{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"LA\" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/icymi-scalise-barton-op-ed-dallas-morning-news-praises-benefits-lifting-ban", "ICYMI: Scalise-Barton Op-Ed In Dallas Morning News Praises Benefits Of Lifting The Ban", "2015-12-31", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "METAIRIE, LA. -Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX) and Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) penned a joint opinion editorial published in The Dallas Morning News titled Develop American resources, create American jobs.As of December 18, 2015, the nearly forty-year-old ban on crude oil exports has been lifted, thanks in part to Scalises leadership in the House. The op-ed touts the job-creating and economy-growing benefits for the state of Louisiana and our region.\nExcerpts from the op-ed are below:\nLet us develop the resources of our land\nThese words, the beginning of a quotation of Daniel Webster, are emblazoned upon a plaque hung prominently in the House of Representatives chamber. They certainly hold true today as Republicans work to grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, make life more affordable for hardworking families and bolster Americas national security.\n\nThroughout the Gulf Coast region, our oil and gas industry remains the heartbeat of our economy  an amazing success story that creates good-paying jobs by providing homegrown energy to America and our allies.\nIn Texas and Louisiana alone, the oil and gas industry supports well over 2 million jobs directly and indirectly,from oil patch workers to engineers, service industry workers to truck drivers, computer programmers and more. The average salary of an oil and gas industry worker in the Gulf Coast region is about $80,000 a year, and the industry contributes tens of billions of dollars to our regional economy.With results like these, every state blessed with valuable energy resources should have the same opportunity to replicate our success.\n\nBut for years, President Barack Obama has been trying to reverse these opportunities by imposing radical regulations that are rooted in a failed cap-and-trade scheme. With these and other wrong-headed policies, the president and his administration are waging a notorious War on Coal that is hurting American workers and their families.\nJust this month, the president met with the leaders of other nations in Paris to pursue his global warming agenda that will make America less competitive, kill jobs and raise costs for hardworking families. Just imagine the foolish notion that an administration that could not even properly build a website to sell health insurance policies can somehow control the earths temperature.\nMeanwhile, America has lost 80,000 jobs asoil producers have been forced to scale back their rigs by 60 percent, yet the president and his radical environmentalist supporters have fought tooth and nail to keep America the only nation in the world with a self-imposed ban on exporting our own crude oil.\nInstead of helping Americans compete on the global stage and benefit from our incredible energy resources, the president and his allies are doing the exact opposite, blocking enormous opportunities and trying to force their own radical agenda on the rest of us. Youll see that huge cost in everything from higher food and electricity prices, to thousands more lost jobs.\nThats just wrong.House Republicans are committed to fighting for the millions of Americans who will directly benefit from developing our countrys plentiful energy resources. And in recent weeks, we have passed several pieces of legislation to do just that.\nWe have stood against the presidents illegal so-called Clean Power Plan and New Source Performance Standard that will drive up the cost of electricity. We voted to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. We have voted to upgrade our aging energy infrastructure, and now we have finally passed legislation to end the outdated ban on crude oil exports, part of a crucial bill which the president just signed into law.\nLifting the ban will create an estimated 1 million American jobs throughout the nation and add $170 billion annually to our GDP. In fact, it is estimated that for every job created in the oil and gas sector, six will be created in the broader economy, while gas prices here at home could drop as much as 13 cents per gallon, helping families save more at the pump. This is a historic victory for America and for our region.\nWere proud to have led the charge in the House to help Americans capitalize on our energy potential so we can create good jobs, our economy can continue to grow and more families can have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/traffic-restricted-levee-abraham-gets-view-air", "Traffic restricted on levee; Abraham gets view from air", "2015-12-29", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "5th District U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, got a bird's-eye view of the rising river Tuesdayin a helicopter tour with Col. John Cross, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Vicksburg District.\n\"I'm very much concerned,\" Abraham said. \"From what I saw today there are many camps and houses in peril on the river side of the levee.\"\nAbraham expressed confidence in the corps' ability, citing its work during the Great Flood of 2011 when the Mississippi reached an all-time high of 57.1 feet at Vicksburg.\nTo read the full story, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-secures-end-crude-oil-exports-ban-strengthens-america%E2%80%99s-national-defense", "Scalise Secures An End To The Crude Oil Exports Ban, Strengthens Americas National Defense", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) today praised House passage of a provision within the 2016ConsolidatedAppropriations Act to lift the decades-old ban on crude oil exports. The House passed the measure 316-113, and the bill now goesto the Senate for consideration.\nLifting the 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports will create thousands more good-paying Louisiana jobs by allowing us to compete globally and undercut our enemies, Rep. Scalise said. Not only will scrapping this outdated relic of the 1970s allow hard-working taxpayers to compete on the world market, create hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the nation, and lower prices at the pumpit will also strengthen Americas national security by letting our allies buy energy directly from us, and not from countries likeRussia and Iran. Lifting the ban has been among my top priorities in 2015, and todays vote is a big win for Louisiana and for conservative principles. Im honored to have used my seat at the House leadership table to bring this issue to the forefront and help it get signed into law.\nThis critical piece of legislation prioritizes national defense while taking money away from radical agencies like the EPA. In addition to strengthening our military, this bill also ends fraud in the visa waiver program by implementing reforms that will block ISIS recruits from exploiting loopholes in this program. The House is doing everything in our power to keep American families safe.\nSpeaking with several reporters across the state this week, Congressman Scalise shared the importance of thismeaningful victory for Louisianas oil and gas industry:\n-On WWLTV, Scalise stated:\"I've been pushing for this all year to try to find some way to get it to the president's desk in a bill that he'll sign,\" Scalise said. \"I think we finally have the opportunity.I hope by the end of this week, we'll pass the bill out of the House and Senate and get it to the president's desk.\n-In a WRNO article titled Scalise Pushes End Of Ban On U.S. Oil Exports, Scalise said: \"We now have an abundance of oil, we literally can be a world supplier, way more than enough to meet our own needs but also help our allies around the world so they don't have to buy oil from countries like Russia and Iran.\"\n-In the Daily Advertiser, Scalise was quoted as saying:\"Studies indicate lifting the ban would generate more than 5,000 jobs in Louisiana and an estimated 1 million across America, add nearly $300 million to Louisiana's economy and $170 billion annually to our GDP,\" Scalise said. \"This will also lower prices at the pump by as much as 13 cents per gallon and produce an additional 1 million barrels daily if this ban goes away. For too long, this bad policy has been holding back economic opportunities for our job creators.\n-On WWL Radio, Scalise said:\"I think we've got a real shot to finally lift this ban on crude oil exports,\" Scalise told WWL. \"It's something that's still on the books since the 1970s. It doesn't make sense and it's clearly holding our economy back.\"\n-The Advocate quoted Scalise: This is a smart, commonsense policy change that represents a big win for Louisiana and our vital oil and gas industry, said U.S. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, of Jefferson, who has advocated for the change. Lifting the ban will create thousands of jobs here in Louisiana and nearly 1 million jobs nationwide, while lowering prices at the pump and strengthening our national security. America is the only country in the world with a self-imposed ban on exporting our own crude oil, and its time we got rid of this obsolete, job-killing barrier once and for all.\n-In the Times Pic: \"Elimination of this ban is going to create thousands of jobs in Louisiana and tens of thousands of jobs across the country,\" Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, the third highest ranked Republican in the House of Representatives, said Thursday (Dec. 17). \"When you look at the impact of global oil prices right now, you're seeing thousands get laid off in Louisiana. You're seeing a lot of wells being shut in around the country, and yet we are the only country in the world that doesn't allow the export of our oil. It makes no sense.\"\n-In The Wall Street Journal: \"Republicans said they had gotten the better bargain in ending the oil export ban. 'Were getting permanent policy in exchange for temporary renewal of those credits,' House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R., La.) said in an interview. 'If you can get permanent policy that you want in exchange for temporary policy that the other side wants, thats a victory.\nHere is the background on Congressman Scalise's involvement in lifting the crude oil export ban:\n-In November, the House passed H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015.This comprehensive American energy billincluded an amendment that would lift the ban on crude oil exports.\n-In October, the House approved H.R. 702, a bill to lift the ban on crude oil exports. Scalisespokeon the House floor in support of lifting the outdated ban.\n-As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C), Scalise submittedan opening statementfor the Subcommittee markup ofH.R. 702, The subcommittee unanimously approved the measure in September. Later that month, E&C favorably approved the bill.\n-Scalise is acosponsor of H.R. 702, a bill To adapt to changing crude oil market conditions.\n-Scalise applauded theU.S. Department of Energys conclusionthat [p]etroleum product prices in the United States, including gasoline prices, would be either unchanged or slightly reduced by the removal of current restrictions on crude oil exports.\n-In August, Scalise praised the U.S. Department of Commerce for allowingsome export swaps of crude oil to Mexico.\n-In July, Scalise joined WWL-TV in New Orleansto discuss the importance of lifting the ban\n-In his role as Majority Whip, Scalise has been promoting lifting the ban to his House colleagues.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-votes-against-omnibus", "Abraham votes against Omnibus", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, voted against the $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill passed by the House on Friday, Dec. 18.\nThe omnibus passed the House with a 316 - 113 vote. The Senate was expected to take up the bill Friday night.\nThis omnibus bill does nothing to curtail Washingtons out-of-control spending. If anything, it adds to the problem. Were going to saddle our grandchildren with unmanageable debt if we dont get serious about this problem. Its an irresponsible way to govern, Dr. Abraham said.\nNot only did the omnibus bust spending caps by nearly $58 billion, but it also failed to address a number of conservative priorities. The omnibus maintains funding levels for the abortion provider Planned Parenthood, takes no steps to halt the influx of Syrian refugees, and fails to repeal the Environmental Protection Agencys most burdensome regulations, including the Waters of the US rule.\nThe message I hear repeatedly throughout my district is that Congress must leverage the power of the purse to combat President Obamas destructive policies. We missed an opportunity to do that with this omnibus, and Congress must do better a better job in the future, Dr. Abraham said.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-votes-against-budget-bill", "Cassidy Votes Against Budget Bill", "2015-12-18", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.18.15\n\t\t\t Cassidy Votes Against Budget Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. released the following statement after voting against the $1.149 trillion fiscal year (FY) 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill:\r\nMy goal is to advance policies that help working familiesthis bill does not do that.Although there were some good things in the bill, like lifting the crude oil export ban, one of the reasons I voted against it was that it continues Obamacare and gives a $30 billion tax break that greatly benefits groups that forced Obamacare on the rest of us. President Obama is pleased with this bill, I am not.\"\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\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"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/protecting-hardworking-families-tax-increases", "Protecting Hardworking Families from Tax Increases", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the below statement following House passage of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act:\n\"Today the House passed critical pro-growth legislation to protect hard-working families from tax increases, while encouraging billions in new investment and job creation. This bill is an important step forward and lays the cornerstone for bold, conservative tax reform next year, which will result in a simpler, fairer tax code. Additionally, this bill provides families and small businesses the long-term certainty and predictability they need by delivering permanent tax relief and allowing taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money. Plain and simple, when our job creators can plan ahead, they can expand theirbusinessesand create new jobs to help grow a healthy American economy.Iwould like to commendChairmanKevin Brady and the Ways and Means Committeefor their tireless work in drafting this strong bill to protect hard-working American taxpayers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/what%E2%80%99s-omnibus", "Whats In The Omnibus?", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Whats In The Omnibus?                     Big Wins For National Security, Energy, And Protecting Americans From ObamaCare                      \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    The House is set to vote on a federal funding bill tomorrow that advances several bold, conservative priorities. The full text of the bill can be read here. Below are three highlights in the bill that advance meaningful solutions through bipartisan cooperation:\n1. Bolsters national security.Several provisions within thebill will help keep Americans safe and enhance our national security. At a time when threats are expanding and intensifying around the globe, we need to ensure our military and intelligence communities havethefunds necessary to ensure our security at home.\nWins:\n Fully funds defense, pays our troops, and provides the resources and equipment our military needs to strengthen and protect our national security\nFunds critical programs to support the Iron Dome, Ukraines efforts to protect themselvesfrom Russian aggression, and counterterrorism programs for regional allies like Jordan\nFunds effortstocombat ISIL, support operations in Afghanistan, and increase intelligence and surveillance capabilities\nProhibits closure of our terrorist detention facility atGuantanamo Bay and prevents transfer ofdetainees into the U.S.\nIncreases funds for veterans by9.8% above FY15 to support health care, job training, and reducing the claims backlog at the VA\n 2. Lifts the 40-year-old ban on crude oil exports. America is the only country in the world with a self-imposed ban on exporting our own crude oil, and its time we got rid of this obsolete, job-killing barrier once and for all. In fact, weve lost80,000U.S. jobs because oil producers have been forced to scale back their rigs by nearly60percent. When we lift the ban, U.S. producers would generate more than1 millionbarrels daily, which means more American jobs and greater economic competitiveness in the global marketplace.As House Majority Whip, Scalise has used his seat at the Leadership table to build the legislative coalition that created such strong support from both Republicans and Democrats.\nWins:\n Creates more than 5,000 jobs in Louisiana and nearly 1 million jobs across the country\nAdds nearly $300 million to our states economy and $170 billion annually to our national GDP\nShifts energy dependence of emerging democracies away from bad actors like Russia and Iran\nAccording to the Government Accountability Office, consumer gas prices here at homecould drop as much as13cents per gallon so families can save more at the pump.\n 3. Prevents a taxpayer bailout of ObamaCares risk corridors program. This prevents the unnecessary ObamaCare tax burdens being heaped upon hardworking Americans.\nWins:\n Stops the taxpayer bailout of insurance companies through the Obamacare risk corridor program\nDelays for two years the poorly designed ObamaCare Cadillac taxa 40 percent excise tax on high cost employer health plans\nPuts a one year moratorium on the Health Insurance Tax that drives up health care premiums and acts as a tax on small businesses\nCuts funding by $15 million for the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), which will act as a de facto rationing body by cutting certain providers and effectively stopping access to care\nBlocks the Public Health and Prevention Fund from being used as an ObamaCare slush fund\nRequires the Inspectors General at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Treasury Department to issue a report on improper payments of ObamaCares tax subsidies", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-path-act", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the PATH Act", "2015-12-17", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after the House passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act:\nAmerica expects more from their government than the short-sighted, irresponsible tax plan that passed the House today, said Rep. Richmond. The $622 billion in unpaid for tax cuts will cause a substantial budget short fall, and working class Americans will bear the brunt of the consequences.\nCritical programs like Medicare, HeadStart, SNAP as well as funding for job training, public housing, and Pell Grants will be on the chopping block in order to cut the budget so that we can pay for the tax breaks passed today. This Bobby Jindal-styled governance in which we offer tax breaks to corporations then slash the budget is why Louisiana is in the midst of a fiscal catastrophe, and Congress is putting America on that same path.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/icymi-congress-could-lift-ban-oil-exports-end-year", "ICYMI: Congress could lift ban on oil exports by end of year", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) recently joined WWLTV in New Orleans to share his work in House leadership to lift the forty-year old ban on crude oil exports before the end of 2015. Excerpts from the article are below:\nWWLTV: Congress could lift ban on oil exports by end of year\nBy: Paul Murphy, Eyewitness News Reporter\nThe Louisiana oil and gas industry may receive an early Christmas present this year. Lawmakers are poised to lift a decades old ban on U.S. oil exports.\nIt would be included as a provision in the year-end tax and spending bill now before Congress. Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise is pushing for the change.\n\"I've been pushing for this all year to try to find some way to get it to the president's desk in a bill that he'll sign,\" Scalise said. \"I think we finally have the opportunity. I hope by the end of this week, we'll pass the bill out of the House and Senate and get it to the president's desk.\"\n\nExperts say lifting the ban could create about 5,400 new jobs in Louisiana.\n\nScalise says the U.S. could be a major player in the oil and gas industry worldwide.\n\"You've got these shale plays across the country, where you can find oil in unconventional places,\" Scalise said. \"Just a few years ago they thought we might be running out of oil, now we've got a surplus to the point to where we can be the energy leader in the world. We have more oil reserves than Saudi Arabia.\nBackground on Scalise involvement in lifting the crude oil export ban:\n-In November, the House passed H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. This comprehensive American energy bill included an amendment that would lift the ban on crude oil exports.\n-In October, the House approved H.R. 702, a bill to lift the ban on crude oil exports. Scalise spoke on the House floor in support of lifting the outdated ban.\n-As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C), Scalise submitted an opening statement for the Subcommittee markup of H.R. 702, The subcommittee unanimously approved the measure in September. Later that month, E&C favorably approved the bill.\n-Scalise is a cosponsor of H.R. 702, a bill To adapt to changing crude oil market conditions.\n-Scalise applauded the U.S. Department of Energys conclusion that [p]etroleum product prices in the United States, including gasoline prices, would be either unchanged or slightly reduced by the removal of current restrictions on crude oil exports.\n-In August, Scalise praised the U.S. Department of Commerce for allowing some export swaps of crude oil to Mexico.\n-In July, Scalise joined WWL-TV in New Orleans to discuss the importance of lifting the ban\n-In his role as Majority Whip, Scalise has been promoting lifting the ban to his House colleagues.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-omnibus-snapper-provisions-step-right-direction-continues-chum", "Graves on Omnibus Snapper Provisions: A Step in the Right Direction. Continues to Chum the Water for State Management in 2016", "2015-12-16", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC  Congressman Garret Graves (R-LA) announced today the inclusion of an important red snapper management provision in the Fiscal Year 2016 omnibus appropriations bill that Congress will vote on later this week. The provision marks substantive progress on the Graves-led effort in the House to improve management and increase recreational access to the Gulf red snapper fishery.\nThe federal governments management of red snapper is a complete failure, said Graves. For too long, incomplete science has informed federal policies that have restricted access to the enormous recreational fishing community in South Louisiana and across the Gulf Coast, eroding the regions fishing heritage and hurting local economies.\nGraves led a House Natural Resources Committee hearing earlier this year to examine his bill, H.R. 3094  the Gulf States Red Snapper Management Authority Act (GSRSMA), which would transfer management of the fishery from the federal government to the five Gulf States. He also drafted a House-passed amendment to the appropriations bill giving recreational fishers up to 70-days to fish for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico  up from 10-days. Graves advocacy for state management has bolstered a bipartisan effort to reform the federal management regime.\nNOAAs stock assessments exclude red snapper that live on reefs and around energy infrastructure in the Gulf, which is known habitat that anyone who goes out for red snapper targets to get on the fish. The governments flawed circular reasoning  excluding critical habitat, underestimating the population, limiting recreational access  is absurd, Graves added. Language in the omnibus addresses state jurisdiction, assessments and allowable catch. Specifically:\n Fishery Boundaries: Bill language extends Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi state seaward fishery boundaries from three miles out to nine miles for these states to regulate red snapper and other reef fish.\n\tRed Snapper Tagging Study: Provides up to $5 million for NOAAs National Sea Grant College program to support external research and development through its network of academic institutions for a red snapper tagging study in the Gulf of Mexico. \n\tRed Snapper Stock Assessment: Provides $5 million for independent, stock assessments (outside of NOAA) for Gulf reef fish including red snapper. Directs NOAA to count fish on artificial reefs and offshore energy exploration infrastructure, incorporate those counts into future stock assessments and management decisions for reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico. \n\tRed Snapper Allowable Catch: Urges NOAA to provide an increased allocation of Gulf red snapper to private recreational anglers. \n\tRed Snapper and the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP): Provides no funding for the full transition to the new MRIP implementation plan until NOAA fixes the stock assessment process as directed under the bills red snapper section. \n This language is a step in the right direction, but I remain committed to working with stakeholders toward a broader sustainable solution by transferring red snapper management authority to the five Gulf States in 2016, concluded Graves. Graves worked with Senator Richard Shelby from Alabama and Senators Vitter and Cassidy on this issue.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-bennet-introduce-the-waterway-lng-parity-act-of-2015", "Cassidy, Bennet Introduce the Waterway LNG Parity Act of 2015", "2015-12-11", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced theWaterway LNG Parity Act of 2015.This bipartisan legislation would ensure that excise taxes on liquefied natural gas (LNG) for marine transportation on the inland waterways are levied at a rate consistent with their energy output relative to diesel and gasoline, respectively. LNG is a cheaper, cleaner, domestic energy source and the current financing mechanism for the inland waterways system puts its use at a disadvantage. This legislation would change the inland waterways financing rate to provide equal treatment within the federal tax code.\r\nIt takes about 1.7 gallons of LNG to provide the same amount of energy as a gallon of diesel. Those who use LNG to power marine vessels would have to pay 50 cents in tax for the same amount of energy contained in a gallon of diesel fuel that is only taxed at 29 centsthat doesnt make sense,said Dr. Cassidy.By ensuring equal tax treatment for LNG, it encourages its use and its productionbenefiting Louisianas economy and workers.\r\nNatural gas is a growing part of Colorados diverse energy industry, and this bill recognizes the shift to alternative fuels in across transportation technologies,Bennet said.Providing parity to LNG for marine transportation  just as we recently did for cars and trucks  creates an opportunity to grow this market and encourages the use of domestically produced natural gas as a cleaner burning transportation fuel. \r\nThis legislation is supported by many, including:\r\nNGVAmerica commends Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) for introducing the Waterway LNG Parity Act of 2015. This common-sense legislation would remove another barrier to the greater utilization of clean-burning, low-cost domestic natural gas in the transportation sector by leveling the playing field for the taxation of LNG fuel used in marine vessels operating on inland waterways in the U.S.-Matt Godlewski, President of NGVAmerica\r\n\"LNG has proven to be a viable fuel alternative in the over-the-road market. It's much cleaner, costs less and comes from the U.S. If given the chance to be on parity with diesel, it will prove to be the same in the marine application as well.\"-Andrew J. Littlefair, President and CEO of Clean Energy Fuels Corp\r\nIn Texas, there is strong interest and activity related to natural gas powered shipping, and we applaud Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) for introducing the Waterway LNG Parity Act of 2015.\"- Lynn Lyon, President of Energy Connects\r\nThe marine industry holds great promise for increased utilization of clean, affordable, and abundant natural gas. Eliminating the disparity that currently exists between LNG and diesel fuel for marine use on inland waterways will put the two fuels on a competitive level and be consistent with the equalized tax treatment of LNG and diesel for highway use,- Scott Salmon, Senior Advisor at the Shell Oil Company\r\nThe U.S, is now the number 1 producer of natural gas in the world, and American businesses and consumers continue to take advantage of low-cost natural gas in the transportation sector. Blu LNG applaud Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) for introducing the Waterway LNG Parity Act of 2015.- James Burns, President and CEO of Blu LNG\r\nPivotal LNG supports equalizing the tax on liquefied natural gas for inland waterway use. The excise tax for highway use was recently changed to tax LNG at the same rate as diesel. That modification made a huge difference in the trucking industry. Pivotal LNG believes that fuels should compete based on commodity cost and not be disadvantaged by an outdated tax code. The Waterway LNG Parity Act of 2015 addresses this long-standing issue in the maritime industry.- Steve Cittadine, President, Storage and Fuels, for AGL Resources\r\nTaxing LNG at a higher effective rate than diesel builds a barrier to using LNG in the marine industry. Tax policy should not penalize cleaner burning and lower carbon LNG. The Waterway LNG Parity Act of 2015 is a vital step to leveling the playing field for LNG.