Senate and the House, for years. He is a dedicated public servant with a storied career, and the American people are better off for his service. I wish him a well-deserved retirement and a relaxing next chapter of his accomplished life. Bill will be deeply missed on Capitol Hill. Marty is respected by both sides of the aisle and has built a well-earned reputation as a doer and a problem-solver. He has resolved some of the thorniest legislative logjams in recent memory and is a close friend to staffers and representatives alike. Our policy team is in capable hands with Marty stepping into the role of Policy Director. I'm excited to see what we will accomplish together over the coming years.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-blasts-dems-playing-games-covid-relief", "Scalise Blasts Dems for Playing Games with COVID Relief", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends to discusshow Speaker Pelosi has refused to provide a clear answer onif Democrat leadership knew about Rep. Eric Swalwell's ties to a Chinese spy when he was hand-placed on the House Intelligence Committee and why he remains on the Intelligence Committee today.  Whip Scalise also called on Speaker Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to stop playing politics with COVID-19 relief and to hold a vote on bipartisan legislation such as Paycheck Protection Program funding to provide immediate relief to small businesses.\n\t\n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn the resignation of Attorney General William Barr:\n\t\"He got to leave on his own terms and, you know, ready to move on. And look, he served a long time there. He came back to help the Trump Administration, and there's a lot to clean up within the Justice Department, there still is. And I think people would still like to see some resolution to review the things outstanding from the last few years. But in the end, he and the President left on good terms, which is most important there.\"\n\tOn Rep. Eric Swalwell's reported ties to a Chinese spy and position on the House Intelligence Committee:\n\tNo, and in fact, it's alarming the silence is deafening right now on this Swalwell scandal where you had a Chinese spy actually have some kind of relationship with him. A lot of people are asking what was that relationship and how long back does it go?\n\t\n\tReports are that it goes back to when he was a councilman, long before he was in Congress, and that the Chinese spy helped fund the money for him, or actually helped infiltrate his office, got some other people in his office that were probably spies. And then he gets on the House Intelligence Committee just in his second term, which is very alarming. That doesn't happen that often and that quickly. So, the real question there is did Speaker Pelosi know that he had a relationship with a Chinese spy prior to putting him on the House Intelligence Committee? All these questions need to be asked and the bottom line is he should be removed.\n\tOn Speaker Pelosi's decision to put Rep. Swalwell on the House Intelligence Committee possibly knowing he had reported ties to a Chinese spy:\n\tWell, first of all, very few people get these private briefings. The bottom line is only Speaker Pelosi puts Democrats on the Intelligence Committee. Our leader, Kevin McCarthy, is the one who puts Republicans on. So, Speaker Pelosi is the only one who put him on, and if she did it knowing that he had this relationship with a Chinese spy and that his office had been infiltrated by the spy, that raises serious questions. But why doesn't she take him off while these answers still haven't yet been resolved? A lot of questions, I mean, we need to get resolved. And it's alarming, again, that you had somebody at this highest level on the House Intelligence Committee that the Chinese had infiltrated.\n\t\n\tAnd by the way, it also raises the question, why did Speaker Pelosi back away from the bipartisan commission on China? We were working on a commission to look into China's wrongdoings on so many fronts and ultimately, Speaker Pelosi backed out. Kevin McCarthy still went forward. [Rep. Mike McCaul] put together a great report from that commission  alarming questions that it raises about China. But why did Speaker Pelosi back away from that just a few months ago?\n\tOn the urgent need to pass PPP and provide immediate relief to small businesses:  We need to get it done. And look, going back to September, we've been raising the issue of another round of [Paycheck Protection Program] loans just for those small businesses like you had on earlier. The heartbreaking stories where these governors are just crushing these businesses not based on science.\n\t\n\t[]\n\t\n\t[Paycheck Protection Program funding] should have been passed back in September, and for whatever reason, the Speaker held that up. But at the end of the day, we need to get this done. [Democrats] need to stop demanding ridiculous things like bailing out failed states. And then they were trying to give checks to people here illegally in the country. I mean, $1,200 checks to people here illegally but no money for these small businesses. It's got to change. I hope we get this done this week. It should have been done back in September. And these governors need to stop crushing these small businesses. And by the way, it's do as I say, not as I do for these folks because these governors are going out to restaurants and telling you not to.\n\tOn the need for Speaker Pelosi and Chuck Schumer to stop playing politics with COVID relief:\n\tIf you put it on the Floor today, the things you mentioned that we agree on, it would pass overwhelmingly. And that's why Speaker Pelosi needs to stop playing games on the things we disagree on. Bring the things to the Floor we agree upon. Let's help these small businesses and families who are struggling. It would get done.\n\t\n\t[]\n\t\n\tWell, but the Democrats have been blocking it. They have a 60-vote requirement [in the Senate] and it seems like Chuck Schumer wants to keep holding that up. Put the bills on the Floor that we agree on and it would pass overwhelmingly.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hassan-colleagues-ask-senate-leadership-to-include-surprise-medical-billing-fix-in-year-end-spending-bill", "Cassidy, Hassan, Colleagues Ask Senate Leadership to Include Surprise Medical Billing Fix in Year-End Spending Bill", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy, Hassan, Colleagues Ask Senate Leadership to Include Surprise Medical Billing Fix in Year-End Spending Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and 25 of their Senate colleagues sent a letter to Senate leadership today requesting that they include a four-committee, bipartisan agreement to end surprise medical billing in the year-end spending bill.\r\nThe agreement holds patients harmless from surprise medical bills and provides a fair arbitration process to resolve disputes between health care providers and insurers. It does not undermine any existing state laws, nor does it include rate setting or a threshold to access arbitration to resolve billing disputes. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and House Committees on Ways and Means, Education and Labor, and Energy and Commerce have all given their stamps of approval on the agreement.\r\nThe practice of surprise medical billing needs to end. This practice has been especially damaging during COVID-19 when patients receive large unexpected bills weeks after they go to the emergency room,the senators wrote.There will never be a broader bipartisan, bicameral solution to ending surprise medical billing, and we should deal with it now. Patients cannot wait any longer.\r\nIn addition to Cassidy and Hassan, other senators who signed the letting include U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Doug Jones (D-AL), John Kennedy (R-LA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Rob Portman (R-OH), Tom Carper (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Todd young (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), John Hoeven (R-ND), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mike Braun (R-IN).\r\nRead the letter here.\r\n\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-lawmakers-share-text-of-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-bills", "Cassidy, Lawmakers Share Text of Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bills", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.14.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy, Lawmakers Share Text of Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bills \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Angus King (I-ME), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Rob Portman (R-OH), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Tom Reed (R-NY-23) shared the legislative text for the two bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief bills.\r\nThe Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020 provides as much as $748 billion in relief to Americanstudents, families, businesses, workers, and health care providersduring this crisis. The Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020 provides $160 billion in funding for state and local governments and liability protections if an agreement is reached on liability protections.\r\nCOVID infections are rising. Small businesses owners and their employees are afraid of going bankrupt and losing their jobs. Families are wondering how to afford food and rent. This bill reflects weeks of good-faith negotiations from both Republicans and Democrats to find a solution that delivers relief to struggling Americans. This is Congress' last chance to pass a relief bill before Christmas. We must deliver for the good of our country,said Dr. Cassidy.\r\nClick herefor bill text of the Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020.\r\nClick here for a summary of the Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020\r\nClick here for bill text of the Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020.\r\nClick here for a summary of the Bipartisan State and Local Support and Small Business Protection Act of 2020.\r\nClick here to view Cassidy's press conference remarks on YouTube.\r\nClick here to download Cassidy's press conference remarks.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/icymi-louisiana-investors-need-accountability-for-foreign-companies-and-congress-delivered", "ICYMI: Louisiana investors need accountability for foreign companiesand Congress delivered", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, published thisop-edin the Baton Rouge Business Report on December 11, 2020.\r\nBelow are key excerpts from the piece, which examines the threat posed by foreign companies that are listed on U.S. stock markets but refuse to submit to the same auditing rules as other firms:\r\nLuckin Coffee, known as China's answer to Starbucks,' has a casual relationship with the truth. In April, the company was forced to disclose that its chief operating officer, Jian Liu,inflated its 2019 sales by $310 million. The revelation caused Luckin Coffee's shares to fall by80%, and its value todropfrom $12.7 billion to less than $800 million.\r\n. . .\r\nLuckin Coffee was finallydelistedfrom the American NASDAQ stock exchange, but the damage was done. Americans who invested in the Chinese company had already suffered tremendous financial damage.\r\nThe problem is that Luckin Coffee is just one of almost200 Chinese companieslisted in America not subject to inspection by the federal Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). These companies claim that Chinese secrecy laws prevent them from sharing sensitive' paperwork for auditing by the PCAOB.\r\n. . .\r\nTo combat this threat, Congress just unanimously passed a measure with two main provisions: First, the bill requires foreign companies to certify that they are not owned or controlled by a foreign governmentlike Communist China. The provision also requires companies to disclose any involvement by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials. Second, any foreign company that does not open its books for PCAOB auditing for three consecutive years will be banned from trading stocks on U.S. markets. \r\nThat's key to how this bill, theHolding Foreign Companies Accountable (HFCA) Act, will protect investors at home. Many Louisianians and their fellow Americans rely on their stock portfolios for their retirement and education savings. It's past time we safeguarded them from fraud by kicking bad actors off our markets.\r\n. . .\r\nThe HFCA Act passed without a single nay' vote because it will strengthen the credibility of U.S. stock markets, ensuring everyone plays by the same rules. As we recover from the economic challenges of a pandemic, the HFCA Act gives Louisiana investors peace of mind.\r\n. . .\r\nChina's deception has gone on for long enough. With bipartisan agreement already forged, the HFCA Act is now on the president's desk, where he can sign it into law before more good people get hurt. Americans deserve accountability from foreign companies, and it's finally within reach.\r\nThe full op-ed is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-blasts-dem-hypocrisy-crushing-americas-small-businesses", "Scalise Blasts Dem Hypocrisy Crushing America's Small Businesses", "2020-12-13", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel's Justice with Judge Jeanine to discuss the misplaced priorities and blatant hypocrisy from Democrat politicians across the country who are using COVID-19 lockdowns to crush America's small businesses and the jobs they support. Whip Scalise blasted the local leaders and governors who are enforcing these restrictions on struggling small business owners, yet they don't abide by the rules themselves.\n\t\n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn the misplaced priorities behind COVID-19 restrictions:\n\tThink about some of these mayors who have been trying to defund police and they don't want them to lock up criminals, but then they tell them to go lock up the local restaurant owner who is just trying to make ends meet and keep people employed during Christmas. Talk about misplaced priorities of these local leaders. And then they're going to try to dump it all on our hard-working men and women in uniform. So, you know, law enforcement wants to be out there keeping our streets safe, they don't go to work every day so they can go arrest a local restaurant owner. This is ridiculous.\n\tOn the hypocrisy from Democrat politicians:\n\tThis is part of the government control movement. This is what socialists do, they want to run your life. This isn't about science. If it was about science, these governors, Speaker Pelosi, a lot of these mayors that you've been highlighting that are hypocrites  they're out there telling you [that] you can't go to your favorite restaurant, but they're going to their favorite restaurant. They're saying you can't hang out with your family for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and then you see pictures of them in Cabo hanging out with their family. You know, again, if the science was there, if they were risking people's lives, they wouldn't be doing it themselves.\n\tThey are crushing, crushing these small businesses, the millions of jobs that are tied to it and they just don't seem to care. Speaker Pelosi won't even bring up a bill on the House Floor that would get almost unanimous support that would allow these small businesses who are struggling to get another round of PPP loans. Just because, she said the other day she doesn't want to help them, she's waiting for a new president. My God, these businesses can't wait and for them to see that it's only about politics, it just disgusts people. And then the Democrat hypocrisy on top of that of do as they say, not as they do is what really undermines their credibility.\n\tOn the liberal media's baseless awards given to Democrat leaders:\n\tIf this doesn't show just how they were all rooting and cheering for Joe Biden for a year. The whole year they have been trying to get Donald Trump out of office because they don't agree with what he's doing because he's actually doing what he said he [would do] cleaning up the mess in Washington, got our country back on track. And they've never agreed with that kind of tough America First strategy that worked, and so they wanted to unravel what he has been doing from day one. You know, putting [Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as TIME's 2020 Person of the Year], it's like giving [Governor Andrew Cuomo] an Emmy Award for goodness sake. I mean, he's crushing businesses still to this day, he killed thousands of seniors in nursing homes and they give him an award for it.\n\tOn President Trump's historic accomplishments:\n\tPresident Trump has delivered so much Middle East peace. [The Democrat hypocrisy] needs to go away, but I think people are tuning that stuff out. I don't know how many will be buying that TIME Magazine and Person of the Year Award compared to maybe 15, 20 years ago, but it's a lot lower number because people have just tuned out the liberal bias. They know it, they see it, and they're tired of it. But look, President Trump should have gotten the [Nobel Peace Prize] just for what he did with UAE and Bahrain, and as you said now Morocco. There are other countries in line as well, because he's actually delivered. He stood by our allies and he's delivered a more peaceful world. And for that, they hate him. Because the same people like John Kerry who said there would never be a peace deal, they never know what they're talking about.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hassan-bennet-statement-on-bipartisan-surprise-medical-billing-agreement", "Cassidy, Hassan, Bennet Statement on Bipartisan Surprise Medical Billing Agreement", "2020-12-12", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.12.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy, Hassan, Bennet Statement on Bipartisan Surprise Medical Billing Agreement \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) released the following statement on thebipartisan House and Senate agreementon a measure to end the practice of surprise medical bills:\r\nWe have heard from constituents time and time again who did everything right when going to the doctor's office or hospital but were left on the hook for surprise medical bills, sometimes to the tune of thousands of dollars. This isabhorrentand deeply unfair for families in our states of New Hampshire, Louisiana, and Colorado, and across the country. Back in 2019, we teamed up across the aisle and with our colleagues in the House of Representatives to find a solution to end the practice of surprise medical bills. Today's agreement is a big step forward andreflects much of our work in theSTOP Act. Wewill continue working together to get a bill passed into law this year to address this critical issue facingpatients andour constituents.\r\nSenators Cassidy, Hassan and Bennet have led efforts to address surprise medical bills. Senators Cassidy and Hassan worked for months with members from both parties to craft theSTOP Surprise Medical Bills Actto end this practice. In May of 2019, Senators Hassan and Cassidy joined President Trump at aWhite House eventon the need to address this issue.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-speaker-pelosis-game-must-end", "Scalise: Speaker Pelosi's Game Must End", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joinedRepublican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.), and other House Republicans to demand that Speaker Pelosi stop holding PPP relief hostage while she plays political games.While Speaker Pelosi uses this crisis to play politics, Whip Scalise emphasized how small businesses and the jobs they support don't have a second to spare when bipartisan PPP relief could be immediately available.  \n\nClickhereor on the image above to view his remarks.\nOn Republican efforts to provide targeted relief to small businesses:\n\t\"When you look at where we are right now as a country, there are thousands of small businesses that will spend this weekend trying to figure out whether or not they're going to be able to remain open. Whether their dreams are going to be crushed, whether the millions of families who rely on those jobs will be able to sustain themselves through Christmas. And during that period, for months now, we have been trying to get a vote on a bill that everybody agrees on. The [Rep. Steve Chabot] bill that [Rep. Jamie Herrera Beutler] has the discharge petition on is very straightforward.\n\t\n\t\"There are a lot of areas where we're still in disagreement, but one area where we all came together and passed the CARES Act was that we need to help those small businesses who are struggling and those families who are wondering whether or not they're going to have a job to go back to on Monday. We should not be leaving today without passing that Chabot bill. If it was put on the suspension calendar, [] I'd suggest we would get over 400 votes on that bill. There is wide bipartisan support. And yet, we see Speaker Pelosi continues to play games. She admitted the other day, as our Leader pointed out, that one of the reasons she won't bring up bills like this is because she's waiting for a new president. These small businesses don't have the time to wait on a new president or some political game by the Speaker before they make a decision on whether or not they will close for good.\"\n\tOn Speaker Pelosi using the COVID crisis as leverage to play politics:\n\t\"We've already lost over 100,000 restaurants in America that will never reopen. A third of every single small business in the entire state of New York is gone for good. This is a real issue that we don't have time to wait on. There's a long list of areas where we are in disagreement. Every time the President, or Secretary Mnuchin, or Mitch McConnell put out another plan on the table, all Speaker Pelosi does is says No.' She doesn't come up with an alternative. They continue to play partisan games and people's lives are at stake. This game has to end. This game of chicken where hostages are being taken, and the hostages are America's small businesses. The hostages are millions of families who just want to be able to go back to work.\"\n\tOn Democrats' unbelievable double standards and hypocrisy:\n\t\"The safety protocols are out there. You've had some of the smartest minds in medicine say there's nothing wrong with having safety protocols where you spread people out and have outdoor dining. And yet, you've got some of these governors across the country that are telling you [that] you can't go to your local restaurant, yet they're going to their favorite restaurant. That hypocrisy by these Democrat governors and mayors has to come to an end. It has to end now. How many times have we seen examples of a governor telling you [that] you can't do something and they're doing it? A Mayor telling you [that] you can't do something, and then they're caught doing it. A mayor [going to] Cabo telling you not to hang out with your family when he's hanging out with his family for Thanksgiving. This is madness, this is insanity, and it's not based on science. If it was based on science, they wouldn't be doing it. But they're doing it to control these small businesses, to crush these small businesses.