url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-advocates-for-federal-contract-tower-program-to-new-administration,Cassidy Advocates for Federal Contract Tower Program to New Administration,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), as part of a bipartisan group of 34 US Senators, including Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Joe Manchin (D-WV), sent a letter to President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence asking for their support for the Federal Contract Tower (FCT) Program and reforms proposed by Dr. Cassidy that would allow airports like Hammond Northshore Regional Airport to enter into the program.   “The Hammond tower is a critical regional and national asset, serving as the staging area during natural disasters,” said Dr. Cassidy. “When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, hundreds of aircrafts and first responders used Hammond Northshore Regional Airport to aid in rescue and recovery efforts.”   The letter to President-Elect Trump and Vice President-Elect Pence can be read here.   Hammond Northshore Regional Airport Allowance Into FCT Program   Airports in Louisiana support approximately 58,900 jobs, with payroll of nearly $1.8 billion, and produce $6.7 billion in economic impact. Acceptance of the Hammond tower into the FCT Program would greatly benefit Louisiana industries economically as well as alleviate pressure on the MSY tower in New Orleans.   Current law requires the FAA to complete a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) before determining the eligibility for airports to enter into the FCT Program. Since announcing its plans in April 2014, the FAA has failed to complete and implement a revised BCA for the FCT Program.   Dr. Cassidy secured language in the FAA reauthorization bill that would end the agency’s administrative prohibition on determining the airport’s eligibility based solely on the unfinished BCA. Currently, more than 30 air traffic control towers are waiting on the FAA to complete the BCA for acceptance into the FCT Program, including Hammond Northshore Regional Airport.   Dr. Cassidy has been a longtime advocate, urging the FAA to end this prohibition. Read the letter he led with Senators Vitter, Cornyn, Portman and Wicker here.   Dr. Cassidy also led a letter with the Louisiana delegation in October urging the FAA to accept Hammond Airport into the FCT program. Read that letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-comments-on-release-of-additional-12b-in-flood-recovery-funds-for-louisiana,Cassidy Comments on Release of Additional $1.2B in Flood Recovery Funds for Louisiana,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the just over $1.2 billion that was secured by US Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and the Louisiana delegation in the FY2017 Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act.   “Securing this relief funding, to get folks back in their homes, is another victory in our mission to provide the people of Louisiana the resources they need to rebuild, recover and prosper,” Said Dr. Cassidy. “The entire Louisiana Congressional delegation worked hard to get this done.”   These new funds bring the total CDBG-DR allocation for Louisiana to almost $1.66 billion for housing recovery efforts and an additional $230 million for other infrastructure recovery projects.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/western-caucus-members-reject-obama-s-unilateral-offshore-drilling-ban,"Western Caucus Members Reject Obamas Unilateral Offshore Drilling Ban, Pledge to Work with Trump to Immediately Overturn",2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, President Obama took unprecedented unilateral action to block future mineral exploration and development of 118.8 million offshore acres in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) and caucus members Congressman Don Young (AK-At large) and Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06) issued the following statements in response: “President Obama’s latest political maneuver unilaterally removes 118.8 million acres from U.S. mineral potential, jeopardizes our energy security and threatens to kill good-paying jobs throughout the country. This Christmas give-away for the president’s favorite special-interest groups is not based on merit or need. Making it tougher to produce oil and natural gas in America defies commonsense and could make us more dependent on volatile foreign markets,” said Chairman Gosar. “It has become abundantly clear that in his final desperate days in office, the president is more concerned with appeasing far-left ideological groups than with the well-being of the American people. This latest midnight executive action by a lame duck president won’t stand and I’ll work closely with the Trump Administration to reverse this misguided moratorium that jeopardizes affordable energy.” “Hell-bent on locking away our resources and suffocating our already weakened economy, President Obama is one step closer to solidifying his place next to Jimmy Carter as Alaska’s worst nightmare,” said Congressman Young. “Frankly, this is a cowardly move by a lame duck President – eight years to take this action, yet it comes at the 11th hour with little to no support from Alaskans. I’ve been adamant with this administration; Alaska is not and should not be used as the poster child for a pandering environmental agenda. This decision only strengthens our resolve – as a resources oriented state – to overturn the heavy hand of government and empower our people and communities with new social and economic opportunities. The groundwork is already being laid to overturn this terrible decision.” “Today’s White House announcement is disappointing, but unsurprising; it’s a continuation of Obama’s efforts to increase employment opportunities in Iran, Venezuela and other nations rather than the United States. Federal energy policy needs to strike a balance between environmental and economic priorities - not impose ‘government knows best’ mandates like this one. We’re looking forward to working with the next Administration to strengthen our national energy security and foster a job creation environment while responsibly stewarding the environment.” said Congressman Graves. Background: The massive mineral withdrawal announced by President Obama today encompasses 3.8 million acres in the Atlantic Ocean and 115 million acres in the Arctic Ocean. (Courtesy of the American Petroleum Institute) OCSLA Section 12(a) allows a President to withdraw OCS areas from leasing consideration – It does not say that these withdrawals are permanent. A permanent withdrawal would be entirely contrary to Congress' stated purpose in creating OCSLA, which was to make the OCS ""available for expeditious and orderly development.” OCSLA Section 12(a) allows a President to withdraw OCS areas from leasing consideration – It does not say that these withdrawals are permanent. A permanent withdrawal would be entirely contrary to Congress' stated purpose in creating OCSLA, which was to make the OCS ""available for expeditious and orderly development.”   In addition, a permanent and unilateral withdrawal by the president would conflict directly with the special role that OCSLA gives governors in OCS leasing decisions. Past precedent shows that the President has power to undo a 12(a) withdrawal through a simple presidential memorandum. Specifically, in 2008 George W. Bush used a simple memorandum to remove previous 12(a) withdrawal areas and open all OCS lands to leasing except marine sanctuaries. President Trump, once in office, can similarly rescind any areas withdrawn by President Obama with a simple memorandum.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-applauds-doe-investment-in-lake-charles-methanol-project,Cassidy Applauds DOE Investment in Lake Charles Methanol Project,2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) applauds the investment of $2 billion into the Lake Charles Methanol (LCM) project by the Department of Energy (DOE).   “The Department of Energy’s investment in the Lake Charles Methanol Project is a positive sign that the federal government is committed to increasing domestic energy production and improving current energy refining technology. This is a step forward for US energy independence and is a boon for the Louisiana economy,” said Dr. Cassidy.   LCM is $3.8 billion project to build a clean energy refinery near the Port of Lake Charles in Lake Charles, LA that will create 1,500 jobs, including 300 oil industry jobs and increase domestic oil production by 12,500 barrels per day.   The advanced technology used at LCM will protect the environment by refining petcoke rather than directly burning it and by using a closed refining system that avoids harmful emission.   Dr. Cassidy has continuously supported increased domestic energy production and earlier this year, introduced the American Energy and Conservation Act of 2016. Read more here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-new-anti-coal-regs-insult-american-workers,Scalise: New Anti-Coal Regs 'An Insult to American Workers',2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"""It is an insult to American workers that President Obama continues waging his heartless war against coal country, especially on the eve of Christmas in the final days of his administration. This job-killing radical regulation has the power to crush the livelihoods and way of life of so many Americans, and it represents yet another assault on our nation's energy security. Thankfully, big changes are on the way, and I am eager to work with the Trump administration to finally end the war on American energy jobs and bring relief to the families and communities who depend on coal to heat their homes and make their living. Together we are going to revitalize American energy, create good-paying jobs, and make America great again.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/femas-transitional-shelering-assistance-program-extended,FEMA's Transitional Shelering Assistance program extended,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"FEMA grants 30-day extension of TSA program FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program has been extended by one month for Louisiana survivors affected by the August floods.  Eligible survivors may stay in participating hotels/motels through the night of Monday, January 16, 2017 but must check out by Tuesday, January 17, 2017. FEMA’s TSA program allows eligible survivors to stay in participating hotel/motel rooms that are billed directly to FEMA. The TSA program is a short-term housing option, and eligible survivors should be actively looking for a long-term housing solution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-mulvaney-tireless-champion-fiscal-conservatism,Scalise: Mulvaney a 'Tireless Champion of Fiscal Conservatism',2016-12-17,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scalise: Mulvaney a 'Tireless Champion of Fiscal Conservatism' Dec 17, 2016 METAIRIE, La.—Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement today regarding President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.) to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): ""Mick Mulvaney is a tireless champion of fiscal conservatism, and the decision by President-elect Trump to nominate Mick as the head of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sends a strong message that he's serious about forcing Washington to get its fiscal house in order. I applaud this commitment by President-elect Trump to bring budgetary sanity and fiscal responsibility to our federal government, and I congratulate my friend and colleague, Mick Mulvaney, on his nomination to this important post.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-announces-more-19m-flood-recovery-grants-ascension-parish-school-board,Rep. Richmond Announces More Than $19M in Flood Recovery Grants for the Ascension Parish School Board,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA-02) announced the availability of more than $19 million in federal funding for the Ascension Parish School Board. The resources will reimburse schools throughout Ascension Parish that require temporary facilities due to damages from the August flooding: “We are continuing to make strides toward rebuilding our community after this disaster,” said Rep. Richmond.  “This most recent grant from FEMA will help schools in Ascension Parish continue to educate students following the extraordinary circumstances created by flood damage. There is still a long road ahead to full recovery, but I will continue to ensure that we receive the necessary support from the federal government every step of the way. ” FEMA grants announced today include: ASCENSION PARISH SCHOOL BOARD The award provides $3,549,404.70 in federal funding to provide temporary facilities to Galvez Middle School. The award is required as a result of damages withstood to the school during severe storms and flooding.  ASCENSION PARISH SCHOOL BOARD The award provides $4,604,180.40 in federal funding to provide temporary facilities to Galvez Primary School. The award is required as a result of damages withstood to the school during severe storms and flooding.    ASCENSION PARISH SCHOOL BOARD The award provides $4,696,074.00 in federal funding to provide temporary facilities to St. Amant High School. The award is required as a result of damages withstood to the school during severe storms and flooding.      ASCENSION PARISH SCHOOL BOARD The award provides $6,365,844.90 in federal funding to provide temporary facilities to Lake Elementary School. The award is required as a result of damages withstood to the school during severe storms and flooding.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-zinke-%E2%80%98-great-selection%E2%80%99-interior-secretary,SCALISE: Zinke A Great Selection for Interior Secretary,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"SCALISE: Zinke ‘A Great Selection’ for Interior Secretary Dec 15, 2016 METAIRIE, La.—Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) to serve as Secretary of the Interior:   “President-elect Trump made a great selection for Interior Secretary in choosing my friend and colleague Ryan Zinke. Not only is Ryan an American hero for his exceptional military service as a SEAL Team commander, he is also a rock-ribbed conservative who understands the importance of expanding energy production and reversing the war on coal to create more jobs and lower energy costs.    “As a Montanan, he also understands the importance of properly managing federal lands, and especially reversing the economic damage done in the western states through the last eight years of President Obama's radical policies. We know that safe and responsible drilling is critical to America's energy security, and President-elect Trump's selection of Ryan Zinke sends a strong message that he wants to create more jobs and finally establish America as the world leader in energy production.   “Ryan has been a valuable member of my Whip Team, and we will miss his leadership in the House, but our loss is the country's gain.” p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-congratulates-zinke-on-interior-secretary-nomination,Cassidy Congratulates Zinke on Interior Secretary Nomination,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) congratulated Congressman Ryan Zinke (R-MT) on his nomination as Secretary of the Interior.    The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, on which Dr. Cassidy sits and chairs the subcommittee on national parks, will be holding confirmation hearings for Rep. Zinke’s nomination during the next Congress.   Dr. Cassidy released the following statement on the nomination:   “Congressman Zinke has been a successful member of the House Natural Resources committee and is a solid choice for Secretary of the Interior. As the Chairman for the Senate subcommittee on national parks, I look forward to working with Zinke on public lands management in ways that bring the maximum benefit to the American people.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-statement-resignation-ldwf-secretary,Graves Statement on the Resignation of LDWF Secretary,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Baton Rouge, LA – Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves (R – Capital Region) released the following statement regarding the resignation of Charlie Melancon as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries: “We appreciate Charlie’s years of public service and wish him well in future endeavors.  We also look forward to working with the new secretary to ensure Louisiana remains the Sportsman’s Paradise.   The State of Louisiana has a remarkable record of sustainable wildlife and fisheries leadership.  We can build upon these successes by delegating management authority over larger areas of Gulf of Mexico fisheries.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-meets-with-labor-secretary-nominee-puzder,Cassidy Meets with Labor Secretary Nominee Puzder,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD met with Andrew Puzder, current nominee for Department of Labor Secretary.   The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on which Dr. Cassidy sits, will be holding confirmation hearings for Puzder’s nomination during the next Congress.   After the meeting, Dr. Cassidy released the following statement:   “Mr. Puzder and I had a great meeting. We spoke of how American workers need more opportunity for better jobs with better wages and benefits, and what is needed for this to occur,” said Dr. Cassidy. “He is enthusiastic about this task and brings a proven track record of creating opportunity. I will work to secure his speedy confirmation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-tillerson-fits-bill,Scalise: 'Tillerson fits the bill',2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"In light of President-elect Trump’s announcement today that he intends to nominate Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State, here are Majority Whip Scalise’s remarks on Tillerson during two national TV interviews yesterday afternoon. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} To CNN’s Wolf Blitzer:   Click Here To Watch Clip   SCALISE: “Well if you look at Rex Tillerson, I’ve met him a few times, he’s testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee that I sit on, he presents himself incredibly well. But one of the things that he’s known for, and frankly respected for all around the world, is his ability to negotiate international agreements. That’s a good thing. That’s something you’d want in a Secretary of State. Some people say the only person who might have more experience in dealing with countries like Russia is Henry Kissinger. I don’t think anybody knocks Henry Kissinger’s credentials. So, if you look at Rex Tillerson’s background, he’s the head of one of the largest companies in the world, an American-based company. Exxon employs tens of thousands of Americans. This is the kind of person that’s got very respected credentials all around the world, he can negotiate tough deals with foreign countries, and I think that would be an asset for the Trump administration.”    To Fox News’ Neil Cavuto:   Click Here To Watch Clip   p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} SCALISE: “Look at Rex Tillerson. First of all, he’s incredibly respected as a person who has negotiated complex international agreements. That’s the kind of experience you would want in a Secretary of State. Many people have said that if you compare Rex Tillerson, maybe the only person who has more experience dealing with Russia is Henry Kissinger. I don’t think anybody is knocking Henry Kissinger because he knows how to deal with Russia. You want somebody to be tough, who has a proven track record, and Rex Tillerson fits that bill.”  p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-meets-with-hhs-secretary-nominee-price,Cassidy Meets with HHS Secretary Nominee Price,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) met with Health and Human Services Secretary nominee, Representative Tom Price, MD (R-GA).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/landmark-mental-health-legislation-signed-into-law,Landmark Mental Health Legislation Signed into Law,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) announced that his mental health reforms, included in the 21st Century Cures Act, were signed into law by the president.    “The enactment of 21st Century Cures marks the beginning of serious mental health reform. This legislation will help the millions of individuals and families affected by mental illness become whole,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I am thankful for all those who supported this bill, especially my colleague, Senator Chris Murphy, as well as all of those affected by mental illness in Louisiana who shared their stories with me. We have all worked together since day one to make mental health reform a reality.”  After months of collaborating with mental health professionals, policy experts, consumers and family members, Cassidy and Murphy introduced their bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act of 2015 to expand federal resources and improve coordination for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. The Senators worked closely with U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Patty Murray (D-WA) to craft an updated bill, the Mental Health Reform Act of 2016, which passed the HELP Committee unanimously earlier this year. The Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 served as the basis for the mental health language included in the bill passed today. Highlights from the Cures Act are included below. A fact sheet can be found here.   Mental Health Reforms   ·         Integrates Physical and Mental Health: The bill encourages states to break down walls between physical and mental health care systems by requiring them to identify barriers to integration. States will be eligible for grants to promote integration between primary and behavioral health care for individuals with mental illness along with co-occurring physical health conditions.   ·         Strengthens Transparency and Enforcement of Mental Health Parity: The bill strengthens the enforcement of existing mental health parity protections to ensure that physical and mental health are covered equally by insurers. It requires federal agencies to report on enforcement actions related to the mental health parity law and establishes an enforcement “action plan” informed by key stakeholders. It also requires the government to audit a health plan if it is found to have violated existing mental health parity laws.   ·         Establishes New Programs for Early Intervention and Improves Access to Mental Health Care for Children: The bill establishes a grant program focused on intensive early intervention for infants and young children who are at risk of developing or are showing signs of mental illness. A second grant program supports pediatrician consultation with mental health teams, which has seen great success in states like Massachusetts and Connecticut. The bill also ensures that children covered by Medicaid have access to the full range of early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services.   ·         Strengthens Suicide Prevention: The bill continues the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline program, and provides information and training for suicide prevention, surveillance, and intervention strategies. It reauthorizes Youth Suicide Early Intervention and Prevention Strategies grants to states and tribes, and establishes suicide prevention and intervention program grants for adults.   ·         Establishes New National Mental Health Policy Laboratory: The bill establishes a new entity to fund innovation grants that identify new and effective models of care, and demonstration grants to bring effective models to scale for adults and children.   ·         Reauthorizes Successful Grant Programs: The bill reauthorizes key programs like the Community Mental Health Block Grants and state-based data collection. It modernizes the mental health and substance use disorder block grants, streamlines the application process, and promotes the use of evidence-based practices within states. It continues grants to states and communities to help train teachers, emergency services personnel and others to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness. Additionally, it reauthorizes grants to train mental health providers such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and paraprofessionals.   ·         Strengthens Leadership and Accountability for Federal Mental Health and Substance Use Programs: The bill creates an Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services who will be responsible for overseeing grants and promoting best practices. The Assistant Secretary will work with other federal agencies and key stakeholders to coordinate mental health services across the federal system and help them to identify and implement effective and promising models of care. The bill also establishes a Chief Medical Officer to advise on evidence-based and promising best practices emphasizing a clinical focus.   ·         Develops New Educational Materials on Privacy Protections: The bill requires HHS to develop educational materials to help patients, clinicians and family members understand when personal health information can be shared to clear up confusion.   Opioid Treatment & Prevention   ·         The bill provides $1 billion over 2 years for grants targeting opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities, such as improving prescription drug monitoring programs, implementing prevention activities, training for health care providers, and expanding access to opioid treatment programs   Funding for NIH & the Cancer Moonshot   ·         The bill provides over $4.8 billion over 10 years to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the Precision Medicine Initiative, the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative, cancer research, and regenerative medicine using adult stem cells.   ·         The bill provides $500 million to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over 10 years to implement provisions in Title III to move drugs and medical devices to patients more quickly, while maintaining the same standard for safety and effectiveness.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/week-review-week-december-5-2016,"The Week In Review - Week of December 5, 2016",2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Below is a snapshot of some of the recent legislation Congressman Graves has been working on in the US House of Representatives. If you have questions or comments regarding these or other legislative issues, contact our office today.  This week revisited - on the Floor.  On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 5143, the Transparent Insurance Standards Act of 2016, by a vote of 239-170 (See Roll Call #613). This legislation would provide greater transparency and congressional oversight of international insurance standards setting processes by establishing a series of requirements to be met before the Treasury Department or the Federal Reserve may agree to, accept, establish, enter into or consent to the adoption of a final international insurance standard.On Thursday, the House passed S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, by a vote of 360-61. (See Roll Call #622). This legislation addresses the needs of America’s harbors, locks, dams, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure. The measure includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which passed the House in September, in addition to provisions to improve drinking water infrastructure, address control of coal combustion residuals, improve water storage and delivery to drought-stricken communities, address federal dam maintenance backlogs, and approve longstanding water settlement agreements. Learn what Rep Graves had to say about it here! On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 2028, the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017, by a vote of 326-96  (See Roll Call #620). The CR extends funding for operations for most federal agencies, programs, and services until April 28, 2017. It maintains current budget cap levels of $1.07 trillion put into place under the Budget Control Act of 2011. The CR also provides $872 million in funding to carry out the 21st Century Cures Act, provides $170 million to address the infrastructure and health needs of communities impacted by contaminated drinking water, provides $4.1 billion in disaster relief funding to address damage caused by recent natural disasters, and $5.8 billion for the Department of Defense and $4.3 billion for the State Department to support military and diplomatic efforts to fight ISIS and terror around the globe, provide essential resources to ensure our national security, and increase the readiness of our troops. Learn what Rep Graves had to say about it here!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bill-to-honor-late-shreveport-judge-tom-stagg-signed-into-law,Bill to Honor Late Shreveport Judge Tom Stagg Signed into Law,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— Last April, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD and US Senator David Vitter introduced a bill in the US Senate to designate the Shreveport Federal Building and United States Courthouse as the “Tom Stagg United States Court House.” On Thursday, Dr. Cassidy’s bill was signed into law by the president.   “The Honorable Tom Stagg was an inspirational figure and is well deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Cassidy. “He was a deeply respected member of his community and had a reputation of intelligence, spirit, patriotism, wisdom and wit.” The Honorable Thomas ‘Tom’ Eaton Stagg Jr. of Shreveport, who passed away last June, served in the United States Army during WWII. He rose to the rank of Captain, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge, a Bronze Star for Valor, another Bronze Star for meritorious service and the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster.   After attending Cambridge and LSU Law Center, Stagg served in private practice before his nomination to serve on the federal bench for the Western District of Louisiana in 1974. He was named chief judge in 1984, a position he held until 1991.   