- Greg Roche, VP Sales and Marketing for Applied LNG\r\nThe United States has the most efficient and robust natural gas transportation system in the world. We support this bill to create additional demand for natural gas, which has the potential to benefit producers nation-wide. Natural gas as a marine fuel has a dual benefit of cleaner air in our harbors and more drilling in western Colorado in the decades to come. David Ludlam, Executive Director of West Slope Colorado Oil and Gas Association", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-addresses-reports-iranian-ballistic-missile-tests", "Rep. Richmond Addresses Reports of Iranian Ballistic Missile Tests", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement concerning reports of Iran conducting illegal missile tests:\nThe reports that Iran has continued to ignore international agreements and U.N. resolutions by testing medium-range ballistic missiles potentially capable of carrying nuclear warheads are deeply disconcerting and require our immediate attention, said Rep. Richmond.\nThese actions not only undermine the credibility of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) they threaten the security of the international community. I call upon members of the P5 +1 to thoroughly verify that Iran is strictly following the letter and the spirit of the JCPOA.\nThe Administration must work with our international allies to investigate these serious allegations of this dangerous and provocative behavior by the Iranian regime. If these reports are true, the Administration must swiftly and decisively take the appropriate action, including sanctions against Irans ballistic missile program. Hardliners in Iran are actively seeking to discredit the JCPOA, we must act to prevent them from achieving that goal.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-recognizes-international-human-rights-day", "Cassidy Recognizes International Human Rights Day", "2015-12-10", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. released the following statement recognizing International Human Rights Day 2015, calling attention to the plight of prisoners of conscience worldwide who suffer cruel punishment for peaceful dissent:\r\nToday we honor the courageous men and women around the world who peacefully fight to protect the human dignity of others.Let us also not forget those who are languishing behind bars for speaking their conscience, like Vietnamese dissident Bui Thi Minh Hang.Mrs. Hang is a 51-year-old woman being imprisoned for her peaceful activities to safeguard the freedom of information, independent religious groups, and farmers whose lands are wrongfully taken by the Vietnamese government.It is the brave and selfless voices of Mrs. Hang and other prisoners of conscience in countries around the world that we honor and pray for. They remind us that we must keep protecting the basic rights for people in all corners of the world.\r\nDr. Cassidy is a member of the Senate Human Rights Caucus. He adopted the case of Vietnamese dissident Bui Thi Minh Hang through the Defending Freedoms Project, which advocates for the release of prisoners of conscience worldwide.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/defeating-isis-takes-strong-leadership", "Defeating ISIS Takes Strong Leadership", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. At todays House leadership press conference House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.)discusseddefeating ISIS and the threat they pose to the United States:\nClick the image to view Scalises remarks\n\nRemarks:\nTo defeat ISIS, it's going to take a strong strategy, and it's going to take strong leadership. Our intelligence community tells us ISIS is not being contained. If you look at President Obama's speech from Sunday night, all he talked about was the existing strategy that clearly is not working.\nAnd so while we know from our own intelligence community that ISIS not only is not being contained, but is actually coming into America, the American people need to see that clear strategy from the President. Rather than trying to take away the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, President Obama needs to lay out a clear strategy that confronts this direct threat.\nThe American people deserve to know that our government is doing everything in its power to keep them safe. And that's why the House is going to continue focusing on this direct threat by the legislation that we're moving forward, coming out of our task force, working with our members who have the best expertise, and who've been working on this for years.\nSo today when you see us take on a bill to actually reform the visa waiver program, something that President Obama himself acknowledges has loopholes that need to be closed, that's an example of the House moving forward to do everything in our power to keep American families safe.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/strengthening-visa-waiver-program-safer-america", "Strengthening the Visa Waiver Program for a Safer America", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) urged his colleagues to support H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act, whichpassed the House todaywith broad bipartisan support,407-19.\nClick the image to watch Scalises remarks\nRemarks:\nThank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank my colleague from Virginia for yielding. Id like to rise in strong support of this important legislation from the gentlelady from Michigan, Mrs. Miller.\nMr. Speaker, to defeat ISIS it's going to take strong leadership, and it's also going to take a strong strategy. I think it's clear that the President's approach isn't working. In fact, our intelligence officialstell usthatISISisnot onlynot being contained, but now we're seeing that they're coming to America and they're attacking us here, and that's their stated goal. It's incumbent upon us to do everything we can, and frankly the American people deserve to know that our government is doing everything in our power to protect them from the threat of terrorists -- very real threats.\nSo in the House, we've been taking decisive action. We've already passed a bill to address the problems of the lack of vetting in the refugee program  a program that ISIS themselves have said they plan to exploit in order to bringterroristsinto America. The F.B.I. Director has even confirmed those concerns that we've expressed and we passed legislation to address that. Today, we're bringing forth strong bipartisan legislation to reform the troubled Visa Waiver Program. We've seen that thousands of people with western passports, including these Visa Waiver Program nations, have been going to some of the troubled regions, like Syria, Iraq, and other countries, and there ought to be a higher level of scrutiny. This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to work with those nations, to have a higher level of scrutiny, which will ultimately lead to a more secure United States of America. I encourage all our colleagues to pass this legislation. Let's continue to do what we need to do in the House of Representatives to protect the American people from the real threat that ISIS poses.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-peters-introduce-legislation-to-reform-it-management-systems-save-taxpayer-dollars", "Cassidy, Peters Introduce Legislation to Reform IT Management Systems, Save Taxpayer Dollars", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced theMaking Electronic Government Accountable By Yielding Tangible Efficiencies (MEGABYTE) Act of 2015to reform the federal governments management of information technology (IT) software licenses.The non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that implementing oversight and management policies of federal software licenses saved a single agency$181 million tax dollars per year. If implemented, the MEGABYTE Act could yield billions in savings across the federal government\r\nBillions of taxpayer dollars could be saved if federal agencies keep track of what software they buy. Its irresponsible they dont do so already,said Dr. Cassidy.Tax dollars could be better used on our troops and our classrooms, not redundant software licenses.\r\nCongress has a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively,said Senator Peters.The federal government could potentially save billions of dollars every year by requiring better management of federal software license purchases. Im proud to help introduce this commonsense measure that will cut wasteful spending and save taxpayers money.\r\nThe legislation is a follow up to Dr. Cassidysletterto Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shaun Donovan on June 2, 2015 concerning federal agencies wasting billions of taxpayer dollars on the lack of management and the duplication of software licenses for these agencies.\r\nThe MEGABYTE Act saves tax dollars and cuts government waste through the following actions:\r\n\r\nThe OMB Director shall issue a directive requiring executive agencies to identify clear roles, responsibilities, and central oversight authority within the agency for managing enterprise software license agreements and commercial software licenses.\r\nAgencies will also establish a comprehensive inventory, including 80 percent of software license spending and enterprise licenses in the agency.\r\nRegularly track and maintain software licenses to assist the executive agency in implementing decisions throughout the software license management life cycle.\r\nAnalyze software usage and other data to make cost-effective decisions.\r\nProvide training relevant to software license management.\r\nEstablish goals and objectives of the software license management program of the agency.\r\nConsider the software license management life cycle phases, including the requisition, reception, deployment and maintenance, retirement, and disposal phases, to implement effective decision making and incorporate existing standards, processes, and metrics.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-supports-education-bill-stops-common-core", "Cassidy Supports Education Bill, Stops Common Core", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. commented on the passage of theEvery Student Succeeds Act of 2015, which scales back the federal governments role in educationand returns the decision making power to parents, educators and state and local officials. The bipartisan legislation to replaceNo Child Left Behindis expected to be signed by the president this week.\r\nAs a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee and Chairman of the Senate Dyslexia Caucus, Dr. Cassidy helped secure language in the bill to block the Obama Administration from coercing states into adopting Common Core standards. This will forbid the federal government from intervening in a states education standards, curricula, and assessments through the use of incentives, mandates, grants, waivers or any other form of manipulation. He also secured language in the bill to improve assessment tools for identifying students with learning disabilities like dyslexia.\r\nDr. Cassidy offered the following statement:\r\nEvery child deserves a quality education that fits their needs. The beginning of that quality education begins with local control. This bill stops the federal government from mandating Common Core and returns the decision making power back to the states, local schools districts, teachers and parents. It supports charter schools and gives more options to parents. It starts the conversation on how we can best help students with a learning disability like dyslexia learn to read. It empowers Louisiana parents, teachers and studentsnot the federal government.\r\nInitiatives in theEvery Student Succeeds Act of 2015\r\nStops Common Core\r\nProhibits the U.S. Secretary of Education from coercing or incentivizing states to adopt or maintain a particular set of standards, including Common Core. The use of incentives, mandates, grants, waivers or other forms of manipulation to change these standards is forbidden.\r\nHelps Students with Reading Difficulties Like Dyslexia Succeed\r\nCreates a comprehensive center on students at risk of not attaining full literacy skills due to a disability, including dyslexia. Specifically, the comprehensive center will identify or develop free or low cost evidence-based assessment tools for identifying students at risk of not attaining full literacy skills. The center will provide families, educational agencies and schools with the evidence-based information to help students succeed. They will use an evidence-based screening assessment for early identification of such students beginning no later than kindergarten and implement evidence-based instruction designed to meet the specific needs of such students.\r\nEliminates Unnecessary Assessments\r\nGives states more control over their assessment systems by allowing states to conduct audits of state and local assessment systems to eliminate unnecessary assessments. States can design more sensible systems that align with standards.\r\nMaintains Access to Accelerated Learning\r\nCovers part or all of the costs of accelerated learning examinations (AP, IB tests) for low income students, andincreases the number of teachers and students in high need schools that participate in accelerated learning courses, dual enrollment programs, and early college high school courses. In 2015, 7,921 low-income students in Louisiana took AP exams and the state received $264,852 through the program for FY 2015. Many four-year colleges give students credit, advanced placement or both, on the basis of their AP exam scores, which has the estimated potential to save $1 million in tuition for low-income students scoring a 3 or higher on an AP exam in Louisiana.\r\nReauthorizes 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21stCCLC) Program\r\nStrengthens afterschool and enrichment programs to help ensure students have a safe place for extracurricular activities. It also allows working parents to stay at work with a better peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe place. This program is the only federal funding source supporting Louisianas after school programs. Currently, 22,316 low-income students in the state participate in this program.\r\nPrioritizes Students Mental Health\r\nAllows states to use funds to support local agencies to evidenced based mental health awareness training and expand access to school based mental health programs.\r\nGives Parents Control\r\nRequires school districts to notify parents that they may request and the school district provides information regarding the state and school districts policy regarding student participation in any required assessments and must include a policy, procedural, or parental right to opt the child out of such assessment.\r\nStrengthens State Control\r\nAllows states to identify and take action in schools that are not closing achievement gaps among subgroups over time. It allows the states to determine how to do this and which schools in which to take action.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-oped-obamas-climate-hypocrisy", "ICYMI Cassidy Oped: Obama's climate hypocrisy", "2015-12-09", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the Paris climate talks continue, President Obama has repeatedly made clear his belief that no challenge poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change. The president and his administration have attempted to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by limiting domestic oil and gas production on federal lands, continuing the 40-year-old crude oil export ban (presumably to decrease oil consumption worldwide) and imposing regulations on the U.S. oil and gas exploration industry, designed to restrict U.S. oil production. This, while the presidents Iran agreement allows Iran to increase their oil production by 2 million barrels per day by 2021 and gives them access to new global markets. If Obama wants to lower GHG emissions and simultaneously address that which most Americans think is the greatest threat  terrorism - he should allow Americans to explore for and export oil.\r\nUnlike Iran, the U.S. has a long-standing commitment to conservation. America leads the world in both emissions reductions and production of oil and natural gas due to industry investment and advanced technology. While pushing the Iran deal, Obama failed to mention that Iran does not share our commitment to reducing emissions from oil production. The International Council on Clean Transportation and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace determined that Iran emits almost three times the GHG per barrel during production of crude oil than that of U.S. producers in the Gulf of Mexico. Major oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico emit 0.031 and 0.034 metric tons of CO2 equivalents, a measurement of greenhouse gas emissions, per barrel while Iranian oil fields emit 0.070 to 0.099 metric tons of CO2 equivalents per barrel. If this seems small, understand that if Iran increases oil production by 2 million barrels per day due to a vacuum the U.S. leaves in the market, they will emit 100,000 metric tons more of CO2 equivalents per day. In a real sense, either the U.S. or Iran will supply oil to the international oil market. If it is the U.S., less GHG is emitted, if Iran, more GHG is emitted.\r\nDespite this, less than one month after the president gave Iran access to export oil, he issued a threat to veto legislation that would allow U.S. oil exports. Both Republicans and Democrats support lifting the current crude oil export ban. Put in place in 1975, its an outdated policy that denies American companies access to the global oil market. It also denies jobs and economic growth to Americans and the American economy.\r\nAccording to the Aspen Institute, if the crude oil export ban was lifted, domestic crude oil production could increase by 3.25 million barrels per day by 2025. GDP would increase by $165 billion in peak exploration and development years (2019-2021), continuing at $141 billion per year in 2025. As 20 percent of GDP is typically paid in taxes to the federal government, this is $33 billion per year towards domestic needs, such as paying down debt and financing defense and security. Related to this, a total of 630,000 jobs would be added at the peak in 2019. Americans household income would increase by $2,000 to $3,000 in 2025. Conversely, the Iranian Central Bank predicted that increasing Iranian oil production and lifting the sanctions could mean their growth rate will increase to 5 percent. This is the same economy that finances terrorism throughout the Middle East and continuously undermines the stability of its regional neighbors, including Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Whichever country fills the international need for oil will advance their countrys goals. It should be the U.S.\r\nDespite the lower GHG emissions and the economic and security benefits of increased domestic energy production, the Obama administration has slowed energy production on federal lands and closed off areas of exploration and development of offshore oil. The Obama administrations draft five-year plan for 2017-2022 lists 14 lease sales - the lowest number in the 42-year history of the planning process. Currently, the administrations five-year offshore oil and gas leasing plan, which took effect on August 27, 2012, removed 1.42 billion acres of the 1.65 billion acres of available OCS lands87 percentand blocked any new oil and gas exploration off the Atlantic coast.\r\nBottom line, if American oil is exported, the demand for Iranian oil will decrease. This will result in tons less GHG emissions, more income for American workers, an increase in the U.S. GDP and a focus on American priorities. If American oil is not exported, these benefits will be seen by Iran.\r\nIf Obama really believes that no challenge poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change, and if he is willing to acknowledge that most Americans feel that terrorism poses at least an equally serious threat, he should support exploring for and exporting American oil.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-meets-frank-levingston-of-louisiana-oldest-known-wwii-veteran", "Cassidy Meets Frank Levingston of Louisiana, Oldest Known WWII Veteran", "2015-12-08", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.15\n\t\t\t Cassidy Meets Frank Levingston of Louisiana, Oldest Known WWII Veteran \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. had the honor of meeting Frank Levingston of Louisiana, the oldest known World War II veteran, and thank him for his service. Frank was born on November 13, 1905 in north Louisiana and recently celebrated his 110thbirthday. He was an Army private and served in the Naples-Foggia Campaign, or when the Allies invaded Italy, which lasted from September 1943 to January 1944. He was honorably discharged following the campaign in 1945. Frank currently resides in Lake Charles with family. Read more from the Advocates profilehereand see photos of Dr. Cassidy meeting with Frank, his family and friends below:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\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\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"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-presidents-oval-office-address", "Scalise Statement on the President's Oval Office Address", "2015-12-07", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement regarding President Obama's address to the nation:\n\"To defeat ISIS, America needs strong leadership and a strong strategy. It's clear that President Obama's current approach isn't working, and our intelligence community tells us ISIS is not contained, much less defeated. Unfortunately, the President's speech tonight offered little acknowledgement of this fact, and no indication that he will change his approach so we can defeat this urgent threat. Rather than trying to take away the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans, the President needs to lay out a clear strategy to defeat ISIS.\n\"The American people deserve to know their government is doing everything in its power to keep them safe from terrorist attacks, and that is why the House will be passing bipartisan legislation in the coming days to reform the troubled visa waiver program. We stand ready to work with the President on aggressive measures he brings forward to confront this serious threat to America's national security.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-hails-house-passed-education-bill-conservative-victory-louisiana", "Scalise Hails House-Passed Education Bill A Conservative Victory For Louisiana", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement upon House passage of the Conference Report to Accompany S. 1177, the Student Success Act:\n\n\"The Student Success Act represents the largest reduction of federal control over education in 25 years,\" Rep. Scalise said. This legislation replaces No Child Left Behind with reforms that allow states and parents to have more control over their children's education, while also getting the federal government out of mandatedstandards and curriculumlike Common Core,sothe Obama Administration can no longer usethreats or coercion to force states like Louisiana to adopt Washington-knows-best school mandates.\n\nThe bill we passed today also downsizes Washington's footprint by eliminating 49 federal programs and replacing them with ablock grant, so states like Louisiana can decide how best to address the educational needs of our children. Crucially, this billreauthorizes and strengthens the Charter School Program, which has played a significant role in helping Louisiana and other states provide thousands of studentsand their families withbetter educational options.\n\nWhile there is still more work to be done, the reforms in this bill aremajor, positive steps forward in getting Washington bureaucrats out of state and local education decisions. I applaud Chairman Kline for championing this important legislation.\"\nGroups supporting the Student Success Act include:\n\n AASA: The School Superintendents Association\nAgudath Israel of America\nAlliance for Education Excellence\nAmerican Association of School Librarians\nAmerican College Testing (ACT)\nAmerican Enterprise Institute  scholarly endorsement\nAmerican Federation of School Administrators\nAmerican Federation of Teachers\nAssociation of Christian Schools International\nBusiness Roundtable\nChiefs for Change\nCommittee on Catholic Education\nCouncil for American Private Education\nCouncil of Chief State School Officers\nLouisiana Department of Education\nMagnet Schools of America\nNational Alliance for Public Charter Schools\nNational Association for Charter School Authorizers\nNational Association of Elementary School Principals\nNational Association of Federally Impacted Schools\nNational Association of State Boards of Education\nNational Catholic Educational Association\nNational Conference of State Legislatures\nNational Governors Association\nNational PTA\nNational School Boards Association\nOrthodox Union Advocacy Center\nPartnership for 21stCentury Learning\nSTEM Education Coalition\nU.S. Chamber of Commerce\nWall Street Journal  editorial endorsement\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-expresses-support-every-student-succeeds-act", "Rep. Richmond Expresses Support for the Every Student Succeeds Act", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (D-LA) released the following statement in support of the Every Student Succeeds Act that passed the House of Representatives yesterday:\nBy approving the Every Student Succeeds Act, the House took a much-needed step towards improving education across the nation, said Rep. Richmond. This is an example of what we can accomplish when both sides put politics aside and commit to work together on an important issue. Like any compromise, neither side got everything they wanted. This is not a perfect bill, but it is a significant one that will improve life in classrooms across the country for our children and teachers. It empowers educators, reduces the fixation on test results, and ensures that there are proper assessment tools and federal oversight to hold failing schools accountable.\nThis bill also implements positive reforms to end the school to prison pipeline by improving school discipline practices so that children spend school time in classrooms, not in jail cells. It provides the funding necessary for schools to better support teachers and use evidenced-based, positive behavior intervention and support, instead of relying on severe and ineffective zero-tolerance policies. It also encourages schools to develop programs that address discipline gaps, programs that can be expanded if we pass legislation like the Youth Promise Act or the Youth Justice Act. These are critical steps in the right direction, and I am committed to making sure we continue on this path. How we treat our children is a fundamental reflection of the values we hold. Keeping children in school and creating environments where all children feel safe and eager to learn should be everyones priority.\nWhile this bill is essential, it is not the end. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and our local education community to make sure that we continue to fix problems in our education system and provide all our children with the high-quality education they deserve.\nESSA requires states and localities to focus on the overuse of exclusionary and dangerous discipline practices:\n State plans must describe how they will support LEAs to improve school conditions for student learning, including, reducingincidences of bullying and harassment; the overuse of discipline practices that remove students from the classroom; and the use of aversive behavioral interventions that compromise student health and safety.\n\tLocal plans must describe how they will support efforts to reduce the overuse of discipline practices that remove students form the classroom.\n ESSA provides funding for states and localities to implement effective discipline practices and engage parents and families in school success:\n Localities can use Title II funds to develop programs and activities that increase the ability of teachers to effectively teach children with disabilities, including children with significant cognitive disabilities.\n\tLEAs can use federal funding to develop many programs and activities aimed at reducing the school discipline gap, including:\n\t\tTraumainformed and evidencebased, school based mental health services\n\t\t\tBullying and harassment prevention programs\n\t\t\tSchool dropout and reentry programs\n\t\t\tDesigning and implementing a locallytailored evidencebased plans to reduce exclusionary discipline practices in elementary and secondary schools\n\t\t\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-shares-stories-of-obamacares-impact-on-louisiana", "Cassidy Shares Stories of Obamacare's Impact on Louisiana", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.15\n\t\t\t Cassidy Shares Stories of Obamacare's Impact on Louisiana \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) to discuss the problems of Obamacare, including its impact on low-wage workers and small businesses, its high deductibles, failing co-ops and fewer choices for patients. The Senators shared stories of how Obamacare has impacted their states.\r\nWatch the videohereand read excerpts from the narratives below:\r\n\r\nIn Baton Rouge, A Worker Said, My First Employer Reduced My Hours So Now I Have Had To Take A Second Job To Make Ends Meet.\r\nSEN. ALEXANDER: One of the newer members of the Health Committee brings a lot of expertise, Senator Cassidy from Louisiana Senator Cassidy, you had an article inForbesmagazine in 2014 that pointed out the impact of the 30-hour workweek in Obamacare and how that was hurting working families.\r\nSEN. CASSIDY: One of the ironies of this is that it was promoted as a way to help lower income families make ends meet, but if you require employers to provide insurance to low wage workers, the predictable response of an employer who has thin margins is, to actually convert those full-time workers to part-time workers. Now, this doesn't happen for the CEO or for the CEOs lieutenants. It doesn't happen for middle management. The folks it happens most for are those lower paid workers.\r\nCASSIDY: I once went grocery shopping in Baton Rouge and a woman rung me up. The next day my wife sent me to another store to get something else at another store. The same woman was ringing me up. I said well, I just saw you at this store, but now I see you at this store. She says, My first employer reduced my hours so now I have had to take a second job to make ends meet.