Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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207 rows where party = "Republican", state = "LA" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-latest-obamacare-delay | Scalise statement on the latest Obamacare delay | 2013-12-20 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after yet another Obamacare delay. “By delaying yet another component of his signature law for a select few, President Obama has yet again confirmed what we’ve long said – his health care law is unworkable and harming American families,” Scalise said. “Attempting to bail out some people while abandoning the majority of Americans will not hide the failure of Obamacare from the public. Laws are not made to be selectively enforced whenever the Obama Administration wants to try to salvage low poll numbers. It is time for President Obama to admit his broken health care law has failed, and join with House Republicans to suspend the penalties and stop this train wreck before more hard-working families are harmed.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-shredding-constitution-%E2%80%93-new-obama-white-house | Scalise: Shredding the Constitution – the new Obama White House? | 2013-12-18 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Scalise: Shredding the Constitution – the new Obama White House? Dec 18, 2013 Washington, D.C. – Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today released the following statement after the new Counselor to the President’s comments that the Administration “…need(s) to focus on executive action given that they are facing a second term against a cult worthy of Jonestown in charge of one of the houses of Congress.” "It's disgraceful and telling that President Obama's new Counselor is not only comparing the Republican Party to a cult that murdered those who disagreed with them, but is also using that comparison as an argument in support of shredding the Constitution and governing like a third-world dictator,” Scalise said. “The American people will not stand by and allow the Obama White House to destroy the checks-and-balances defined in the Constitution that are critical to a working democracy, and neither will Congress! The American people elected a divided government in Washington, and the Obama Administration would do well to respect that fact instead of undermining the will of the American people at every turn. President Obama ran to change the tone in Washington, and it’s time for him to live up to that promise by relieving Mr. Podesta of his official duties immediately.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-his-vote-against-budget-plan | Scalise statement on his vote against the budget plan | 2013-12-13 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after voting against the budget plan. “In order to rein in Washington’s out of control spending problem, we have to make stronger structural reforms to the mandatory spending programs that drive our debt,” Scalise said. “There are many reforms we need to make in order to balance our budget and create a healthy economy, but until President Obama is willing to come to the table and work with us to solve the bigger problems, we won’t be able to achieve those important reforms for American families.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012317/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/gen-clark-refuses-to-respond-to-vitter-on-free-cell-phones | Gen. Clark Refuses to Respond to Vitter on Free Cell Phones | 2013-12-13 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Gen. Clark Refuses to Respond to Vitter on Free Cell Phones In a third letter, Vitter urges Gen. Clark to agree to free cell phone debate, disclose campaign’s financial supporters Friday, December 13, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today followed up to previous requests to Gen. Wesley Clark regarding Vitter’s invitation to publicly debate Clark’s campaign for free government cell phones. Vitter has also asked Clark to disclose the financial contributors to his advocacy campaign promoting free cell phones. In Clark’s first response, he did not disclose his campaign’s financial supporters nor did he commit to any of the dates Vitter proposed for a debate. Vitter asked Clark at a Senate committee hearing this week too. Click here to read Vitter’s Dec. 10 letter. “General Clark has still refused to come clean about where his campaign funding is coming from,” Vitter said. “I’m ready to debate the fraud-ridden Lifeline phone program publically as soon as he is, but he hasn’t officially agreed to a debate yet. Clark was never a coward in the Army, and shouldn't be a political coward now.” Vitter first challenged Clark to a debate after Clark criticized Vitter’s efforts to end the free government cellphone program known as Lifeline during a visit to Louisiana. Vitter has authored legislation to end the free cell phone portion of Lifeline and cites massive fraud surrounding the program. Clark agreed to a debate in a phone conversation with Vitter. Click here to read more. Click here for the news report about Clark’s first visit to Louisiana and Vitter’s response. Below is a copy of Vitter’s third letter back to Clark. December 13, 2013 General Wesley K. Clark Wesley K. Clark & Associates, LLC P.O. Box 3276 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL Dear General Clark: I'm sorry that you have not responded to my letter from this past Tuesday regarding any financial ties you may have to companies that make money on the free government cell phon… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-reintroduces-legislation-modernize-television-laws | Scalise Reintroduces Legislation to Modernize Television Laws | 2013-12-12 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today reintroduced the Next Generation Television Marketplace Act, a comprehensive video reform bill that repeals outdated laws including compulsory copyright licenses, eliminates various mandates on private sector companies and consumers, and removes certain FCC broadcast and media ownership rules. Congressman Cory Gardner joined as an original cosponsor of the legislation. “While the compulsory licenses of ’76 and ’88, and the ’92 Cable Act may have made sense years ago, competition from new players in the video marketplace have rendered these laws obsolete,” Scalise said. “Decades-old broadcast, cable, and satellite laws dramatically restrict access and limit consumer choice. Broadcast television is a unique and important platform. Valuable local affiliate programming, strongly demanded by consumers including myself, is proof that archaic government regulations are unnecessary today. Instead, traditional copyright law should facilitate the distribution of this programming so that broadcasters are rightfully paid for their content, rather than for the use of a signal. “Consumers increasingly demand a customized viewing experience, in a world in which laws and regulations don't restrict their ability to watch what they want, where they want, and at a price that best fits their budgets,” Scalise continued. “These common-sense, private sector decisions should be left to the creators of content and those that distribute it, not the whims of the moment from Congress or the FCC. I stand ready to continue working with Chairmen Upton and Walden, and other colleagues from both sides of the aisle, particularly Ranking Member Eshoo who today also introduced her vision of reform called the Video CHOICE Act. While there are significant differences in our approaches, Ranking Member Eshoo and I are committed to working in the best interest of consumers, innovation, and our nation’s economic growth.” “A 21st video market deserves a 21st century law, and laws that are over 20 yea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/letter-sent-president-barack-obama-today-three-members-republican-study-committee-who | RSC Members request meeting with President Obama to discuss health care alternative | 2013-12-11 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | RSC Members request meeting with President Obama to discuss health care alternative Washington, D.C. – In a letter sent to President Barack Obama today, three Members of the Republican Study Committee who helped craft the RSC’s American Health Care Reform Act requested a meeting to discuss a better way to health care reform. The letter was signed by RSC Chairman Steve Scalise, Congressman Phil Roe and Congressman Marsha Blackburn. The letter comes in response to President Obama’s statement earlier this month that “the only alternative that Obamacare’s critics have is, well, let’s just go back to the status quo – because they sure haven’t presented an alternative.” “The American Health Care Reform Act currently has 117 cosponsors – a number that grows every day,” the Members write in the letter. “Our legislation is anything but the status quo – it is a pragmatic, practical, and portable free-market alternative to the current health care system. In addition to the American Health Care Reform Act, Members of the RSC have introduced more than 200 health care related bills this Congress. As a caucus, we are dedicated to improving access to health care for all Americans. We welcome the opportunity to share these ideas with you.” The full text of the letter can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-morganza-decision | Scalise statement on Morganza Decision | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Jo-Ellen Darcy, issued a Record of Decision for the Morganza-to-the-Gulf project. This decision will enable Congress to authorize the project for funding and construction. “Moving forward on Morganza to the Gulf is vital to families and businesses in Southeast Louisiana as well as the rest of the nation, and today’s announcement by Assistant Secretary Darcy is another important step in the right direction,” Scalise said. “After 22 years of dealing with government bureaucrats, numerous authorizations and Chiefs Reports, and more than $70 million in studies, the people of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes have waited long enough. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and Ranking Member Vitter in the Senate to ensure this project is included in the final Conference Report of the WRDA Bill.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003657/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-to-reid-show-your-obamacare-exemptions | Vitter to Reid: Show Your Obamacare Exemptions | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter to Reid: Show Your Obamacare Exemptions Vitter will read a letter to Reid on Senate Floor at approximately 4:15 pm ET, and has personally invited Reid to join him on the floor Tuesday, December 10, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today regarding reports that he exempted some of his staff from Obamacare. Members of Congress were required to designate whether their staffs are “official” under the health care law. Staffs that are not designated as “official” are not required to enter the health care exchanges. “Millions of Americans are losing the health care plans and doctors they wanted to keep and are facing dramatic premium increases, all as Washington enjoys a special exemption,” Vitter said. “I’m asking Sen. Reid to publicly and in writing answer four important questions about his choice to exempt some of his staff from Obamacare. To make it easy, I’ve offered to have him join me on the Senate floor this afternoon.” In September, Reid said: “we are going to be part of exchanges – that’s what the law says, and we’ll be part of it.” Vitter designated all of his staff, including his staff on the Environment and Public Works Committee, as “official” meaning they will all join him in the Obamacare exchanges. The text of Vitter’s letter is below. December 10, 2013 The Honorable Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) Office of the Senate Majority Leader S-221 the Capitol Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Majority Leader Reid, It has been reported that you are the only Member of top Congressional leadership--House and Senate, Democrat and Republican-- who has exempted some of your staff from having to procure their health insurance through the Obamacare Exchange as clearly required by the Obamacare statute. Millions of Americans are losing the health care plans and doctors they wanted to keep and are facing dramatic premium increases, all as Washington enjoys a special exemption. Given this, I ask you t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221005225/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-morganza-chiefs-report-gets-nod-to-move-forward | Vitter: Morganza Chief’s Report Gets Nod to Move Forward | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter: Morganza Chief’s Report Gets Nod to Move Forward Tuesday, December 10, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter, top Republican on the Senate committee that oversees the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, today announced that the Morganza to the Gulf Chief’s Report has received concurrence to move forward with Congressional authorization by the Administration after nearly two decades of delays. The Corps completed the report in July, and it has been waiting for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). OMB did not object to the report, therefore allowing it to move forward. “We’re keeping Morganza moving forward on the right track, and the timing of this is great to help us with producing a final version of WRDA,” Vitter said. “Many Louisianians are under threat of flooding every hurricane season, and this project would give them much needed relief. I’ll continue working on the conference committee get a final WRDA bill done.” Vitter ensured that the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) included the ability for Morganza to get authorization under this bill when he passed the bill through the Senate. The Chief’s Report is a major step in achieving authorization. The last hurdle was for this 120 day review to be approved by the Assistant Sec. of the Army for Civil Works and OMB. On May 15, Vitter was able to get WRDA, S. 601, agreed to in the U.S. Senate with a vote of 83 to 14. Currently, WRDA is being worked out in a conference committee to produce a final version between the Senate and the House of Representatives. Vitter is the top Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee which has jurisdiction over WRDA and the lead sponsor along with Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif). WRDA provides critical flood protection for communities across the country and particularly in Louisiana. Projects like the Morganza to the Gulf and Louisiana Coastal System Ecosystem Restoration Projects will all be able to get authorization under this bill.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221005806/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-house-to-vote-on-authorizing-va-clinics-today- | Vitter: House to Vote on Authorizing VA Clinics Today | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter: House to Vote on Authorizing VA Clinics Today Legislation authorizing VA clinics is poised to pass the House of Representatives today. Vitter committed to pushing it through Senate. Tuesday, December 10, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter announced today that legislation authorizing 27 VA clinics across the country, including the clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles, is likely to pass through the U.S. House of Representatives today. Vitter says he will be immediately pushing for a unanimous consent agreement in the Senate to pass the House bill, which was authored by Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.). “Bureaucratic errors at the VA threw these clinics into jeopardy in the first place,” Vitter said. “It’s absolutely crucial for Louisiana veterans to have both of these clinics. I’ll be offering the House legislation up for unanimous consent in the Senate as soon as possible to expedite the process and not have to mess with a new Senate bill which could potentially slow down the process.” Vitter met with the nominee to be the Undersecretary of the Veterans Administration, Sloan Gibson, and conveyed that he expects this legislation to be passed by the House and the Senate by the end of the year. Vitter said that if it is, he’ll support Gibson’s nomination. Click here to read more. A recent ruling by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reversed authorization for twelve Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) clinics from last year’s VA funding bill, including clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles. Vitter urged the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to include both clinics in the committee’s funding authorization bill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012322/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/reid-falsely-attacks-vitter-vitter-responds | Reid Falsely Attacks Vitter, Vitter Responds | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Reid Falsely Attacks Vitter, Vitter Responds Tuesday, December 10, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) today falsely attacked Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) while defending his decision to exempt his staff from Obamacare. “We hope that Senator Vitter enjoys the government-sponsored health care contribution he reportedly continues to receive even as he launches these pointless political attacks,” said Reid’s spokesman. “In fact, I enrolled in a health insurance plan on the Louisiana exchange and receive no subsidy of any kind for it,” Vitter responded. Vitter spoke on the Senate floor today calling on Reid to explain his decision to exempt some of his staff from Obamacare. Vitter invited Reid to the floor, but Reid did not show up. Click here to watch a video of Vitter’s floor speech. Click here to read Vitter’s letter to Reid today. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221012335/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-urges-gen-clark-to-agree-to-free-cell-phone-debate-disclose-campaigns-financial-supporters | Vitter Urges Gen. Clark to Agree to Free Cell Phone Debate, Disclose Campaign’s Financial Supporters | 2013-12-10 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Urges Gen. Clark to Agree to Free Cell Phone Debate, Disclose Campaign’s Financial Supporters Gen. Clark to testify before Senate Environment and Public Works Committee this week Tuesday, December 10, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today followed up to his November 18 letter to Gen. Wesley Clark regarding Vitter’s invitation to publicly debate Clark’s campaign for free government cell phones. Vitter had also previously asked Clark to disclose the financial contributors to his advocacy campaign promoting free cell phones. In Clark’s initial response, he did not disclose who was financially responsible nor did he commit to any of the dates Vitter proposed for a debate. Click here to read Vitter’s Nov. 18 letter. “I’m extremely disappointed that General Clark has still refused to come clean about where his campaign funding is coming from,” Vitter said. “I’m ready to debate the fraud-ridden Lifeline phone program publically as soon as he is, but he hasn’t officially agreed to a debate yet. Coincidentally, Clark is also appearing at an EPW committee this week, so I’ll have another opportunity to ask him in person.” Clark is scheduled to testify before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee this Wednesday, December 11. Vitter is the top Republican on the committee. Vitter first challenged Clark to a debate after Clark criticized Vitter’s efforts to end the free government cellphone program known as Lifeline during a visit to Louisiana. Vitter has authored legislation to end the free cell phone portion of Lifeline and cites massive fraud surrounding the program. Clark agreed to a debate in a phone conversation with Vitter. Click here to read more. Click here for the news report about Clark’s first visit to Louisiana and Vitter’s response. Below is a copy of Vitter’s second letter back to Clark today. December 10, 2013 General Wesley K. Clark Wesley K. Clark & Associates, LLC P.O. Box 3276 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221004115/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-says-senate-appropriators-misstep-may-benefit-middle-east-airlines-at-us-airlines-expense-wants-correction | Vitter Says Senate Appropriators’ Misstep May Benefit Middle East Airlines at U.S. Airlines Expense, Wants Correction | 2013-12-09 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Says Senate Appropriators’ Misstep May Benefit Middle East Airlines at U.S. Airlines Expense, Wants Correction Vitter urges Appropriations Committee to reconsider their legislation that allows foreign entities to be involved in U.S. safety and security Monday, December 9, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) along with two Senators and 13 Representatives sent a bipartisan letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee leadership asking them to halt the use of U.S. funds to support an Abu Dhabi International Airport. The Members of Congress say there are no U.S. airlines servicing that airport and sending money to Abu Dhabi to allow for a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility will only benefit Middle Eastern airlines, at the expense of domestic airlines. “This deal concocted by the Senate appropriators could negatively impact American jobs and our economy while allowing a foreign country to finance a core national security function with U.S. taxpayer dollars,” Vitter said. “I’ll be the first to say I don’t think we should ever outsource America’s safety and security. Furthermore, this just puts our domestic airlines at a competitive disadvantage against Middle Eastern airlines.” In 2012, ten leading U.S. airline business entities wrote to the U.S. Subcommittee on Homeland Security, chaired by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), expressing their concern on behalf of their employees asking to stop this action from moving forward. Click here to read their letter. Despite the pleas, the Homeland Security Subcommittee approved the action. In April, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to permit the establishment of a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The Senate Appropriations Committee and the Homeland Security Subcommittee approved this action as part of the FY13 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/majority-house-majority-supports-rsc-american-health-care-reform-act | Majority of House Majority supports RSC American Health Care Reform Act | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – The RSC’s American Health Care Reform Act today reached another milestone by gaining its 117th cosponsor, a majority of House GOP members. “American families and small businesses deserve and demand real solutions to the serious problems that exist in our health care system,” RSC Chairman Steve Scalise said. “It is encouraging to see so much momentum building behind the American Health Care Reform Act, which is focused on putting patients back in charge of their health care decisions and lowering costs so hard-working taxpayers have more options for their families. I look forward to this bill continuing to gain momentum as it moves through the legislative process and ultimately comes up for a vote on the House Floor.” “I am proud to see support growing for the American Health Care Reform Act, a commonsense conservative plan to make health care less expensive and more accessible,” said Dr. Phil Roe, Chairman of the RSC’s Health Care Working Group. “With a majority of House Republicans supporting this bill, it’s time that President Obama stop claiming Republicans don’t have solutions. The health care system in this country was broken before Obamacare, and his law has only made things worse. There is an answer to our country’s health care problems, but President Obama’s health care law is not it. This bill has real solutions and I am glad to see so many conservatives, under the leadership of Chairman Scalise, rally around it.” H.R. 3121 was drafted by RSC Chairman Steve Scalise, RSC Health Care Working Group Chairman Dr. Phil Roe, and working group members Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Rep. Renee Ellmers, Dr. John Fleming, Dr. Paul Gosar, Dr. Tom Price, and Rep. Todd Rokita. Specifically, H.R. 3121, the RSC's American Health Care Reform Act: Fully repeals President Obama's health care law. Provides tax reform that allows families and individuals to deduct health care costs, just like companies, leveling the playing field and providing all Americans with a standard tax deduction for health insurance.