Read the bill here. Last April, Dr. Cassidy spoke on the Senate floor in support of the building’s renaming and to honor the late Judge Stagg. Dr. Cassidy’s speech can be seen here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-welcomes-kennedy-johnson-and-higgins-to-the-us-congress,"Cassidy Welcomes Kennedy, Johnson, and Higgins to the US Congress",2016-12-10,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“Today’s election of John Kennedy, Mike Johnson and Clay Higgins sends a clear statement that Louisiana wants strong, conservative leadership in Washington,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I am proud to have John, Mike, and Clay as partners in Congress as we work for Louisiana families.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-wiin-act-strengthens-our-nation%E2%80%99s-water-transportation-infrastructure-and,Scalise: 'WIIN Act strengthens our nations water transportation infrastructure and modernizes our ports',2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scalise: 'WIIN Act strengthens our nation’s water transportation infrastructure and modernizes our ports' Dec 9, 2016 WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip (R-La.) issued the following statement regarding House passage of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act: ""The Mississippi River and Louisiana’s ports play a central role in driving our national economy and American job creation. The WIIN Act strengthens our nation’s water transportation infrastructure and modernizes our ports. By making a long-overdue reforms to our ports and waterways, America can remain dominant in the maritime marketplace."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-welcomes-donald-trump-to-louisiana,Cassidy Welcomes Donald Trump to Louisiana,2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“From day one, we in Louisiana have supported President-Elect Donald Trump’s message of supporting hard-working taxpayers, honoring veterans, and repealing and replacing Obamacare. I look forward to working with President-Elect Trump to Make America Great Again. It’s an honor to have him visit our state and help Louisiana elect John Kennedy to the Senate. ”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/affordable-housting-solutions-expo-weekend,Affordable Housing Solutions Expo this weekend,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Association Affordable Housing Solutions Expo & Disaster Recovery Resource Fair Where: Celtic Media Centre — Caitlin Bldg. Stage 6 10000 Celtic Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70809 When:  Friday, Dec. 9 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday Dec. 10th 9:00 am to 3:00 pm   Expo is adjacent to official Disaster Recovery Center.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-comprehensive-water-resources-bill,House Passes Comprehensive Water Resources Bill,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Garret Graves (R – South Louisiana) boosted House passage of S.612 - the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which included Graves’ provisions to reverse the US Corps of Engineers’ culture of delay, expedite completion of critical flood protection projects in areas like Livingston, Ascension and East Baton Rouge Parishes, and accelerate funding toward the completion of the Comite and Amite River flood protection projects. S. 612 is the legislative vehicle for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA 2016).  “The Corps of Engineers’ is one of the most ineffective government agencies out there,” said Graves. “Flood protection projects dating back decades - some of which would have lessened the severity of the devastating, flood event that ravaged Louisiana in August – don’t look much different today than they did decades ago. It’s inexcusable.” Graves’ amendments included in the legislation direct the Corps to accelerate $150 million in flood protection projects in Livingston, East Baton Rouge, Ascension and other parishes. “Putting the burden of the Corps’ failure on residents in these areas is unacceptable – which is essentially the case as home and business owners are stuck with the bill trying to rebuild their lives after the flooding,” he added. “Instead, we need to get these projects finished to lower the base flood elevation of these communities. Our amendment helps accomplish that and will provide a path forward for homeowners to get back in their homes and on the road to full recovery.” Graves worked to hold the Corps accountable resulting in strict deadlines and reporting requirements for projects designed to mitigate coastal land loss and make our communities safer and more resilient. “In the state of Louisiana, we’ve lost 1900 square miles of our coast,” Graves continued. “We’ve been waiting decades for the Corps to build projects designed to fix it, but all we get is lip service about how it’s ‘still being considered.’ Meanwhile, the coast continues to disappear and our communities become increasingly vulnerable. The Corps should not take years upon years to make decisions so vital to our state.” Graves, a leader on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, played a significant role in shaping WRDA 2016 dating back to the start of the 114th Congress and successfully fought for multiple improvements to policies impacting how the Corps delivers water resources projects. Highlights of Graves’ impacts on WRDA 2016 include: Expediting the process for flood protection and coastal restoration projects. Improving local input and control of projects. Directing the Corps to accelerate $150 million in flood protection projects across south Louisiana. Expediting wetlands mitigation. Providing the opportunity to jumpstart coastal restoration by creating new Environmental Banks in Louisiana. Reducing state cost share of deepening the Mississippi River to 25%. Allowing ports to be reimbursed for dredging costs. Moving the West Shore Hurricane Protection project forward. Other provisions included in the bill will have significant impact in Louisiana. Things like:  Advancing recovery efforts for oyster banks in the Gulf. Expediting Comite and Amite flood control projects. Authorizing the Southwest Coastal Louisiana project. Advancing dredge plans consistent with water quality plans. WRDA 2016 builds on reform efforts and requires a transparent process for congressional review of proposed Corps of Engineers water resources development activities. Following the oversight and review process created in the 2014 law, WRDA 2016 authorizes infrastructure improvements that have been proposed at the local level, reviewed by the Corps according to strict congressionally established criteria, and submitted to Congress for consideration.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/more-flood-recovery-resources-way-louisiana,More Flood Recovery Resources on the Way for Louisiana,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Congressman Garret Graves (R-Baton Rouge) made the following statement about the $4.1 billion for Louisiana flood and other disaster recovery efforts that is part of a federal government funding bill expected to pass in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday and in the Senate on Friday: “It is clear that the government’s recovery efforts to date are wholly insufficient to allow for a full recovery.  Thousands and thousands of flood victims are facing impossible financial decisions in the aftermath of this 1000-year flood, but this funding, combined with the $438 million provided in September will help flood victims get back on their feet,” said Graves. “This money needs to get to flood victims quickly - we cannot allow the slow, bureaucratic processes that have defined the federal response so far continue to re-victimize people.”   Graves has been critical of how funding has been disbursed and has worked closely with state and federal officials to reduce administrative and programmatic costs. “These funds must instead be used to provide badly-needed assistance to flood victims – not fund excessive bureaucracy, administrative costs or environmental assessments.  These resources must also be used to help provide assistance to all of those in need – not discriminate based upon income, race, neighborhood or other irrelevant criteria.  It’s important to remember that the flood waters did not impact people along lines of race, ethnicity or socioeconomics – it inundated all its victims. We have to ensure recovery investments are made objectively, with the full scope of needs in view. We’re looking forward to working with the incoming Trump Administration to ensure that these funds are used in a manner that lifts our entire community of flooded homes and businesses.”  The bill provides funding to respond to damages in Louisiana and several other States caused by recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Matthew, floods, drought, and other severe weather events. Funding is divided in the following way. Department of Agriculture Programs (AG) – $103.1 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program and $103 million for the Emergency Conservation Program. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Facilities (CJS) – $74.7 million for construction and restoration costs to repair hurricane damaged facilities. Corps of Engineers Construction (EW) – $54.8 million for Construction. Corps of Engineers Mississippi River and Tributaries (EW) – $290.7 million for Mississippi River and Tributaries. Corps of Engineers Operation and Maintenance (EW) – $259.6 million for Operation and Maintenance. Corps of Engineers Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies (EW) – $419.9 million for Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies. Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program (THUD) – $1,004 million for the Emergency Relief Program. Community Development Block Grant Program (THUD) – $1,809 million for the Community Development Block Grant Program. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-louisiana-priorities-in-water-infrastructure-bill,Cassidy Announces Louisiana Priorities in Water Infrastructure Bill,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD announced the Louisiana initiatives included in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN). WIIN authorizes many critical infrastructure, hurricane protection and flood control projects for Louisiana.   ""A strong infrastructure allows us to be prepared and to reduce the potential risk of damage to our homes and our state in the event of a storm,"" said Dr. Cassidy. ""This critical water infrastructure bill will allocate almost $750 million to hurricane protection projects. Millions more will go to ensuring our ports, harbors and levees are secure.""   Water infrastructure provisions were previously included in the Water Resource Development Act of 2016 (WRDA).   A summary of the WIIN Act can be found here.   A breakdown of the WIIN Act by region can be found here.   Louisiana priorities include:   West Shore-Lake Pontchartrain, LA: Authorizes $743,841,000 for hurricane and storm-damage risk reduction along the east bank of the Mississippi River in St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James Parishes, LA. Southwest Coastal Louisiana: Authorizes $3.16 billion for coastal restoration projects to provide nonstructural hurricane and storm surge damage risk reduction measures as well as ecosystem restoration features in the 4,700 square mile study area located in Calcasieu, Cameron, and Vermilion Parishes in southwest Louisiana. Pearl River: Deauthorizes the project for navigation, Pearl River, Mississippi and Louisiana, at the date of enactment of this act. Completion of Ecosystem Restoration Projects: Amends the requirement for monitoring ecosystem restoration projects (from WRDA 2007) to allow operation and maintenance of the project to be concluded when the ecological success criteria are met. Wetlands Mitigation: Requires the Secretary to issue guidance regarding credits available from mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs and provides that mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs be considered reasonable alternatives. Non-Fed Interest Dredging Authority: Establishes a pilot program authorizing a non-Federal interest to maintain a federal navigation project with its own equipment and personnel and be eligible for reimbursement of personnel time directly related to performance of the work. Dredged Materials: Authorizes a pilot program for the placement of dredged material in a location where the upfront costs are not the lowest if those additional upfront costs will be offset by the resulting environmental, flood protection, and resiliency benefits. St. Tammany Parish Government Comprehensive Coastal Master Plan Project: FRM; Ecosystem Restoration (marshes): fisheries. Ouachita-Black Rivers Navigation Program - Bank Stabilization: Add bank stabilization as a project feature from mile 0 on the Black River, LA to mile 460 on the Ouachita River. Red River below Denison Dam: The portion of the project for flood protection on Red River Below Denison Dam, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, is no longer authorized beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. Calcasieu Lock, Louisiana: Authorizes $17.432 million for Calcasieu Lock to ensure safe, reliable navigation along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Discrete Segment: Authorizes the Corps to give credit or reimbursement for discrete segments of projects as they are completed. Wetlands Mitigation: Requires the Secretary to issue guidance regarding credits available from mitigation banks and m-lieu fee programs and provides that mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs be considered reasonable alternatives. Prioritization: Clarifies the prioritization of hurricane and storm damage reduction efforts in WRRDA 2014 to include restoration of wetlands as well as loss of wetlands. Updates deadline for report to Congress. Requires a report to Congress on the implementation of the requirements in WRRDA 2014 to give priority to certain ecosystem restoration projects. Transfer of Excess Credit: Clarifies authority in WRRDA 2014 allowing the transfer of credit between projects. Additional Measures at Donor Ports and Energy Transfer Ports: Extends the authority to provide additional funds for donor ports and energy transfer ports to 2025. Harbor Deepening: Aligns the cost share for construction of harbors with the change in WRRDA 2014 modifying the cost-share for maintenance of harbors. Gulf Coast Oyster Bed Recovery Plan: Authorizes $2 million for a Gulf Coast Oyster Bed recovery plan. Mississippi River Ship Channel, Gulf to Baton Rouge, LA: Modification to the Port of New Orleans Project, Louisiana, increasing the allowable Federal maintenance between the approaches to the Port's current and future container facilities and associated Harbor area, and the Mississippi River Ship Channel from the Gulf to Baton Rouge, Louisiana.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-landmark-mental-health-reform-new-funding-for-opioid-crisis,"Senate Passes Landmark Mental Health Reform, New Funding for Opioid Crisis",2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), US Senator Chris Murphy (D-CN) and co-authors of the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act and members of the US Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded Senate passage of mental health reform, funding to address the opioid and heroin crisis, and increased investments in cancer treatment and medical research. The bill, the 21st Century Cures Act, passed 94-5.   “This is the most comprehensive reform of our nation's mental health laws in a generation, and I'm so thrilled that we drafted it and passed it with support from both Democrats and Republicans. In Connecticut, I've met too many people struggling with mental illness who can't find the care they need, or can't get their insurance company to approve the care once they find it. This bill means millions of dollars in new treatment, and it creates a pathway to a better integrated, more coordinated system for people with serious mental illness,” said Murphy. “I’m incredibly grateful for Senator Cassidy’s partnership and friendship. He brought a doctor’s knowledge and a dogged determination to our effort, and a lot of people will be better off because of it.”   “The 21st Century Cures Act marks a giant step forward in fixing our broken mental health system. It institutes comprehensive mental health care reform and makes resources available to the millions that have been previously denied treatment due to a lack of access. I want to thank all those who helped make mental health a priority in Congress, but I especially thank my colleague Senator Chris Murphy. We have been working together to fix our country’s broken mental health system since day one. Without him and the bipartisan effort he has brought to this legislation, we would not be here today. I urge the President to sign this bill and help the millions of individuals and families affected by mental health become whole,” said Dr. Cassidy.   After months of collaborating with mental health professionals, policy experts, consumers, and family members, Murphy and Cassidy introduced their bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act of 2015 to expand federal resources and improve coordination for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. The Senators worked closely with U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Patty Murray (D-WA) to craft an updated bill, the Mental Health Reform Act of 2016, which passed the HELP Committee unanimously earlier this year. The Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 served as the basis for the mental health language included in the bill passed today.   Highlights from the bill passed today are included below. A fact sheet can be found here.   Mental Health Reforms   ·         Integrates Physical and Mental Health: The bill encourages states to break down walls between physical and mental health care systems by requiring them to identify barriers to integration. States will be eligible for grants to promote integration between primary and behavioral health care for individuals with mental illness along with co-occurring physical health conditions.   ·         Strengthens Transparency and Enforcement of Mental Health Parity: The bill strengthens the enforcement of existing mental health parity protections to ensure that physical and mental health are covered equally by insurers. It requires federal agencies to report on enforcement actions related to the mental health parity law and establishes an enforcement “action plan” informed by key stakeholders. It also requires the government to audit a health plan if it is found to have violated existing mental health parity laws.   ·         Establishes New Programs for Early Intervention and Improves Access to Mental Health Care for Children: The bill establishes a grant program focused on intensive early intervention for infants and young children who are at risk of developing or are showing signs of mental illness. A second grant program supports pediatrician consultation with mental health teams, which has seen great success in states like Massachusetts and Connecticut. The bill also ensures that children covered by Medicaid have access to the full range of early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services.   ·         Strengthens Suicide Prevention: The bill continues the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline program, and provides information and training for suicide prevention, surveillance, and intervention strategies. It reauthorizes Youth Suicide Early Intervention and Prevention Strategies grants to states and tribes, and establishes suicide prevention and intervention program grants for adults.   ·         Establishes New National Mental Health Policy Laboratory: The bill establishes a new entity to fund innovation grants that identify new and effective models of care, and demonstration grants to bring effective models to scale for adults and children.   ·         Reauthorizes Successful Grant Programs: The bill reauthorizes key programs like the Community Mental Health Block Grants and state-based data collection. It modernizes the mental health and substance use disorder block grants, streamlines the application process, and promotes the use of evidence-based practices within states. It continues grants to states and communities to help train teachers, emergency services personnel and others to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness. Additionally, it reauthorizes grants to train mental health providers such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and paraprofessionals.   ·         Strengthens Leadership and Accountability for Federal Mental Health and Substance Use Programs: The bill creates an Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services who will be responsible for overseeing grants and promoting best practices. The Assistant Secretary will work with other federal agencies and key stakeholders to coordinate mental health services across the federal system and help them to identify and implement effective and promising models of care. The bill also establishes a Chief Medical Officer to advise on evidence-based and promising best practices emphasizing a clinical focus.   ·         Develops New Educational Materials on Privacy Protections: The bill requires HHS to develop educational materials to help patients, clinicians and family members understand when personal health information can be shared to clear up confusion.   Opioid Treatment & Prevention   ·         The bill provides $1 billion over 2 years for grants targeting opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities, such as improving prescription drug monitoring programs, implementing prevention activities, training for health care providers, and expanding access to opioid treatment programs   Funding for NIH & the Cancer Moonshot   ·         The bill provides over $4.8 billion over 10 years to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the Precision Medicine Initiative, the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies Initiative, cancer research, and regenerative medicine using adult stem cells.   ·         The bill provides $500 million to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over 10 years to implement provisions in Title III to move drugs and medical devices to patients more quickly, while maintaining the same standard for safety and effectiveness.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-125-billion-flood-relief-will-help-get-la-families-back-their-homes,Scalise: $1.25 Billion in Flood Relief Will Help Get LA Families Back in their Homes,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding the announcement that Louisiana will receive $1.25 billion in flood relief funds included in the year-end government funding bill: ""Earlier this year, our delegation worked in true bipartisan fashion to secure a half billion dollar down payment to help the victims of flooding. With this agreement, we’ve secured an additional $1.25 billion to help families in south Louisiana get back in their homes as they recover from the devastating floods. ""Now we need to pass this bill so the president can sign it and the state can then begin the process of getting these relief dollars into the hands of the families who were flooded as quickly as possible."" The government funding bill contains $4.1 billion in disaster relief funding to address damages caused by recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Matthew, floods, drought and other severe weather events. This includes: ·      $1.8 billion for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to states to support recovery and rebuilding efforts for individuals with homes damaged by severe weather events. Louisiana will receive $1.25 billion in CDBG funds; ·      $1.025 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers for repairs to flood and coastal storm protection projects and dredging; ·      $1 billion for the Federal Highway Emergency Relief program to repair damaged highways; and ·      $206.1 million for emergency watershed protection and conservation. Earlier this year, Congress appropriated $438 million in CDBG funds as a down payment to allow individuals and families affected by flooding to begin rebuilding their homes and communities.   p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial} li.li1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Arial} li.li2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Arial} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} ul.ul1 {list-style-type: disc}",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bishop-t-f-tenney-of-alexandria-opens-us-senate-floor-with-prayer,Bishop T. F. Tenney of Alexandria Opens US Senate Floor with Prayer,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—This morning, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD invited Bishop T. F. Tenney of Alexandria, Louisiana to open the US Senate floor with a prayer.   Bishop Tenney has ministered in the United Pentecostal Church International for more than 65 years, including in several churches in Louisiana. Before retiring in 2005, Bishop Tenney led the UPCI church in Louisiana as the District Superintendent (Bishop). He now serves as the Bishop Emeritus of the Louisiana District.   Bishop Tenney and his wife, Thetus Tenney, reside in Alexandria, Louisiana where they serve and worship at The Pentecostals of Alexandria.   “Many have looked toward Bishop Tenney for guidance who by his life and by his words guides them toward a deeper relationship with God. On behalf of the entire Senate, I extend our thanks for Bishop Tenney being here today,” said Dr. Cassidy.    Watch Bishop Tenney’s prayer and Dr. Cassidy’s closing comments here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-billions-for-louisiana-flood-relief,Cassidy Secures Billions for Louisiana Flood Relief,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD announced more than $1.8 billion in flood relief aid has been secured for Louisiana. The Continuing Resolution (CR), which funds government priorities through April, includes $1.243 billion in flood relief aid for Louisiana. This is in addition to the $438 million down payment secured in September. The CR also contains $114 million in funding for the North Louisiana flood damages and an additional $34 million for the Federal Highway Emergency Relief Program to help the State provide critical federal highway infrastructure repairs caused by the floods. Dr. Cassidy will work with the Louisiana delegation to oversee how the money is spent and advocate for more funding if needed.   Dr. Cassidy released the following statement:   “More than $1.8 billion has been set aside for Louisiana to recover from flooding. This is an important next step and the entire delegation will continue to press for more funding to make sure that every Louisianan has what they need to get their lives back on track. Louisiana will continue to recover and rebuild.”   Dr. Cassidy spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of securing relief aid for the people of Louisiana and encouraged his colleagues to support the initial funding in August. Watch and read his remarks here.    Dr. Cassidy successfully negotiated $114 million in disaster relief for Corps of Engineers infrastructure damages during discussions on the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/week-review,The Week in Review,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Below is a snapshot of some of the recent legislation Congressman Graves has been working on in the US House of Representatives. If you have questions or comments regarding these or other legislative issues, contact our office today.  Last Week Revisited – On the Floor On Wednesday, the House passed 21st Century Cures, by a vote of 392-26. The bill encompasses $4.8 billion in new, fully offset funding for the NIH to aid in cures development, including funding for ""Cancer Moonshot"" and the BRAIN Initiative. It encourages personalized medicine to find best treatments, incentivizes the development of drugs for pediatric diseases, removes barriers for research collaboration, puts patients at the heart of the regulatory review process, and improves and strengthens the Medicare program to increase access for seniors to quality, affordable health care. This package of legislation also encompasses sweeping mental health reforms to strengthen the nation's mental health workforce, improve mental health care for children or adults with serious mental illness, and establishes the National Mental Health and Substance Use Poly Lab to drive evidence-based grant making. On Thursday, the House passed H.R. 6392, the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2016, by a vote of 254-161. This legislation requires the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) to use an indicator-based measurement approach to determine the risk a bank holding company could pose to U.S. financial stability before designating such institutions as systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs) and consequently subjecting them to enhanced supervision and prudential standards by the Federal Reserve. Under the indicator-based approach, a bank holding company will be measured on five operational indicators: size, interconnectedness, complexity, cross-jurisdictional activity, and available substitutes. Under current law, bank holding companies with $50 billion or more in total consolidated assets are automatically designated as SIFIs.On Friday, the House passed the Conference Report to Accompany S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, by a vote of 375-34. This legislation supports $619 billion for national defense, enhances military readiness, provides our troops with the largest pay raise in six years, strengthens military health care, and institutes other organizational reforms to increase accountability, oversight, integration, and strategic thinking within the Department of Defense.   