\"\n\tOn the immediate need for a vote on PPP relief:\n\t\"We see what's going on. Everybody sees what's going on. The Speaker acknowledged it the other day where she admits she's playing games with people because she wants to wait until the new president's there. She doesn't want Trump to get credit. This isn't about who gets credit, it's about who we can save, who we can help, who needs help, and we're in agreement on parts of this. Let's pass the bills that we have agreement on. And there are really good bills that we do. That Chabot bill is one example. You could literally save every small business in this country that's struggling by bringing up that bill and it wouldn't even add a dime to the deficit. That money, the $138 billion dollars, is sitting in an account frozen. This isn't a new program; this is a program that's been widely successful. Our local banks know who these small businesses are. They need the relief now; they can't wait another week.\n\t\n\t\"I've been telling the Majority Leader in our colloquy since September that this bill is out there and has wide bipartisan support, and [Democrats] don't deny it. They just point to all the areas where we disagree while they're holding these small businesses hostage. The game has to end. They need to bring this bill to the [House Floor] and we're calling on Speaker Pelosi to bring this bill to the Floor to save all of these small businesses who are dying on the vine and need this relief. They need the relief today, not next week, not next month, not whenever Pelosi decides to stop playing games. So, that's what we're calling on the Speaker to do. Bring up the Chabot bill. Let's give the relief to these small businesses who need it now. Let's save those millions of jobs so that they can have their Christmas like we want everybody else to be able to celebrate this Christmas season.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-was-dem-leadership-aware-rep-swalwells-ties-chinese-spy", "Scalise: Was Dem Leadership Aware of Rep. Swalwell's Ties to Chinese Spy?", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.)pressed Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) in today's colloquy on why Democrats are continuing to hold assistance for small businesses hostage in COVID-relief negotiations. Whip Scalise pointed out that both Republicans and Democrats are in full agreement that small businesses need help and need it now, as over 110,000 restaurants have closed since the start of the pandemic. Scalise also brought up reports of a Chinese spy infiltrating the office of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), and asked if Democrat leadership was aware of Rep. Swalwell's reported ties to a Chinese spy before Rep. Swalwell was placed on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Majority Leader Hoyer did not have a clear answer. See highlights from the colloquy below.  \n\t  On the urgent need to pass PPP and provide immediate relief to small businesses:   \n\n\tClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\n  I agree that we need to continue these negotiations and get a resolution and hopefully we will in the coming week, both on COVID relief and on the funding of government. We've agreed on caps already, hopefully we maintain that and get that done to give certainty to all of our agencies. We know how much money it costs the Defense Department, for example, every week that we're in a Continuing Resolution, potentially billions of dollars that it costs just in procurement and the loss of those efficiencies. So, I share your optimism that we can get it done, and, obviously, we need to continue working through these final issues.\n\t\n\t\"I do want to thank the gentleman as we talked last week at the colloquy about the ALS Disability Insurance Access Act, and thank the gentleman then for scheduling it this week and it passed without opposition. One of those examples where we do work and come together and do something that actually helps people. This will help hundreds, possibly thousands of people struggling with ALS to be able to get access to the tools they need that they, under current law, are being denied. And to see the House come together so overwhelmingly to do that shows that we can, when we put our minds to it, work to actually help people. And this will help people in all of our districts. And I thank the gentleman again for getting that done, getting that bill to the Floor, and ultimately now all of us coming together to pass that bill on to the Senate and the President.\n\t\n\t\"I want to again bring up the Paycheck Protection Program bill by Congressman Chabot. This is a bill we've been talking about at this colloquy since September. And each week that goes by, we know that there is a list, unfortunately it's a long list of areas where we have disagreement. There's also a list of areas where we have full agreement. And if you look, a number of items where we've already decided we both Republicans and Democrats want to do this, then there are those items that we're strongly opposed to on our side or you're strongly opposed to on your side. And I would just continue to emphasize that these small businesses can't wait for us to get an agreement or never get an agreement while there are things we could do to help them today, to save them today. And we continue to hear the heartbreaking stories. Over 100,000 restaurants in America have closed for good  gone. I know K-Paul's restaurant in New Orleans, one of the world-famous restaurants. International Chef Paul Prudhomme invented blackened redfish at that restaurant  it's gone. Too many other stories to mention.\n\t\n\t\"We see heartbreaking stories of a restaurant owner in Los Angeles who's being told she can't operate, and literally in the same parking lot next to her tents are tents of a film studio that's able to operate. And so, it's not about science in those cases, it's about some government official picking winners and losers. And unfortunately, the losers are America's small businesses. This needs to stop. I would just encourage the gentleman to bring the Chabot bill [to the House Floor]. A bill that has wide bipartisan support that would save [small businesses]. Today, we're going to lose, just today, about 150 restaurants, and that number is even higher for other small businesses  in the hundreds a day. Friday we'll lose 150 restaurants, Saturday we'll lose 150 restaurants, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, we'll lose 150. We'll lose over 700 restaurants between now and when we come back Tuesday. We don't have to do that. If that bill was put on the Floor today it would have passed overwhelmingly, maybe unanimously, because it's an area of agreement.\n\t\n\t\"This idea of holding hostage these small businesses that are dying on the vine while we try to get an agreement that we haven't been able to get since August. Why can't we just do the things that we agree on now while we negotiate the other things? Some of those things will never become law, and yet, it's holding up the things that we agree on that would save small businesses today. 150 restaurants today will go under that shouldn't, shouldn't have gone under. We could have saved them. There are thousands of jobs tied to this, at Christmas time, that don't need to be gone if we just pass the things we agree on while we negotiate the things we don't. Because we may never get agreement on those things, but don't let it hold these families hostage. Don't let it hold these small businesses hostage. I would just urge, again, that the gentleman bring the Chabot bill to the Floor as soon as possible. We know it would pass overwhelmingly.\"\n\tOn Rep. Eric Swalwell's reported ties to a Chinese spy and position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence:\n\t\n\n\tClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\n  Scalise:\"Finally, I want to ask the Majority Leader about reports that have come up about a member of the Intelligence Committee, Mr. Swalwell, having some kind of ties to a Chinese spy. There are alarming issues that are being raised. We haven't gotten a lot of answers. I know many are asking: Was it known prior to the time he was put on the Intelligence Committee that there was this relationship with a Chinese spy? \"There are also reports that the Chinese spy also was able to infiltrate his office and possibly put other spies in his office. Is the gentleman was the gentleman aware, maybe it was just the Speaker that was aware, but were you all aware of this tie to a Chinese spy prior to him being put on the committee? And why is he still on the Intelligence Committee? And I would yield.\" Hoyer: \"I thank the gentleman. I don't have the facts but, obviously, our position is that if there are facts being raised that ought to be looked at, they ought to be looked at. But I don't have the facts and don't want to comment on the issue itself, because I don't know enough about it to do so. But I think all due diligence will be pursued. I yield back.\" Scalise: \"I thank the gentleman for yielding. I hope we get those answers. These are serious questions that have been raised and we're talking about a committee that deals with the most sensitive intelligence information. \"In fact, most members of Congress do not have access to that level of intelligence that members of the Intelligence Committee get. And possibly their staffs have the ability to see some of that and if an office was infiltrated by spies from a foreign country, especially China at a time when we are investigating China and raising serious questions about them. These are questions that need to be answered. And I hope we get answers soon.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2020/12/09/higgins-bill-improve-dhs-opioid-detection-capabilities-passes-senate-heads/", "Higgins\u2019 Bill to Improve DHS\u2019 Opioid Detection Capabilities Passes Senate, Heads to President Trump\u2019s Desk", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Border Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Clay Higgins\u2019 (R-LA) H.R. 4761, the DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019, passed the U.S. Senate this week via unanimous consent. The bipartisan legislation now heads to President Trump\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nThe legislation ensures U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have chemical screening devices capable of identifying narcotics with purity levels of 10% or less, which reflects the purity of most fentanyl seized at the southwest border. The bill also requires DHS to implement a plan for the long-term development of a centralized spectral database for chemical screening devices, allowing DHS to push out data to the field as new drug analogs or spectra are identified.\n\nView an outline of the DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019 here.\n\nCongressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cOur Homeland Security pro-law enforcement bill is heading to President Trump\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Getting bipartisan legislation passed through Congress during an era of incredibly divisive political posturing by both parties reflects my steadfast commitment to Constitutionalist core principles. Even during the most challenging times, it\u2019s possible to get things done for America. The DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act helps secure the border and protects our communities against fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. This was a very significant effort. We introduced HR 4761 in October of 2019. My legislative staff and the Homeland Security Committee legislative staff are dedicated Patriots. I\u2019m encouraged to see solid Thin Blue Line legislation advance to President Trump to be signed into law despite divisions in Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2020/12/09/higgins-water-resources-bill-includes-win-calcasieu-ship-channel/", "Higgins: Water Resources Bill Includes Win for Calcasieu Ship Channel", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Higgins Urges Federal Investigation Into Los Angeles Election Fraud Allegations, Calls for Funding Freeze\n\nLAFAYETTE, LA \u2014 Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) sent a letter today to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD...\n\nread more\n\nHiggins Urges Nation to \u2018Stand Back Up in the Glory of God\u2019 in House Floor Speech\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) spoke on the House Floor Tuesday evening, celebrating this year\u2019s...\n\nread more", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-bill-improve-dhs-opioid-detection-capabilities-passes-senate-heads", "Higgins' Bill to Improve DHS' Opioid Detection Capabilities Passes Senate, Heads to President Trump's Desk", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Border Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Clay Higgins' (R-LA) H.R. 4761, the DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019, passed the U.S. Senate this week via unanimous consent. The bipartisan legislation now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.  \n\t  \n\tThe legislation ensures U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have chemical screening devices capable of identifying narcotics with purity levels of 10% or less, which reflects the purity of most fentanyl seized at the southwest border. The bill also requires DHS to implement a plan for the long-term development of a centralized spectral database for chemical screening devices, allowing DHS to push out data to the field as new drug analogs or spectra are identified.  \n\t  \n\tView an outline of the DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019 here.  \n\t  Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n \n\tOur Homeland Security pro-law enforcement bill is heading to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Getting bipartisan legislation passed through Congress during an era of incredibly divisive political posturing by both parties reflects my steadfast commitment to Constitutionalist core principles. Even during the most challenging times, it's possible to get things done for America. The DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act helps secure the border and protects our communities against fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. This was a very significant effort. We introduced HR 4761 in October of 2019. My legislative staff and the Homeland Security Committee legislative staff are dedicated Patriots. I'm encouraged to see solid Thin Blue Line legislation advance to President Trump to be signed into law despite divisions in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-water-resources-bill-includes-win-calcasieu-ship-channel", "Higgins: Water Resources Bill Includes Win for Calcasieu Ship Channel", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) commended House passage of S. 1811, the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA), which authorizes improvements to America's ports, waterways, and water management infrastructure. \nThe bill includes Congressman Higgins' amendment to expedite access to sediment disposal sites for dredging work on the Calcasieu River & Pass project. Read more about the amendment here.\nCongressman Higgins issued the following statement:   \n \n\tMaritime infrastructure plays a significant role in South Louisiana's economy. This WRDA package authorizes infrastructure improvements and makes necessary reforms to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers processes. That includes our amendment expediting access to viable sediment disposal sites for dredging on the Calcasieu Ship Channel. The availability of those sites has become even more urgent following Hurricanes Laura and Delta. We'll continue working with industry, state, and federal partners to improve dredging efforts and grow commercial activity for the region.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/icymi-kennedy-delivers-speech-honoring-wafb-s-diane-deaton", "ICYMI: Kennedy delivers speech honoring WAFBs Diane Deaton", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. John Kennedy (R-La) gave a speech honoring Diane Deaton, a weather forecaster in Baton Rouge, who announced she will retire after 37 years on the job.\r\nMs. Deaton has worked for WAFB-TV, serving on both 9News This Morning and on Early Edition. She is also widely known for her humanitarian work in Baton Rouge, having built homes for Habitat for Humanity, tutored first and second-graders, and visited young patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital.\r\nI'm glad to hear that Diane will not be leaving our great stateI want to emphasize thatshe is going to retire in Louisiana. And I hope she enjoys every moment, every single moment, she gets to sleep in after December 18. No one can argue, no fair-minded person can argue, that she hasn't earned a rest, even though her familiar weather casts will be sorely missed in a state that takes more than our fair share of beatings from Mother Nature,said Kennedy.\r\nI thank you for the chance to honor Diane Deaton for all of her hard work on behalf of everyone who relies on WAFB-TV for news, and for everyone in Louisiana and Baton Rouge whom her volunteer work has touchedand that numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Diane, may the years ahead bring as much joy to you as you have brought to our state and our community. God bless you,concluded Kennedy.\r\nVideo of the speech is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/kennedy-leads-delegation-letter-asking-president-trump-for-additional-hurricane-relief-funds", "Kennedy leads delegation letter asking President Trump for additional hurricane relief funds", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), together with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Reps. Clay Higgins (R-La.), Steve Scalise (R-La.), Mike Johnson (R-La.), Garret Graves (R-La.) and Ralph Abraham (R-La.), today asked President Donald Trump to request supplemental disaster funds to help Louisiana recover from extensive hurricane damage caused by this season's storms.\r\nWe ask that you request emergency appropriations for the many Federal agencies with experience in long-term disaster recovery who are standing by and well-equipped to provide relief to families in Louisiana and take action to protect life and property ahead of the next disaster. These include the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Economic Development Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard, and emergency appropriations for federal highways. Finally, we ask that you take into consideration the cumulative impact of this hurricane season on Louisiana and use your authority under Sec. 1232 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act to approve an increase in the Federal cost-share for Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta. Louisiana has borne the brunt of this exceptionally destructive season, and we believe these actions will allow Louisiana to recover in the most efficient manner possible, wrote the lawmakers.\r\nThis year, five categorized storms struck Louisiana, affecting all 64 parishes. The most powerful of these storms, Hurricane Laura, hit southwest Louisiana as a Category 4 storm and is one of the strongest storms to make landfall in American history. Hurricane Laura alone caused an estimated $14 billion in damages to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Hurricane Delta added to the damage when it made landfall in the same area just 42 days later.\r\nThe letter is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2020/12/08/higgins-announces-funding-expand-rural-broadband/", "Higgins Announces Funding to Expand Rural Broadband", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will award more than $342 million for rural broadband expansion in Louisiana. The investment comes through the FCC\u2019s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and will expand access to nearly 176,000 unserved homes and businesses over the next 10 years.\n\nThe announcement includes more than $33 million for Louisiana\u2019s 3rd District, impacting nearly 20,000 homes and businesses.\n\nAcadia Parish \u2013 $4,666,219\n\nCalcasieu Parish \u2013 $4,612,805\n\nCameron Parish \u2013 $881,896\n\nIberia Parish \u2013 $821,790\n\nJeff Davis Parish \u2013 $10,242,111\n\nLafayette Parish \u2013 $422,720\n\nSt. Landry Parish \u2013 $6,961,720\n\nSt. Martin Parish \u2013 $1,237,039\n\nSt. Mary Parish \u2013 $1,859,845\n\nVermilion Parish \u2013 $1,304,399\n\nCongressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cAccess to high-speed broadband service has become critical for everyday life. These investments provide much-needed support and help lessen connectivity gaps in Louisiana\u2019s rural communities. We support those efforts and will continue working to expand reliable and high-quality broadband access throughout Louisiana.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-announces-funding-expand-rural-broadband", "Higgins Announces Funding to Expand Rural Broadband", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will award more than $342 million for rural broadband expansion in Louisiana. The investment comes through the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and will expand access to nearly 176,000 unserved homes and businesses over the next 10 years. The announcement includes more than $33 million for Louisiana's 3rd District, impacting nearly 20,000 homes and businesses.\n Acadia Parish - $4,666,219\n\tCalcasieu Parish - $4,612,805\n\tCameron Parish - $881,896\n\tIberia Parish - $821,790\n\tJeff Davis Parish - $10,242,111\n\tLafayette Parish - $422,720\n\tSt. Landry Parish  $6,961,720\n\tSt. Martin Parish - $1,237,039\n\tSt. Mary Parish - $1,859,845\n\tVermilion Parish - $1,304,399\n   Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n \n\tAccess to high-speed broadband service has become critical for everyday life. These investments provide much-needed support and help lessen connectivity gaps in Louisiana's rural communities. We support those efforts and will continue working to expand reliable and high-quality broadband access throughout Louisiana.\n \n  \n\tMore information on the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction is available at https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-pro-louisiana-provisions-secured-2020-water-infrastructure", "Graves Pro-Louisiana Provisions Secured in 2020 Water Infrastructure Package, Heads Back to Senate", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) secured several provisions that will advance Louisiana's flood control, ports, inland waterways, hurricane protection, coastal restoration and other infrastructure priorities in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA). Graves, as a member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is positioned to advance the Army Corps of Engineers' activities and projects at the local level so our communities, fisheries, ecosystem and economy are more resilient against hurricanes, storms and floods. Several amendments and other provisions in the final legislation were a result of Graves' efforts during the committee consideration.