\" Now that's the personal story, but what the labor statistics show is that since the recession has technically ended, the hours worked per week have recovered for higher-income workers but it is for the lower-income worker they've continued to suffer. The most vulnerable has been the most affected in terms of hours worked. But it's not just the most vulnerable affected by this, it's the middle class\r\nIn Houma, An Insurance Policy Had Previously Been $207 Per Month, Was Going Up In 2016 To $961 Per MonthWhat Was Roughly $2,400 A Year, Is Going Up To $11,500 A Year\r\nCASSIDY: TheNew York Timeswrote an article this past week or two weeks agothe headline says it all, Many say high deductibles make their health law insurance all but useless.\" And they quote a gentleman 60 years old He says the deductible, $3,000 a year, makes it impossible to actually go to the doctor. We have insurance but can't afford to use it. And so it's the middle-income worker who has also had a policy which previously would allow him or her to go to the doctor, now they can't because the way that Obamacare is so structured is that it is too expensive, that out-of-pocket first exposure.\r\nALEXANDER What you're saying, if I hear you right, that in the worse of circumstances, the effect of Obamacare on some of the people you talk with means they're working fewer hours, so they have less money, their insurance premium is higher and so is their deductible. That's the effect?\r\nCASSIDY: In terms of insurance premiums, you can't make this up. This is a fellow from Houma, Louisiana And this is his letter from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana to inform him that his policy, which had previously been $207 per month, was going up in 2016 to $961 per month. His policy has been roughly $2,400 a year, is going up to $11,500 a year and this is because of the affordablethe unaffordable care act\r\nTina Had A Hysterectomy, Is 56 Years Old And Has No Children, But Is Paying $500 More A Month For Pediatric Dentistry And Obstetrical Services\r\nALEXANDER: Senator Cassidy of course has a unique perspective on this as a practicing physician. I think he still practices some, as much as he can within the Senate rules, but he sees patients regularly. What was the effect of this new health care law 5 1/2 years ago on the ability of patients to choose their own physicians?\r\nCASSIDY: Well, the way that the market has responded in order to make insurance affordable, despite the mandates, is theres so-called narrow networks. And so someone signs for up the most affordable policy that they can get. Turns out their doctor, who they previously saw, is not on this plan. And so the narrow network is going to be just a small set of doctors. The specialist may be in another town. One hospital, not all hospitals, and patients were unfamiliar with this. They did not expect it, but that was their only affordable option. The mandates have driven up the costs so much...\r\nCASSIDY: In my recent campaign, I had a woman walk up to me, and she goes, my name is Tina and I'm angry. I've had a hysterectomy, I'm 56 years old, and I have no children. My husband and I are paying $500 more a month for insurance, which we cannot afford, and I'm paying for pediatric dentistry, and I'm paying for obstetrical services\r\nTaxes Are Straining A Medical Device Start Up Company In New Orleans, Struggling To Grow Jobs In The U.S.\r\nCASSIDY: There's a fellow who started a medical device start-up in New Orleans. And he was saying that he has been offered to move his business to Panama because a major portion of his market is overseas. And so the medical device tax is, of course, a tax upon the gross of a business. If he moves overseas to Panama, taking those jobs with him, and he continues to sell internationally, not pay tax on that, but only tax on that which he brings back to the United States, well, then he's obviously reducing his tax burden. Those are high-paying, white-collar jobs in New Orleans, a city recovering from Katrina, and if the power to tax is the power to destroy, this tax has the power to destroy the ability of this gentleman to continue to expand in New Orleans.\r\nLouisianas Co-Op Failed At Taxpayers Expense\r\nCASSIDY: Louisiana's co-op failed. It attempted to lower costs with a skinny network, but ultimately it still could not compete. If I may kind of point out, we've talked about how the low-wage worker has had her opportunities diminished by this law. We've discussed how the middle-class family, oftentimes having insurance they were told they could keep, lost it and now they have deductibles of $3,000 which they will say makes the insurance something they cannot afford. And now we're speaking about the U.S. taxpayer. The U.S. taxpayer, who has put billions towards these co-ops. There is some evidence the administration continued to put money into them even when they knew that they were going to fail and yet now they are failing. Over half. And supposedly more slated to do so. So it isn't just the low-wage worker, the middle-class family, it is all of us taxpayers who have taken a hit for promises made with promises broken.\r\nCASSIDY: Louisiana's co-op failed. It attempted to lower costs with a skinny network, but ultimately it still could not compete. If I may kind of point out, we've talked about how the low-wage worker has had her opportunities diminished by this law. We've discussed how the middle-class family, oftentimes having insurance they were told they could keep, lost it and now they have deductibles of $3,000 which they will say makes the insurance something they cannot afford. And now we're speaking about the U.S. taxpayer. The U.S. taxpayer, who has put billions towards these co-ops. There is some evidence the administration continued to put money into them even when they knew that they were going to fail and yet now they are failing. Over half. And supposedly more slated to do so. So it isn't just the low-wage worker, the middle-class family, it is all of us taxpayers who have taken a hit for promises made with promises broken.\r\nCASSIDY: Louisiana's co-op failed. It attempted to lower costs with a skinny network, but ultimately it still could not compete. If I may kind of point out, we've talked about how the low-wage worker has had her opportunities diminished by this law. We've discussed how the middle-class family, oftentimes having insurance they were told they could keep, lost it and now they have deductibles of $3,000 which they will say makes the insurance something they cannot afford. And now we're speaking about the U.S. taxpayer. The U.S. taxpayer, who has put billions towards these co-ops. There is some evidence the administration continued to put money into them even when they knew that they were going to fail and yet now they are failing. Over half. And supposedly more slated to do so. So it isn't just the low-wage worker, the middle-class family, it is all of us taxpayers who have taken a hit for promises made with promises broken.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-vitter-and-boustany-applaud-opening-of-lake-charles-interim-va-clinic", "Cassidy, Vitter and Boustany Applaud Opening of Lake Charles Interim VA Clinic", "2015-12-03", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.03.15\n\t\t\t Cassidy, Vitter and Boustany Applaud Opening of Lake Charles Interim VA Clinic \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., U.S. Senator David Vitter, and U.S. Representative Charles Boustany, M.D.applauded the opening of the Lake Charles VA Interim Clinic on 814 W. McNeese St.The VA is holding an open house to celebrate the clinics official opening today from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.\r\nSecuring a lease for apermanentVA clinic and opening the interim clinic are steps in the right direction. Until the clinic opens and starts seeing patients, we must continue to ensure our veterans have access to reliable, quality care in south Louisiana. Making sure the VA fulfills its mission to serve our veterans and not bureaucrats must be one of our highest priorities,said Dr. Cassidy\r\nDr. Cassidy has been standing up against the Obama administration and VA bureaucracy, pointing out the VA Clinic in Lake Charles has taken 13 years to get approved and veterans have relied on going to a mobile home to receive care. Watch the video and read his speechHERE.\r\n\r\nWhile Im glad to see my years of hard work with Congressman Boustany have come to fruition with the opening of this much needed VA clinic providing access to quality healthcare for veterans living in Lake Charles, I will not stop pushing until the permanent Lake Charles clinic is up and running, as are the interim and permanent clinics in Lafayette. The veterans of southwest Louisiana have waited long enough,said Sen. Vitter\r\nWhen I called for the Secretary of the VA to come to Louisiana to view the conditions where its treating our veterans, Deputy Secretary Gibson called the facilities unacceptable. Todays opening is the result of a lot of hard work and diligence from our congressional delegation in holding the VAs feet to the fire and ensuring our veterans needs are met. Im proud to have led this effort to provide better facilities and expanded services for our South Louisiana veterans, because theyve earned it,said Rep. Boustany\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\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-epa-imposes-will-through-costly-regulatory-policies", "GRAVES: EPA Imposes Will Through Costly Regulatory Policies", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Garret Graves (R  South Louisiana) released the following statement after the House of Representatives adopted two joint resolutions yesterday expressing congressional disapproval of key components of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)s controversial Clean Power Plan: \nFrom the gas pump to our living rooms, the EPA appears to be resolute in its calculated commitment to undermining American energy and our economy. While I think EPAs ethanol fuel blend decision this week was a small step in the right direction, the agency largely continues to impose its will through relentless regulatory policies at the expense of the American people. If these rules are implemented as proposed, many power plants across the country will be forced to ramp down production or close, reducing supply and increasing the cost of electricity for our businesses and families.\nI am an advocate for a healthy environment and stewardship, but unilateral mandates discourage cooperation by pitting economic interests against the environment. The two are not mutually exclusive. These efforts symbolize the blatant disconnect between the direction this Administration wants to go and the will of the American majority. From unaffordable insurance rates to higher utility bills to an out of control debt, the next presidential election could not come fast enough \nLouisiana is one of 23 states that have filed legal challenges to the performance standards rule for new power plants and is one of 27 states challenging the Clean Power Plan for existing plants.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-secures-additional-highway-funding-louisiana-house-senate", "Graves Secures Additional Highway Funding for Louisiana in House-Senate Transportation Bill", "2015-12-02", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Garret Graves (R  Louisiana) helped to finalize negotiations on a five-year highway funding bill  including many provisions designed to address Louisianas traffic problems. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act contains substantial increases in federal highway funding for Louisiana, along with important Graves provisions that will help to address short, mid and long-term traffic solutions in the entire capitol region.  The bill strategically positions projects like the Washington Street exit area, I-10 and I-12 widening, LA-1 and LA-30 improvements, connecting Walker to Gonzales and a new Mississippi River bridge. As a conferee to the exclusive House-Senate conference, Graves worked closely with committee leaders from both chambers to reach a bicameral, bipartisan agreement on the landmark transportation bill. Drivers across South Louisiana are tired of seeing and hearing about how bad traffic is, said Graves. Our work will result in Louisiana getting a guaranteed increase of up to $100 million annually with additional grant opportunities funded at $800 million to $1 billion each year. We need to see action. When signed into law, this bill will give state and local authorities real opportunity to jump start high impact projects to get our roads moving again. Other provisions preserved in the final version of the bill could have additional direct impacts on South Louisiana. These include:  The creation of the National Significant Freight and Highway Projects program, which will provide transportation funding for major national or regional projects. This includes $4.5 billion over 5 years of competitive grants for projects costing at least $100 million.  \n\t A Graves amendment to prioritize projects to increase capacity of highway segments to improve mobility under the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects program (i.e., I-10 at Washington St. Exit and other locations).   \n\t A Graves amendment to allow consideration for projects to improve energy security under the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects program (i.e., I-49, LA-1, I-10).  \n\t A technology initiative pushed by Graves to better leverage innovation to make more efficient use of existing roads (i.e. intelligent traffic management).  \n\t Expediting bureaucratic and time-consuming federal environmental and other reviews. Traffic lights were invented nearly 100 years ago, yet we are still largely using the same technology today. This is crazy, Graves continued. We have the ability to interface traffic management with cell phones, Google and Waze maps and newer technologies to help improve traffic flow on our existing roadways. These are solutions we can implement in months not years. As Ive said before, our roadways are decades behind where they need to be. Traffic delays are strangling our economy, taking time away from our families and are a daily reminder that taxpayers arent getting a return on investment. Louisianas share of additional funding and the new competitive grant program present tremendous opportunity to noticeable improvement. When asked about the competitive grant program, Graves responded: Few projects rival the importance of clearing up the chokepoint along I-10. The Washington Street exit is one of the only places in the country where an interstate drops to one lane, and it occurs at a high volume point along a national corridor heavily used by cross-country freight, regional and local traffic. Louisiana will ultimately compete for funding under the program, but I am confident that I-10 is well positioned.\nThe full House is expected to consider the FAST Act tomorrow. Funding for current highway programs expire December 4th.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/keeping-energy-affordable-hard-working-american-families", "Keeping Energy Affordable for Hard-Working American Families", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today gave the following statement in support of S.J. Res. 23 and S.J. Res 24, legislation to blockill-advisedE.P.A.carbonemissionstandards that would kill American jobs and raise utility costs for hard-working Americans. Both pieces of legislation passed the House and now head to the Presidents desk to be signed into law.\nRemarks as prepared:\nMr. Speaker, were here today to reject this radical plan by President Obamas EPA that is going to impact every power plant in this country.\n\"The President that has a war on coal. A war he declared years ago and today we are seeing the results of it. The results here in America are thousands of good jobs lost, thousands of middle-classfamilies that are now unemployed and trying to fight to get back into the middle class, and millions of hard-working people paying more for electricity costs because of these radical regulations.\nWhat isPresidentObama's answer? To go toParis and say the biggest threat to national security is global warming. Doesn't he see what's happening across the world?\n\"We are here focusing on national security and energy security, and standing up against radical regulations that will increase costs on the most needy in this country. When you look at the impact, this proposal would inflict a$29 billion per year cost on middle-class families. The people who are going to be hit the hardest are low-income families. In Louisiana alone, nearly one million middle and low-income families will be hit by this radical regulation.\nDuring the Christmas season, I think families would much rather be spending their hard-earned dollars to buy Christmas presents for their families instead of on a 13 percent increase in their utilitiy bills for a regulkation thats not even going to do anything to clean the air.\n\"Here in the United States we have already seen a reduction in carbon emissions because of American innovation. When European countries signed Kyoto and some of these other accords that are now wrecking their economies, we didn't do it because we were already doing it better than them. Now, the President wants to come behind and bring a regulation that is going to strangle small businesses, strangle families budgets,and increase electricity costs on those who can least afford to pay for them. Lets allow hard-working families to keep their money in their own pockets. Let's innovate and create jobs in this economy and not useradical regulations tostifleour economy and the middle class.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-epa%E2%80%99s-final-rfs-rule", "Scalise Statement on EPAs Final RFS Rule", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) responded with the following statement to theEnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA)issuing its final rule setting out the long-delayed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements for the years 2014 through 2016.\nWeve known since day one that this costly EPA mandate hurts consumers and subjects hardworking Louisianans to unworkable federal rules and regulations, Scalise said. With their announcement today, the Obama Administration seems to be acknowledging the crippling effects of their own radical agenda. I will continue pushing for a full repeal of the EPAs misguidedrenewable fuels standard, because unelected Washington bureaucrats have no business picking winners and losers in Americas energy industry thats so critical to our economy here in Louisiana.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-looks-at-safety-measures-for-offshore-oil-and-gas-production", "Cassidy Looks at Safety Measures for Offshore Oil and Gas Production", "2015-12-01", "2015", "2015-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.15\n\t\t\t Cassidy Looks at Safety Measures for Offshore Oil and Gas Production \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. questioned officials in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on the Well Control Rule and other regulations related to offshore oil and gas production. Dr. Cassidy questioned whether the20 new receptacles would create more possibility for leaks and safety hazards, the Well Control Rule shifting command and control authority from rig to shore, and cautioned against rushed-over prescriptive regulations that could lead to unintended safety risks.\r\nWatch the committee videohereand read excerpts below:\r\n\r\nI thank you, tragically, for the pictures of those who died.I knew the families of one of them so I agree that it is in their honor that we come here to try and prevent this from happening again.Ill also point out that one of the widows of one of those who died, opposed the moratorium, saying that several people on her street depended upon the income from working on those rigs in order to support their families.So clearly there is a balance here.How do we achieve safety, but not kill an industry with a thousand cuts, an industry which is so important to the livelihood of so many?\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\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://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-meets-afghan-president-ghani-us-military-commanders-afghanistan", "Abraham meets with Afghan President Ghani, US military commanders in Afghanistan", "2015-11-30", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, participated in a Congressional oversight visit to Afghanistan and Kuwait during the week of Thanksgiving. He joined five other members of Congress in meetings with U.S. military commanders, American troops and Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.\nEasily the highlight of my trip was eating Thanksgiving Day meals with men and women from Louisiana who are fighting for us, Dr. Abraham said, but what I was most struck by is how enthusiastic and optimistic our troops are about their mission in fighting Islamic extremism and establishing a stable government in Afghanistan.\nDuring the meeting with Ghani, Dr. Abraham learned how Ghanis administration has brought stability to the government and has taken aggressive roles in both combat missions and rooting out corruption.\nPresident Ghanis forces have taken over conducting combat missions against the Taliban, al Qaeda and ISIS. He and a committee sit down each week and he personally goes through government contracts to root out corruption. I believe he is the right man at the right time to lead that country, Dr. Abraham said.\nGen. John Campbell, commander of the U.S. forces in Afghanistan, briefed Dr. Abraham and others on the trip about the role of the U.S. military in Afghanistan. American troops have taken on a more advisory role and offer air support to Ghanis defense forces. Campbell said there are signs that enemy combatants are fractured, and the United States strategy is working.\nWhile progress is being made in Afghanistan, both Ghani and Campbell agree that the United States should continue its involvement in the country for the time being. Dr. Abraham supports that position.\nThese guys are on the ground every day, so I trust their assessment of the situation, Dr. Abraham said. We do see a path to an exit, but we arent there yet. It would be a mistake to leave prematurely because it would undo years of work and sacrifices, including the loss of American lives. We have to finish the mission and fight them over there so that we arent fighting them here.\nMilitary personnel also echoed Dr. Abrahams belief that ISIS can be defeated with an increased American air presence and the freedom to pursue the enemy where they exist.\nISIS exists because President Obama failed to listen to his military advisers and pulled out our troops too early. Im glad hes listening in Afghanistan and will leave a US presence in the country, but he should also listen when his military says that now is the time to eliminate ISIS for good. If we increase our air strikes, wed provide the support that our allies in the region need to send in ground troops. ISIS can be beaten, but we need stronger leadership from the President to finish the job, Dr. Abraham said.\nOther members on the trip included Reps. Mike Coffman, R-Colo.; Phil Roe, R-Tenn.; Beto ORourke, D-Texas; Mark Takano, D-Calif.; and Ann Kuster, D-NH.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-fort-hood-helicopter-crash", "Rep. Richmond Statement on the Fort Hood Helicopter Crash", "2015-11-27", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement after four soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash earlier this week at Fort Hood, Texas, including Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason M. Smith from Destrehan, LA:\nMy deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the families of the four soldiers killed in Mondays tragic accident, said Rep. Richmond. The loss of a father, husband, or son is never easy but it is made especially difficult during the time of year when families come together. These four men exemplify the extraordinary sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and this catastrophe makes that much more of a reality.\nThere will be a full investigation to find what caused this disaster so that we can avoid this type of untimely loss in the future. Their admirable dedication to our nation will not be forgotten and their legacies will receive the honor and distinction each of them deserves.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-passage-safe-act", "Scalise Statement on Passage of the SAFE Act", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement after the House passed legislation to address the urgent national security risks posed by the ObamaAdministrations Syrian refugee program:\nThis is a clear cut matter. Terrorists like ISIS have plainly stated their intention to exploit the Syrian refugee crisis to enter our country and attack our citizens. Meanwhile, the Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of the FBI have warned that they cannot assure us that terrorists are not infiltrating the refugee program in order to do Americans harm here at home. Given the obvious risks this situation poses to our national security, it is a matter of common sense that we pause the program while continuing to provide humanitarian aid to displaced people in host countries within the Middle East.\n\nIts also critical to remember that this crisis is a symptom of the Obama Administrations broader failure to combat the threat of Islamic extremism in the Middle East. Under President Obamas watch, ISIS has run rampant, bringing death, brutality and destruction to millions of people in the region. The National Defense Authorization Act, which has now passed both houses of Congress with veto-proof majorities, demands that the President provide a strategy to defeat ISIS, something he has so far refused to consider. Its time President Obama took the terrorist threat more seriously and worked with us to accomplish this vital national security objective.\n\nThis bill is an important first step in addressing urgent risks to our safety, and now that the House has passed it with a strong, bipartisan vote, I hope the Senate will follow suit and that the President will come to his senses and sign it into law.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-judiciary-committee-move-toward-criminal-justice-reform", "Rep. Richmond, Judiciary Committee Move Toward Criminal Justice Reform", "2015-11-19", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after the Judiciary Committee passed the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015:\nWe have a lot of work to do in order to achieve comprehensive criminal justice reform, said Rep. Richmond. I am proud that Republicans and Democrats could come together to reduce the prison population by tens of thousands, make our communities safer, and improve some key shortfalls in the system with regard to mental health. It is a step in the right direction.\nWe must continue this bipartisan momentum in order to accomplish our goal of truly reforming this broken system. That means addressing recidivism by investing in re-entry programs and focusing on data driven solutions to ensure we are making an impact. The progress we have made gives me confidence that we can accomplish that goal. This is an encouraging start, but we must continue to push for truly comprehensive reform.\nThe Sentencing Reform Act of 2015 would:\n \nOffer relief to over 50,000 individuals and their families over the next 10 years.\n\tReduce mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenders and applies those changes retroactively.\n\tIncrease judicial discretion by expanding the existing drug safety valve to offenders with prior misdemeanor convictions and creating a second safety valve that allows judges to sentence certain offenders below the 10-year mandatory minimum.\n\tApply the Fair Sentencing Acts reduction of the crack-to-powder cocaine disparity retroactively.\n \nClick here to view Congressman Richmonds full remarks.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-leads-louisiana-effort-us-house-stop-influx-syrian-refugees", "Graves Leads Louisiana Effort in US House to Stop Influx of Syrian Refugees", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Louisiana Congressmen Garret Graves, Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., John Fleming, M.D. and Ralph Abraham, M.D. have introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to suspend the domestic influx of refugees from Syria until proper mechanisms are in place to verify that each refugee arriving does not pose a threat to the national security of the United States. Senator David Vitter introduced yesterday the Senate companion to the House bill. Louisiana's House delegation will collectively push this critical bill to help expedite its approval and enactment.  \n\t  This legislation is about protecting the American people. The fact that we dont have systems in place to properly vet these victims as they come across our border is an absolute failure of the Departments of State and Homeland Security and a disservice to the refugees of Syria, said Graves. I want to be clear  America has a role to play in aiding these victims of war, but we should not be choosing the safety and security of Syrian refugees over the safety and security of the American people. With proper vetting, we can have both. Until we can demonstrate the ability to verify each refugees background and intention, there should not be one more admission into the United States.\nCongressional pressure calling on President Obama to halt his plan to admit as many as 10,000 refugees has increased after it was confirmed that at least one of the terrorists involved in last Fridays Paris attacks entered France posing as a Syrian refugee.\nWhile the United States is a kind and charitable nation, we are not nave. President Obama has not demonstrated that he has a thorough and fail-proof system of background checks to prevent terrorists from reaching our shores through the refugee program. Until then, I will advocate shutting down the admission of refugees from this region until we can look the American people in the eye and promise them they will be safe, said Boustany.