Suspension of the Rules:  1) H.R. 5458 - Veterans TRICARE Choice Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Chris Stewart / Ways and Means Committee) Passed Voice Y    ✓ N 2) H.R. 6135 - To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 719 Church Street in Nashville, Tennessee, as the ""Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and United States Courthouse"" (Sponsored by Rep. Marsha Blackburn / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   3) House Amendment to S. 546 - RESPONSE Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Sen. Heidi Heitkamp / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   4) House Amendment to S. 2577 - Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn / Judiciary Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   5) H.R. 5422 - To ensure funding for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and for other purposes. (Sponsored by Rep. Ted Poe / Judiciary Committee)   6) H.R. 5877 - United States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. John Ratcliffe / Homeland Security Committee) Passed Voice Y    ✓ N   7) H.R. 5843 - United States-Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2016, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jim Langevin / Homeland Security Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   8) H.R. 4757 - To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the eligibility for headstones, markers, and medallions furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for deceased individuals who were awarded the Medal of Honor and are buried in private cemeteries, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Miller / Veterans Affairs Committee)  9) H.R. 5399 - Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Phil Roe / Veterans Affairs Committee)   10) H.R. 5047 - Protecting Veterans’ Educational Choice Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Jody Hice / Veterans Affairs Committee)   11) H.R. 5166 - WINGMAN Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Ted Yoho / Veterans Affairs Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   12) H.R. 3286 - HIRE Vets Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Paul Cook / Veterans Affairs Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   13) H.R. 5600 - No Hero Left Untreated Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Steve Knight / Veterans Affairs Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   14) H.R. 6323 - To name the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system in Long Beach, California, the ""Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center"" (Sponsored by Rep. Alan Lowenthal / Veterans Affairs Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   15) H.Con.Res. 165 - Expressing the sense of Congress and reaffirming longstanding United States policy in support of a direct bilaterally negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and opposition to United Nations Security Council resolutions imposing a solution to the conflict (Sponsored by Rep. Ed Royce / Foreign Affairs Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   16) H.Con.Res. 40 - Encouraging reunions of divided Korean American families (Sponsored by Rep. Charles Rangel / Foreign Affairs Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2016 The House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour Legislative Business will begin at 12:00 p.m.H. Res. 934 - The Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 34 to authorize and strengthen the tsunami detection, forecast, warning, research, and mitigation program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes and for the bill H.R. 6392 to amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to specify when bank holding companies may be subject to certain enhanced supervision, and for other purposes Adoption Y    230 N    180 Suspension of the Rules (13 bills): 1) H.R. 6302 - Overtime Pay for Secret Service Agents Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz / Oversight and Government Reform Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   2) H.R. 6303 - To designate facilities of the United States Postal Service, to establish new ZIP Codes, and for other purposes (Sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz / Oversight and Government Reform Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   3) H.R. 5384 - Federal Register Printing Savings Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Steve Russell / Oversight and Government Reform Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   4) H.R. 6009 - Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Steve Russell / Oversight and Government Reform Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   5) H.R. 6186 - Follow the Rules Act (Sponsored by Rep. Sean Duffy / Oversight and Government Reform Committee) Passed Voice Y    ✓ N   6) H.R. 6304 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 501 North Main Street in Florence, Arizona, as the ""Adolfo 'Harpo' Celaya Post Office"" (Sponsored by Rep. Paul Gosar / Oversight and Government Reform Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   7) H.R. 5948 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 830 Kuhn Drive in Chula Vista, California, as the ""Jonathan 'J.D.' De Guzman Post Office Building"" (Sponsored by Rep. Susan Davis / Oversight and Government Reform Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   8) H.R. 6138 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 560 East Pleasant Valley Road, Port Hueneme, California, as the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion ""Seabees"" Fallen Heroes Post Office Building (Sponsored by Rep. Julia Brownley / Oversight and Government Reform Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   9) H.R. 6282 - To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2024 Jerome Avenue, in Bronx, New York, as the ""Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. Post Office Building"" (Sponsored by Rep. José Serrano / Oversight and Government Reform Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   10) H.R. 2992 - Merchant Marine of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (Sponsored by Rep. Susan Brooks / Financial Services Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   11) S. 1555 - Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 (Sponsored by Sen. Mazie K. Hirono / Financial Services Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   12) S. 2234 - Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act (Sponsored by Sen. Roy Blunt / Financial Services Committee) Passed Voice Y     ✓ N   13) H.R. 6393 - Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Sponsored by Rep. Devin Nunes / Intelligence Committee)   Y    392 N     26   THURSDAY DECEMBER 1, 2016 The House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Hour Legislative Business will begin at 12:00 p.m.H.Res. 937 - Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (S. 2943) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes (Sponsored by Rep. Bradley Byrne / Rules Committee) P.Q. Y   235 N   180 Adoption Y   277 N   139 H.R. 6392 - Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2016 (Sponsored by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer / Financial Services Committee) Structured Rule, One Hour of Debate One Amendment MTR Y   178 N   236 Passage Y   254 N   161 H.Res. 933 - Providing amounts for further expenses of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the One Hundred Fourteenth Congress (Sponsored by Rep. Candice Miller / House Administration Committee)  Privileged Rule, One Hour of Debate Rule Y   235 N   177 Passage Y   234 N   181 FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2016 The House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for Legislative BusinessConference Report to Accompany S. 2943 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Sponsored by Sen. John McCain / Armed Services Committee) This Week At a Glance  This week, the House will consider H.R. 5143, the Transparent Insurance Standards Act of 2016, sponsored by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO). The House will also consider the Water Resources Development Act of 2016. The House will also consider the Continuing Resolution for FY 2017 Appropriations, which will include additional recovery resources for Louisiana flood victims (stay tuned for more information).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-announces-more-68m-grants-flood-recovery-baton-rouge-and-baker-school,Rep. Richmond Announces More than $6.8M in Grants for Flood Recovery for Baton Rouge and the Baker School System,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA-02) announced the availability of millions in federal funding for the Baker School System and the City of Baton Rouge. The Baker School System will receive $3.9 million for cleaning, damage removal and sanitization of school buildings impacted by the flooding and Baton Rouge will receive $2.9 million for performing emergency protective measures as a result of severe storms and flooding: “Southeastern Louisiana has suffered through some of the worst flooding in our nation’s history,” said Rep. Richmond.  “As a result, many families, school districts, and businesses are still struggling to get back on their feet. These important resources from FEMA are evidence that we are not alone in that struggle. I will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure the people of Baton Rouge and Baker receive the support they need and deserve to recover from this historic flooding. ” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-honors-vitters-career-in-the-us-senate,ICYMI: Cassidy Honors Vitter's Career in the US Senate,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) spoke on the Senate floor celebrating the career of retiring US Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and the positive work he has done for Louisiana and the nation.    “Sen. Vitter has always cared deeply about our state, constantly looking for what he could do that would benefit our state not just in the short-term, but doing that which is consistent with his principles to help Louisiana and the United States thrive in the long-term,” said Dr. Cassidy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-defense-authorization-strengthens-our-military,Scalise: Defense Authorization Strengthens our Military,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC — House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the following video statement on the House passage of S. 2943, the Conference Report accompanying the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act: Click here to play the video clip. Transcript: ""We have some great news for members of the military and their families. This week the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill gives our troops their biggest pay raise in six years…a pay raise they earn every day when they put on their uniforms to defend our freedoms. The NDAA also includes prioritized funding to close the readiness gap, streamline the acquisition process, and take tough action to combat sexual assault.  ""The last few years have not been easy for our military—our military is smaller under President Obama and our equipment is aging. In the House, we have been focused on fixing that, and this year’s NDAA makes important reforms to fix some of those problems, while ensuring that the men and women who defend our freedoms will have the tools they need to carry out their mission. ""I want to personally thank all of those who serve our country. God bless our troops, and God bless America.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/fema-issues-proof-loss-extension,FEMA Issues Proof of Loss Extension,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"After an extensive series of phone calls, letters and conversations with the agency, we're happy to inform flood victims that FEMA has issued an additional 60-day proof of loss extension. NFIP policyholders now have a total of 180 days following the date of loss to provide the proof of loss to their insurer. The extension will help the hundreds of flood victims who have engaged our office properly document their losses and file their claims with insurers.  This is the sort of flexibility the government needs to employ to improve the effectiveness of federal recovery efforts, and our office will continue to push for more of it.  See the official FEMA language regarding the extension below:  To allow policyholders more time to finalize their claims, an additional limited waiver of the 60-day proof of loss requirement has been issued, extending the period another 60 days.  With this extension, a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholder will have a total of 180 days following the date of loss to provide the completed, signed, and sworn-to proof of loss to the insurer.  This waiver is issued pursuant to 44 CFR § 61.13(d) and the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP).  This waiver does not alter any other terms or conditions of the NFIP. Even with this extension, we encourage policyholders to file their claims as soon as possible so they can move forward with their recovery efforts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/graves-helps-lsu-secure-transportation-grant,Graves Helps LSU Secure Transportation Grant,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"BATON ROUGE – A consortium of universities led by LSU has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a regional transportation research center. The Transportation Consortium of South-Central States, or Tran-SET, will focus on improving transportation infrastructure through the use of innovative materials and technology. It aims to support all phases of research, technology transfer, workforce development and outreach activities of emerging technologies that can solve transportation challenges in the region. In 2015, Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves helped lay the groundwork for Tran-SET as Congress negotiated the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, or FAST Act, a federal highway funding bill that was signed into law. Graves championed language in the FAST Act that provides funding for research and testing of new applications of technology to improve the efficiency of transportation systems. “Technology has made things that were impossible 20 years ago commonplace – just think about your smart phone,” said Graves. “We need to leverage those capabilities to make our transportation systems smarter, our commutes faster and the flow of traffic smoother.” Read the full story here: http://www.lsu.edu/mediacenter/news/2016/12/02transportationgrant.eb.php",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-systemic-risk-designation-improvement-act,Scalise Statement on Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 6392, the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act: “We need to roll back the bailout mentality enshrined in Dodd-Frank’s 'too-big-to-fail' law that is crushing our community banks—the backbone of small business lending. Dodd-Frank's arbitrary and ineffective standards have crippled the ability of community and regional banks to make loans to job creators. House Republicans put together a plan that forces regulators to actually do their jobs, use measurable standards and assess risk based on factors beyond size alone. I commend Chairman Luetkemeyer’s leadership and hard work on this issue.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-congratulates-rep-richmond-cbc-chairmanship,Scalise Congratulates Rep. Richmond on CBC Chairmanship,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scalise Congratulates Rep. Richmond on CBC Chairmanship Nov 30, 2016 WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today congratulated Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.) on being elected to serve as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for the 115th Congress: ""I congratulate my friend Cedric Richmond for being elected to lead the Congressional Black Caucus. This new leadership role is not only important for Cedric's increased influence in Washington, his success also makes our state's Congressional delegation even stronger as we work together on the issues important to the people of Louisiana.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/whip-scalise-statement-passage-21st-century-cures-act,Whip Scalise Statement on Passage of the 21st Century Cures Act,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement today regarding House passage of H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act: ""America should be the world leader in medical innovation, and the 21st Century Cures Act sets the stage for us to re-claim that mantle. Three years in the making, the 21st Century Cures Act will make much-needed, bold reforms to the FDA so we can bring life-saving drugs to market faster and spur innovation that will lead to cures for millions of Americans, while also confronting the mental health crisis plaguing every community in our country.  ""I’ve become increasingly aware of the tragedy of major diseases through my work on the Steve Gleason Act. This bill will dramatically help those suffering from diseases like cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other debilitating diseases by setting new priorities with existing dollars focused on research and the development of treatments and cures.  ""If not for the hard work, leadership and vision of Chairman Fred Upton, this historic, bipartisan legislation would not have gotten this far. Chairman Upton never gave up and as a result, millions of families now have real hope that cures to terrible diseases will finally become a reality.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-announces-more-13m-fema-funding-greater-baton-rouge-food-bank,Rep. Richmond Announces More than $1.3M in FEMA Funding for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement announcing more than $1.3 million in FEMA grant funding to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank (GBRFB), for emergency protective measures undertaken during the historic August flooding: “The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank played a critical role during a trying time for the Baton Rouge community,"" said Rep. Richmond.  “We are at our strongest when we help those in need. I commend the GBRFB for bridging the gap for so many during their darkest hour. These resources will help the GBRFB recover and continue their vital mission of serving the people of Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-elected-chair-congressional-black-caucus-115th-congress,Rep. Richmond Elected Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus for the 115th Congress,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) elected Congressman Cedric Richmond (LA-02) to lead them over the next two years as chair. When the next Congress convenes in January Rep. Richmond will lead the largest CBC in history, as victories in the last election have grown the caucus to 49 members.  “I’m honored and humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me to serve as the chair of this revered Caucus, the conscience and intellect of the Congress,” said Rep. Richmond.  “As we move into a new Congress and the onset of a new Administration, our Caucus will remain committed to the values that have made the CBC among the most influential institutions in the nation.” “I’m grateful to outgoing Chairman G.K. Butterfield for his leadership and dedication over the past two years.  We have all benefited from his steadfast commitment to our community and our cause.”  “As we face the challenges before us ─ from economic justice, to voting rights, policing, and criminal justice reform ─ we will approach each of them with vigilance. We will strive to harness the energy of our constituencies to enact policies that will have the greatest positive impact.” “I look forward to working with our membership, as we embark on an ambitious agenda. I stand on the shoulders of a choir of brave African American women and men whose struggles made way for our progress. I will work every day to make them proud.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-applauds-magnolia-lng-exportation-authorization,Cassidy Applauds Magnolia LNG Exportation Authorization,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON— US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) applauds the approval of the Magnolia LNG (LLC) exportation authorization by the Department of Energy (DOE).   Dr. Cassidy released the following statement:   “The Department of Energy made the right decision to approve the Magnolia LNG exportation authorization to non-free trade agreement countries. This approval will bring investment and good high-paying jobs to Louisiana.   “There is a tremendous global demand for American natural gas. US LNG should be freely available to our allies around the globe without administrative hurdles. Congress should take action to remove barriers for US LNG deliveries around the globe.”   Background:   The DOE authorized Magnolia LNG for the export of 1.08 billion cubic feet per day to non-free trade agreement countries. Following this decision, cumulative DOE authorized non-FTA export volume will be 16.304 Bcf/d.   Magnolia has proposed a large-scale export facility near Lake Charles, Louisiana.   Dr. Cassidy has been a strong advocate on this issue and has sent multiple letters to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in support of Magnolia LNG’s export authorization. The most recent letter from January 27, 2016 can be read here.   In the US House of Representatives, Dr. Cassidy was an original co-sponsor of the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act, HR 6, which would expedite exports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Cassidy Amendment was also added to the US House of Representatives FY2015 budget proposal to prevent the Department of Energy from considering the perceived impact of greenhouse gas emissions in the LNG export application review process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-speaks-on-mental-health-reforms-in-21st-century-cures-act-of-2016,ICYMI: Cassidy Speaks on Mental Health Reforms in 21st Century Cures Act of 2016,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Find his full remarks below: I thank Senator Alexander for yielding. I thank you for your leadership and Senator Murray's leadership, and I thank Senator Murphy for his cooperation, collaboration in passing this.    I will speak to mental health as a senator but also has a doctor, as a family member and friend of those with mental illness. And because of these different hats, passing comprehensive mental health reform has been a priority since day one. Senator Chris Murphy and I introduced the Mental Health Reform Act of 2015 shortly after arriving in the senate. Again, since then, Senators Alexander and Ranking Member Murray have made mental health reform a priority, and I thank them once more for their vital work to include the provisions the four of us introduced in the Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 into the 21st Century Cures Act.    Everyone in some way is affected by serious mental illness. This is not a partisan issue. It crosses any division of age, gender, demographics and certainly of political party. If I go to a town hall meeting in Louisiana in an area not so wealthy and speak of the need to address mental health, heads nod yes. If I go to another town hall meeting in another area, very wealthy, and mention the need to address mental health, all heads nod yes. Everyone nods their head yes because mental health is an issue in the minds of everyone. I mentioned earlier everyone has a family member or friend who has a serious mental illness. Maybe not, but it might be that person you went to high school with, and her life turned out far differently. Her marriage broke up, her children in foster care, perhaps she homeless. If you think, not even hard, that person will come to your mind.    The largest problem affecting Americans with serious mental illness is lack of access to care. Just a few weeks ago, I spoke to a neuropsychologist in Baton Rouge, Dr. Paul Dammers. He told me he sees 15-20 patients a day and is booked up to six months in advance. If your loved one is having a mental health crisis, they should not have to wait six months to receive treatment. He stressed the significance of the barrier to treatment posed by the shortage of mental health professionals. Thank God for Dr. Dammers, for all the work he and the other mental health specialists do to help those with mental illness return to wholeness, but they need help. Access delayed is access denied, and access is hampered by a shortage of mental health providers and too few beds for those with serious mental illness who need to be hospitalized. Patients too often cannot get the care they need and too often have a long delay between diagnosis and treatment.    And without appropriate treatment options, prisons, jails and emergency rooms become the de facto mental health care facility. Sheriff Greg Champagne of St. Charles, Louisiana, a past president of the national sheriff's association, quotes the statistic that sheriffs—sheriffs—are the number one provider of mental health services in any parish or county in the country. Incarceration has become our top mental health treatment strategy. More than three times as many mentally ill are housed at any one time in prisons and jails than being treated in hospitals. Now, it is clear. It is time to fix our broken mental health care system. The 21st Century Cures Act provides incentives to build an adequate and skilled mental health workforce to expand access to mental health care providing quick and effective diagnosis and treatment. Our goal is that that person who has their first psychotic episode when she is 18 will be restored to wholeness so that when she is 50, she looks back upon that as a distant memory, but not as a life-defining event.    This bill also addresses privacy issues that keep some patients from receiving the best treatment possible. As an effect of the government regulation, HIPAA, an important law protecting patient privacy, nonetheless when it comes to a patient with mental illness as an adult, the doctor feels as if she or he is not allowed to share vital information for their care to a third party, even if that third party is their caregiver. A woman I went to high school with has an adult son with serious mental illness. She is the one who brings him to the doctor, gives him his medicines. Yet when he is discharged, she is not told what medicines he is taking and she is not told when to bring him to follow-up. Privacy is important, but when a government regulation gets between a doctor and a patient and the loved one caring for them, something needs to change.    This legislation also offers incentivizes to build that skilled workforce, but also to train that workforce to better understand these rules of disclosing patient information. This allows doctors to better serve their patients and ensure they are getting the proper care they need.    As a physician, this next provision just matters so much to me. It promotes access to services through the integration of primary and behavioral health. Now, right now, if someone with serious mental illness goes to see their psychiatrist and their hypertension is out of control and she wants to send the colleague to see her family practitioner, she refers him to the emergency room instead. Conversely, the family practitioner treating the hypertension notes that the patient is psychotic. They're not allowed to send the patient down to the psychiatrist on the same day. In private insurance programs, this is not an issue. It's only been an issue in Medicaid. This law begins to change that. And I will note that patients with psychiatric illness die 20 years younger than do patients that have a physical illness but do not have a psychiatric illness. We must do better.    Another thing this bill does is establish a grant program focused on intensive early intervention for children who demonstrate first signs that may evolve into serious mental illness later in life. Dr. Howard Osofsky and his wife Dr. Joy Osofsky did research after Hurricane Katrina and found that you can detect from ages 0-3 evidence of a child who may have a problem with mental illness later in life. This bill provides grants for early intervention for the infants and children that will address the effects of trauma and the adverse experiences that children under the age of five have. A second grant program supports pediatricians consulting with mental health teams. This is modeled after a successful program in Massachusetts and Connecticut.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/whip-scalise-statement-nomination-chairman-tom-price-hhs-secretary,Whip Scalise Statement on the Nomination of Chairman Tom Price as HHS Secretary,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC — House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement on President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (GA-06) as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): ""I applaud President-elect Trump on his selection of Dr. Tom Price to be his Health and Human Services Secretary. Dr. Price is perfectly suited to lead HHS at this critical time when we will need to focus on repealing Obamacare and replacing it with patient-centered reforms that lower costs and put patients back in charge of their health care decisions. Tom's background as a respected medical doctor, as well as his legislative leadership on a replacement bill, and his Chairmanship of the House Budget Committee, uniquely qualify him for this important position at this historic time. I look forward to working with President Trump and HHS Secretary Price in the new Congress as we gut Obamacare and replace it with reforms that finally restore the patient-doctor relationship by getting rid of the unworkable Obamacare mandates.” Dr. Price served as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee during the 112th Congress, a position held by Vice President-elect Mike Pence during the 110th, and Whip Scalise during the 113th Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-inclusion-of-mental-health-reform-to-the-21st-century-cures-package,Cassidy Announces Inclusion of Mental Health Reform to the 21st Century Cures Package,2016-11-25,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.25.16 Cassidy Announces Inclusion of Mental Health Reform to the 21st Century Cures Package WASHINGTON—Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) announced the inclusion of comprehensive mental health reform in the 21st Century Cures Act. “Our mental health system is broken—the inclusion of the pillars of my mental health reform bill in the 21st Century Cures Act is the next step in getting it fixed,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By making resources available for patients and families, we can help prevent more promising lives from being destroyed by untreated mental illness.” Dr. Cassidy has been a leader on comprehensive mental health care reform in the Senate. Last March, Dr. Cassidy along with Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Chris Murphy (D-CT), introduced the Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 to the United States Senate. Dr. Cassidy has also been an longtime advocate for mental health reform, speaking on the floor to urge his colleagues to support much needed legislation. More on his remarks here. In 2015, Senator Cassidy and Murphy wrote an Op-Ed in The Hill on their plan for mental health reform.   