\nThe WRDA legislation also included the opportunity for the State to renegotiate the payment agreement for hurricane protection and flood prevention infrastructure formally known as the Hurricane Protection System (HPS). That project, which includes levees, floodwalls, gated structures and pump stations, was put in place following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to prevent future damages from flooding and major storms. Congressmen Graves, Scalise and Richmond secured the amendment when the WRDA legislation was marked up by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in July.\nGraves Statement:\nThis legislation comes on the tail-end of a hurricane season where Louisiana was threatened by seven major tropical storms or hurricanes  a reminder why it's critical that we continue pushing for stronger flood protection and projects to restore the coast and revitalize our economy.\nI was proud to offer a number of key provisions in this bill to improve our state's resilience  authoring provisions to lower payments for the Katrina-era Hurricane Protection System (which will save the state more than half a billion dollars), reengage the Corps in the management of the Louisiana Coastal Area ecosystem (restoring our coast), a transformational study of the Lower Mississippi River's management (other tools to manage water flows), as well as supporting the authorization to construct key local projects. These wins will ensure that the state is able to continue to invest in protecting our communities and restoring our coasts, and I want to thank Congressmen Scalise and Richmond, and Governor Edwards, for working collaboratively to support these opportunities for our state.\nThis year too has shown just how important Louisiana's coastal and water future is for America's best interest and long-term economic competitiveness. Our ports and waterways are the vessels that connect dozens of states to global commerce, we take on the nation's water, and are the powerhouse for seafood and energy to the country. This bill advances Louisiana and our country, and I am looking forward to seeing the Senate amplify our needs before it is signed into law by President Trump.\nHouse Republican Whip Steve Scalise Statement:\n\"Today the House passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA), which includes important provisions I added that will strengthen flood protection for families and communities in Southeast Louisiana, and improve the navigation projects essential for the economic stability of Louisiana and America's maritime industry.\n\"Along with Members of our Congressional Delegation, I fought hard to secure reforms that protect Louisiana families from being forced to pay bloated tabs when critical flood protection and coastal restoration projects aren't delivered by the Army Corps of Engineers in a timely and affordable manner. \"I'm also proud to have secured authorizations for deepening Baptiste Collette, the Houma Navigation Canal, and Port Fourchon Belle Pass, all of which will enhance Louisiana's ability to move commerce on our waterways and strengthen our position as a leading export state and a top producer of our nation's oil and natural gas. Additionally, this year's WRDA authorizes a study for the Tangipahoa River that will produce necessary solutions for flooding in the region. \"An investment in Louisiana infrastructure is an investment in the American economy, and I'm glad Congress is supporting the infrastructure projects that are so important to our state and nation.\"\nAdditional statements from Louisiana stakeholders:\nToday's vote is a major win for the State of Louisiana. WRDA is incredibly important to Louisiana and final passage would provide meaningful relief from nearly $600 million in unfair interest accrual during a decade of delays in the construction of the HSDRRS system that protects five coastal parishes, said Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman Chip Kline. The House passing this bill today represents the culmination of years of coordination and collaboration with our congressional delegation, and I applaud their efforts to advance this critical legislation.\nThe Houma Navigation Canal Deepening authorization is a feat that industry in South Louisiana has waited over two decades to achieve, said David Rabalais, Executive Director of the Terrebonne Port Commission. An additional five feet of depth is critical in a very competitive market. Terrebonne Port's partnership with LADOTD along with the CORP's New Orleans District worked diligently for many years to get the study to DC. Once received, Louisiana's Congressional Delegation did an awesome job of getting the approvals needed for the study to be placed in the WRDA Bill. I especially want to thank Congressman Steve Scalise and Congressman Garrett Graves who both continued to push this project along even when it didn't look like we would get there.\nGraves' Provisions Included:\n Section 403  Authorizes construction of both the Houma Navigation Canal and a deepening project to enhance access to Port Fourchon and Bayou Lafourche (working with Congressman Steve Scalise).\n\tSection202  Directs the Corps to expedite flood protection recommendations for the Amite River watershed (most of the Capital Region) and Upper Barataria Basin coastal storm risk management project.\n\tSection 213  Requires a plan for improved management of flood waters on the Lower Mississippi River (Cape Girardeau, MO to the Gulf). The provision directs the Corps to utilize all tools (floodways, outlets, reservoirs, locks, dams, etc.) to manage one of the largest watersheds in the world, which includes waters from 32 states and 2 Canadian provinces.\n\tSection 212  Creates a federal-state taskforce to coordinate the investment of multiple agencies into the restoration of Louisiana's coast (similar to the Florida Everglades), as well as annual reports detailing progress.\n\tSection 351  The language, offered by Graves during committee markup and improved upon following the passage of the bill, creates a path forrenegotiatingthe accrual of interest for the New Orleans-area Hurricane Protection System (HPS), a major storm resilience win for South Louisiana. Renegotiating the agreements will help the State to commit savings to build flood protection and coastal restoration priorities.Some estimates indicate this could result in cost savings and investment of one billion dollars (working with Congressmen SteveScalise and Cedric Richmond and Governor John BelEdwards).The provision also includes a path for the state to pay its non-federal cost share in full without the accrual of interest.\n\tSection 128  An amendment to ensure that the coastal and tidal waters of Louisiana are included in a program to detect, treatand ultimately eliminate the Gulf of Mexico dead zone caused by runoff from other states.\n\tSection 125 (d)  This section builds on a Graves-authored provision from the 2018 WRDA which allows the Corps to bundle dredging projects for cost and time savings.The project is expected to increase the efficiency of a major project to deepen the Mississippi River from the Gulf to Baton Rouge.\n\tSection 134 Expands upon current law to allow the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, parishes and our levee districts to lead Corps projects using federal funds when they can demonstrate cost and time savings.\n Highlights of Graves' impacts onWRDA 2018andWRDA 2016can be found in the links, respectively.\nWRDA, biennial legislation, is part of the president's broader infrastructure package but remains focused on water infrastructure projects, as compared to the recenthighway funding billpassed by the U.S. House. The 2020 WRDA legislation authorizes 27 Corps feasibility studies and construction of 60 pending proposed projects with final Chief's Reports within the Corps Civil Works mission areas, including navigation, flood damage reduction, hurricane and storm damage reduction, shoreline protection, and ecosystem restoration.\nMore information about the WRDA legislation can be foundhere.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-applauds-house-passage-water-resources-development-act-2020", "Scalise Applauds House Passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after the House passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 Conference Report. Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.) also offered a statement. Statement from Whip Scalise: \"Today the House passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA), which includes important provisions I added that will strengthen flood protection for families and communities in Southeast Louisiana, and improve the navigation projects essential for the economic stability of Louisiana and America's maritime industry.Along with Members of our Congressional Delegation, I fought hard to secure reforms that protect Louisiana families from being forced to pay bloated tabs when critical flood protection and coastal restoration projects aren't delivered by the Army Corps of Engineers in a timely and affordable manner. \"I'm also proud to have secured authorizations for deepening Baptiste Collette, the Houma Navigation Canal, and Port Fourchon Belle Pass, all of which will enhance Louisiana's ability to move commerce on our waterways and strengthen our position as a leading export state and a top producer of our nation's oil and natural gas. Additionally, this year's WRDA authorizes a study for the Tangipahoa River that will produce necessary solutions for flooding in the region. \"An investment in Louisiana infrastructure is an investment in the American economy, and I'm glad Congress is supporting the infrastructure projects that are so important to our state and nation.\" Statement from Congressman Garret Graves: This legislation comes on the tail-end of a hurricane season where Louisiana was threatened by seven major tropical storms or hurricanes  a reminder why it's critical that we continue pushing for stronger flood protection and projects to restore the coast and revitalize our economy.\n\tI was proud to offer a number of key provisions in this bill to improve our state's resilience  authoring provisions to lower payments for the Katrina-era Hurricane Protection System (which will save the state more than half a billion dollars), reengage the Corps in the management of the Louisiana Coastal Area ecosystem (restoring our coast), a transformational study of the Lower Mississippi River's management (other tools to manage water flows), as well as supporting the authorization to construct key local projects. These wins will ensure that the state is able to continue to invest in protecting our communities and restoring our coasts, and I want to thank Congressmen Scalise and Richmond, and Governor Edwards, for working collaboratively to support these opportunities for our state.\n\t\n\tThis year too has shown just how important Louisiana's coastal and water future is for America's best interest and long-term economic competitiveness. Our ports and waterways are the vessels that connect dozens of states to global commerce, we take on the nation's water, and are the powerhouse for seafood and energy to the country. This bill advances Louisiana and our country, and I am looking forward to seeing the Senate amplify our needs before it is signed into law by President Trump.\n\t\n\tLouisiana leaders and stakeholders also praised the passage of WRDA 2020:\n\tToday's vote is a major win for the State of Louisiana. WRDA is incredibly important to Louisiana and final passage would provide meaningful relief from nearly $600 million in unfair interest accrual during a decade of delays in the construction of the HSDRRS system that protects five coastal parishes,said Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman Chip Kline.The House passing this bill today represents the culmination of years of coordination and collaboration with our congressional delegation, and I applaud their efforts to advance this critical legislation.\n\tThe Greater Lafourche Port Commission applauds the House passage of the Water Resources Development Act,said Port Fourchon Executive DirectorChettChiasson.This bill contains authorization to construct the Port Fourchon Belle Pass Channel Deepening project, which is the culmination of more than three years of study conducted by our Port Commission, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and with the final approval of the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works. It will enable Port Fourchon to deepen its channels to an initial depth of 30 feet, to accommodate the needs of our tenants in the offshore energy service industry. We will continue to evaluate our future needs and depths, and seek to modify the authorization in the future, as dictated by industry needs. We wish to thank our Congressman Steve Scalise, and the rest of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation for their support over the past three years while we were conducting this study, and for the development and passage of the current Water Resources legislation.\n\tThe Houma Navigation Canal Deepening authorization is a feat that industry in South Louisiana has waited over two decades to achieve,said David Rabalais, Executive Director of the Terrebonne Port Commission.An additional five feet of depth is critical in a very competitive market. Terrebonne Port's partnership with LADOTD along with the CORP's New Orleans District worked diligently for many years to get the study to DC. Once received, Louisiana's Congressional Delegation did an awesome job of getting the approvals needed for the study to be placed in the WRDA Bill. I especially want to thank Congressman Steve Scalise and Congressman Garrett Graves who both continued to push this project along even when it didn't look like we would get there.\n\t\"We are excited to learn of the passage of this bill,said Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller.We are extremelythankful to Congressman Scalise for working diligentlyon the behalf of the residents of Tangipahoa Parish. This study will provide the data in order to begin major projects to reduce flooding to our residents.\"\n\tBackground:\n\t\n\tThe 2020 WRDA Conference Report includes a number of provisions that benefit flood protection and waterway navigation in Louisiana's First District, including:\n HSDRRS Renegotiation Language that allows the State to renegotiate the terms of the deferred payment agreement for the hurricane protection system around New Orleans, which has experienced significant delays. Options for renegotiation include forgiveness of interest, recalculation of the interest rate, credit for investments made by the non-federal sponsor, and allowing the State's contribution to be made without interest.\n\t\t\n\tTangipahoa Flood Study Authorization of a feasibilitystudyfor flood risk management in Tangipahoa Parish.\n\t\t\n\tBaptiste Collette Deepening Authorization Authorizes the deepening of Baptiste Collette from current depths of 14 feet in the inner reach and 16 feet in the outer reach to depths of 22 and 24 feet respectively.\n\t\t\n\tPort Fourchon Belle Pass Deepening Authorization Authorizes the deepening Of Belle Pass to provide access to the port's planned deep-water facility for rig repair and refurbishment.\n\t\t\n\tHouma Navigation Canal Deepening Authorization Authorizes the deepening of the Houma Navigation Canal from 15ft to 20ft.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-extend-ppp-funding-now", "Scalise: Extend PPP Funding Now", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sThe Daily Briefing with Dana Perinoto discuss the revolutionary breakthrough of Operation Warp Speed to produce and deliver a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine to Americans in record time. While Operation Warp Speed has produced promising results, Whip Scalise emphasized the immediate need to extend PPP funding to help struggling small businesses and the jobs they support.\n\t\n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn the unprecedented success of Operation Warp Speed: \"We've really been working for months on [extending the Paycheck Protection Program]. It should have come to the House Floor months ago. Back in September, we had agreement amongst most Democrats and Republicans to bring another round of Paycheck Protection Program funding. For various reasons, Speaker Pelosi has refused to bring that to the Floor. I will say, as we're looking at this, this revolutionary breakthrough in Operation Warp Speed, this is because of President Trump's leadership that we're about to have a vaccine that's distributed widely. But in that first CARES Act, we were able to put billions of dollars of funding in place specifically to fund the development, encouragement of a vaccine as well as the wide distribution. And the President used that to go and put the best minds in the world together, working with the best drug companies in the world. So, I am very encouraged by what has happened. Never before in the history of our country have we seen us go from virtually one year from a disease no one knew about to a vaccine about to be distributed widely and approved by the FDA.\" On the universal agreement to extend PPP funding: \"With that said, we're trying to finalize the differences that we have. You know, Speaker Pelosi has been trying to give hundreds of billions of dollars to states that had deficits before COVID, to bailout those states for things that are unrelated to COVID. We've been holding off on that. We've been trying to get relief for small businesses. I think that's the area where there is universal agreement. I wish we could do something specifically on that while we disagree on the other items. And so, that's where it stands right now.\"  \n\t  On the immediate need for relief for small businesses:  \n\t  \"That's come on the table more recently as a new item that we can try to work through. But I think it's encouraging that at least those two items, I wish we would have been able to get the liability protection going back to the CARES Act where we started trying for that. But it has been one of these fights where the Democrats didn't want that, they did want the state and local [funding]. So, by Senator Mitch McConnell saying that both of those items will be set on the side, it is encouraging that it shows at least in the Senate they're going to try to work through the things we do have agreement on, because there are a number. And the most important is the relief to small businesses and the millions of jobs that are tied as we see more and more small businesses just being crushed every day. We want those businesses to stay afloat and those jobs to stay afloat. Let's give them the relief now while there's agreement and then work on the other items.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-speaker-pelosi-plays-politics-while-americans-pay-price", "Scalise: Speaker Pelosi Plays Politics While Americans Pay the Price", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox Business Network's Mornings with Maria to discuss the immediate need to release more PPP funding to help struggling small businesses.Whip Scalise criticized Speaker Pelosi for admittedly blocking small business aid for months choosing to play politics while Americans paid the price. Whip Scalise also blasted Democrats' disastrous foreign and environmental policies thatwould disproportionately impact hard-working families and destroy American energy independence.   \n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn the immediate need for a vote on PPP relief:\n\t\"Look, there's been a lot of interest on both the Republican and Democrat side for months now on helping those small business whose are struggling, and it's heart-breaking  every day you hear more stories of businesses that are dying on the vine. You see the hypocrisy of some of these governors saying you know, you can't open your restaurant, but then they're out at their favorite restaurant and it's just killing the psyche of these small businesses. We have a bill by Steve Chabot that would be using the $137 billion [leftover from PPP loans] that's already frozen, sitting in an account, to let those businesses go for a second round of funding who are struggling. For many reasons, Speaker Pelosi hasn't brought that bill to the Floor.\n\t\n\t\"And in fact, just last week, [Speaker Pelosi] acknowledged one of the reasons she's holding up relief is because she's waiting for a new President. I think that just angers so many people who are saying, Stop holding us hostage.' So, there's a lot of interest in getting something done, but there's not a lot of interest in bailing out failed states, for example, or sending checks to people who are here illegally, which are some of the things that the Democrats were holding out for. I think there's interest in getting a deal done. We need to get it done yesterday because there are so many businesses who are dying on the vine. We also, Maria, need to address the problem that right now some businesses would be facing actually being taxed on the PPP loans they already took out, that was never Congress' intention. That needs to be fixed as well.\"\n\tOn Speaker Pelosi using the COVID crisis as leverage to play politics:\n\tIt's infuriating, Maria, because every day we hear stories of businesses. You know, in New Orleans, we love our restaurants and there's story after story of famous, world class restaurants that will never open again because they didn't get that relief that they needed. If we pass a bill next week, that would be great. But there are thousands of businesses that should have never closed if they would have gotten that help months ago. In September, I started bringing up the idea to the Majority Leader that we had this bill by Rep. Chabot that everybody agreed to. You would get over 400 votes on the House Floor to let businesses go for a second round of [PPP] loans. It's not a dime of new deficit spending, its money sitting in an account, frozen. Just let the money be freed up for the business who are struggling, and [Democrats] would never bring the bill to the Floor. We found out last week when Speaker Pelosi made that enlightening, but incredibly discouraging statement that the reason it was being held up was not because of differences of opinion, it's because she was waiting for a new president. She didn't want Trump to get credit. It's unbelievable, because how many thousands of businesses will never open again who could have been saved, and the jobs, there's millions of jobs that are gone, just vanished from our economy. Even with the vaccine, with our economy eventually coming back, these businesses will never come back and they should have been able to survive.