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-introduces-legislation-urging-senate-increase-iran-sanctions | Scalise introduces legislation urging the Senate to increase Iran sanctions | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today introduced H.Res. 431, a resolution urging the Senate to consider a House-passed bill to increase sanctions on Iran. “A nuclear-armed Iran is not only a dangerous threat to America’s national security, but it would also pose a serious threat to our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel,” Scalise said. “In July, the House overwhelmingly passed legislation to increase sanctions on Iran. Considering President Obama’s naive and dangerous decision to ease sanctions on Iran, it is imperative that the Senate quickly bring the House’s bipartisan sanctions bill to the floor for consideration. The time to act is now. Israel is a vital ally and our most trusted friend in the region, and President Obama would do well to consult with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has called the P5+1 interim agreement with Iran ‘an historic mistake.’ We call on the Senate to follow the House’s lead in taking decisive action to mitigate the threat that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose to the United States and the rest of the world.” On July 31, 2013, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act of 2013, H.R. 850, by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 400-20-1. H.Res. 431 was introduced with 31 original cosponsors. The text of the resolution can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221002842/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/brown-vitter-disagree-with-treasury-secretary-lew-on-too-big-to-fail-assessment | Brown, Vitter Disagree with Treasury Secretary Lew on “Too Big to Fail” Assessment | 2013-12-05 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Brown, Vitter Disagree with Treasury Secretary Lew on “Too Big to Fail” Assessment Thursday, December 5, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sens. David Vitter (R-La.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) today both disagreed with U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, who claimed that the Administration has overcome “too big to fail.” Lew said, “…If we could not with a straight face say we ended ‘too big to fail’, we would have to look at other options. Based on the totality of reforms we are putting in place, I believe we will meet that test.” “If Lew thinks he can claim victory over ‘too big to fail’ today, I’d tell him he’s living on another planet. Independent study after independent study shows that too big to fail is alive and well with the Wall Street megabanks and they still enjoy a cost of funding advantage over their smaller competitors,” Vitter said. “Eliminating the megabanks federal handouts – and addressing the problem of ‘too big to fail’ financial institutions – is a simple matter of common sense, and it absolutely still needs to be addressed. The megabanks have been growing at a rapid pace since the financial meltdown – largely on the backs of U.S. taxpayers. I’ll continue fighting to protect the taxpayers from financial risks by implementing a systemic solution, increasing the minimum amount of capital the megabanks are required to have.” “It is premature for anyone to take a victory lap when ‘too big to fail’ policies are still alive and well,” Brown said. “Despite what some on Wall Street and in Washington may say, our work is not finished. Regulators have failed to finalize key rules to address the issue – including orderly liquidation rules, enhanced capital and leverage rules for systemically important institutions, limits on the Fed’s emergency lending power, and pushing risky derivatives out of federally insured banks. As long as the market believes that certain institutions have the implicit support of taxpayers, and provides a funding advantage based upon that support… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-congratulates-mcallister-committee-assignments | Scalise congratulates McAllister on committee assignments | 2013-12-04 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Scalise congratulates McAllister on committee assignments Dec 4, 2013 Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after Vance McAllister (LA-5) was named to the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Natural Resources Committee. “Vance's new committee assignments will allow him to be even more effective for both the 5th District and the entire state of Louisiana,” Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise said. “Vance shares my commitment to American energy security, and his background will be a strong asset to the natural resources committee as we work to expedite revenue sharing and expand oil production to restore our coast and grow Louisiana's economy.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-house-energy-and-commerce-committee-plan-update-communications-act | Scalise Statement on the House Energy and Commerce Committee Plan to Update the Communications Act | 2013-12-03 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) today announced plans for the committee to examine and update the Communications Act. “I strongly support a broad review and update of our communications laws, and applaud today’s announcement by Chairmen Upton and Walden,” Scalise said. “This future review should not distract us, however, from acting on the foundation already laid during our subcommittee’s multi-year examination of video policies. It is abundantly clear from the Members and witnesses at committee hearings that the 1992 Cable Act was written for a different era, and technological advancements in this competitive marketplace have rendered the law obsolete. I look forward to working with Chairmen Upton and Walden, and Ranking Member Eshoo to promote consumer choice and economic growth at every available opportunity in this new age.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003505/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-report-says-louisiana-paying-39-million-to-subsidize-wind-energy | Vitter: Report Says Louisiana Paying $39 Million to Subsidize Wind Energy | 2013-12-02 | 2013 | 2013-12 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter: Report Says Louisiana Paying $39 Million to Subsidize Wind Energy Monday, December 2, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, commented on a report released by the Institute for Energy Research (IER) today on the impact of the federal wind energy tax credits for each state. According to the report, Louisiana taxpayers pay more than $39 million per year to subsidize wind energy production. Click here to see the IER report. On November 18, Vitter sent a letter to Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), requesting an update on the economic data for domestic energy development, including oil and gas, coal, wind, and solar. “I’ve always supported an all-of-the-above energy strategy; however, there are naturally some sources of energy that have proven to have a more positive impact on our economy and produce more revenue for the federal Treasury. As we work on creating a better energy policy, it's important to look toward the success stories that will bring stability and create jobs, especially from domestic energy production,” said Vitter. “The Administration needs to do a much better job of producing economic data, so we can better understand which energy sources are self-sustainable and bring in revenue, and which ones are costing the government and taxpayers.” Vitter’s request to OMB asks them to break down the economic data behind renewable energy projects and traditional energy sources, including information about net and projected revenues, lease sales, and taxpayer-funded subsidies. In 2011, Vitter requested comprehensive responses on domestic energy development from then-OMB Director Jacob Lew. Today’s letter follows up on that request, asking for more recent numbers and data. Vitter, along with Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), have also asked the U.S. Department of Interior to explain the Administration’s economic reasoning in allowing offshore lea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-obama-administrations-deal-iran | Scalise Statement on the Obama Administration's Deal with Iran | 2013-11-25 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement about the Obama Administration’s deal with Iran. "There's an old saying that nothing good happens after 2 am, and this naive and dangerous deal with Iran struck in the middle of the night clearly fits that description,” Scalise said. “Secretary of State Kerry appeared to be more eager to get a deal than he was to stand up to the Iranian government's plan to develop nuclear weapons. It is telling that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, our closest ally in the region, called this deal ‘an historic mistake.’ “Time and time again, Iran has proven it cannot be trusted, and this deal gives Iran access to billions of dollars in exchange for very little with regard to their nuclear weapons capabilities. In order to continue holding Iran accountable, it is vital that President Obama quickly reverse course and support the strong, bipartisan bill passed by the House that imposes even tougher sanctions against Iran until they verifiably dismantle their nuclear weapons program." Ten days ago, Scalise met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Israel to discuss the deal with Iran, and share his strong objections. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221004121/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-statement-on-obamas-deal-with-iran-to-weaken-sanctions- | Vitter Statement on Obama’s Deal with Iran to Weaken Sanctions | 2013-11-25 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Statement on Obama’s Deal with Iran to Weaken Sanctions Monday, November 25, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter made the following statement today regarding the agreement President Obama and the United Nations made with Iran about weakening economic sanctions for Iran. “The definition of a deal usually means both parties get something, but all this deal amounts to is increased time and money for Iran to develop and acquire more deadly weapons,” Vitter said. “We all want a peaceful solution, but Iran has not demonstrated any tangible guarantees of halting their nuclear weapons program. President Obama is just allowing them to push the ‘pause’ button while we weaken our economic sanctions.” President Obama put pressure on Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid to block votes on increased sanction in Iran until after he had made this deal, which has delayed the passage of the FY14 National Defense Authorization Act. “There are Democrats in Congress who won’t go along with the President’s deal, mainly because it could reduce our standing with much needed allies in the hostile region – particularly Israel,” Vitter added. “Many of us in Congress will be working to correct this disproportionate deal – assuming Reid allows us to actually bring up amendments and vote.” Vitter is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221002845/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/brown-vitter-and-levin-urge-regulators-to-increase-capital-requirements | Brown, Vitter and Levin Urge Regulators to Increase Capital Requirements | 2013-11-22 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Brown, Vitter and Levin Urge Regulators to Increase Capital Requirements Friday, November 22, 2013 (Washington D.C.) Today, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), David Vitter (R-LA), and Carl Levin (D-MI) sent a letter urging the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to strengthen their proposed supplementary leverage ratio in order to reduce future government support, eliminating the possibility of “too big to fail” policies in the future. “We write to your agencies today to urge you to help prevent the next financial crisis, and ensuing bailouts, by strengthening your proposed enhanced supplementary leverage ratio for the largest financial institutions,” the Senators wrote. “Your proposals make very positive steps in the right direction, but without further strengthening they will not provide adequate protection for taxpayers. We urge you, in the strongest terms possible, to consider a higher final leverage ratio. We feel this proposal along with your proposal on a capital surcharge for the largest banks must move forward thoughtfully and aggressively.” Despite receiving assistance from taxpayers in 2008, today, the nation’s four largest banks—JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo—are nearly $2 trillion larger today than they were before the crisis. Their growth has been aided by an implicit guarantee—funded by taxpayers and awarded by virtue of their size—as the market knows that these institutions have been deemed “too big to fail.” Brown and Vitter recently released the findings of the first of two reports by the Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) on the federal government’s bailout of large financial institutions during the 2007-2008 financial crisis. Senators Brown and Vitter have introduced the Terminating Bailouts for Taxpayer Fairness Act; legislation that would require the largest and most interconnected financial institutions to maintain a 15 percent capital rat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221021008/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-senate-democrats-rule-change-is-scary-and-dictatorial- | Vitter: Senate Democrats’ Rule Change is Scary and Dictatorial | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter: Senate Democrats’ Rule Change is Scary and Dictatorial Thursday, November 21, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today offered the following reaction to the U.S. Senate vote on changing Senate filibuster rules. “Rather than fix the Obamacare disaster, today Harry Reid and Mary Landrieu doubled down on the brass knuckles partisan power politics that produced it--jam it through, no compromise, unilaterally make up new rules whenever needed,” Vitter said. “This isn't just a shame for the Senate; it's scary and dictatorial for our country.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221021012/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-rep-cotton-introduces-show-your-exemption-act-in-us-house | Vitter: Rep. Cotton Introduces “Show Your Exemption Act” in U.S. House | 2013-11-21 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter: Rep. Cotton Introduces “Show Your Exemption Act” in U.S. House Thursday, November 21, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) today applauded Congressman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) for introducing the “Show Your Exemption” Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The “Show Your Exemption Act” would require each Congressional office to make public which staff they designate “official” and therefore must enter the Obamacare exchange. Some members have exempted much of their staff. “For members to use this illegal loophole so that some staff can stay off the Obamacare exchanges altogether is flat-out ridiculous. It flies in the face of the exact language of the law,” Vitter said. “Our legislation should be a pro-disclosure no-brainer. Making this information public is also a crucial step in ending Washington’s exemption from Obamacare. I thank Congressman Cotton for joining this fight and introducing companion legislation in the House.” Members of Congress were tasked with designating whether their staffs are “official”. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) ruling, “official” staff must enter the Obamacare exchange. Staff who are not designated “official” keep their current plan on the Federal Employee Benefit Program. The Obamacare statue clearly states that all Members of Congress and their staffs are to procure their health insurance through the Obamacare Exchange. However, the OPM ruling created a loophole that allows Members to designate some staff as not “official” in order to exempt them from the exchange. Vitter has designated all of his staff, including his staff on the Environment and Public Works Committee, as “official.” Click here to read Vitter’s op-ed “Show Your Exemption, Washington!” in National Review Online. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131128215622/http://www.vitter.