\n\"Even as we desire to show compassion to Syrians who have been displaced by civil war and ISIS, we must not allow terrorists to exploit refugee resettlement programs, especially after the Obama Administration recently announced he would bring in 10,000 refugees by next year. Until Congress can certify the backgrounds of all these refugees, we need to put a pause on the admission of any new refugees from the area. The federal government must protect its citizens first, said Fleming.\n\"Not a single Syrian refugee should be allowed in this country and into Louisiana without us knowing the full extent of his or her background and associations. Without a more stringent vetting process of these refugees, we open ourselves to a potential terrorist attack, and I will not gamble with American lives. I commend Sen. David Vitter and Rep. Garret Graves for introducing this legislation, and I look forward to helping them pass this bill that is critical to our national security, Dr. Abraham said.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/democrats-oppose-ego-act_-would-have-banned-taxpayer-funded-oil-paintings-of-government-officials", "Democrats Oppose EGO Act - Would Have Banned Taxpayer-Funded Oil Paintings of Government Officials", "2015-11-18", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "DR. BILL CASSIDY:The Eliminating Government-FundedOil Painting Act, or the EGO Act, is common sense legislationthat bans the federal governmentfrom spending taxpayer dollarson oil paintings of presidents,vice presidents, cabinetsecretaries or members ofCongress.\r\nThese paintingscan cost as much as $40,000 andare often placed in a back hallof a government bureaucracynever to be seen by the public.And I will note that $40,000 isthe same as the average annualwage of a worker in Louisiana.Think about it.That worker would work a wholeyear, and as much as she wouldearn, that is what the federalgovernment will spend on acabinet secretary who serves forsix months and then it is put inthe back of the building neverto be seen.\r\nNow, with trillions in debt,there is more to do and ourobligation to the taxpayer tospend their money wisely, butthis is a start.I offer my strong support of theEGO Act and urge its passage.\r\nIask unanimous consent that theSenate proceed to the immediateconsideration of [the EGO Act] Calendar Number165, S. 310.I further ask that the bill beread a third time and passed andthat the motion to reconsiderbe considered made and laid uponthe table.\r\nDEMOCRAT MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID:I object.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-urges-president-immediately-pause-admission-syrian-refugees", "Scalise Urges President To Immediately Pause Admission Of Syrian Refugees", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) today sent President Barack Obamathe following letterurging him to immediately pause the admission of Syrian refugees into Louisiana and the United States, and to provide state officials and their representatives in Congress with information on any refugees his Administration intends on resettling in their states, and on how federal officials are keeping track of these individuals. The letter reads as follows:\nDear Mr. President:\nFor several months, Americas law enforcement and intelligence communitiesincluding the heads of the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigationhave warned that they lack the ability to properly vet people seeking to enter our country as refugees from Syria. Meanwhile, reports indicate that at least one of the terrorists involved in the Paris attacks entered Europe and registered as a refugee.\nDespite these facts, you have doubled down on your plan to bring 10,000 more refugees from this region to America, including to my state of Louisiana. Mr. President, when ISIS terrorists say they want to exploit and infiltrate the refugee program to attack America, we ought to take that threat seriously. We must not allow that to happen. That is why I write on behalf of my constituents and the citizens of Louisiana to urge you to take the following steps:\n1.Immediately pause the admission of these refugees into the United States.We cannot continue to admit more refugees while your Administration is unable to verify that each individual admitted would not pose a security risk to our homeland. Louisianans and all Americans deserve that assurance.\n2.Provide state officials and their representatives in Congress with information on any refugees your Administration intends on resettling in their states, and on how federal officials are keeping track of these individuals.Currently, Homeland Security officials in the state of Louisiana say they have not received such information. It is inexcusable that impacted states should have to find out this information from media reports rather than from federal agencies.\nMr. President, America and Louisiana have a proud tradition of providing humanitarian assistance. The need for such assistance in the Middle East is clear. But giving that assistance need notand must notcome at the expense of America's national security. Our government already provides critical resources and humanitarian assistance to displaced Syrians in neighboring countries, such as Turkey and Jordan, where they are well positioned to retake their country.\nFor many reasons, including the fact that you cannot fully assure Americans that terrorists are not abusing the refugee process to achieve their own deadly goals againstthe United States, I am calling on you to pause this program immediately.\nSincerely,\nSteve Scalise\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lawmakers-back-suspension-refugee-resettlement-program", "Lawmakers back suspension of refugee resettlement program", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Louisiana Republican lawmakers joined House GOP leaders Tuesday in backing moves to suspenda program to resettle Syrian refugees in the United States, citing concerns about whether the refugees would be thoroughly vetted.\n\nAbrahamsaid the administration has yet torespond to aletter he sent inSeptember asking forinformation about the vetting process.\nThese are the same questions the people are asking, and the president has been just as dismissive of their concerns as he has been of mine,\" Abraham said. \"I have no faith that whatever process (the administration)claims to have in place is an effective one.\"\nTo read the full story, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-supports-vitter-legislation-to-stop-influx-of-syrian-refugees", "Cassidy Supports Vitter Legislation to Stop Influx of Syrian Refugees", "2015-11-17", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced he is a cosponsor of Senator David Vitter\u2019s (R-LA) legislation to stop the influx of refugees from Syria until verification safeguards are in place to confirm that each refugee arriving is not a threat to the United States. At least one of the terrorists in the Paris attacks was confirmed to have entered France by posing as a Syrian refugee.\r\nDr. Cassidy released the following statement:\r\n\u201cThe President might not think this is a War on Terror\u2014but the terrorists do. The Obama administration cannot be trusted to verify those entering our country do not pose a threat, therefore they should not be allowed to enter our country.\u201d\r\nYesterday, Dr. Cassidy supported Governor Jindal\u2019s executive order halting President Obama\u2019s refugee plan in Louisiana and released the following statement:\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe President has zero credibility when he claims Syrian refugees will be screened. He\u2019s ignoring the genocide of Christians and other religious groups, and still refuses to say \u2018radical Islam.\u2019 Hours before the attacks in Paris he said ISIS is contained, minimizing the seriousness of the threat they pose. Top FBI officials said there\u2019s no way to adequately screen all the Syrian refugees the Obama administration plans to accept into the U.S. Given these circumstances, I agree with Governor Jindal\u2019s executive order halting President Obama\u2019s plan.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/jindal-bars-syrian-refugees-louisiana", "Jindal bars Syrian refugees from Louisiana", "2015-11-16", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BATON ROUGE  Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal issued an executive order Monday barring more Syrian refugees from settling in the state and instructing State Police to monitor those already here in what has become a late-cycle campaign issue among the candidates hoping to replace Jindal.\n\nU.S. Reps. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, and Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge, are co-sponsors of a bill introduced earlier this year that would prohibit the admission of refugees into the country until Congress passes a joint resolution giving the U.S. Department of Homeland Security authority to resume admitting them.\nI saw this problem coming months ago and called on the President to act then, Abraham said. He did not, and now we have a situation where we arent sure who is coming into Louisiana and the United States.\nWe simply cannot allow people from Syria into this country without knowing their backgrounds. After the attacks on Paris, people are right to be concerned that terrorists could infiltrate this country as they did in France. Allowing Syrian refugees into this country must stop, and it must stop immediately.\nTo read the full story, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/column-leadership-needed-end-syrian-crisis", "COLUMN: Leadership needed to end Syrian crisis", "2015-11-16", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For a couple years now weve watched as the terrorists of the Islamic State perform acts of violence against innocent people, from beheading Christians to setting prisoners of war on fire to selling women into the sex slave trade.\nOn Nov. 13, ISIS spread its barbaric attacks to Europe in an attempt to strike fear into those nations like the United States and France who believe in what they hate the most: freedom.\nThe Western world cannot sit idly by while these Islamic extremists strike at our very way of life. The victims in Paris were civilians. They were simply living their lives much in the same way we do  cheering at sporting events, singing along at concerts and eating at restaurants.\nThe sad truth is that if ISIS can strike Paris, they can hit us at home. Thats a tragedy we dont have to face. It is preventable, but its going to take a renewed focus from our President and bold leadership.\nUnfortunately, nothing the President has done in the wake of the attacks would suggest hes willing to do what it takes to keep us safe. Just hours before the Paris attacks, he told us the lie that ISIS had been contained. As France responds with air strikes, President Obama told reporters Monday that he had no intention of changing his plan in handling Syria and ISIS.\nWe should be standing with our Western allies in defense of our common belief that democracy is worth defending. We should establish no-fly zones in Syria and enforce them. We should leverage our air superiority and bomb ISIS into submission so that we can give our Middle Eastern allies the cover theyve requested to engage in ground operations.\nA coalition of nations is ready to eradicate ISIS, but the President refuses to allow the United States to lead them in this effort.\nSome may worry that an escalation in the region could result in ground troops or a clash with Russia, which has run roughshod over our interests in Syria and Ukraine because of this administrations lack of moral courage to stand by our word.\nISIS has been allowed to blossom because they believe the United States is weak. Each red line the President has drawn has been crossed, and each time its crossed, he responds with nothing. I say if any nation or enemy violates our allies air restrictions, we swat them down like flies to remind the world of the power that we are.\nNot only has the President taken no meaningful steps toward destroying ISIS, hes done nothing to address the concerns thousands of people have in the country  me being among them  about the refugees hes allowing into our country.\nWe know one of the terrorists who attacked France snuck in as a refugee. Whos to say that cant happen here? What steps are we taking to prevent that from happening? Where are they going to be housed, and who is keeping track of them once theyre here?\nI asked the President these very basic questions in a letter back in September. He has yet to respond. For that reason, Im against allowing a single refugee into this country. If the administration cant prove that they pose no danger to Americans, they shouldnt be here.\nThats why I cosponsored the Resettlement Accountability National Security Act, a bill that halts any refugees from entering the country until Congress passes a joint resolution that would allow them to be here. This would give us more oversight of the process and maybe then wed get some answers that the President has withheld.\nISIS is a very real threat, not a JV team as President Obama has suggested. Its time for him to get serious about this problem and begin acting like a Commander in Chief. If he cant do that, then he needs to resign.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-stop-obamas-syrian-refugee-plan", "Cassidy: Stop Obama's Syrian Refugee Plan", "2015-11-16", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released the following statement on the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Louisiana:\r\n\u201cThe President has zero credibility when he claims Syrian refugees will be screened. He\u2019s ignoring the genocide of Christians and other religious groups, and still refuses to say \u2018radical Islam.\u2019 Hours before the attacks in Paris he said ISIS is contained, minimizing the seriousness of the threat they pose. Top FBI officials said there\u2019s no way to adequately screen all the Syrian refugees the Obama administration plans to accept into the U.S. Given these circumstances, I agree with Governor Jindal\u2019s executive order halting President Obama\u2019s plan.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-supports-seiu-s-rally-raise-wage", "Rep. Richmond Supports SEIUs Rally to Raise the Wage", "2015-11-12", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement in support of the rally by the SEIU to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour:\nAmerica needs a raise, said Rep. Richmond. Every day Americans are still struggling following the recession while the investor class has seen their incomes grow substantially. In America, if you work hard and play by the rules you should not have to live in poverty. Our nation is better than that and it is time to take action.\nI applaud the SEIUs effort to bring attention to this issue and I will continue to push my colleagues in Congress to address this to bring some relief to the millions of working families fighting to make ends meet.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/honoring-our-heroes", "Honoring Our Heroes", "2015-11-11", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC -House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following video in remembrance of Veterans Day:\nClick here to watch the clip\nRemarks:\n\"Hi, Im Congressman Steve Scalise. While we honor our nations men and women in uniform every day, Veterans Day represents a special time to pause, reflect and thank every single military veteran for their honorable service to our country.\n\"Its humbling to know that nearly 22 million Americans have selflessly answered the call to defend our nations priceless freedoms, including 56,000 veterans from my district in southeast Louisiana.\n\"As our nations military service members risk their lives to protect our freedoms, we must also do our part to provide them and their families with the resources and support they have earned and deserve. Thats why the House recently passed our annual defense bill, which provides for a strong national defense, gives our troops a pay raise, helps our strongest ally Israel, provides arms to the Ukraine so they can push back against Russian aggression, and helps our allies in the Middle East to fight the terrorist reign of ISIS.\n\"What better way to honor America's veterans and fulfill our Constitutional responsibility to 'provide for the common defense' than by passing the National Defense Authorization Act and getting the President to sign this critically important bill to America's national security.\n\"All of us owe our veterans a never-ending debt of gratitude.On this Veterans Day, I hope you will join me in celebrating our nation's veterans and thanking them for their service to our country.May God Bless you and may God Bless the United States of America.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/delta-regional-authority-invest-10-million-louisiana-delta", "Delta Regional Authority Invest $10 million in Louisiana Delta", "2015-11-11", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Delta Regional Authority and its partners are investing more than $10 million in federal, state, and local resources to support small business owners and entrepreneurs, workers and their families by improving economic development, workforce training, and job creation in Louisianas Delta region, Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Chris Masingill announced today.\nThe thirteen new investments, including workforce training and infrastructure improvements that support economic development, leverage $1.6 million in DRA resources into $10 million in total public and private investment for Louisianas Delta communities, their residents, and their economies.\nLouisiana cant have a thriving economy with an aging infrastructure and an ill-equipped workforce. These important programs will give areas along the Mississippi Delta a fighting chance at attracting new jobs, opening new businesses, and growing our rural economy in Louisiana, U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham (LA-5) said.\nTo read hte full story, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/local-heroes-honored-medals-during-veterans-day-ceremony", "Local heroes honored with medals during Veterans Day ceremony", "2015-11-11", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Zetta Grant proudly held her late husbands medals, including the Purple Heart, smiling as she watched 10 local veterans receive medals from U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham during a special Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday.\nAbraham spent Wednesday participating in a number of Veterans Day events throughout northeastern Louisiana, and the special medal ceremony was the perfect event to close out the days celebration of local veterans.\nSome of these medals are replacement medals, and some are medals that they never received when they were in service. We are honored to be able to do this and privileged to be in their presence, Abraham said. I know people understand how important it is to respect, honor and pay homage to our veterans because we all know without our veterans we could not sleep soundly in our beds at night or walk down a country road and enjoy this beautiful day. When you step back and look at the overall picture, we owe everything we do on a daily basis to our veterans  the men and women in service uniform, past and present.\nTo read the full story, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/veterans-cemetery-ready-veterans-day", "Veterans Cemetery ready for Veterans Day", "2015-11-10", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A crisp, cool fall day on the eve of Veterans Day with the right amount of wind to keep the flags flying was the scene of a ceremony many local leaders have waited 14 years to witness.\nMore than 100 gathered Tuesday in Rayville to participate in grand opening ceremonies of the NortheastLouisiana Veterans Cemetery, one day before the first burial will take place.\nConstruction on the $7.3 million Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery near Rayville began last year.\nAbraham said this has been a passion shared by the whole community that has finally came to fruition through a lot of hard work and dedication. He talked of the compassion and service of George Franklin to his country and community. He honored the Franklin family with an American Flag that previously flew over the nations capitol.\nThousands of veterans like George Franklin who gave their all, and sometimes, unfortunately, their lives, for us. We appreciate every breath of air we take because of them, Abraham said.\nTo read the full story, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-mourns-passing-allen-toussaint", "Rep. Richmond Mourns the Passing of Allen Toussaint", "2015-11-10", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement after the passing of Allen Toussaint:\nThe world has lost a fantastic musician but an even better man, said Rep. Richmond. Allen Toussaint used his gifts to fill the world with music. Early on he proved himself a rare talent both on stage and behind the scenes as a producer, arranger, and songwriter.\nAllens influence can be felt across the globe, from acts as famous as the Rolling Stones to the dulcet tones that waft through the streets of the French Quarter. He spent his life doing what he loved, bringing joy to the lives of others through song. In 1998, his place in history was cemented with his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His iconic presence will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on forever through the dynamic melody that was his life in music.\nMy heartfelt prayers and condolences are with his family as they mourn this tremendous loss.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-honors-louisiana-veterans", "Cassidy Honors Louisiana Veterans", "2015-11-10", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cIn commemoration, celebration and honor of Veterans Day, I\u2019d like to share the stories of two Louisiana heroes who served in World War II: Lucius Forsyth and Robert \u201cEmmett\u201d Stanley \u2013 two Louisianans who answered the call to serve and did so, so honorably.\r\n\u201cLucius Forsyth left his home of Paulina, Louisiana to serve in World War II in his late teens as a US Navy Seaman aboard the USS Saratoga. On February the 21st, 1945, Lucius and the crew of the Saratoga experienced the most concentrated assault of World War II against a warship.\r\n\u201cThe Saratoga and her 3,500 sailors fought bravely as the Japanese forces attacked the ship for three hours. Bombs were dropped and five Japanese kamikazes crashed their aircrafts into the Saratoga.\r\n\u201cSeven levels below the main deck, Lucius knew that the impact of a bomb or kamikaze near his location would mean certain death. Ignoring the danger, Lucius continued to work in the compartments adjacent to the ammunition stockpiles. 125 members of the Saratoga lost their lives that day.\r\n\u201cLucius remained aboard the Saratoga for the rest of the war. After the Japanese surrender, he returned home and married Rita Bourgeois of Gonzales, Louisiana and raised five children, and today is blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe other veteran I would like to recognize is Robert \u201cEmmett\u201d Stanley. Born in New Orleans in 1923, Emmett left home shortly after graduating from high school to serve the United States. He enlisted in the Navy Reserve in 1943 and served as a Seaman 1st Class on the USS Luce.\r\n\u201cOn the morning of May 4th, 1945, one day after Emmett\u2019s 22nd birthday, Japanese kamikaze pilots attacked the USS Luce. Emmett was knocked to the deck as shrapnel pierced his scalp through his steel helmet and fragmented pieces went into his legs.\u00a0He still feels pain from those injuries today.\r\n\u201cEmmett and other\u00a0crew members\u00a0were soon given orders to abandon the USS Luce after more kamikazes struck. Emmett swam 40 yards away from the sinking ship to avoid being sucked under by the waves, but a second explosion forced more shrapnel into his stomach. Out of the 312 men on USS Luce, 126 were killed in the attack. Although eligible then, Emmett did not receive his Purple Heart until October 17th\u00a0of this year when he was the honoree at the US Navy Birthday Ball.\u00a0He was thrilled to be surrounded by his entire family.\r\n\u201cNow these are two stories about heroism and valor, but there are many more. Let me brag a little bit for a couple of the young men who work on my staff. One young man, Chris Anderson, enlisted in the Army after completing his college education. He could have pursued business or graduate school, but Chris wanted to serve our country in the War on Terror. He did so bravely and honorably in Afghanistan clearing ordinance. Can you imagine what his mother thought every night, knowing the job he had? Now,\u00a0he\u2019s a tireless advocate for VA reform so that those he served with can get the care they need and deserve. Another member of my staff back in Baton Rouge, Michael Eby, served in the Louisiana National Guard for 9 years and was awarded the National Defense Medal and the Louisiana War Cross.\r\n\u201cTo Lucius, Emmett, Chris, and Michael and all those who served and serve now, thank you for your service. This Veterans Day, and every day,\u00a0we remember your sacrifices, courage and dedication\u2014ensuring that our children, their children, we all can live in freedom in the greatest nation in the world. May God bless you, your families, and the United States of America.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/fda-tightens-safety-regulations-on-imported-seafood-following-cassidy-concerns", "FDA Tightens Safety Regulations on Imported Seafood Following Cassidy Concerns", "2015-11-10", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.10.15\n\t\t\t FDA Tightens Safety Regulations on Imported Seafood Following Cassidy Concerns \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) questioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August regarding the FDA's oversight of imported seafood. Studies show the amount of bacteria or antibiotic residue is alarmingly high in imported seafood, specifically shrimp.\u00a0\r\nToday, the FDA responded to Dr. Cassidy\u2019s inquiry, explaining their efforts to improve the safety of seafood. This includes screening 100 percent of import entries prior to the products entering the country, inspections of seafood importers and foreign processing facilities, among other things. It was also\u00a0reported\u00a0today that the FDA is taking action. In the first nine months of 2015, the FDA refused entry to 377 shrimp imports that were treated with banned antibiotics\u2014an increase from the average of 338 refusals made during the first nine months of 2012 to 2015.\r\nRead the FDA response\u00a0HERE. \u00a0\u00a0\r\nRead Dr. Cassidy\u2019s letter\u00a0HERE\u00a0and below:\r\n\r\nAugust 10, 2015\r\nStephen Ostroff, M.D. Acting Commissioner\r\nU.S. Food and Drug Administration\r\n10901 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20993\r\n\r\nDear Acting Commissioner Ostroff:\r\nI'm writing to request further information on FDA's policy and practice regarding oversight on imported seafood. Since the release of the GAO report titled \"Seafood Safety: FDA Needs to Improve Oversight of Imported Seafood and Better Leverage Limited Resources,\u201d published in April 2011,there have been numerous studies done which demonstrate that the amount of imported seafood, specifically shrimp, with a presence of bacteria or antibiotic residue is alarmingly high.\r\nOne study was completed in 2012 by a Louisiana State University student as a Master of Science thesis. In her study she found that 92% of imported, farm-raised shrimp samples tested positive for at least one drug that is banned for use in food-producing animals in the US.\r\nIn another study, a report released in April by Consumer Reports found that, as an aggregate, the number of shrimp tested for bacteria and drug residue was very high. In one section of the study, 16% of cooked, ready-to-eat shrimp was found to have several bacteria, including vibrio and E. coli.\r\nSince over 90% of the shrimp consumed in the US is imported, the safety measures prior to domestic consumption must be of all time importance. In the 2011 report, GAO highlighted the limited scope of FDA's import food sampling program and the agency's use of resources for its aquaculture drug residue testing laboratory activities. GAO found that FDA could better ensure the safety of imported seafood by improving its import sampling program and use of resources by fully leveraging FDA's laboratory capabilities.\u00a0 In light of the studies cited above, and understanding that implementation of rules and regulations in the Food Safety Modernization Act are ongoing, I respectfully request that the FDA answer the following questions:\r\n1. In testing for unapproved residue, the 2011GAO report stated that FDA repeatedly fell short of the agency's sampling performance goals, failing to test for unapproved drugs and to utilize available laboratories.\r\n \r\nWhat are FDA's current or targeted performance goals for testing imported seafood, including shrimp?\u00a0 Is the agency on track to meet such performance goals?\u00a0 If not, please provide details on the agency's plan to meet its targeted performance goals.\r\nHow has FDA improved in its laboratory activities to ensure full utilization of labs to provide better sampling of imported seafood?\u00a0 Please provide details on FDA's current use of laboratory capacity.\r\nWhat criteria does FDA use in applying a risk-based approach for testing or sampling shrimp products from foreign importers, specifically in determining or identifying the presence of unapproved drug residues?\r\nHow does the recently proposed rule, \"Accreditation of Third-Party Auditors/Certification Bodies to Conduct Food Safety Audits and to Issue Certifications\" propose to support and improve imported seafood oversight to ensure increased residue monitoring of imported shrimp?\r\nUnder FDA's HACCP inspection regulations and requirements, what tools does FDA use to ensure seafood imports, particularly shrimp, have been tested or sampled for unapproved drug residue or other hazards, such as bacteria, in a risk-based manner?\r\n \r\n2.\u00a0What is an importer required to include in its HACCP plan with respect to providing assurances that imported seafood does not contain hazards, such as unapproved drug residue?\r\n3.\u00a0In reference to the FY2012 Online Performance Index IV what countries or health systems has the FDA received performance assessments from?