\n\tOn Democrats' disastrous foreign and environmental policies that would hurt America:\n\t\"President Trump brought this up multiple times during the campaign. I think it was a big issue and a concern with so many people that a Joe Biden administration would be soft on our enemies, soft on China, soft on Russia. As you said, going back into the failed Iran Deal where they get a nuclear weapon. Frankly, it was the reaction to the Iran Deal that brought countries like UAE and Bahrain to the table to sign peace agreements with Israel and President Trump led that effort. And you look at the Paris Accord. For goodness sake, they say they would bring John Kerry back to get us into a deal that literally would hand the keys to the store over to China because China's exempt from the Paris Accord. Not a single country in Europe is even in compliance because these are ridiculous, unachievable targets and it wrecks manufacturing economies. \"Why would we ever want to do that to America? You know, where Trump had us at the most robust economy in the history of our nation before COVID. We need to get back to that, that's where our focus needs to be, on bringing manufacturing back yet again, bringing jobs back, and the energy revolution has to be part of that. You know, you don't want to get rid of American energy. These things are going to be made somewhere in the world, why not make them in America where we're actually reducing carbon emissions through innovation, not through reckless policies that will kill manufacturing jobs in America.\"  \n\t  \n\t[]  \n\t  \n\t\"Think of the Green New Deal, they literally exempt China until 2030. They burn plastic. I mean, it's toxic things that they burn, and we have great environmental standards. These people that love beating up on America need to recognize America is the leader in the world in innovation. Don't crush that and send those jobs to China.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-124-million-for-port-of-new-orleans-to-purchase-lower-emission-trucks", "Cassidy Announces $1.24 Million for Port of New Orleans to Purchase Lower Emission Trucks", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy Announces $1.24 Million for Port of New Orleans to Purchase Lower Emission Trucks \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing $1.24 million in federal funds to the Port of New Orleans to replace various diesel-powered trucks with lower emission vehicles at port facilities in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes.\r\nIt's vital that we strive to achieve clean emissions standards at our ports and other facilities to protect our environment, communities and crew workers from dangerous health conditions,said Dr. Cassidy.This funding ensures that public health and environmental standards are preserved.\r\nThe funds will be used to upgrade 34 short haul drayage trucks with newer, cleaner-burning models that deliver to cargo terminals and warehouses along the Mississippi River and the Port's Inner Harbor. The federal dollars are provided by the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act.\r\nThe project is part of the Port of New Orleans' Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program. It will reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons.\r\nThe EPA recently completed a cooperative agreement with the Port of New Orleans to help subsidize diesel emissions-reduction programs. As a previous awardee, the Port has already replaced 52 vehicles.\r\nCassidywrote a letterto the EPA in February requesting the agency approve of the Port's application.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-over-342-million-expand-broadband-rural-louisiana", "JOHNSON ANNOUNCES OVER $342 MILLION TO EXPAND BROADBAND IN RURAL LOUISIANA", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) today announced the federal government will invest more than $342 million over the next 10 years to expand broadband access in rural Louisiana. This funding, distributed through the Federal Communication Commission's newly-established Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, will help provide broadband to nearly 176,000 Louisianians.\nAddressing the digital divide has long been one of our country's most pressing and difficult challenges, and it is critical that we get our rural communities covered. The pandemic has shown us that now, more than ever, Louisianians must have access to the e-commerce marketplace, telehealth visits, online education opportunities, and all of the other benefits that come with increased connectivity. This latest federal investment for expanded broadband in our rural areas is a strong step in the right direction, said Johnson.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=714", "Johnson Announces over $342 Million to Expand Broadband in Rural Louisiana", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, December 12 \u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) today announced the federal government will invest more than $342 million over the next 10 years to expand broadband access in rural Louisiana. This funding, distributed through the Federal Communication Commission\u2019s newly-established Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, will help provide broadband to nearly 176,000 Louisianians.\n\n\u201cAddressing the digital divide has long been one of our country\u2019s most pressing and difficult challenges, and it is critical that we get our rural communities covered. The pandemic has shown us that now, more than ever, Louisianians must have access to the e-commerce marketplace, telehealth visits, online education opportunities, and all of the other benefits that come with increased connectivity. This latest federal investment for expanded broadband in our rural areas is a strong step in the right direction,\u201d said Johnson.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-open-schools-now-kids-are-suffering-and-face-little-risk-covid", "Scalise: Open schools now  kids are suffering and face little risk from COVID", "2020-12-06", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip and Ranking Member of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis Steve Scalise (R-La.) penned an op-ed forFox Newscalling on Democratic state and local officials to prioritize the reopening of our schools toensure that students receive the education they need and deserve. Whip Scalise dismantled Democrats' claim that a return to the classroom wouldresult in the rapid spread of Coronavirus in K-12 schools and emphasized how the failure to provide safe, in-person education to students could set back an entire generation of children. Clickhereor read below for the full op-ed.  \n  \n\t\n  Mounting evidence shows that schools need to open their doors to students now. Distance learning is failing our students, widening the achievement gap, and goes against the science.\n\t\n\tFor months, Democrats claimed schools and their reopening schedules would jeopardize the public's health and cause COVID-19 cases to skyrocket. We were led to believe that the coronavirus would sweep through our schools and infect many children.\n\t\n\tThe fearmongering needs to stop. Democrats were wrong.\n\t\n\tBrown University researchers recently released concrete data that found minimal evidence that the coronavirus is rapidly spreading in K-12 schools.\n\t\n\tThe Brown study thoroughly examined 550 schools across 46 states, 300 of which maintained some form of limited in-person operations. The results? There were only 0.076% confirmed cases of COVID-19 for students and 0.15% for teachers, demonstrating that a return to the classroom will not result in the Democrats' doomsday scenario.\n\t\n\tDr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a key adviser on the Trump administration's Coronavirus Task Force, is also fully behind children returning to their classrooms. Fauci has repeatedly emphasized that the science showing COVID-19 transmission between students and faculty is negligible.\n\t\n\tIn fact, keeping students in school is beneficial for their long-term development and for families attempting to navigate this unusual time. Only time will tell the full impact of the decisions made by Democratic state and local leaders to cease our school operations and force students to adopt distance learning. The failure to provide safe, in-person education could set back an entire generation of children.\n\t\n\tWhen Democrats rushed to shutter schools, they did so at the expense of our children. The data show students now failing to meet basic standards is shocking and will have long-lasting repercussions.\n\t\n\tIn some of our largest, most successful public-school systems, middle schoolers are showing a 300% increase in failing grades. High schoolers are showing an increase of 50%. When we break it down by demographics, it only gets worse.\n\t\n\tDistance learning has failed our most vulnerable students. Comparing data from last year to this year, students with disabilities saw a 111% increase in failing to meet standards. Hispanic middle school students saw a 400% increase in failing grades, and low-income middle schoolers saw a 375% increase.\n\t\n\tIf that isn't enough to cause an uproar, students failing to even be accounted for should push us all over the edge.\n\t\n\tIn Alabama, reports indicate 5,000 public school students haven't been showing up to virtual class and their current whereabouts are unknown. These students will inevitably have a hard time catching up and could cause future enrollment chaos.\n\t\n\tProlonging school closures will only exacerbate problems we currently face, potentially leading to irreversible harm.\n\t\n\tOutside of failing to meet standards, closing our schools has stripped students of their opportunity to seek essential services that many families rely on to provide their children healthy meals or tools to cope with mental health issues and abuse. The lack of direct access has placed an undue burden on not just children, but also their families.\n\t\n\tA new study by McKinsey and the group Lean In suggests that many women  especially mothers  have had to resort to extremes because of the decision to close schools.\n\t\n\tWorking women are choosing between their jobs and their families in order to fulfill the requirements of having a child at home full-time. The comprehensive study shows women are leaving their jobs at high rates, likely leading to long-term consequences in our workforce.\n\t\n\tThe science is clear. It is past time for Democratic state officials to step up, assist school districts in mitigation, and abandon the politics. Prioritizing the reopening of our classrooms will further expedite our recovery and ensure that our children receive the education they need and deserve.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-signs-cassidy-johnson-bill-rename-post-office-after-dr-co", "PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS CASSIDY, JOHNSON BILL TO RENAME POST OFFICE AFTER  DR. C.O. SIMPKINS SR. INTO LAW", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOSSIER, La.U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) today announced President Trump has signed H.R. 5384, legislation to rename the Mansfield post office after civil rights leader and former Louisiana legislator Dr. C.O. Simpkins, Senior, into law.\nRaised in Shreveport, Dr. Simpkins was a fighter for voting rights for African American Louisianans and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King throughout the civil rights era. Dr. Simpkins was a founder of the United Christian Conference on Registration and Voting, and was an advocate for peaceful protest through nonviolence and civil disobedience.\nAlthough he and his family had to flee Louisiana during the height of civil rights tensions, he returned home 26 years later and served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992-1996. He continued to be active member in the community until his passing at age 94 last December. Senator Cassidy and Congressman Johnson released the following statements:\nDr. Simpkins dedicated his life to promoting civil rightsinLouisianaandacross our great nation. His courage to speak out on behalf of the marginalized will forever be remembered. I'm proud to play a part in securing this designation, said Cassidy.\nWe were so happy to honor the life and legacy of Dr. C.O. Simpkins by officially naming a U.S. Post Office for him in his hometown of Mansfield. The strong support we have received for this symbolic gesture shows once again our area's tremendous appreciation for Dr. Simpkins' service to our community, state and country. I want to thank Senator Cassidy for partnering with me on this special legislation and President Trump for signing it into law, said Johnson.\nBackground:Following the passing of Dr. Simpkins on December 10, 2019, Congressman Johnson introduced H.R. 5384 to honor his life and service. This legislation was cosponsored by Representatives Steve Scalise (LA-01), Cedric Richmond (LA-02), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Ralph Abraham (LA-05) and Garret Graves (LA-06). Senator Cassidy introduced identical legislation in the Senate on February 27, 2020 that was cosponsored by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=779", "President Trump Signs Cassidy, Johnson Bill to Rename Post Office after  Dr. C.o. Simpkins Sr. into Law", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOSSIER, December 4, 2020 \u2013 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) today announced President Trump has signed H.R. 5384, legislation to rename the Mansfield post office after civil rights leader and former Louisiana legislator Dr. C.O. Simpkins, Senior, into law.\n\nRaised in Shreveport, Dr. Simpkins was a fighter for voting rights for African American Louisianans and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King throughout the civil rights era. Dr. Simpkins was a founder of the United Christian Conference on Registration and Voting, and was an advocate for peaceful protest through nonviolence and civil disobedience.\n\nAlthough he and his family had to flee Louisiana during the height of civil rights tensions, he returned home 26 years later and served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992-1996. He continued to be active member in the community until his passing at age 94 last December. Senator Cassidy and Congressman Johnson released the following statements:\n\n\u201cDr. Simpkins dedicated his life to promoting civil rights in Louisiana and across our great nation. His courage to speak out on behalf of the marginalized will forever be remembered. I\u2019m proud to play a part in securing this designation,\u201d said Cassidy.\n\n\u201cWe were so happy to honor the life and legacy of Dr. C.O. Simpkins by officially naming a U.S. Post Office for him in his hometown of Mansfield. The strong support we have received for this symbolic gesture shows once again our area\u2019s tremendous appreciation for Dr. Simpkins\u2019 service to our community, state and country. I want to thank Senator Cassidy for partnering with me on this special legislation and President Trump for signing it into law,\u201d said Johnson.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-colleagues-request-college-transparency-act-be-included-in-year-end-spending-bill", "Cassidy, Colleagues Request College Transparency Act Be Included in Year-End Spending Bill", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy, Colleagues Request College Transparency Act Be Included in Year-End Spending Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and eight of his Senate colleagues have signed a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to request that the College Transparency Act be included in the year-end omnibus spending bill.\r\nAs families are grappling with tougher financial decisions and budgets that are more strained than ever, and as policy makers are making difficult decisions about the future of our higher education system, we have no time to waste, the senators wrote. Until Congress passes the widely supported, strongly bipartisan College Transparency Act, students and families will continue to be left in the dark about the return on investment in post-secondary education.\r\nThe College Transparency Act provides actionable and customizable information for students and families as they consider higher education opportunities. The billmodernizes the college reporting system for postsecondary data by ensuring accurate reporting on student outcomes such as enrollment, completion, and post-college success across colleges and majors, while ensuring the privacy of individual students is securely protected. This information will tell students how others with their backgrounds have succeeded at an institution, and help point them towards schools and programs of study best suited to their unique needs and desired outcomes. It will also aid institutions of learning and policymakers in their work to improve our country's postsecondary education system.\r\nU.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tim Scott (R-SC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) joined Cassidy in signing the letter.\r\nThe College Transparency Act has broad bipartisan, bicameral support. It has been cosponsored by 234 representatives (151 Democrats and 83 Republicans), and it has 37 cosponsors in the Senate (20 Republicans and 17 Democrats).\r\nSee the letter here.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-trump-signs-cassidy-johnson-bill-to-rename-post-office-after-dr-co-simpkins-sr-into-law", "President Trump Signs Cassidy, Johnson Bill to Rename Post Office After Dr. C.O. Simpkins Sr. into Law", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.04.20\n\t\t\t President Trump Signs Cassidy, Johnson Bill to Rename Post Office After Dr. C.O. Simpkins Sr. into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S.SenatorBillCassidy, M.D. (R-LA)and Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) today announced President Trump has signedH.R. 5384, legislation to rename the Mansfield post office after civil rights leader and former Louisiana legislator Dr. C.O. Simpkins, Senior, into law.\r\nRaised in Shreveport, Dr. Simpkins was a fighter for voting rights for African American Louisianans and worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King throughout the civil rights era. Dr. Simpkins was a founder of the United Christian Conference on Registration and Voting, and was an advocate for peaceful protest through nonviolence and civil disobedience.\r\nAlthough he and his family had to flee Louisiana during the height of civil rights tensions, he returned home 26 years later and served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992-1996. He continued to be an active member in the community until his passing at age 94 last December. Senator Cassidy and Congressman Johnson released the following statements:\r\nDr. Simpkins dedicated his life to promoting civil rightsinLouisianaandacross our great nation. His courage to speak out on behalf of the marginalized will forever be remembered. I'm proud to play a part in securing this designation,said Dr. Cassidy.\r\nWe were so happy to honor the life and legacy of Dr. C.O. Simpkins by officially naming a U.S. Post Office for him in his hometown of Mansfield. The strong support we have received for this symbolic gesture shows once again our area's tremendous appreciation for Dr. Simpkins' service to our community, state and country. I want to thank Senator Cassidy for partnering with me on this special legislation and President Trump for signing it into law,said Rep. Johnson.\r\nBackground:Following the passing of Dr. Simpkins on December 10, 2019, Congressman Johnson introduced H.R. 5384 to honor his life and service. This legislation was cosponsored by Representatives Steve Scalise (R-LA), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Ralph Abraham (R-LA) and Garret Graves (R-LA). Senator Cassidy introducedidentical legislationin the Senate on February 27, 2020, that was cosponsored by Senator John Kennedy (R-LA).\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-speaker-pelosi-chooses-pot-legalization-over-small-business-relief", "Scalise: Speaker Pelosi Chooses Pot Legalization Over Small Business Relief", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sBill Hemmer Reportsto discuss howSpeaker Pelosi and the Democrats are the only ones standing between American small businesses and COVID relief.Whip Scalise blasted Speaker Pelosi for using her House Majority to vote on a pot legalization bill instead of working with Republicans to provide targeted relief for American families suffering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.  \n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn voters' rejection of Democrats' shift to the socialist left:\n\t[Republicans] had some great wins. We flipped a lot of seats from Democrat to Republican. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is one of those great new members. 6 vote margin out of about 300,000 votes cast. She's going to be great, like [Claudia Tenney]. I think in the end, Claudia is going to win. But, you know, it's just bizarre that they keep finding ballots mysteriously and just enough to flip the seat back to Democrats. That smells fishy and I think people are rightfully watching that as well. But in the end when you look, all the experts in Washington were predicting we would lose at least 12 Republican seats. Instead, we're probably going to gain at least 12. That's roughly a 25-vote swing.\" [...]  \n\t  \n\t\"You know, I think there's a lot of questions being raised about the methodology of some of these pollsters in Washington. But also, the so-called experts, the elites that said, Oh you know, Pelosi is going to get another dozen seats.' Pelosi herself was saying that and now she's answering tough questions because instead they lost about 12 seats. [It's] because we had great candidates first of all. But I tell you what, Bill, the voters of this country rejected socialism and we confronted it head on. All of these Democrats that embraced the defund the police movement and then when they realized the public didn't like it, they tried to walk away from it but they were out there in those marches in many cases, embracing the idea of defunding the police and people don't want that in their communities and we took them on.\"  \n\t  On Speaker Pelosi using her House Majority to vote on pot legalization instead of a COVID relief package:  \n\t  \"I'd like to see us get a relief package. You know, we've been pushing for weeks to bring up Steve Chabot's bill which allows small businesses who are struggling to go for another round of PPP loans, those small business loans that saved millions of businesses and millions of jobs already. Some of those businesses are still struggling. Unfortunately, a lot of them have closed. If Pelosi brought that bill to the [House Floor] today it would get over 400 votes. And yet, she's actually focused more on legalizing pot this week than on helping those small businesses with PPP loans. It's just unbelievable how tone deaf they are to these small businesses and the jobs, the families that are tied to them.\" On Republican efforts to provide targeted relief for American small businesses:  \n\t  \"I rate that as President Trump putting his foot down and saying, 'I want to help small businesses and families.' We're not going to bail out failed states, we're not going to do some of the things like the Green New Deal that they were trying to do in these bills. Let's focus on helping families who are struggling and that's where the focus needs to be. Like I said, there's a bill that would get huge bipartisan support that's already waiting that Pelosi won't bring to the table. Hopefully we get something done soon. These businesses need help. Unfortunately, some of these governors who tell the businesses to shut down but then they themselves are out there hypocritically doing the very things that they're telling you not to do. I think people are watching and are fed up with that. But in the meantime, let's help those small businesses and those families who are struggling.