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://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/first-look-2019-elections,A First Look at the 2019 Elections,2018-12-31,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Louisiana: Can John Bel Edwards overcome his state's partisanship? Louisiana is arguably a step beyond Kentucky in its political evolution. It has a Democratic governor largely thanks to a Republican incumbent who screwed up even more egregiously than Matt Bevin: former wiz kid, congressman, and failed presidential candidate Bobby Jindal. Edwards, who was a Democratic leader in the state legislature, also benefited from a moderate-to-conservative ideological profile and a weakened opponent. That was U.S. Senator David Vitter, whoseadmitted patronage of a prostituteback in the day came up again and again as he struggled to beat other Republicans for a clear shot at Edwards in a runoff under the state's jungle primary system. Edwards's best reelection break was the decision by U.S. Senator John Kennedy todeclinea much-rumored race for governor. Northern LouisianacongressmanRalph Abrahamquicklyjumped into the ringalong with self-funding businessman Eddie Rispone, and state treasurer John Schroder is also mulling a candidacy. As of October, Morning Consult showed Edwards with a good-but-not-greatapproval ratioof 47/34. Like Bevin, Edwards is rated amodest favoritebyCook Political Report. But with Bobby Jindal gone and partisan polarization on the steady rise, it could be close. And you have to figure Donald Trump will intervene early and often in the state he carried by nearly 20 points in 2016. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/stephanie-grace-2019s-big-questions-including-some-are-already-answered,"Stephanie Grace: 2019's big questions, including some that are already answered",2018-12-31,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"In some ways, this year's New Year's prediction column is pretty painless to write, because 2018 ended with some big questions about the future already answered. No,U.S. Sen. John Kennedywill not challenge Gov. John Bel Edwards for reelection, and nor will any other Republican who can match the incumbent's high profile. So 2019's marquee election starts off with a genuine stature gap between the Democratic Edwards and his currently announced Republican challengers, U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone (Edwards was just as unknown when he ran the first time, but there was no incumbent, which makes all the difference). To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-confirms-fema-reverses-course-nfip-policies-will-be-written-effective,"Scalise Confirms that FEMA Reverses Course, NFIP Policies Will be Written Effective Immediately",2018-12-29,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after receiving FEMA's new guidance restoring the ability of the National Flood Insurance Program to write and renew flood insurance policies during the government shutdown: I'm glad after speaking with OMB and FEMA yesterday that they have decided to reverse course and allow flood insurance policies to continue as usual. While it's frustrating that they did not follow Congressional intent from the beginning, I'm glad they were willing to work with me on reversing their initial decision. Iwill work with the Administration on passing a long-term reauthorization of the flood insurance program.Millions of families in Louisiana and across the country rely on this program, and we need to give them the assurances and peace of mind they deserve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/letters-garret-graves-leads-saltwater-anglers-victory,Letters: Garret Graves leads saltwater anglers to victory,2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"As saltwater anglers in Sportsman's Paradise, we are blessed with abundant fisheries resources off our coast. Today, we are grateful to our members of Congress who understand the value of America's fisheries and the public's access to those resources. On Dec. 19, Congress passed legislation known as the Modern Fish Act (S. 1520) to improve the way recreational fisheries are managed in federal waters nine to 200 nautical miles off Louisiana's coast. The Modern Fish Act, championed by its lead sponsors, U.S. Rep. Garret Graves R-Baton Rouge, and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, now heads to the White House for President Donald Trump's signature. As we head into the new year, anglers from coast to coast to coast can be proud of what the Modern Fish Act means for the future of recreational fishing. We are now on a path to better, more modern management and improved data collection on angler effort and harvest. Ultimately, these updates should help avoid the abrupt closures and inconsistent fishing regulations that have been plaguing many federally-managed recreational fisheries in the last several years. I would like to thank Graves and his colleagues from Louisiana's congressional delegation in particular, Modern Fish Act co-sponsors U.S. Sens Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy and U.S. Reps. Clay Higgins,Ralph Abrahamand Mike Johnson who stood up for Louisiana's 400,000 saltwater anglers on Capitol Hill and demanded that we have a seat at the table of fisheries management. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/letters-garret-graves-leads-saltwater-anglers-victory,Letters: Garret Graves leads saltwater anglers to victory,2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"As saltwater anglers in Sportsman's Paradise, we are blessed with abundant fisheries resources off our coast. Today, we are grateful to our members of Congress who understand the value of America's fisheries and the public's access to those resources. On Dec. 19, Congress passed legislation known as the Modern Fish Act (S. 1520) to improve the way recreational fisheries are managed in federal waters nine to 200 nautical miles off Louisiana's coast. The Modern Fish Act, championed by its lead sponsors, U.S. Rep. Garret Graves R-Baton Rouge, and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Mississippi, now heads to the White House for President Donald Trump's signature. This historic, bipartisan vote on the Modern Fish Act marks the first time a sport-fishing-focused bill has ever passed out of Congress and takes important steps toward updating the way recreational fisheries are managed at the federal level. America's federal fisheries have for decades been managed by policies designed to manage commercial fishing. Therefore, one of America's favorite pastimes often fell victim to regulations never suited to the nature of our sport. As we head into the new year, anglers from coast to coast to coast can be proud of what the Modern Fish Act means for the future of recreational fishing. We are now on a path to better, more modern management and improved data collection on angler effort and harvest. Ultimately, these updates should help avoid the abrupt closures and inconsistent fishing regulations that have been plaguing many federally-managed recreational fisheries in the last several years. I would like to thank Graves and his colleagues from Louisiana's congressional delegation in particular, Modern Fish Act co-sponsors U.S. Sens Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy and U.S. Reps. Clay Higgins, Ralph Abraham and Mike Johnson who stood up for Louisiana's 400,000 saltwater anglers on Capitol Hill and demanded that we have a seat at the table of fisheries management. Jeff Angers president, Center for Sportfishing Policy Baton Rouge",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-fema-will-correct-error-resume-sales-of-new-flood-insurance-policies,"Cassidy Announces FEMA Will Correct Error, Resume Sales of New Flood Insurance Policies",2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.28.18 Cassidy Announces FEMA Will Correct Error, Resume Sales of New Flood Insurance Policies WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), released the following statement announcing that in response to his letter to FEMA Administrator Brock Long, the agency will reverse its decision to suspend sales of new flood insurance (NFIP) policies during the partial government shutdown. FEMA's initial NFIP guidance made no sense, and I'm happy to announce they are heeding my direction and will start selling new flood insurance policies again. It's unfortunate so many people were inconvenienced due to FEMA's error, but I'm glad they are correcting it so home sales in limbo can proceed, said Dr. Cassidy. Now if only Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and other Washington Democrats will also listen to common sense, we can pass a bill to secure the border and end this partial government shutdown. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lanny-keller-beware-conventional-wisdom-louisiana-governors-race,Rep. Ralph Abraham holds fundraiser for gubernatorial campaign tonight to beef up his war chest,2018-12-27,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Ralph Abraham holds a fundraiser in Monroe tonight to beef up his campaign war chest, as he attempts to catch up to the at least five million dollars in campaign funds reported by the Edwards re-election campaign earlier this year. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says he'll need a lot of cash on hand, because this race will be remarkably expensive. Former U.S Senator Vitter raised about 11-million in an unsuccessful campaign against Governor Edwards, so he's going to need at least ten million dollars. Baton Rouge businessman and fellow Republican Eddie Rispone has also pledge five million of his own dollars for his own campaign. Abraham has served for four years in Congress, likely making quite a few deep pocketed contacts. Stockley says there's a few industries that tend to come in handy for Louisiana Republicans looking to raise campaign funds. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/political-foes-unite-cause,Political foes unite for cause,2018-12-23,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"President Trump and Congress haven't given us many reasons to be joyful during this Christmas season, but there is one major exception worthy of note. Thanks to a rare bipartisan effort, members of Congress by overwhelming margins in the U.S. House and Senate have approved major criminal justice reform legislation. Criminal justice reform has had the support of widely divergent organizations. Among them are the conservative Koch Brothers' Americans for Prosperity organization and the liberal American Civil Liberties Union. Groups of every political persuasion in Louisiana also supported this state's 2017 reform effort. U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., and U.S Reps. Clay Higgins, R-Port Barre, andRalph Abraham, R-Alto, opposed the legislation. No surprises there. Kennedy has been a constant critic of Louisiana's reform effort and Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, who promoted criminal justice reform. Kennedy had considered opposing Edwards in 2019, but changed his mind.Abrahamsaid he is running for governor. Like Kennedy,Abrahamapparently plans to use criminal justice reform against Edwards during the campaign. Higgins is a former law enforcement officer who takes a hard line on the issue. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/2019-governors-races-feature-endangered-species-conservative-dems,2019 governors races feature endangered species: Conservative Dems,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"In Louisiana, GOP Rep. Ralph Abraham announced earlier this month that he will seek to take on Bel Edwards, joining a Republican field including Eddie Rispone, a Trump megadonor with a background in business rather than electoral politics. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) recently announced that he would not run. Whoever Republicans select as their nominees in those states in 2019, Trump's standing will give a major boost to their campaigns. The same is expected for Bevin in Kentucky, said GOP strategist Ben Hartman, despite a sometimes-rocky first term for the governor. ""The president's popular there, as he should be, because of what he's done for the state, said Hartman, who advised Bevin in the past. And the governor is going to be popular there once people see what he's done in tandem with the president on economic issues. Democrats know that success in 2019 will hinge on keeping national politics as far out of those states as possible. The 2019 gubernatorial elections are really taking place in their own political universe, said Zac McCrary, a Democratic pollster. For Democrats to be competitive in those three states, they have to run much different races than Democrats in almost any different part of the country. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-statement-trump-government-shutdown,Rep. Richmond Statement on the Trump Government Shutdown,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) issued the following statement on President Trump's government shutdown: President Trump and congressional Republicans have placed our country in a shutdown that could have easily been avoided, Rep. Richmond said. They decided it was more important to put over 400,000 federal workers in jeopardy, many of whom will be forced to work without pay, all because he failed to get support over a wall that does absolutely nothing to keep Americans safer. Trump's wish for a government shutdown that he repeatedly asked for was finally granted while countless hard working civil servants will suffer this holiday season."" Even the President's own Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney blasted his wall calling it absurd' and childish'. He even went on to say, The fence doesn't stop anybody who really wants to get across...You go under, you go around, you go through it.' Because of the Trump Shutdown, the landmark Violence Against Women Act has also expired. We have a responsibility to uplift and protect women in this country, and Trump, yet again, decided to undermine the group of people who are the very bedrock of our communities, families, and workplaces."" When we enter the 116th Congress in the beginning of January, my Democratic colleagues and I will do everything in our power to reverse this senseless shutdown. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/president-trump-signs-sen-kennedy-s-flood-insurance-reauthorization,President Trump Signs Sen. Kennedys Flood Insurance Reauthorization,2018-12-22,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2018/12/21/house-passes-five-month-nfip-extension/,House Passes Five-Month NFIP Extension,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“This 5-month reauthorization provides Louisiana home and business owners certainty that their flood insurance policies will continue, especially in the event of a prolonged government shutdown. My office remains focused on passing a long-term reauthorization that protects affordability, improves floodplain mapping, and prioritizes pre-disaster mitigation. The House of Representatives passed a long-term, 5-year NFIP reauthorization, which included excellent reforms, in November of 2017. Since then, the Senate has failed to pass the House bill or produce their own long-term NFIP reauthorization and reform bill. I support the continuance of NFIP. I do not support the failure of the Senate… obstructed by their own cloture rule…to perform.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-five-month-nfip-extension,House Passes Five-Month NFIP Extension,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement after the House passed a five-month, standalone reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that extends the program through May 2019. The measure was pushed by Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) in the Senate. Congressman Higgins issued the following statement: This 5-month reauthorization provides Louisiana home and business owners certainty that their flood insurance policies will continue, especially in the event of a prolonged government shutdown. My office remains focused on passing a long-term reauthorization that protects affordability, improves floodplain mapping, and prioritizes pre-disaster mitigation. The House of Representatives passed a long-term, 5-year NFIP reauthorization, which included excellent reforms, in November of 2017. Since then, the Senate has failed to pass the House bill or produce their own long-term NFIP reauthorization and reform bill. I support the continuance of NFIP. I do not support the failure of the Senate... obstructed by their own cloture rule...to perform.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/ensuring-certainty-nfip-through-may-2019,Ensuring Certainty of NFIP through May 2019,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) spoke on the House floor in support of legislation that will prevent the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) from lapsing. The bill extends the program to May 31, 2019. Whip Scalise highlighted his continued commitment to fighting for a full re-authorization of NFIP with commonsense reforms thatbenefit both ratepayers and taxpayers. Read below for the full remarks: ""I thank the Chairman of the committee for yielding time to talk about this important program. I want to thank the gentlelady from California for her consistent commitment to making sure that the National Flood Insurance Program is there for families who need it, families all around the country. Not just families, by the way, Mr. Speaker, in coastal areas. ""This is a program that effects every community in our country. It's a program that effects millions of people throughout the country, hundreds of thousands in my home state of Louisiana, but people from all around. ""It's an important program. Mr. Speaker, I would love for this to be a private program with great options all around for people to buy private flood insurance. Unfortunately, today there aren't. ""Because there aren't those private options, the only game in town is NFIP. It's incumbent upon us to make sure that this program works. It's got to be a program that's fair for ratepayers and fair for taxpayers. ""Mr. Speaker, over the years we've had many different long-term and short-term re-authorizations. It's well documented. It's been one of the frustrations of trying to get consistency in the program. But in the meantime, it's important that this program move forward. ""Too many people are counting on NFIP to be there for them that have a closing on a home this week. Maybe somebody's buying a new house for Christmas, and they have to have flood insurance. We need to make sure that program is there for them. It's important that we continue to keep this going while negotiations go on to see if we can get a long-term solution. ""The House came together and found a way to get a five-year re-authorization, but the Senate wasn't able to put it together. I have no doubt in the future we're going to have those negotiations and find a way to get a long-term re-authorizationfor the program. ""I appreciate all the efforts that are being made. In the meantime, people know that you can't just have this program expire as those negotiations go on.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/open-government-or-open-borders,Open Government or Open Borders?,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) spoke on the House floor tonight urging support for the continuing resolution that includes President Trump's requested $5.7 billion for border security. Despite claims from Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) that this would not have the votes to pass, House Republicans overwhelmingly voted to secure the border and support the rule of law. The legislation will now go before the Senate. Whip Scalise emphasizedthe danger open borders pose to the country with criminals and drugs entering our country and harming our communities. Will Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Democrats vote for open borders or open government? Whip Scalise's full remarks are below: Mr. Speaker, this is about keeping America safe. This is not a complicated vote, but it's an important vote that really defines whether or not we are going to stand for border security in this country. For decades it has been promised. There have been bills going back to the 1980s where we were promised that we were going to get a secure border and it never happened. Now, we have a President who ran on this issue. This isn't something that just popped up. It was front and center during the campaign and he said, I'm going to secure the border; I'm going to build the wall.' And the people on the other side, our Democrat friends, said they didn't want that. Some of them actually said they want open borders. Some on the other side have said they want to abolish I.C.E., the very border patrol agents that are keeping the interior of America safe. Who are I.C.E.? Who are the people they want to get rid of, Mr. Speaker? Those I.C.E. agents, last year alone, saved over 900 kids from human trafficking. That is stuff that came across our border. You know, we are a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. My great-grandparents came here from Italy and I'm proud of that. We let more than a million people into this country legally every single year, the most generous country in the world. We should be proud of that. For those people who want to say it is a country of closed borders, this is about getting back to rule of law. This is about keeping America safe and saying there is a legal way to come here and President Trump has said that. Even on asylum, he said, If you want to seek asylum, there is a legal way to do that.' But it is pretty hard to claim asylum, Mr. Speaker, when you came through Mexico and you forced yourself across that border and Mexico said we will offer you asylum. We will even offer you work permits and a job and you said no. It's really hard to say you are claiming asylum here, when you turned down asylum in Mexico when you were coming across their border. It's not about asylum. It's about rule of law. What do you say to the millions of people from other countries all around the world, who are waiting, in some cases 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, to come to America legally. They are waiting in these theoretical lines and they are doing it the right way. Then you've got a few thousand people who say, We are just going to storm across your border regardless.' The President stands up and says, I want to secure this border.' Then we have a choice to make, Mr. Speaker. Are we going to stand with the President and say we are going to give you the tools to secure the border or not? It's a straight-up vote. You're either for border security or you're against border security. Let's not hide behind it. When you saw that meeting at the White House last week, when you had the Senate Minority Leader and the future Speaker of the House going over to the White House. They didn't want to give the President money for the wall because they didn't want to give him a win. You saw them, they were bragging. They just wanted to assign blame, Are you going to take blame for the shutdown?' They said, We don't want to give you money for the wall.' And they've said it since, so if they have a personality conflict with the President don't let the security of this nation get in the way of that. The President said, This is something I believe in because I care about the American people and I have a responsibility to keep this country safe.' I wish everybody that came here across the border wanted to come here to seek the American dream. Mr. Speaker, we know that there are people that have come across this border with ill intentions for our citizens all across this nation. Again, I mentioned last year the 900 children that were saved from human trafficking. My colleagues have talked about the opioids, the illegal drugs that have come across our border. The Secretary of Department of Homeland Security says on average every single day in America, 10 known or suspected terrorists try to come into this country illegally. Some on the other side have said, Oh the number is not 10.' Okay, well then what is your number? How many terrorists coming into this country illegally every single day are enough? I say none. There is a legal way to come here. Those are just the people we know of. How many people that want to break our laws, that want to do harm to our citizens, that want to jump in front of people that are trying to come to America the right wayhow many more people have tried to come across that we don't know about because we don't have a secure border? We have a President who says, I need tools.' There are some things that are in law. Right now, we in the law, tell the President where he can and cannot build the wall; what materials he can and cannot use. He's got ideas. Mr. President has shown ideas of how to build a better border security wall at a cheaper cost, yet the law prohibits him from building it cheaper, in a better, more efficient way for the American people. How ridiculous is that? We remove that in this bill and tell the President he can build the wall however he wants in the most efficient way to keep America safe. As I close, we've got a choice to make. There is a bill before us that we get to vote on to say, Are we going to stand up for the rule of law and keeping this country safe and supporting the President's ability to secure America's border or not?' You can vote yes or you can vote no, but don't hide behind politics. This isn't about the personality or the person in the White House, it's whether or not we are going to respect the rule of law and keep America safe. I urge my colleagues to vote yes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-backed-nicaragua-humans-rights-legislation-signed-into-law,Cassidy-Backed Nicaragua Humans Rights Legislation Signed into Law,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.18 Cassidy-Backed Nicaragua Humans Rights Legislation Signed into Law WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), released the following statement after President Trump signed into law theNicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act(H.R. 1918), a package of two bills Cassidy cosponsored. This legislation supports the people of Nicaragua and puts the corrupt and oppressive Ortega regime on notice, said Dr. Cassidy. By requiring sanctions and cutting off resources to the Nicaraguan government, we can help the Nicaraguan people achieve a freer, more democratic society where human rights are protected. The Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act (S. 2265) directs the United States to oppose international loans to the government of Nicaragua until the U.S. State Department can certify effective steps are being taken to hold free and fair elections, strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, and protect the fundamental freedoms for all people of Nicaragua. The Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act (S. 3233) requires the imposition of sanctions on Nicaraguan government officials responsible for the deaths of protestors, human rights violations and acts of corruption. It calls for a negotiated political solution to Nicaragua's crisis, including the commitment to early elections, and requires reporting on the involvement of Nicaraguan government officials in corruption and human rights abuses. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/watch-cassidy-votes-to-secure-the-border-and-build-the-wall,WATCH: Cassidy Votes to Secure the Border and Build the Wall,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.18 WATCH: Cassidy Votes to Secure the Border and Build the Wall WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released the following statement after Senate Democrats blocked a bill to fund the government, disaster relief, and border security improvements. The question is, how do we fund the government? But the bigger question is, do we build a more secure border between the United States and Mexico? I just voted for a bill that keeps the government open, but also helps secure the border and build what people have come to refer to as the wall, said Dr. Cassidy. Now, Washington, D.C., Democrats voted against the billI gather they'd rather have open borders and a government shutdown. And all I can say, it's sad protecting Americans and providing for the national defense has become a partisan issue. Barriers work, walls work, security works. Border security is national securityI hope we get it through. Timeline of Cassidy's efforts this year to build the wall and secure the border January 12, 2018 Cassidy pushes for an immigration and border security deal that Republicans and Democrats can both support January 23, 2018 Cassidy advocates for President Trump's four-pillar plan to secure the border and strengthen our immigration system January 25, 2018 Cassidy proposes a plan to build the wall and make drug traffickers pay for it February 15, 2018 Cassidy introduces legislation to use money seized from drug cartels to pay for border security measures, including a border wall February 15, 2018 Cassidy votes for several bills to crack down on sanctuary cities and secure the border April 20, 2018 Cassidy visits U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) National Targeting Center June 20, 2018 Cassidy helps introduce legislation to end policies that encourage more illegal immigration July 18, 2018 Cassidy blasts Washington Democrats for blocking a vote on a bill supporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) August 2018 Cassidy meets with Guatemalan and Mexican officials about the impacts of illegal immigration and the need for greater security and strong borders August 21, 2018 Cassidy introduces legislation calling on the mayor of Portland, Oregon, to resign for ordering police to ignore ICE employees' call for help September 6, 2018 Cassidy meets with Louisiana law enforcement officials about reducing illegal immigration December 11, 2018 Cassidy urges Democrats not to shut down the government in support of illegal immigration and open borders December 12, 2018 Cassidy announces support for new legislation to build the wall and fully pay for it through savings elsewhere ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sen-kennedy-s-flood-insurance-reauthorization-passes-congress,Sen. Kennedys Flood Insurance Reauthorization Passes Congress,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-statement-new-usda-snap-rule,Abraham statement on new USDA SNAP rule,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON-Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, today praised the US Department of Agriculture for proposing a new rule to crack down on the amount of food stamp waivers granted to able-bodied adults without dependents. Under current law, able-bodied adults without dependents are not supposed to be able to receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for more than three months during a three-year period, unless they're pursing education or work training. However, many states waive this requirement, including Louisiana which granted a waiver for all 64 parishes. The new Farm Bill, which Dr. Abraham helped write, included language that allows the USDA to tighten and reduce those waivers. I'm glad to see that the USDA is wasting no time in moving forward with the new authority we gave it to rein in these waivers. SNAP is not meant to be a lifestyle, and able-bodied adults should only be using the program when they fall on tough times. I want people to work and succeed, not become dependent on the government. This new rule brings accountability to the program and helps set people on the path to success,Dr. Abraham said. President Trump is expected to sign the Farm Bill into law today (Thursday, Dec. 20). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-votes-against-criminal-rights-bill,Abraham votes against criminal rights bill,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON-Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, today voted against a bill to overhaul the nation's criminal justice system. The House ultimately agreed to the Senate's changes. The Senate took a reasonable House bill aimed at keeping ex-cons from committing new crimes, and twisted it into a criminal rights bill that dangerously lowers mandatory sentences then allows judges to ignore them, and allows for early releases from custody for child molesters and thousands of violent felons. We've seen the negative effects this kind of criminal rights activism is having in Louisiana, and I'd hate to inflict that mistake on communities elsewhere in our country, Dr. Abraham said. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-votes-border-wall-funding,Abraham votes for border wall funding,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON-Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, today voted for the government spending bill after Congressional leaders included $5.7 billion in funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border. Dr. Abraham had withheld his support for the spending bill, commonly called the CR for ""continuing resolution,"" until Congressional leaders agreed to include the wall funding. A border wall is vital to our national security to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, drug dealers, human traffickers and potential terrorists. The people have demanded it, and Republicans in Congress are working with President Trump to deliver it. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to approve this request to secure our border and keep our government open,Dr. Abraham said. Dr. Abraham has been an ardent fighter for the border wall. He is also a cosponsor ofH.R. 7059, the Build the Wall, Enforce the Law Act, introduced by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2018/12/20/congress-passes-bill-rename-lake-charles-va-clinic-after-medal-honor-recipient/,Congress Passes Bill to Rename Lake Charles VA Clinic After Medal of Honor Recipient Douglas Fournet,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), and U.S. Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the Lake Charles Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) will be renamed in honor of Kinder, Louisiana, native Douglas Fournet, a U.S. Army first lieutenant who gave his life in the Vietnam War and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970. Cassidy, Kennedy and Higgins introduced legislation in September to rename the clinic, which the Senate and House passed this week. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days. “Lt. Fournet is an American hero deserving of the highest tribute. He served our community and our country as both a cop and a soldier. Lt. Fournet gave his last full measure of devotion, sacrificing his own life to protect his platoon,” said Rep. Higgins. “With the naming of the Lake Charles VA clinic, we honor Lt. Fournet’s legacy and recognize the collective sacrifice of all those who have borne the battle.” “Doug Fournet died a hero and renaming the clinic after him will ensure his bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’m glad to see a Vietnam veteran and great Louisianan honored this way. I look forward to President Trump signing our legislation into law, and I thank the Fournet family for their support of our effort.” “Medal of Honor recipient and Louisiana native Doug Fournet made the ultimate sacrifice to our nation in the Vietnam War,” said Sen. Kennedy. “He charged into danger to cut the control wires on an enemy mine and lost his life acting as a human shield for other soldiers. It is only right that we honor his courage and valor by naming the Lake Charles VA Clinic after him. First Lt. Fournet died an American hero, and the state of Louisiana will always commemorate and honor him.” “We feel very fortunate to now have a facility in our area where Doug’s story will continue to live on and inspire others, but most importantly, where veterans can receive quality medical care to repay them for their sacrifices for our Country,” said the Fournet family. Douglas Fournet is the only individual from Southwest Louisiana to be awarded the Medal of Honor. The legislation would rename the Lake Charles CBOC the “Douglas Fournet Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2018/12/20/congressman-higgins-votes-border-wall-funding/,Congressman Higgins Votes For Border Wall Funding,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“Once Speaker Pelosi takes the gavel on January 3rd, any measure of enhanced border security will be dead on arrival. The time to act is now. Securing funding for enhanced physical barriers is mission critical for our border agents. “As Democrats continue to obstruct funding for border security, the situation on our southern border grows worse. Senate Democrats will use the cloture rule to block this bill. They will once again prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens. We could end this shutdown fight and deliver wall funding by suspending the Senate cloture rule. “I stand with President Trump and am prepared to do what’s necessary to secure our border.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2018/12/20/higgins-votes-against-misguided-criminal-justice-reforms/,Higgins Votes Against Misguided Criminal Justice Reforms,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“While the First Step Act has some positive reforms for our prison systems, I could not support the liberal changes made in the Senate’s version of the bill. Many of America’s top law enforcement organizations are opposed to this bill. It lacks the necessary protocols to ensure the effectiveness of early release programs. I am well on record as supporting reasonable, compassionate criminal justice reform. However, I will not support reckless criminal justice reform. There must be more thorough measures in place that ensure released felons are held accountable if they continue to commit criminal acts or endanger public safety. Further, restricting sentencing guidelines for repeat offender, heavy drug dealers as well as violent gun crimes is a bad idea. The Senate’s liberal revisions of the bill make it poisonous for America. Although the House version of the First Step Act was, overall, good legislation, wise and compassionate legislation… the Senate version has gone too far.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/congress-passes-bill-rename-lake-charles-va-clinic-after-medal-honor-recipient,Congress Passes Bill to Rename Lake Charles VA Clinic After Medal of Honor Recipient Douglas Fournet,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), and U.S. Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the Lake Charles Community-Based Outpatient Clinic(CBOC) will be renamed in honor of Kinder, Louisiana, native Douglas Fournet, a U.S. Army first lieutenant who gave his life in the Vietnam War and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970. Cassidy, Kennedy and Higgins introducedlegislation in September to rename the clinic, which the Senate and House passed this week. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days. Lt. Fournet is an American hero deserving of the highest tribute. He served our community and our country as both a cop and a soldier. Lt. Fournet gave his last full measure of devotion, sacrificing his own life to protect his platoon,said Rep. Higgins. With the naming of the Lake Charles VA clinic, we honor Lt. Fournet's legacy and recognize the collective sacrifice of all those who have borne the battle. Doug Fournet died a hero and renaming the clinic after him will ensure his bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten, said Dr. Cassidy. I'm glad to see a Vietnam veteran and great Louisianan honored this way. I look forward to President Trump signing our legislation into law, and I thank the Fournet family for their support of our effort. Medal of Honor recipient and Louisiana native Doug Fournet made the ultimate sacrifice to our nation in the Vietnam War, said Sen. Kennedy. He charged into danger to cut the control wires on an enemy mine and lost his life acting as a human shield for other soldiers. It is only right that we honor his courage and valor by naming the Lake Charles VA Clinic after him. First Lt. Fournet died an American hero, and the state of Louisiana will always commemorate and honor him. We feel very fortunate to now have a facility in our area where Doug's story will continue to live on and inspire others, but most importantly, where veterans can receive quality medical care to repay them for their sacrifices for our Country, said the Fournet family. Douglas Fournet is the only individual from Southwest Louisiana to be awarded the Medal of Honor. The legislation would rename the Lake Charles CBOC the Douglas Fournet Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-higgins-votes-border-wall-funding,Congressman Higgins Votes For Border Wall Funding,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted for acontinuing resolution after President Trump's request for $5.7billion in funding for the border wall was included in a revised version of the bill. Congressman Higgins issued the following statement: Once Speaker Pelosi takes the gavel on January 3rd,any measure of enhanced border security will be dead on arrival. The time to act is now. Securing funding for enhanced physical barriers is mission critical for our border agents.As Democrats continue to obstruct funding for border security, the situation on our southern border grows worse. Senate Democrats will use the cloture rule to block this bill. They will once again prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens. We could end this shutdown fight and deliver wall funding by suspending the Senate cloture rule.I stand with President Trump and am prepared to do what's necessary to secure our border.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-votes-against-misguided-criminal-justice-reforms,Higgins Votes Against Misguided Criminal Justice Reforms,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted against the Senate amendment to theFirst Step Act, which makes reforms to America's criminal justice system but lacks necessary accountability measures. Congressman Higgins issued the following statement: While the First Step Act has some positive reforms for our prison systems, I could not support the liberal changes made in the Senate's version of the bill. Many of America's top law enforcement organizations are opposed to this bill. It lacks the necessary protocols to ensure the effectiveness of early release programs. I am well on record as supporting reasonable, compassionate criminal justice reform. However, I will not support reckless criminal justice reform. There must be more thorough measures in place that ensure released felons are held accountable if they continue to commit criminal acts or endanger public safety. Further, restricting sentencing guidelines for repeat offender, heavy drug dealers as well as violent gun crimes is a bad idea. The Senate's liberal revisions of the bill make it poisonous for America. Although the House version of the First Step Act was, overall, good legislation, wise and compassionate legislation... the Senate version has gone too far.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-introduces-bill-speed-delivery-disaster-aid,Graves Introduces Bill to Speed Up Delivery of Disaster Aid,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (U.S. Virgin Islands) introduced new disaster relief legislation in the House of Representatives this week to help impacted states and communities recover faster, better and at lower costs to taxpayers. H.R. 7322 is a bipartisan solution for the costly and bureaucratic delays in the current system, and it ensures federal resources get to disaster areas quickly and with the flexibility states need to use them effectively. There is no question that programs like Restore Louisiana, Road Home and others take too long and waste too much money paying contractors and administrators. When disaster strikes, disruptive changes happen to people fast the federal response needs to match the urgency that victims feel after having their lives turned upside down, said Graves. This bill starts to fix the slow, unnecessary federal processes that often to re-victimize people and jeopardize recovery for entire communities. I'm grateful to work across the aisle with my colleague Garret Graves toward solutions for families and communities in need after disaster strikes, said Plaskett.After the experiences of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Virgin Islands and the other disaster-impacted areas need the support of the federal government as quickly as possible to rebuild lives, businesses, and communities. This bill cuts out some of the unnecessary federal process that, while well intentioned, burdens communities who have just been destroyed by disaster, while giving states and territories flexibility in spending, without taking away oversight of taxpayer dollars. H.R. 7322 fundamentally changes the way federally-funded disaster recovery programs such as Restore Louisiana and Road Home function. Under the bill, long-term disaster recovery funding is predictable and available within weeks of a disaster. Current practices result in months or even years before long-term disaster recovery funding is certain. As FEMA Administrator Brock Long recently testified before Congress, the agency has long-advocated for more block grant authority to give states more discretion to administer housing and other relief using common sense and available resources. H.R. 7322 would help make that happen, reducing waste and redundancy in providing post-disaster housing so that victims can get back in their homes more quickly. Three decades have passed since the Stafford Act first established a federal framework for disaster response. While every disaster is unique, it is clear that the current system does not serve states and communities well. Ensuring that each affected community has predictability of funding levels and an understanding of when those funds will be received is critical to immediate and long term recovery plans. The Graves bill combines the flexibility states need with the accountability Americans deserve to deliver better coordination of federal, state and local efforts. Under the Graves bill, recovery can get started without wasting time and limited resources. For far too long, taxpayers have footed the bill for the cost of inaction and communities have suffered from these unnecessary delays. Bottom line is that we need to get recovery funds into the hands of disaster victims as soon as possible. Spending hundreds of millions on temporary housing while waiting on long-term funding is a waste of taxpayer dollars and delays recovery of our communities. The current system is a proven failure. Our bill is a needed course correction, added Graves. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-prioritizes-border-security-praises-house-57-billion-border-funding,"JOHNSON PRIORITIZES BORDER SECURITY, PRAISES HOUSE FOR $5.7 BILLION BORDER FUNDING AMENDMENT",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Mike Johnson,J000299,mikejohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through February 8, 2019, with a critical amendment adding $5.7 billion for border security. The amended continuing resolution passed the House and heads to the Senate for final confirmation. President Trump has signaled he will sign the legislation if sent to his desk. U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-La.) released the following statement: ""Neglecting our responsibility and leaving nearly all border security funding decisions to Nancy Pelosi and her Democrat-led House next year is not what the American people sent us here to do. The House has now passed a measure that will avoid a government shutdown and ensure we are much closer to a secure southern border. Democrats' feigned outrage is a cheap ploy to their open-border base. They say they want border security but refuse to fund it. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to put aside partisan politics and fulfill their duty to the American people by passing the amended legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/awarding-steve-gleason-congressional-gold-medal,Awarding Steve Gleason the Congressional Gold Medal,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) made the following statement upon House passage of bipartisan legislation to award Steve Gleason with a 2019 Congressional Gold Medal. In Louisiana, Steve Gleason inspired all of us as a New Orleans Saint and has continued to inspire us with his bravery and service to others battling ALS. More than 5,000 people each year are diagnosed with ALS, and Steve Gleason serves as a leading voice in championing the fight against ALS. I am pleased to announce that to honor this service, Congress is awarding Steve Gleason a Congressional Gold Medal. More than 350 Members of Congress signed on to support this legislation, a sign of how powerful a mark Steve Gleason has made on this country. Thank you, Steve. Steve Gleason is being honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for his work as an advocate for all who suffer from neurologicaldiseases, like ALS. Gleason's advocacy led Microsoft to create advanced eye-tracking communication technology and Congress to pass the Steve Gleason Act and the Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act. These bills helped make eye-tracking and communication devices more accessible to those who rely on them. With this honor, Gleason is counted in the ranks of previous awardees, including former presidents, civil rights leaders, military heroes, and distinguished public servants. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), U.S. Representatives Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), andU.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Patty Murray (D-WA) andMaria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced this bipartisan, bicameral legislation in April of this year. Background on Legislative Process: Gold Medal bills originate from the Financial Services Committee in the House and Banking Committee in the Senate. For the Body to consider these bills, the support of a 2/3rdmajority is required. Sen. Cassidy's bill secured 73 cosponsors and passed the Senate on June 14, 2018. The House companion (Richmond-Scalise bill) went from 55 cosponsors on December 6, 2018 to more than 290 cosponsors on December 19, 2018, surpassing the cosponsor threshold. Whip Scalise then secured a vote in the House on the Stephen Michael Gleason Congressional Gold Medal Act before conclusion of the 115thCongress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/empowering-sportsmen-protecting-fisheries,"Empowering Sportsmen, Protecting Fisheries",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after the House voted 350-11 to pass S. 1520, theModern Fish Act: ""In Louisiana fishing is part of our way of life, and protecting this natural resource is essential to our culture and our economy. The Modern Fish Act, which passed the House with a strong, bipartisan vote, includes essential reforms to ensure the health of Louisiana's fisheries. This bill empowers sportsmen and state leaders in the management of coastal fisheries by promoting their input in improved data collection systems at the federal level. I look forward to the President signing this legislation into law.