\r\n4. Under the agency's proposed rule, FDA would require a comprehensive risk evaluation for foreign suppliers of food to be imported\r\n \r\nIn evaluating the risk factors of an importer, will the FDA take into consideration the foreign country's food safety program and its performance as a risk factor as part of its hazard analysis?\r\nWhat criteria does FDA consider under the agency's assessments of foreign countries prior to a country-wide import alert for specific seafood products?\r\nHow does FDA apply or consider the results of a foreign country assessment within its risk-based inspections, sampling, or other testing activities under its seafood HACCP inspections of foreign importers?\r\n \r\n5.\u00a0What accountability mechanisms does FDA use to ensure that food importers or processors are effectively and adequately following their HACCP plan, particularly given that there is no requirement that FDA approve a food importer's HACCP plan? Please describe in detail.\r\n6.\u00a0In reviewing a foreign country's food safety program, what, if any, subjective variables such as country's government and social structure, are taken in account.\r\n7.\u00a0In addition to the performance assessments, does the FDA specifically encourage or require discussions on best practices with other large systems such as the European Medicines Agency or Canada Food Inspection Agency?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThank you for your timely response. I look forward to hearing from you.\r\nSincerely,\r\nBill Cassidy\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###\r\n\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\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"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-american-people-deserve-better", "Scalise: The American People Deserve Better", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the following statement in reaction toPresidentObamas decision to reject TransCanadas Keystone XL pipeline application:\n\nWith his rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline, President Obama is continuing his war on American energy, choosing the demands of a small group of radical environmental extremists over the strong majority of the American people and the more than 40,000 jobs this bipartisan project would have created, Rep. Scalise said. The American people deserve better than this from their President. We will not give up and the House will continue to fight for the priorities of hard-working taxpayers who know the Keystone XL pipeline is right for America's economy and for our energy security.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/northeast-louisiana-congressman-introduces-bill-help-end-high-school", "Northeast Louisiana Congressman Introduces Bill to Help End High School Football Deaths", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Friday night lights and football fandom, quickly turned into tragedy.\n\nThat's what happened in Louisiana's backyard with the death of Franklin Parish High School football player, Tyrell Cameron.\n\nAnd, most recently, 17-year old Andre Smith in Illinois died from blunt-force head trauma during his high school football game.\n\n\"We're going to look at it a little closer and see if we could prevent some of these tragedies from ever happening,\" says Congressman Ralph Abraham.\n\nNow Abraham, along with two other representatives, have introduced a bill to address high school football deaths.\n\n\"We want to give the school district, the coaches, the knowledge that they need to make this a safer sport,\" says Abraham.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/graves-supports-passage-landmark-highway-bill", "Graves Supports Passage of Landmark Highway Bill", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(Washington, DC)  Congressman Garret Graves (R  South Louisiana) announced today House passage of the landmark Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act. The six-year bill contains important Graves provisions that strategically position critical Louisiana transportation projects like I-10 in Baton Rouge and LA 1 in South Louisiana for competitive federal funding. Graves was also appointed today to the exclusive House-Senate conference committee that will negotiate the final details of the bill.\nThe Capital Region suffers from some of the worst traffic in the country, including one of the only places in the nation where the interstate drops down to one lane  the Washington Street exit, said Graves. Our roads are decades behind where they need to be and the traffic delays are strangling our economy and taking time away from our families. The traffic jams that our drivers are forced to sit through are daily reminders of government failure.\nSeveral provisions in the bill could have a direct impact on South Louisiana. These include:\n The creation of the National Significant Freight and Highway Projects program, which will provide transportation funding for major national or regional projects. This includes $4.5 billion over 6 years of competitive grants for projects costing at least $100 million.\n\tA Graves amendment to prioritize projects to increase capacity of highway segments to improve mobility under the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects program (i.e., I-10). \n\tA Graves amendment to allow consideration for projects to improve energy security under the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects program (i.e., LA-1).\n\tA technology initiative pushed by Graves to better leverage innovation to make more efficient use of existing roads.\n This new competitive grant program presents tremendous opportunity for South Louisiana. I can think of no better project than alleviating the massive bottleneck along I-10, a national corridor heavily used by national freight, regional and local traffic. States will ultimately compete for funding amongst themselves, but I am confident that I-10 is well positioned, continued Graves.\nThis bill will provide opportunities for state and local authorities to pursue long-term solutions like a new river crossing in the Capital Region, while concurrently implementing short and mid-term options, like leveraging existing technologies in ways that could improve flow and minimize the need for new capacity.\nI look forward to the opportunity further impact this bill and continue advocating on behalf of South Louisiana in conference. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/national-health-leaders-recognize-us-rep-garret-graves-leadership", "National Health Leaders Recognize U.S. Rep. Garret Graves  For Leadership in Healthcare Innovation", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), a coalition of leaders of the nations premier health care companies and organizations, has honored U.S. Representative Garret Graves as a Champion of Healthcare Innovation at an award ceremony in Washington, DC.\nThe award presentation took place at the Councils annual Healthcare Innovations Expo on Capitol Hill. The day-long event is dedicated to showcasing new developments in health care technologies, treatments and practices. This years event featured, among other exhibits, new technologies for blood glucose monitoring, innovative treatment options for mental illness, and telehealth systems that make physicians accessible to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.\nAs we strive to conquer illness, elevate population health and make our healthcare system more affordable and sustainable, the answer lies in dynamic and continual innovation, said Healthcare Leadership Council President Mary R. Grealy. For this to happen, we need federal policies that encourage progress and new breakthroughs in care.  We applaud Representative Graves for the leadership, vision and commitment that patients and healthcare consumers need.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-statement-administration-s-keystone-xl-rejection", "Graves Statement on Administrations Keystone XL Rejection", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Garret Graves (R  South Louisiana) issued the following statement in reaction to President Obamas rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline:\nOnce again, we see the Obama Administration placing politics above sound policy. The Keystone Pipeline would have created thousands of good paying jobs and increased U.S. energy security. For a state like Louisiana, a leader in energy production, this news is the latest in a string of decisions out of the White House that seem to target our economy. It's increasingly clear that this Administration does not care about the hard working men and women in the energy industry. This decision will produce two outcomes: a rise in the volume of oil being transported by rail, which is more susceptible to spills than pipelines, and the continued energy dependence on Iran and other nations that do not share US values.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-comments-on-presidents-keystone-rejection", "Cassidy Comments on President's Keystone Rejection", "2015-11-06", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013\u00a0 U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released the following statement after President Obama rejected the Keystone XL Pipeline:\r\n\u201cThe president's rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline shows his allegiance to his supporters, not the American people. He rejected more than 40,000 direct and indirect jobs that the American people want created. He ignored the 60 percent of Americans who want the pipeline built. Keystone could save workers\u2019 lives because transporting oil by pipeline means fewer accidents and spills. It is supported by Republicans and Democrats. It's a jobs bill the president has no reason to ignore. Louisiana families want Keystone built. It\u2019s a jobs bill. It\u2019s a workers\u2019 safety bill. It\u2019s an American bill.\u201d\r\nIn his first floor speech as a U.S. Senator, Dr. Cassidy urged the U.S. Senate to work together to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. Watch his remarks\u00a0here. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Cassidy was an original sponsor of the House-passed bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/rejecting-violence-and-threats-toward-israel", "Rejecting Violence and Threats Toward Israel", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today joined his colleagues in sending a letter to Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, calling on him to repudiate the recent violence in Israel, end the incitement to violence within the Palestinian Authority, and return to direct talks with Israel.\nPresident Abbas must stop this repulsive and toxic rhetoric that is provoking the ongoing violence and threats against Israelis, Rep. Scalise said. \"The Palestinian Authority must immediately take substantive steps to avoid further violence and lead in a responsible manner on these critical issues.Escalation of violent acts and hateful rhetoric isnot the foundation upon which to build a durable and lasting peace. Continued Palestinian incitementwill only increase the likelihood of future terrorist attacks in Israel and the West Bank. The time has come for President Abbas and Palestinian leadership to cease the anti-Israel incitement, condemn all attacks, and continue to work with Israelis on security cooperation. Cooperation is essential not only for the future safety and security of Israel and Palestine, but for the entire Middle East.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/restoring-job-opportunities-disabled-louisianians", "Restoring Job Opportunities For Disabled Louisianians", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement applauding House passage ofthe 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The annual defense bill reflects the negotiated budgetdeal that finally reprioritizes our national defense whileincorporating Scalise's amendment that exempts AbilityOne products from certain Department of Defense (DOD) procurement programs in Asia and Africa. These programs, which were created to promote the economic interests of countries where our troops are deployed, resulted in blind and disabled Americanslosing their jobs. Scalise's amendment reverses this policy and ensures that AbilityOne agencies are not negatively impacted, so that they are able to supply our troops with the products they need.\n\"Ronald Reaganonce said, government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it; securing today's victory for Lighthouse Louisiana and AbilityOne agencies does exactly that, Rep. Scalise said. \"It is tragic that disabled Americansareunnecessarilysuffering because of the bad policydecisionscoming out of this Administration. For LighthouseLouisiana, this ill-advised policy meant dozens of lost job opportunities and millions of dollars in contractsdown the drain. This important amendmentwould restore the contracts and the jobs of those disabled workers. I urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill, so that we can not onlygive our troops the resources they need to keep our country safe, but also bring home these jobs for disabled workers sothey are empowered with the opportunity to pursue the American dream.\"\nBackground on Scalise involvement:\n-For 100 years, Lighthouse Louisiana has taught life skills and provided career opportunities to blind and disabled workers at its New Orleans manufacturing facility. Last year a policy change resulted in the shifting of jobs overseas with the goal of developing economies in countries where our troops serve. This decision resulted in the loss of more than 40 jobs and $18 million in contracts at Lighthouse Louisiana.\n-In October 2014, Scalise sent this letter to the Administration explaining that this should not be done at the expense of jobs for disabled Americans.\n-In April 2015, Scalise held a press conferencewith Lighthouse Louisiana to call for a reverse of this policy, and to call attentionto the importance of protecting jobs at home and empowering disabled Americans.\n-In May 2015, the House unanimously passed the Scalise Amendment to be included in NDAA that reverses policy negatively impacting jobs for disabled workers at Lighthouse Louisiana.\n-In October 2015, the House passed the Conference Report of NDAA, which included the Scalise provision to exempt AbilityOne products from certain DOD procurement programs in Asia and Africa.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lawmakers-call-study-football-players-deaths", "Lawmakers call for study of football players' deaths", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Reps. Ralph Abraham and Cedric Richmondare calling for a federal study into football-relateddeaths in response torecent fatalities involving high-school players,including one in Louisiana.\nAbraham, a Republican, andRichmond, a Democrat, introduced thebipartisan \"High School Football Safety Study Act''Thursday. Rep. Bobby Rush, a Democrat from Illinois, is a co-sponsor. There is no Senate companion bill yet.\nThe legislation would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with Education Secretary Arne Duncan andthe Presidents Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, to study the causes offootball-related deaths.The study, due a year from the bills enactment, would include recommendations for improvingsafety and preventing deaths.\nThis bill will seek the root causes of such incidents so that we can better protect our children while preserving the game we love,\" said Abraham. Saving the lives of our children is a worthy cause to pursue.\"\nTo read the full story, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-richmond-introduce-bill-address-high-school-football-deaths", "Abraham, Richmond introduce bill to address high school football deaths", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto; Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans; and Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill.; introduced a bill Thursday, Nov. 5, that seeks to prevent deaths of high school football players.\nThe bipartisan High School Football Safety Study Act would direct the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to work with the Secretary of Education and the Presidents Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to study the causes of deaths in high school football and deliver recommendations about how to prevent future tragedies.\nMy district felt the terrible effects of one of these tragedies just this year, Dr. Abraham said. This bill will seek the root causes of such incidents so that we can better protect our children while preserving the game we love. Saving the lives of our children is a worthy cause to pursue, and I commend Rep. Richmond and Rep. Rush for their leadership on this issue.\nBoth Dr. Abraham and Rep. Rush represent districts that experienced a high school football fatality this year. Franklin Parish High School player Tyrell Cameron, 16, died Sept. 4 following an injury during a game. Andre Smith, a 17-year-old from Bogan High School in Chicago, also died from an in-game injury on Oct. 22.\nSince July 1, 11 high school football players have died nationally from causes directly or indirectly related to football. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research at the University of North Carolina, 1,207 high school football players have died from causes related to football.\nThe bill would require that the CDC seek input from parents, coaches, athletic trainers and healthcare professionals, and asks the CDC to analyze how technology and data analytics can be used to prevent serious injuries and deaths in the future.\nThe bill would NOT impose any new regulations. It only directs existing federal agencies to study the issue and offer recommendations for solutions.\nOur children are our greatest national treasure, and protecting them is paramount in our work in Congress, said Richmond. It is our responsibility to ensure that we leave no stone unturned to make the game as safe as possible for young people and prevent these tragedies from happening in the future. Moving forward, I hope this legislation will start that process and begin a national conversation about how to better protect youth in football.\nNo child should suffer a deadly accident or injury while participating in high school sports, said Rush. This legislation is important because it will help us protect Americas children and keep them safe. There have been far too many reports of high school deaths related to sports and it is time we address this issue head on and so I urge my colleagues to support this bill.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-introduces-bipartisan-bill-address-high-school-football-deaths", "Rep. Richmond Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Address High School Football Deaths", "2015-11-05", "2015", "2015-11", "Democrat", "House", "LA", "Cedric Richmond", "R000588", "richmond.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Today, Rep. Richmond (D-LA), Ralph Abraham, M.D. (R-LA), and Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Il) introduced the High School Football Safety Study Act, a bipartisan bill that would direct the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Presidents Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, to study the causes of a string of deaths in high school football and deliver recommendations about how to prevent these tragedies in the future:\nOur children are our greatest national treasure, and protecting them is paramount in our work in Congress, said Rep. Richmond. It is our responsibility to ensure that we leave no stone unturned to make the game as safe as possible for young people and prevent these tragedies from happening in the future. Moving forward, I hope this legislation will start that process and begin a national conversation about how to better protect youth in football.\nMy district felt the terrible effects of one of these tragedies just this year, Dr. Abraham said. This bill will seek the root causes of such incidents so that we can better protect our children while preserving the game we love. Saving the lives of our children is a worthy cause to pursue, and I commend Rep. Richmond and Rep. Rush for their leadership on this issue.\nNo child should suffer a deadly accident or injury while participating in high school sports, said Rep. Rush. This legislation is important because it will help us protect Americas children and keep them safe. There have been far too many reports of high school deaths related to sports and it is time we address this issue head on and so I urge my colleagues to support this bill.\nSince July 1st eleven high school football players have passed away from causes directly or indirectly related to football. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research at the University of North Carolina, 1,207 high school football players have died from causes related to football. \nThe bill would require that the CDC seek input from parents, coaches, athletic trainers and healthcare professionals, and asks the CDC to analyze how technology and data analytics can be used to prevent serious injuries and deaths in the future. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-brady-election-ways-and-means-chairmanship", "Scalise Statement on Brady Election to Ways and Means Chairmanship", "2015-11-04", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scalise Statement on Brady Election to Ways and Means Chairmanship                                           \n              Nov 4, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    WASHINGTON, D.C.Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement regarding Rep. Kevin Bradys (R-Tex.) selection by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve as Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means:\n\tKevin Brady is a strong, pro-growth conservative who understands the importance of lower taxes and a fairer, simpler tax code to grow our economy and create jobs, Scalise said. Kevin is going to do great things as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, and I look forward to working with him to advance conservative solutions that get our economy back on track and create opportunities for hardworking taxpayers to achieve the American Dream.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi_-cassidy-louisiana-should-not-take-obamacares-medicaid-expansion-and-instead-should-look-for-better-ways-for-health-care", "ICYMI - Cassidy: Louisiana should not take Obamacare's Medicaid expansion, and instead should look for better ways for health care", "2015-11-04", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I received a text this past weekend from a friend whose relative broke a bone. The relative was seen in the ER, but because their \u201cinsurance\u201d was Medicaid, they were having problems finding a physician for follow-up. Since Medicaid doesn\u2019t cover the cost of a doctor\u2019s utilities, rent, employees and malpractice insurance, most doctors limit the number of Medicaid patients they see. This is the problem with the Obamacare Medicaid expansion: high cost with limited access, hurting patient outcomes. This is important \u2014 the next governor will decide if Louisiana participates in Medicaid as Obamacare dictates.\r\nMedicaid pays so poorly \u2014 not even covering the cost of the equipment required for some outpatient procedures \u2014 that a patient with Medicaid often ends up in the ER. The journal Science reported a 40 percent increase in ER use among low-income adults in Oregon who gained Medicaid through an expansion. This can be explained at least partly by an observation by economist and Obamacare author Jonathan Gruber, who found that in previous Medicaid expansions, 60 percent of Medicaid expansion enrollees dropped private insurance to go onto taxpayer-funded Medicaid, so called \u201ccrowd-out.\u201d The patient whose previous coverage allowed her to see a physician in the doctor\u2019s office now goes to the ER. The doctor-patient relationship is critical to improving health. Paying for emergency visits without physician follow-up does not build a physician-patient relationships.\r\nPerhaps because of this, or other reasons, the beneficial effect of Medicaid expansions on health outcomes is unclear. Studies from the National Bureau of Economic Research, Johns Hopkins, the University of Virginia and the National Cancer Institute show that Medicaid enrollees have worse health outcomes than those with private insurance and Medicare, and in some cases, do no better or do even worse than the uninsured.\r\nThe Medicaid expansion is not \u201cfree money\u201d without downside. The Urban Institute predicted that expansion would cost Louisiana nearly $1.3 billion over 10 years. An expansion costing that much will be paid for by raising taxes or cutting funds for higher education, infrastructure and other areas of the budget.\r\nSupporting Gruber\u2019s findings of crowd-out is this example: Since Kentucky, a state with similar size and poverty rate to Louisiana, expanded Medicaid in 2014, the number of those with employer-based insurance in Louisiana has increased by 24,176 while the number in Kentucky decreased by 3,434.\r\nWe shouldn\u2019t be satisfied with the high cost and poor outcomes of Medicaid. Indiana\u2019s Medicaid waiver converts typical Medicaid to health savings accounts. This empowers Medicaid recipients to be active partners in their care. Instead of taking Obamacare\u2019s Medicaid expansion, the next governor must be pragmatic, and find creative ways, like Indiana did, to ensure access to quality health care while protecting taxpayers.\r\nDr. Bill Cassidy is a U.S. Senator for Louisiana. For nearly three decades, he has provided care for uninsured and underinsured patients in Louisiana\u2019s charity hospital system. In the U.S. Senate, he serves on the Health Education Labor & Pensions (HELP), Energy and Natural Resources, Appropriations, Veterans Affairs and Joint Economic Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/louisiana-awarded-college-football-national-championship-game-following-cassidys-urging", "Louisiana Awarded College Football National Championship Game Following Cassidy's Urging", "2015-11-04", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON-\u00a0Today, it was announced that the 2020 College Football Playoff title game will be played in New Orleans on January 13, 2020, following the urging of Dr. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA). In March, Dr. Cassidy wrote a letter to The Playoff Group\u2019s Bill Hancock supporting the proposal of hosting the game in New Orleans. Read the letter\u00a0HERE\u00a0and below:\r\nMarch 27, 201\r\nBill Hancock\r\nExecutive Director\r\nThe Playoff Group\r\n545 East John Carpenter Freeway\r\nSuite 1025\r\nIrving, TX\u00a0 75062\r\n\r\nDear Mr. Hancock:\r\nI am writing to express my support for the proposal of the city of New Orleans to host a College Football National Championship game.\r\nThe state of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans have played host to some of the largest, most exciting sporting events in our nation.\u00a0 Since 1934, New Orleans has been honored to host one of the most exciting events in all of college football. The Sugar Bowl has offered memorable experiences to millions of fans, and it is without a doubt one of the finest sporting facilities in the country.\r\nLouisiana hosted our first college football national champion in 1936 and we would be thrilled to continue that long-standing tradition with the new College Football Championship. We would be honored to welcome all administrators, players and fans to our beautiful state. We sincerely hope you will select New Orleans for this tremendous honor.\r\nSincerely,\r\nBill Cassidy, M.D.\u00a0United States Senator", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/combatting-anti-semitism-europe", "Combatting Anti-Semitism in Europe", "2015-11-03", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Combatting Anti-Semitism in Europe                                           \n              Nov 3, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    WASHINGTON, D.C. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement after the House passed H. Res. 354, which urges the United States and European governments to take action in order to keep Jewish communities safe in the face of rising anti-Semitism in Europe:\n\tWith an alarming uptick in anti-Semitic activity happening across Europe, its critical for America to partner with our European allies to combat this bigotry and support the Jewish community groups working to promote peace and prevent violent attacks like those weve seen in Paris, Copenhagen, and Brussels, said Rep. Scalise. \"I thank my colleague, Congressman Chris Smith, as well as the other co-Chairs of the House Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism, for their leadership in making sure the House stands with Jewish communities throughout the world as we work together to combat anti-Semitism and promote mutual respect and religious liberty.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-no-better-way-honor-our-troops", "Scalise: No Better Way to Honor Our Troops", "2015-11-03", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC  At this mornings press conference with House Republican leaders, Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) expressed the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act. His remarks follow:\nI think it's very fitting as we look toward Veterans Day next week, that the House is going to be taking up the National Defense Authorization Act  a bill that provides for our troops and meets our basic constitutional responsibility to provide for a strong national defense. As conservatives, there is a strong bill that's going to be coming forward that not only provides troops with pay raises, provides our troops with the tools and resources that they need and deserve, but also helps our allies. It helps gives resources to the Ukrainians, who want to fight against Russian aggression and helps our Middle East allies, who want to fight ISIS.\nSo this is a bill that's going to be coming forward that really does meet those obligations. There's no better way to honor our troops the week before Veterans Day than to pass this important bill and have the President sign it once it gets to his desk.\nClick here to watch his remarks.