The full 21st Century Cures Act legislation can be read here.   Some of the key provisions Dr. Cassidy fought for include: · Strengthening leadership and accountability at HHS by creating an Assistant Secretary of Mental Health and improving interdepartmental activities related to those with serious mental illness   · Promoting access to services through integration of primary and behavioral care for early identification and invention and increased availability of telehealth.   · Ensuring that federal funded programs are evidence-based and use best practices.   ·  Providing incentives to build an adequate and skilled mental health workforce. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://richmond.house.gov/press-releases/rep-richmond-mourns-passing-edgar-dooky-chase-jr,Rep. Richmond Mourns the Passing of Edgar Dooky Chase Jr.,2016-11-24,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC – Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement after the passing of civil rights icon and restaurateur Edgar ‘Dooky’ Chase Jr.: “Through activism and leadership Edgar ‘Dooky’ Chase Jr. and his wife Leah Chase helped pave the way for black leadership in New Orleans and throughout the country,” said Rep. Richmond. “As their business grew into one of the most popular restaurants in the city it also served as the only place where people of color could meet and organize during the civil rights movement.” “Without their bravery and generosity many of the great activists who brought about change would have never had the opportunity to lay the groundwork for the burgeoning movement. Mr. Chase will forever be remembered for the commitment and joy he brought to our community both through food and music, but his work towards equality will have the most lasting impact.” “His legacy will live on through the iconic restaurant that bears his name and the gains African Americans have made due to his sacrifice. My prayers and deepest condolences are with Ms. Chase and their entire family as they go through this most difficult time.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-president-obamas-five-year-offshore-energy-leasing-plan,Scalise Statement on President Obama's Five-Year Offshore Energy Leasing Plan,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement in response to the Obama Administration's Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2017-2022: ""The Obama Administration has spent eight years waging a job-killing war on American energy. While that makes today’s OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Plan unsurprising, it is no less disappointing. I am looking forward to working with the Trump Administration to reverse the damage the current administration has done by unleashing our nation’s abundance of energy resources and creating new American jobs—the time is now to put America on a path to energy independence and reestablish our nation as a global leader in energy.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/us-rep-garret-graves-working-bring-little-louisiana-trumps-white-house,U.S. Rep. Garret Graves working to bring a little Louisiana to Trump's White House,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Louisiana voters may have gone all in for President-elect Donald Trump, but that support doesn't necessarily translate into political muscle. Three members of a congressional delegation that was already short on seniority are set to leave in January, and as of Friday, no locals appear to be among the crowds flowing in and out of Trump Tower these days. With U.S. Sen. David Vitter heading for retirement, Louisiana won't even be represented by anyone who was in office the last time a Republican president put together an administration. It turns out that doesn't mean nobody in the delegation has been through this process before. U.S. Rep. Garret Graves was just elected to his second term, but before that he spent years as a staffer on Capitol Hill. Back when George W. Bush was putting together his administration, Graves worked for U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin. These days, he's spending his time trying to put what he learned into action, to identify people with expertise, connections to the new guard or both, and to make sure Louisiana's particular interests are represented in the new administration. Read the full story by the The Advocate here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-comments-on-administrations-plan-to-halt-arctic-resource-exploration,Cassidy Comments on Administration's Plan to Halt Arctic Resource Exploration,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“Once again the Obama administration is hindering America’s global competitiveness and energy security, allowing other countries to take the lead on energy production,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Halting resource exploration in the Arctic, after already banning exploration in the mid-Atlantic, will further cripple our ability to create jobs and provide economic security for the American people.” The full Five-Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program plan can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-continuing-the-fight-for-offshore-revenue-sharing-bill,Cassidy Continuing the Fight for Offshore Revenue Sharing Bill,2016-11-17,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) co-sponsored this bill in the Senate.   American Energy and Conservation Act of 2016 For years, energy activities in coastal Gulf States and adjacent offshore waters have produced billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas for American energy consumers. In 2010, for example, over 30 percent of the oil and 11 percent of the natural gas produced in the US was produced in the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf States support offshore energy development for the rest of the country and provide the support for, and pay for the infrastructure needed to bring this energy to market. With all development, there are increased costs associated with supporting increased traffic. This includes additional use of local and state resources, as well as transportation corridors such as pipelines, vessels and trucks, in order to get the energy delivered to consumers all across the US. Addressing the historic costs of hosting a capital-intensive industry while ensuring resilient domestic energy supply can only be attained through equitable revenue sharing. This bill is anticipated to provide billions for coastal restoration efforts.  Read the fact sheet here. Read the legislative overview here. Read the legislation here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-speaks-on-the-american-energy-and-conservation-act-of-2016,ICYMI: Cassidy Speaks on the American Energy and Conservation Act of 2016,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON—Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) spoke on the Senate floor advocating support for his bill, the American Energy and Conservation Act of 2016, which will be voted on Thursday in the Senate.   This legislation provides for more equitable offshore revenue sharing for energy producing states and makes investments in important conservation and coastal restoration projects.     Watch Dr. Cassidy’s full remarks here.   Dr. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below:   Thank you Mr. /Madam. President. Thank you to Majority Leader McConnell for following through on your commitment to allow a vote on the American Energy & Conservation Act of 2016 --  introduced earlier this year by Senators Murkowski, Scott, Vitter, Tillis, Sullivan and me. Thank you to each one of you for your hard work. Also thank you to Senators Kaine and Warner for helping draft the Atlantic portion of the legislation and for cosponsoring an earlier version. This is a bi-partisan piece of legislation that uses an “all of the above” strategy to pursue true American energy independence. However, more than anything else, this legislation is about creating good paying middle-class American jobs.   A study conducted by Quest Offshore Resources, Inc. projects that this legislation could incentivize the creation of 280,000 new jobs by 2035. That same study estimates $194.5 billion in new investments and an additional $51 billion in cumulative government revenue. That’s $51 billion in new federal revenue this bill helps to unlock.   The American Energy and Conservation Act will benefit American families and small businesses by expanding opportunities for states to support energy development.    For years, energy activities in coastal Gulf States and adjacent offshore waters have produced billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas for American energy consumers. These states support offshore energy development for the rest of the country and provide the support and pay for the infrastructure needed to bring this energy to market.   As with all development, there are increased costs associated with supporting increased traffic, additional use of local and state resources, as well as transportation corridors such as pipelines, vessels and trucks, in order to get the energy delivered to consumers all across the United States.   This is an “all of the above” energy jobs bill. This legislation includes language introduced by Senators Heller, Heinrich, Risch and Tester that streamlines the process for developing renewable energy on public lands while establishing the first ever revenue sharing paradigm for renewables. This legislation incentivizes tapping into the 27,000 megawatts of carbon-free energy that the Bureau of Land Management estimates could be provided by these projects.   Furthermore, if offshore revenue exists for oil and gas development, the same should be true of offshore wind development. That is why we used the same model established in GOMESA to extend revenue sharing to states that support offshore wind projects. This legislation thus incentivizes developing some of the 4,233 gigawatts of carbon-free generation that the BLM estimates is available for development off our coasts.    This is the American Energy and Conservation Act of 2016.  This legislation makes significant investments in conservation projects all over the United States. This legislation provides an estimated $807 million for projects that increase access to public lands for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities. This provision was included in Senator Murkowski’s Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2015, which 24 Senators have co-sponsored. The legislation makes investments in a variety of important programs, including the Payment in lieu of Taxes Program.   This legislation is supported by over 50 important stakeholder groups, including: National Association of Manufacturers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Chemistry Council, American Petroleum Institute and Consumer Energy Alliance. These organizations understand that this legislation is a jobs builder and good policy for American workers.   I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-re-elected-house-majority-whip,Scalise Re-Elected House Majority Whip,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scalise Re-Elected House Majority Whip Nov 15, 2016 Washington D.C. – U.S. Representative Steve Scalise (R-La.) today was re-elected by his colleagues to serve as the Majority Whip of the United States House of Representatives for the 115th Congress. He released the following statement regarding his re-election: “I’m grateful that my colleagues have elected me to continue serving as Majority Whip. With Donald Trump coming into the White House, the American people have given us a tremendous opportunity to pass bold, conservative reforms that put our country back on track so we can create jobs, strengthen our national security and restore the promise established by our Constitution. I’m honored to serve alongside our strong leadership team and our entire united Conference as we work together to deliver strong results that make America great again.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidys-offshore-revenue-sharing-bill-to-receive-vote-on-senate-floor,Cassidy's Offshore Revenue Sharing Bill to Receive Vote on Senate Floor,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“This legislation is a win-win for Louisiana. It will incentivize job creation and investment in the state’s oil and gas industry, as well as provide much needed funds for coastal protection,” Gifford Briggs, Acting-President of the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association said.   Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) co-sponsored this bill in the Senate.   American Energy and Conservation Act of 2016 For years, energy activities in coastal Gulf States and adjacent offshore waters have produced billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas for American energy consumers. In 2010, for example, over 30 percent of the oil and 11 percent of the natural gas produced in the US was produced in the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf States support offshore energy development for the rest of the country and provide the support for, and pay for the infrastructure needed to bring this energy to market. With all development, there are increased costs associated with supporting increased traffic. This includes additional use of local and state resources, as well as transportation corridors such as pipelines, vessels and trucks, in order to get the energy delivered to consumers all across the US. Addressing the historic costs of hosting a capital-intensive industry while ensuring resilient domestic energy supply can only be attained through equitable revenue sharing. This bill is anticipated to provide billions for coastal restoration efforts.  Read the fact sheet here. Read the legislative overview here. Read the legislation here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-applauds-priebus-trumps-choice-white-house-chief-staff,Scalise Applauds Priebus as Trump's Choice for White House Chief of Staff,2016-11-13,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scalise Applauds Priebus as Trump's Choice for White House Chief of Staff Nov 13, 2016 METAIRIE, La. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today applauded President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as White House Chief of Staff: “President-elect Trump's selection of Reince Priebus as Chief of Staff is a smart choice and shows Americans that Trump is serious about implementing a bold, conservative agenda, working with Congress to get our economy back on track, rebuild the middle class, and create a safer and stronger America. I look forward to working with President Trump's entire team as we plan for the first 100 days of his new presidency and the important things we can do to make America great again.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/honoring-service-and-sacrifice,Honoring Service and Sacrifice,2016-11-11,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, La. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement honoring our nation’s veterans. “Our nation’s veterans have earned the gratitude of every American for the sacrifices they have made and the freedoms they have defended on our behalf. It’s humbling to know that nearly 22 million Americans have selflessly answered the call to step forward and defend our nation, including 56,000 veterans here in southeast Louisiana. This Veterans Day, and every day, we honor and celebrate the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who gave so much for our country.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/registration-deadline-one-week,Registration Deadline for Disaster Assistance Is One Week Away,2016-11-07,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"From FEMA: Louisiana disaster survivors affected by August flooding have one week to register for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 14, 2016. Survivors may register with FEMA by going online with any computer, smartphone or tablet to DisasterAssistance.gov, calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile app. Survivors who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Survivors can also register for assistance at any FEMA disaster recovery center. To find a disaster recovery center near you, call the FEMA helpline or text DRC and your zip code to 43362. You can also find a center near you by downloading the FEMA mobile app or going online to fema.gov/drc. FEMA assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repair to their primary residence, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs. Survivors should also be sure to submit their disaster loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration by Nov.14. Submitting a loan application does not imply acceptance of a loan, but it is a necessary step to being considered for other forms of disaster assistance.   For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at SBA.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339. SBA representatives are also available at any disaster recovery center, disaster loan outreach center, or business recovery center.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/livingston-parish-assessor-announces-open-book-period-review-post-flood,Livingston Parish Assessor Announces Open-Book Period for Review of Post-Flood Assessments,2016-11-04,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor sent out the following information this week:   Livingston Parish Assessor Announces Open Book Period for Review of Post-Flood Assessments Assessor Jeff Taylor Requesting Information on Flood-Damaged Properties LIVINGSTON, La. – Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor announced today (Nov. 3) that his office will hold an open book period Dec. 5-19 to allow property owners an opportunity to review and possibly change the parish’s updated assessments on their property, particularly those structures that were damaged by the recent flooding. He said his office is mailing letters this week to property owners whose property was not affected by the floods, according to FEMA, parish and municipal permit records, asking them to contact the Assessor’s Office if that information is incorrect and their property did suffer flood damage. ""Our office has been working with FEMA officials, the parish permit office and municipal permit officials to obtain data on who flooded and who did not, but that information appears to be incomplete when compared to the reported damage throughout our parish. That’s why it’s important that anyone who has a house, businesses or other valued structure that was damaged by the flood to contact our office as soon as possible so we can update our records,"" Taylor said. He noted that all reported damage must include documentation from FEMA or parish or municipal permit offices verifying that the structure flooded. No changes will be made without documentation, Taylor said. Taylor announced last month that he will reduce assessments of those flood-damaged structure by 20 percent, giving property owners a significant reduction in their 2016 property taxes. He noted that the 20 percent decrease in assessments will only be applied to structures and not to land. He said homes and businesses that have been determined to be substantially damaged, resulting in the property owner having to demolish the structure, will have greater assessment reductions, but those property owners must provide documentation and assessments will be made on a case-by-case basis. ""We are asking all property owners to please work with our office to verify flood damage throughout the parish. We are working with numerous officials, and we are cross-referencing our data to try to get the most accurate report, but that may not be enough,"" Taylor said. ""Our office is sending out letters this week. If a person receives a letter, then that means he or she has a property – according to FEMA, parish and municipal records – that was not affected by the flood. If that’s incorrect, then let us know as soon as possible,"" he said. Taylor said his office will hold an ""open book"" period from Dec. 5-19, where property owners can come to his office at 29940 S. Magnolia Ave., in the Town of Livingston, to view their assessments and projected 2016 property taxes, ask questions or request changes. No changes to the assessments or projected property taxes will be made after the books ""close"" on Dec. 19, Taylor said. He noted that property owners can visit his office website at www.livingstonassessor.com at any time to review their assessments and those of their neighbors. He also suggested that property owners contact their local permit office or FEMA to verify record of their flood status. ""We want to ensure that our property owners receive a fair assessment and that the information is as accurate as possible, so our many taxing districts can set their budgets for the coming year,"" Taylor said. ""We are trying to walk a tight rope between our residents and our districts to make sure that our districts have enough money to run their offices and provide important public services, while our residents receive a fair reduction on their assessments if they flooded.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-named-richland-chambers-member-year,Abraham named Richland Chamber's Member of the Year,2016-11-02,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, has been named the Richland Parish Chamber of Commerce’s Member of the Year. Dr. Abraham, a native and current resident of Richland Parish, is a member of the chamber. He owns a farm in Alto and has previously opened a veterinary clinic in Rayville and medical clinic in Mangham. Chamber Chairman Scott Franklin presented Dr. Abraham with the award at the Chamber’s first-ever banquet held at the Rayville Civic Center on Tuesday night. “I’m very honored to be recognized as the Member of the Year right here at home in Richland Parish,” Dr. Abraham said. “The Chamber and I share the same goals: to see more jobs and economic development come to Northeast Louisiana. It’s a mission I’ll continue for as long as I am fortunate enough to serve the people of Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District.” Franklin said he and other chamber members “really didn’t have a decision to make” when it came to picking Dr. Abraham for the Member of the Year due to his accomplishments over the past year. He highlighted Dr. Abraham’s work during the March floods, his advocacy for agriculture disaster relief, his leadership in trying to open agriculture trade with Cuba, and his efforts to keep the Rayville hospital open as accomplishments that merited the award. “The thing I admire most about Dr. Abraham is that he could be doing anything else in the world, but right now he chooses to hold a thankless job for the benefit of Richland Parish and all of Northeast Louisiana,” Franklin said. “All that he’s done over the course of a year is what most politicians would call a career.” Dr. Abraham is serving in his first term in Congress, his first publicly held office. He is a member of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. The Richland Chamber of Commerce was established a little over a year ago. Tuesday’s banquet marked the first in what the Chamber hopes will become an annual event. Franklin said the Chamber’s goal in the short term is to highlight small businesses and help them expand. The Chamber’s long-term goal is to attract an advanced manufacturing plant capable of supporting 2,000 jobs. Franklin said the parish’s access to interstate and intrastate highways, its proximity to the Mississippi River, relative closeness to hubs like Dallas and Atlanta, high water table, and quality of the land make it an ideal place for a manufacturing plant to grow and ship its products. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-delegation-support-governor-s-appeal-fema-cost-share-reduction,"Abraham, delegation support Governors appeal of FEMA cost-share reduction denial from March flood",2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, on Tuesday led the Louisiana Congressional delegation in a letter to President Obama supporting Gov. John Bel Edwards’ appeal of FEMA’s decision not to grant a cost-share adjustment for the March flood. Under current parameters, FEMA will cover 75 percent of the damage caused by the March flood, leaving the remaining 25 percent to be covered by the state and local governments. Dr. Abraham, the delegation and Gov. Edwards previously requested that FEMA cover 90 percent of the damages given both the scope of the March flood and the drain on state and local resources that resulted from the August flood. FEMA denied that request, but the Governor appealed that decision earlier this week. Dr. Abraham and the delegation’s letter supports that appeal. A 90-10 cost-share adjustment has already been granted for victims of the August flood. “It’s certainly a good step that FEMA has rightfully granted a cost-share adjustment for the victims of the August flood, but March victims cannot be forgotten during this recovery process,” Dr. Abraham said. “We’re still assessing damage, and people are still hurting. They need the support of their federal government.” Joining Dr. Abraham on the letter were Sens. David Vitter and Bill Cassidy and Reps. Steve Scalise, Garret Graves, Cedric Richmond, John Fleming and Charles Boustany. Dr. Abraham has also authored a bill that would grant the cost-share reduction. About 40,000 people across 36 parishes faced flood damages as the result of the March flood. Affected parishes include Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Catahoula, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Carroll and Winn. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-cassidy-congratulates-centurylink-on-acquiring-level-3-communications,Senator Cassidy Congratulates CenturyLink on Acquiring Level 3 Communications,2016-10-31,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD, congratulates CenturyLink on the announcement of their acquisition of Level 3 Communications. The Monroe based communications company struck a deal with Level 3 Communications for $34 billion.   “This is a great day for Louisiana business,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This merger elevates CenturyLink amongst the top communications companies in the world and promotes Louisiana as a center for innovation and growth.”   Following the merger, the new company will be the second largest domestic communications provider serving global enterprise customers.   CenturyLink currently supports 2,800 jobs in Louisiana, contributing about $172 million in annual payroll, making it the largest public company headquartered in the state. The newly combined company will be headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana.   Strategic and Financial Benefits   ·       Highly Complementary Businesses with Expanded Fiber Networks: This transaction increases CenturyLink's network by 200,000 route miles of fiber, which includes 64,000 route miles in 350 metropolitan areas and 33,000 subsea route miles connecting multiple continents. Accounting for those served by both companies, CenturyLink's on-net buildings are expected to increase by nearly 75 percent to approximately 75,000, including 10,000 buildings in EMEA and Latin America. Overall, the complementary domestic and international networks will provide cost efficiencies by focusing capital investment on increasing capacity and extending the reach of the combined company's high-bandwidth fiber network.   ·       Enhanced Competitive Offerings in Business Network Services: The combined company will have significantly improved network capabilities, creating a world-class enterprise player with approximately $19 billion in pro forma business revenue and$13 billion in business strategic revenue, for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2016. Together, CenturyLink's and Level 3's revenue will be 76 percent derived from business customers, and 65 percent of the combined company's core revenue will be from strategic services. Given the complementary nature of the portfolios, the combined company will offer an even broader range of services and solutions to meet customers' demand for more bandwidth and new applications in an increasingly complex operating environment.   ·       Enhanced Broadband Infrastructure: This transaction will provide the combined company with increased opportunity to invest in its broadband infrastructure and enhance broadband speed for small businesses and consumers.   ·       Strong Financial Profile: The combined company is expected to have improved adjusted EBITDA margins, revenue growth and pro forma net leverage of less than 3.7x at close, including run-rate synergies. The combined company will benefit from Level 3's nearly $10 billion of net operating losses (""NOLs""). These NOLs will substantially reduce the combined company's net cash tax expense over the next several years, positioning it to generate substantial free cash flow.   ·       Improved Dividend Coverage: The improved free cash flow will enhance the combined company's financial flexibility and significantly lower its payout ratio. CenturyLink expects to maintain its annual dividend of $2.16 per share.   ·       Significantly Accretive to Free Cash Flow with Multiple Opportunities for Growth: CenturyLink expects the transaction to be accretive to free cash flow in the first full year following the close of the transaction and significantly accretive on an annual run-rate basis thereafter. Furthermore, the transaction will be accretive to CenturyLink's existing growth profile with additional upside opportunities, including the ability to deploy CenturyLink's and Level 3's product portfolio across the combined customer bases. With increased network scale, and dense local metro areas and global reach, the combined company will be positioned to further expand internationally.   ·       Substantial Run-Rate Synergies: Both companies have a proven ability to integrate and meet or exceed synergy targets. The increased scale afforded by the combined company is expected to generate $975 million of annual run-rate cash synergies, primarily from the elimination of duplicative functions, systems consolidation, and increased operational and capital efficiencies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/flood-recovery-update-fema-0,Flood Recovery Update from FEMA,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Updates from FEMA: Many services are still available for survivors at disaster recovery centers. Services include crisis counseling, appealing a determination letter from FEMA or SBA, checking on the status of your application and getting disaster-related legal advice.  Survivors can find their closest center by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or text DRC and your ZIP code to 43362. They can also search online at fema.gov/drc. Information about Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU) While waiting for an MHU, you can make the process move as smoothly as possible if you: o are available for site inspectors, o arrange with the power company for service, o get signatures for right-of-entry from your neighbors. o keep your information up to date (800-621-3362) so we can contact you. There are several factors that can delay occupancy on a private site: o power hookups o inspections for ingress and egress o utility and sewer hookups If you have a question about your MHU, we encourage you to call the FEMA helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362 or for TTY, call 800-462-7585. Updated deadlines: o October 31 - Request for Public Assistance for Louisiana governments and certain private nonprofits o November 14 - Registration with FEMA for disaster assistance; registration for SBA o November 18 - Deadline for Transitional Sheltering Assistance has been extended for survivors who have been staying in hotels because their homes have been destroyed or damaged by the August flood. Mitigation—Building back stronger FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand at area home improvement stores from Oct. 17 through Oct. 29 to answer questions, offer tips and discuss proven methods for preventing and mitigating disaster damage. Advice offered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; advisors not available on Sunday. The Home Depot 10300 Coursey Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA Lowe’s 9460 Cortana Place Baton Rouge, LA 10303 South Mall Drive Baton Rouge, LA Albertson’s 402 South Range Avenue Denham Springs, LA Disaster Recovery Centers o 12 Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in the following parishes: Ascension (1), East Baton Rouge (5), Iberia (1), Lafayette (1), Livingston (1), Tangipahoa (2) and Vermilion (1) o Four Mobile DRCs are open in East Baton Rouge (1) and Livingston (3) parishes. o Total: 16To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, log on with any computer, smartphone or tablet to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator or use the FEMA app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.  Resources for Disaster Survivors *Housing, Food, Shelter o 2-1-1 is a single access point for resources like food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance and health resources. Visit www.Louisiana211.org or follow @211Louisiana on Twitter. o Go online to www.FoodPantries.org/st/louisiana to see a database of statewide food banks. o Rental properties available: www.LaHousingsearch.com. *Legal Assistance o Louisiana Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents. For more information visit LouisianaLawHelp.org. *Volunteer information o Volunteer and donation opportunities are available at VolunteerLouisiana.gov. You may email 2016FloodDonations@gmail.com to coordinate donations. * Information about mold at www.ldh.la.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-soaring-obamacare-premiums,Scalise Statement on Soaring Obamacare Premiums,2016-10-25,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, LA – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding reports that Obamacare premiums are set to increase by an average of over 20 percent nationwide: ""The truth about Obamacare could not be more clear. For hardworking American families, it means skyrocketing costs, lost coverage, and fewer choices. This law is not working, and it is putting Americans' health at risk. It is time to repeal Obamacare once and for all, and replace it with patient-centered reforms that finally make quality healthcare affordable and accessible to every American.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/graves-host-thibodaux-town-hall-meeting,Graves to host Thibodaux town hall meeting,2016-10-24,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Congressman Garret Graves will host a town hall meeting from 4 to 5:15 p.m. Wednesday inside the Thibodaux City Council Chambers, 310 W. Second St. Read more: http://www.dailycomet.com/news/20161021/graves-to-host-thibodaux-town-hall-meeting",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/media-advisory-cassidy-announces-superdome-to-light-up-red-for-dyslexia-awareness-month,MEDIA Advisory: Cassidy Announces Superdome to Light Up Red for Dyslexia Awareness Month,2016-10-20,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"New Orleans —In celebration of Dyslexia Awareness Month, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and US Senator Bill Cassidy’s office have worked together to Light the Superdome Red this Sunday, October 23.   “Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 people. Attention to and understanding of this issue is important so that those affected can get screened, diagnosed, and the evidence based instruction they need,” Dr. Cassidy said.   Dr. Cassidy’s office is encouraging everyone to post photos of the Superdome and use the hashtag #DyslexiaAwareness this Sunday.       WHAT:   WHEN:     Light the Superdome Red   Sunday, October 23, 2016 7:00 PM (CT) WHERE:       Mercedez-Benz Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr. New Orleans, LA  70112",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/fema-mitigation-assistance-local-home-depots,FEMA Mitigation assistance at local home improvement stores,2016-10-17,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand at area home improvement stores from Oct. 17 through Oct. 29. They will be available to answer questions, offer tips and discuss proven methods for preventing and mitigating damage from future disasters. Advice offered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; advisors not available on Sunday.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/breaking-la-receives-lions-share-500-million-flood-relief-funds,BREAKING: LA Receives Lion's Share of $500 million in Flood Relief Funds,2016-10-13,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, LA – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding the announcement that Louisiana will receive the lion’s share of the $500 million in flood relief funds included in the government funding bill last month. “These much-needed CDBG funds are critical to the hardworking people of South Louisiana who are struggling to put their lives back together after the devastating flooding that inundated our state this summer. This down payment is an important first step in the recovery process. I urge the governor to establish an effective program that gets this funding into the hands of the families that so desperately need it, while ensuring that it will be used for its intended purpose—the rebuilding and recovery of South Louisiana."" Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it is awarding the State of Louisiana $437,800,000 of the $500 million allocated to Louisiana, West Virginia and Texas for flood recovery. Last month, Congress approved $500 million of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for flood recovery and rebuilding efforts in the government funding bill.  The CDBG program plays an important role in the recovery following a declared disaster. CDBG is managed by HUD and ensures that funds dispersed address the immediate and urgent threats to the health and safety of residents in impacted areas. With CDBG funds, the state is allowed to direct funds towards short-term and long-term disaster relief. CDBG funds can be used for—but are not limited to—debris removal, mitigation activities that prevent future loss, rebuilding homes and businesses, and restoring and revitalizing impacted communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/louisiana-disaster-assistance-deadline-extended-november-14,Louisiana Disaster Assistance Deadline Extended to November 14,2016-10-12,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisianans in parishes affected by August flooding now have until Monday, Nov.14, 2016, to register for federal disaster assistance. The State of Louisiana and FEMA advise that the deadline to apply for disaster assistance has been extended, so that all eligible residents have enough time to apply for assistance. Federal officials hope this additional time will ensure that everyone affected by the August severe storms and flooding has an opportunity to register for FEMA assistance. The goal is to reach all flood survivors who still need help.     Registration is open to survivors in Acadia, Ascension, Avoyelles, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. James, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana Parishes.  This new deadline also applies to homeowners, renters and businesses submitting applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You can apply for assistance or track your status online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by using the FEMA app. If you prefer, call 800-621-FEMA (3362). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. FEMA phone lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily; multilingual operators are available. Homeowners, renters and businesses affected by the floods, can apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan after registering with FEMA by going online to SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela, calling 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). For information on SBA disaster assistance, go to www.sba.gov. SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits for their uncompensated physical disaster losses (homes, personal property and business assets).  For small businesses and most private nonprofits, SBA disaster loans are available to cover working capital needs caused by the disaster, whether or not the business suffered physical damage. For more information on the Louisiana recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the flooding at fema.gov/disaster/4277; or visit the website for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at gohsep.la.gov. Follow FEMA on Twitter @femaregion6. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/flood-recovery-update-fema,Flood Recovery Update from FEMA,2016-10-11,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"TSA: For those who are eligible for FEMA assistance, FEMA transitional sheltering assistance provides lodging to displaced survivors who need a roof over their heads immediately. FEMA pays the hotel/motels directly; funds are not   disbursed  to survivors for this. This gives survivors one less detail to track.  FEMA will contact applicants who are eligible for an extension to notify them of their new checkout date.   Shelter at Home: The state-run program “Shelter at Home” contracts basic repairs to homes that can be made livable with up to $15,000 worth of work. The state has had more than 20,000 applications. The deadline to register for this program is  Oct. 15, 2016.               **This program is a partially FEMA-funded program, but survivors must register with the state. For information on this program, call 800-927-0216, email ShelterAtHome@la.gov or go to: shelterathome.la.gov/               **Participation in the “Shelter at Home” program will not affect any FEMA assistance.    IHP: In addition, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants to Louisiana survivors with uninsured or under-insured flood-related losses.    FEMA Rental Assistance: Survivors may use rental assistance to obtain temporary housing such as a house, apartment, hotel, motel, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, or other readily-fabricated dwelling available for rent.             Rental assistance totals have topped $120 million. Rental assistance for temporary housing are for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to two months.   MHU/Last Resort: The option of last resort, is the use of manufactured housing units, or MHUs. It takes time.        Factors that need to be addressed in order to be eligible: FEMA interview with the survivor; Identifying feasible sites that can accommodate the housing units;  Securing appropriate permits from the local jurisdiction; Clearing debris from identified feasible sites;  Inspecting sites to ensure safety;  Installing the units on site and having them inspected by the parish; and Working with the survivor to receive a legal license agreement to live in the unit.        Through the Multi-family Lease and Repair Program (MLRP), FEMA may contract with a property owner to provide funds for repair, or contract directly to implement repairs, to multi-family housing to make temporary housing available for                individuals and households eligible for FEMA assistance. The MLRP may provide funds to make rental units livable again in order to lease them to provide temporary housing to eligible disaster survivors.  Repairs or improvements don’t need to be storm-or-flood-related. Property owners may choose their own contractors after agreeing on repair costs with FEMA.  Interested property owners can call 225-382-1464 or email fema-ia-dhops@fema.dhs.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/watch-yesterdays-facebook-live-qa,Watch Yesterday's Facebook Live Q&A,2016-10-05,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Earlier this year, Congressman Garret Graves started using Facebook's live video streaming capabilities to engage with constituents in real time. Since then, the format has proved to be an effective and popular way for Garret to hear from the people he represents, answer questions and respond to comments. Anyone is welcome to participate, and all you have to do is follow Congressman Graves on Facebook by ""liking"" his page: www.facebook.com/congressmangarretgraves to be a part of these interactive videos.   Watch yesterday's Facebook Live Q&A below and ""like"" Congressman Graves on Facebook to participate in upcoming forums.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/prospects-good-more-federal-flood-aid,Prospects Good for More Federal Flood Aid,2016-10-05,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"“Without question, we deserve a good bit more funding than has been provided.” Louisiana 6TH District Congressman Garret Graves is talking about federal funding for rebuilding from the August flood. He's frustrated by what went down before Congress recessed last week, authorizing less than $500-million for Louisiana's needs. “The Flint, Michigan, money; trying to shut down Congress; making it a Republican versus Democrat – I mean, this is people’s lives, livelihoods, futures, homes – and you’re going to try and politicize that? Come on!” he says, sarcastically. Read more and listen to the segment here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/la-delegation-urges-hud-secretary-quickly-distribute-flood-recovery,LA Delegation Urges HUD Secretary to Quickly Distribute Flood Recovery Funds,2016-10-05,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Baton Rouge, LA.) – Congressman Garret Graves (R-LA) and the Louisiana congressional delegation today sent a letter to Julian Castro, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), urging him to quickly distribute $500 million in recently appropriated flood recovery funds via the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and making the case that Louisiana deserves the bulk of the funding, and reminding HUD that the language of the law clearly states that the funding is for storms prior to enactment of the Act. “We cannot allow bureaucratic delays  to further victimize the tens of thousands of families whose lives were turned upside down by this historic flood disaster,” said Rep. Graves. “It’s critical that we quickly get this financial assistance into the hands of flood victims.” “After the deadly thousand-year flooding disaster in August, thousands of Louisianians are still displaced from their homes, and we need to do everything we can to help them restore some semblance of normalcy as the recovery efforts continue,” said Sen. Vitter. “One of the quickest ways to do that is for HUD to start distributing the $500 million in federal disaster relief funds so that Louisiana families can move back into their homes.” “We know money has a greater impact if it comes sooner rather than later,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The administration must act quickly in distributing the available flood recovery funds so struggling families can know that help is on the way.” “Folks across my district are still hurting from two floods this year. I’ve been in their homes and seen the devastation first hand. HUD must move as swiftly as possible so we can get them on the road to recovery,” said Dr. Abraham. “We urge you to act swiftly to expedite and disburse the recently appropriated Community Development Block Grant funding to help with flooding disasters, the vast majority of which is clearly meant to help flood victims in Louisiana,” wrote the Louisiana congressional delegation. Last week, the Congress passed a continuing resolution that contained $500 million in federal disaster assistance that is expected to mainly be used for Louisiana flood recovery, following the deadly, historic flooding disaster in South Louisiana in August and the Red River flooding earlier this year. HUD is responsible for distributing the funds to states with disasters in 2016, and Louisiana is expected to receive a major portion of those funds through the CDBP program. Signing today’s letter to Secretary Castro are U.S. Sens. Vitter and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), and U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany, M.D. (R-La.), Steve Scalise (R-La.), John Fleming, M.D. (R-La.), Cedric Richmond (D-La.), Ralph Abraham, M.D. (R-La.), and Garret Graves (R-La.). Click here to read today’s letter. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-la-delegation-urge-hud-secretary-to-quickly-distribute-flood-recovery-funds,"Cassidy, LA Delegation Urge HUD Secretary to Quickly Distribute Flood Recovery Funds",2016-10-05,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington – Today, Senator Bill Cassidy, MD, along with the entire Louisiana congressional delegation sent a letter to Julian Castro, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), urging him to quickly distribute $500 million in recently appropriated flood recovery funds via the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Vitter and the delegation made the case that Louisiana deserves the bulk of the funding, and reminded HUD that the language of the law clearly states that the funding is for storms prior to enactment of the Act.   “We know money has a greater impact if it comes sooner rather than later,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The administration must act quickly in distributing the available flood recovery funds so struggling families can know that help is on the way.”   “After the deadly thousand-year flooding disaster in August, thousands of Louisianians are still displaced from their homes, and we need to do everything we can to help them restore some semblance of normalcy as the recovery efforts continue,” said Sen. Vitter. “One of the quickest ways to do that is for HUD to start distributing the $500 million in federal disaster relief funds so that Louisiana families can move back into their homes.”   “Folks across my district are still hurting from two floods this year. I’ve been in their homes and seen the devastation first hand. HUD must move as swiftly as possible so we can get them on the road to recovery,” said Dr. Abraham.   “We cannot allow bureaucratic delays  to further victimize the tens of thousands of families whose lives were turned upside down by this historic flood disaster,” said Rep. Graves. “It’s critical that we quickly get this financial assistance into the hands of flood victims.”   “We urge you to act swiftly to expedite and disburse the recently appropriated Community Development Block Grant funding to help with flooding disasters, the vast majority of which is clearly meant to help flood victims in Louisiana,” wrote the Louisiana congressional delegation.   Last week, the Congress passed a continuing resolution that contained $500 million in federal disaster assistance that is expected to mainly be used for Louisiana flood recovery, following the deadly, historic flooding disaster in South Louisiana in August and the Red River flooding earlier this year. HUD is responsible for distributing the funds to states with disasters in 2016, and Louisiana is expected to receive a major portion of those funds through the CDBP program. To read more, click here.   Signing today’s letter to Secretary Castro are U.S. Sens. Vitter and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), and U.S. Reps. Charles Boustany, M.D. (R-La.), Steve Scalise (R-La.), John Fleming, M.D. (R-La.), Cedric Richmond (D-La.), Ralph Abraham, M.D. (R-La.), and Garret Graves (R-La.).   Click here to read today’s letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congress-provides-500-million-disaster-relief-funds,Congress provides $500 million in disaster relief funds,2016-10-04,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"In mid-September, the LSU AgCenter estimated the flood damage experienced in Louisiana had reached some $350 million. Only two weeks later, that estimate has risen “north of $400 million,” says Louisiana Rep. Ralph Abraham. With Congress out of session until after November elections where does federal disaster relief funding stand? “The Senate finally agreed on a continuing resolution (CR),” said Abraham on Monday (October 3). “They had to get funding to address zika and military construction in that. “The House got the CR about midday on Wednesday (September 28) and we passed it about 9 p.m. So, the CR is done through December 8. That means once we’re back in session after Thanksgiving we’ll have to pick (the budget) back up. “By then, of course, we’ll have new members of Congress and new President. He or she will determine how we go forward with the budget process. We know whoever wins the presidency will have different priorities so that’ll affect the way we address it.” To read the full story click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/congressman-graves-host-service-academy-day-baton-rouge-sunday-october-9,"Congressman Graves To Host Service Academy Day in Baton Rouge Sunday, October 9",2016-10-03,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"You're Invited! Congressman Garret Graves (LA 06) is hosting a Service Academy Day this Sunday, October 9, 2016 at LSU's College of the Coast & Environment from 2:30 - 5:30 pm.  Congressional Academy Days (or ""Service Academy Days"") are sponsored by your local congressional offices.  Their objective is to provide you with information regarding service academies' admissions processes, the congressional office's nomination process and often an opportunity to meet with service academy representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/week-house-floor-revisited,This Week of September 26 on the House Floor - Revisited,2016-09-30,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 954, the CO-OP Consumer Protection Act of 2016, by a vote of 258-165 (See Roll Call #563). This legislation temporarily exempts individuals whose coverage under a plan offered by a qualified nonprofit health insurance issuer receiving funds through the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan program was terminated or otherwise discontinued from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s individual mandateOn Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act, by a vote of 399-25. (See Roll Call #572). This legislation authorizes the United States Army Corps of Engineers to carry out water resources development activities through cost-sharing partnerships with non-federal sponsors. These activities include navigation, flood damage reduction, shoreline protection, hydropower, dam safety, water supply, recreation, environmental restoration and protection, and disaster response and recovery.Also on Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 6094, the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act, by a vote of 246-177. (See Roll Call #574). This legislation provides a six month delay in the effective date for the Department of Labor’s overtime pay rule.Also on Wednesday, the House agreed to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 5325, the Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act, by a vote of 342-85. (See Roll Call #573). The bill funds the federal government through December 9, 2016, provides $1.1 billion to respond to the Zika virus, includes the Fiscal Year 2017 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Conference Report as passed by the House, and contains $500 million in grants to help states rebuild and recover from recent flooding.Also on Wednesday, the House passed S. 2040, the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, the objections of the President to the contrary notwithstanding, by a vote of 348-77-1. (See Roll Call #564). This legislation would allow the victims and families of victims of terror attacks to sue foreign states that aid and abet acts of terror that occur on U.S. soil. Specifically, the legislation amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act to narrow the immunity granted to foreign states and their employees or agents from lawsuits by victims of terrorist acts on U.S. soil.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-louisiana-shelter-home-receive-nearly-130-million-federal,GRAVES: Louisiana Shelter at Home to Receive Nearly $130 Million of Federal Resources,2016-09-30,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Congressman Garret Graves (R – Baton Rouge) today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding nearly 130 million dollars in federal grants for the State of Louisiana’s Shelter at Home program. “We have been pushing the concept of the Shelter at Home Program because it has the potential to be a more effective alternative to other post-disaster temporary housing programs,” said Graves. “Instead of spending the tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars on hotels, trailers and other temporary housing setups, Shelter at Home is supposed to invest directly into the rebuilding of damaged homes, which is more complementary of long-term recovery.” This announcement comes a week after Rep. Graves sent a letter urging FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate to address some concerns over the program’s structure that Graves explained.  Graves went on, “I continue to have concerns that the program is operating with structural waste and too many layers of bureaucracy. FEMA’s funding announcement today – more than 26% of which is set aside for “Program Management” ($ 34,011,450)  – reinforces my concern. Let’s put as much of this money into the hands of folks who can get the work done quickly and efficiently, like our do-it-yourself homeowners, other contractors or licensed recovery organizations still on the ground. We’re going to continue to work with FEMA and state officials to maximize the potential of this program and empower our citizens to jump to start these individual and community-wide recovery efforts.” Details about today’s funding announcement can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/fema-announces-federal-grants-for-louisiana,FEMA Announces Federal Grants for Louisiana,2016-09-30,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"09.30.16 FEMA Announces Federal Grants for Louisiana WASHINGTON—Today, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced two federal grants for the State of Louisiana for disaster relief. The two grants will provide a combined $128,516,850 to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) for the first portion of the Shelter At Home (SAH) Program and associated project management costs. The SOH Program enables eligible individuals or families whose homes were damaged in the August flooding to take shelter in their own homes while they rebuild, instead of having to stay in a hotel, rental or mass shelter. “With federal aid dollars beginning to flow into Louisiana, families are finally getting assurance that help is on the way,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This money will help families move out of temporary housing and back into their homes while they begin the process of rebuilding.”   The first award provides $94,505,400 in federal funding to GOHSEP for the first portion of the SAH Program. The current version of this project addresses the first group of registered citizens participating in the program. A future version will address additional participants.    