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/vitter-has-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-compensation-method-for-investment-fraud-like-stanford-ponzi-scheme-victims | Vitter has Bipartisan Bill to Reform Compensation Method For Investment Fraud like Stanford Ponzi Scheme Victims | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter has Bipartisan Bill to Reform Compensation Method For Investment Fraud like Stanford Ponzi Scheme Victims Bill will reform broken investor protection system that harmed almost 2000 families in Louisiana Wednesday, November 20, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today introduced legislation that could provide relief to the victims of the Stanford Ponzi scheme. The “Restoring Main Street Investor Protection and Confidence Act of 2013” would reform how the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) go about compensation recommendations for investment fraud victims. The legislation would give more authority and flexibility to the regulators who are tasked with protecting victims of investment fraud and more authority to retrieve appropriate compensation. “The Stanford Ponzi scheme devastated many Louisiana families who invested their hard-earned savings in good faith that it would be there for them when they retire,” Vitter said. “People who invest their money with a protected investment firm need to have the confidence that our financial system won’t allow for this type of fraud. Our bill will fix a key problem we’ve seen with the system which currently allows SIPC’s Wall Street members to benefit economically from the SIPC guarantee while denying the claims of legitimate victims by ensuring SIPC is accountable to the SEC rather than its members.” For years, the SEC has concluded that victims of the alleged Stanford Group Co. Ponzi scheme are entitled to receive SIPC coverage for their losses. The SEC ruling was appealed and the SIPC board refused to compensate. In 2011, Vitter had placed a hold on the nominations of two Securities and Exchange Commissioners until the SEC made a decision, and released the hold once the SEC ruled in favor of the victims receiving SIPC coverage. The Vitter bill would give the SEC more authority and greater flexibility to refer cases to SIPC, meaning neither a c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221005332/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-optimistic-about-wrda-conference_ | Vitter Optimistic about WRDA Conference | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Optimistic about WRDA Conference Wednesday, November 20, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee and a member of the Conference Committee to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), made the following statement today as the conference committee convened. “Chairman Boxer and I made the WRDA bill a top priority this year and put it on the fast track because it’s one of the single most significant pieces of legislation for Louisiana that we’ll vote on this year,” Vitter said. “We have the opportunity to reform the Corps of Engineers, streamline flood protection projects, finally get Morganza moving, and improve our waterways and infrastructure all in one bill. This is a huge benefit to the entire nation that is estimated to create up to 500,000 new jobs.” WRDA passed the Senate 83 to14 in March. It passed the House 417 to 3 in September. The Senate version includes project acceleration provisions that ensure important water infrastructure projects are processed in an efficient manner and also makes reforms to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Projects like the studies for the West Shore Hurricane Protection and Southwest Louisiana Coastal Hurricane Protection will be accelerated by WRDA 2013. Below are some of the specific provisions in the Senate version of WRDA that will benefit Louisiana: • Provides for increased expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to dredge all Mississippi River and Calcasieu River ports and waterways to their constructed width and depth. • Provides authority for the Corps to perform future levee lifts on hurricane protection systems that experience increasing subsidence and sea-level rise. • Provides a new innovative water resources financing mechanism for communities to receive federal loans to construct critical water and wastewater facilities. This is important to all Louisiana parishes. • Provides autho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221005909/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-comments-on-breakthrough-for-va-clinics-in-lafayette-lake-charles | Vitter Comments on Breakthrough for VA Clinics in Lafayette, Lake Charles | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Comments on Breakthrough for VA Clinics in Lafayette, Lake Charles Legislation authorizing VA clinics is poised to pass the House of Representatives today. Vitter committed to pushing it through Senate. Wednesday, November 20, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today commented on legislation that passed in the House of Representatives Veterans’ Affairs Committee authorizing 27 VA clinics across the country, including the clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles, La. Vitter says he’ll be pushing for a consent agreement in the Senate to pass the House bill. Yesterday, Vitter met with the nominee to be the Undersecretary of the Veterans Administration, Sloan Gibson, and conveyed that he expects this legislation to be passed by the House and the Senate by the end of the year. Vitter said that if it is, he’ll support Gibson’s nomination. “Bureaucratic errors at the VA are what threw these clinics into jeopardy in the first place, but I’ll continue fighting to see their completion,” Vitter said. “It’s absolutely crucial for Louisiana veterans to have both of these clinics. Both would actually be nearing completion already, but because of mistakes committed by the VA, they were delayed significantly and pushed onto last year’s VA funding bill, which then ran into the complication with brand new budget rules. This legislation fixes that, and I’ll be offering it up for unanimous consent in the Senate as soon as possible.” A recent ruling by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reversed authorization for twelve Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) clinics from last year’s VA funding bill, including clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles. Vitter urged the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to include both clinics in the committee’s funding authorization bill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221021031/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-calls-dropping-part-of-louisiana-school-voucher-lawsuit-a-temporary-victory | Vitter Calls Dropping Part of Louisiana School Voucher Lawsuit a Temporary Victory | 2013-11-19 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Calls Dropping Part of Louisiana School Voucher Lawsuit a Temporary Victory Tuesday, November 19, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today made the following statement regarding the U.S. Justice Department’s decision to drop part of its lawsuit against Louisiana’s statewide voucher program. DOJ dropped the request for injunction that would have blocked 570 children from going to the school chosen by their family. “Education needs to be about giving all of our students the best possible opportunity, not about reaching federal quotas determined by bureaucrats in Washington,” Vitter said. “I’m relieved that the Justice Department has decided against this particular attack on Louisiana parents and students, but this is a temporary victory. We still need to ensure that families are the ones to ultimately decide where their children will go to school, not some Washington bureaucrat or some executive order. That’s the end goal we need to continue working toward.” On October 24, Vitter and 29 other U.S. Senators sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder asking him to justify the U.S. Justice Department’s lawsuit against Louisiana’s statewide voucher program. The Louisiana Scholarship Program grants low-income children the opportunity to escape failing public schools and attend a different school chosen by their parents. Last year, the program helped over 5,700 children and raised test scores -- all while saving taxpayers $18 million dollars. More than 90 percent of the students who have benefited from the program are minorities. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003724/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-millions-more-have-lost-health-insurance-than-have-enrolled-in-exchange | Vitter: Millions More Have Lost Health Insurance than Have Enrolled in Exchange | 2013-11-18 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter: Millions More Have Lost Health Insurance than Have Enrolled in Exchange Demands HHS Secretary Sebelius to provide report on enrollee statistics Monday, November 18, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) is asking U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to provide a report to Congress on the Obamacare exchange enrollment numbers. Vitter wants to know if those who enrolled were previously uninsured, or if they are people who had their current health care policy cancelled. “It’s clear that millions more Americans have lost their health care policy than have enrolled in the Obamacare exchange,” Vitter said. “The law’s incredibly low success rate for Louisiana means that for every one person enrolled in the federally facilitated exchange, 240 Louisianians had their health care policy cancelled and their access to their doctor diminished.” Vitter is asking HHS to produce a public report with five clear items each month of Obamacare’s Open Enrollment Period, along with numbers by no later than April 15, 2014 for a final report. 1. Report how many of the Exchange enrollees were uninsured prior to Obamacare’s Open Enrollment Period starting October 1st. 2. Report how many of the Exchange enrollees are among the 5 million Americans who had their health policies cancelled this fall. 3. Report if any of the new Medicaid enrollees had private health insurance prior to Open Enrollment. 4. Report whether there was a net increase or net decrease in the number of Americans with private health insurance. 5. Report these important statistics on a State-by-State basis. Vitter’s letter copied Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa, Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp, and Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton. Vitter will be working with House Chairmen to ensure the American public receives accurate information in a timely manner. Below is a copy of Vitter’s letter to Sebelius. November 18, 2013 The … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221020956/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-asks-gen-clark-to-accept-a-date-for-free-cell-phone-debate-disclose-whos-paying-for-his-campaign | Vitter Asks Gen. Clark to Accept a Date for Free Cell Phone Debate, Disclose Who’s Paying for his Campaign | 2013-11-18 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Asks Gen. Clark to Accept a Date for Free Cell Phone Debate, Disclose Who’s Paying for his Campaign Monday, November 18, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter received a response from Gen. Wesley Clark last week regarding Vitter’s invitation to publicly debate Clark’s campaign for free government cell phones. Vitter had also previously asked Clark to disclose who was paying for his advocacy campaign to promote free cell phones. In Clark’s response he did not disclose who was financially responsible nor did he commit to any of the dates Vitter proposed for a debate. Vitter followed up with him today. “I’m very disappointed that he’s still refusing to fulfill the two clear commitments he made to me in our telephone conversation,” Vitter said. “Clark’s spokesperson said that a ‘public affairs company that represents veterans advocacy groups’ sponsored his trip to Louisiana. I want to know if any companies who receive funds from the fraud-ridden Lifeline program financially support this public affairs company, Clark, or his liberal political PAC. Furthermore, he won’t commit to a date for a debate he agreed to.” Vitter first challenged Clark to a debate after Clark was in Louisiana on September 30 criticizing Vitter’s efforts to end the free government cellphone program known as Lifeline. Vitter has legislation to end the free cell phone portion of Lifeline and cites massive fraud surrounding the program. Clark agreed to a debate in a phone conversation with Vitter. Click here to read more. In October, the Federal Communications Commission, who administers Lifeline, announced major penalties against Lifeline companies totaling $14.4 million for the violation of companies' signing up the same persons multiple times. Click here for the news report about Clark’s first visit to Louisiana and Vitter’s response. Below is a copy of Vitter’s letter back to Clark today. November 18, 2013 General Wesley K. Clark Wesley K. Clark & Associates, LLC P.O. Box 3276 Li… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-continues-push-full-repeal-renewable-fuel-standard | Scalise continues push for full repeal of the renewable fuel standard | 2013-11-17 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after the EPA proposed 2014 renewable fuel volume requirements. “The EPA's announcement is a welcome acknowledgement that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is fatally flawed and unworkable,” Scalise said. “While this proposed one-year fix is a step in the right direction, short-term patches don’t provide the long-term certainty that families and businesses need to create jobs and lower energy costs. I will continue fighting for full repeal of the RFS so that we finally get the government out of the detrimental business of picking winners and losers in the energy marketplace.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/rsc-presses-obama-administration-increase-iran-sanctions | RSC presses Obama Administration to increase Iran sanctions | 2013-11-15 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – The Republican Study Committee today pressed the Obama Administration to increase sanctions on Iran. “A nuclear armed Iran is not only dangerous to America’s national security, but it would also pose a serious threat to the future of our strong ally Israel,” RSC Chairman Steve Scalise said. “Time and time again, Iran has proven it cannot be trusted, yet the Obama Administration stands poised to roll back existing sanctions that by all reports are working. That’s not only naive and dangerous, it also seriously jeopardizes the US-Israel relationship. In order to continue holding Iran accountable, it’s vital that we take steps to impose tougher sanctions on Iran until they verifiably dismantle their nuclear enrichment facilities. “Israel is our strongest ally and most trusted friend in the region, and before taking any action, President Obama would do well to consult with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has called any waiving of sanctions 'very, very bad' and 'the deal of the century’ for Iran. It is time for the Senate to join with us in standing strong against a nuclear armed Iran by taking up the bill passed by the House to increase sanctions.” The House passed H.R. 850, a bill to increase sanctions on Iran, at the end of July by an overwhelming vote of 400 – 20. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-obama-press-conference-%E2%80%9C-person-who-burned-down-your-house-later-showing-empty | Scalise on Obama press conference: “Like a person who burned down your house later showing up with an empty bucket” | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after President Barack Obama’s health care press conference. “President Obama has offered no solutions to help the millions of American families who are losing the good health care plans that they liked,” Scalise said. “This hollow press conference was like a person who burned down your house, later showing up with an empty bucket and talking about how inadequate your house was before the fire. President Obama blatantly misled the American people when he kept promising they could keep plans they liked even though he and his Administration knew three years ago that millions would lose their health care under this law. It is time for President Obama to admit his broken health care law has failed, and join with House Republicans to suspend the penalties and stop this train wreck before it's too late.” The RSC’s alternative health care bill gained its 105th cosponsor earlier today. More information on this practical and pragmatic approach to reforming American health care can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-october-enrollment-numbers-%E2%80%9Chighlight-failures-and-all-wrong-government | Scalise: October enrollment numbers “highlight the failures and all that is wrong with government-controlled health care” | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that only 106,185 people had applied for Obamacare during the month of October. “After more than three years to prepare and billions of taxpayer dollars wasted, these embarrassingly-low enrollment numbers highlight the failures and all that is wrong with government-controlled health care,” Scalise said. “Nearly five million Americans have already lost the good health plans they had and liked because of President Obama's health care law, which is 45 times more Americans than were able to sign up for new health plans during the entire month of October. That's not a glitch, it's a national embarrassment. “American families deserve better than President Obama's broken promises and hollow apologies. It's time for action. It's time for President Obama to admit his broken health care law has failed, and join with House Republicans to stop this train wreck before it's too late.” Earlier today, the RSC’s alternative health care bill gained its 102nd cosponsor. More information on this practical and pragmatic approach to reforming the American health care can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131119230808/http://www.vitter.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/vitter-gives-reid-3-options-for-vote-on-show-your-exemption-act | Vitter Gives Reid 3 Options for Vote on “Show Your Exemption Act” | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Gives Reid 3 Options for Vote on “Show Your Exemption Act” Reid, Democrats block each option, remain persistent to keep their Obamacare exemption and keep exemptions hidden from public Thursday, November 14, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) asked for unanimous consent agreements to have a vote on his legislation called the “Show Your Exemption Act” which would require each Congressional office to publically disclose who they are exempting from entering the Obamacare exchange. He offered to have a vote on the legislation as an amendment to the Compounding Pharmacies bill, the National Defense Authorization Act or as standalone legislation. “The fact that Harry Reid is going to such lengths to block even this disclosure vote says it all: As Americans face mass cancellations and huge premium increases, his top priority is to protect the Washington exemption from Obamacare,” Vitter said. “I'll continue to demand votes on this issue as opportunities arise – and they will – including as next year's election approaches.” Vitter has been working on legislation dubbed the “Vitter Amendment”, which would eliminate the Obamacare exemption for Washington altogether by clarifying that all Members of Congress, congressional staff, the President, Vice President and political appointees must purchase their health plans on the exchange. It would also require that they receive the same amount of financial support from tax credits or subsidies as any American outside of Washington. Reid has blocked every attempt for a vote on this. Related to that, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives were both recently tasked with designating their staff “official” or not. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) ruling, staff in an “official office” must enter the Obamacare exchange. Staff who are not designated “official” keep their current plan on the Federal Employee Benefit Program. The Obamacare statue clearly states that all Members of Congre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011920/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/brown-vitter-new-gao-report-underscores-importance-of-ending-taxpayer-funded-advantages-for-wall-street-too-big-to-fail-megabanks | Brown, Vitter: New GAO Report Underscores Importance of Ending Taxpayer-Funded Advantages for Wall Street “Too Big to Fail” Megabanks | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Brown, Vitter: New GAO Report Underscores Importance of Ending Taxpayer-Funded Advantages for Wall Street “Too Big to Fail” Megabanks Sens. Brown and Vitter Introduced Legislation that Would Eliminate Government Subsidies for Wall Street Megabanks Thursday, November 14, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – Following the release of the first of two reports by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the federal government’s bailout of large financial institutions during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and David Vitter (R-LA) today reaffirmed their call for imposing capital requirements for Wall Street megabanks. Brown and Vitter, who requested that GAO conduct the investigations, are authors of the Terminating Bailout for Taxpayer Fairness Act, legislation that would require the largest and most interconnected financial institutions to maintain a 15 percent capital ratio to ensure taxpayers will not serve as the backstop for risky investments. The GAO report found that Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo & Co were able to borrow below-market interests rates, demonstrating yet another economic benefit of being “Too Big to Fail.” “Eliminating the megabanks federal handouts – and addressing the problem of ‘too big to fail’ financial institutions – is a simple matter of common sense,” Vitter said. “This report highlights that the megabanks have been growing at an unacceptable $2 trillion pace since the financial meltdown – largely on the backs of U.S. taxpayers. We’ll continue fighting to protect the taxpayers from financial risks by implementing a systemic solution, increasing the minimum amount of capital the megabanks are required to have.” “Hardworking Ohioans should not be on the hook for the risky behavior by Wall Street banks,” Brown said. “Today, the nation’s four largest banks are nearly $2 trillion larger than they were in 2007 – aided by an implicit government g… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221021044/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-to-oppose-yellens-nomination-to-be-federal-reserve-chair | Vitter to Oppose Yellen’s Nomination to be Federal Reserve Chair | 2013-11-14 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter to Oppose Yellen’s Nomination to be Federal Reserve Chair Thursday, November 14, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – After the U.S. Senate Banking Committee hearing with Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Janet Yellen, Vitter said he’ll oppose her nomination to be Chairman. “I'll be voting no on the Yellen nomination. She made it crystal clear today that she would continue the Fed's current policies of continuing “Too Big To Fail” and free money, quantitative easing, with no wind down in sight,” Vitter said. Click here for a video of Vitter questioning Yellen at the hearing. Vitter along with Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) have legislation, Terminating Bailouts for Taxpayer Fairness Act (TBTF Act), which would eliminate government subsidies to megabanks, ensuring financial institutions have adequate capital to protect against losses. The TBTF Act would additionally set reasonable capital standards that reflect the size and complexity of the institution and provide regulatory relief for community banks. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/rsc-alternative-health-care-bill-gains-more-100-cosponsors | RSC alternative health care bill gains more than 100 cosponsors | 2013-11-13 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Two months after being introduced, the RSC’s American Health Care Reform Act today gained its 102nd cosponsor. “House Republicans continue proposing real solutions to address the serious problems that exist in our current health care system,” RSC Chairman Steve Scalise said. “I’m proud of the momentum we continue to build for our common-sense alternative to President Obama's health care law as we work to reform our broken health care system. American families and small businesses deserve and demand real solutions to the serious problems that exist in our health care system. While we watch the train wreck that is the rollout of President Obama's health care law, it is encouraging to see my colleagues rally around the patient-centered solutions we have outlined to lower health care costs and increase access so families can once again make their own health care choices free from the interference of Washington politicians and federal agencies like the IRS.” “I am proud to see that our bill is gaining traction in the House,” said Dr. Phil Roe, Chairman of the RSC’s Health Care Working Group. “We’re seeing more reasons every day why President Obama’s health care law is the wrong answer to our nation’s health care problems. The support behind the RSC proposal is proof that Republicans do have a plan for patient-centered, commonsense health care reform that lowers health care costs, improves insurance choices and creates true portability with your plan. I look forward to continue working to build support for this legislation.” H.R. 3121 was drafted by RSC Chairman Steve Scalise, RSC Health Care Working Group Chairman Dr. Phil Roe, and working group members Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Rep. Renee Ellmers, Dr. John Fleming, Dr. Paul Gosar, Dr. Tom Price, and Rep. Todd Rokita. Specifically, H.R. 3121, the RSC's American Health Care Reform Act: Provides tax reform that allows families and individuals to deduct health care costs, just like companies, leveling the playing field and providing all Americans w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-announces-rsc-military-readiness-task-force-chaired-rep-rob-wittman | Scalise announces RSC Military Readiness Task Force chaired by Rep. Rob Wittman | 2013-11-12 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Scalise announces RSC Military Readiness Task Force chaired by Rep. Rob Wittman Washington, D.C. - Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today announced that Rep. Rob Wittman will chair the newly created RSC Military Readiness Task Force for the 113th Congress. “The RSC has always stood up for a strong national defense, and we are focused on the threats posed by President Obama's refusal to address the long-term spending crisis that is jeopardizing the readiness of America's Armed Forces and the security of our nation,” Scalise said. “As fiscal conservatives, we have worked to prioritize a strong national defense by shifting sequestration cuts to other parts of the discretionary budget in order to maintain a high level of military readiness. We will continue fighting for a balanced federal budget in order to achieve a healthy economy and a strong national defense. As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee's Readiness Subcommittee, Rob Wittman has the expertise, the respect, and the first-hand knowledge necessary to spearhead the RSC Military Readiness Task Force. I appreciate his passion and leadership at this critical time in America's history.” “I’m pleased the RSC has honed its focus on this critical issue as we enter the final phase of discussions on the fiscal footprint for 2014,” Wittman said. “Members of the RSC have an important role in these discussions and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help educate my colleagues and the nation on the impacts on our national security as our military is continually squeezed during these tight budget times. Our debt and deficit present a national security threat, but how we trim those back is an important conversation. Our military readiness is suffering under the indiscriminate cuts of the sequester. Congress must do everything in its power to mitigate those effects and ensure our men and women of the military are trained and equipped with the tools they need to keep themselves and our country safe.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-calls-administration-maintain-tough-iranian-sanctions | Scalise calls on the Administration to maintain tough Iranian sanctions | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today called on the Obama Administration to maintain tough sanctions on Iran and to walk away from any deal that would provide relief from these sanctions to the Iranian government. “Time and time again, Iran has proven itself to be a country that cannot be trusted, and it would be naive and dangerous for President Obama to roll back any sanctions before we have hard proof that Iran has rolled back its nuclear program in a significant way,” Scalise said. “A nuclear Iran is not only dangerous to the future of our strong ally Israel, but it would also pose a serious threat to America's national security. The Administration must maintain the rigid sanctions currently placed on Iran that are finally starting to work. In order to continue holding Iran accountable, it’s vital that President Obama walk away from any bad deal that would provide cover to the Iranian government while they continue pursuing their nuclear program at nearly the same pace they are currently moving toward. Israel is our strongest ally and most trusted friend in the region, and before taking any action, the President would do well to consult with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has called any waiver of sanctions 'very, very bad' and 'the deal of the century’ for Iran.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-president-obama%E2%80%99s-nola-visit-one-obamas-biggest-exports-has-been-us-jobs | Scalise on President Obama’s NOLA visit: One of Obama's biggest exports has been U.S. jobs | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s speech on the economy at the Port of New Orleans. “One of the biggest exports we've seen under President Obama has been American jobs as his extreme regulations at the EPA, destructive laws like Dodd-Frank, and punishing taxes in his health care law, including the medical device tax, take a devastating toll on economic growth and middle-class job creation here at home,” Scalise said. “Speeches don’t create jobs, and broken promises won’t rejuvenate our stagnant economy. President Obama set a goal in 2010 to double exports by 2015, and other than enacting trade agreements negotiated under the previous Administration, he has failed to show leadership and strike any new agreements that would boost our economy. The best way to increase exports is to access new markets abroad while promoting a business friendly environment here at home, and encouraging American manufacturing. President Obama has failed to achieve those objectives, choosing instead to ship American jobs overseas because of extremist regulations and destructive red tape. It’s time for the President to finally start working with Republicans in a bipartisan way to build a healthy middle class and get Washington politicians out of our health care decisions.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013432/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-sends-stinging-letter-to-va-after-news-they-prioritized-lavish-trips-over-louisiana-clinics | Vitter Sends Stinging Letter to VA After News they Prioritized Lavish Trips over Louisiana Clinics | 2013-11-08 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Sends Stinging Letter to VA After News they Prioritized Lavish Trips over Louisiana Clinics Friday, November 8, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today sent a letter to Eric Shinseki, Secretary of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, to express frustration over a pair of extravagant training conferences in Orlando in 2011 that cost taxpayers $6.1 million. The conferences were uncovered at a Congressional hearing last week as part of an investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Click here to read more about the VA conferences which have been described as a “spending binge.” “Building and maintaining the clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles that were promised to Louisianians would have cost less than the $6.1 million used to throw these lavish parties for bureaucrats,” Vitter said. “The VA’s complete disregard for taxpayer money is a slap in the face of Louisiana veterans who desperately need those clinics to be built.” In his letter, Vitter asks the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a proposal for where the money necessary to complete the Lafayette and Lake Charles clinics should come from. A recent ruling by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reversed authorization for twelve Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) clinics from last year’s VA funding bill, including clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles. Vitter urged the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to include both clinics in the committee’s funding authorization bill. Vitter also worked to include a provision into the National Defense Authorization Act during the Senate Armed Services Committee markup that would have addressed seven national VA clinics including the clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles, but his efforts were blocked by bureaucracy in the committees. A copy of Vitter’s letter today is below. November 8, 2013 Secretary Eric K. Shinseki U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420 Dear Secretary… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-meets-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu | Scalise meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of the Israeli Knesset, and the newly elected Mayor of Ariel in Samaria, during a trip to reinforce the inseparable US-Israeli relationship. “It was an honor to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” Scalise said. “During our meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, we discussed the importance of the strong bond between the United States and Israel, the status of the peace process, and the need for outside nations, including the United States, to refrain from setting unrealistic expectations or placing pre-conditions on these talks. “We also emphasized our support for maintaining tough sanctions against Iran in its race to develop nuclear weapons. The sanctions we passed in Congress against Iran are working, and it would be a horrible mistake to back down now that Iran is finally feeling the pressure to abandon its weapons program. Prime Minister Netanyahu has proven his commitment to the peace process, and I’m proud to stand by Israel as they manage the delicate balance between protecting their homeland and working toward a two-state solution with the Palestinians." Scalise is part of a bipartisan six member delegation participating in meetings with officials in Israel. The delegation also met with the Minister of Economy and Commerce Naftali Bennett, the Minister of Energy Silvan Shalom, and the Minister of Home Front Defense Gilad Erdan, as well as the newly elected Mayor of Ariel in Samaria, Eli Shaviro. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003513/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-bennet-introduce-legislation-to-protect-funds-for-states-including-restore-act-funds | Vitter, Bennet Introduce Legislation to Protect Funds for States, Including RESTORE Act Funds | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter, Bennet Introduce Legislation to Protect Funds for States, Including RESTORE Act Funds Legislation will clear red tape for States unnecessarily waiting on program funds, due to sequestration delays Thursday, November 7, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Sens. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) introduced the Return Our State Shares (ROSS) Act, which would exempt certain programs, including the RESTORE Act, from unnecessary sequestration delays that do not reduce the deficit. Unlike most accounts impacted by sequestration, where the funds are simply cancelled, the funds exempted in the ROSS Act are withheld at the beginning of each fiscal year and then returned at the beginning of the following fiscal year and do not go towards reducing the deficit. Other cosponsors include U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). “The Gulf Coast economy got pummeled from the BP oil spill in 2010, and the RESTORE Act made long-overdue coastal restoration work in Louisiana and our neighboring states possible,” Vitter said. “It is absolutely ridiculous for States to wait an arbitrary amount of time to receive funds that are theirs, regardless of sequestration. Our legislation will cut the red tape and allow States to bypass the unnecessary one-year delays on program funds that are not affected by sequestration and do not reduce the deficit.” The ROSS Act will exempt several accounts from the one-year delay during sequestration, including the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund, which was established through the RESTORE Act, Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Program funds, and payments to States under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) and the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA). In 2012, Sen. Vitter was instrumental in passing the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221021104/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-continues-efforts-to-eliminate-obamacare-exemption-for-washington | Vitter Continues Efforts to Eliminate Obamacare Exemption for Washington | 2013-11-07 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Continues Efforts to Eliminate Obamacare Exemption for Washington Pushes to pass his legislation to show which Members of Congress are exempting their staff Thursday, November 7, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today continued his efforts to eliminate the Obamacare exemption for Washington. He spoke on the Senate floor about his efforts, including his work to ensure that Congress has to publically disclose anyone they are exempting from entering Obamacare. Vitter’s “Show Your Exemption Act”, is a step in the process to getting a vote on “No Washington Exemption from Obamacare.” “This information should absolutely be public, and making it public is a crucial step in ending the ridiculous exemption from Obamacare,” Vitter said. Watch Sen. Vitter’s floor speech here. Last week Vitter introduced legislation called the “Show Your Exemption” Act which would require each Congressional office to make public which staff they deem “official”. All Members of Congress were tasked with designating their staff “official” or not. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) ruling, “official” staff must enter the Obamacare exchange. Staff who are not designated “official” keep their current plan on the Federal Employee Benefit Program. The Obamacare statue clearly states that all Members of Congress and their staffs are to procure their health insurance through the Obamacare Exchange. However, the OPM ruling created a loophole that allows Members to designate some staff as not “official” in order to exempt them from the exchange. Vitter will continue working towards getting a vote on his “No Washington Exemption from Obamacare” amendment, also known as the “Vitter Amendment,” and he will also push for a vote on the “Show Your Exemption Act” as part of the either the Drug Quality and Security Act or if necessary, the National Defense Authorization Act. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-obama%E2%80%99s-revisionist-history-slap-face-millions-losing-health-care-coverage | Scalise: Obama’s revisionist history a slap in the face to millions losing health care coverage | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after President Obama attempted to walk back his infamous statement that Americans would be able to keep the health care plans they had and liked. “President Obama’s attempt at revisionist history is a slap in the face to millions of Americans, including at least 80,000 Louisianans, who are losing the health care plan they had and liked because of his failed health care law,” Scalise said. “What the President should have said is 'if Barack Obama likes the health care plan you have, you can keep it.’ American families deserve better than the President's growing list of broken promises; there’s only one way to rescue himself from this serious credibility crisis, and that’s to abandon the penalties set to be imposed on American families and support the legislation we filed to allow Americans to keep the health care plans they have.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221005351/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-named-to-wrda-conference-committee-to-work-on-final-bill | Vitter Named to WRDA Conference Committee to Work on Final Bill | 2013-11-05 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Named to WRDA Conference Committee to Work on Final Bill Landmark legislation has strong bipartisan support, will bring huge benefits for Louisiana Tuesday, November 5, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today announced that he has officially been selected to be on the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) conference committee. In March, the Senate passed its version 83 to 14. Last week the House passed its version 417 to 3. Vitter is the lead sponsor of the Senate bill and the top Republican on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, which has jurisdiction over the bill. “WRDA is one of the single most significant pieces of legislation for Louisiana we’ve voted on this year, and I look forward to working to get a final bill that includes our Senate provisions,” Vitter said. “We have the opportunity to reform the Corps of Engineers, streamline flood protection projects, finally get Morganza moving, and improve our waterways and infrastructure all in one bill. This is a huge benefit to our state.” The Conference Committee is tasked with working out any differences between the House and Senate bills. Other Senate conferees include Democrat Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.); and Republican Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). WRDA provides critical flood protection for communities across the country and particularly in Louisiana. Projects like the Morganza to the Gulf and Louisiana Coastal System Ecosystem Restoration Projects will all be able to get authorization under this bill. The Senate version includes project acceleration provisions that ensure important water infrastructure projects are processed in an efficient manner and also makes reforms to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Projects like the studies for the West Shore Hurricane Protection and Southwest Louisiana Coastal Hurricane Protection will be accelera… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221021107/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-urges-louisiana-officials-to-take-action-on-ebt-card-fraud | Vitter Urges Louisiana Officials to Take Action on EBT Card Fraud | 2013-11-04 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Urges Louisiana Officials to Take Action on EBT Card Fraud Attorney General and DCFS currently deferring to USDA and Louisiana retailers Monday, November 4, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today responded to letters from Louisiana’s Attorney General Buddy Caldwell and Secretary of Department of Children and Family Services Suzy Sonnier regarding his recommendations for aggressive action in response to fraud that occurred during an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system outage in north Louisiana. Vitter sent his recommendations in a letter on October 30. “I’m extremely disappointed in the response I’ve gotten from state officials,” Vitter said. “There should be serious consequences for the outrageous theft and fraud at these Louisiana retailers, and the state has authority in disqualifying and prosecuting any guilty EBT recipient.” Caldwell and Sonnier committed to Vitter’s request that no reimbursements be made to retailers who did not follow proper protocol. However, they have refused to prosecute any beneficiaries guilty of theft or fraud and deferred to USDA on disqualifying or suspending any beneficiaries. Vitter has asked Caldwell and Sonnier for a follow up meeting in Baton Rouge. The text of Vitter’s letter to Caldwell and Sonnier is below. November 4, 2013 Buddy Caldwell Office of the Attorney General State of Louisiana P.O. Box 94005 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 Suzy Sonnier Office of the Secretary Department of Children and Family Services P.O. Box 3776 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 Dear Attorney General Caldwell and Secretary Sonnier: Thank you for your quick responses to my letter of October 30 regarding the outrageous incidents of