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/providing-americans-needed-tax-relief,Providing Americans Needed Tax Relief,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 88, the Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act: With the passage of our Tax Cuts and Jobs Act this time last year, we kicked off huge economic growth across this country. Businesses have finally been able to grow and expand, leading to record job openings and the lowest unemployment since 1969. Today, with our vote on the Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act, we are building on this success by improving access to retirement savings accounts, implementing reforms to the IRS, and freeing Americans from overly burdensome taxes. With so many Americans re-entering the workforce, this legislation helps businesses offer more competitive retirement plans to reward their hardworking team members and allow them to take advantage of this booming economy. Our reforms to the IRS ensure the agency runs more efficiently and smoothly to resolve many of the issues we have seen in recent years so taxpayers are not more strained by this process. Further, Americans should not be punished for choosing to purchase more comprehensive, high-cost health insurance. This legislation delays some of the harshest taxes implemented by Obamacare, including the medical device tax, health insurance tax, and Cadillac tax. Finally, in a huge win for religious freedom this bill repeals the Johnson Amendment. I have long fought for an end to the religious discrimination the Johnson Amendment has caused and am proud to see it coming closer to full repeal. Background on Retirement, Savings, and OtherTaxRelief Act: Helps businesses provide retirement plans to their workers and helps families to start saving earlier and more throughout their lives. Amendment includes provision expanding use of 529 accounts Modernizes the IRS and makestaxpayer service the focus of the agency by improving the ease and efficiency of thetaxpayer experience when filingtaxes, retrieving information, resolving issues, and making payments 5-year delay of medical devicetax 2-year delay of health insurancetax 1-year delay of the excisetaxon high cost health plans Repeal of the tanningtax Repeal of the church parkingtax Provision to allowtax-exempt charitable and educational organizations to make collegiate housing and infrastructure grants to specifiedtax-exempt social clubs, such as fraternities and sororities, in order to fund college and university housing Free Speech Fairness Act (repeal of the Johnson Amendment)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-spirit-christmas,Scalise: The Spirit of Christmas,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) penned a column for the Houma Courier calling on all Americans to embrace the spirit of Christmasthe spirit of doing good deeds and having kind words for our neighborsthroughout the year. Whip Scalise stressed the importance of this especially when discussing politics. Instead of focusing on division, it's important to reflect on the many things that unite us. A recent Fox News poll found that 78 percent of voters are ""extremely or very concerned"" about the state of political division within the country and Whip Scalise continues to be an advocate for solutions to this problem. Every Christmas, as we decorate our trees, listen to our favorite carols and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, I am reminded of the magic of this holiday. Christmas has a special ability to inspire goodwill in all of us, from taking time to help a stranger in need, to showing more appreciation for things we tend to take for granted. In a year sometimes punctuated by tragedy and division, the Christmas season offers us all time to reflect on our blessings and carry this charitable spirit with us into the new year. One important way to put this goodwill into action is by committing to each do our part to bring civility back to the political discourse. I have experienced firsthand the rise in political violence and inciteful rhetoric. Let us first all agree that this has no place in our system of democracy. In America, we pride ourselves on our hard-fought freedoms. No one should face threats or violence because of their political or religious beliefs. This Christmas season, let's all commit to be a part of the solution to this division by spreading unity throughout our communities. None of us wants to see violence and hatred become the new normal. We can refuse to accept this, but we must do our part to combat it. This starts with all of us leading by example in our communities. The holiday season offers us a chance to put this into practice. At our holiday parties and family gatherings, let's embrace the magic of Christmas and share the love and respect we hold for one another. Instead of stoking conflict by vilifying others for their differences of opinion, let's remember to keep Jesus in our hearts and be respectful of those differences. Let's harness the kindness and charity of the Christmas season to become forces for good throughout the new year. To create lasting change and bring an end to the hateful rhetoric and violence, we must start now and continue these positive actions into 2019 and beyond. There is so much more to life than politics, and holidays like Christmas are a solid reminder of the things that are truly important in life, like family and friends. In the spirit of Christmas, we also should all take time to reflect on the sacrifice others are currently making to protect our freedoms and preserve our ability to celebrate Christmas in peace. While we gather around warm fires and share the company of our families, we should also keep the men and women of our armed forces and their families in our prayers. As we celebrate the birth of Christ and take inspiration from the lessons of love and generosity displayed by Jesus, let's remember blessings like these and reflect on what we hold most dear. Instead of the constant attention paid to the things that divide us, let's make an extra effort to focus on the many things that unite us. As St. Paul once wrote to the Romans, Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10) May you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-praises-us-mexico-asylum-agreement-to-address-border-crisis,Cassidy Praises U.S.-Mexico Asylum Agreement to Address Border Crisis,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.18 Cassidy Praises U.S.-Mexico Asylum Agreement to Address Border Crisis WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), appeared on Fox News today and praised Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen's announcement that the United States and Mexico had reached an agreement that will help address the crisis at the border. Dr. Cassidy's remarks on Fox News are transcribed below. CASSIDY:It is huge. In fact, it is bigger than getting money appropriated immediately because this takes effect immediately. And for those who don't know, if someone comes across the border to seek asylum, they're in. And then they end up melting into our population, never again being found. They don't show up for their court date, they just live here illegally. On the other hand, under this deal, now they'll be kept in Mexico, they'll be processed in Mexico, and they'll never be released into the interior of the United States. It is huge, it is a bigger deal for securing our border than would be an immediate appropriation of money. ### 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/congress-passes-bill-to-rename-lake-charles-va-clinic-after-medal-of-honor-recipient-douglas-fournet,Congress Passes Bill to Rename Lake Charles VA Clinic After Medal of Honor Recipient Douglas Fournet,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.18 Congress Passes Bill to Rename Lake Charles VA Clinic After Medal of Honor Recipient Douglas Fournet WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), and U.S. Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that the Lake Charles Community-Based Outpatient Clinic(CBOC) will be renamed in honor of Kinder, Louisiana, native Douglas Fournet, a U.S. Army first lieutenant who gave his life in the Vietnam War and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1970. Cassidy, Kennedy and Higgins introducedlegislation in September to rename the clinic, which the Senate and House passed this week. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days. Lt. Fournet is an American hero deserving of the highest tribute. He served our community and our country as both a cop and a soldier. Lt. Fournet gave his last full measure of devotion, sacrificing his own life to protect his platoon,said Rep. Higgins. With the naming of the Lake Charles VA clinic, we honor Lt. Fournet's legacy and recognize the collective sacrifice of all those who have borne the battle. Doug Fournet died a hero and renaming the clinic after him will ensure his bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten, said Dr. Cassidy. I'm glad to see a Vietnam veteran and great Louisianan honored this way. I look forward to President Trump signing our legislation into law, and I thank the Fournet family for their support of our effort. Medal of Honor recipient and Louisiana native Doug Fournet made the ultimate sacrifice to our nation in the Vietnam War, said Sen. Kennedy. He charged into danger to cut the control wires on an enemy mine and lost his life acting as a human shield for other soldiers. It is only right that we honor his courage and valor by naming the Lake Charles VA Clinic after him. First Lt. Fournet died an American hero, and the state of Louisiana will always commemorate and honor him. We feel very fortunate to now have a facility in our area where Doug's story will continue to live on and inspire others, but most importantly, where veterans can receive quality medical care to repay them for their sacrifices for our Country, said the Fournet family. Douglas Fournet is the only individual from Southwest Louisiana to be awarded the Medal of Honor. The legislation would rename the Lake Charles CBOC the Douglas Fournet Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. ### 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/congress-passes-bipartisan-legislation-to-award-als-advocate-steve-gleason-with-congressional-gold-medal,Congress Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Award ALS Advocate Steve Gleason with Congressional Gold Medal,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.18 Congress Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Award ALS Advocate Steve Gleason with Congressional Gold Medal Former Saints Star Becomes First NFL Player in History to Receive Highest Civilian Honor Congress Can Bestow WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Patty Murray (D-WA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Steve Scalise (R-LA), Ralph Abraham (R-LA) and Mike Johnson (R-LA), along with representatives of Microsoft, the New Orleans Saints, and the ALS Association, applauded the House's unanimous passage today of bipartisan legislation (S. 2652) to awardWashington state native, ALS champion, and former New Orleans Saints star Steve Gleasonwith the Congressional Gold Medal. The Senate unanimously passed the bill in June, and it now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. Through his work to help others who are disabled, Steve Gleason has changed so many lives for the better, said Dr. Cassidy. As more members of Congress heard about Steve's work, the support for this bill only grew. Steve is a hero to many and I'm proud we got this done to honor a great American. The Congressional Gold Medal is reserved for those individuals who make a profound and lasting contribution to our country and Mr. Gleason has certainly done that, said Senator Murray. For those of us who've followed him from his early days in eastern Washington, to anyone just learning about his story today, we are all so fortunate that Steve brings the same fight and passion to his health care advocacy that he brought to the football field. Steve, you make Washington state so proud, and it's been my honor to play a role in helping your Congressional Gold Medal come to fruition. The lives of countless people have been improved because of Steve's determination, perseverance, and advocacy. Rather putting up a white flag, Steve used his own devastating diagnosis to inspire a nation and make sure people living with ALS have access to the latest speech-generating technology. It is befitting that Steve's incredible work be recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal, said Senator Cantwell. New Orleans Saints fans will always remember Steve Gleason's seven spectacular seasons with the team. But it has been Steve's work off the field that truly distinguishes him as an American hero, said Senator Kennedy. Steve works tirelessly to spread awareness for ALS, all while battling this terrible disease. No one is more deserving of a Congressional Gold Medal than Steve Gleason. The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest honors for people who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of others, said Representative Richmond. Steve Gleason is someone who represents this honor and will now receive this award. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in both the House and Senate to make this happen. Steve will join in the ranks of fellow American trailblazers and who have changed the course of our history for the better. His enduring commitment to those with disabilities makes him a living legend and forever a Saint. The city of New Orleans and Saints fans alike are proud to have Steve recognized as a leader whose contributions will make a lasting effect for years to come. Steve, a Spokane native, is a hero to me and to so many of us in Eastern Washington,said Representative McMorris Rodgers. As a tireless advocate for those with ALS and other degenerative diseases, Steve has helped usher legislation through Congress to permanently provide access to important speech-generating devices for those who've lost their ability to communicate. He has chosen to fight back against ALS, and to undergo this very personal battle in the public eye to bring awareness to this disease and the people who it impacts on a daily basis. This legislation, which is on its way to becoming law, will recognize Steve's advocacy and determination with one of our nation's highest honors, the Congressional Gold Medal. In Louisiana, Steve Gleason inspired all of us as a New Orleans Saint and has continued to inspire us with his bravery and service to others battling ALS. More than 5,000 people each year are diagnosed with ALS, and Steve Gleason serves as a leading voice in championing the fight against ALS. I am pleased to announce that to honor this service, Congress is awarding Steve Gleason a Congressional Gold Medal. More than 350 Members of Congress signed on to support this legislation, a sign of how powerful a mark Steve Gleason has made on this country. Thank you, Steve, said Representative Scalise. Steve Gleason is such an inspirational man whose work has forever changed the lives of so many people. He is certainly deserving of this tremendous honor, and I'm so proud that members of Congress from across the country recognized the incredible work he has done to help those with neuromuscular diseases and injuries, said Representative Abraham. I also want to thank Sen. Bill Cassidy for taking charge of this effort and seeing that Steve got this amazing recognition. Steve Gleason has not only confronted his diagnosis with bravery and courage, but he has used his voice to help the lives of people all across the nation, said Representative Johnson. All Americans deserve to have their voice heard, and those with severe disabilities should not be forced to live a life of silence. Steve has worked tirelessly to help provide the resources needed to ensure he, and countless others, can continue living meaningful and productive lives. It is an honor to recognize him with the Congressional Gold Medal for his unwavering resolve and outspoken advocacy on this important issue. Steve Gleason is an inspirational leader who has advocated on behalf of those with ALS for access to speech-generating devices. These devices provide people living with ALS who have lost their voices with the critically important means to communicate with health care professionals, loved ones, and their communities, said ALS Association President and CEO Calaneet Balas. The ALS Association is honored to support awarding Steve for a Congressional Gold Medal. In addition to recognizing Steve, this award also elevates public awareness of the daily challenges of all those with ALS and the urgency to find treatments and a cure. It is a true honor to witness Steve Gleason become the first New Orleanian and former NFL Legend to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, said Saints Owner Gayle Benson. Along with his wife, Michel, and everyone at Team Gleason, they have unfailingly confronted ALS with a courageous and unwavering determination. Their tireless work to provide crucial assistance and the latest in technology and services has improved countless people's quality of living. Steve is leaving a truly indelible mark in American history and we are honored to call him a true New Orleans Saint. The Stephen Michael Gleason Congressional Gold Medal Act recognizes Gleason for his work through the Gleason Initiative Foundation to provide individuals with neuromuscular diseases or injuries with the assistance they need to thrive, his advocacy for federal legislation ensuring people living with diseases such as ALS have access to speech generating devices, and his leadership in bringing together the single largest coordinated and collaborative ALS research project in the world. The Congressional Gold Medalis the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow. Previous recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal include Orville and Wilbur Wright, Thomas Edison, Robert Frost, Bob Hope, Walt Disney, Roberto Clemente, Sir Winston Churchill, John Wayne, the 1980 U.S. Summer Olympic Team, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Ruth and Billy Graham, Frank Sinatra, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/houses-passes-duckworth-kennedy-durbin-legislation-to-help-veteran-owned-small-businesses-succeed,House Passes Duckworth-Kennedy-Durbin Legislation to Help Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Succeed,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sen-john-kennedy-r-la-leads-letter-to-sec-chairman-fdic-chairman-and-sipc-president-about-robinhood-financial-misleading-customers,"Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Leads Letter to SEC Chairman, FDIC Chairman and SIPC President About Robinhood Financial Misleading Customers",2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sen-kennedy-announces-final-passage-of-justice-against-corruption-on-k-street-act-jack-act,Sen. Kennedy (R-La.) Announces Final Passage of Justice Against Corruption on K Street Act (JACK Act),2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sen-kennedy-r-la-announces-final-passage-of-rural-investment-legislation,Sen. Kennedy (R-La.) Announces Final Passage of Rural Investment Legislation,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/u-s-senate-passes-continuing-resolution-to-extend-flood-insurance-and-fund-the-government,U.S. Senate Passes Continuing Resolution to Extend Flood Insurance and Fund the Government,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-wicker-landmark-fisheries-reform-bill-headed-white-house,Graves-Wicker Landmark Fisheries Reform Bill Headed to White House,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Graves-Wicker Landmark Fisheries Reform Bill Headed to White House Washington, DCThe Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018(Modern Fish Act) passed the U.S.House of Representatives today with a 350-11 vote. This landmark legislation addresses the challenges faced by recreational anglers in the current federal fisheries management system and brings a balance of management between the recreational and commercial fishing sectors. The bill is now headed to the President's desk. Earlier this week the U.S. Senate unanimously passed their version of the bill, S.1520. For the first time, the Modern Fish Act will recognize in federal law that recreational fishing and commercial fishing are fundamentally different activities that should be managed differently to fit the characteristics of each sectorsaid Graves. This landmark legislation will finally give fisheries managers the appropriate tools to better understand the condition of our marine fisheries, which is great news for anglers, for conservation and for red snapper, cobia and red grouper and the many different fish species gulf anglers enjoy catching. The Modern Fish Act addresses many of the recreational fishing community's priorities including allowing alternative management techniquesfor recreational fishing, examining how best to review fisheries allocations, and improving recreational data collection. The bill aims to benefit fishing access and conservation by incorporating modern management approaches, science and technology to guide decision-making. On July 11, 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Modern Fish Act (H.R. 2023) as part ofH.R. 200, a more comprehensive measure that would have reauthorized the primary law governing marine fisheries. That bill includedseveral Graves provisions that benefit saltwater fishermen and women, including his Modern Fish Act. Differences between H.R. 200 and S.1520 required that the full House take a vote on S.1520 before sending it to the White House. Graves is the lead author of the House version; Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) is lead author of the Senate versions. Graves thanked Sen. Wicker and his staff for their work passing the measure in the upper chamber. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-cassidy-legislation-to-prevent-terrorist-attacks-involving-vehicles,Senate Passes Cassidy Legislation to Prevent Terrorist Attacks Involving Vehicles,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.19.18 Senate Passes Cassidy Legislation to Prevent Terrorist Attacks Involving Vehicles WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released the following statement after the Senate passed theVehicular Terrorism Prevention Act (H.R. 4227), legislation he spearheaded to better prevent terrorists from using vehicles to attack Americans. This bill will help keep Americans safe by making sure our counterterrorism efforts are top-notch when it comes to preventing extremists from using vehicles to carry out deadly attacks,said Dr. Cassidy. I look forward to the House passing this bill and the president signing it into law. Last month, a man in Los Angelesattempted to run over Jews with his carnear a synagogue. In August a suspected terrorist targeted pedestrians with his vehicleoutside the Houses of Parliament in London, and in Julytwo Americans were killed in Tajikistanin an attack claimed by ISIS. The legislation directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide a report to Congress regarding its efforts to assess and prevent terrorist attacks involving vehicles. The report would include the current threat level, details on DHS's collaboration with private sector partners, and recommendations on legislation necessary to support DHS's efforts to prevent terrorism. Cassidyintroduced the Senate versionof the bill in November 2017 and U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-OH)introducedthe House versionof the bill. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/legislation-to-honorgleason-with-congressional-gold-medal-reaches-246-supporters-in-house,Legislation to #HonorGleason with Congressional Gold Medal Reaches 246 Supporters in House,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.18 Legislation to #HonorGleason with Congressional Gold Medal Reaches 246 Supporters in House WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), today announced his bipartisan legislation (H.R. 5499) to award Washington state native, ALS champion, and former New Orleans Saints star Steve Gleason with the Congressional Gold Medal has gained 190 cosponsors in two weeks and is now supported by 246 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Representatives Steve Scalise (R-LA), Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA), and Cedric Richmond (D-LA). The bill (S. 2652) passed the Senate unanimously in June after garnering 73 cosponsors in just two months. It must pass the House by the end of the month in order to become law. Through his work to help others who are disabled, Steve Gleason has changed so many lives for the better, said Dr. Cassidy. The Senate unanimously supported legislation to honor Steve with the Congressional Gold Medal, and as more House members hear about Steve's work they are supporting the bill too. I urge the House to pass it this month. On Thanksgiving during the New Orleans Saints game, NBC aired a look at Steve Gleason's journey to becoming a father while fighting ALS. Cassidy's bipartisan legislation would recognize Gleason for his work through the Gleason Initiative Foundation to provide individuals with neuromuscular diseases or injuries with the assistance they need to thrive, his advocacy for federal legislation ensuring people living with diseases such as ALS have access to speech generating devices, and his leadership in bringing together the single largest coordinated and collaborative ALS research project in the world. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow. Previous recipients of the Congressional Gold Medal include Orville and Wilbur Wright, Thomas Edison, Robert Frost, Bob Hope, Walt Disney, Roberto Clemente, Sir Winston Churchill, John Wayne, the 1980 U.S. Summer Olympic Team, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Ruth and Billy Graham, Frank Sinatra, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus. A full list of House members who have agreed to cosponsor the bill is below: Alabama Robert Aderholt (R-AL) Mo Brooks (R-AL) Bradley Byrne (R-AL) Martha Roby (R-AL) Mike Rogers (R-AL) Terri Sewell (D-AL) Alaska Don Young (R-AK) American Samoa Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa) Arizona Andy Biggs (R-AZ) Paul Gosar (R-AZ) Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) Martha McSally (R-AZ) David Schweikert (R-AZ) Arkansas Rick Crawford (R-AR) French Hill (R-AR) Bruce Westerman (R-AR) Steve Womack (R-AR) California Karen Bass (D-CA) Ken Calvert (R-CA) Jeff Denham (R-CA) Duncan Hunter (R-CA) Darrell Issa (R-CA) Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) Barbara Lee (D-CA) Tom McClintock (R-CA) Devin Nunes (R-CA) Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) Ed Royce (R-CA) Eric Swalwell (D-CA) David Valadao (R-CA) Mimi Walters (R-CA) Colorado Mike Coffman (R-CO) Doug Lamborn (R-CO) Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) Scott Tipton (R-CO) Connecticut John Larson (D-CT) Delaware Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) District of Columbia Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) Florida Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) Vern Buchanan (R-FL) Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) Val Demings (D-FL) Ted Deutch (D-FL) Neal Dunn (R-FL) Matt Gaetz (R-FL) Al Lawson (D-FL) Bill Posey (R-FL) Francis Rooney (R-FL) Tom Rooney (R-FL) Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) Dennis Ross (R-FL) John Rutherford (R-FL) Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) Daniel Webster (R-FL) Frederica Wilson (D-FL) Ted Yoho (R-FL) Georgia Rick Allen (R-GA) Sanford Bishop (D-GA) Buddy Carter (R-GA) Doug Collins (R-GA) Drew Ferguson (R-GA) Tom Graves (R-GA) Jody Hice (R-GA) Hank Johnson (D-GA) John Lewis (D-GA) Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) Austin Scott (R-GA) David Scott (D-GA) Iowa Steve King (R-IA) Idaho Raul Labrador (R-ID) Mike Simpson (R-ID) Illinois Mike Bost (R-IL) Rodney Davis (R-IL) Danny Davis (D-IL) Randy Hultgren (R-IL) Robin Kelly (D-IL) Darin LaHood (R-IL) Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) Peter Roskam (R-IL) Bobby Rush (D-IL) Brad Schneider (D-IL) John Shimkus (R-IL) Indiana Susan Brooks (R-IN) Larry Buschon (R-IN) Andre Carson (D-IN) Luke Messer (R-IN) Todd Rokita (R-IN) Jackie Walorski (R-IN) Kansas Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) Roger Marshall (R-KS) Kevin Yoder (R-KS) Kentucky Andy Barr (R-KY) James Comer (R-KY) Brett Guthrie (R-KY) Hal Rogers (R-KY) Louisiana Ralph Abraham (R-LA) Garret Graves (R-LA) Clay Higgins (R-LA) Mike Johnson (R-LA) Maryland Anthony Brown (D-MD) Andy Harris (R-MD) Maine Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) Michigan Jack Bergman (D-MI) Debbie Dingell (D-MI) Bill Huizenga (R-MI) Brenda Jones (D-MI) Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) Paul Mitchell (R-MI) John Moolenaar (R-MI) David Trott (R-MI) Fred Upton (R-MI) Tim Walberg (R-MI) Minnesota Tom Emmer (R-MN) Jason Lewis (R-MN) Erik Paulsen (R-MN) Collin Peterson (D-MN) Mississippi Gregg Harper (R-MS) Trent Kelly (R-MS) Steven Palazzo (R-MS) Bennie Thompson (D-MS) Missouri William Lacy Clay (D-MO) Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) Billy Long (R-MO) Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) Jason Smith (R-MO) Montana Greg Gianforte (R-MT) Nebraska Don Bacon (R-NE) Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) New Jersey Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) Leonard Lance (R-NJ) Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ) Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) Nevada Mark Amodei (R-NV) New York Yvette Clarke (D-NY) Chris Collins (R-NY) Dan Donovan (R-NY) Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) Dwight Evans (D-NY) John Faso (R-NY) Brian Higgins (D-NY) Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) John Katko (R-NY) Peter King (R-NY) Gregory Meeks (D-NY) Elise Stefanik (R-NY) Thomas Suozzi (D-NY) Claudia Tenney (R-NY) Lee Zeldin (R-NY) North Carolina Alma Adams (D-NC) Ted Budd (R-NC) G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) George Holding (R-NC) Richard Hudson (R-NC) David Price (D-NC) David Rouzer (R-NC) Mark Walker (R-NC) North Dakota Kevin Cramer (R-ND) Ohio Troy Balderson (R-OH) Joyce Beatty (D-OH) Steve Chabot (R-OH) Marcia Fudge (D-OH) Bob Gibbs (R-OH) Bill Johnson (R-OH) David Joyce (R-OH) Bob Latta (R-OH) Jim Renacci (R-OH) Steve Stivers (R-OH) Mike Turner (R-OH) Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) Oklahoma Tom Cole (R-OK) Kevin Hern (R-OK) Frank Lucas (R-OK) Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) Oregon Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) Greg Walden (R-OR) Pennsylvania Lou Barletta (R-PA) Ryan Costello(R-PA) Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) Mike Kelly (R-PA) Tom Marino (R-PA) Keith Rothfus (R-PA) Bill Schuster (R-PA) Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) Glenn Thompson (R-PA) South Carolina James Clyburn (D-SC) Jeff Duncan (R-SC) Trey Gowdy (R-SC) Ralph Norman (R-SC) Mark Sanford (R-SC) Joe Wilson (R-SC) Tennessee Diane Black (R-TN) Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) Scott DeJarlais (R-TN) John Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) Chuck Fleishmann (R-TN) David Kustoff (R-TN) Phil Roe (R-TN) Texas Jodey Arrington (R-TX) Brian Babin (R-TX) Joe Barton (R-TX) Kevin Brady (R-TX) Michael Burgess(R-TX) John Carter (R-TX) Michael Conoway (R-TX) John Culberson(R-TX) Louie Gohmert (R-TX) Vincente Gonzalez (D-TX) Kay Granger (R-TX) Gene Green (D-TX) Will Hurd (R-TX) Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) Sam Johnson (R-TX) Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) Kenny Marchant (R-TX) Michael McCaul (R-TX) Pete Olson (R-TX) Ted Poe (R-TX) John Ratcliffe (R-TX) Pete Sessions (R-TX) Lamar Smith (R-TX) Randy Weber (R-TX) Roger Williams (R-TX) Utah Rob Bishop (R-UT) John Curtis (R-UT) Virginia Dave Brat (R-VA) BarbaraComstock (R-VA) Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) Morgan Griffith (R-VA0 Donald McEachin (D-VA) Scott Taylor (R-VA) Rob Wittman (R-VA) Virgin Islands Stacey Plaskett (R-VI) Washington Suzan DelBene (D-WA) Denny Heck (D-WA) Jaime Herrera Butler (R-WA) Derek Kilmer (D-WA) Rick Larsen (D-WA) Dave Reichert (R-WA) Adam Smith (D-WA) Wisconsin Ron Kind (D-WI) West Virginia David McKinley (R-WV) Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sen-john-kennedy-r-la-stands-against,Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Stands Against So-called Criminal Justice Legislation,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-dyslexia-screening-provision-included-in-new-criminal-justice-reform-bill,Cassidy Announces Dyslexia Screening Provision Included in New Criminal Justice Reform Bill,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.17.18 Cassidy Announces Dyslexia Screening Provision Included in New Criminal Justice Reform Bill WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), a member of the Senate health and education committee, today announced that his provision providing for the screening of inmates for dyslexia is included in the new version ofthe First Step Act(S. 3649), legislation endorsed by President Trump to reform America's criminal justice system. Cassidyannounced his support for the legislationtwo weeks ago. Having treated patients in prisons, I learned that illiteracy often leads someone to turn to a life of crime. Dyslexia is a leading cause of illiteracy, so to address illiteracy and incarceration, we must better address dyslexia,said Dr. Cassidy. I'm pleased Chairman Grassley, Jared Kushner and the White House agreed to incorporate my proposal for screening inmates for dyslexia into this bill. It makes sense that if a someone learns to read, they're less likely to end up in prison and more likely to be a productive member of society. And if someone ends up in prison, they're more likely to be get a job and keep it once they are released. In the end, I think this will save some people from the prison system, make our streets safer, and save taxpayers money. A studyfound that 80 percent of prison inmates at the state prison in Huntsville, Texas, were functionally illiterate and 48 percent were dyslexic. The First Step Act will formally define dyslexia as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader, most commonly caused by a difficulty in the phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, and spell. The bill requires the U.S. attorney general to incorporate an evidence-based, low-cost, readily available dyslexia screening program into the new risk and needs assessment system, including by screening for dyslexia during the prisoner intake process and each periodic risk reassessment of a prisoner. It also requires the U.S. attorney general to incorporate dyslexia treatment programs into recidivism reduction programs. In October, Cassidy and his wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy,coauthored an columnabout their family's personal struggle to overcome dyslexia. In June,Cassidy met with Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushnerabout prison reform, and Cassidy stressed the need to identify and address dyslexia in early education in order to prevent students from being consigned to a path of illiteracy, crime, and incarceration. In May 2016,Cassidy chaired a HELP Committee hearingon understanding dyslexia. The hearing featuredactor Ameer Baraka, a New Orleans native who struggled with dyslexia as a student and turned to selling drugs. Barak discussed how hetaught himself to read in prisonon Fox News in April 2017. In February 2016,Cassidy's READ Act was signed into lawby President Obama. The legislation requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) todevote at least $2.5 million to dyslexia researchevery year. In 2015,Cassidy hosted world experts on dyslexiafor a discussion at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, and chaired HELP Committeefield hearings on dyslexia and education in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Each year, Cassidy introduces a resolution in the Senatedesignating October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sen-john-kennedy-r-la-announces-5-million-fema-grant-for-repairs-at-baker-high-school,Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Announces $5 Million FEMA Grant for Repairs at Baker High School,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sen-john-kennedy-r-la-announces-that-louisiana-is-putting-his-medicaid-reforms-in-place,Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Announces That Louisiana Is Putting His Medicaid Reforms In Place,2018-12-17,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-republicans-head-minority-louisianas-mostly-red-delegation-likely,"As House Republicans head into minority, Louisiana's mostly red delegation likely loses clout",2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"When the U.S. House of Representatives gavels in for the first time next month, Louisiana's Republican members of Congress will find themselves in a long-unfamiliar position: out of power. Five of the state's six congressmen are Republicans, the result of a years-long surge in Republican power in the state, meaning the big November midterm gains by Democrats will diminish the political muscle most of Louisiana's representatives in Washington are accustomed to flexing. Most Louisiana Republicans pointed in part to strong working relationships with Richmond when asked how they'll continue pushing state-level priorities with Democrats in charge. Louisiana members of Congress and congressional aides have said Richmond has forged close links with the rest of the delegation. The state's other Republican members Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto; Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge; Rep. Clay Higgins, R-Port Barre; and Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Bossier will become backbenchers for the minority party. Being able to attach certain riders or amendments, influence how legislation is written that's how people like Rep. Graves and Rep. Abraham were able to secure some of the benefits for their constituents that they could. Well, that changes, Stockley said. o read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/louisiana-businesses-lost-85-million-due-trump-s-tariffs,Louisiana businesses lost $85 million due to Trumps tariffs,2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"At a town hall in Lafayette on Thursday, former Congressman Charles Boustany outlined just how much the tariffs put in place by the Trump administration are costing Louisiana. Boustany is a spokesperson for Tariffs Hurt the Heartland, a nationwide, nonpartisan campaign. According to data the group released from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Census Bureau: Businesses in Louisiana paid out $19 million in product tariffs in October 2018. Louisiana manufacturers and farmers paid $17 million in tariffs in October and more than $39 million since the beginning of the trade war. In total, Louisiana businesses have paid $85 million in extra costs since the tariffs were imposed. Congressman Ralph Abraham has filed a bill intended to help with that part, at least. On Monday, Abraham introduced a bill to change the language to allow payments based onplantedacres helping to take the burden off farmers who were unable to harvest and store their soybeans. To read the full article, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-obamacare-being-ruled-unconstitutional,Scalise Statement on Obamacare Being Ruled Unconstitutional,2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement on tonight's ruling by a federal judge striking down Obamacare as unconstitutional: ""When Democrats forced Obamacare down the throats of the American people on a purely partisan basis, they threatened that the law needed to be passed so that people could find out what was in it. Over the last eight years since it was signed into law, we have found out that the Democrats who passed it caused millions of families to lose the plans and doctors they liked, and imposed unaffordable premiums and deductibles that undermine the basic coverage that families enjoy. Not only does tonight's ruling confirm that this broken law cannot hold up under court scrutiny, but it also affirms that the law does not actually protect people with preexisting conditions. While Democrats may have won the House by running a fear-mongering campaign, unfortunately their reckless legislating has not proven to be as effective for the American people who have to live under this failed system. House Republicans are now the only ones who have passed a sound bill that protects people with preexisting conditions, and we will continue fighting for lower premiums while ensuring families can make their own health care choices and, regardless of their health status, can obtain affordable coverage.