The second award provides $34,011,450 in federal funding to GOHSEP for the project management costs associated with the SAH Program. The program authorizes emergency temporary repairs and power restoration in single-family owner occupied residences to make those residences habitable enough to be used as a shelter.   These emergency protective measures are needed as damages were a direct result of FEMA-DR-4277-LA (Louisiana Severe Storms and Flooding), and is authorized under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.   Both grants represent FEMA’s 90 percent cost share obligation, with the State of Louisiana making up the remaining 10 percent of the project costs. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-daines-and-bipartisan-bicameral-coalition-introduce-export-control-reform-act,"Scalise, Daines and Bipartisan Bicameral Coalition Introduce the Export Control Reform Act",2016-09-28,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC — House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today with U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), U.S. Representative Tom Marino (R-Pa.); U.S. Representative Steve Stivers (R-Ohio); U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas); and U.S. Representative Gene Green (D-Texas) introduced the Export Control Reform Act of 2016, which transfers regulatory responsibility for non-military-grade firearms from the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Department of Commerce. “The State Department’s July guidance takes a hostile stance toward gun owners and the Second Amendment,” Whip Steve Scalise said. “The federal government shouldn’t be treating local gunsmiths like they are international arms dealers. It’s as ludicrous as saying your neighborhood car mechanic is an automobile manufacturer — it just doesn’t add up. Our common-sense, bipartisan bill simply transfers regulatory responsibility for non-military-grade firearms from the Department of State to the Commerce Department–where it belongs–so that it can be regulated like any other commercial business. This is yet another important step in protecting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.”  ""The Obama administration is continually making attempts at restricting the rights of law-abiding Americans to own guns,” Senator Steve Daines stated. “This unduly targets gunsmiths, most of whom make little to no income and simply do it for the love of the trade, or are small business owners who will be negatively impacted by this burdensome cost. This bill protects both our Second Amendment rights and our small businesses from government overreach."" “The current restrictions coming from the Department of State harm the ability of American businesses to operate competitively,” Rep. Steve Stivers said. “This is just another example of overregulation discouraging job creation – something that is all too familiar in our country. I am proud to stand with House Majority Whip Steve Scalise as a cosponsor of this important legislation.” “Under current regulations, gunsmiths who do not manufacture or export products are required to register with the State Department and pay an annual fee of $2,250,” commented Rep. Tom Marino. “This unreasonably high cost is crushing small businesses and hobbyists not only in my district, but all across the United States. Furthermore, the State Department should have no regulatory authority over munitions used purely for sport or hunting. The Export Control Reform Act is a commonsense solution to overreaching regulations hindering American manufacturers and exporters. This legislation ensures hardworking Americans will have the opportunity to be competitive on a global scale by removing excessive rules and costly fees.” “Simplifying government regulations on business is important to maintain industry competitiveness,” said Rep. Henry Cuellar. “The Administration’s export control reform initiative has been a positive step in simplifying and streamlining the U.S. export system for key U.S. manufacturing and technology sectors. I’m pleased to co-sponsor this bill which will insure completion of that reform which began in 2009.” “I applaud the Obama Administration for its Export Control Reform Initiative which has cut red tape and benefited many manufacturers in Houston and Harris County, and throughout the country,"" Rep. Gene Green said. ""These reforms will properly treat sporting and commercial firearms made for civilian use just as any other commercial business, thereby putting our domestic gun makers on an even playing field against Russian and Chinese arms manufacturers. Congress should act to protect these manufacturing jobs in Texas and ensure that all American-made, civilian-use exports are treated fairly and given equal opportunity to compete overseas.” “On behalf of our 5 million members, the NRA would like to thank Congressman Steve Scalise for introducing H.R. 6176, the Export Control Reform Act of 2016,"" said Chris Cox, Executive Director NRA-ILA. ""This bill would effectively rescind the State Department’s reckless “guidance” that seeks to treat law-abiding gun owners and gunsmiths as if they were international commercial firearms exporters. This bill would also remove gunsmiths altogether from State Department’s control so they are not wrongly caught up in bureaucratic red tape and required to pay exorbitant annual fees meant for commercial exporters. Congressman Scalise’s leadership is greatly appreciated and we look forward to continuing to work with him on this important issue.” “The Export Control Reform Act of 2016, introduced in the House on a bipartisan basis today, thanks in large measure to the leadership of Congressman Steve Scalise, seeks to complete what the Obama administration itself began to effectuate the transfer of regulatory oversight from State to the Commerce Department of sporting and commercial firearms that have no military application,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). “Because the administration has not moved forward and gunsmiths are now being affected by the State Department’s recent guidance, it is time for the Congress to move forward with legislation to reduce unneeded and burdensome regulation while improving our global competitiveness, enhancing job creation and protecting our national security.”      Background: The Export Control Reform Act of 2016 moves export licensing control, oversight and enforcement for commercial and sporting (non-military) firearms and related items from the Department of State to the Department of Commerce.  Commerce already licenses the export of shotguns and shot shells. The Export Control Reform Act simply completes the Administration’s export control reform (ECR) initiative’s review of the three categories of articles currently controlled by the State Department for export licensing (U.S. Munitions List Categories I - III) that  the administration has yet to address as part of its overall ECR initiative.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/whip-scalise-statement-passing-shimon-peres,Whip Scalise Statement on the Passing of Shimon Peres,2016-09-28,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Whip Scalise Statement on the Passing of Shimon Peres Sep 28, 2016 WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement on the passing of former Israeli President Shimon Peres: ""We join Israel and the entire global community in mourning the passing of Shimon Peres. He will be remembered for his determination to bring peace to a region marred by conflict, strife and unrest, and his legacy will forever be embodied by the nation he helped establish and lead. The loss of Shimon’s exemplary leadership and vision will be felt throughout the world and greatly missed.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-delegation-secure-more-money-22-louisiana-hospitals,"Abraham, delegation secure more money for 22 Louisiana hospitals",2016-09-28,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, has secured additional funding for 22 rural hospitals throughout Louisiana after he and other members of the Louisiana delegation successfully convinced the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to revisit a ruling that affected these hospitals’ Medicaid reimbursement amounts. CMS approves Disproportionate Share Hospital funds to Louisiana’s small rural hospitals (fewer than 60 beds) as required by the Medicaid State Plan Amendment (SPA). These payments are based upon estimates of these hospitals’ future anticipated Uncompensated Care Costs. Should audits prove that a hospital has been overpaid through this system, those hospitals must pay back any excess money. However, CMS initially ruled that the recouped overpayments could not be used to better compensate hospitals that had been underpaid. Dr. Abraham wrote a letter to CMS in September requesting that the agency revisit its decision and redistribute the overpaid funds to 22 rural hospitals that had been underpaid. Joining him on the letter were Sens. David Vitter and Bill Cassidy and Reps. Charles Boustany and John Fleming. Dr. Abraham received word this week that CMS would in fact honor his and the delegation’s request, and the rural hospitals will receive more money. “As a family doctor with a rural practice, I know firsthand how important Louisiana’s rural hospitals are for the health of those of us who live out in the country. Unfortunately, too many of these hospitals have to fight for every dollar they can get just so they can continue their mission of helping these underserved areas. I appreciate CMS for agreeing these hospitals deserve more money. Rural Louisianians deserve access to high quality medical care, and I will always fight for them,” Dr. Abraham said. Rural Hospital Coalition Executive Director Charles Castille said, “On behalf of the Louisiana Rural Hospital Coalition, I want to thank Rep. Abraham for his assistance in getting CMS to reconsider their decision to not allow redistribution of these funds. This redistribution will be of significant benefit to our struggling rural hospitals in Louisiana."" The precise amounts of how much each hospital will receive has yet to be determined, however, because each affected hospital was underpaid they will receive some amount of money. Hospitals in Louisiana’s 5th District, which Dr. Abraham represents, that will receive money include: Winn Parish Medical Center, Winnfield Morehouse General Hospital, Bastrop East Carroll Parish Hospital, Lake Providence West Feliciana Parish Hospital, St. Francisville Riverland Medical Center, Ferriday Madison Parish Hospital, Tallulah Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite Richardson Medical Center, Rayville Citizens Medical Center, Columbia Richland Parish Hospital, Delhi Jackson Parish Hospital, Jonesboro Other hospitals that will receive money include: DeSoto Regional Health System, Mansfield Bienville Medical Center, Arcadia Assumption Community Hospital, Napoleonville Dequincy Memorial Hospital, Dequincy Sabine Medical Center, Many St. Martin Hospital, Breaux Bridge Reeves Memorial Medical Center, Bernice Franklin Foundation Hospital, Franklin St. James Parish Hospital, Lutcher Acadia-St. Landry Hospital, Church Point Prevost Memorial Hospital, Donaldsonville   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-votes-support-louisiana-flood-aid,Abraham votes to support Louisiana flood aid,2016-09-28,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON - Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, voted Wednesday to bring home half a billion dollars designated for disaster relief aid, the bulk of which will go to Louisiana to help residents recover from the devastating floods that struck the state in March and August.The flood relief was included in the continuing resolution, which passed the House in a late-night vote Wednesday.The half a billion dollars in disaster relief aid is the first step in helping Louisiana rebuild. The Louisiana delegation will work to get more money, as well as a 90-10 cost-share split for March flood victims, included in the year-end omnibus spending bill, which will be heard after the November elections.""The continuing resolution I voted for tonight contains half a billion dollars for disaster relief that our people need. No, the CR wasn’t perfect, but Louisiana needs assistance now, and delivering that assistance is our delegation’s top priority. This is a good first step, but we have more work to do to fully recover from the March and August floods. I appreciate Sen. Cassidy’s work on the Senate Appropriations Committee in getting this initial downpayment, and I know he will continue his efforts to get the rest of the money we need into the year-end omnibus,"" Dr. Abraham said. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-down-payment-for-la-flood-victims,Cassidy Secures Down Payment for LA Flood Victims,2016-09-28,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Let me repeat that one more time:   The flooding caused 8.7 billion dollars in damages—making it, besides hurricanes, the most expensive natural disaster to occur in our country in the last 100 years.   No one was prepared. Less than a quarter of the population even had flood insurance because the flooding occurred in areas that are more than 50 feet above sea level, where people were told they were not in a flood zone or at low-risk of flooding. They were never told that they needed to buy insurance.   We have thousands of families that were completely caught off guard, unprepared, by a freak of nature thousand-year flood and are now struggling to pick up the pieces. They need our help. They are trying to make a decision on whether to stay in their damaged homes and try to rebuild or just move on.  It is our duty to make sure that these families have the resources they need to recover and to rebuild.   Here you can see a family being evacuated by volunteers. This is a residential street. Water is that high inside their house too and all they were able to salvage is in the bags in their hands. All their belongings now—beds, clothes, pictures, family heirlooms—are more than likely in a debris pile on the side of the street. Meanwhile, they have to make the serious decision on whether they can afford to rebuild. This is only one family. So far, over 145,000 people have applied for Individual Assistance through FEMA. They need to know if that assistance is coming.   Let me remind you of Dorothy Brooks—she is 78 years old— this picture shows her being rescued from her home, through three feet of floodwater, by Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office Sargent Thomas Wheeler. Dorothy, who relies on a wheelchair, did not have the time, let alone the ability to prepare her home for the rapid flooding. Imagine the fear she felt, being handicapped, watching the flood waters rise around her. Seniors like Dorothy who have returned to their homes are encountering further obstacles. Because of their age, they are unable to carry out the labor necessary to properly clear out their homes to prevent the spread of mold. They need help.   Let me also remind you of Roy and Vera Rodney, both in their 80s, had 4 inches of water enter their house. The FEMA inspector told them their home was habitable so they were denied repairs and rental assistance. With no family in town to help them gut and repair their house, they were forced to let all of their water damaged carpet, furniture and belongings—just sit. It didn’t take long for mold to appear and their house became too unhealthy to live in. They evacuated to distant family. While there, they were not available to have volunteers gut their home, so they had to reschedule. In the weeks they were forced to wait, their home remained ungutted and mold spread everywhere. Because they could not get the aid they needed, their cost of recovery only grew with time.   Our state is in crisis and for some reason the unparalleled severity of this natural disaster has been overlooked. To delay this aid would be devastating for the people of Louisiana. It is crucial that Congress approves funding before it leaves for the fall recess.   Helping each other is a fundamental American value, I enlist all of my colleagues to support this legislation - to help families faced with losing their homes and everything they own. To help folks pick up the pieces and put their lives back together. Let’s do what’s right and pass the legislation and pass relief for flood victims—I yield back.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delegation-continue-to-fight-for-flood-relief,"Cassidy, Delegation Continue to Fight for Flood Relief",2016-09-27,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"09.27.16 Cassidy, Delegation Continue to Fight for Flood Relief WASHINGTON — US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD today announced the continuance of the fight to secure disaster relief funding for Louisiana after Democrats voted down the Continuing Resolution, which included a $500 million down payment in funding for the state and other areas impacted by flooding.  ""Federal dollars will come to help Louisiana’s flood victims. We know the same amount of money has a greater impact if it comes sooner rather than later,” Dr. Cassidy said. ""I am sorry that those with other agendas refuse to see that - but federal help is coming. We will continue to match the pace at which Louisiana received money after Hurricane Katrina.”  The Senate is expected to call another vote on the CR later this week. Cassidy has been leading the effort to receive federal aid for the state and last week spoke on the floor about the needs of Louisiana. Read the release and watch the speech here.   Background: Senate Democrats have been obstructing the passage of the CR, which includes crucial funding to combat the Zika virus, provide flood relief and address our nation’s opioid epidemic. Democrats claim to be fighting for Flint funding, but Flint aid should pass in a separate water projects bill, which passed the Senate in a 95-3 vote on Sept. 15.  Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/flood-recovery-update-fema-926,Flood Recovery Update from FEMA 9/26,2016-09-26,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"FEMA Housing Assistance: Home Ownership Verification To qualify for FEMA’s home repair assistance, individuals must own their home. Some properties are excluded from this type of aid—including second homes, vacation homes and businesses and it is important to determine that your property qualifies. Proofs of Home Ownership Below are several types of documents that you can show the FEMA inspector to prove that you legally owned the home at the time of the disaster. Your name on the following documents serves as proof you are the legal owner of the home: • Deed or Official Record • Mortgage Payment Book • Real Property Insurance • Tax Receipts or a Property Tax Bill • Property Title or Mobile Home Certificate of Title • Contract for Deed • Land Installment Contract • Quitclaim Deed • Bill of Sale or Bond for Title If you don’t have any of the above documents or you have questions about what you can do to demonstrate home ownership to FEMA, call 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Specialists are also available to help survivors in person at a disaster recovery center. To find the one closest to you, call 800-621-3362 or go online to http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/. NFIP Deadline extended  Policyholders now have 120 days from the date of loss to file a flood insurance claim. This extension doubles the 60-day deadline NFIP usually requires. Housing Options in Louisiana:  TSA: For those who are eligible for FEMA assistance, FEMA transitional sheltering assistance provides lodging to displaced survivors who need a roof over their heads immediately. FEMA pays the hotel/motels directly; funds are not disbursed to survivors for this. This gives survivors one less detail to track. o As of Sept. 23, there were 2,527 hotel check-ins. o What is needed to make a request or a request for an extension for TSA o A completed form FEMA provides you. Contact FEMA if you haven’t received a form. o A copy of your lease. o Receipts showing proper use of the federal disaster housing assistance you’ve received. o Current household income status. o Any household financial obligations.  Shelter at Home: The state-run program ""Shelter at Home"" contracts basic repairs to homes that can be made livable with up to $15,000 worth of work. The state has had more than 19,000 applications. o This program is a partially FEMA-funded program, but survivors must register with the state. For information on this program, call 800-927-0216 or go to: https://shelterathome.la.gov/. o Participation in the ""Shelter at Home"" program will not affect any FEMA assistance.  IHP: In addition, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants to Louisiana survivors with uninsured or under-insured flood-related losses.    FEMA Rental Assistance: Survivors may use rental assistance to obtain temporary housing such as a house, apartment, hotel, motel, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, or other readily-fabricated dwelling available for rent. o Rental assistance totals have topped $118 million. Rental assistance for temporary housing are for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to two months.  MHU/Last Resort: The option of last resort, is the use of manufactured housing units, or MHUs. o Factors that need to be addressed in order to be eligible:  FEMA interview with the survivor;  Identifying feasible sites that can accommodate the housing units;  Securing appropriate permits from the local jurisdiction;  Clearing debris from identified feasible sites;  Inspecting sites to ensure safety;  Installing the units on site and having them inspected by the parish; and  Working with the survivor to receive a legal license agreement to live in the unit.  For landlords: o Through the Multi-family Lease and Repair Program (MLRP), FEMA may contract with a property owner to provide funds for repair, or contract directly to implement repairs, to multi-family housing to make temporary housing available for individuals and households eligible for FEMA assistance. The MLRP may provide funds to make rental units livable again in order to lease them to provide temporary housing to eligible disaster survivors.  Repairs or improvements don’t need to be storm-or-flood-related.  Property owners may choose their own contractors after agreeing on repair costs with FEMA.  Interested property owners can call  225-382-1464 or email  fema-ia-dhops@fema.dhs.gov.   Disaster Unemployment Assistance o The deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is October 14, 2016 for residents of all declared parishes. o Disaster Unemployment Assistance: www.laworks.net or call 866-783-5567 Disaster Recovery Centers o 18 Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in the following parishes: Acadia (1), Ascension (1), East Baton Rouge (6), Iberia (1), Lafayette (1), Livingston (2), St. Helena (1), St. James (1), St. Landry (1), Tangipahoa (2) and Vermilion (1) o Five Mobile DRCs are open in East Baton Rouge (1), Evangeline (1) and Livingston (3) parishes. o Total: 23 To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, log on with any computer, smartphone or tablet to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator or use the FEMA app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.    Resources for Disaster Survivors  Housing, Food, Shelter o 2-1-1 is a single access point for resources like food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance and health resources. Visit www.Louisiana211.org or follow @211Louisiana on Twitter. o Go online to www.FoodPantries.org/st/louisiana to see a database of statewide food banks. o Rental properties available: www.LaHousingsearch.com. o Airbnb has also posted homes available to disaster survivors. To assist survivors, Airbnb is waiving certain fees and offering some houses at no cost. More information at: https://www.AirBnB.com/disaster/luisianaflooding.  Legal Assistance o Louisiana Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents. For more information visit LouisianaLawHelp.org.  Volunteer information o Volunteer and donation opportunities are available at VolunteerLouisiana.gov. You may email 2016FloodDonations@gmail.com to coordinate   Mitigation—Building back stronger FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand at area home improvement stores from Sept. 26 through Oct. 15. They will be available to answer questions, offer tips and discuss proven methods for preventing and mitigating damage from future disasters. Advice offered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; advisors not available on Sunday. HOME DEPOT 6600 Main Street Zachary, LA 8181 Airline Highway Baton Rouge, LA 213 Saint Nazaire Road Broussard, LA 2740 South Cajun Avenue Gonzales, LA LOWE’S 1777 Millerville Road Baton Rouge, LA 2816 LA-14 New Iberia, LA",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/breaking-la-flood-relief-funds-be-included-govt-funding-bill,BREAKING: LA flood relief funds to be included in gov't funding bill,2016-09-22,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"BREAKING: LA flood relief funds to be included in gov't funding bill Sep 22, 2016 WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding the announcement that $500 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding is included in the Continuing Resolution to be made available to flood victims in Louisiana: ""The inclusion of grants for disaster relief in this must-pass legislation is a major victory for the people of South Louisiana who are struggling to get back into their homes after the devastating flooding that inundated our state. While there is more work to be done, securing this down payment is a critical first step in the recovery process. I will continue working tirelessly, along with my colleagues in Louisiana’s Congressional delegation, to ensure that the families and communities impacted by this historic flooding have the help they need to rebuild."" It was announced this afternoon that $500 million of CDBG funds would be included in the government funding bill to be passed this month. The Community Development Block Grant program plays an important role in the recovery after a declared disaster. CDBG is managed by the Housing and Urban Development Agency (HUD) and ensures that funds dispersed address the immediate and urgent threats to health and safety of residents in impacted areas. With CDBG funds, the State is allowed to direct funds towards short-term and long-term disaster relief. CDBG funds can be used for--but are not limited to--debris removal, mitigation activities that prevent future loss, rebuilding homes and businesses, and restoring and revitalizing impacted communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/stopping-cash-payments-iran,Stopping Cash Payments to Iran,2016-09-22,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC –House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today went to the House floor to urge passage of H.R. 5931, the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act. H.R. 5931 passed the House 254-163. Remarks: “Mr. Chairman, back in June of 2015, President Obama said, and I quote, 'It is United States policy to deny hostage takers the benefits of ransom, prisoner releases, policy changes or other acts of concession.' That was back in 2015. Of course, just six months later, President Obama released seven Iranians and sent $400 million in cash to Iran in exchange for Americans held hostage. When the initial word came that $400 million was sent in unmarked bills on an unmarked plane to in essence exchange that money for American hostages, it sent a chilling signal all across the world. Not only was the administration completing a prisoner swap, but the administration was actually cowering to the Iranians' request for a cash payment. $400 million was converted into European currency, flown through Geneva, and transferred to the Iranians just as the American hostages were released. But what we heard from the White House were denials – actually calling us out saying it wasn't a ransom payment despite the clearly coordinated series of events. “Mr. Chairman, we've learned that the President's own Justice Department warned that this cash payment would signal a change in U.S. ransom policy. And of course the Iranians themselves consider it a ransom payment. In fact, the Iranians bragged that they received cash ransom from the United States. “Nonetheless, the administration continues to refuse to confront this problem and we've seen that play out. Since this hostage ransom payment, more Americans and other westerners have been taken hostage because the President put a bounty on the heads of Americans and other westerners. We've also learned that there's another $1.3 billion that was sent to Iran in cash. The administration said there was no other way to send the payment – that they couldn't wire it. But of course, since then we've learned that there have been wire transfers made to Iran, so the President continued to mislead the American people about this serious breach of American protocol as it deals with Iran. “Now a serious question to answer, Mr. Chairman, is where is that $1.7 billion going? And not if, but how much of that $1.7 billion is going to end up in the hands of Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist organizations? Because after all, Iran is the largest state sponsor of terror. I think these are all important questions that need to be answered, Mr. Chairman. All of these serious questions need to be answered by the administration which has continued throughout this entire process misleading the American people about what really happened and the American people are demanding answers. This bill by Chairman Royce is a serious response to stop these kinds of cash ransom payments from ever happening again, to make America more safe.” Click here to watch Scalise's remarks.