food stamp theft and fraud in Louisiana on October 14. Thank you also for clearly committing to not reimburse any vendor above any beneficiaries' benefit limits, my first request. Unfortunately, in contrast to this, I found your responses to my second and third requests really disappointing and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221021119/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-to-epa-cant-fix-gulf-dead-zone-with-heavy-handed-approach | Vitter to EPA: Can’t Fix Gulf “Dead Zone” With Heavy-Handed Approach | 2013-11-01 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter to EPA: Can’t Fix Gulf “Dead Zone” With Heavy-Handed Approach Friday, November 1, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, sent a letter to Nancy Stoner, Acting Assistant Administrator of the Office of Water of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regarding the Agency’s insufficient response to State concerns over the Agency’s solutions to the “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the Agency’s neglecting to work with state officials in Louisiana and throughout the Mississippi River system. Vitter is specifically asking EPA to better support its listing decision of Louisiana coastal waters and work more closely with the states in their efforts to address the “dead zone” issue. “This is a perennial issue we deal with along the Gulf, and the EPA ought to listen to Louisiana officials who know what’s going on,” Vitter said. “The longer the EPA neglects working with Louisiana and other Mississippi River States, the longer it will take to solve this serious ‘dead zone’ issue.” For years, Louisiana and other Mississippi River States have been working together to solve oxygen deficiency issues in the Gulf of Mexico. The lack of oxygen in the water creates a “dead zone” that hurts marine life, especially shellfish near the bottom. EPA’s recent decision to force Louisiana to develop a heavy-handed regulatory control measure, known as a Total Maximum Daily Load, inhibits collaborative efforts by Louisiana and other states to achieve meaningful progress on the “dead zone.” Text of today’s letter is below. November 1, 2013 Ms. Nancy Stoner Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20460 Dear Acting Assistant Administrator Stoner, I am writing to you regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) July 18, 2013 listing of three coastal water segments on Louisiana’s Clean Wat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131115021749/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-introduces-show-your-exemption-act-as-some-members-exempting-certain-staff-from-obamacare-exchange | Vitter Introduces “Show Your Exemption Act” as Some Members Exempting Certain Staff from Obamacare Exchange | 2013-10-31 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Introduces “Show Your Exemption Act” as Some Members Exempting Certain Staff from Obamacare Exchange Says there’s a loophole in the Obamacare OPM ruling that some Congressional staff would stay off exchanges Thursday, October 31, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) today introduced legislation called the “Show Your Exemption” Act which would require each Congressional office to make public which staff they deem “official”. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives were both tasked with designating their staff “official” or not. According to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) ruling, “official” staff must enter the Obamacare exchange. Staff who are not designated “official” keep their current plan on the Federal Employee Benefit Program. The Obamacare statue clearly states that all Members of Congress and their staffs are to procure their health insurance through the Obamacare Exchange. However, the OPM ruling created a loophole that allows Members to designate some staff as not “official” in order to exempt them from the exchange. “For members to use this illegal loophole so that some staff stay off the exchanges altogether is outrageous. It flies in the face of the exact language of Obamacare,” Vitter said. “If these staffers aren't 'official', then the taxpayer shouldn't pay for their salaries or office support or anything else.” Vitter has designated all of his staff, including his staff on the Environment and Public Works Committee, as “official.” The “Vitter Amendment”, which would eliminate the Obamacare exemption for Washington altogether, would clarify that all Members of Congress, congressional staff, the President, Vice President and political appointees must purchase their health plans on the exchange. It would also require that they receive the same amount of financial support from tax credits or subsidies as any American outside of Washington. The legislation prohibits the same group from receiving tax-payer funde… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221024415/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-to-oppose-fhfa-nominee-mel-watt | Vitter to Oppose FHFA Nominee Mel Watt | 2013-10-31 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter to Oppose FHFA Nominee Mel Watt Thursday, October 31, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today announced that he will oppose President Obama’s nomination of Congressman Mel Watt to be Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The Senate is scheduled to vote on the nomination today. “Mel Watt has a clear record of wanting to restore Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to their failed stature, which would only restore a linchpin of the financial collapse,” Vitter said. “On behalf of the taxpayers who think a private mortgage industry is healthier than a government run one, I’m an emphatic ‘no’ on this nomination.” Vitter has been a vocal opponent of any bailout from the FHFA for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and worked to end the supplemental “Making Home Affordable Program” that was derived from leftover Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) monies totaling $41 billion. Vitter has fought to return the unused money to the Treasury. Last year former FHFA Director Ed DeMarco announced he would not permit Fannie and Freddie to use the leftover TARP funds to bailout their failed housing program. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-demands-answers-hhs-secretary-sebelius | Scalise demands answers from HHS Secretary Sebelius | 2013-10-30 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - During a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing today, Congressman Steve Scalise pressed HHS Secretary Sebelius for answers. Scalise to Sebelius: “People are sharing stories with me … Shawn from Covington said – ‘my current plan through United Health is no longer being offered in 2014 due to Obamacare. I received a letter stating that the new health care law was indeed the reason for the removal of my current health care plan.’ Madam Secretary, what would you tell Shawn who liked his plan and now has lost it? He was promised by you and the president he would be able to keep that plan. What would you tell Shawn now that he's lost his plan? Scalise continued: “You and I may disagree who you work for. I work for Shawn. You work for Shawn, Madam Secretary. Shawn lost his plan that he liked. There are thousands and millions of Shawns throughout this country that lost the plan they liked because some bureaucrat in Washington said we think your plan's not good enough. Even though you like it. Even though you were promised you could keep it. You are now not able to keep that plan. You deserve to give Shawn a better answer than ‘you have to shop for something else.’” Click here to watch Scalise’s questioning. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-helps-spur-bipartisan-effort-delay-and-reform-biggert-waters | Scalise helps spur bipartisan effort to delay and reform Biggert-Waters | 2013-10-29 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today helped spur a bipartisan, bicameral effort to reform Biggert-Waters and save Louisianans from devastating NFIP rate increases. “Louisiana families, homeowners, and businesses deserve relief from the unworkable Biggert-Waters flood insurance premium increases, and our bill takes major steps to ensure that the National Flood Insurance Program is affordable and sustainable for the future,” Scalise said. “Our bill represents the hard work of a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers from around the nation who put politics aside and are working tirelessly to fix the major flaws of Biggert-Waters. By delaying the exorbitant Biggert-Waters rate hikes, this bill forces FEMA to hit the pause button on skyrocketing rate hikes while working to implement real solutions that fix the problems within NFIP without hurting homeowners who just want to protect their families from flooding.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-experiences-obamacare-failures-during-sign-attempts | Scalise experiences Obamacare failures during sign-on attempts | 2013-10-28 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – After attempting to sign up for Obamacare for over two hours, Congressman Steve Scalise released the following video and statement: “I’ve heard numerous stories from constituents about the failed attempts to sign up for Obamacare, so I tried to sign up myself,” Scalise said. “After spending two hours trying to navigate through the error-ridden Obamacare website, I was kicked out of the system four times, got numerous blank screens, and never once was able to compare prices for health coverage.” “This failed website is a symptom of the larger failure of President Obama's government takeover of our health care system. This is not a ‘glitch,’ it’s a national embarrassment. The Obama Administration spent more than $500 million of taxpayer money building the failed web site that is clearly not ready to allow families to purchase health plans. How can President Obama force American families to purchase health care from a website that does not work at a price they can't afford? President Obama has delayed this law for corporations and insurance companies; it is time that he finally delays the law's penalties for American families as well.” Watch Scalise attempt to sign up for Obamacare here. Louisianans can share their Obamacare stories with Scalise here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003355/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-senators-louisiana-voucher-program-about-students-not-quotas- | Vitter, Senators: Louisiana Voucher Program About Students not Quotas | 2013-10-24 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter, Senators: Louisiana Voucher Program About Students not Quotas In a letter, 30 U.S. Senators push for answers from Attorney General Holder on DOJ’s voucher lawsuit Thursday, October 24, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.), along with 29 Senators, is calling on Attorney General Eric Holder to justify the U.S. Justice Department’s lawsuit against Louisiana’s statewide voucher program. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) is the lead author on the letter. “The Justice Department’s lawsuit is an outrageous attack on Louisiana parents and students,” Vitter said. “Instead of allowing parents to make one of their most important choices – where to send their kids to school – the federal government is stepping in, and trapping students in failing schools to meet quotas. Education needs to be about giving all of our students the best possible opportunity, not about reaching federal quotas determined by some bureaucrat in Washington.” The Louisiana Scholarship Program grants low-income children the opportunity to escape failing public schools and attend a different school chosen by their parents. Last year, the program helped over 5,700 children and raised test scores -- all while saving taxpayers $18 million dollars. More than 90 percent of the students who have benefited from the program are minorities. The Justice Department led by Attorney General Holder is suing Louisiana to return 570 of these children to failing schools, on the grounds that it is more important to preserve a school’s racial make-up. For example, the Justice Department argues that six African-American children should be returned to a failing elementary school, to change the school from 29.2 percent to 30.1 percent African-American. The text of the Senators’ letter is included below. October 24, 2013 The Honorable Eric Holder Attorney General Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue. NW Washington, DC 20530-0001 Dear Attorney General Holder: On August 22, 2013, the Depart… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-launches-%E2%80%9Cshare-scalise%E2%80%9D-invites-families-share-their-obamacare-story | Scalise launches “Share with Scalise,” invites families to share their Obamacare story | 2013-10-23 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise today announced a new feature on his Congressional website allowing constituents to share their experiences regarding President Obama’s health care law. “President Obama’s health care law is already being criticized as the biggest reason companies are not hiring and families are seeing health costs skyrocket, not to mention the complete failure of the $500+ million health care web site,” Scalise said. “Louisiana families deserve to have their health care stories heard, and I encourage everyone to share their experiences with me so I can hold the Obama administration accountable for the law's failures.” Louisianans can share their stories with Scalise by filling out the form found here. Here are some stories Louisianans have already shared: “It cost my husband and I money already and it hasn’t been fully implemented yet… It has hurt us by raising our premiums $200 a month.” -Geneva from Montegut, LA “My health insurance will go up $40 a week. I can’t afford that.”-Dennis from Slidell, LA “To keep the same level of coverage, my premium has increased about 10% and my deductible has nearly doubled.”-Luke from Covington, LA | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-richmond-amendment-included-house-passed-wrrda-bill | Scalise, Richmond amendment included in House-passed WRRDA bill | 2013-10-23 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after winning several victories for families in southeast Louisiana. The House passed the Water Resources Reform and Development Act with an amendment by Scalise and Rep. Cedric Richmond to ensure that the Corps of Engineers account for the regional benefits of each proposed flood protection project. The bill also includes a Manager’s Amendment authored by the Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee allowing construction to begin on Morganza to the Gulf. “While we're still working to strengthen the language for Morganza to the Gulf in the final bill, I’m glad the House moved today to pass this crucial bill to compliment the Senate’s water resources bill spearheaded by Senator Vitter earlier this year,” Scalise said. “Among the many key reforms included in this bill is an amendment that Cedric Richmond and I offered to ensure that the Corps starts including the economic importance of flood protection projects in its cost-benefit analysis. “Additionally, the Manager’s Amendment included in this bill finally allows construction on Morganza to move forward and be credited after more than two decades of delays and over $70 million in studies. Families in south Louisiana have long-demanded the ability to begin construction on this project, and I’m glad Congress has finally granted them the flexibility they deserve. “The importance of the Morganza to the Gulf hurricane protection system cannot be overstated, as more than 200,000 Louisiana families remain vulnerable to flooding after decades of broken promises from the federal government and bureaucratic red-tape. I will continue working to ensure that critical projects like Morganza to the Gulf are included in the final bill.” The House bill will now head to a conference committee to be coupled with the water resources bill passed by the Senate. The Scalise-Richmond Amendment directs the Corps to include the following in its economic analysis of a proposed flood prote… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221024432/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/louisiana-delegation-pushes-for-transparency-in-healthcaregov | Louisiana Delegation Pushes For Transparency in HealthCare.gov | 2013-10-23 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Louisiana Delegation Pushes For Transparency in HealthCare.gov Wednesday, October 23, 2013 WASHINGTON – Today, Senator David Vitter (R-La.) sent a letter with Reps. Bill Cassidy, Steve Scalise, John Fleming and Charles Boustany to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The letter insists that Secretary Sebelius answer whether HealthCare.gov was tested before its launch and how many Louisianans and Americans have enrolled into Obamacare. “The Administration needs to quit hiding behind obtuse excuses about the Obamacare roll out and own what they're forcing Louisianians to use. Folks are forced to accept skyrocketing insurance costs, loss of employer coverage, and could get fined for not purchasing Obamacare because the Administration can't get the enrollment website working," Vitter said. “Louisiana families would like to know why this site, costing millions upon millions of tax dollars, doesn’t work. This is the minimum level of transparency that should be given. It’s not too much to ask for,” said Cassidy. “President Obama’s health care website is not a glitch, it is a $500+ million national embarrassment and top agency officials should be held accountable for this failure that they had three years to prepare for. Louisiana families deserve and demand transparency from the President into the cause of the Obamacare train wreck, and I look forward to the Administration’s swift response to these critical questions,” said Scalise. “If the CEO of a major company had three-and-a-half years to prepare for the launch of the company's signature product, and it launched with a resounding thud, that CEO would surely be fired. Secretary Sebelius must explain how hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars could be spent on a website that is an utter failure, and possibly even a security risk. She had to know that benchmarks were not met and that the launch would not go well. Before the administration pours millions more into the bottomless pit of its so-called tech surge, t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-obama-refuses-accountability-health-web-site-failur | Obama refuses accountability for health web site failure | 2013-10-21 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after President Obama’s speech on the Affordable Care Act. “President Obama’s health care website is not a glitch. It is a $500+ million national embarrassment, and top agency officials should be held accountable for this failure that has been three years in the making,” Scalise said. “The only thing missing from President Obama’s Rose Garden sales pitch was an offer for free t-shirts to the first 100 callers. President Obama’s signature health care law is clearly not ready for prime time, and it’s time for him to stop re-packaging this failed product and start working with us to end this train wreck before even more taxpayer money is wasted.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003532/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-to-block-energy-dept-nominee-wants-answers-about-work-at-nasa | Vitter to Block Energy Dept. Nominee, Wants Answers about Work at NASA | 2013-10-21 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter to Block Energy Dept. Nominee, Wants Answers about Work at NASA Concerns about stalled job creation project for Michoud facility in New Orleans under Elizabeth Robinson’s leadership as CFO at NASA Monday, October 21, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today put a hold on President Obama’s nomination of Elizabeth Robinson to be Undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Energy. Robinson is currently the Chief Financial Officer at NASA, and has been directly involved with the lack of approval for a contract to build vehicles at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, Louisiana. In his letter to Robinson, Vitter asks questions about the use of private emails at NASA too. “Under the Obama administration, NASA has been stalling on a job creating project at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans for no apparent reason,” Vitter said. “Ms. Robinson needs to answer questions about why they’ve delayed the project, and other questions about NASA’s operations before she leaves her job overseeing their finances.” The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) and Space Launch System (SLS) have both been delayed because NASA has failed to approve contracts for the projects, which would be built at the Michoud Assembly Facility. Approval of the delayed projects could mean putting approximately 300 to 600 Louisianans back to work. These are programs that are also important to the economies of more than 30 states and jobs across our nation. As the ranking member of the NASA space subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Vitter secured key provisions in the bipartisan 2010 NASA Reauthorization that ensured Michoud Assembly Facility’s continued viability and to help keep Louisiana as an integral part of human space flight for years to come. In September 2011, Vitter announced that NASA was choosing Michoud to construct components of its new heavy-lift rocket. The MPCV and SLS were both included. Below is a c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131021044749/http://www.vitter.