{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise%2C-Delegation-Introduce-Legislation-to-Expand-Atchafalaya-National-Heritage-Area-to-Include-Lafourche-Parish", "Scalise, Delegation Introduce Legislation to Expand Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to Include Lafourche Parish", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "LA", "Steve Scalise", "S001176", "scalise.house.gov", "scalise", "https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and members of the Louisiana delegation announced the introduction of legislation to include Lafourche Parish, La., as part of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area (ANHA).\n\n\u201cFrom Cajun cuisine and Zydeco music to our bayous and abundant natural resources, Louisiana has an unparalleled culture and heritage and is home to some of the most unique and special landscapes and traditions in the world. The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area protects our region\u2019s storied culture and resources, and I\u2019m proud to lead the effort with my congressional delegation colleagues to ensure that Lafourche Parish \u2013 the only parish in the historic boundary area left out of the original designation \u2013 is included in this important National Heritage Area,\u201d said Majority Leader Scalise.\n\n\u201cAs the representative of the east and west boundaries of the Atchafalaya Basin, it is evident that the people and culture of Lafourche Parish are inextricably linked to the heritage of this nationally significant region that I have the honor to represent. We were proud to author the reauthorization of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area last year, and it is rewarding that colleagues from all parts of the state have come together to embrace Lafourche Parish and \u201cAmerica\u2019s Foreign Country\u201d \u2013 the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area,\u201d said Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.).\n\n\u201cA paragon of Cajun culture and a sportsmen\u2019s paradise, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is a celebration of the history of Louisiana. This bill extends the footprint while preserving the land and creating jobs,\" said U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.).\n\n\u201cThe Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is a gem of natural beauty and Louisiana history. I\u2019m happy to join our delegation in working to expand the area so Louisianians can enjoy more of Acadiana\u2019s Cajun culture and diverse landscapes,\u201d said U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.).\n\n\u201cThe Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is an integral part of South Louisiana\u2019s culture and history. I\u2019m honored to join my colleagues in the Louisiana delegation to introduce legislation expanding the covered area. We are working to ensure Louisianans and tourists from all over can enjoy this unique landscape and its contributions to our state\u2019s culture,\u201d said Congressman Clay Higgins (R-La.).\n\n\u201cThe expansion of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to include Lafourche Parish is wonderful news for Louisiana. Not only will it enhance economic development in the region, it will improve quality of life and provide a clean environment to enjoy. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in the Louisiana delegation for this expansive effort and look forward to watching this nationally historic landscape thrive,\u201d said Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-La.).\n\n\u201cBy expanding the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to include Lafourche Parish, we are preserving Louisiana\u2019s diverse heritage. I\u2019m proud to partner with the entire Louisiana delegation to celebrate our state\u2019s rich natural, cultural, and historic resources,\u201d said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.).\n\nWhat Louisiana Leaders are saying:\n\n\u201cDesignated by Congress, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area raises local, regional, and national awareness of the Atchafalaya region and the uniqueness of our Louisiana culture, heritage and invaluable natural resources. Historically bounded by Bayou Teche and Bayou Lafourche, Lafourche Parish was left out of the original designation, and we are pleased to see Leader Scalise\u2019s leadership to modify the boundary to include Lafourche Parish in this legislation,\u201d said Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson, III.\n\n\u201cThe Atchafalaya National Heritage Area program has preserved and enhanced the cultural, recreational, and natural resources of the region since its designation in 2006. The vitality of our communities is what makes this region so culturally strong. With the addition of Lafourche Parish, a place so rich with natural resources and a strong Louisiana identity, our Atchafalaya story is complete,\u201d said Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Executive Director Justin K. Lemoine.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"]], "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"], "primary_key_values": ["https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise%2C-Delegation-Introduce-Legislation-to-Expand-Atchafalaya-National-Heritage-Area-to-Include-Lafourche-Parish"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9035109542310238, "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"}