\" [...]  \n\t  \n\t\"I want to fight for those small businesses. And like I said, there are a lot of Democrats that do, they just won't stand up to Pelosi. If Pelosi put that bill on the [House Floor], the Steve Chabot bill is a great example of a bill that would get 400 plus votes, but Pelosi won't even bring it up, and it would help every small business in this country that's still struggling. Using money that's already sitting there. $137 billion, Bill, that's in an account that's frozen. You don't need to spend another deficit dollar. You can literally just free that money up and it would help any small business who is struggling with PPP loans. Why don't we do that today?\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/kennedy-introduces-bill-to-streamline-forgiveness-for-ppp-loans-up-to-100-000", "Kennedy introduces bill to streamline forgiveness for PPP loans up to $100,000", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced legislation to streamline the forgiveness process for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $100,000 or less. \r\nThe Paycheck Protection Program has been a lifeline for Louisiana small businesses to keep serving our state and keep their workers on payroll. These job creators are supporting America's economic recovery, and simplifying the PPP loan forgiveness process supports them,said Kennedy.\r\nCurrently, PPP loan borrowers of $50,000 or less are eligible for streamlined forgiveness. This bill would help small businesses by raising the ceiling to $100,000, provided that the borrower signs and submits a simple attestation form to the lender. The borrower would need to keep its paperwork for three years for auditing purposes, as the bill would still allow the Small Business Administration (SBA) to examine the loans.\r\nKennedy's bill would also require the SBA Administrator, in coordination with the Treasury Secretary, to provide and certify onlinecalculatorsthat are free and easy to use in order to support lenders and small businesses as they estimate loan forgiveness amounts on PPP forms.\r\nThe bill text is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-kennedy-welcome-39-million-i-20-reconstruction-project", "JOHNSON, KENNEDY WELCOME $39 MILLION I-20 RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOSSIER, La. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) andSen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, welcomed news that an estimated $39 million is headed to repair Interstate 20 in Caddo and Bossier Parishes after the lawmakers worked to help secure funding for the project.\n\"Infrastructure investment has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to Congress. I'm very pleased to see that federal funding we secured will now dramatically improve the condition of I-20. This reconstruction will be a great blessing to thethousands of citizens who travel across north Louisiana every day, and we look forward to its completion,said Johnson.\nLouisianians and our roads take a lot of hits from Mother Nature, so we can't afford to stop investing in infrastructure at home. I'm glad to see this $39 million reinvested in the road that the hardworking people of Caddo and Bossier use to build our state's economy and care for their communities,said Kennedy.\nBackground:The majority of the Interstate 20 project is funded by the Department of Transportation's National Highway Performance Program. The program, established under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, allows the federal government to cover up to 90 percent of the cost of certain interstate highway projects.\nJohnson and Kennedy supported thecontinuing resolution, signed into law by President Trump on October 1, 2020, that extended the FAST Act beyond its original expiration date of September 30,2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=778", "Johnson, Kennedy Welcome $39 Million I-20 Reconstruction Project", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BOSSIER, La. \u2013 Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, welcomed news that an estimated $39 million is headed to repair Interstate 20 in Caddo and Bossier Parishes after the lawmakers worked to help secure funding for the project.\n\n\"Infrastructure investment has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to Congress. I\u2019m very pleased to see that federal funding we secured will now dramatically improve the condition of I-20. This reconstruction will be a great blessing to the thousands of citizens who travel across north Louisiana every day, and we look forward to its completion,\u201d said Johnson.\n\n\u201cLouisianians and our roads take a lot of hits from Mother Nature, so we can\u2019t afford to stop investing in infrastructure at home. I\u2019m glad to see this $39 million reinvested in the road that the hardworking people of Caddo and Bossier use to build our state\u2019s economy and care for their communities,\u201d said Kennedy.\n\nBackground: The majority of the Interstate 20 project is funded by the Department of Transportation\u2019s National Highway Performance Program. The program, established under the Fixing America\u2019s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, allows the federal government to cover up to 90 percent of the cost of certain interstate highway projects.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-meets-with-louisiana-native-thomas-greenfield-pick-for-un-ambassador", "Cassidy Meets with Louisiana Native Thomas-Greenfield, Pick for UN Ambassador", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy Meets with Louisiana Native Thomas-Greenfield, Pick for UN Ambassador \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today met with Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a Louisiana native and LSU graduate who is President-elect Joe Biden's pick for United States Ambassador to the United Nations.\r\nThomas-Greenfield brings 35 years of diplomatic experience and public service to the position of U.S. Ambassador to the UN. Her experience includes working in refugee policy, African affairs, humanitarian issues and economic development. She was also the top State Department official in charge of Africa policy during the Ebola crisis.\r\nLinda Thomas-Greenfield has dedicated her career to improving United States relations on the world stage. Hailing from Baker, Louisiana, she will represent our nation well as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said Dr. Cassidy.\r\nI'm very grateful to Senator Cassidy, a fellow Louisianan and LSU alum, for taking the time to meet with me today. It was a pleasure to discuss the opportunities and challenges we face at the United Nations and the importance of diplomacy. I've always honored my Louisiana roots, no matter where I served in the world, by adding a Cajun spin  something I call Gumbo diplomacy  and engaging with people in the spirit of building trust and finding common ground. I hope to bring that same style of diplomacy to the United Nations, said Thomas-Greenfield.\r\nBefore her nomination, Thomas-Greenfield served a host of other posts, including as Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Ambassador to Liberia, and Director General of the Foreign Service.\r\nThomas-Greenfield was born in Baker, Louisiana. She is the oldest of eight children and the first in her family to graduate from high school. She graduated from Louisiana State University in 1974 and went on to earn a Master of Arts from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.\r\nThomas-Greenfield presents an exceptional approach to U.S. foreign policy and has carried out her trademark gumbo diplomacy in postings across the globe.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/house-passes-kennedy-van-hollen-bill-to-protect-americans-from-fraudulent-foreign-companies", "House passes Kennedy, Van Hollen bill to protect Americans from fraudulent foreign companies", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON The House of Representatives today passed Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Chris Van Hollen's (D-Md.) bill to protect American investors and their savings from foreign companies that operate on U.S. stock exchanges while refusing to submit to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) oversight. The Senate passed the bill unanimously in May.\r\nCommunist China is right now using U.S. stock exchanges to exploit American workers and familiespeople who put their retirement and college savings in public companies. U.S. policy is letting China flout rules that American companies play by, and it's dangerous. Today, the House joined the Senate in rejecting a toxic status quo. I'm thankful to Sen. Van Hollen and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this commonsense solution to a threat that's never been more urgent. President Trump has led the way in calling Chinese Communist dishonesty to account, and I'm glad to see this bill head to his desk, said Kennedy.\r\nMillions of American families rely on modest investments to retire, send their kids to college, and weather financial emergencies. But many have been cheated out of their money after investing in seemingly-legitimate Chinese companies that are not held to the same standards as other publicly listed companies. This bill rights that wrong, ensuring that all companies on the U.S. exchanges abide by the same rules. I've been proud to work with Senator Kennedy on this bipartisan legislation, and I'm glad to see it pass the House with such strong support. I urge the President to sign this bill into law immediately, said Van Hollen.\r\nThe Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act prohibits securities of a company from being listed on any of the U.S. securities exchanges if the company has failed to comply with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's (PCAOB) audits for three years in a row.\r\nThe bill would also require public companies to disclose whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government, including China's communist government.\r\nMany Americans invest in U.S. stock exchanges as part of their retirement and college savings, and dishonest companies operating on the exchanges put Americans at risk, as Luckin Coffee did. This legislation protects the interest of hardworking American investors by ensuring that foreign companies traded in America are subject to the same independent audit requirements that apply to their competitors in America and other countries.\r\nASA applauds Senators Kennedy and Van Hollen, and congressional leaders on both sides of the aisles, for coming together to protect American investors and retirement savers from fraudulent companies controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). For far too long, the CCP has exploited American investors to finance its cyber army, its technology-driven elimination of civil liberties, its human rights abuses, and its destruction of the environment, said American Securities Association CEO Chris Iacovella.\r\nBackground:\r\nCongress established the PCAOB to inspect audits of public companies, ensuring the information companies provide to the public is accurate, independent and trustworthy.\r\nCurrently, China's communist government refuses to allow the PCAOB to inspect audits of companies registered in China and Hong Kong. Such companies represent a keen risk to American investors as nearly 11 percent of all securities class action lawsuits in 2011 were brought against Chinese-owned companies accused of misrepresenting themselves in financial documents.\r\nAccording to the SEC, 224 U.S.-listed companies are located in countries where there are obstacles to PCAOB inspections. These companies have a combined market capitalization of more than $1.8 trillion.\r\nIn the last 10 years, the number of Chinese companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges has increased significantly, as those firms take advantage of the capital available in America.\r\nThe bill text is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/kennedy-johnson-welcome-39-million-i-20-reconstruction-project", "Kennedy, Johnson welcome $39 million I-20 reconstruction project", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, andRep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) welcomed news that an estimated $39 million is headed to repair Interstate 20 in Caddo and Bossier Parishes after the lawmakers worked to help secure funding for the project.\r\nLouisianians and our roads take a lot of hits from Mother Nature, so we can't afford to stop investing in infrastructure at home. I'm glad to see this $39 million reinvested in the road that the hardworking people of Caddo and Bossier use to build our state's economy and care for their communities, said Kennedy.\r\n\"Infrastructure investment has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to Congress. I'm very pleased to see that federal funding we secured will now dramatically improve the condition of I-20. This reconstruction will be a great blessing to thethousands of citizens who travel across north Louisiana every day, and we look forward to its completion,said Johnson.\r\nBackground:\r\nThe majority of the Interstate 20 project is funded by the Department of Transportation's National Highway Performance Program. The program, established under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, allows the federal government to cover up to 90 percent of the cost of certain interstate highway projects.\r\nKennedy and Johnson supported thecontinuing resolution, signed into law by President Trump on Oct. 1, 2020, that extended the FAST Act beyond its original expiration date of Sept. 30,2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/12/kennedy-senators-introduce-conservation-funding-protection-act-to-protect-louisiana-jobs-coastlands", "Kennedy, senators introduce Conservation Funding Protection Act to protect Louisiana jobs, coastlands", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced legislation to protect jobs and drilling opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico and the conservation efforts they fund. Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) are original cosponsors of the Conservation Funding Protection Act.\r\nThe Conservation Funding Protection Act would ensure that American oil producers would retain access to critical energy reservoirs on the Outer Continental Shelf. That energy production funds conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane preparedness, wetland mitigation and public land maintenance.\r\nLouisianians and other energy producers help keep America running and keep America safe. If Americans aren't allowed to use U.S. resources to fuel our economy, we'll be dependent on nations that don't share our values and that even oppose our interests. We can't afford to lose the energy independence our country has earned, the Louisiana jobs that make it possible or the coastland conservation that it funds,said Kennedy.\r\nThe Conservation Funding Protection Act is important to help ensure Mississippians continue to have access to well-paying jobs, while also continuing to provide the state with oil and natural gas revenues for vital conservation projects in Mississippi and on a national level,Hyde-Smith said.\r\nMany Louisiana families depend on energy production and the jobs it produces. This bill keeps the Gulf open for business and ensures these workers won't be threatened by radical environmental agendas,said Cassidy.\r\nThe preservation of energy production in the Gulf of Mexico is vital to the economic and national security of the United States. Not only does offshore drilling employ thousands of Americans and help fuel our economy and energy needs, but it contributes millions of dollars to environmental conservation projects on land and reduces our reliance on foreign powers. I am proud to support this legislation to ensure that that United States remains a global leader in energyproduction for years to come,said Cruz.\r\nEnsuring continued access to energy resources in the Gulf of Mexico is critical to funding conservation efforts and important storm mitigation projects along the Texas coast. This bill would help keep us from a return to the days of relying on our adversaries to meet our energy needs,said Cornyn.\r\nThe Gulf of Mexico's bountiful natural resources have been a cornerstone in the resurgence of American energy independence. Revenues generated from federal leases have also supported a multitude of critical conservation and restoration projects along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Conservation Funding Protection Act would guarantee our valuable resources are managed responsibly and that states can continue to invest in projects that will sustain their coastlines for generations to come,said Wicker.\r\nIn order to ensure that the Gulf region can steward the shelf's resources, the Conservation Funding Protection Act would require at least two area-wide lease sales per year on available acreage in the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico.The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act currently directs the Secretary of Interior to establish a schedule for lease sales on the Outer Continental Shelf but does not mandate the number of lease sales the department is required to hold.\r\nThis bill would maintain all current environmental laws and ensure that the Department of Interior conducts the environmental reviews required by law within clear time frames. The legislation does not alter environmental regulations for lease sales, rig operations or exploration.\r\nBackground:\r\nWith the recent extension of a drilling moratorium off Florida waters lasting until 2032, there is growing concern that access to leasing opportunities on the Outer Continental Shelf could evaporate, at great cost to American jobs and energy independence.\r\nSome projections estimate that a permitting ban on natural gas and oil leasing and development projects on federal lands and waterssuch as the Outer Continental Shelfwould result in the loss of nearly 1 million oil and gas related jobs within the first 12 to 24 months of the ban. Louisiana is home to 48,000 of those jobs. Such a ban would decrease offshore oil production by 44 percent and natural gas production by 68 percent within the next decade.\r\nSupport for this legislation includes the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute, National Ocean Industries Association, International Association of Drilling Contractors, Consumer Energy Alliance, International Association for Geophysical Chemistry, Petroleum Equipment and Service Association and others.\r\nWe applaud Senators Kennedy and Hyde-Smith for introducing this bill that will protect so many benefits for the Gulf region. The Conservation Funding Protection Act is critical to protecting existing energy production in the Gulf of Mexico and the livelihoods of thousands of hardworking citizens across the Gulf coast. Oil and gas leasing and production in the Gulf of Mexico is also the primary source of funding for conservation projects across the country, and, importantly, for Louisiana's hurricane protection systems and coastal restoration efforts,said Tyler Gray, Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association President.\r\nThe Conservation Funding Protection Act is critical for maintaining energy development in the Gulf of Mexico, the primary revenue driver for America's largest federal conservation program. Royalties from offshore oil and natural gas development fund most of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, supporting and protecting national parks and wildlife habitat. Continued support for oil and natural gas production on federal lands and waters is imperative for maintaining these vital conservation programs,said Lem Smith, American Petroleum Institute Vice President of Upstream Policy.\r\nThe bill text is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2020/12/01/congressman-higgins-announces-winners-2020-congressional-app-challenge/", "Congressman Higgins Announces Winners of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", "clayhiggins", "https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that Zarie Shelvin, Damarkus Webster, Dontaye Washington, and Rena Celestine are the overall winners of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana\u2019s 3rd District. The students attend Lafayette High, Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy, David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy, and Edward J. Sam Accelerated School of Lafayette respectively. The team\u2019s app titled \u201cRecovr\u201d is designed to connect victims of natural disasters with essential resources in their community.\n\nThe \u201cRecovr\u201d app will be featured in an exhibition at the U.S. Capitol. The students are also invited to participate in the annual \u201cHouse of Code\u201d reception, which features winning teams from across the country. That event is scheduled for Spring 2021.\n\nCongressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cCongratulations to Zarie, Damarkus, Dontaye, and Rena on their winning app. They were able to design an app to help natural disaster victims find crucial resources in their community. This was a tremendous need following Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The students recognized this challenge and used their coding skills to provide a solution.\u201d\n\n\u2014\n\nAbout the Congressional App Challenge\n\nThe U.S. House of Representatives officially launched the Challenge in 2015 to help inspire innovation and learning in computer science and coding. The Challenge is a nationwide effort that allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application or \u201capp\u201d for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Student teams compete against each other by congressional district, and the winning apps are showcased at the U.S. Capitol each year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-28T00:42:23Z"], ["https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-higgins-announces-winners-2020-congressional-app-challenge", "Congressman Higgins Announces Winners of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Clay Higgins", "H001077", "clayhiggins.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that Zarie Shelvin, Damarkus Webster, and Dontaye Washington are the overall winners of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana's 3rd District. The students attend Lafayette High, Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy, and David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy respectively. The team's app titled Recovr is designed to connect victims of natural disasters with essential resources in their community. The Recovr app will be featured in an exhibition at the U.S. Capitol. The students are also invited to participate in the annual House of Code reception, which features winning teams from across the country. That event is scheduled for Spring 2021. Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:\n \n\tCongratulations to Zarie, Damarkus, and Dontaye on their winning app. They were able to design an app to help natural disaster victims find crucial resources in their community. This was a tremendous need following Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The students recognized this challenge and used their coding skills to provide a solution.\n \n-- About the Congressional App Challenge The U.S. House of Representatives officially launched the Challenge in 2015 to help inspire innovation and learning in computer science and coding. The Challenge is a nationwide effort that allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application or \"app\" for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Student teams compete against each other by congressional district, and the winning apps are showcased at the U.S. Capitol each year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-colleagues-announce-bipartisan-proposal-for-emergency-covid-aid", "Cassidy, Colleagues Announce Bipartisan Proposal for Emergency COVID Aid", "2020-12-01", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy, Colleagues Announce Bipartisan Proposal for Emergency COVID Aid \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of lawmakers to announce the framework for a targeted, emergency COVID aid package to help struggling Americans. The members of the coalition crafted policy they believe can break the stalemate in Congress and pass both chambers.\r\nThis is a bipartisan, bicameral effort that creates a pathway forward to bring relief to those who need it most. Republicans and Democrats in both chambers got much of what we wanted, and neither got everything we wanted. That combination reflects what Congress is supposed to do: reconcile priorities and deliver for the American people, said Dr. Cassidy, who also noted that both the American people and President Trump have called on Congress to act before the year is over.\r\nSenators joining Cassidy in supporting the proposal are U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mark Warner (D-VA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). U.S. Representatives Tom Reed (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) are leading efforts in the House of Representatives and indicated this proposal is supported by the Problem Solvers Caucus, a 50-member caucus split evenly between Republicans and Democrats.\r\nThe package tallies $908 billion to fund emergency relief efforts from Dec. 1 through March 31, 2021. Of that total, more than $500 billion is repurposed from previously allocated funding from the CARES Act. This package spends in the following ways:\r\n $160 billion for state, local and tribal governments   $180 billion for additional unemployment insurance ($300 per week)   $288 billion for small business support through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and specific provisions for restaurants and music venues.   $12 billion in community lender support   $45 billion for transportation (airlines, airports, buses, transit and Amtrak)   $16 billion for vaccine development and distribution, testing and contact tracing   $35 billion for the Health Care Provider Relief Fund   $82 billion for education   $4 billion for student loans   $25 billion for housing/rental assistance   $26 billion for nutrition and agriculture, including support for fisheries   $10 billion for the U.S. Postal Service   $10 billion for child care   $10 billion for rural broadband Internet   $5 billion for opioid treatment.\r\nBill text is not yet available.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/11/kennedy-announces-450-000-for-workforce-training-projects-in-baton-rouge-thibodaux-and-new-orleans", "Kennedy announces $450,000 for workforce training projects in Baton Rouge, Thibodaux and New Orleans", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MADISONVILLE, La. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $449,983 in grant funding from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to support workforce training projects in three Louisiana cities.\r\nLouisiana's workers are determined, and giving them more training options will support both their professional success and the health of communities in Baton Rouge, Thibodaux and New Orleans. It's good to see this DRA funding focus on sectors that help our state thrive today and prepare for tomorrow, said Kennedy.\r\nProjects supported by this DRA funding include:\r\n\r\n \r\n$150,000 to the University of Holy Cross, partnering with Delgado Community College, to provide scholarships for at least 10 professionals earning an accelerated bachelor of science degree focused on culinary studies.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$150,000 to Nicholls State University to provide enhanced cybersecurity training and support activities to up to 147 workers and to expand training capacity.\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n$149,983 to the Research Park Corporation to develop technology apprenticeship programs to train up to 48 individuals and meet the growing demand for technology workers in Louisiana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/11/kennedy-introduces-bill-to-improve-mental-health-services-for-students", "Kennedy introduces bill to improve mental health services for students", "2020-11-30", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced the Youth Mental Health Services Act to improve mental health services for students in primary and secondary schools.\r\nIt's a lot harder being a kid in 2020 than when I was growing up. Young people need helping hands and listening ears as they face new social and societal pressures. Kids deserve reliable access to high-quality mental health resources, and the Youth Mental Health Service Act would make it easier for them to get that support in their communities,said Kennedy.\r\nThe Youth Mental Health Services Act would allow school districts to use Title IV funds authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act to put in place new mental health resources for students. The services would follow a model that gives students access to mental health resources in their communities rather than limiting access to schools, which reduces the stigma that often comes with receiving services in a school setting.\r\nThe bill also allows states to use their Title IV funds to improve existing mental health services. States would be able to use these funds to do any of the following:\r\n \r\npromote best practices for mental health first aid, which helps people understand mental illness and supports intervention;\r\nhelp improve and execute emergency planning, which schools often lack;\r\npartner with local health agencies to improve the coordination of services; and\r\nexpand telehealth services through private providers.\r\n \r\n\r\nThe bill text is availablehere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-outlines-house-republican-plan-fight-hard-working-families", "Scalise Outlines House Republican Plan to Fight for Hard-Working Families", "2020-11-28", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel's Hannity to discuss House Republicans' plan to continue fighting for conservative values and battling against Democrats' shift to the socialist left. Whip Scalise outlined Republicans' plans toconfront the challenges faced by the COVID-19 crisis and highlighted the success we're already seeing from President Trump's Operation Warp Speed.  \n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn House Republicans' plan to fight for hard-working families:\n\t\"The thing that matters most to me and my Republican colleagues is fighting for those small businesses, those hard-working families that have been left behind that are struggling right now. Because a lot of these states, mostly led by Democrats, are shutting everything down. And, you know, states like Florida where they're opening things up and Texas are doing well. States like New York and California where they're shutting everything down are doing really really poorly and businesses are floundering. People, by the way, are dying from non-COVID related things. They're not getting their mammograms and colonoscopies, kids that are not being allowed to go back to school are being denied their educational future. So, we're going to be fighting for all of those people that are being left behind.\"\n\tOn the success of Operation Warp Speed:\n\t\"Look, you've got this vaccine. You saw the great report today that because of President Trump's leadership with Operation Warp Speed there's now a contract with United Airlines to distribute the vaccine all throughout the United States. I mean, this is a military effort with the smartest minds from the FDA, from the greatest drug companies in the world like Pfizer, Moderna, so many others. I mean, we're seeing President Trump's policies work for families.\"\n\tOn the rejection of Democrats' shift to the socialist left:\n\t\"What we're not seeing is Speaker Pelosi care about those families and that's why she was rejected at the polls because of wanting to defund the police, wanting to raise taxes, literally pushing a pro-abortion agenda when we were trying to fight for the unborn, including babies born alive outside of the womb that the Democrats still wanted to allow to die. I mean, these were the radical socialist agenda items that Pelosi fought for. We're going to be fighting for those hard-working families.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-issues-statement-after-citgo-six-found-guilty-on-corruption-charges", "Cassidy Issues Statement After Citgo Six Found Guilty on Corruption Charges", "2020-11-28", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy Issues Statement After Citgo Six Found Guilty on Corruption Charges \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today released the following statement regarding news that the Citgo Six, a group of Americans imprisoned in Venezuela, were found guilty on corruption charges by a Venezuelan judge. Lake Charles resident Tomeu Vadell is among those being held.\r\nIt is absolutely unacceptable that the Citgo Six were convicted on baseless corruption charges. Tomeu Vadell and the five other Americans should be released immediately so they can be reunited with their families, said Dr. Cassidy. I will continue to work with the State Department, the Organization of American States and the Vatican to bring Tomeu home.\r\nThe Citgo Six were placed under house arrest last December, which was seen by many as a positive development toward their release. However, the group was moved back to prison in February.\r\nCassidy has been actively involved in trying to free Vadell.Since the group's arrest in November 2017, Cassidy has been in regular contact with the Vadell family, the State Department, and other intermediaries working on a solution and a way to bring them home.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-bidens-unrealistic-energy-policies-threaten-america", "Scalise: Biden's Unrealistic Energy Policies Threaten America", "2020-11-27", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sMornings with Mariato discuss how Joe Biden's liberal environmental policies would disproportionately impact hard-working families and destroy American energy independence. Whip Scalise blasted Joe Biden's unrealistic plan that woulddestroy American jobs, increase energy costs on hard-working families, and make our country less secure by increasing our dependence on oil from Russia and Middle-Eastern countries.\n\t\n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn Joe Biden's energy policies that would hurt America:\n\tWhen you look at what President Trump's done to bring the energy industry back, we're literally not only a dominant energy producer so that we can create our own energy, we're now sending oil and natural gas to our friends all around the world. It's helped us geopolitically, it's helped our friends reduce their dependence on Russian energy, the Saudi oil that they used to be so dependent on, its weakened OPEC. So, why anybody would want to go away from that boggles the mind. You know, as you know, from Texas, Louisiana, but so many other states are part of the energy business now. Look at Pennsylvania, you know, this was a key topic during the debate where Joe Biden went back and forth on the issue of banning fracking. Who knows where he's going to fall on it, but the fact that he would want to bring someone like John Kerry who had one of the most failed foreign policies, I mean, John Kerry went and helped get the deal to give Iran a nuclear weapon. [He] undermined our biggest ally in the region, Israel, as well as so many other countries there. So, I hope we don't go back to those kinds of policies.\n\tAs you can see, the President's still pursuing his legal challenges and got a win just over the last few days in Pennsylvania where the courts said they can't certify the election there. So, you know, still game to be played there, but I think it's telling when you look at some of the people that Joe Biden would surround himself with  including John Kerry as a global warming czar. Look, the Paris Accord has been a failure. No country in Europe is even in compliance with it and they exempt China. China would take so many countries manufacturing jobs. We don't want that to happen to America, we're bringing manufacturing back. We need to strengthen our economy and focus on helping hard working families become part of the middle class, not give China the gains that we've made over the Trump first term that we've had.\n\tOn how the Paris Accord fails to protect the environment:\n\tThis is why it was such a smart move for President Trump to get out of the Paris Accord in the first place, because think about this, we were losing manufacturing under the Obama and Biden years. Those eight years we saw our middle class evaporate; we saw manufacturing leave America in droves. Great companies were leaving America and stuff was still getting made. It wasn't like we weren't making steel; they just weren't making steel in Pennsylvania; they were making it in countries like China and India where they don't have the kind of standards that we already have. A lot of these people that these globalist global warming alarmists that love beating up on America, they fail to recognize that we actually have really good standards that are unrivaled anywhere in the world. And so, when you exempt China, for example, from these kinds of standards the steel will still get made, it'll just get made in a country where they emit four or five times more carbon than if we make it here in America. So, if you're concerned about carbon emissions, getting into the Paris Accord will actually lead to an increase in global carbon emissions because those things that are made in America in a smart way, in an environmentally safe way, will instead be made in other places where they emit more carbon.\n\tOn how liberal environmental policies disproportionately hurt working-class Americans:\n\tWhen [Democrats] say that they're against fossil fuels, you watch them and they fly around on jets, and they drive cars, you know, even you've got to plug your Prius into something, you don't plug it into a tree, you've got to get energy from somewhere. A lot of times it's natural gas, coal, nuclear power. They want to get rid of all of that and yet, you know, they're going to try to wreck your lifestyle but there's a lot of hypocrisy built into that. But in the meantime, you know, you look at what energy has done to save lives and improve our way of life. We're able to get low-cost energy in America. It not only helps us manufacture, which has rebuilt our middle class. You know, all these people, the hard-working families in all these states that you've talked about, they're making good income. Their wages were rising before COVID and we're going to get back to those days. But if you if you were to get rid of the energy industry in America, you know, and think that just wind and solar panels are going to make up the difference, you wouldn't even be able to get 20 percent of your household electricity grid with that kind of energy. So, why would you want to wreck America's economy? Again, that stuff's going to get made, it's just going to get made in countries like Brazil, China, India where they emit more carbon.\n\tOn the importance of the Georgia Senate elections:\n\t\"Look, everybody that looks at all of these planned shifts to the left, the socialists that are fighting in the House to say that they're going to go back to open borders. I mean even, you know, Joe Biden's talking about stopping the building of the wall and literally just letting anybody into this country regardless of what the legal process is ought to recognize that the only way to stop any of this is in this United States Senate right now. And those two seats are everything. It's all on the line. . . . I hope the people of Georgia vote for both Senator Perdue and Senator Loeffler. Everything's on the line.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-urges-air-force-secretary-barrett-upgrade-military-honors-barksdale", "JOHNSON URGES AIR FORCE SECRETARY BARRETT TO UPGRADE MILITARY HONORS OF BARKSDALE AIRMEN", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S.Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)sent a letter to U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett requesting that the Air Force upgrade the medals awarded to Barksdale-based airmen who carried out one of the opening strikes of Operation Desert Storm. Congressman Johnson has asked that the B-52 crews' Air Medals be upgraded to the Distinguished Flying Cross, which is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.\nThe letter goes on to state:\nOn January 16, 1991, seven B-52 bombers from the 596th Bomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Wing took off from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana to destroy Iraqi command and control centers, communications facilities, and power generation facilities before returning back to Barksdale. The historic roundtrip mission, officially named Operation Senior Surprise, took 35.4 hours to complete and covered over 14,000 miles. It was a tremendous success that paved the way for continued air superiority for coalition forces throughout Operation Desert Storm. . . Given the extraordinary characteristics of the mission and the expertise with which it was flown, I believe a medal upgrade is warranted. As such, I respectfully ask that the recognition of the achievements of these airmen be upgraded from the Air Medal to the Distinguished Flying Cross. You can read the text of the letter below and find a signed pdf here.\n###\nNovember 23, 2020\nThe Honorable Barbara M. Barrett  \n\tSecretary  \n\tUnited States Air Force  \n\t1670 Air Force Pentagon  \n\tWashington, DC 20330\nDear Secretary Barrett:\nAs the 30thanniversary of the commencement of Operation Desert Storm approaches, I write to call your attention to the heroism ofseven B-52 crews who flew several of the opening sorties of that conflictand respectfully ask that their Air Medal awards be upgraded to the Distinguished Flying Cross.\nOnJanuary16, 1991, seven B-52 bombers from the 596thBomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Wing took off from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana to destroy Iraqi command and control centers, communications facilities, and power generation facilitiesbeforereturning backto Barksdale.\nThehistoricroundtrip mission, officially named Operation Senior Surprise,took 35.4 hours to complete and covered over 14,000 miles.Itwas a tremendous success that paved the way for continued air superiority for coalition forces throughout Operation Desert Storm.\nBecause Operation Senior Surprise was a classified, one-of-a-kindmission, many of its defining achievements were not widely known until long after the sorties were flown. At the time, Operation Senior Surprise was the longest air combat mission in history, and that record would stand for twelve years. It was also the first time a bomber aircraft conducted a long-range air combat mission launching from its home base and returning to the same base after mission completion.\nThese brave airmen set thebarfor what the Air Force now proudly calls itsGlobal Strikecapability.Through Operation Senior Surprise,theUnited States made it clear to the world and any potential adversaries that our Air Force candeliver precision munitions anywhere on the planet in a matter of hours.Given the extraordinary characteristics of the mission and the expertise with which it was flown, I believe a medal upgrade is warranted. As such, I respectfully ask that the recognition of the achievements of these airmen be upgraded fromthe Air Medal to the Distinguished Flying Cross. Thank you for your consideration of this request.\nSincerely, Mike Johnson  \n\tMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=713", "Johnson Urges Air Force Secretary Barrett to Upgrade Military Honors of Barksdale Airmen", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) sent a letter to U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett requesting that the Air Force upgrade the medals awarded to Barksdale-based airmen who carried out one of the opening strikes of Operation Desert Storm. Congressman Johnson has asked that the B-52 crews\u2019 Air Medals be upgraded to the Distinguished Flying Cross, which is awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.\n\nThe letter goes on to state:\n\n\u201cOn January 16, 1991, seven B-52 bombers from the 596th Bomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Wing took off from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana to destroy Iraqi command and control centers, communications facilities, and power generation facilities before returning back to Barksdale. The historic roundtrip mission, officially named Operation Senior Surprise, took 35.4 hours to complete and covered over 14,000 miles. It was a tremendous success that paved the way for continued air superiority for coalition forces throughout Operation Desert Storm. . .\n\n\u201cGiven the extraordinary characteristics of the mission and the expertise with which it was flown, I believe a medal upgrade is warranted. As such, I respectfully ask that the recognition of the achievements of these airmen be upgraded from the Air Medal to the Distinguished Flying Cross.\u201d\n\nYou can read the text of the letter below and find a signed pdf here.\n\n###\n\nNovember 23, 2020\n\nThe Honorable Barbara M. Barrett\n\nSecretary\n\nUnited States Air Force\n\n1670 Air Force Pentagon\n\nWashington, DC 20330\n\nDear Secretary Barrett:\n\nAs the 30th anniversary of the commencement of Operation Desert Storm approaches, I write to call your attention to the heroism of seven B-52 crews who flew several of the opening sorties of that conflict and respectfully ask that their Air Medal awards be upgraded to the Distinguished Flying Cross.\n\nOn January 16, 1991, seven B-52 bombers from the 596th Bomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Wing took off from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana to destroy Iraqi command and control centers, communications facilities, and power generation facilities before returning back to Barksdale.