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-pushes-back-on-epas-wotus-rule", "Cassidy Pushes Back on EPA's WOTUS Rule", "2015-11-03", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), a cosponsor of the\u00a0Federal Water Quality Protection Act, S.1140,\u00a0released the following statement after voting to\u00a0push back on\u00a0the Obama administration\u2019s \u201cWaters of the United States (WOTUS) rule,\u201d which defines what streams, rivers, ponds, wetlands, ditches, and waterways are subject to federal oversight under the Clean Water Act:\r\n\u201cWhen I'm in Louisiana, I consistently hear about the impacts this rule could have on private property, private property development, timberland, farmland and other water bodies that would be subject to federal control. Louisiana is experiencing significant economic growth, growth that is bringing jobs to those Americans who have had the hardest time finding jobs with this recent poorly performing economy. This progress will be negatively affected as a result of this rule. For example\u2014in Calcasieu Parish, more than sixty billion dollars in various manufacturing projects are underway or are in the process of being approved. These will require construction workers, creating the kind of jobs our economy needs more of. These projects can be severely impacted as a consequence of this rule. Instead of people in Louisiana deciding how best to use their property, the federal government will be able to dictate many land-use decisions, which have always been local.\u201d\r\nPresident Obama threatened to veto the\u00a0Federal Water Quality Protection Act.\u00a0This defines how the EPA and Army Corps should and should not define waters of the United States. It directs the EPA and the Corps to issue a revised rule that protects traditional navigable water and wetlands from water pollution, while also protecting Americans\u2019 property rights. It establishes specific guidelines that the revised rule must follow, and requires specific analyses that the EPA and the Corps must conduct. By requiring a revised rule, the bill provides Americans with a pathway to resolving ongoing uncertainty over the definition of \u201cwaters of the U.S.\u201d and the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. By setting statutory parameters for the revised rule, the bill gives Americans a more powerful voice in the rulemaking process that cannot be discarded by unelected federal bureaucrats and Obama administration ideologues.\u00a0\r\nThe EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers have bypassed Congress and broadened the scope of their jurisdiction to regulate waters of the United States, creating uncertainty for Louisiana farmers, businesses, private land owners and local governments to plan economic development projects and decide how to best use their property.\r\nDr. Cassidy delivered remarks on the harmful effects of the rule, outlining which Louisiana parishes will be out of compliance. Watch his remarks\u00a0HERE.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/whole-house-stands-israel", "The Whole House Stands With Israel", "2015-11-02", "2015", "2015-11", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the following statement upon unanimous House passage ofH. Res. 293, a resolution expressing concern over anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incitement within the Palestinian Authority:\n\"For over a month, dozens of Israelis have been victims of violent attacks by Palestinian terrorists in Israel and the West Bank, Rep. Scalise said. \"However, rather than deescalating tensions, Palestinian Authority leaders, including President Abbas, have made statements that are fueling these terrorist acts. I strongly condemn these attacks and Palestinian leaders' continued incitement of violence against Israelis. I thank Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for sponsoring this resolution and join my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, in calling for President Abbas to condemn these acts of violence, and end anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incitement by the Palestinian Authority.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-slams-obama-administration-anti-carbon-tax-resolution", "Scalise Slams Obama Administration With Anti-Carbon Tax Resolution", "2015-10-30", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) has introduced a resolution calling the implementation ofa federal tax on carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuelsby the Obama Administration a severe detriment to Americas economy and job creation.\nA nationalenergy tax would force Americans to pay higher prices for goods and services of all kinds. Itwould mean higher electricity bills, increased prices at the pump, and fewer jobs for hard-working taxpayers, Rep. Scalise said. Our nation has had more than enough of the job-killing regulations coming from the Obama Administration, and the last thing we need is yet another tax burdenthat weakens America's economy. This resolution puts Congress on record, declaring that a carbon tax would be the equivalent of a nail in the coffin to a struggling American economy. Implementation of a carbon tax would provide further evidence that President Obamais pursuing his job-killing global warming agenda at any cost, and the peoples House will not stand for his radical scheme.\nThe text of Scalises resolution can be foundhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-statement-vote-paul-ryan", "Abraham statement on vote for Paul Ryan", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, joined an overwhelming majority of Republicans in electing Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., as the next Speaker of the House.\nDr. Abraham joined 235 other Republicans in voting for Ryan, who garnered the support of all major Republican caucuses in Congress, including the very conservative House Freedom Caucus.\nMinority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., finished in second place with 184 votes. Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Fla., finished a very distant third place after getting only nine votes.\nPaul Ryan and I share a vision for America where working people are able to provide for their families if the government would stop burdening them with taxes, regulations and wasteful spending. Speaker Ryan is a proven leader who can unite our party and help us realize our shared priorities of strengthening the middle class, providing opportunities and growing our economy. I congratulate him on his election and look forward to working with him in the days to come, Dr. Abraham said.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-sens-cassidy-murphy-op-ed-mental-health-reform-act-of-2015", "ICYMI: Sens. Cassidy-Murphy Op-Ed: Mental Health Reform Act of 2015", "2015-10-29", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Mental Health Reform Act of 2015\r\nBy Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) & Chris Murphy (D-CT)\r\nThe Hill\r\nWhen President Kennedy signed the community Mental Health Act he called for a \u201cbold new approach\u201d and set out to shut down hundreds of inhumane \u201cinsane asylums\u201d and move people into more effective community-based care.\u00a0 The idea was revolutionary, but in the fifty years since, the promise of this vision was never realized. What we have now is a fragmented, dysfunctional, and under-resourced system.\r\nWe live with the consequences of this broken system every day.\u00a0 All across America, people with mental illness, especially those with serious mental illness, fall through the cracks of society, end up homeless or re-institutionalized in prisons and jails, and some even deal with their paralyzing illness by acting out in violent ways.\r\nThis crisis recognizes no political lines.\u00a0 Every member of Congress knows someone or has a close friend or family member who has been victimized by a system that is either too confusing to navigate, too thinly resourced to deal with increasing demand, or offers no realistic alternatives for those suffering the most.\u00a0\r\nWe think it's time for Republicans and Democrats in Congress to come together around legislation that would realize the hope of comprehensive mental health helps protects both the patient and the community. That's why together we've introduced the Mental Health Reform Act of 2015.\r\nCentral to the bill is the recognition of the importance of building more effective partnerships among health and mental health care providers that ensures patient and family centered care. These include coordinated care models that promote the integration of physical and mental health and ensure that patients and their families have easy access to services with one visit. Why is this so important? Research has shown that our current system is too fragmented and fails mental health patients, especially the seriously mentally ill, whose life expectancy is 24 years lower than the average American.\r\nWe also address the need for families to have medical information. A lack of understanding and consistent misinterpretations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). HIPAA\u2019s privacy rules have created barriers for parents and caregivers to be included in the care plan with families caring for the seriously mentally ill experiencing the worst impact. The bill provides for modifications and model training programs for health care providers, attorneys, consumers, and family members to improve understanding regarding when information can be shared.\r\nTelehealth options will improve access especially in underserved areas, while offering early childhood interventions can address mental health issues early and keep them from getting worse.\u00a0The bill provides reforms on the federal level that will further improve services. We can no longer tolerate jails and prisons as \u201cde facto\u201d mental health care. By restructuring and elevating federal mental health programs, the identification and dissemination of best practices and evidence-based models will improve and be easily shared across the federal system.\r\nWe also tackle head-on the paralyzing problem of a system that simply doesn\u2019t have enough inpatient or outpatient capacity to deal with the number of people with mental illness living today in America.\u00a0 Our bill changes an outdated reimbursement system so that hospitals can open more short term inpatient psychiatric beds for individuals in crisis, and primary care physicians can open up practices right next to mental health professional and not be penalized for coordination.\u00a0 And our bill opens new pathways of training for mental health professionals, like child and adolescent psychiatrists \u2013 we need to admit that 8,300 child psychiatrists can\u2019t be enough when twenty percent of all 13-18 year olds are living with a mental health condition.\r\nIn today\u2019s political climate, it\u2019s not often that a conservative Republican from Louisiana and a progressive Democrat from Connecticut agree on major policy reforms. But we have both witnessed how our broken mental health system devastates American families. These issues are too important \u2013 too personal \u2013 to allow partisan politics to intrude on commonsense solutions. We\u2019ve worked for months to craft a comprehensive bill that makes America\u2019s mental health system more responsive to the needs of families, and we\u2019ll continue working with our colleagues in the Senate and in the House until it\u2019s signed into law.\r\nDr. Bill Cassidy is a U.S. Senator for Louisiana. For nearly three decades, he has provided care for uninsured and underinsured patients in Louisiana\u2019s charity hospital system. In the U.S. Senate, he serves on the Health Education Labor & Pensions (HELP), Energy and Natural Resources, Appropriations, Veterans Affairs and Joint Economic Committees.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-ryan-speakership-will-help-advance-conservative-reforms", "Scalise: Ryan Speakership Will Help Advance Conservative Reforms", "2015-10-28", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scalise: Ryan Speakership Will Help Advance Conservative Reforms                                           \n              Oct 28, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    WASHINGTON, D.C.Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement following the House Republican Conferences selection of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) as the next Speaker of the House:\n\tPaul Ryan is one of the strongest leaders in our Republican party, and one of the best messengers in the nation for our conservative values. I look forward to working with him at the House leadership table so we can advance conservative reforms that bring fiscal sanity to the halls of Congress, hold the Obama Administration accountable, and grow a healthy economy for all Americans. Im confident that under Pauls leadership as our Speaker, our Republican Conference will unite to advance a bold conservative agenda that gets America back on track and provides a clear vision for the future of our country.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-house-passage-bipartisan-budget-agreement", "Scalise Statement on House Passage of Bipartisan Budget Agreement", "2015-10-28", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement regarding House passage of the Bipartisan Budget Agreement:\n\tRepublicans are the party of both national security and fiscal responsibility, and this budget agreement moves the ball forward in both of these crucial areasreprioritizing a strong national defense while securing important mandatory spending reforms and rooting out fraud and double-dipping in the Social Security disability program, saving more than $160 billion.\n\tWith this agreement, the President can no longer use the threat of default to achieve his own left-wing political goals. This budget deal will help conservatives accomplish key parts of what we came here to do: set our nation on a better fiscal track, grow a healthy economy, and strengthen our national defense so America remains strong and free in the face of increasing threats around the world.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/abraham-crop-insurance-cuts-are-assault-farmers", "Abraham: Crop insurance cuts are 'assault' on farmers", "2015-10-28", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham said congressional leaders conducted a back-room, late-night sweep of $3 billion in crop insurance subsidy funds he called \"an assault on rural America\" as part of the budget bill compromise.\nAbraham, R-Alto, who sits on the House Agriculture Committee, said the $3 billion was taken without consulting the committee. He believes the cut would adversely affect availability and affordability of crop insurance.\nThe bill is scheduled to be voted on late today. Abraham said he will vote against it.\nThis budget deal is an assault on rural America and the farmers who produce the food we all need to survive,\" Abraham said. \"Crop insurance provides important protections to our farmers during difficult years, such as this year where we experienced both flooding and droughts.\n\"Congress can't allow this invaluable program to be gutted during a back-room deal. I will work alongside my agriculture colleagues on both sides of the aisle to defend rural Americans from this terrible policy decision.\nTo read the full story, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-murphy-to-hold-press-call-following-senate-hearing-on-mental-health", "Cassidy, Murphy to Hold Press Call Following Senate Hearing on Mental Health", "2015-10-28", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.28.15\n\t\t\t Cassidy, Murphy to Hold Press Call Following Senate Hearing on Mental Health \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCASSIDY, MURPHY TO HOLD PRESS CALL FOLLOWING SENATE HEARING ON MENTAL HEALTH\r\nWill call for action on Cassidy-Murphy Mental Health Reform Act\r\nLegislation will make critical reforms to address lack of resources, enhance\u00a0coordination & develop meaningful solutions to improve outcomes for Americans dealing with mental illness\r\n\u00a0**Thursday, October 29th\u00a0at 12pm EST, call-in information below**\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Tomorrow, after the U.S. Senate\u00a0Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee\u00a0holds\u00a0a hearing titled \u201cMental Health and Substance Use Disorders in America: Priorities, Challenges, and Opportunities\u201d,\u00a0U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.)\u00a0and\u00a0U.S. Senator Chris\u00a0Murphy (D-Conn.)\u00a0will hold a press call urging Congress to take immediate legislative action\u00a0on the\u00a0Cassidy-Murphy\u00a0Mental Health Reform Act\u00a0\u2013\u00a0a bill to comprehensively overhaul and strengthen America\u2019s mental health system. The\u00a0Mental Health Reform Act\u00a0will make critical reforms to address a lack of resources, enhance coordination, and develop meaningful solutions to improve outcomes for families dealing with mental illness. Cassidy and Murphy, who are both members of the U.S. Senate\u00a0HELP\u00a0Committee, introduced\u00a0the legislation in August after months of collaborating with mental health professionals, policy experts, consumers, and family members of those impacted by mental health.\r\nWHAT:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cassidy, Murphy to hold press conference call following U.S. Senate\u2019s mental health hearing\r\nWHEN:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tomorrow, October 29th\u00a0at 12pm EST\r\nCALL-IN NUMBER:\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0(877) 229-8493; PIN: (114-724)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###\r\n\u00a0\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\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"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-retail-investor-protection-act", "Scalise Statement on Retail Investor Protection Act", "2015-10-27", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Scalise Statement on Retail Investor Protection Act                                           \n              Oct 27, 2015      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    WASHINGTON, D.C.Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement upon House passage of H.R. 1090, the Retail Investor Protection Act, sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.):\n\tYet again, the Obama Administration is pushing a radical regulation that will hurt hardworking taxpayersthis time raising costs and reducing access to retirement investment advice for those who need it most. Thats why Im thankful for my friend Ann Wagners leadership in passing the Retail Investor Protection Act, which protects Americans from this misguided regulation that would reduce American workers overall retirement savings by billions of dollars and disproportionately harm low- and middle-income families. Americans should be able to prepare for their retirements without costly interference from federal bureaucrats, and House Republicans have their backs as they work toward a retirement where they can enjoy the financial security theyve planned for and earned.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-budget-deal-assault-rural-america", "Abraham: Budget deal an assault on rural America", "2015-10-27", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON - Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, on Tuesday called the announced budget deal an assault on rural America because of provisions within the bill that would gut the Federal Crop Insurance program.\nDr. Abraham, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, joined a bipartisan coalition of agriculture leaders in Congress in authoring a letter demanding changes to the bill that would restore the cuts to crop insurance. The bill could be voted on as early as Wednesday.\nThis budget deal is an assault on rural America and the farmers who produce the food we all need to survive. Crop insurance provides important protections to our farmers during difficult years, such as this year where we experienced both flooding and droughts. Congress cannot allow this invaluable program to be gutted during a back-room deal. I will work alongside my agriculture colleagues on both sides of the aisle to defend rural Americans from this terrible policy decision, Dr. Abraham said.\nNot even two years have passed since we made a commitment with the passage of a bipartisan 5-year farm bill that included $23 billion in savings. The current Bipartisan Budget Agreement of 2015 breaks that promise, the members wrote.\nThe continued, Nobody consulted the Agriculture Committees of Congress when this provision was included n the bill, the details of which were not posted until the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 27. Instead, a reckless provision of devastating consequences was quite literally inserted in a back room in the middle of the night.\nThe members have vowed to not only oppose the bill but to actively lobby other members in voting against the bill to guarantee its defeat if the provisions are not removed.\nAlong with Dr. Abraham, others who signed the letter include House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas; House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn.; Rep. Eric A. Rick Crawford, R-Ark.; Rep. Frank D. Lucas, R-Okla.; Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo.; Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.; Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn.; Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-Tenn.; Rep. Rod Blum, R-Iowa; Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas; Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan.; Rep. Trent Kelly, R-Miss.; Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn.; Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif.; Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas; Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont.; Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas; Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga.; Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb.; Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Texas; Rep. John R. Moolenaar, R-Mich.; Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill.; Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla.; Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash.; Rep. Rick Allen, R-Ga.; Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa; Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas; Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas.\nThe full text of the letter reads:\nIt has come to our attention that the Bipartisan Budget Agreement of 2015 contains a provision that violates our pledge not to reopen the 2014 Farm Bill and would inflict serious injury on Americas farmers and ranchers at a time when net farm income is projected to be down by 53 percent over the past two years.\nSection 201 of the bill is widely expected to end Federal Crop Insurance, which is critical to produces and lenders alike.\nSpecifically, the provision proposes to reduce rates of return to crop insurance companies from a gross of about 14.5 percent down to a gross of 8.9 percent. However, this does not tell the real story. Since 2011 actual returns to companies have averaged about 5 percent, and factoring in costs, the average returns are much closer to zero. The reduction contained in Section 201 would kill private sector delivery, which is responsible for the success of Federal Crop Insurance.\nNot even two years have passed since we made a commitment with the passage of a bipartisan 5-year farm bill that included $23 billion in savings. The current Bipartisan Budget Agreement of 2015 breaks that promise.\nNobody consulted the Agriculture Committees of Congress when this provision was included in the bill, the details of which were not posted until the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 27. Instead, a reckless provision of devastating consequences was quite literally inserted in a back room in the middle of the night.\nThis provision must be removed from the bill. If it is not stripped from the bill, we will have no choice but to work to defeat this measure.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-calls-attempt-sell-strategic-petroleum-reserve-idiotic", "Graves Calls Attempt to Sell Off the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Idiotic", "2015-10-27", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Garret Graves (R South Louisiana) released the following statement today as a U.S. budget deal heads toward quick action in Congress:\nWhile some of the provisions in this proposal are positive, like entitlement reform and a reduction in domestic spending, Ive got strong concerns about the process of putting this deal together and the proposed mechanisms to pay for it, especially related to energy policy.\nThis increasing trend of attempting to sell Americas oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) absent an updated energy security strategy is idiotic. This was done on the 21st Century Cures Act, highway bill and now proposed as part of the two-year budget deal with the White House. OPECs efforts to flood global oil markets have contributed to an America that is bleeding energy jobs as depressed energy prices are forcing companies to slow production. Now we are going to compound the problem by dumping 58,000,000 barrels of SPR oil into flooded markets?\nFinally, only an entity as stupid as the federal government would buy oil at $75 a barrel, sell it at $45 then cook the books like you sold it at $90. \nIf anything, we should be purchasing oil right now while prices are low. We are in fundamentally different times today and our SPR and national energy security policies need a full update. We need to determine the right target for our national energy reserves and need to update the strategy based upon conditions today  including the role alternative energy sources can play in improving our energy security and resilience.\nWe are actively reviewing the bill on its merits, but the American people are tired of gimmicks and have been crystal clear about our need to get our budget in order.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-48-senators-push-back-on-obamas-carbon-mandates", "Cassidy, 48 Senators Push Back on Obama's Carbon Mandates", "2015-10-27", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014\u00a0U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. released the following statement after joining a bipartisan group of Senators in introducing a resolution disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan regulations for existing power sources:\r\n\"Our goal should be to create better jobs with better benefits for families, but the EPA's Clean Power Plan will hurt jobs and raise costs for all Louisianans. Low income families and low wage workers will be hit hardest. Companies will move production overseas\u2014our workers will lose their jobs and global pollution will increase. We should be supporting policies that help our workers, the president\u2019s mandates do the opposite.\"\r\nThe resolution is introduced by Senators Capito (R-W.Va) and Heitkamp (D-N.D) and is co-sponsored by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.); Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee; Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee; Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.); John Barrasso (R-Wyo.); Roy Blunt (R-Mo.); John Boozman (R-Ark.); Bill Cassidy (R-La.); Dan Coats (R-Ind.); Thad Cochran (R-Miss.); Bob Corker (R-Tenn.); John Cornyn (R-Texas); Tom Cotton (R-Ark.); Mike Crapo (R-Idaho); Ted Cruz (R-Texas); Steve Daines (R-Mont.); Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.); Joni Ernst (R-Iowa); Deb Fischer (R-Neb.); Jeff Flake (R-Fla.); Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.); Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa); Orrin Hatch (R-Utah); John Hoeven (R-N.D.); Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.); Ron Johnson (R-Wis.); James Lankford (R-Okla.); Mike Lee (R-Utah); Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.); John McCain (R-Ariz.); Jerry Moran (R-Kan.); Rand Paul (R-Ky.); David Perdue (R-Ga.); Jim Risch (R-Idaho); Pat Roberts (R-Kan.); Mike Rounds (R-S.D.); Marco Rubio (R-Fla.); Ben Sasse (R-Neb.); Tim Scott (R-S.C.); Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.); Richard Shelby (R-Ala.); Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska); John Thune (R-S.D.); Thom Tillis (R-N.C.); Pat Toomey (R-Pa.); David Vitter (R-La.); and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\u00a0\r\nRead the resolution\u00a0HERE\u00a0and below:\r\nProviding for congressional disapproval under chapter\u00a0 8\u00a0 of title 5,\u00a0 United\u00a0 States Code,\u00a0 of\u00a0 a rule\u00a0 submitted\u00a0 by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to \u2018\u2018Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units\u2019\u2019.\r\nResolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to \u2018\u2018Carbon Pollution Emission Guidelines for Existing Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units\u2019\u2019 (published at 80 Fed.Reg. 64662 (October 23, 2015)), and such rule shall have no force or effect.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-reconciliation-%E2%80%9C-critical-step-restoring-jobs-and-good-health-care", "Scalise: Reconciliation A Critical Step to Restoring Jobs and Good Health Care\"", "2015-10-23", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.The U.S. Housetoday passedtheRestoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, a budget reconciliation measure that dismantles the pillars of Obamacare, while shifting taxpayer funds away from abortion providers and investing instead in community health centers that provide women with quality health care.Speaking on the House floor just before passage, Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) called the bill \"a critical step to restoring jobs and good health care across this country.\nClick Here View Scalises Full Remarks (Transcript Below)\nAsRoll Callreportedlast month, Scalise led the way in \"putting a new option on the table[of] using budget reconciliation  a fast-track process that would allow Republicans to bypass the threat of a filibuster and force a bill through the Senate  to zero out federal dollars for Planned Parenthood, an option seen as especially appealing to congressional Republicans eager to bring these important legislative priorities to the Presidents desk. Notably, the paper reported that \"Scalise said defunding Planned Parenthood through reconciliation would not preclude that same bill from also repealing Obamacare.