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/vitter-to-oppose-senate-deal-on-cr-debt-ceiling | Vitter to Oppose Senate Deal on CR, Debt Ceiling | 2013-10-16 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter to Oppose Senate Deal on CR, Debt Ceiling Vitter cites Senate Democrats blocking the No Obamacare Exemption for Washington amendment, also lack of budget reforms for reasons he’s a ‘no’ Wednesday, October 16, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) will oppose the deal on the continuing budget resolution and debt limit increase being voted on in the U.S. Senate this evening. Vitter made the following comment. “My No Obamacare Exemption for Washington language has been blocked out by Harry Reid, Barrack Obama and others who want to keep their special subsidy. But it’s not going away and neither am I,” Vitter said. “This is all about fairness – forcing Washington to live under Obamacare the same way as the rest of America. Once Washington insiders are forced to walk in the same shoes as other Americans, we may start cleaning up this train wreck.” The legislation being voted on today makes no budget reforms and does nothing to address long-term debt issues. It extends spending levels, and allows for more borrowing by increasing the nation’s credit limit. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131204052802/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-applauds-house-for-including-no-obamacare-exemption-in-proposal | Vitter Applauds House for Including No Obamacare Exemption in Proposal | 2013-10-15 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Applauds House for Including No Obamacare Exemption in Proposal Says it’s important to include this provision to make it fair for Congress to live through Obamacare like rest of America Tuesday, October 15, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) made the following statement after news reports indicate that House Republicans will include Vitter’s “No Washington Exemption from Obamacare” language in their bill to pass a continuing budget resolution and increase the debt limit. “This is really about fairness, making sure that Washington is forced to live under the same train wreck of Obamacare that is forced on the rest of America,” Vitter said. “It will take the policy makers in Washington walking in the same shoes as the millions of Americans to actually make real policy changes, and clean up the train wreck.” Vitter's amendment would reverse and clarify the decision by the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) on Obamacare. His legislation will require that all Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, and all political appointees in the Administration must purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange without the help of taxpayer-funded subsidies. Congressional staff would be prohibited from receiving any contribution greater than what they would receive if they were not employed by a congressional office. Reports indicate that the Vitter Amendment will be in the House bill. Cosponsors of the Vitter Amendment include Senators Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/rsc-chairman-scalise-attend-white-house-meeting | RSC Chairman Scalise to attend White House meeting | 2013-10-10 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | RSC Chairman Scalise to attend White House meeting Oct 10, 2013 Washington, DC – Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise issued the following statement in advance of today’s scheduled meeting with President Obama at the White House: "For weeks, House Republicans have passed bipartisan bills to fund the government and put real solutions on the table to get our economy back on track. While we have real disagreements on solving our nation's problems, I am glad President Obama has finally agreed to meet with us to start negotiating our differences so we can find real solutions. President Obama is the only person in Washington who can cause our nation to default, which would be irresponsible and dangerous. I hope the President takes this opportunity to abandon his divisive rhetoric and finally engage in a dialogue as we work to implement real reforms to finally control Washington's spending problem and get our economy back on track.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-house-vote-ensure-benefits-families-fallen-soldiers | Scalise statement on House vote to ensure benefits for families of fallen soldiers | 2013-10-09 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after the House voted to ensure benefits for families of fallen soldiers. “It was important that the House moved quickly today to put aside partisan differences and swiftly pass this bill to ensure benefits for families of fallen soldiers will be paid on time,” Scalise said. “Last week, Congress passed a bill to fully fund our troops and ensure that all military pay and allowances would continue to be dispersed. While the Obama Administration chose not to apply that bill to families of fallen soldiers, our men and women in uniform should never be used as political pawns. It’s time for President Obama to abandon the divisive rhetoric, stop playing political games with military families, and finally start negotiating with the House over our differences so we can properly fund the government and get our economy back on track.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013436/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-to-opm-turn-over-correspondence-on-obamacare-exemption | Vitter to OPM: Turn Over Correspondence on Obamacare Exemption | 2013-10-09 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter to OPM: Turn Over Correspondence on Obamacare Exemption Requests OPM disclose all correspondence they had with Congress and the White House related to their final rule allowing Congress to keep their taxpayer subsidy for health care Wednesday, October 9, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requesting them to release all correspondence they had with the Administration, Members of Congress and their staffs related to their final rule to “fix” Obamacare for Congress. It has been widely reported that OPM was in deliberations with Congress and officials in the White House, including the President, over the specifics of this rule. “This ‘fix’ was one of many delayed regulations, which leads me to believe that there was much debate between the White House and Congress over OPM’s authority to bend the rules and help Members and congressional staff to ultimately retain their very generous taxpayer funded subsidies,” Vitter wrote. “Self-dealing special treatment to avoid the consequences of a law that Congress itself passed is precisely why the American people do not trust Washington.” Vitter has been pushing legislation, which has been dubbed the “Vitter Amendment” that would reverse and clarify the decision by OPM on Obamacare. The legislation will require that all Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, and all political appointees in the Administration must purchase their health insurance through the Obamacare Exchange without the help of taxpayer-funded subsidies. Congressional staff would be prohibited from receiving any contribution greater than what they would receive if they were not employed by a congressional office. The text of Vitter’s letter requesting OPM to turn over all correspondence with the Administration, Members of Congress and their staff is below. October 9, 2013 The Honorable Elaine Kaplan Acting Director Office of Personnel Management 1900 E St NW… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003002/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/gen-clark-agrees-to-debate-vitter-about-free-government-cell-phone-program- | Gen. Clark Agrees to Debate Vitter About Free Government Cell Phone Program | 2013-10-08 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Gen. Clark Agrees to Debate Vitter About Free Government Cell Phone Program During a phone conversation today, Clark agreed to publically debate Vitter and provide a full written response to his questions Tuesday, October 8, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today had a phone conversation with Gen. Wesley Clark to follow up on a letter he sent him last week. Vitter again requested a debate with Clark over the merits of the free government cell phone program called Lifeline, and Clark agreed. Clark was in Louisiana last week promoting his support for the Lifeline program, and criticized Sen. Vitter for his efforts to end the fraud-ridden free cell phone part of Lifeline. Click here for the news report about Clark’s visit, and Vitter’s response. “I look forward to a public discussion with Gen. Clark about Lifeline and my efforts to end the waste, fraud, and abuse surrounding the cell phone program,” Vitter said. “This public debate will be a real opportunity to find out Clark’s motives for promoting the fraud-ridden free cellphone welfare program.” The Federal Communications Commission, who administers Lifeline, recently announced major penalties against Lifeline companies totaling $14.4 million for the violation of companies' signing up the same persons multiple times. In his October 2 letter, Vitter asked Clark, “Do any companies who receive funds from the Lifeline program (classic corporate welfare kings) financially support the public affairs company who paid for your trip, you, your liberal political PAC, or any company in which you have a significant interest?” During their phone conversation, Clark agreed to answer Vitter’s questions and have a public debate. Details of the public debate will be released a later date. On May 7, 2013, Vitter introduced legislation to end the welfare subsidy for mobile phone service in the Lifeline Program. Vitter also introduced this legislation as an amendment to the Senate budget resolution in March. Th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-house-vote-fund-fda | Scalise statement on House vote to fund the FDA | 2013-10-07 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after House Republicans voted to fund the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “I’m proud to support this bipartisan bill to fund the FDA and ensure that food and drug safety remains a top priority despite President Obama’s government shutdown,” Scalise said. “Clearly there are some differences between the House, the President, and the Senate, but we should at least fund those parts of the government where we can agree while we negotiate our differences on the remaining items. This weekend, Democrats in the House joined with us by voting unanimously to pay furloughed federal workers. It’s disappointing they’re not as concerned with funding our veterans, the FDA, the NIH, and other essential programs.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/house-gop-votes-fund-veterans-national-guard-military-reservists | House GOP votes to fund Veterans, National Guard, Military Reservists | 2013-10-04 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after House Republicans voted to fund veterans, the National Guard, and our military reservists. “I’m proud to support the bipartisan bills that the House passed to fund our National Guard troops, military reservists, and veterans,” Scalise said. “Unfortunately President Obama threatened the veto these bills unless he gets everything he wants on other, unrelated bills. If hurting the GOP is more important to President Obama than helping our veterans and our troops, he’s lost sight of his responsibilities as Commander in Chief. After Tuesday’s shameless decision by Democrats to vote against American veterans, House Republicans stood together today to ensure that key functions of our government are funded while we work out the rest of our differences. While Democrats have finally agreed that our troops should be paid despite the shutdown, it’s very unfortunate they refuse to also ensure that our National Guard, veterans, and military reservists are funded as well. “It’s time for the Senate Leader Harry Reid and President Obama to stop refusing to negotiate, stop stalling and come to the table to talk.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-calls-obama-reverse-veto-threat-house-passed-bill-fund-fema | Scalise calls on Obama to reverse veto threat on House passed bill to fund FEMA | 2013-10-04 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after the House passed a bill to fund emergency management and disaster response. “As Tropical Storm Karen threatens the Gulf Coast, the House today passed a bipartisan bill to fully fund disaster response and emergency operations,” Scalise said. “While we have areas of disagreement with President Obama, we should at least be able to pass bills to fund the things we all agree upon as we negotiate our differences on the remaining items. At a time when a storm is bearing down on us in the Gulf, I am calling on President Obama to put his partisanship to the side and withdraw his veto threat on the bill we passed to fund FEMA. I am also calling on Senator Reid to join the bipartisan coalition in the House and pass this bill quickly.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221024452/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-army-corps-ready-to-protect-gulf-coast-from-tropical-storm-karen | Vitter: Army Corps Ready To Protect Gulf Coast From Tropical Storm Karen | 2013-10-04 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter: Army Corps Ready To Protect Gulf Coast From Tropical Storm Karen Friday, October 4, 2013 (New Orleans, La.) – Earlier today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter met with Colonel Richard Hansen, Commander and New Orleans District Engineer of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), regarding the Corps’ preparation and projections for Tropical Storm Karen, which is expected to approach the Gulf Coast late on Saturday. “I can absolutely confirm that every person and all resources that the Corps will need to protect the Gulf from this storm are ready and available. There is no negative impact trickling down from the government shutdown, and the Corps’ preparation for Tropical Storm Karen will not be compromised in any way,” said Vitter. “Additionally, I am monitoring any projections and potential closures so that Gulf Coast residents are informed and safe in the coming days.” Vitter is the top ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Corps. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-capitol-hill-lockdown | Scalise statement on the Capitol Hill lockdown | 2013-10-03 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement regarding the Capitol Hill lockdown. “My thoughts and prayers are with the officer injured in the line of duty,” Scalise said. “While in the Capitol, I saw officers taking positions on the West steps of the Capitol with rifles drawn. I was then ushered into the House Chamber by Capitol Police officers. I commend the Capitol Police for their swift and professional response to this crisis and thank them for their vigilance.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-house-funding-nih | Scalise statement on House funding of NIH | 2013-10-03 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after House Republicans voted to fund life saving cancer research and the National Institutes of Health. “Today, I joined my House Republican colleagues in supporting funding for cutting-edge medical research and life-saving cancer treatment by voting to fully fund the National Institutes of Health,” Scalise said. “The United States is a world leader in biomedical research, and the NIH plays a vital role in allowing scientists and researchers to continue working to improve and save lives. Unfortunately, 170 House Democrats are so entrenched with Harry Reid and President Obama’s political games that they don’t understand why we would fund these initiatives, like cancer research for kids. “The House continues passing bills to fund the essential parts of our government while also working towards a permanent solution to end Harry Reid's government shutdown. It’s time for the Senate Democrats and President Obama to stop playing games, stop holding cancer patients and others hostage, and finally come to the table to negotiate a solution.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-house-democrats-abandon-veterans | Scalise: House Democrats Abandon Veterans | 2013-10-02 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise issued the following statement tonight after a majority of House Democrats abandoned American veterans. “In what can only be described as a disgraceful partisan maneuver, just after most of them voted for a government shutdown, House Democrats have now chosen to turn their backs on America's veterans,” Scalise said. “Our military veterans should not be used as political pawns by Washington liberals who refuse to negotiate on the responsible funding of government. Americans who’ve served our nation in years past and defended the freedoms we enjoy deserve the same respect as those who proudly serve today. House Republicans will continue working towards a solution to fully fund the government, while also working to end this government shutdown.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221011935/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-challenges-gen-wesley-clark-to-free-government-cell-phone-debate | Vitter Challenges Gen. Wesley Clark to Free Government Cell Phone Debate | 2013-10-02 | 2013 | 2013-10 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Challenges Gen. Wesley Clark to Free Government Cell Phone Debate Asks whether Lifeline companies benefiting are paying him Wednesday, October 2, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) is challenging Gen. Wesley Clark to debate the merits of the free government cell phone program called Lifeline. Clark was in Louisiana this week promoting his support for the Lifeline program, and criticized Sen. Vitter for his efforts to end the fraud-ridden free cell phone part of Lifeline. Click here for the news report. Vitter questioned who was paying for Clark’s trip and campaign. “Thank you very much for coming to Louisiana and calling increased attention to Lifeline, the fraud-ridden free government cell phone program for welfare recipients,” Vitter wrote to Clark today. “I look forward to a public discussion with you about Lifeline and my efforts to end the waste, fraud, and abuse surrounding it.” Also this week, the Federal Communications Commission who administers Lifeline, announced major penalties against Lifeline companies totaling $14.4 million for the violation of companies' signing up the same persons multiple times. Click here to read more. Vitter also asked Clark, “Do any companies who receive funds from the Lifeline program (classic corporate welfare kings) financially support the public affairs company who paid for your trip, you, your liberal political PAC, or any company in which you have a significant interest?” On May 7, 2013, Vitter introduced legislation to end the welfare subsidy for mobile phone service in the Lifeline Program. Vitter also introduced this legislation as an amendment to the Senate budget resolution in March. The amendment failed 46-to-53. Click here to see the vote results. The text of Vitter’s letter is below. October 2, 2013 General Wesley K. Clark Wesley K. Clark & Associates, LLC P.O. Box 3276 Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL Dear General Clark: Thank you very much for coming to Louisia… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/rsc-endorses-house%E2%80%99s-latest-government-funding-proposal | RSC Endorses the House’s Latest Government Funding Proposal | 2013-09-30 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – The RSC Steering Committee today unanimously voted to support the latest House proposal to fund the government while protecting American families from the devastating consequences of the President’s health care law. “This bill ensures that all Members of Congress and the White House will finally have to live by the same laws that have been passed, just like all Americans,” Scalise said. “Either Obamacare is good enough that it should apply to all or it is so bad that it should apply to none. It is time for the sweetheart deals and backroom exemptions to end. “The devastating effects of the President’s health care law are not a partisan issue. Businesses see it. American families see it. Even union leaders like James Hoffa see this train wreck coming. It is time for Senate Democrats and the President to get off the sidelines and work in a bipartisan way to fund the government while eliminating special political exemptions.” With 175 members, the Republican Study Committee is the largest multi-issue caucus in Congress. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-house-passage-government-funding-bill-obamacare-delay-funding-troops | Scalise statement on House passage of government funding bill, Obamacare delay, funding for troops | 2013-09-29 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after the House passed a bill to fund the government, delay President Obama’s health care law, and ensure that our troops get paid. “The House has once again acted to ensure that we properly fund government while delaying President Obama’s unworkable health care law, and ensuring that our troops are not used as political pawns by their Commander in Chief,” Scalise said. “Our bill also protects religious freedom by ensuring that no employer has to pay for procedures like abortion that violate their faith as protected in the Bill of Rights. We have acted swiftly after the Senate debated this bill for days, and it is time again for the Senate to move quickly to avert a government shutdown while protecting American families from the devastating effects of the President’s health care law.” “Health insurance premiums are soaring, taxes are rising, and employers are being forced to drop good health plans and reduce their workforce. President Obama has already agreed that his signature law is unworkable and not ready for prime time by delaying it for big businesses and insurance companies. Either Obamacare is good enough that it should apply to all, or it is so bad that it should apply to none. American families deserve relief as they continue suffering under the weight of several broken Obamacare promises.