\n\nThe historic roundtrip mission, officially named Operation Senior Surprise, took 35.4 hours to complete and covered over 14,000 miles. It was a tremendous success that paved the way for continued air superiority for coalition forces throughout Operation Desert Storm.\n\nBecause Operation Senior Surprise was a classified, one-of-a-kind mission, many of its defining achievements were not widely known until long after the sorties were flown. At the time, Operation Senior Surprise was the longest air combat mission in history, and that record would stand for twelve years. It was also the first time a bomber aircraft conducted a long-range air combat mission launching from its home base and returning to the same base after mission completion.\n\nThese brave airmen set the bar for what the Air Force now proudly calls its Global Strike capability. Through Operation Senior Surprise, the United States made it clear to the world and any potential adversaries that our Air Force can deliver precision munitions anywhere on the planet in a matter of hours. Given the extraordinary characteristics of the mission and the expertise with which it was flown, I believe a medal upgrade is warranted. As such, I respectfully ask that the recognition of the achievements of these airmen be upgraded from the Air Medal to the Distinguished Flying Cross. Thank you for your consideration of this request.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/11/kennedy-announces-5-million-in-hhs-grants-for-3-louisiana-health-centers", "Kennedy announces $5 million in HHS grants for 3 Louisiana health centers", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MADISONVILLE, La. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today announced $5,197,605 in grants for three health care centers in Louisiana.\r\nLouisiana medical workers keep slugging it out on the frontlines of this pandemic. I'm thankfulespecially on this dayto see Health and Human Services support our health care heroes and the Louisianians they serve with this $5 million in grants,said Kennedy.\r\nThe Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the following grants:\r\n \r\n$1,994,884 to Southeast Community Health Systems, operating in East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Tangipahoa Parishes.\r\n$1,944,826 to David Raines Community Health Center, Inc. operating in Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne and Webster Parishes.\r\n$1,257,895 to Catahoula Parish Hospital District #2.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/11/kennedy-welcomes-new-dot-measures-to-promote-economic-growth-rail-safety", "Kennedy welcomes new DOT measures to promote economic growth, rail safety", "2020-11-25", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "MADISONVILLE, La. Today Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) praised the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for issuing two final rules reducing burdensomeregulations. The revisions modernize hazardous materials requirements that have negatively impacted shippers and manufacturers.\r\nLouisiana's shippers and manufacturers have struggled for years under regulations that are unclear and unfair. I'm glad to see DOT finalize rules that make it easier for these companies to operate efficiently, create jobs and plan for the future. Smart policies support economic growth while keeping communities safe, andthat's finally what's going into effect here,said Kennedy.\r\nThese final rules contribute to a safer workplace for individuals who produce or transport certain hazardous materials, and Kennedy has long advocated for these policy updates.\r\nOne of the rules finalizes specifications for rail tank cars carrying hazardous materials. It promotes enhanced safety specifications for cars carrying materials, such as chlorine, that are poisonous when inhaled.\r\nA second rule will phase out by December 31, 2027 rail tank cars that are not properly equipped to transport such materials. This provides clarity and certainty to shipping firms planning to phase out older tank cars.\r\nWe thank Sen. Kennedy for his commitment to safety and commend DOT for adopting standards that are supported by extensive research. With clear and uniform federal rules in place, chemical manufacturers can now have greater confidence that the tank cars they purchase or lease have a proven track record and will deliver safety benefits for many years to come,said Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council.\r\nLast year, Kennedy received the inauguralRail Safety Advocate Awardfor his commitment to making railways safe and efficient.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-applauds-2346-million-coastal-restoration-funding-plaquemines-st", "Scalise Applauds $234.6 Million in Coastal Restoration Funding for Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and Terrebonne Parishes", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG) announced $234.6 million in Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement funding for five coastal restoration projects in Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and Terrebonne Parishes:\n\t\"I applaud the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG) for awarding $234.6 million in Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement funding to advance several coastal restoration projects in Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and Terrebonne Parishes. After the Deepwater Horizon disaster, I fought hard to ensure that a large portion of the penalties and fines paid by BP would be used for our recovery and coastal restoration efforts in Louisiana, and this is great news for families and communities throughout Southeast Louisiana. Rebuilding and restoring our coast is essential to preserving our culture and strengthening our economy, and this funding is welcome news for our local communities who rely on a strong coast and are eager to advance these long-term recovery efforts.\"\n\tBackground: The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group (LA TIG) planincludes projects that restore the Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats and Birds restoration types. It includes five projects which have a total estimated cost of $234.6 million. The projects include:\n Grande Cheniere Ridge Marsh Creation This project will create up to 624 acres of marsh near Bayou Grande Cheniere and approximately 12,480 linear feet of earthen ridge along Jefferson Canal. The project estimated cost is $65 million.\n\t\t\n\tTerrebonne Basin Ridge and Marsh Creation Project: Bayou Terrebonne Increment This project will create up to 1,430 acres of brackish and saline marsh and restore up to 80 acres of earthen ridge. The estimated project cost is $157 million.\n\t\t\n\tBird's Foot Delta Hydrologic Restoration This project provides engineering and design funding for restoration anticipated to restore the hydrology of the Mississippi River Bird's Foot Delta by dredging parts of Pass-a-Loutre, South Pass, and Southeast Pass to reconnect the Mississippi River with the marshes of the eastern and central Bird's Foot Delta. The estimated engineering and design cost is $6 million.\n  Isle au Pitre Restoration This project provides engineering and design funding for restoration anticipated to enhance nesting conditions on the existing island by elevating portions of the island with dredged sediment and planting suitable vegetation for nesting brown pelicans and wading birds, shell rakes for American oystercatchers, and shell or small limestone on the perimeter of the island for tern and black skimmer nesting habitat. The estimated engineering and design cost is $3.5 million.\n\t\t\n\tTerrebonne Houma Navigation Channel (HNC) Island RestorationThis project provides engineering and design funding for restoration anticipated to enlarge the island from its current size of 32 acres to approximately 50 acres by importing dredged sediment from a nearby suitable sand source and disposing of it adjacent and onto the existing island. The estimated engineering and design cost is $3.1 million.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/11/kennedy-urges-barr-to-return-110-million-to-stanford-victims-by-year-s-end-janvey-to-forgo-fees", "Kennedy urges Barr to return $110 million to Stanford victims by years end, Janvey to forgo fees", "2020-11-24", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For the last two years, I have worked with SEC Chairman Jay Clayton to return these assets to victims of Allen Stanford . . . I respectfully urge you to prioritize the swift transfer of these funds from Swiss authorities so the remaining assets can be distributed back into the hands of the victims before the end of the year.\r\nMADISONVILLE, La. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today wrote to Attorney General William Barr urging the Justice Department to return $110 million to victims of Robert Allen Stanford's Ponzi scheme by year's end.\r\nThe Department of Justice is in the early stages of initiating the process for the cross border transfer of assets that belong to victims of the second-largest Ponzi scheme in American history. For the last two years, I have worked with SEC Chairman Jay Clayton to return these assets to victims of Allen Stanford (Inmate #35017-183). I respectfully urge you to prioritize the swift transfer of these funds from Swiss authorities so the remaining assets can be distributed back into the hands of the victims before the end of the year, said Kennedy.\r\nIn June 2019, Swiss courts ordered Societe Generale (SocGen) to return $110 million in frozen assets from the Stanford Ponzi scheme. SocGen decided not to appeal the ruling. The Justice Department must now work with Swiss authorities to liquidate and return these funds to Stanford's victims.\r\nThe DOJ now has the responsibility to facilitate the prompt delivery of these assets to the 21,000 victims. These families have fought tooth and nail for the last decade only to recover fractions of the $8 billion stolen by Stanford. Unlike victims of the Madoff Ponzi scheme, these investors have not recovered significant portions of their money, Kennedy explained.\r\nKennedy also wrote to Ralph Janvey, who was appointed as the legal receiver for Stanford victims. The receiver is tasked with helping victims recover money lost to fraud, and he may collect fees in connection with that role.\r\nI write today regarding the $110 million in assets that will soon be available for victims of Allen Stanford's Ponzi scheme and strongly urge you to refrain from collecting any fees typically associated with your work to distribute these funds. . . . As the court-appointed Receiver charged with reuniting the Stanford victims with their stolen money, I call on you to forgo any fees in this settlement and ask to see the full amount returned to the victims, wrote Kennedy.\r\nMore than 1,000 Louisianians from Baton Rouge, Covington and Lafayette lost significant amounts of their life savings to Stanford's fraud.\r\nBackground:\r\nIn February, Kennedy wrote a letter to SocGen regarding its participation in the Stanford Ponzi scheme. The letter criticized SocGen's failure to properly monitor Stanford-affiliated bank accounts, which were used to manage the personal assets of the Stanford group's clientele.\r\nKennedy in August sent a letter to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows urging the administration to withdraw its nomination of Michael Finkel to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. Finkel is Director and Senior Counsel at SocGen.\r\nKennedy's letter to the attorney general is available here.\r\nKennedy's letter to Janvey is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-americans-reject-democrats-shift-towards-socialism", "Scalise: Americans Reject Democrats' Shift Towards Socialism", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox Business Network'sVarney & Co.to discuss House Democrats' shift towards socialism. Whip Scalise blasted Democrats for voting for a socialist agenda for two years while putting their far-left political priorities over workers and families. Whip Scalise emphasized how voters rejected Democrats' socialist agenda and promised that House Republicans will fight for conservative values that will deliver results for hard-working families across the country.\n\t\n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\n  On Democrats' shift to the socialist left:\n\t\"If you look at where these Members are, they're not moderates anymore, they're liberals versus the socialists on the Democrat side. And frankly, a lot of those liberals were voting for the socialist agenda the last two years. Everything from the Green New Deal, to Medicare for All, to defunding the police and raising taxes, they voted for it. The voters rejected them and now they're yelling about it.You know, if they just voted with us and worked with us on a lot of things they wouldn't have had those problems but regardless of that, we're going to continue fighting for the conservative beliefs we have, and we have at least a dozen more Members coming in than we had before to join us in that fight. We have a great new class of Republican freshman and a lot of energy that they're bringing to fight socialism. So, if they're going to try to move a socialist agenda, we're going to fight it tooth and nail and it'll be rejected at the ballot again and we'll win the majority back.\"\n\tOn the so-called moderate Democrats:\n\t\"We've given [Democrats] opportunities [to work with Republicans] the last two years and they rejected it. They voted with Pelosi. Every one of them voted over ninety percent of the time with Pelosi and AOC. So, it's kind of hard to call yourself a moderate when you're voting with socialists ninety-plus percent of the time. We'll give them more opportunities in the next Congress, and we'll see where they go. Ultimately, they're going to have to make that decision, but they're having a big internal fight right now because AOC's not going to let up and she's pushing Pelosi to be even more far to the socialist left and that's not where America is.\"\n\tOn the importance of the Georgia Senate elections:\n\tBernie Sanders' socialist approach was rejected in the Democrat primary. I know Joe Biden tried to adopt a lot of it anyway, but then he tried to run away from it in the end because he knew that it was very unpopular with the public. You know, this is where the Senate is very important. Those two seats in Georgia are very important. When Chuck Schumer in New York tells people, We can change Georgia, we can change America,' I don't think the people of Georgia want to give their two Senate votes as a proxy to Chuck Schumer to implement New York values in Georgia. So, that's what's at stake in Georgia. And ultimately, if we hold the Senate the ability for them to move socialism through the Senate or even socialist Cabinet picks through the Senate would be very uphill. The American people rejected socialism in a lot of ways. Look at Miami alone. We flipped two Democrat House seats in Miami to Republican because a lot of people, especially a lot of the Cuban population that fled socialism, they don't want to see socialism brought to America.\n\tOn COVID relief negotiations:\n\tThere's not an agreement now, but I would like to see us get another round of PPP loans. There is wide agreement on that. Pelosi needs to stop holding them hostage for bailing out failed states like New York and California.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-announces-installation-louisiana-state-seal-inside-us-capitol-office", "Scalise Announces Installation of Louisiana State Seal Inside U.S. Capitol Office", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.)released the following statement announcing the installation of the official Louisiana State Seal in his office inside the U.S. Capitol:\n\t\"For these past six years, it has been an honor to serve as the House Republican Whip.One of the great distinctions of serving in House leadership is the honor of having an office in the historic United States Capitol. The office I reside in has more than a 200 year history, including serving for many years as the House Majority Leader's office, which includes such giants as Tip O'Neill, and notably for Louisiana, then-Majority Leader Hale Boggs. One of the traditions of my office has been that the Architect of the Capitol imprints the state seal for each person who resides there. By installing the updated Louisiana State Seal inside my office, we've added another permanent mark dedicated to the State of Louisiana inside the U.S. Capitol, which will remain for years to come. It is a great honor to be able to leave another permanent mark from the great State of Louisiana on the historic U.S. Capitol.\"  \nInstallation of the Louisiana State Seal\n\nBackground:\n\t\n\tThe Office of the Republican Whip consists of four rooms inside the U.S. Capitol constructed as part of the Capitol's House Extension and have been occupied dating back to 1867.\n\t\n\tThe Capitol's House Extension was designed by architect Thomas U. Walter in 18511853 and constructed under the supervision of Captain Montgomery C. Meigs, of the Corps of Engineers, from 1853 to 1859. The extensions were needed to relieve a critical lack of space; the new House Extension provided a much larger meeting place for the House of Representatives as well as additional committee rooms.\n\t\n\tCurrently, the groin-vaulted ceiling is painted with decorative rinceaux of scrolling vines and birds with central medallions containing seals. The seals on the ceiling of the room go back to its earliest known occupant, the Committee on House Accounts, and most likely date from the turn of the century. The seals of the United States, the Treasury of North America, and the House of Representatives are believed to be the original designs. Since then, Members occupying the office have installed seals from the states they represent. The installation of the Louisiana State Seal adds another permanent mark honoring Louisiana in the U.S. Capitol.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-24-million-in-cares-act-funding-to-louisiana-economic-development-to-rejuvenate-business-in-baton-rouge-area", "Cassidy Announces $2.4 Million in CARES Act Funding to Louisiana Economic Development to Rejuvenate Business in Baton Rouge Area", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.20\n\t\t\t Cassidy Announces $2.4 Million in CARES Act Funding to Louisiana Economic Development to Rejuvenate Business in Baton Rouge Area \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the Department of Commerce is awarding $2.4 million in CARES Act funding to the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED) to establish a technical assistance program for restoring and enhancing economic growth in Baton Rouge due to the impacts of COVID-19.\r\nLouisiana was hit hard this year by the COVID-19 pandemic and a deluge of hurricanes thatwreckedhomes, businesses, schools and families,said Dr. Cassidy.This investment reinvigoratesthe Baton Rouge economy, ensuring local business owners receive the support they needto recover.\r\nThe award is part of an investment by the Commerce Department's Economic Development Assistance (EDA) bureau, and the project supports redevelopment and revitalization in the Baton Rouge area to address the economic development needs of communities that were affected by the pandemic. The EDA grant will be matched with $600,000 in local funds.\r\nThe project isbeneficialto maintaining business support continuity, providing technical assistance to Louisiana businesses, strengthening LED's business attraction and retention services and implementing long-term resiliency adjustments throughout the region.\r\nUpon completion, the project will boost job creation, attract private investment and rejuvenate the regional economy.\r\nThe CARES Act, supported by Cassidy and signed into law by President Trump in March, provided the EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for and respond to coronavirus.\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t   \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n \n\t\n\t\n\t\n  \n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2020/11/kennedy-statement-supporting-occ-move-to-prevent-discrimination-against-law-abiding-industries", "Kennedy statement supporting OCC move to prevent discrimination against law-abiding industries", "2020-11-20", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "John Kennedy", "K000393", "www.kennedy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Banks have a duty to treat their clients fairly, and the OCC is right to make that clear. . . . Banks can't simply refuse to lend to industries that have fallen out of favor with liberal elites, especially when those industries are supporting the Bill of Rights.\r\nMADISONVILLE, La. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), member of the Senate Banking Committee, released the following statement supporting the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency's (OCC) proposed rule to ensure fair access to credit, capital and other banking services for all customers.\r\nBanks have a duty to treat their clients fairly, and the OCC is right to make that clear. The most basic part of fairness means banks can't discriminate against people or companies that are following the law. Banks can't simply refuse to lend to industries that have fallen out of favor with liberal elites, especially when those industries are supporting the Bill of Rights,said Kennedy.\r\nBanks have recently been discriminating against legal businesses, particularly those selling firearms, ammunition and sporting goods. The U.S. Constitution protects those industries, and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Actof 2010 mandated fair access to banking services in the wake of substantial government funding that was invested into the banking system at that time.\r\nKennedy introduced theNo Red and Blue Banks Actto prohibit the federal government from giving contracts to banks that discriminate against lawful businesses based solely on social policy considerations.\r\nKennedy is also an original cosponsor of the Freedom Financing Act, which would prevent banks from discriminating against industries that comply with the law and are constitutionally protected.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-announces-24-million-cares-act-recovery-assistance-louisiana", "Graves Announces $2.4 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to Louisiana Economic Development to Stimulate Business in Response to Adverse Economic Impacts", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) announced the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.4 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the Louisiana Economic Development (LED) to develop a technical assistance program and support business attraction and retention efforts across the state in response to adverse economic impacts caused by COVID-19. The EDA grant will be matched with $600,000 in local funds.\nLouisiana faces challenges time and time again, but we are the state you can count on to come back stronger. Between the pandemic, seven storms, tornadoes, and a few other obstacles thrown in the mix, this year has forced our businesses to adapt and recover in more ways than one, but our resiliency will prevail. We owe it to our business owners and entrepreneurs to keep working for long-term solutions to reignite Louisiana and America's economy, Graves said.