\"\nKey conservative groups voiced their strong support to the Scalise approach, including theFamily Research Council(FRC), National Right to Life, Susan B. Anthony List,March for Life,Americans for Tax Reform(ATR), Americans for Prosperity (AFP), and the National Taxpayers Union (NTU).\nTRANSCRIPT OF SCALISES FLOOR REMARKS:\nMr. Speaker, as we fought for years to defeat the President's health care law and the many destructive components to that law that are playing out across the country, we've got one more opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to send a bill to the Presidentbut this time not just to send a bill to the Senate that actually goes after and guts the President's health care law, but also a bill that now with 51 votes in the Senate will have the opportunity to get to the President's desk. And the bill not only repeals the employer mandate, repeals the individual mandatelaws that are crushing jobs across the country, killing middle class jobs. The biggest reason, when you talk to small business owners, why they can't hire more people, why they're forced by this law to lower the number of working hours of people across the country down below 30 hours, is because of these mandates in the law that are crushing American jobs. Why not put that bill on the President's desk?Why not also tell these people that are taking taxpayer money and providing abortion services that you can't do it anymore? If you wantto provide women's health care, there's funding for you but you can't use taxpayer money to provide abortions. That's in this bill that can get to the President's desk. Even more than that, it goes further. We start cutting taxes that are killing jobs in this billthe medical device tax that's shipping jobs to foreign countries. Let's cut those taxes. And if the Senate wants to go further under their arcane rules, they'll have that opportunity. We support those changes as well. But ultimately let's get this bill to the President's desk and let him make a decision. Is he going to finally stand up for American workers and sign this bill? Or is he going to continue to support a law that's destroying jobs and destroying health care in this country? That ought to be the President's burden. We ought to send the bill to the President. This is the first stepand it's a critical step to restoring jobs and good health care across this country. Let's pass this bill, send it over to the Senate and let them do their work. I yield back.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-ndaa-veto-threat-our-national-homeland-and-personal-security", "Graves on NDAA Veto: a Threat to Our National, Homeland and Personal Security", "2015-10-23", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Garret Graves (R-South Louisiana) responded today to President Obamas decision to veto H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the bipartisan defense policy bill that provides improved pay, retirement, health coverage, housing and other benefits to our troops and their families.\nThis veto is a threat to our national, homeland and personal security and absolutely sends the wrong message to the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to defend this nation, said Rep. Graves. At a time when America faces national security challenges on multiple fronts, we cannot afford to let politics jeopardize our ability to protect ourselves from foreign and domestic enemies. The presidents decision to withhold critical resources that would provide our military the support it needs to successfully carry out its mission is just the latest in a string of bad decisions characteristic of this Administrations failed security policies.\nThe legislation provides resources for a strong national defense and supports our troops in the following ways:\n Reinforces the mission to defeat ISIL\n\tAddresses Russian aggression through increased funding for U.S. intelligence and warning capabilities\n\tEnhances the Retirement System by providing additional options to service members\n\tImproves pay and other benefits for our troops and their families, including a 1.3% pay raise\n\tStreamlines DODs broken acquisition system through improved accountability\n\tEmpowers Commanders to permit members of the Armed forces to carry firearms at DOD installations, reserve centers and recruiting centers by 12/31/15\n\t\t\n \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-osers-guidelines-on-dyslexia-is-a-step-in-the-right-direction-but-more-needs-to-be-done", "Cassidy: OSERS Guidelines on Dyslexia is a Step in the Right Direction, But More Needs To Be Done", "2015-10-23", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014\u00a0U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. released the following statement after\u00a0the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) released guidance to state and local educational agencies clarifying that students with specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, have unique educational needs:\r\n\u201cHaving the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) acknowledge that students with dyslexia have unique educational needs that must be addressed is a step in the right direction, but there\u2019s still more work to be done. It\u2019s important for teachers and parents to be aware of the challenges facing our students, but it\u2019s equally as important to act. Scientific data shows that we can help students with dyslexia reach their educational potential by providing them with an evidence-based curriculum. All children must have the opportunity to succeed\u2014let\u2019s put these successful educational models to use to help them reach their goals.\u201d\r\nThe guidelines released today are part of OSERS effort to highlight October as the month of awareness for Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The guidelines clarify that there is nothing in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that would prohibit the use of the terms dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia in a student\u2019s evaluation, determination of eligibility for special education and related services, or in developing the student\u2019s individualized education program (IEP). Read the Dear Colleague from OSERS on Dyslexia Guidance\u00a0HERE.\r\nDr. Cassidy has consistently advocated for students with dyslexia. On October\u00a013, he hosted two\u00a0Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Hearings\u00a0in Louisiana\u00a0following the passage of a\u00a0bipartisan resolution\u00a0in the U.S. Senate designating October 2015 as \u201cNational Dyslexia Awareness Month,\u201d recognizing that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed. He alsocriticized\u00a0the PARCC Assessment tests whose standards fail to account for students with dyslexia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-critical-mineral-production-bill", "Scalise Statement on Critical Mineral Production Bill", "2015-10-22", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement upon House passage of the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act:\n\tToday the House took an important step in addressing the significant strategic and economic vulnerabilities America faces when it comes to securing the mineral supplies our nation needs for everything from military technology for our troops, to the cars, smartphones and other devices Americans use every day. Washington red tape and a sometimes decades-long permitting process are standing in the way of our nations ability to develop our own mineral supplies, and instead force us to rely on China and other nations for these materials so crucial to modern life. This bill by my friend and colleague Mark Amodei helps streamline the permitting process so America can maintain protections for our environment while meeting our urgent national security and economic needs.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/graves-his-red-snapper-bill-would-give-states-management-contentious", "Graves on His Red Snapper Bill That Would Give States Management of Contentious Recreational Season", "2015-10-22", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hunting and fishing is part of life in Louisianaits woven into the fabric of who we are. Sportsmans Paradise is home to the most productive ecosystem in North America. In fact, the entire Gulf of Mexico region is blessed with a rich heritage and an enduring economy built on the bounty of the great outdoors. This area produces up to one-third of the wild seafood harvest in the continental United States and is the top source of shrimp, blue crabs, crawfish, and oysters in the nation. And even in the wake of devastating hurricanes and man-made catastrophes, like the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Gulf coastal communities continue to survive and succeed, thanks in large part to recreational and commercial fishing activity and the resiliency of our residents...\nTo read the rest of this article, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/empowering-our-children-through-school-choice", "Empowering our Children through School Choice", "2015-10-21", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement after the House passed of H.R. 10, the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act.\n\tIn New Orleans, I have seen firsthand what our children are able to achieve through the expansion of educational opportunities and school choice, Scalise said. Every child in America deserves an equal opportunity to get a quality education, and all parents should be able to make the best educational choices for their children. Choice in education is key to providing students and parents with the hope and opportunity that they deserve, and this bill by Speaker Boehner will promote innovation and continue to give children in the District of Colombia, many of whom are educationally disadvantaged and stuck in failing schools, the opportunity to attend a high quality school.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/protecting-full-faith-and-credit-united-states", "Protecting the Full Faith and Credit of the United States", "2015-10-21", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.  House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 692, the Default Prevention Act.\n\tAs the debt limit approaches, the Default Prevention Act removes from the table the threat of defaulting on our nations debt, and instead allows Congress to focus on solving the underlying issue driving our growing debt  Washingtons spending problem, Scalise said. Reining in Washingtons out-of-control spending and restoring fiscal sanity continues to be among my top priorities in Congress. I applaud and thank Congressman Tom McClintock for his leadership on this issue. I urge the Senate to quickly pass this critical legislation and send it to the Presidents desk for his signature.\n\tScalise is a cosponsor of the Default Prevention Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-pres-obama-sign-bipartisan-defense-authorization-now", "Scalise to Pres. Obama: Sign Bipartisan Defense Authorization Now", "2015-10-21", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) called on President Barack Obama to drop his veto threat and sign the bipartisan FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):\n\tProviding for Americas national defense is the first responsibility of our federal government, and thats why both parties in the House and Senate have acted decisively to give our troops the resources they need to keep our country safe and free. In a dangerous world full of enemies who are determined to do us harm, undermine our freedoms, and destroy our way of life, Americas national defense is the last place we can afford to have our President playing political games. Now is the time for President Obama to drop his ill-advised and politically-charged veto threat and sign this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation into law so our troops can perform their duty knowing their own government has their back.\n\tThe bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act funds important priorities critical to protecting Americans and our interests both at home and abroad:\n\tPays our troops  \n\tProhibits the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay into the U.S.  \n\tProhibits the transfer of detainees to Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen where they can potentially return to the battlefield  \n\tProvides support for Ukraine to defend themselves against Russian aggression  \n\tProvides additional assistance to our allies in the Middle East to destroy ISIL  \n\tTakes steps to prevent another tragedy like the Tennessee recruitment center shooting  \n\tStops a misguided Administration policy that sent the jobs of disabled Americans overseas. This reversal would represent an important victory for AbilityOne agencies nationwide, like Lighthouse Louisiana, which give Americans with disabilities the opportunity to improve their economic well-being", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-transportation-committee-mark-widely-anticipated-highway-bill", "House Transportation Committee to Mark Up Widely-Anticipated Highway Bill, Including Provisions Sought by Congressman Garret Graves", "2015-10-21", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Garret Graves (R  South Louisiana) issued the following statement as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee prepares to mark up the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015, a multi-year surface transportation reauthorization bill designed to increase funding and provide improvements to infrastructure projects across the country:\nIts past time to get moving on a comprehensive plan to address the infrastructure needs across our region and the entire country. This highway bill reflects the national discussion on federal transportation policy, and we want to ensure it also reflects our local priorities. said Graves. \"Our capital region has some of the worst traffic in the nation. There is no silver bullet solution, but this bill puts us on a path to begin addressing some of the short, mid and long-term solutions we've been pushing.\" Specifically, the bill includes a grant program of over $700 million annually to address nationally-significant freight and highway projects -- like the I-10 corridor in East and West Baton Rouge and Ascension, I-12 in Livingston Parish and critical improvements associated with Louisiana Highway 1.  \n\t  \n\tGraves advocated for other initiatives in the bill including $100 million annually in grants for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and one of his top priorities, a $75 million a year grant program to deploy advanced traffic technologies such as the interface of phone-based mapping and GPS technologies with traffic light operations.   \n\t  \n\tGraves continued: There is no question that building a new bridge across the Mississippi River, LA-30/Nicholson Drive improvements between downtown Baton Rouge and Gonzales, a Westbank Expressway, connecting Walker with Gonzales, a commuter rail line and other priorities are all needed, but we concurrently need to start working on short-term solutions like better utilization of some of our surface streets with improved technologies. The fact that we are using 1950s traffic light technology in 2015 is crazy. \n\t\n\tWe are the only state in the nation with six class one rail lines, five of the top ports in the nation, and six interstates. The integration of these different modes of transportation is critical to the continued top role of Louisiana as one of the nation's top export states. The bill also includes provisions to help with the flow of commerce between various modes of transportation -- helping to ensure Louisiana maintains our top role in global commerce.\n  LA 1 is Americas Energy Corridor. Manufacturing on the Mississippi River demands efficient transportation if Louisiana and America expect more job creation. Hosting Chairman Shuster in Louisiana has helped nurture his and the Committees appreciation of South Louisianas dynamic transportation infrastructure and its effect on our national economy, and you can see that through some of the bills provisions, like the inclusion of our language to maintain investments in conservation and coastal restoration efforts that are tied to regional resiliency.\nThe House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will meet on October 22nd to debate and amend the proposed legislation. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Graves sits on the Highways and Transit, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and the Water Resources subcommittees.  \n\t  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-calls-water-institute-game-changer-after-funding-announcement", "Graves Calls Water Institute "Game Changer" After Funding Announcement", "2015-10-21", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - The Office of Gulf Coast Restoration in the Department of the Treasury this week announced plans to award over $4 million to the Water Institute of the Gulf through the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana (CPRA). These funds are part of the Center of Excellence program established by the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE Act).\nThe Water Institute is a game changer in Louisianas battle against coastal erosion. The Center of Excellence designation and initial $4 million in research and development funding will provide key resources to help guide our oil spill and other investments to advance the Louisiana Coastal Master Plan and resilience of our communities and ecosystem. We established the Water Institute to help pull together all of the extensive expertise and lessons learned across South Louisiana. The Institutes concentration of expertise across public, private, not for profit and academic coastal sectors will help accelerate our progress through the development of innovative solutions for the dynamic challenges along the coast. It will help ensure decisions are based upon the best science rather than politics, said U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R  South Louisiana). \nThe center of excellence will focus its work on science, technology, and monitoring relating to four of the five eligible RESTORE Act disciplines that include:  \n\t- Coastal and deltaic sustainability, restoration, and protection  \n\t- Coastal fisheries and wildlife ecosystem research and monitoring in the Gulf Coast Region  \n\t- Sustainable, resilient growth and economic development in the Gulf Coast Region  \n\t- Comprehensive observation, monitoring, and mapping of the Gulf of Mexico\nLouisianas Centers of Excellence Research Grant of $4,036,238 totals its currently available allocation of the proceeds received from the settlement between Transocean and the Department of Justice arising from Deepwater Horizon oil spill civil penalties paid after July 6, 2012 under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund interest earnings. Significantly more funding are expected for the Water Institute as a result of the recent settlement announcement associated with BPs role in the Deepwater Horizon disaster.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-praises-international-trade-commission-s-vote-uphold-fair-trade", "Graves Praises International Trade Commissions Vote to Uphold Fair Trade Practices Between U.S. and Mexico", "2015-10-21", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Garret Graves", "G000577", "garretgraves.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Congressman Garret Graves (R  South Louisiana Louisiana) released the following statement after the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) decided by a 6-0 unanimous decision that Mexicos sugar industry harmed American producers by dumping subsidized sugar onto the U.S. market:\nThis decision by the ITC confirms what we all knew and will help to level the playing field for our farmers. It is unfortunate that many countries continue to use illegal tactics to distort competition in the agriculture, seafood and other industries\nGraves continued: Sugarcane production is major economic driver in Louisiana, employing thousands of people across the State. Illegal dumping and illegal subsidies by foreign countries is a direct threat to our economy, and Im encouraged that yesterdays vote recognizes that fact. To be clear, I am a proponent of free trade but I believe that free trade must be fair trade. Louisiana can compete and win on a level playing field. The existing trade framework among Canada, Mexico and the United States was specifically designed to prevent subsidies and dumping to ensure fairness  a feature absolutely critical to free and fair trade.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-remarks-on-mental-health", "Cassidy Remarks on Mental Health", "2015-10-21", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.21.15\n\t\t\t Cassidy Remarks on Mental Health \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMr. President, for 25 years I have worked in the Louisiana public hospital system, and you can\u2019t help but notice when you work in a public hospital system, but also in private hospitals how often mental health issues are directly a part of a patient who comes to see you.\u00a0 But it doesn\u2019t just have to be a physician seeing patients in the emergency room, each of our families, mine included, has a family member or a friend who has serious mental illness.\u00a0 It is non-partisan, it cuts across demographic lines, if I go before a group anywhere in my state, indeed anywhere in the nation, and bring up the need to address serious mental illness, all heads nod yes.\u00a0 It is true of my family. \u00a0It is true of yours.\u00a0 It is true of almost everybody watching today.\r\nNow, I\u2019m old enough to remember when people wouldn\u2019t speak of cancer. There was a stigma associated with having cancer, that\u2019s long gone, much to our advantage.\u00a0 But for some reason there continues to be a stigma and a shame associated with mental illness. \u00a0And I would argue that that stigma and sense of shame has retarded what we can do.\u00a0 This is something that we have to address, we have to discuss, we have to go forward.\r\nNow, the discussion right now, frankly, is being driven by tragedy.\u00a0 Lafayette, Louisiana, Newtown, Charleston, Oregon, Tennessee\u2014we\u2019ve heard stories, and they are beyond heartbreaking. But what\u2019s not spoken of are the broken families, the parents that know that there is something wrong with their child, but don\u2019t know where to go to receive that help, ending up in an overcrowded emergency room or their child in a jail or prison when a more appropriate setting would be elsewhere.\r\nAnd it is in the midst of these terribly tragedies that at least we can hope that they can serve as a catalyst for society and Congress to begin to fix America\u2019s broken mental health system, maybe something good can happen, even from tragedies as horrific as these.\u00a0\r\nSo the question is, if one of the roles of Congress is to respond to societal needs that justify federal involvement, shouldn\u2019t we ask ourselves why has there been such a failure to address the issue of serious mental illness?\r\nI\u2019m pleased to say my colleague, Senator Chris Murphy and I wish to change that. We\u2019ve introduced the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act, which now has 10 sponsors, both Republican and Democrat. \u00a0Our bill begins to fix our mental health system and attempts to address the root cause of mass violence, which is recognized, but untreated mental illness. \u00a0\r\nSo how does our bill begin to do so?\r\nFirst, patients too often cannot get the care they need and too often have a long delay between diagnosis and treatment. Access delayed is access denied.\u00a0 Access is hampered by a shortage of mental health providers and too few beds for those with serious mental illness who truly need to be hospitalized.\u00a0\r\nRelated to this, right now, people with major mental illness tend to die from physical illness as much as 20 years younger as someone who does not have serious mental illness. \u00a0As a physician, I know if we treat the whole patient, if we integrate care, it is better.\u00a0 Medicaid, though, by policy will not pay for a patient to see two physicians on the same day.\u00a0\r\nSo imagine this, a family practitioner sees a patient who clearly has major mental illness because the patient is right there, would like him to walk down the hallway to see her friend the psychiatrist to have both addressed immediately while the patient is there.\u00a0 Medicaid will not pay the psychiatrist.\u00a0 On the other hand, the patient might instead see the psychiatrist and has seriously high blood pressure or evidence for diabetes out of control, but the psychiatrist cannot say, \u201cWait a second, let me walk you down the hallway to see my colleague, the family practitioner,\u201d because Medicaid will not pay for that.\u00a0 By the way, private health insurance will, but this is a policy change we need for the public health insurance. Our bill would allow patients to use mental and physical health services on the same day.\r\nSecondly- most people have their first episode of major mental illness between the ages of 15 and 25, starting down a path that ends with their life and their family's lives tragically altered. This bill attempts to identify those young folks, stop that path from ever opening up and preventing the first episode of serious mental illness, or, if it does occur to lead them on a path of wholeness, a path towards wellness.\r\nAnother thing our bill does is establishes a grant program focused on intensive early intervention for children who demonstrate first signs that may evolve into serious mental illness that may only occur adolescence or adulthood. A second grant program supports pediatricians consulting with mental health teams.\u00a0 This program has already been successful in states like Massachusetts and Connecticut.\r\nThird- without appropriate treatment options, prisons, jails, and emergency rooms have become \u201cdefacto\u201d mental health care providers. More than three times as many mentally ill are housed in prisons and jails than in hospitals according to the National Sheriff\u2019s Association. Overcrowded U.S. emergency rooms have become the treatment source of last resort for psychiatric patients. \u00a0\r\nWe incentivize states to create alternatives where patients may be seen and treated in supervised outpatient settings, as opposed to being incarcerated. Our bill creates an undersecretary for mental health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This undersecretary\u2019s responsibility to coordinate mental health services across the federal system to help identify and implement effective and promising models of care.\r\nIt reauthorizes successful programs, like the Community Mental Health Block Grants and state-based data collection. And the bill also increases funding for critical biomedical research on mental health.\r\nOn top of this, it strengthens the transparency and enforcement of mental health parity by requiring the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Treasury to audit the implementation of the Mental Health Parity movement to determine the parity between mental and physical health services.\u00a0\r\nOur bill does other things\u2014but the most important thing it does is to help prevent tradgedies, help families and help those broken individuals affected by mental illness beome whole.\r\nIn 2006, William Bruce of Maine was a 24-year-old who needed help. He suffered with schizophrenia and had been hospitalized. Without contacting his parents, our broken health care system allowed William to be released\u2014even though his doctors said he was \u201cvery dangerous indeed for release to the community.\u201d Sadly, two months later he murdered his mother at home with a hatchet. This story is tragic and heart breaking and even worse, it could have possibly been prevented if we had worked then to fix our broken mental health system. \u00a0We with to fix it now so there is not another such episode in the future.\u00a0\r\nThe time for mental health reform is now.\r\nIf not now, when?\r\nIf not us, who?\r\nIf not now and not us, there will be more Lafayettes, more Newtowns, Charelstons, Tennessees, and Oregons, more broken families. This bill does not wave a magic wand, but it puts us on a path where we can say these things that once occurred, perhaps no longer will.\u00a0\r\nThank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-the-time-for-mental-health-reform-is-now", "Cassidy: The Time For Mental Health Reform Is Now", "2015-10-21", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cFor 25 years I have worked in the Louisiana public hospital system, and you can\u2019t help but notice when you work in a public hospital system, but also in private hospitals, how often mental health issues are directly a part of a patient who comes to see you.\u00a0 But it doesn\u2019t just have to be a physician seeing patients in the emergency room, each of our families, mine included, has a family member or a friend who has serious mental illness.\u00a0\r\n\u201cIt is non-partisan, it cuts across demographic lines, if I go before a group anywhere in my state, indeed anywhere in the nation, and bring up the need to address serious mental illness, all heads nod yes.\u00a0 It is true of my family.\u00a0 It is true of yours.\u00a0 It is true of almost everybody watching today.\r\n\u201cNow, I\u2019m old enough to remember when people wouldn\u2019t speak of cancer. There was a stigma associated with having cancer, that\u2019s long gone, much to our advantage.\u00a0 But for some reason there continues to be a stigma and a shame associated with mental illness.\u00a0 And I would argue that that stigma and sense of shame has retarded what we can do.\u00a0 This is something that we have to address, we have to discuss, we have to go forward.\r\n\u201cNow, the discussion right now, frankly, is being driven by tragedy.\u00a0 Lafayette, Louisiana, Newtown, Charleston, Oregon, Tennessee\u2014we\u2019ve heard stories, and they are beyond heartbreaking. But what\u2019s not spoken of are the broken families, the parents that know that there is something wrong with their child, but don\u2019t know where to go to receive that help, ending up in an overcrowded emergency room or their child in a jail or prison when a more appropriate setting would be elsewhere.\r\n\u201cAnd it is in the midst of these terribly tragedies that at least we can hope that they can serve as a catalyst for society and Congress to begin to fix America\u2019s broken mental health system. Maybe something good can happen, even from tragedies as horrific as these.