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-announces-13-million-hud-louisiana-recovery,Graves Announces $13 Million from HUD for Louisiana Recovery,2016-09-22,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Garret Graves announced today that the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will allocate $13 million of “sanction funds” to aid Baton Rouge and Lafayette recovery efforts after a conversation he had with HUD Secretary Julian Castro. Sanction funds are unexpended dollars recuperated from HUD grantees by the agency. Such funds are pooled and reallocated to communities impacted by a Stafford Act event. “For weeks, we’ve been in constant contact with HUD, FEMA and other federal agencies educating them about the scale of this disaster and working to identify opportunities like this one to redirect resources to the tens of thousands of Louisianans who so badly need help in their fight to recover from the August flood,” said Graves. “Every bit of assistance helps, and we’re urging the state to allocate these resources directly to the impacted parishes to ensure the money goes to where it is needed most. I want to thank Secretary Castro for his ongong support of recovery efforts in Louisiana.""  Sanction funds can be used for infrastructure needs, small business and economic development needs, and even individual homeowner needs. In the conversation with Graves, Secretary Castro indicated all $13 million of the department's sanction funds are directed to Baton Rouge and Lafayette, which are Entitlement Communities.  As Entitlement Communities, these cities receive direct funding from HUD. They are the only two Entitlement Communities in the impact area.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-takes-stand-louisiana-flood-victims,Graves Takes a Stand for Louisiana Flood Victims,2016-09-22,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Congressman Garret Graves (R – Baton Rouge) introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives today requiring the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to provide a predictable and timely response for flood insurance policyholders after they file a claim.   The legislation establishes a deadline for approval of claims made under NFIP and mandates the program to make determinations within 30 days of the initial filing, followed by any payment owed under the claim. “Last month people across south Louisiana were in water from their knees to their necks or higher.  The following six weeks have added insult to the injury through confusion and uncertainty in the face of the unprecedented personal financial crisis and life strain,” said Graves. “Thousands of home and business owners are in limbo because they cannot get appropriate information or payment from their federal flood insurance policies.  As a result, many are facing foreclosure or bankruptcy.  Our bill requires that the National Flood Insurance Program quickly get answers and funding to home and business owners.” The Timely Payments for Flood Victims Act of 2016 ensures that a home or business owner has certainty when it comes to filing a flood insurance claim under the National Flood Insurance Program. It requires that a determination of the claim must be made within 30 days of submission. Payments will be made as soon as possible should a claim be approved. It also provides for a 15 day extension past the 30 day deadline should extraordinary circumstances arise. This bill allows Congress to bring accountability to the NFIP in response to concerns voiced by those policyholders facing catastrophic loss from last month’s flooding. Graves added: “The conflicting, inconsistent or lack of information regarding recovery assistance and agencies adds insult to the injury, prevents people from moving forward toward recovery and compounds frustrations. People are having to make decisions about whether and how to stay and rebuild or move; for many, it’s a false choice and these delays and lack of information make it worse -- It’s inexcusable.  Our bill forces the NFIP program to provide the customer service taxpayers deserve.” Congressman Graves’ bill is cosponsored by Congressmen Ralph Abraham, M.D. (R-Alto), Charles Boustany, M.D. (R-LA), and Cedric Richmond (D-LA). The full text of the bill can be found here. ""Flood insurance policy holders need timely and accurate information on their claims so that they can begin the recovery process. Disasters are painful events for our families, business owners and the communities in which they live, so the very last thing they need are delays in the process. I am proud to cosponsor this bill on behalf of Louisiana’s flood victims, and I look forward to working alongside Congressman Graves to see that it becomes law,” Dr. Abraham said. Boustany said: “Many Louisianans are still waiting to hear whether or not their insurance claims have been approved from flooding that began over a month ago. That is unacceptable. These claims must be processed in a timely manner to ensure the rebuilding process will begin soon after disaster strikes. I am proud to support this important legislation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delegation-secure-relief-for-louisiana-families,"Cassidy, Delegation Secure Relief for Louisiana Families",2016-09-22,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"09.22.16 Cassidy, Delegation Secure Relief for Louisiana Families WASHINGTON — US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD announced the inclusion of half a billion dollars in disaster relief funding for Louisiana in the version of the Continuing Resolution released today. Dr. Cassidy released the following statement: ""This is a down payment that will bring peace of mind to families that were faced with potentially leaving their homes. I’m grateful to my fellow senators, the governor and the entire delegation for moving so swiftly – receiving relief this quickly is unprecedented and shows the depth of need in Louisiana. This will go a long way to help our families begin to recover, rebuild and prosper.""   Dr. Cassidy has been leading the effort to bring relief to Louisiana, including organizing the effort to send a letter to the president urging him to submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress for flood recovery aid. Read the letter and official release here. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-speaks-on-need-for-louisiana-flood-relief,ICYMI: Cassidy Speaks on Need for Louisiana Flood Relief,2016-09-22,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"09.22.16 ICYMI: Cassidy Speaks on Need for Louisiana Flood Relief WASHINGTON—Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) rose on the Senate floor to bring further attention to the August flooding disaster in Louisiana and the relief the state desperately needs. Earlier today, Dr. Cassidy secured half a billion in initial flood relief aid in the Continuing Resolution and hopes for quick, bi-partisan approval. “We have thousands of families that were completely caught off guard, unprepared, by no fault of their own, caught by a freak of nature thousand year flood, and are now struggling to pick up the pieces,” Dr. Cassidy said. “They are trying to make the decision, do I stay and rebuild or do I just move on?” Read the remarks as prepared below and watch his remarks here.   Mr. President, today, I rise once again to bring attention to the devastation brought to my state of Louisiana by what is now being called the, “Great Flood of 2016.” In a matter of just a few days, 7.1 million gallons of rain fell on Louisiana, more than we saw from Hurricane Katrina. The flooding that ensued caused 8.7 billion dollars in damages to homes and businesses.   A flood event with this magnitude has such a low percent chance of happening that it has been called a “Thousand Year” flood. To put that into perspective, the last time a flood this severe would have occurred would have been 500 years before Christopher Columbus came to the New World.   Just look at this chart. This flood will be one of the most expensive disasters in US history. Except for hurricanes this is the most expensive disaster in a hundred years. The most devastating factor of this storm was how little time people had to react. The storm was missing key cyclone characteristics. Even the National Hurricane Center had no expectation for this level of devastation.   Many that were affected, never having been hit by a flood before, living in areas not at risk for flooding, felt all was well. The first parishes to be hit by the flooding had no time to evacuate or prepare. Here you can see a family being evacuated by volunteers. This is a residential street. Water is that high inside their house too and all they were able to salvage is in the bags in their hands. All their belongings now—beds, clothes, pictures, family heirlooms—are more than likely in a debris pile on the street. Meanwhile, they have to make the serious decision on whether they can afford to rebuild. This is only one family. So far, over one hundred and forty four thousand people have applied for Individual Assistance through FEMA. They need to know if that assistance is coming.   Small businesses were hit hard too. According to estimates reported by the Advocate newspaper, as many as twelve thousand Baton Rouge area businesses flooded. This picture is from Denham Springs, a town outside of Baton Rouge. A study by The National Flood Insurance Program found that close to 40 percent of businesses that flood never reopen. For the small businesses that do re-open their doors, the great cost of rebuilding can prove too great to overcome, forcing the business to close and putting any employees out of work with that.   As we list off statistics and look at the devastatingly huge scope of this disaster, it is important we remember the individuals, the human beings who have suffered through this disaster and their personal stories of how they lost everything.   This is a home in Cypress point, a small subdivision built along the Amite River, north of French Settlement. Constructed in the 2000s, the homes here were elevated above the Base Flood Elevation, which should have kept their homes safe and dry from the flooding. However, when the Amite River had a record-breaking river crest of 46 feet, the floodwaters were so high and strong they tore out the boathouses, docks, bulkheads, and ripped away upwards of 20 feet of land from underneath the northernmost properties. As you can see from this image, the flood waters swept the land completely out from under this home. The Parish is in the process of condemning 10 properties because these homes are literally floating away on the water. Currently it is up to the individual owners to repair or tear down their homes. To make the situation worse, they will need permits from the Corps of Engineers to restore what they lost and if their home falls into the river, they will have to also finance the additional cost of removing them.   Now I want to remind y’all, these homes were built above the Base Flood Elevation. As far as these homeowners knew, their homes were safe from flooding.   This is Dorothy Brooks—she is 78 years old—being rescued from her home, through three feet of floodwater, by Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office Sargent Thomas Wheeler. Dorothy, who relies on a wheelchair, did not have the time, let alone the ability to prepare her home for the rapid flooding. Many seniors like Dorothy returned to their homes, but due to their age, are unable to carry out the labor necessary to properly clear out their homes to prevent the spread of mold.   Roy and Vera Rodney, both in their 80s, had 4 inches of water enter their house. The FEMA inspector told them their home was habitable so they were denied repairs and rental assistance. With no family in town to help them gut and repair their house, they were forced to let all of their water damaged carpet, furniture and belongings just sit. It didn’t take long for mold to appear and their house became too unhealthy to live in. They evacuated to distant family. While there, they were not available to have volunteers gut their home, so they had to reschedule. In the weeks they were forced to wait, their home remained ungutted and mold spread everywhere. Because they could not get the aid they needed, their cost of recovery only grew with time.   Roy and Vera were not required to purchase flood insurance, because they live in “Zone X” which is considered to have a low risk for flooding.   That is a huge factor in this disaster that many overlook. About 80 percent of the homes that were flooded did not have flood insurance, not because the homeowners were negligent, but because they lived in a low risk area and were not required to purchase insurance. These are flood-affected areas that have never flooded, not in a thousand years.   This is why providing federal aid is so critical. We have thousands of families that were completely caught off guard, unprepared, by no fault of their own, caught by a freak of nature thousand-year flood, and are now struggling to pick up the pieces. They are trying to make the decision, do I stay and rebuild or do I just move on?   Families, businesses, our state needs help. We need to pass funding quickly. People are hurting now. People need help now.   Some look at this picture and just see debris piled up on the street. But these are people’s lives collected on the side of a roadway, their belongings, and their memories.   I am glad that a down payment was included in the Continuing Resolution released today. This is critical to ensuring that families will be able to recover, rebuild and prosper. However, we are not done yet. Helping each other is a fundamental American value, I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to support this legislation - to help families faced with losing their homes and everything. To help folks pick up the pieces and put their lives back together. To Americans across the country, please call your Senators and ask them to support Dorothy, Roy, Vera and so many other families and businesses in Louisiana.   Thank you, I yield back",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/cash-delivery-preferred-method-payment-iran,Cash On Delivery: The preferred method of payment in Iran,2016-09-21,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC –House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today at a House Leadership press conference discussed home-grown terrorism and the consequences of the Obama Administration’s cash payments to Iran, the world’s largest state-sponsor of terrorism: Remarks: “This weekend, we continued to see more terrorism coming to American soil -- in this case, more home-grown terrorism, which is an increasing problem. The House has taken action over the last few months to address home-grown terrorism. The Senate needs to take action on that. The president needs to step up his actions. “But one thing we're going to do this week, and I want to thank Chairman Royce and his committee for their leadership on confronting this ransom payment that the president made to Iran. When the initial word came out that $400 million was sent in unmarked bills on an unmarked plane to, in essence, exchange that money for American hostages, it sent a chilling signal. But what we heard from the White House was denials, actually calling us out saying it wasn't about ransom payments. And then, of course, we found out that the president misled the American people and continues to refuse to confront this problem and how it actually makes America less safe. And we've seen that play out. We've seen more Americans and other Westerners taken hostage. “When you put a price tag on the head of Americans, all it's going to do is encourage Iran to continue this behavior of capturing our men and women and then holding them out for cash payments from this president. “Where is that money ending up? I think a very important question that ought to be asked of President Obama is how much of that $1.7 billion in unmarked cash bills are going to go to Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations. We already know that Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism. So the question is not if, but how much of that money is going to end up in the hands of terrorist organizations who go after our allies like Israel and Americans. “So these are serious questions. At least the House is continuing to confront this and take more action to prevent it from happening again. But what's already happened deserves serious answers from the White House, and this time, candor; no longer misleading the American people like they have in the past.” Click here to watch Scalise's remarks",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-mccarthy-and-brady-object-irs-misuse-taxpayer-info,"Scalise, McCarthy, and Brady Object to IRS Misuse of Taxpayer Info",2016-09-21,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Ca.) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-Tx.) today sent a letter to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner John Koskinen requesting information related to a partnership between Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the IRS, and their use of sensitive taxpayer information for an Obamacare marketing outreach campaign.  The letter is in response to a recent CMS fact sheet, entitled “Strengthening the Marketplace by Covering Young Adults,” which discusses the Obama Administration’s plans to advertise insurance options to individuals who previously sought exemptions from the law’s individual mandate or paid a penalty.   In the letter to Commissioner Koskinen, the members underscore that this campaign raises legal and privacy concerns. “We strongly object to any action by the Administration to improperly use sensitive taxpayer information to identify and harass individuals who have rejected the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) by choosing to pay a tax rather than be forced into a health care plan they don’t need and don’t want,” the members wrote. “In order to facilitate this reported outreach, access to confidential return information is needed, which raises legal and privacy concerns.  It also demonstrates the extent to which the Administration is willing to use the power of the IRS to insert itself into the lives of individuals who have made a legal and personal choice not to purchase a health plan.” “The Administration should not be using taxpayer dollars, nor sharing or misusing confidential taxpayer information, especially in a transparent attempt to increase pressure on individuals to participate in what’s left of a failing law,” the members continued. The full text of the letter can be found HERE and below: The Honorable John Koskinen Commissioner Internal Revenue Service 1111 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20224 Dear Commissioner Koskinen: We strongly object to any action by the Administration to improperly use sensitive taxpayer information to identify and harass individuals who have rejected the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) by choosing to pay a tax rather than be forced into a health care plan they don’t need and don’t want. One of the most important responsibilities of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is to protect sensitive taxpayer information.  Recent reports have revealed that in order to prop up the failing health insurance exchanges created by the ACA, the Administration is planning to conduct outreach directly to taxpayers who paid a penalty under the law’s individual mandate in previous years.  In order to facilitate this reported outreach, access to confidential return information is needed, which raises legal and privacy concerns.  It also demonstrates the extent to which the Administration is willing to use the power of the IRS to insert itself into the lives of individuals who have made a legal and personal choice not to purchase a health plan.  A recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) fact sheet, entitled “Strengthening the Marketplace by Covering Young Adults,” discusses CMS’s plans to reach out to individuals who previously sought exemptions from the law’s individual mandate or paid a penalty.  According to the fact sheet, “[f]or the first time this fall, we will conduct outreach to individuals and families who paid the fee for being uninsured, or claimed an exemption from that fee, for 2015.” While specific details on the Administration’s outreach plans are still unclear, this description nevertheless raises significant concerns. The ACA has caused great disruption in the individual health insurance market. We do not believe it to be an appropriate tax administration activity, nor a good use of scarce taxpayer resources, to use protected return data to direct taxpayers on their personal coverage decisions. Additionally, it is unclear what role, if any, CMS intends to play.  As you are aware, the confidentiality of tax returns and return information is protected by law in 26 § U.S.C. 6103.  It is implausible that information on whether an individual paid a penalty is relevant for determining ACA subsidy eligibility— the sole permitted use of this confidential data under current law.   The IRS has broken its faith with the American people.  There have been years of scandals and abuse of trust by high-ranking officials.  CMS botched the launch of the ACA exchanges and continues to administer a program that is not stable.  And now we learn these two agencies are collaborating on a project to harass individuals who have in fact already complied with the individual mandate.  The Administration should not be using taxpayer dollars, nor sharing or misusing confidential taxpayer information, especially in a transparent attempt to increase pressure on individuals to participate in what’s left of a failing law.  To better understand the IRS’s use of protected taxpayer information, please provide the following information no later than October 4, 2016:   1. Does the IRS intend to reach out directly to individuals that paid a penalty?     a.  How will such outreach take place?     b.  How will individuals receiving notice be identified?     c.  What is the specific tax administration activity this outreach seeks to accomplish?     d.  Provide all copies, including drafts, of notices and other materials sent to taxpayers pursuant to this effort. 2. Has the IRS formally or informally engaged in any discussions with the Department of Health and Human Services, or any other entity, over reaching out to taxpayers to discuss their compliance with the individual mandate, or the use of taxpayer information regarding any penalties determined pursuant to the individual mandate?     a.  If such discussions have occurred, what is the intended purpose of the outreach?     b.  Provide, all agreements, memoranda of understanding, or other communications, including all drafts and versions of such records, between IRS, Treasury, HHS, CMS, States, and/or any other entity related to the sharing of protected taxpayer information. Thank you for your attention.  If you have any questions about this matter, please contact Ways and Means Committee staff at (202) 225-9263.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/avoyelles-police-jury-hopes-benefit-fema-aid,Avoyelles Police Jury Hopes to Benefit from FEMA Aid,2016-09-21,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Good news is hard to come by in these days of natural disasters and government financial crises, but the Avoyelles Police Jury is going to try their best to take advantage of one of those rare tidbits. Jurors were informed that  FEMA has decided that local governments receiving federal assistance to repair damages or undertake projects to prevent future damage will only have to pay 10 percent of those costs instead of 25 percent. Police Jury President Charles Jones said he and other parish officials attended a disaster assistance meeting with Gov. John Bel Edwards and FEMA officials in Baton Rouge recently.  A FEMA team has also met with parish officials concerning efforts in the parish. At the Jury’s Sept. 13 meeting, Jones said the parish is working with U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham’s office to obtain funds under FEMA’s “hazard mitigation” program and he is optimistic that that aid will be provided.  In a press release on that subject, Abraham called FEMA’s decision “a good first step.” However, the 5th District congressman said he and others in the Louisiana delegation are “working with FEMA to determine why it did not grant a cost-share reduction for the more than 40,000 people flooded in March.” He said the March flood “affected mostly rural parishes, whose already-limited resources have been stretched even thinner by historic flooding. We might not have gotten a presidential visit or a spotlight by the national media, but we still got 20-plus inches of rain that flooded our homes, churches, farms, businesses and schools, too.” Reducing the local matching costs from 25 percent to 10 percent for state and local governments for the earlier flood damage “is the right thing to do,” he added. To read the full story click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-encourage-use-of-natural-gas-vehicles,Cassidy Introduces Bill to Encourage Use of Natural Gas Vehicles,2016-09-21,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"09.21.16 Cassidy Introduces Bill to Encourage Use of Natural Gas Vehicles WASHINGTON — Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) introduced the Natural Gas Truck Parity Act of 2016, a bi-partisan and bi-cameral bill, in the US Senate. This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create a partial exclusion for alternative fuel trucks from the excise tax imposed on heavy-duty trucks sold at retail. US Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH) also introduced companion legislation in the US House of Representatives. The tax code currently imposes a 12 percent Federal Excise Tax (FET) on the sale of heavy-duty trucks. Alternative fuel trucks, like natural gas vehicles (NGV), include new technology and are sold in limited quantities, and, therefore have a much higher first cost or incremental cost than conventional trucks. The 12 percent tax rate is assessed not only on the base cost of the truck but also on the incremental cost, acting as a penalty by unnecessarily adding to the already higher cost of these vehicles. “The Federal Excise Tax is making it more expensive for businesses that want to buy cleaner, safer, and more fuel efficient trucks that run on natural gas to do so,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Reducing this burdensome tax on alternative fuel trucks, to match taxes on conventional trucks, will encourage the use and production of domestic natural gas—benefitting Louisiana’s economy and workers.”   “This month has been the hottest September in recorded history, and that has been the case for the past 11 months.  Climate change is real, and we are seeing its effects firsthand. That is why I am introducing legislation to get greener trucks onto our roads. Natural-gas fueled trucks will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease our dependence on foreign oil and move us eventually towards a future that runs on clean energy. The time to act is now and this bill is a necessary step,” said Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH).   The higher tax payment increases natural gas truck prices, extends the required payback period for these trucks and makes it harder for many businesses that may be considering natural gas trucks to justify that initial purchase. Some states have recognized this inequity and exempt portions of the vehicle cost from their state imposed taxes (SC: 30%; NM: 18%)   The full legislation can be read here.               The following organizations offered statements in support of the Senate legislation:   “NGVAmerica commends Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) for introducing legislation that would result in cleaner and greener trucks on America’s highways. This common-sense legislation would help level the playing field when it comes to the taxation of alternative fueled trucks and remove another barrier to the greater utilization of clean-burning, low-cost, domestic natural gas in transportation.” said Matthew Godlewski, President of NGVAmerica.   ""TRALA members purchase more than 25% of all heavy-duty trucks on the road today and are increasingly looking to put environmentally-friendly, alternative fuel vehicles on America's highways.  For our customers that wish to enter into the natural gas truck market, this legislation will help facilitate the purchase of cleaner and more fuel efficient trucks by reducing the onerous tax burden caused by the FET"" said Jake Jacoby, President and CEO of the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA).”   “Cummins Westport Inc. supports the introduction of this important legislation which, if enacted, would remove a significant barrier for our customers to choose clean natural-gas powered trucks.  Greater utilization of natural gas among heavy-duty truck fleets means cleaner air, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and proven economic benefits that accrue across the supply chain at the local and state level.”   “Trillium CNG supports the elimination of the Federal Excise Tax (FET) on the incremental cost of heavy duty natural gas trucks. The current FET presents an added tax burden to customers who want to buy new, cleaner, compressed natural gas trucks, thereby discouraging investment in this domestically produced alternative fuel. Eliminating this burden will help foster heavy duty fleets transition to cleaner burning natural gas and assist in commercializing a market which enhances our national security and cleans the air.”   “It is well established that while natural gas vehicles provide superior performance and economy on a life cycle basis, their initial costs are higher and have made them less affordable to some fleets. Our business is price sensitive. Any way to drive cost from our products, including a reduction in excise taxes, will make natural gas vehicles more attractive and help our business,” said David Benner, co-founder of Mainstay Fuel Technologies   “Natural gas is a much cleaner, and a more cost effective domestic alternative fuel for on-road and off-road vehicles, and this year with introduction of new natural gas engine technology we have a game-changing reduction in emissions with natural gas engines reaching “near zero” NOx levels or 90% below EPA requirements” said Kathleen Ligocki, Chief Executive Officer, Agility Fuel Systems. “Due to all these economic and environmental reasons Agility strongly supports legislation that would provide alternative fuel trucks with a partial exclusion from the excise tax imposed on heavy duty trucks sold at retail.