\nPresident Trump is working diligently every day to support our nation's economy following the impacts of COVID-19 through the CARES Act, said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. This investment will provide the resources that Louisiana needs to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic and, in turn, create a stronger and more resilient state economy for the future.\nThis investment comes at a crucial time to help Louisiana and our nation's economy come roaring back and provide hard-working Americans with new opportunities, said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. EDA is pleased to invest this CARES Act funding to make resources available for technical assistance programs, business attraction and retention across Louisiana, and efforts to diversify the economy through new outreach to international markets.\nTo read EDA's full press release, click here.\nOn September 1, 2020, Graves announced $2,134,000 in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to South Central Planning and Development Commission. On that same day, EDA awarded a total of $7.2 million across Louisiana to help provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic across the state.\nGraves alsoannounced$400,000 awarded to South Central Planning and Development Commission, Inc. from EDA on August 14, 2020 to help them respond to the unusual and compelling urgency of the coronavirus pandemic.\nAbout the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)\nThe mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-gop-has-become-party-american-worker", "Scalise: GOP Has Become the Party of the American Worker", "2020-11-19", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sThe Ingraham Angleto discuss how the Republican Party has become the party of the working class. Whip Scalise blasted Democrats for claiming to fight for hard-working families while supporting far-left liberal policies that would ship American jobs overseas and cause household energy costs to skyrocket, disproportionately hurting hard-working Americans the most.\n  \nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.  \n\t\nOn how liberal policies disproportionately hurt working-class Americans:\n\t\"Let's talk about a different form of hypocrisy, and I think first of all the items you laid out are very important but let me add one to the list. And that is AOC should work with us on opposing America's readmittance into the Paris Accord. Because think about this Laura, the Chinese Communist Party could not have drawn up a better plan to destroy the economies of Europe and America than the Paris Accord. First of all, there's not one country in Europe in compliance and they exempt China until 2030. So, China literally gets to wreck economies in the United States, in Europe, take those jobs and, by the way, if you're concerned about carbon emissions, China emits five times more carbon from making the same stuff we make in America because we actually have good environmental standards. Plus, what the Paris Accord would do would be to increase the cost of electricity for household families in America which, by the way, hits the lowest income people the hardest. It would destroy manufacturing jobs which are those blue-collar jobs you talked about. So, she should join us in standing up for workers, standing up for low-cost energy, and opposing the Paris Accord.\"\n\tOn how the Republican Party has become the party of the working-class:\n\t\"They truly are and you can see that in so many of the swing states that we won. So many of the swing House districts where President Trump really did help us flip so many of the seats that we won in Congress because President Trump stood up for those hard-working men and women who Washington had left behind. Members of Congress and presidents from both parties were not looking out for those folks. President Trump was bringing those jobs back. President Trump, by the way, stood up to the bullies and the bullies are still around. China's still there, Russia's still there, Iran is still there, and if Joe Biden were to literally hand over the keys to the store again like he did when he was in the White House last time, it was Joe Biden and Barack Obama who gave Iran a nuclear weapon. That's not the route that those blue-collar workers want to see us go.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/in-the-news/congressman-mike-johnson-elected-vice-chair-house-republican-conference", "Congressman Mike Johnson elected Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representative Mike Johnson is moving up the GOP ranks in Congress as he's been elected as the vice-chair of the House Republican Conference. Johnson says building back the nation's economy from the coronavirus pandemic is a major priority and they will push back against the desire of Democrats to raise taxes.\nThey're talking about raising taxes dramatically and reversing some of the regulatory reforms that we achieved and we feel like that will be a step backwards and it's going to be devastating for the economy, said Johnson.\nPresident-elect Joe Biden has discussed raising taxes on households that make more than $400,000 dollars as well as raising corporate taxes.\nJohnson expects Congress will attempt to pass a massive infrastructure funding bill in the first quarter of 2021, but how will the federal government pay for it.\nRepublicans will say we need to offset elsewhere in the federal budget because we are deeply concerned about the growing federal debt, so we have to address that or else the country is going to be big trouble long term, said Johnson.\nJohnson says health care will also be a hot topic in the next Congress and moving to a single-payer healthcare system as many Democrats propose would not work.\nOur vision and our idea is to reintroduce free market principals to health care, to reduce costs to make it more effective for others, there are a lot of ways to do that, said Johnson.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-big-tech-must-answer-selective-censorship", "Scalise: Big Tech Must Answer for Selective Censorship", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sAmerica's Newsroomto discuss Big Tech's bias against conservative free speech. Whip Scalise blasted the Big Tech companies for falsely claiming there's no bias against conservatives and for failing to provide transparency regarding their intentional censorship of conservative thoughts.\n\t\n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn Big Tech's bias against conservatives: Big Tech's both coordination, collusion, and censorship against conservatives was on full display in that hearing yesterday. It was very concerning. Not only seeing some of things pointed out that they blocked conservatives on just opinions, and yet, the Ayatollah in Iran can say anti-Semitic things that aren't flagged, and yet, they won't even commit [to transparency]. I think Senator Cruz asked, 'Would you commit to giving us the metrics, the numbers on how many conservatives have you blocked versus how many liberals have you blocked?' They have that data. They just wouldn't commit to showing it. And yet, they sit there and say they want to be transparent. Of course they don't want to be transparent, they want to continue to censor conservatives because the bulk of their employees are liberal. That's not what they should be doing, they shouldn't be running a liberal social media platform.  \n\t  \n\t[]  \n\t  Twitter's bias against conservatives was not a mistake, it's a bias. They have a very large majority, somewhere around over 90% of all of their employees who donate to campaigns donate to Democrats. And so, ok, everybody has political views but you're supposed to check those at the door if you're acting as a publisher. They're not just letting content out there, by the way, the idea that they should have the Section 230 protections against being sued shouldn't apply if you're starting to pick and choose whose views you're going to put out there in the public square. That's what they're doing, their bias was on full display. They ought to fix it, otherwise they're going to start losing customers. There will be a conservative alternative to these social media sites if they continue to be biased against conservatives.  \n\t  On the need to hold Big Tech accountable for intentionally censoring conservative free speech:  \n\t  If you do something accidentally that can be a mistake. If you do it time and time again, it's deliberate, it's intentional. And so, the real question is where is the transparency, Sandra? What's happened to those employees that continue to block conservatives, to in essence discriminate against conservatives? Clearly those employees have a bias that are in that ring, that circle, star chamber that are the ones blocking all this stuff. Shouldn't you at least have an equal group of conservatives and liberals in the group that makes the decisions? And if you don't, you ought to hold people accountable. Some of those people should be fired or removed from their positions and they haven't yet. That needs to happen.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-house-gop-will-expose-socialist-agenda-left", "Scalise: House GOP Will Expose Socialist Agenda of Left", "2020-11-18", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News Channel'sFox News at Night with Shannon Breamto discuss how the energized House Republican Conference is ready to continue fighting for conservative values and battling against Democrats' shift to the socialist left. Speaker Pelosi's shift towards socialism was was soundly rejected by millions of voters across the country, and Whip Scalise emphasizedthat House Republicans will use every opportunity to fight Democrats' agenda and deliver results for hard-working families.  \n\nClickhereor on the image above to watch the interview.\nOn House Republicans' plan to fight against Democrats' socialist agenda:\n\tThe plan in the House is just to continue to battle the socialist agenda that Speaker Pelosi and all of her allies in the House moved to in the last two years. You know, it's funny watching some of the liberals trying to wring their hands now of socialism so there's this battle between liberals and AOC, and there are no moderates left, by the way, when the press tries to call them moderates against the socialists. So, the bottom line is they voted for two years for a socialist agenda  defunding the police, raising taxes, Medicare for All, getting rid of fossil fuels  and then they were rejected at the polls. We're going to probably end up with at least 212 House Republicans shocking all the so-called experts. Over 20-seat flip from what the experts were projecting. And so, Pelosi realizes she's got real problems as do all of those swing district Democrats who are voting for the socialist agenda.\n\tOn Democrats' attempt to hijack the Georgia Senate elections:\n\tIn terms of the Senate, what you talked about a little earlier in that previous segment was exactly right. Those two seats in the Senate, both Senator Perdue and Loeffler, you had Chuck Schumer just the other day saying, We change Georgia, we change America.' I don't think the people of Georgia want New York values to be a proxy for their values in the United States Senate, yet that's what Schumer would do if he were able to get those two seats. And so, there's a lot at stake. I think people know that. The fact that they're trying to get Democrats other states to register, not necessarily to move to Georgia, just to register in Georgia to affect that outcome ought to scare the people of Georgia who don't want outside states like New York and California to try to hijack their two Senate districts for the proxy of the left.\n\tOn Democrats' shift to the socialist left:\n\tYou can package up socialism however you want, it smells just as bad. If you look at their agenda, especially in those swing districts, Shannon, there's about 35 to 40 districts in America that are truly swinging back and forth that we were able to flip a lot of and we're going to flip the rest in two years to get the House back. Most of those Democrats ran saying they'd be pro-life and pro-gun, every single one of them had an F-rating with National Right to Life and an F-rating with the NRA. You're not pro-life and you're not pro-gun when you have an F-rating with National Right to Life and an F-rating with the NRA. And that's really the problem they've got is they voted for socialism, they voted to defund the police. Many of them got beat and some of them almost got beat and will get beat in two years and now they just don't want to use the term socialism. It's not the term, it's the bad policies that they voted for, and the problem is they're going to reelect Speaker Pelosi and continue going down that far left path.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-aircraft-certification-legislation-passes-us-house-strengthens", "Graves Aircraft Certification Legislation Passes U.S. House, Strengthens FAA's Regulatory Systems", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC U.S. Congressman Garret Graves, Ranking Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, announced the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Aircraft Certification Reform and Accountability Act (H.R. 8408) which aims to strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration's certification process and improve the regulatory process.\nThe trust Americans have in air travel doesn't happen by itself: It has to be earned, confirmed, and reinforced ongoingly,Graves said. Cooperation and partnership between airlines, passengers, policymakers, government, and industry experts have produced our world-leading track record of aviation safety -- this legislation is a product of that same, rich tradition. We will continue to build on the success of this bipartisan effort and demonstrate that Americans' confidence in air travel, including future technologies, is well-founded in an unmatched record of safety and reliability. \nThe bipartisan legislation is also sponsored by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (OR), Ranking Member Sam Graves (MO) and Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA). To read quotes from DeFazio, Graves and Larsen, click here.\nClick here or above to view Graves' remarks on the floor today in support of H.R. 8408.\nClickhereto read Graves' remarks when the legislation was considered in the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Aircraft Certification Reform and Accountability Act has received broad public support from organizations throughout the aviation industry. Statements of support can be foundhere, and a full list of groups supporting this legislation can be foundhere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-joins-colleagues-supporting-drone-industry-efforts", "Graves Joins Colleagues in Supporting Drone Industry Efforts", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Congressman Garret Graves, Ranking Member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation, joined colleagues in introducing a bipartisan resolution that expresses support for the designation of November 16 - 22, 2020 as National Drone Safety Awareness Week. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is holding its second annual Drone Safety Week which recognizes the importance of drone safety and the benefits to our nation's economy, jobs and ways of life. Graves introduced the bipartisan resolution with Representatives Rick Larsen Chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee and Sharice Davids, the Subcommittee's Vice Chair.\nAmerica's aviation system is at the forefront of the next generation of technologies and capabilities, and the use of drones will keep advancing, innovating and supporting American jobs and improve our global competitiveness, Graves said. We are integrating drone technology expertise into local business projects, delivery of packages, coastal resiliency, disaster surveys, and even lifesaving search and rescues. Ensuring that these technologies are being used safely will strengthen America's global leadership in the skies for generations to come.\nDrones are flourishing in the skies at a pace not imagined years ago, Larsen said. This innovative technology is helping people perform critical tasks more efficiently. Drones help first responders conduct search-and-rescue operations, doctors deliver life-saving medicines and medical supplies to patients, small businesses transport products to consumers and create U.S. jobs, and governments to survey natural disaster damage and inspect critical infrastructure. I will continue to champion efforts to ensure the safe and efficient integration of drones into U.S. airspace.\nDrones are an increasingly important part of our country's aviation system, from performing essential tasks like disaster surveys to helping businesses deliver goods, Davids said. It's critical that we continue to develop this new technology while ensuring its safety continues to be a top priority. I want to thank Chairman Larsen and Ranking Member Graves for their continued leadership on this issue.\nClick here to read the resolution.\nThe U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have previously held hearings on February 11, 2020 and March 12, 2019 to discuss the future of America's aviation maintenance and workforce.\nOn July 2, 2019, Graves joined Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio, Ranking Member Sam Graves and Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee Rick Larsen in sending a letter to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Elaine Chao, Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Daniel Elwell, and Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russell Vought about concerns with the delay in the FAA's issuing of a rule requiring remote identification for unmanned aircraft systems, or drones.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-statement-congressman-cedric-richmond-s-announcement", "Graves Statement on Congressman Cedric Richmonds Announcement", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) released the following statement after Congressman Cedric Richmond announced his intent to resign from his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives to serve in the Biden-Harris Administration should the results lead to that outcome.\nCedric's departure is going to create a void in our delegation, and I consider him a good friend.Pending election results, Cedric could land a spot in the West Wing with extreme proximity to the Oval Office. This is incredible for Louisiana and our priorities should it pan out. While our voting records differ, it has been clear that he does what he believes is best for the people he represents.We have had some big wins together that wouldn't have happened without his support, whether it's been fighting for the energy industry in Louisiana, improving fishing opportunities, changing flawed policies affecting disaster victims, securing coastal wins or much more. And with his potential departure comes the nationwide fulfillment that the Republicans will have a fighting chance to take back the title of being congressional baseball game champions. I wish Cedric the best and know this opportunity is another chapter of his advocacy for Louisiana.\n\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-elected-vice-chairman-house-republican-conference", "JOHNSON ELECTED AS VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE REPUBLICAN CONFERENCE", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "Senate", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S.Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)today released the following statement after being elected as Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference for the 117thCongress.\nI am truly honored to have been elected by my colleagues to help lead the House Republicans this upcoming Congress. It has been troubling to see how far left Congressional Democrats have gone, and that is why we must be bold to advance our core conservative principles and policies. As Vice Chairman of the Republican Conference, I will work tirelessly alongside my colleagues to fight for these policies and ensure we uphold the values and freedoms the American people hold dear.\nBackground:Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference is one of the seven elected leadership positions for Republicans in the House of Representatives. Congressman Johnson joins Minority Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01) in Republican leadership for the 117thCongress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mikejohnson.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=712", "Johnson Elected as Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference", "2020-11-17", "2020", "2020-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Mike Johnson", "J000299", "mikejohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u2013 U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) today released the following statement after being elected as Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference for the 117th Congress.\n\n\u201cI am truly honored to have been elected by my colleagues to help lead the House Republicans this upcoming Congress. It has been troubling to see how far left Congressional Democrats have gone, and that is why we must be bold to advance our core conservative principles and policies. As Vice Chairman of the Republican Conference, I will work tirelessly alongside my colleagues to fight for these policies and ensure we uphold the values and freedoms the American people hold dear.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-06-28T00:39:51Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1145, "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": "Republican", "p1": "LA", "p2": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=LA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 1145, "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=Republican&state=LA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 957, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=LA&year=2020&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 188, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=LA&year=2020&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=LA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "LA", "label": "LA", "count": 1145, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=LA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 1145, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=LA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-11-17,https~3A~2F~2Fmikejohnson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D712", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=LA&year=2020&_next=2020-11-17%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmikejohnson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fdocumentsingle~2Easpx~3FDocumentID~3D712&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 234.21969916671515, "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"}