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-another-obamacare-delay | Scalise statement on another Obamacare delay | 2013-09-27 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement after reports that the Obama Administration is delaying the online enrollment portion of the small business exchanges. “Today’s announced delay of the online enrollment portion of small business exchanges is yet another setback for Obamacare and demonstrates how unworkable the President’s health care law is,” Scalise said. “It proves that this law is not ready for prime time even after having three years to get it done. This latest delay is now added to a long list of delays, waivers, and exceptions already issued by the Administration to their political friends. The law is either so good that it should apply to all Americans, or it is so broken that it should be delayed for all Americans. “The devastating effects of the President’s signature law are not a partisan issue. Union leaders like James Hoffa see the train wreck coming. Businesses see it. American families see it. On the heels of the numerous other delays, today’s action further demonstrates that Obamacare is not ready for prime time. President Obama needs to finally start working and negotiating with Republicans to delay this train wreck of a health care law for everyone before more harm is done to families and our economy.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20131001074753/http://www.vitter.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/vitter-introduces-no-washington-exemption-from-obamacare-to-cr | Vitter Introduces “No Washington Exemption from Obamacare” to CR | 2013-09-26 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Introduces “No Washington Exemption from Obamacare” to CR Thursday, September 26, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) filed his No Washington Exemption from Obamacare to the Continuing Resolution today. He also called up the amendment to be approved by unanimous consent, which was objected to by the Senate Democrats. “Unless we make a change, Washington insiders will get a special exemption from Obamacare when it goes into effect on October 1,” Vitter said. “If Democrats in Washington are going to force Obamacare on the rest of America, they need to live by its provisions, too. Maybe then they’d see what a train wreck the law really is — and exempt all of America from it.” Click here for the video of Vitter’s floor speech. The Vitter legislation will require that all Members of Congress, staff, the President, Vice President, and all political appointees in the Administration must purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange without the help of taxpayer-funded subsidies. Vitter was blocked out of offering that amendment to the Energy Efficiency bill for two weeks and is again being blocked out of offering it to the CR this week. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221024456/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-to-oppose-ron-binz-nomination-to-chair-ferc- | Vitter to Oppose Ron Binz Nomination to Chair FERC | 2013-09-25 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter to Oppose Ron Binz Nomination to Chair FERC Wednesday, September 25, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today issued the following statement opposing President Obama’s nomination of Ron Binz to be Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC). The nominee would go before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “The Obama administration has been on a witch hunt to shut down hydraulic fracturing, and unfortunately this nominee fits in with that crowd,” Vitter said. “There has been such positive progress with natural gas – clearly the brightest spot in our otherwise slumping economy – so as long as Ron Binz remains opposed to developing our nation’s natural gas and fossil fuels, I’ll be opposing his nomination. I would encourage Sen. Landrieu, a member of the Energy committee, to stand for Louisiana jobs and oppose the nomination, and not let Washington insiders convince her otherwise.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221024514/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-says-taxpayers-should-not-bail-out-broke-fha | Vitter Says Taxpayers Should Not Bail Out Broke FHA | 2013-09-25 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Says Taxpayers Should Not Bail Out Broke FHA Wednesday, September 25, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today made the following statement after news reports that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will be asking for a taxpayer funded bailout. “I’m not one to say ‘I told you so,’ but geez. The FHA has been going down an irresponsible path for years, from their drastic lack of required capital to secret stress tests,” Vitter said. “Instead of managing their funds responsibly, and making appropriate reforms, FHA prefers to lean on taxpayers to bail them out, and enough is enough. They should not get a bailout now or any in the future and I’ll continue fighting for serious reforms to the FHA to ensure we protect the taxpayers against their mismanagement." Vitter has warned of a potential FHA bailout since 2009, and he has previously introduced legislation to prevent one. Last Congress, Vitter introduced legislation to reform the FHA and ensure it can remain solvent without a federal bailout. At a July 31, 2013 Senate Banking Committee markup of S.1376, The FHA Solvency Act of 2013, Vitter introduced amendments to include requirements for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Treasury to notify Congress and the public if Treasury makes a transfer to HUD for FHA, and for HUD to repay Treasury for any bailout transfer. Vitter added, "The Senate must take up the FHA Solvency Act as soon as possible and include additional reforms in light of this news. It is clear neither the FHA or the taxpayers can wait any longer for Congress to act to protect the taxpayers because FHA sure won’t.” At a Banking Committee hearing in December 2012, Senator Vitter pressed Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan to the Senate Banking Committee and Congress fully informed if FHA planned to ask for a bailout. They committed to keeping Congress informed of their best projections on an on-going basis on the need for a bailout. Vitter ha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221024538/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-fights-to-save-the-pickets-from-destruction-for-louisiana-anglers-and-marine-life | Vitter Fights to Save “The Pickets” from Destruction for Louisiana Anglers & Marine Life | 2013-09-25 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Fights to Save “The Pickets” from Destruction for Louisiana Anglers & Marine Life Vitter has championed the Rigs to Reefs program in the U.S. Senate that has created treasured fishing habitats Wednesday, September 25, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, today sent a letter to the Honorable Sally Jewell, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), regarding their planned removal of platform Ship Shoal 26, commonly known in Louisiana as “the Pickets,” which is a popular site for local anglers. “We in the Gulf Coast are familiar with how idle rigs can develop into fertile marine habitats, home to some of the best fishing in the world. These artificial reefs are incredibly important to the growth and sustainability of the economy and environment in the Gulf,” said Vitter. “With Secretary Sally Jewell’s help, my hope is to preserve ‘the Pickets’ site for current and future generations of Louisiana anglers to enjoy.” Earlier this year, Vitter introduced S. 1079, the Artificial Reef Promotion Act, which would increase the utilization of decommissioned Gulf platforms as artificial reefs, as part of the Rigs to Reefs program. Click here to read more. Text of today’s letter is below. September 25, 2013 Secretary Sally Jewell U.S. Department of Interior Washington, D.C. 1849 C Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20240 Dear Secretary Jewell, I am writing to you today with concern regarding the removal of platform Ship Shoal 26, which is in the process of being purchased by Fieldwood Energy, as part of a larger sale, from Apache Corporation. As you may know this site, more commonly referred to in Louisiana as “the Pickets”, has become a treasured site for Louisiana anglers since completion of its installation off the coast of Terrebonne Parish in the early 1970’s. An unintended benefit of many of the idle rigs in the Gulf of Mexico has been the positive impact they have had on… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-cr-scalise-amendment-defund-delay-obamacare | House Passes CR with Scalise Amendment to Defund, Delay Obamacare | 2013-09-20 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – The House today passed the Continuing Resolution (CR) with a provision authored by Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise to defund and delay President Obama’s health care law and protect the nation’s credit rating. “Today’s vote is another step towards ensuring we properly fund government while defunding and delaying the President’s health care law and preventing a default on our nation’s debts,” Scalise said. “Taking swift action towards these goals is vital to the economic future of our nation. It’s now time for Senate conservatives to stand tall and unite their conference in this fight to protect American families from the devastating train wreck that is President Obama’s health care law.” The Scalise Amendment fully delays and defunds President Obama’s health care law and protects the nation’s credit rating by incorporating an amended version of the House-passed Full Faith and Credit Act. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20130926213415/http://www.vitter.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/vitter-urges-air-force-secretary-nominee-to-address-religious-freedom | Vitter Urges Air Force Secretary Nominee to Address Religious Freedom | 2013-09-20 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Urges Air Force Secretary Nominee to Address Religious Freedom Friday, September 20, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) is urging the nominee to be Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, Deborah Lee James, to address religious freedom concerns before she is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. At the Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday, Vitter directly questioned James about how she would handle the military’s restrictions on religious expressions. “Religious freedom is one of the core principles that make our nation great,” Vitter said. “Unfortunately there are far too many cases of the military restricting the men and women who serve our country from expressing their faith. That’s just not right, and I want to make sure the Air Force Secretary nominee does everything she can to fix it.” Vitter, a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, was able to include language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 that enhances the protection of service members’ expression of religious beliefs and protects troops who express their religious faith appropriately so that they are not discriminated against or subject to retaliation. The Amendment passed 19-7 in the Committee, and was supported by all 12 Republicans on the committee, along with 7 Democrats, including Senator Carl Levin (D-Mich.) the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Earlier this year the Family Research Council (FRC) released their “Clear and Present Danger” report which highlights a pattern and environment that many service members, particularly Airmen, experience. Vitter specifically asked James to look into the most striking examples in the past four years. Vitter cited more than 40 examples of threats to religious liberty. The examples are highlighted in the FRC report. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/rsc-unveils-american-health-care-reform-act | RSC unveils the American Health Care Reform Act | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise, RSC Health Care Working Group Chairman Dr. Phil Roe, and others today unveiled the American Health Care Reform Act, a bill to repeal and replace President Obama’s health care law. “While we continue fighting to repeal the president’s health care law, it is also important to lay out the reforms we stand behind and support,” Scalise said. “American families and businesses deserve and demand real solutions to the serious problems that exist in our health care system. The RSC’s American Health Care Reform Act is a common-sense bill that will lower costs using conservative, free-market solutions which give American families more choices without the unworkable mandates and billions in taxes included in President Obama’s health care law. By allowing people to buy health insurance across state lines and pool together so small businesses and families can get the same buying power as large corporations, we can lower costs and increase choices while removing Washington bureaucrats from your health care decisions. I’m proud to lead this effort with my conservative colleagues in the RSC and look forward to debating these reforms on the House floor.” “I came to Congress because, as a physician, I wanted to help shape policy to reform our nation’s health care system,” said Roe. “Unfortunately, during the ObamaCare debate, no one asked me or any of the other Republican doctors what we thought, despite requesting several meetings with the president because I saw this train wreck coming. We know the president’s health care law is unworkable and that is exactly why Chairman Scalise asked me to help draft a replacement bill. Our bill will not increase taxes, does not rely on mandates, expands coverage and lowers costs. The president and his allies claim that Republicans have no ideas for health care reform and that couldn’t be further from the truth. The RSC bill is a market-based, commonsense alternative to ObamaCare and I am proud to have worked with the Chai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-amendment-defund-delay-obamacare-passes-house | Scalise amendment to defund, delay Obamacare passes House | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Amendment also protects nation’s credit rating, is now attached to government funding bill Washington, D.C. – The House today accepted an amendment authored by Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise to defund and delay President Obama’s health care law and protect the nation’s credit rating. “House adoption of this amendment is a victory for many of us in the Republican Study Committee who have been working to keep the doors of government open while delaying and defunding Obamacare and protecting the full faith and credit of the United States,” Scalise said. “We’re now one step closer to passage of the CR and a victory for American families.” The Scalise Amendment fully delays and defunds President Obama’s health care law and protects the nation’s credit rating by incorporating an amended version of the House-passed Full Faith and Credit Act. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-fights-morganza | Scalise fights for Morganza | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement regarding Morganza to the Gulf and the recently released Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). “Morganza to the Gulf is vital to the flood protection for our families and businesses in Southeast Louisiana, and I will continue fighting to ensure that this project is included in the final version of the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA),” Scalise said. “For years I have worked with the Morganza Action Coalition and other local officials to push the Corps of Engineers to move forward with Morganza to the Gulf after the Corps re-evaluated the project in 2005. I joined with Senator Vitter and others pressing the Corps to issue a final Chief’s Report, which they did in July. “Earlier this year, I was glad to bring House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster to Southeast Louisiana to meet with local officials and gain a better understanding of the importance of this project. While I don’t serve on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which just issued a first draft of the bill this week, I continue working closely with Senator Vitter and Chairman Shuster to ensure that Morganza to the Gulf is included in the final bill. After 22 years of dealing with government bureaucrats, several authorizations and Chiefs Reports, as well as more than $70 million in studies, the people of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes have waited long enough. I’m glad Senator Landrieu, after nearly 20 years in Congress, agrees with Senator Vitter and me that this project is critical to providing strengthened flood protection to the people of Southeast Louisiana.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-joins-bipartisan-coalition-introducing-marriage-and-religious-freedom-act | Scalise Joins Bipartisan coalition in Introducing Marriage and Religious Freedom Act | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Raúl Labrador (R-ID), Rep. Steve Scalise, Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC), and Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) introduced a landmark bipartisan bill today to protect freedom of conscience on the issue of marriage. Their bill – the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act – would prohibit discrimination through the federal tax code against individuals or institutions that exercise religious conscience regarding marriage as the union of one man and one woman. “Regardless of your ideology, we can all agree about the importance of religious liberty in America,” said Rep. Labrador. “Our bill will protect freedom of conscience for those who believe marriage is the union of one man and one woman. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue. As President Obama said, ‘Americans hold a wide range of views’ on marriage and ‘maintaining our nation’s commitment to religious freedom’ is ‘vital.’ We agree. “Our bill will ensure tolerance for individuals and organizations that affirm traditional marriage, protecting them from adverse federal action. I’m proud to be joined by my colleagues in introducing this bill, and will strongly advocate for its passage.” Most religious institutions fall within the 501(c) portion of the U.S. tax code, which allows for tax exemption. Under the Marriage and Religious Freedom Act, no individual or institution which celebrates and defines marriage as between one man and one woman would be denied or lose exemption from taxation provided for under federal law. “I commend Congressman Raul Labrador for bringing forth this bill and leading on this important issue. As we’ve seen with the IRS scandals, nonprofit organizations and those who support them may be targeted and punished for their beliefs and principles,” said Chairman Scalise. “Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage may embolden those in government who want to impose their views of marriage on faith-based organizations. We need this strong legislation to protect freedo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-presents-rsc-amendment-cr | Scalise presents RSC amendment to the CR | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement regarding his amendment to the CR. “This amendment reflects the hard work of many of us in the RSC who have fought to delay and defund Obamacare while ensuring that other government operations are funded and protecting the full faith and credit of the United States. I’m proud to continue that fight in the Rules Committee tonight,” Scalise said. “For weeks, productive conversations have been underway as we work to use every legislative tool available to free hard-working Americans from President Obama’s train-wreck of a health care law. Our objective has always been to achieve victory without a government shutdown, and House Republicans will continue fighting for the American people as we work to delay and defund Obamacare. “President Obama has already agreed that his health care law is unworkable when he said he wants to delay it for big businesses and insurance companies, and it’s only fair that we extend that same relief to all American families. Defund and delay of Obamacare should not be limited to the select few who have access to the White House, and that’s why we are fighting to extend that relief to all American families.” The Scalise Amendment fully delays and defunds President Obama’s health care law and protects the nation’s credit rating by incorporating an amended version of the House-passed Full Faith and Credit Act. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221030734/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/reid-democrats-scared-to-vote-on-obamacare-exemption-amendment | Reid, Democrats Scared to Vote on Obamacare Exemption Amendment | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Reid, Democrats Scared to Vote on Obamacare Exemption Amendment Thursday, September 19, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Vitter (R-La.) made the following statement on the U.S. Senate floor after the Senate Democrats blocked Vitter’s amendment to eliminate the Obamacare exemption for Congress. Earlier in the week, U.S. Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) indicated they would vote on the Vitter amendment. “After freaking out last Thursday with threats and bribery, this week Harry Reid said he's fine with an up-or-down vote on my No Washington Exemption from Obamacare Amendment. I guess that was just a weak attempt at disguising his fear about losing his special exemption,” Vitter said. Click here to watch the video from Sen. Vitter on the floor. Vitter's amendment would reverse and clarify the decision by the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) on Obamacare. The legislation will require that all Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, and all political appointees in the Administration must purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange without the help of taxpayer-funded subsidies. Congressional staff would be prohibited from receiving any contribution greater than what they would receive if they were not employed by a congressional office. Cosponsors include Senators Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221030737/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-exposes-obamacare-exemption-for-congress-denials | Vitter Exposes “Obamacare Exemption for Congress” Denials | 2013-09-19 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Exposes “Obamacare Exemption for Congress” Denials Sen. Landrieu (D-La.) has been misleading constituents about the Obamacare exemption Thursday, September 19, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) has been pushing for a vote on his amendment to reverse and clarify the decision by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on Obamacare. The legislation will require that all Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, and all political appointees in the Administration must purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange without the help of taxpayer-funded subsidies. Some in Washington have been denying that the exemption exists. “Some are lying, trying to mislead the public about the Obamacare exemption for Congress,” Vitter said. “President Obama recently issued a special rule for Congress and congressional staff to get a special subsidy to purchase health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange unavailable to every other American at similar income levels. That’s an exemption, plain and simple.” The statutory language of Obamacare, makes no provision for any special congressional subsidy. Section 1512 of that law clearly states that employees in general who go to the Obamacare Exchange lose any previous employer-provided subsidy. The language of the OPM rule says there will be no impact of the employer contribution to Members of Congress and congressional staff once they go to the Obamacare Exchange. Attached is a letter that Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) sent to a Louisiana constituent denying that the exemption exists. Also attached is a letter from Vitter to the same constituent. Below is an info graphic to better explain the exemption. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20130923225505/http://www.vitter.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/vitter-introduces-bill-to-ensure-checks-and-balances-at-nrc | Vitter Introduces Bill to Ensure Checks and Balances at NRC | 2013-09-18 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Introduces Bill to Ensure Checks and Balances at NRC The Nuclear Regulatory Commission Reorganization Act strengthens internal checks and balances; clarifies NRC Members’ scope of power Wednesday, September 18, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Reorganization Plan Codification and Complements Act (NRC Reorganization Act), which would guide the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) policy and rule-making actions and clarify the role and scope of power of each Commission member. “The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has a supremely important role within our government, and it cannot effectively operate without commonsense legislation supporting it. We want to support the function of the Commission, but put some simple checks and balances in place,” said Vitter. “Our bill will allow the Commission to run itself efficiently, and to preempt abuse of power.” The NRC Reorganization Act codifies the Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1980, which had not been voted on in Congress. It also disperses power from the NRC Chairman to all five commissioners to avoid future abuses of power and mismanagement. The bill states that NRC members will have equal access to all information within the Agency, as well as the power to fill vacancies. The NRC is made up of five appointed commissioners who are responsible for the policy formulation, rulemaking, and orders and adjudications regarding all national nuclear energy issues. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221003822/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-to-press-fugate-for-delay-in-flood-insurance-premium | Vitter to Press Fugate for Delay in Flood Insurance Premium | 2013-09-18 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter to Press Fugate for Delay in Flood Insurance Premium Wednesday, September 18, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – Later today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter will be questioning Craig Fugate, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), at the U.S. Senate Banking Committee hearing regarding the potentially drastic increases to flood insurance premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In June, Vitter secured a commitment from the Banking Committee leadership to bring Fugate in to testify. In addition to sitting on the committee, Vitter will also be a key witness. "Earlier this year, FEMA caused panic in many parishes in south Louisiana in part by predicting future flood insurance rates based on incomplete and inaccurate maps, and the man in charge of administering this program needs to explain the challenges resulting from the implementation of Biggert-Waters,” Vitter said. “At a minimum, Fugate could support our call for delay in a premium increases.” Vitter has three key requests for Fugate and the Obama administration: • The President has delayed Obamacare because it's not ready; is FEMA willing to delay Biggert-Waters for at least a year? • Will FEMA agree to halt releasing new flood insurance rate maps until issues involving their accuracy, such as those raised by parish officials in Louisiana, are worked out? • Will FEMA join the Louisiana delegation in proposing its own administrative fixes on Biggert-Waters, particularly the affordability issue? Vitter has been demanding that FEMA rescind their flood maps in Southeast Louisiana until their mapping issues are resolved. Currently FEMA doesn't credit non-federal levees when determining flood risk. Vitter has also called on President Barack Obama to not nominate Fugate to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security unless and until problems with the NFIP are resolved. Click here to read the request. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-cr-0 | Scalise Statement on the CR | 2013-09-16 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steve Scalise issued the following statement regarding the latest developments on the CR. “We can achieve victory for American families without a government shutdown, but I will not surrender in the fight to delay Obamacare for all Americans,” Scalise said. “We must use every legislative avenue available, through the CR, the debt ceiling, and sequester conversations to free the country from the President’s train-wreck of a healthcare law. I will continue pushing for a CR that delays Obamacare for one year and, while we’re not there yet, productive conversations towards that goal continue. President Obama has already agreed to delay Obamacare for big businesses and insurance companies, and it’s only fair that we extend the same relief to American families.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20130917001943/http://www.vitter.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/vitter-requests-ethics-investigation-of-majority-leader-reid-and-senator-boxer | Vitter Requests Ethics Investigation of Majority Leader Reid and Senator Boxer | 2013-09-13 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Requests Ethics Investigation of Majority Leader Reid and Senator Boxer Regarding Reid and Boxer attempt to intimidate and bribe members to act and vote in a certain manner regarding the congressional exemption from Obamacare Friday, September 13, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today sent a letter to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics requesting an investigation of Senators Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and their respective staffs for violating the Committee’s rules by proposing and circulating through the press legislation that ties Members’ personal healthcare benefits to their performance of specific acts and votes. Vitter is fighting to end the Obamacare exemption for Congress and Washington. The exemption could take effect on October 1, 2013 without a legislative fix. Vitter's amendment would reverse and clarify the decision by the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) on Obamacare. The legislation requires that all Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, and all political appointees in the Administration must purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange without the help of taxpayer-funded subsidies. Congressional staff would be prohibited from receiving any contribution greater than what they would receive if they were not employed by a congressional office. Cosponsors include Senators Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.). The text of the letter is below. September 13, 2013 The Honorable Barbara Boxer, Chair The Honorable Johnny Isakson, Vice Chair Senate Select Committee on Ethics Hart Building, Room 220 Washington, DC 20510 Re: Request for Investigation of Senator Harry Reid, Senator Barbara Boxer, and their respective staffs Dear Chairwoman Boxer and Vice Chairman Isakson: I respectfully request that the Senate Select Committee on Ethics investigate whether Senator Harry Reid, Senator Barbara B… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221030814/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-continues-push-for-no-washington-exemption-from-obamacare- | Vitter Continues Push for No Washington Exemption from Obamacare | 2013-09-12 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Continues Push for No Washington Exemption from Obamacare Fights for vote on his amendment to energy efficiency bill Thursday, September 12, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) is fighting to end the Obamacare exemption for Congress and Washington. The exemption could take effect on October 1, 2013 without a legislative fix. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has threatened to pull the energy efficiency bill off the U.S. Senate floor so he won't have to vote on the Vitter amendment. “Senator Reid promised an open amendment process, but I guess only if his Obamacare exemption isn't threatened,” Vitter said. “Washington needs to stand with the American people and not treat itself like a higher, select ruling class.” Click here to watch Vitter’s floor speech today and from yesterday. Vitter's amendment would reverse and clarify the decision by the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) on Obamacare. The legislation will require that all Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, and all political appointees in the Administration must purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange without the help of taxpayer-funded subsidies. Congressional staff would be prohibited from receiving any contribution greater than what they would receive if they were not employed by a congressional office. Cosponsors include Senators Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221005418/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-pushing-corps-to-rethink-west-shore-hurricane-protection-plan | Vitter Pushing Corps to Rethink West Shore Hurricane Protection Plan | 2013-09-11 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter Pushing Corps to Rethink West Shore Hurricane Protection Plan Says they can protect more people for basically same cost to feds with locally-preferred plan Wednesday, September 11, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter is calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to rethink their recent tentatively-selected plan for the West Shore Hurricane Protection Project. On August 23, the Corps announced their “tentatively selected plan,” but the alignment they chose protects fewer parishes than a separate alignment that is preferred by local officials. “To help better understand the needs of the non-federal sponsor and their willingness to work with the Corps, I’m urging the Corps to accompany the locals on a helicopter tour of the project study area,” Vitter said. “The locally-preferred alignment would offer a lot more protection for a lot more people for basically the same price to the federal government.” Vitter is the top ranking Republican on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Corps. The text of Vitter’s letter to the Corps is below. September 10, 2013 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUESTED Colonel Richard Hansen District Commander and District Engineer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – CEMVN P.O. Box 60267 New Orleans, LA 70160 Dear Colonel Hansen: I am writing to express my unequivocal support for the locally-preferred option (Alternative D) to construct the West Shore Hurricane Protection System. The recently-released Integrated Draft Feasibility Report and Environmental Impact Statement clearly proves that Alternative D provides a more robust level of flood protection over the Army Corps of Engineers' (Corps') tentatively selected plan (Alternative C). While only slightly more costly that the Corps' plan, Alternative D would protect significantly more communities and structures, lower the number of impacted pipeline crossings, and nearly quadruple the protected miles of Intersta… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-opposes-syria-resolution | Scalise opposes Syria resolution | 2013-09-10 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | Steve Scalise | S001176 | scalise.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Steve Scalise today issued the following statement regarding the anticipated vote in the House on a resolution authorizing the use of military force in Syria. “After careful consideration and numerous briefings, I cannot support the Administration’s request for a resolution authorizing the use of military force in Syria,” Scalise said. “The Administration has not made the case that military action in Syria is in America’s best interest, and I have strong concerns that we will be involving ourselves in a civil war where there are bad actors on both sides.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20130917172231/http://www.vitter.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/sens-vitter-enzi-to-introduce-legislation-to-stop-a-washington-exemption-from-obamacare | Sens. Vitter, Enzi to Introduce Legislation to Stop a Washington Exemption from Obamacare | 2013-09-10 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Sens. Vitter, Enzi to Introduce Legislation to Stop a Washington Exemption from Obamacare Congressmen DeSantis and Ross introduce companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday, September 10, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sens. David Vitter (R-La.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) will be introducing legislation to reverse and clarify the decision by the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) on Obamacare. Their legislation will require that all Members of Congress, the President, Vice President, and all political appointees in the Administration must purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange without the help of taxpayer-funded subsidies. Congressional staff would be prohibited from receiving any contribution greater than what they would receive if they were not employed by a congressional office. Congressmen Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) and Dennis Ross (R-Fla.) are introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives today and will also offer it as an amendment to House Continuing Resolution. “These recent maneuverings inside the beltway are precisely why the American people rightly despise Congress,” Vitter said. “Our legislation gets right to the core of the OPM ‘fix’ and says we won’t allow a Washington exemption from Obamacare. The House should include Rep. DeSantis’s legislation in their Continuing Resolution this week, and we’ll work to get it passed in the Senate.” “I was in Wyoming for most of August and part of this month holding listening sessions and meeting with folks. People were angry that Congress gets some exemptions from Obamacare that they don’t,” said Enzi. “Not only Congress, but the president and the Administration should live under the same rules they are forcing on the American people. Delays, exemptions, special treatment is the name of the game with this massively complex and onerous new law, but it’s no game. This is people’s health care and they deserve fairness. This bill will help them g… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221030824/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-louisiana-takes-bold-step-to-put-state-in-control-of-red-snapper-management | Vitter: Louisiana Takes Bold Step to Put State in Control of Red Snapper Management | 2013-09-06 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter: Louisiana Takes Bold Step to Put State in Control of Red Snapper Management Friday, September 6, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, today applauded the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for withdrawing from the flawed federal program for estimating recreational red snapper harvest in the Gulf of Mexico. The federal program tasked with red snapper stock assessments say they have been overharvested this summer and will shut down the fall season. “There’s no reason Louisiana anglers should get punished for federal miscalculations and bogus data,” Vitter said. “I trust the state’s estimates much more than the federal agency’s here and I fully support the state’s decision to walk away from the federal program. I’ll continue fighting to give coastal states the authority to regulate their own natural and commercial offshore resources which will help alleviate financial troubles and allow a much more local approach.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Recreation Information Program (MRIP) estimated nearly 200,000 more pounds of red snapper harvested than state estimates indicate. This has resulted in NOAA’s determination that Louisiana has overharvested red snapper and may significantly shorten their fall season from 21 days to as few as 7 days. On February 28, Vitter and other U.S. Senators requested a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of the methodology and practices of NOAA’s stock assessments which have been using controversial data and science. The review is still pending. Vitter also has legislation, the Offshore Fairness Act, which allows states to have exclusive fishery management over the red snapper fish, the lutjuanus campechanus, within a jurisdiction of 200 miles out from their coastline. Click here to read more about the legislation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://web.archive.org/web/20140221013517/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-to-oppose-syria-resolution-says-us-military-action-could-make-situation-worse | Vitter to Oppose Syria Resolution, Says U.S. Military Action Could Make Situation Worse | 2013-09-05 | 2013 | 2013-09 | Republican | House | LA | David Vitter | V000127 | web.archive.org | legacy | Vitter to Oppose Syria Resolution, Says U.S. Military Action Could Make Situation Worse Thursday, September 5, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today announced he will oppose the Syria resolution. Yesterday he participated in a briefing for Senate Armed Services Committee members with Charles Hagel, Secretary of Defense and General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding potential military action in Syria. Vitter made the following statement this morning: “After a lot of careful thought and prayer, I have decided that I will vote NO on the Syria war resolution. As horrible as events in Syria are, they do not pose a direct threat to the United States or our allies. U.S. military action could spark a broader war and/or entangle us in Syria's protracted civil war in which elements of the opposition are even worse than the Assad regime, all while our troops are underfunded. There is a very serious and direct threat to us in the region – Iran's development of nuclear weapons. I am extremely concerned that getting involved in Syria, after Iraq and Afghanistan, would make mustering our resolve to stop a nuclear Iran impossible.” Vitter is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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