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-introduces-bill-improve-cybersecurity-and-accountability-federal,Abraham introduces bill to improve cybersecurity and accountability in federal government,2016-09-20,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, introduced legislation on Monday, Sept. 19, to address the recent cybersecurity breaches of personal data of millions of Americans. Dr. Abraham’s HR 6066, the “Cybersecurity Responsibility and Accountability Act,” sets a number of directives for federal agencies to strengthen their cybersecurity protocols, and the bill brings a new level of accountability for agency heads that fail to implement the security measures necessary to prevent against cyber attacks. The bill comes after numerous Congressional hearings uncovered that breaches occurred after federal government agency heads at agencies such as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) failed to implement adequate procedures to protect data. Those three breaches alone resulted in compromised personal data of more than 20 million Americans. “As a country, we must do a better job protecting Americans and their personal information from cyber attacks. This bill not only implements important reforms to strengthen our cybersecurity, but it also increases accountability so that we can hold agency heads responsible when they fail to correct security vulnerabilities identified by inspectors,” Dr. Abraham said. The major provisions in the bill include: Specifies the role of the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director to develop and update cybersecurity standards and guidelines to fulfill the additional objectives and requirements of the Cybersecurity Responsibility and Accountability Act of 2016; Requires the NIST Director to conduct cybersecurity research to identify and address prevalent information security challenges, concerns, and knowledge gaps identified by agencies; Directs NIST, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Department of Homeland Security to develop the job description and responsibilities for an agency Chief Information Security Officer within 6 months of this Act’s enactment; Requires each agency to provide mandatory annual information security training and certification designed specifically for the agency head, which is to be developed and updated by NIST; Requires the annual agency report to OMB to include written certification by the agency head that NIST information security standards are being met by the agency; Requires each agency head to develop plans in consultation with GAO and separately with the agency IG to implement all of the GAO’s and respective agency IG’s recommendations regarding information security controls relevant to the agency; Requires an independent IG evaluation of each major cybersecurity incident experienced by the agency; and If the IG’s evaluation of the major cybersecurity incident determines that the incident occurred because the agency head failed to comply sufficiently with the information security requirements, recommendations, or standards provided by NIST, the IG, or GAO, the OMB Director shall take enforcement action.  The action that the OMB Director may take includes recommending to the President the removal or demotion of the agency head, or ensuring the agency head does not receive any cash or pay awards or bonuses for a period of 1 year.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-vitter-introduce-bill-to-provide-relief-to-flood-victims,"Cassidy, Vitter Introduce Bill to Provide Relief to Flood Victims",2016-09-20,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"09.20.16 Cassidy, Vitter Introduce Bill to Provide Relief to Flood Victims WASHINGTON— Today, US Senators Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) and David Vitter (R-LA) introduced S.3358 in the US Senate to waive the 10 percent penalty for early IRA withdrawals for those impacted by the August flooding. This bill will supplement the regulatory waivers to allow Louisianans impacted by the August flooding early access to retirement funds. “Whatever can be done to help your family rebuild, recover and prosper must be done,” said Dr. Cassidy. “If your home is destroyed, if your living room is covered in mud – this bill allows you to access your own money to help your family get back to normal.” The bill would:           ·         Exempt early withdrawals under $100,000 from the 10% penalty; ·         Allow people to repay their IRA those amounts within 3 years; ·         Treat the withdrawal as income, but would allow individuals to include only a third of            it in their income each year for tax  purposes. This bill follows Senator Cassidy’s efforts to secure extensions of tax filing deadlines and approval of hardship withdrawals for Louisianans affected by the August flooding. Dr. Cassidy sent a letter to the IRS requesting early access to retirement funds for those affected by flooding in Louisiana. That letter can be read here. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/flood-recovery-update-fema-919,Flood Recovery Update from FEMA 9/19,2016-09-19,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"When in doubt about applying for disaster assistance, call FEMA.  Many residents of parishes covered by last month’s presidential disaster declaration might be eligible for federal assistance but have not applied with FEMA. Why not apply?  Some who already have cleaned up and made repairs themselves think they cannot apply for assistance. Not true.  Some think accepting money from FEMA might affect their Social Security checks or that a FEMA grant would be taxed as income by the IRS. Not true.  Others hesitate in accepting taxpayer money because they feel their neighbors need it more. FEMA assistance is for all who are eligible.  Sometimes survivors assume that once they collect on their insurance they are no longer eligible for federal help, even if the insurance payment fell short of covering the damage. Not true.  The most common reason: The assumption that once they alert local, parish or state officials to their damage, they automatically are registered with FEMA. Not true. Register with FEMA today.  Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov; or  Call 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily;  Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362;  Download and use the FEMA app.   You Can Help to Move Your FEMA Assistance Request Forward It’s up to you …  Move your FEMA application for disaster assistance swiftly by providing all the information needed and then staying in touch.  The facts you provide determine what types of assistance you may be eligible to receive. Only when all the information is complete, is FEMA able to make a decision regarding your disaster aid. Follow up—don’t give up—if you receive an ineligibility letter. Remember to:  Return insurance information o If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance company and ask for a settlement letter detailing exactly what is covered under your claim. Then turn it in to FEMA (FEMA cannot provide money to individuals or households for losses already covered by insurance).  Provide information to prove occupancy or ownership of the damaged property o Utility bills, tax receipts, rental receipts are all proof you lived at the address.  Fill out all necessary paperwork and update your contact information o Let FEMA know each time you move or change a phone number:  By going online to DisasterAssistance.gov;  By calling 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily;  Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362; or  By talking face-to-face with a specialist at a disaster recovery center. Find the closest one at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.  Complete and return the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application. o Return the completed SBA loan application even if you choose to decline the loan. o Filling out the loan application is a necessary step to be considered for additional forms of disaster assistance. Also in FEMA news: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program Extension  The TSA checkout date has been extended to Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. FEMA will contact applicants who are eligible for the extension to notify them of their new checkout date. National Flood Insurance Program considerations Rates  Flood losses in Louisiana will not cause flood insurance rates to rise above scheduled annual rate increases. o Properties located in a floodplain that have federally backed mortgages are required by law to be properly insured against known hazards, such as flooding. o Anyone can purchase a flood insurance policy if they live in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Coverage  The NFIP offers two types of coverage — building and contents. The mortgage lender may only require you to purchase flood insurance for the structure.   Contents coverage will cover items such as personal belongings and furniture for an additional premium. o To find your approximate flood insurance costs and the hazard level of your area, visit www.FloodSmart.gov and enter the property address. Contact your insurance agent for questions about a specific property. Help paying for flood insurance in Louisiana  You may have to obtain flood insurance as a condition of receiving federal disaster assistance following Louisiana’s recent severe storms and floods, but FEMA can help. o FEMA may pay for three years’ worth of premiums if you’re a homeowner or renter who receives federal disaster help and didn’t have flood insurance. o Keep flood insurance once FEMA stops paying your premiums to be considered for certain recovery grants after future disasters. NFIP Deadline extended  Policyholders now have 120 days from the date of loss to file a flood insurance claim. This extension doubles the 60-day deadline NFIP usually requires. NFIP Milestones  As of Sept. 16, the NFIP authorized and issued more than $373 million in payments to 28,900 policyholders so they can repair and rebuild. Other Messages and Information for Survivors  Scams and Frauds o The only time disaster survivors should provide personal information is during the initial application process for FEMA or when they initiate contact with FEMA to Daily Fact Sheet September 19, 2016 7 　 follow up on an application. Other than that, don’t offer personal financial information over the phone or respond to texts, phone calls or personal requests seeking your personal information. o Know who you are dealing with. Never be shy about asking for identification. Government workers will never ask for a fee or payment. They always wear an official government photo ID. o FEMA inspectors only require verification of identity. o Report any suspicions of fraud by calling the Louisiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection hotline at 800-351-4889 or law enforcement immediately.  Resources for Disaster Survivors  Housing, Food, Shelter o 2-1-1 is a single access point for resources like food, clothing, shelter, financial assistance and health resources. Visit www.Louisiana211.org or follow @211Louisiana on Twitter. o Go online to www.FoodPantries.org/st/louisiana to see a database of statewide food banks. o Rental properties available: www.LaHousingsearch.com. o Airbnb has also posted homes available to disaster survivors. To assist survivors, Airbnb is waiving certain fees and offering some houses at no cost. More information at: https://www.AirBnB.com/disaster/luisianaflooding.  Legal Assistance o Louisiana Legal Services   provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents. For more information visit LouisianaLawHelp.org.  Volunteer information o Volunteer and donation opportunities are available at VolunteerLouisiana.gov. You may email 2016FloodDonations@gmail.com to coordinate donations. Information about mold at www.ldh.la.gov. Disaster Recovery Centers Acadia Parish Location: Old Wells Fargo Building 10 N. Parkerson Avenue Crowley, LA 70526 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Ascension Parish Location: Lamar Dixon Expo Center 9039 St. Landry Avenue Gonzales, LA 70737 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. East Baton Rouge Parish Location: 10000 Celtic Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70809 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Daily Fact Sheet September 19, 2016 8 East Baton Rouge Location: New Hope Outreach Center 5856 Greenwell Springs Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Location: St. Louis King of France Catholic Church Queen Blanche Room 2121 N. Sherwood Forest Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70815 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Location: Baker Council on Aging 3334 Jefferson Street Baker, LA 70714 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday Closed Sunday. Location: 2nd Baptist Church 914 N. Acadian Thruway Baton Rouge, LA 70802 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Location: Zachary Men’s Club 5746 Rollins Road Zachary, LA 70791 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Location: City of Central Parking Lot - Mobile DRC 13421 Hooper Rd. Central, LA 70818 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Evangeline Parish (MDRC) Location: North Side Civic Center, 704N. Solileau St. Ville Platte, LA 70586 8 a.m. -6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Iberia Parish Location: Iberia Parish Fire Protection District Training Center 2417 Darnall Rd. New Iberia, LA 70560 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Lafayette Parish Location: 301 West University Ave. Lafayette, LA 70506 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. 8 a.m. -1 p.m., Sunday Livingston Parish Location: North Park Recreation Center 30372 Eden Church Road Denham Springs, LA 70726 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Location: American Legion Hall 26200 Highway 43 Springfield, LA 70733 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Location: Bass Pro Shops (MDRC) 175 Bass Pro Boulevard Denham Springs, LA 70726 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1-6 p.m., Sunday. Daily Fact Sheet September 19, 2016 9 Livingston Parish Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church - Mobile DRC 15710 Highway 16 French Settlement, LA 70733 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday. Location: Recreation Center at Sidney Hutchinson Park Mobile DRC 13470 Ball Park Road Walker, LA 70785 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. St. Helena Parish Location: St. Helena Environmental Health Unit 53 N. 2nd St. Greensburg, LA 70441 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. St. James Parish Location: New Zion Gospel Baptist Church 261 West Main St. Gramercy, LA 70052 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 1-6 p.m., Saturday. Closed Sunday. St. Landry Parish Location: Word Ministries 1960 W. Laurel Ave. Eunice, LA 70535 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. St. Martin Parish Location: Veterans Home 800 Veterans Drive Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Tangipahoa Parish Location: Former Parish Tourism Building 42271 S. Morrison Blvd. Hammond, LA 70403 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Location: Amite City Office Complex 721 S. 1st Street Amite, LA 70422 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Vermilion Parish Location: Old Health Unit 401 S. St. Charles St. Abbeville, LA 70510 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, log on with any computer, smartphone or tablet to the disaster recovery center locator at asd.fema.gov/inter/locator or use the FEMA app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/louisiana-officials-lawmakers-work-bring-home-federal-flood-relief,"Louisiana officials, lawmakers work to bring home federal flood relief",2016-09-16,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"While the latest Louisiana floods have abated, the hard work of harvest and cleaning up still have to be done. Also part of the aftermath: state officials and lawmakers bringing home the best federal assistance package possible. In mid-September, LSU AgCenter economists set the latest agriculture-related damage tally at $277 million. That doesn’t take into account the flood damages in parts of the state from earlier this spring. “We’re looking, so far, at about $350 million in agriculture losses,” said Louisiana Rep. Ralph Abraham on Wednesday (Sept. 14). “However, the clock is still ticking and the tally will be even higher. With the help of the governor, of (Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike) Strain and the delegation, I think we’ll definitely get some money directed towards the state’s agriculture. We have to.” Is there any indication how that money might be appropriated or apportioned? “The Senate today is debating the (continuing resolution) on their side of the turf, so to speak. The House is waiting to see what the Senate will send us. “The Senate is very ready to get out of town and begin campaigning in some of the battleground states. So, I’m hopeful that either today, tomorrow – certainly no later than Friday (September 16) -- we have something that includes an agricultural and flood relief package.” To read the full story click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bill-to-honor-late-shreveport-judge-tom-stagg,Senate Passes Bill to Honor Late Shreveport Judge Tom Stagg,2016-09-16,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"09.16.16 Senate Passes Bill to Honor Late Shreveport Judge Tom Stagg WASHINGTON— Last April, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD and US Senator David Vitter introduced a bill in the US Senate to designate the Shreveport Federal Building and United States courthouse as the “Tom Stagg United States Court House.” Last Night, the bill passed in the Senate and now moves to the US House of Representatives for consideration. The Honorable Thomas ‘Tom’ Eaton Stagg Jr. of Shreveport, who passed away last June, served in the United States Army during WWII. He rose to the rank of Captain, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge, a Bronze Star for Valor, another Bronze Star for meritorious service and the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster. After attending Cambridge and LSU Law Center, Stagg served in private practice before his nomination to serve on the federal bench for the Western District of Louisiana in 1974. He was named chief judge in 1984, a position he held until 1991.   “The Honorable Tom Stagg was an inspirational figure and is well deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Cassidy. “He was a deeply respected member of his community and had a reputation of intelligence, spirit, patriotism, wisdom and wit.”   Read the Bill here.   Last April, Dr. Cassidy spoke on the Senate floor in support of the building’s renaming and to honor the late Judge Stagg. Dr. Cassidy’s speech can be seen here. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-applauds-passage-of-water-infrastructure-bill-reducing-future-flood-risk,"Cassidy Applauds Passage of Water Infrastructure Bill, Reducing Future Flood Risk",2016-09-15,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"09.15.16 Cassidy Applauds Passage of Water Infrastructure Bill, Reducing Future Flood Risk WASHINGTON— US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD applauded the passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA) and the Louisiana initiatives included in the bill. WRDA authorizes many critical infrastructure, hurricane protection and flood control projects for Louisiana.   “As we rebuild from the Louisiana floods, funding to prepare for future storms and to lower the risk for future flooding is important to every Louisiana family,” Dr. Cassidy said. “This bill helps Louisiana prepare for future storms and lowers risk. It is good for Louisiana.” Louisiana priorities passed in the bill include:   Chief’s Report: West Shore-Lake Pontchartrain, LA ·       Authorizes $718.09 million for hurricane and storm-damage risk reduction along the east bank of the Mississippi River in St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James Parishes, LA. Chiefs Report: Calcasieu Lock ·       Authorizes $16.70 million to reduce navigation delays. Chiefs Report: Southwest Coastal Louisiana, LA ·       Authorizes more than $3 billion for hurricane storm surge damage reduction and ecosystem restoration in three parishes in southwestern LA. Study: Mississippi River Ship Channel, Gulf to Baton Rouge, LA ·       Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of increasing the allowable Federal maintenance on access channels along the Mississippi River Ship Channel from the Gulf to Baton Rouge, Louisiana project. Study: St. Tammany Parish ·       Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of carrying out projects described in the St. Tammany Parish Comprehensive Coastal Master Plan for flood control, shoreline protection, and ecosystem restoration in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana Study: Ouachita-Black Rivers Navigation Project ·       Conduct a study to determine the feasibility of adding bank stabilization and water supply as project features on the Ouachita River. Deauthorization and Conveyance: Pearl River ·       Deauthorizes the project for navigation, Pearl River, Mississippi and Louisiana, and conveyance of the project to the State of Louisiana as the date of enactment of this act. Deauthorization: Red River Below Denison Dam ·       The portion of the project for flood protection on Red River Below Denison Dam, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, is no longer authorized beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. Operation and Maintenance of Fuel-Taxed Inland Waterways ·       Allows a non-Federal interest to carry out operation and maintenance of floodgates and associated infrastructure on a fuel-taxed inland waterways, and receive credit or reimbursement for that work. Non-Fed Interest Dredging Authority ·       Establishes a pilot program authorizing a non-Federal interest to maintain a federal navigation project with its own equipment and personnel and be eligible for reimbursement at an amount equal to or less than the yearly appropriated amount associated with the project. Dredged Materials ·       Authorizes the placement of dredged material in a location where the upfront costs are not the lowest if those additional upfront costs will be offset by the resulting environmental, flood protection, and resiliency benefits. Rehabilitation of Existing Levees ·       Authorizes $125 million for a pilot program for the Corps to immediately address coastal levees that are subsiding. Wetlands Mitigation ·       Requires the Secretary to issue guidance regarding credits available from mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs and provides that mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs be considered reasonable alternatives. Credit for Donated Goods ·       This section requires the Corps when calculating the amount of credit a non-Federal interest will receive for in-kind contributions to use the value of the in-kind contribution (such as the value of land provided for the project), rather than the cost of the contribution. Harbor Deepening ·       Aligns the cost share for construction of harbors with the change in WRRDA 2014 modifying the cost-share for maintenance of harbors. Discrete Segment ·       Authorizes the Corps to give credit or reimbursement for discrete segments of projects as they are completed.  Wetlands Mitigation ·       Requires the Secretary to issue guidance regarding credits available from mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs and provides that mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs be considered reasonable alternatives. Prioritization ·       Clarifies the prioritization of hurricane and storm damage reduction efforts in WRRDA 2014 to include restoration of wetlands as well as loss of wetlands. Updates deadline for report to Congress. Requires a report to Congress on the implementation of the requirements in WRRDA 2014 to give priority to certain ecosystem restoration projects. Transfer of Excess Credit ·       Clarifies authority in WRRDA 2014 allowing the transfer of credit between projects. Aids to Navigation ·       Directs the Secretary to consult with the Coast Guard regarding aids to navigation on the Ouachita-Black Rivers. Additional Measures at Donor Ports and Energy Transfer Ports: ·       Extends the authority to provide additional funds for donor ports and energy transfer ports. Expedited Competition of Authorized Projects - Flood Damage Reduction ·       Directs the Corps to expedite the completion of the Comite River Diversion and Amite River and Tributaries, East Baton Rouge to address significant needs and risks. Completion of Ecosystem Restoration Projects ·       Amends the requirement for monitoring ecosystem restoration projects (from WRDA 2007) to allow operation and maintenance of the project to be concluded when the ecological success criteria are met. Operations and Maintenance of Inland MS River Ports ·       Authorizes dredging of shallow draft ports located on the inland Mississippi River to the respective authorized widths and depths. Application of Certain Benefits and Costs Included in Final Feasibility Study ·       Requires the Corps to implement section 6009 of the 2005 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 109–13), which directed the Corps to include the value of energy exploration and production and transportation cost savings resulting from larger navigation channels in their analysis of project benefits. Gulf Coast Oyster Bed Recovery Plan ·       Authorizes $2 million for a Gulf Coast Oyster Bed recovery plan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/where-bring-your-donations-aid-louisiana-recovery-efforts,Where to Bring Your Donations to Aid Louisiana Recovery Efforts,2016-09-14,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"A multi-agency warehouse has recently opened where volunteers can sort and store much-needed donations and supplies to support recovery efforts across the state. The warehouse is being operated as a partnership between the state and Louisiana VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster).  Adventist Community Services, a national and Louisiana State VOAD partner, is managing the warehouse operations, supported by an AmeriCorps team. The warehouse will serve as a centralized intake point for donations from local community members as well as businesses across the country. Donations will be distributed to support the efforts of non- profits, shelters, and parishes as they respond to the needs in their communities. Contact Information: Phone: 225-800-2227    Email: 2016flooddonations@gmail.com Destination: Please bring or ship to: Multi-Agency Disaster Warehouse, 9550 Dawnadele Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Items always needed include: Canned or non-perishable food, sports drinks, personal care items, work gloves, disposable baby diapers, baby food/formula, can openers (manual), plastic ware, paper products, blankets, disposable adult diapers, cleaning supplies, dust masks, heavy rubber kitchen gloves, flashlights and fresh batteries, non-sterile surgical gloves, mops, brooms, shovels, hand tools, kitchen items (such as new sets of pots and pans/cooking utensils). If unsure, just ask. What is NOT needed: There is NO need for new or used clothing. How to get it to us: We are encouraging businesses and groups to put together a truckload of supplies. This is the most effective way to make a difference. There is no funding to pay for shipping, so look for a business or trucker willing to donate a trip. Once you have a truckload planned and know when it is ready to leave, it is essential to coordinate logistics before the truck leaves. We need to know a detailed inventory of contents, precise time it will leave, departure point, and estimated time of arrival. All truckloads of donations must be coordinated at least 48 hours in advance of arrival. How to Pack Materials: Pack donations so they are not damaged in transit and are easily handled. Pack materials in cardboard cartons. Fill each carton with the same kind of item; mark it clearly with a large marker or other method, such as large paper labels. Organize canned goods by type. Use cartons of small to medium sizes so they are manageable. Maximum weight should not exceed 30 pounds. Be careful not to overfill cartons. Pack cartons in trucks so they will not be easily crushed in transit. Palletized, shrink-wrapped loads are preferred. How you can help: A truly compassionate response is based on what is really needed by survivors. Be sure to confirm what can be used before collecting and shipping goods. Always arrange logistics inAlways arrange logistics in advance to ensure that the shipments can be accepted when they arrive to avoid delays.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delegation-meet-with-governor-edwards-to-discuss-flood-relief-funding-efforts,"Cassidy, Delegation Meet with Governor Edwards to Discuss Flood Relief Funding Efforts",2016-09-14,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"09.14.16 Cassidy, Delegation Meet with Governor Edwards to Discuss Flood Relief Funding Efforts WASHINGTON — Today, US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) met with Governor John Bel Edwards and the rest of the Louisiana Congressional delegation to further coordinate efforts to secure additional federal funds for flood relief efforts. “Just like the people in Louisiana are working together, so too are Louisiana’s senators, representatives, and governor to do everything possible to bring federal help to those who were flooded,” Dr. Cassidy said. Last week, Dr. Cassidy and Gov. Edwards met with Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Thad Cochran (R-MS), who chair the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and advocated for $2 billion in Disaster Recovery Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-DR) funds and an allocation to the Army Corps of Engineers for the Comite River Diversion project.   On Monday, Dr. Cassidy led the delegation in sending a letter to the president urging him to submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress for flood recovery aid. Read the letter and official release here. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z