\u00a0\r\n\u201cSo the question is, if one of the roles of Congress is to respond to societal needs that justify federal involvement, shouldn\u2019t we ask ourselves why has there been such a failure to address the issue of serious mental illness?\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to say my colleague Senator Chris Murphy and I wish to change that. We\u2019ve introduced the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act, which now has 10 sponsors, both Republican and Democrat.\u00a0 Our bill begins to fix our mental health system and attempts to address the root cause of mass violence, which is recognized, but untreated mental illness.\r\n\u201c\u2026In 2006, William Bruce of Maine was a 24-year-old who needed help. He suffered with schizophrenia and had been hospitalized. Without contacting his parents, our broken health care system allowed William to be released\u2014even though his doctors said he was \u2018very dangerous indeed for release to the community.\u2019 Sadly, two months later he murdered his mother at home with a hatchet. This story is tragic and heart breaking and even worse, it could have possibly been prevented if we had worked then to fix our broken mental health system.\u00a0 We wish to fix it now so there is not another such episode in the future.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe time for mental health reform is now.\r\n\u201cIf not now, when?\r\n\u201cIf not us, who?\u00a0\r\n\u201cIf not now and not us, there will be more Lafayettes, more Newtowns, Charelstons, Tennessees and Oregons, more broken families.\r\n\u201cThis bill does not wave a magic wand, but it puts us on a path where we can say these things that once occurred, perhaps no longer will.\u201d\r\nRead the full remarks and read more about the Mental Health Reform Act\u00a0HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/strengthening-privacy-protections-and-relationships-international-allies", "Strengthening Privacy Protections And Relationships With International Allies", "2015-10-20", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement applauding unanimous House passage of H.R. 1428, the Judicial Redress Act:\n\"The importance of our national security and cooperation with international law enforcement cannot be understated at a time when terrorist groups around the globe are taking every opportunity to advance their unpredictable agendas, Rep Scalise said. Unanimous House passage of this bipartisan measure by Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner sends a clear message that sharing information with our allies and strengthening privacy protections of those here and across the world, remain top priorities. Adding these measures reinforces strong commerce between nations, benefiting American companies and consumers. The Judicial Redress Act reinforces the importance of strategic diplomacy with our international allies, serves as a vital aspect in fortifying protections of our online information, and shows our commitment to reaching a new safe harbor agreement.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-votes-to-stop-illegal-criminals", "Cassidy Votes to Stop Illegal Criminals", "2015-10-20", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2014\u00a0U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) voted to stop the release of criminal illegal immigrants by eliminating federal funding supporting sanctuary cities. These cities harbor illegal criminals who are in the U.S. committing further crimes or repeatedly entering the U.S. after being deported. Orleans and Lafayette parishes are sanctuary cities.\r\nDr. Cassidy released the following statement:\r\n\u201cLouisiana families want our cities to be safe and our immigration laws to be enforced. We\u2019ve seen what happens when cities harbor criminals illegally\u2014a young lady in San Francisco was recently killed by an illegal immigrant who was already convicted of seven felonies and deported five times. We need to stop future crimes like this from happening.\u201d\u00a0\r\nS. 2146 includes \u201cKate\u2019s Law,\u201d which provides a five-year mandatory minimum sentence for any illegal immigrant who re-enters the U.S after having been convicted of an aggravated felony or after having been twice convicted of illegally re-entering the U.S.\r\nKate\u2019s law is named after Kate Steinle, who was killed on a San Francisco pier as she was walking with her father. The shooter was an illegal immigrant who had previously been convicted of seven felonies and deported five times. Just three months earlier, the Department of Homeland Security had asked San Francisco police to hold this man until they could pick him up, but the city refused to cooperate and instead released the shooter, in line with its sanctuary policy. Kate\u2019s murder is not an isolated incident. Thousands of criminals remain in this country, protected by these sanctuary jurisdictions.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-issues-statement-hickey-resignation", "Abraham issues statement on Hickey resignation", "2015-10-16", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON -Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto and chairman of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, issued the following statement about the resignation of Allison Hickey, the undersecretary of benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs.\nI commend Allison Hickey for her military service, but her resignation leaves room for what will hopefully be some fresh air in a department that has turned a blind eye to far too many problems in the VA, Dr. Abraham said.\nAs the head of the Veterans Benefits Administration, Hickeys department was the subject of areportby the Office of the Inspector General that revealed veterans data manipulation and systemic abuse of the VA employee relocation program. Before the report was released, Dr. Abraham conducted an oversight visit to the Philadelphia VA Regional Benefits Office in June where he met with Hickey and other employees. Those meetings revealed the serious problems that still exist between employees, top managers at the VA, and the veterans they are supposed to be working for.\nWe saw stark differences in how the leadership and management viewed the workplace versus how the employees viewed the workplace. We have yet to see the improvements we were promised. I have continually said we need a VA structure that works for the veteran, not the government bureaucrat, and I will continue to push for real reform in the VA system, Dr. Abraham said.\nSee the OIG reporthere.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-common-core-and-parcc-assessment-wrong-for-students-with-dyslexia", "Cassidy: Common Core and PARCC Assessment Wrong for Students with Dyslexia", "2015-10-16", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. chaired two Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Hearings in New Orleans and Baton Rouge this week. The hearings follow the passage of a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate designating October 2015 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month, recognizing that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed. The Resolution, S. Res. 275, can be readhere.\r\nSen. Cassidy released a statement about the Common Core/PARCC Assessment after the hearings:In the committee hearings this weekI listened to countless people who live with dyslexia give testimonies on their struggles and successes, along with the scientific data presented by Doctors Bennett and Sally Shaywitz. The PARCC Assessment does not account for individuals with dyslexia and fails to measure the abilities of students, instead focusing on disabilities. It is wrong to put all students under one general test when we have seen from the committee hearings this week that is unrealistic and further excludes individuals with dyslexia.\r\nDoctors Bennett and Sally Shaywitz, Director and Co-Director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity at the Yale University School of Medicine presented the scientific progress that has been made in studies of dyslexia at the hearings.\r\nRead excerpts of their testimony below or clickherefor the full text andherefor supporting materials.\r\n\r\nOverwhelming evidence indicates that we are in the midst of a national epidemic of reading/academic failure. Accumulating scientific evidence demonstrates that dyslexia both may be at the root of the reading difficulties noted and provide a potential solution to this unfortunate epidemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-hosts-us-senate-education-hearings-in-new-orleans-and-baton-rouge-on-dyslexia", "ICYMI: Cassidy Hosts U.S. Senate Education Hearings in New Orleans and Baton Rouge on Dyslexia", "2015-10-14", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.14.15\n\t\t\t ICYMI: Cassidy Hosts U.S. Senate Education Hearings in New Orleans and Baton Rouge on Dyslexia \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. chaired two Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Hearings in New Orleans and Baton Rouge yesterday. Dr. Cassidy was joined by six witnesses and Dr. Bennett Shaywitz and Dr. Sally Shaywitz of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity by video conference.\r\nThe hearings follow the passage of a bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate designating October 2015 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month, recognizing that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed. The Resolution, S. Res. 275, can be readHERE.\r\nRead excerpts from the hearings below:\r\n\r\n\r\nA couple of years ago, my youngest daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia. Prompted by concerns about my daughter and my constituents' children, I set out to learn as much as I could about dyslexia and was amazed at how much is known and yet, far too often, not incorporated into public policy and education\r\nThere are schools in Louisiana, like Louisiana Key Academy in Baton Rouge and the Max Charter School in Thibodaux, that specialize in teaching dyslexic students. For college, Nicholls State University has the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders which provides an extensive list of support services to students, comprehensive assessments to determine eligibility for accommodations, and training for professionals in all aspects of student learning. Through all of these services, schools remove barriers to learning that can cripple the student experience. But these schools are too few and far between. We need more schools to embrace and replicate this model so students can reach their full potential.\r\nSenatorBill Cassidy, M.D. (read full testimonyhere)\r\nAs a young kid living in abject poverty, it was hard on my mother who was trying to raise three kids. My two siblings effortlessly excelled in school and there was joy around their accomplishments. But for some reason I wasn't able to understand what was being taught. My mother and my siblings couldn't understand why school didn't come as easily for me\r\nI was introduced to a drug dealer by another friend who also had given up on school. This was my solution because dealing drugs required no reading\r\nI took another kid's life because he was dealing in my projects and that was a no no if you weren't from my projects. After serving a year for manslaughter as a juvenile, I was released. I still couldn't read so I got right back into that lifestyle of dealing drugs. As time went on, I was getting deeper into this life and was eventually caught with a lot of drugs and was facing 60 years in prison. With Gods help I was found guilty of a lesser crime and given 4 years instead.\r\nThat's when my metamorphosis took place. I wanted to learn to read. My GED teacher in prison realized that I was reading poorly and had me tested for a learning disability. Dyslexia was a word I had never heard of until I was in prison But my teacher helped me get through it and after 4 years I attained my GED.\r\nIf someone detected this problem earlier in my childhood education it would have saved me a lot of suffering and possibly my time in jail\r\nTo reduce incarceration, lets get ahead of this epidemic and turn lives around early. If it wasn't for that teacher in prison and Gods mercy, I would be dead or in prison with no chance to return to society.\r\nReading set me free to dream of becoming an actor, producer and author\r\nMr. Ameer Baraka, Actor (read full testimonyhere)\r\n\r\n   Sen. Cassidy and Ameer Bakara\r\nThe one thing I would really like for you to walk away with today is an appreciation for the fact that those with can and in deed do learn. We just learn differently. The cookie cutter, assembly line method of education simply does not work for a kid with Dyslexia. A system or methodology is needed that will not only recognize the existence of dyslexia, but provide for a set of accommodations and remediation that will allow for the child to realize their full potential.\r\nMr. J.J. Buquet, President Buquet Distributing Co.(read full testimonyhere)\r\nOne way students with dyslexia can succeed in spite of their reading challenges is to provide them with accommodations. In addition to effective teaching, accommodations are the key to dyslexics success in school. Some of the most common accommodations are tests read aloud and extended time for tests and assignments.\r\nMs. Karen Chauvin, Director, Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders, Nicholls State University(read full testimonyhere)\r\nOne frequent accommodation for the student with characteristics of dyslexia is extended time Another accommodation needed to support most students with characteristics of dyslexia is tests read aloud.\r\nIn order for the dyslexic student to be successful, they must be given accommodations that allow them to access education in the same way a non-disabled student accesses education. In this way, support leads to success, which leads to self- confidence, which leads to the achievement of a personal goal.\r\nMs. Margaret Law, Dyslexia/504 Coordinator, Central Community School System(read full testimonyhere)\r\n\r\nI am a senior at Louisiana State University. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having academic accommodations throughout my life. Before being diagnosed with dyslexia, I struggled with academics in kindergarten and was beginning to fail the first grade. As a consequence, I suffered from low self-esteem and was frustrated with my inability to learn. Thankfully, my mother had me tested for a learning disability, and I was diagnosed with dyslexia in first grade and began Project Read and a program called Resource in second grade. Without this diagnosis, I would not have been able to enter these programs and get the help that I needed. I watched friends who were not tested and did not get help struggle throughout their school years, which is something that could have easily been avoided\r\nWhat can Congress do for students like me? First and foremost, I would like to stress the importance early testing for children who struggle. Second, all students with dyslexia should have access to programs like Project Read so that they do not fall behind in their studies. Finally, the public as a whole should be better informed about dyslexia and other learning disabilities. A learning disability is not a symptom of low IQ or insufficient effort. The public needs to know that learning disabilities are beyond the students control but can successfully be treated.\r\nMs. Allyce Trapp, Student(read full testimonyhere)\r\nBecause of my 6th grade teachers training, she was able to not only identify the symptoms of\r\ndyslexia, but also made away for me to receive the proper accommodations needed to graduate\r\nhigh school, become a college graduate, than business owner and well respected community\r\nleader.\r\nRev. Derrius M. Montgomery, Associate Minister Greater King David Baptist Church(read full testimonyhere)\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/media-advisory-cassidy-events-on-thursday-and-friday-in-baton-rouge", "MEDIA ADVISORY: Cassidy Events on Thursday and Friday in Baton Rouge", "2015-10-14", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BATON ROUGE U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. be holding events in the Baton Rouge area on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16.\r\nDetails on the events can be found below:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThursday, October 15\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHAT:\r\n\r\n\r\nMedia Availability After Tour of Crisis Center of Baton Rouge\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHEN:\r\n\r\n\r\nThursday, October 15, 2015\r\n10:50 A.M. (CST)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHERE:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nCrisis Center of Baton Rouge\r\n4837 Revere Avenue\r\nBaton Rouge, LA70808\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHAT:\r\n\r\n\r\nDelivering Remarks at White Cane Day for the Louisiana School of the Visually Impaired\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHEN:\r\n\r\n\r\nThursday, October 15, 2015\r\n11:15 A.M. to 12:15 P.M. (CST)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHERE:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNorth Boulevard Town Square\r\n247 Florida Street\r\nBaton Rouge, LA70801\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFriday, October 16\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHAT:\r\n\r\n\r\nDelivering Remarks at the Louisiana CPA Society Conference\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHEN:\r\n\r\n\r\nFriday, October 16, 2015\r\n10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. (CST)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHERE:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRenaissance Hotel\r\n7000 Bluebonnet Boulevard\r\nBaton Rouge, LA 70810\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHAT:\r\n\r\n\r\nDelivering Remarks at the Denham Springs Rotary Club\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHEN:\r\n\r\n\r\nFriday, October 16, 2015\r\n11:45 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. (CST)\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWHERE:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBig Mikes\r\n123 Aspen Square\r\nDenham Springs, LA70726\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRSVP\r\n\r\n\r\nPlease RSVP to Shawn Hanscom for all events atshawn_hanscom@cassidy.senate.gov\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-planned-parenthoods-defense-of-using-fetal-organs-to-treat-and-cure-is-a-sham", "ICYMI: Planned Parenthood's defense of using fetal organs to 'treat and cure' is a sham", "2015-10-13", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Bill Cassidy", "C001075", "www.cassidy.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Proponents of using fetal body parts from induced abortion claim three areas of medical research need harvested tissue: transplantation to treat diseases and injuries, vaccine development and basic biology research. Yet the facts show neither necessity nor therapeutic success when relying on an aborted babys organs and tissues.\r\nFirst, a little history. Human fetal tissue transplant research began decades ago. The first recorded fetal tissue transplants were in the 1920s in the U.K. and Italy; the transplants failed. In the United States, the earliest documented attempts came in the 1930s, to treat diabetes, and they also failed, as did transplant attempts in succeeding decades. By 1991 approximately 1,500 people had received fetal pancreatic tissue transplants in attempts to treat diabetes, mostly in the former Soviet Union and the Peoples Republic of China. Up to 24 fetuses were used per transplant, but fewer than 2 percent of patients responded. Today, rather than failed fetal tissue, patients take insulin shots and pharmaceuticals to control their diabetes, and adult stem cell transplants have shown initial success at ameliorating diabetes.\r\nBetween 1960 and 1990, numerous attempts were made to transplant fetal liver and thymus for various conditions. According to a review just last year, the clinical results and patient survival rates were largely dismal. Conditions such as anemias and immunodeficiencies are now treated routinely with adult stem cells, including umbilical cord blood stem cells, in some instances even while the patient is still in the womb.\r\nBetween 1988 and 1994, roughly 140 Parkinsons disease patients received fetal tissue (up to six fetuses per patient), with varying results. But this glimmer of utility faded when subsequent reports showed that severe problems developed from the transplants, including growth of non-brain tissues (e.g., skinlike tissue, hair, cartilage) in the brain. The first full clinical trial (funded by the National Institutes of Health) using fetal tissue for Parkinsons patients was prominently featured in The New York Times in 2001, documenting the tragic results. Doctors described the patients writhing, twisting, and jerking with uncontrollable movements, further noting the results were absolutely devastating, tragic, catastrophic, a real nightmare. A second large, controlled study published in 2003 and also funded by NIH showed similar results, with over half of the patients developing potentially disabling tremors caused by the fetal brain tissue transplants.\r\nThese two large studies led to a moratorium on fetal tissue transplants for Parkinsons. Long-term follow-up of a few of the patients in these studies showed that even the grafted fetal tissue that grew in patients brains took on signs of the disease and were not effective.\r\nDisastrous results for patients are seen not only with fetal tissue but also with fetal stem cells. In a recent report, a young boy developed tumors on his spine resulting from fetal stem cells injected into his body.\r\nIn decided contrast to results from fetal tissue, a recent review found that as of December 2012, over one million patients had been treated with hematopoietic (blood-forming) adult stem cells (the basis of bone marrow or cord blood transplants), with uncounted additional patients benefitting from other adult stem cell types and transplants.\r\nIn terms of claims regarding vaccine development, it is true that early attempts (1940s and 50s) at growing viruses used cultures of mixed human fetal tissue, because it was the only human tissue that scientists knew how to grow in the lab at that time. For the same reason, viruses including poliovirus were often grown in human fetal cell lines such as WI-38 and MRC-5 in the 1960s and 1970s. But now most manufacturers of polio vaccine and other vaccines use other, more suitable cell types including monkey cells, and most do not use fetal cells. Newer cell lines and better culture techniques make reliance on fetal cells antiquated. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and other leading medical authorities now say, No new fetal tissue is needed to produce cell lines to make these vaccines, now or in the future.\r\nA clear example of the lack of necessity for further fetal tissue is development of the new vaccine  rVSV-ZEBOV  against Ebola virus. The successful results of the field trial were published on July 31, 2015 in the journal Lancet, welcome news in the fight against this deadly disease. This successful Ebola vaccine was developed without using fetal tissue or fetal cell lines, but rather with Vero, a monkey cell line, demonstrating again that medical science has moved well beyond any need for fetal tissue in productive medical research.\r\nBroad, undefined claims also continue to be made that fetal tissue is needed to study disease biology or generic development. It is telling that these assertions never cite specific results, but only vague promises, still clinging to antiquated science (not to mention medieval ideas of organ harvest). Current, progressive alternatives such as induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells provide an unlimited source of cells for study, and can be produced from the tissue of any human being without harm to the donor. These iPS cells, whose creation won the Nobel Prize, have the ability to form virtually any cell or tissue type for basic study, disease modeling or potential clinical application. Furthermore, stem cells from umbilical cord blood also show significant potential not only as laboratory models but also for therapy, and are already treating thousands of patients for numerous conditions.\r\nThe long and short of it is that the heyday of fetal tissue research never really happened, and the gift of adult stem cell science has rendered the occasionally barbaric methods of the past functionally obsolete. Congress is right to put an end to this brutal trade once and for all and to defund its remnant of ghoulish devotees.\r\nBill Cassidy is a physician currently serving in the U.S. Senate where he represents Louisiana. David Prentice is the vice president and research director of the Charlotte Lozier Institute and a former professor of medical and molecular genetics.\r\n\r\n\r\nRead the storyHERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/house-votes-lifttheban-crude-oil-exports", "House Votes To #LiftTheBan On Crude Oil Exports", "2015-10-09", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement applauding House passage of H.R. 702, a billto lift the ban on crude oil exports.\nLifting our nations outdated ban on crude oil exports will grow America's economy and create a million jobs nationwide, including thousands in Louisiana, and that is why I have been fighting so hard to help pass this important legislation,\" Rep. Scalise said. \"Research even shows it could lower the price Americans pay at the pump, and it willstrengthen our national security by helping our allies around the world buy their energy directly from us rather than from nations like Russia and Iran.American crude oil is poised to compete on the world market, and today the House took decisive action to maximize that potential and move our nation's economy forward.Icommend Congressman Joe Barton for his leadership on this issue, and am proud to have worked with him to build the bipartisan support necessary to lift the ban in the House.Istrongly urge my Senate colleagues to quickly pass this legislation and put it on the Presidents desk so our economy can grow and America's energy security can be strengthened.\"\nBackground on Scalise involvement in lifting the crude oil export ban:\n-As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Scalise submitted an opening statementfor the Subcommittee markup ofH.R. 702. The subcommittee unanimously approved the measure on September 10. One week later, the full committee passed the bill.\n-In his role as Majority Whip, Scalise has been promoting lifting the ban to his House colleagues.\n-Scalise is a cosponsor of H.R. 702, a bill To adapt to changing crude oil market conditions.\n-Earlier this month, Scalise applauded the U.S. Department of Energys conclusion that [p]etroleum product prices in the United States, including gasoline prices, would be either unchanged or slightly reduced by the removal of current restrictions on crude oil exports.\n-In August, Scalise praised the U.S. Department of Commerce forallowing some export swaps of crude oil to Mexico.\n-In July, Scalise joined WWL-TV (CBS) in New Orleans todiscuss the importance of lifting the ban.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-praises-court-wotus-ruling", "Abraham praises court for WOTUS ruling", "2015-10-09", "2015", "2015-10", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Ralph Abraham", "A000374", "abraham.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, praised the ruling from the federal Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati today that placed on hold President Obamas controversial Waters of the US rule (WOTUS).\nThe rule, crafted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, would redefine the scope of the waters protected by the Clean Water Act and likely mean more regulations for non-navigable waterways, such as ditches on a farm.\nAs a member of the House Agriculture Committee, Dr. Abraham has met with countless farmers from throughout Louisianas 5th District, and nearly all of them have expressed concerns over the WOTUS rule.\nThe WOTUS rule is a prime example of the EPAs vast overreach and over regulation from the Obama administration. Todays ruling is a huge win for farmers and landowners. I have always said that the farmer is the best conservationist and steward of his or her land. As this matter continues to be litigated, I will keep up my fight in Washington to undo this terrible rule, Dr. Abraham said.\nDr. Abraham has been a frequent critic of both the EPA and the WOTUS rule.\nIn August, he signed a letter calling for an Inspector Generals investigation of the EPA amid evidence the agency sought to corrupt the public comment portion of the rule-drafting process.\nDr. Abraham also cosponsored the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act (HR 1732) that would require the EPA withdraw the proposed rule and write a new one using stakeholder input. The bill passed the House in May.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 590, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "LA", "p1": "2015"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 530, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2015&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 60, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2015&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 590, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2015&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "LA", "label": "LA", "count": 590, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2015", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2015", "results": [{"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 590, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=LA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2015-10-09,https~3A~2F~2Fabraham~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fabraham-praises-court-wotus-ruling", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=LA&year=2015&_next=2015-10-09%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fabraham~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fpress-releases~2Fabraham-praises-court-wotus-ruling&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 181.5005550161004, "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"}