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/delegation-121418-insights-beltway-sunshine-state,Delegation for 12.14.18 Insights from the Beltway to the Sunshine State,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Veterinarian group salutes Yoho: The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) has three favorite members of the House of Representatives. That is because they are the three veterinarians serving in Congress. The AVMFsaluted all threefor winning re-election last month. One of those is Republican Rep.Ted Yohoof Gainesville. Yoho, a 1983 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, was a large animal veterinarian before his election to Congress in 2012. His fellow vets are Louisiana Republican Dr.Ralph Abrahamand Oregon Democrat Dr.Kurt Schrader. Along with his duties on the House Agriculture Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee, Yoho serves as co-chair, along with Schrader, of the House Veterinary Medicine Caucus. Abraham is also one of the 37 members making up the caucus. 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-urges-trump-administration-to-expedite-completion-of-keystone-xl-pipeline,Cassidy Urges Trump Administration to Expedite Completion of Keystone XL Pipeline,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.14.18 Cassidy Urges Trump Administration to Expedite Completion of Keystone XL Pipeline WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), joined 43 other members of Congress today in urging President Trump to take action to expedite construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. In November, a federal judge issued a decision that blocked construction of the pipeline. The Keystone XL pipeline will bring nearly 6600 high paying jobs in the near-term and nearly $4 billion in new capital investment next year alone, states the members' letter. [O]ne of your first actions as President was to expedite the approval and construction of the Keystone XL pipeline across six western and rural states. While we sincerely appreciate your strong leadership on this issue, we write now to encourage that leadership and attention to continue so that this important infrastructure project can become a reality. Joining Cassidy in sending the letter are Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), John Hoeven (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Enzi (R-WY), John Barrasso (R-WY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Joni Ernst (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Mike Rounds (R-SD), John Thune (R-SD) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Representatives Greg Gianforte (R-MT), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Bruce Westerman (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve King (R-IA), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Rob Bishop (R-UT), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Scott Tipton (R-CO), Frank Lucas (R-OK), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Ron Estes (R-KS), Ken Calvert (R-CA), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Liz Cheney (R-WY), Paul Cook (R-CA), Randy Weber (R-TX), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Chris Stewart (R-UT), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa). The full text of the members' letter is below. Dear Mr. President, We thank you for your prioritization of job creation and energy dominance in America. Towards that end, one of your first actions as President was to expedite the approval and construction of the Keystone XL pipeline across six western and rural states. While we sincerely appreciate your strong leadership on this issue, we write now to encourage that leadership and attention to continue so that this important infrastructure project can become a reality. A recent harmful federal court decision in Montana has brought real and immediate consequences, halting critical preconstruction activities and invalidating the analysis that underlies the approval issued by your Administration. The ruling also called for more lengthy environmental review. This comes despite extensive review by the previous Administration saying the pipeline will have minimal environmental impact and generate significant economic benefits. As such, we urge you to take any appropriate action necessary to move construction forward. The Keystone XL pipeline will bring nearly 6600 high paying jobs in the near-term and nearly $4 billion in new capital investment next year alone. In fact, pre-construction activities enjoined by the recent federal court decision are leaving nearly 700 jobs for hardworking Americans in the balance. While we believe that it is important to conduct appropriate environmental reviews, we also believe that further review will not contribute to the existing body of science that already supports pipeline construction and instead will have a significant impact on our rural communities. We respectfully urge you to take every practicable step to get this project over the finish line and workers back on the construction sites. We thank you for your attention to this matter and your passion for rural America. Respectfully, Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sens-john-kennedy-r-la-and-tom-cotton-r-ark-introduce-amendment-to-criminal-justice-reform-bill,Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) Introduce Amendment to Criminal Justice Reform Bill,2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/abraham-poll-im-one-who-can-take-gov-edwards-down,Abraham on poll: 'I'm the one who can take (Gov. Edwards) down',2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"A poll on the 2019 governor's race released by GOPCongressman Ralph Abraham's campaign shows a competitive head-to-head race if Abraham faced Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in a runoff, but it also shows most voters still don't know Abraham. The poll was paid for by Abraham's campaign and conducted by Remington Research Group. Abraham's poll shows among the current candidates Edwards leads with 43 percent, followed by Abraham with 31 percent, wealthy Baton Rouge Republican businessman Eddie Rispone with 9 percent and 17 percent undecided. In runoff between Abraham and Edwards, the poll shows each with 44 percent. Two things are clear from this poll John Bel Edwards is a one-term governor, and I'm the man who can take him down,"" Abraham said in a press release. ""Isaid last week that I intended to win, and I meant it. Ican't wait to hit the campaign trail and meet as many folks as possible from across Louisiana. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/louisiana-republicans-stand-trump-president-democrats-face-over-border-wall,"Louisiana Republicans stand with Trump as President, Democrats face off over border wall",2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Louisiana Republicans are digging in behind President Donald Trump's demand for money to build a wall along the border with Mexico as part of any deal to avoid a partial government shutdown just before Christmas. Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, blamed Democrats for not bending to Republicans' requests for border security and wall funding over the past year. Although Abraham said he doesn't want a partial shutdown, he suggested that funding for the wall will remain a sticking point. Democrats have been steadfastly opposed to every effort we've tried over the last year to better secure our border, and their complete unwillingness to compromise has certainly contributed to this situation, Abraham said. I'm willing to find common ground, but I want wall money. 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/watch-cassidy-honors-louisiana-wwii-veterans-on-senate-floor,WATCH: Cassidy Honors Louisiana WWII Veterans on Senate Floor,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.13.18 WATCH: Cassidy Honors Louisiana WWII Veterans on Senate Floor WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), today spoke on the Senate floor in honor of two WWII veterans in Many, Louisiana, Charles Davis and Doug Curtis, both 92 years old. Davis will celebrate his 93rd birthday this Saturday. Cassidy's office will be presenting both veterans with American flags flown over the U.S. Capitol in their honor. Dr. Cassidy's remarks are transcribed below. CASSIDY: Mr. President, I rise today to honor two people in our state, my state and yours, who served in World War II and are being celebrated in northwest Louisiana, Charles Davis and Doug Carter. Both are 92. Mr. Davis celebrates his 93rd birthday in two days, and so on the behalf of you and certainly my behalf I wish him a happy birthday. These American heroes are part of the greatest generation. Mr. Davis joined the Navy when he was 16 years old, just after Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941. Imagine that: 16 years old, leaving home, volunteering to face a world of danger to defend our country. He bravely served six years at Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Guadacanal, the Solomon Islands, Cape Esperance and elsewhere. His courage tested on numerous occasions, but one example, when the ship on which he served was destroyed, leaving he and his fellow crew members stranded in the middle of the ocean with only life vests to keep them alive for 37 hours. Charles said he spent a lot of time talking to God during those painful hours, particularly painful because his brother serving on the same ship did not live. A trying ordeal, a terrible loss, but when Charles talks about his life, he speaks with humility and gratitude about his life experiences. He says he lived a great life, in no small part to the great country that we live in. Asked how he was always so positive, he says that every morning you could decide to have a good day or a bad day. And for him he says it is not a tough choice. Mr. Doug Curtis, he served from January 1944 to August 1946, starting in Little Rock, Arkansas. He deployed overseas to the Philippines and Japan, prepared to do whatever was needed, pledging patriotic duty to protect our country and the people he loved. A special celebration is being thrown on December 14, tomorrow, in Many, Louisiana, to honor Charles and Doug. My office will present them both with American flags which have flown over this Capitol building. Small gesture, but meant to honor these two men and to celebrate their service, sacrifice, and examples. I thank these great Louisiana heroes for their service to our country. And, Mr. President, I'll convey your thanks as well. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-issues-statement-farm-bill-passage,Abraham issues statement on Farm Bill passage,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, today voted for the Farm Bill Conference Report, which passed overwhelmingly in the House. It now heads to President Trump's desk for a signature. Agriculture is a critical part of the Louisiana economy, and our state's farmers, ranchers and foresters deserve the stability and strong safety net that the Farm Bill provides. This bill preserves crop insurance, adjusts for low commodity prices, strengthens dairy price protections, and preserves the family farm. This is a good bill, and that's why farmers across the country are celebrating its passage, said Dr. Abraham, a member of the House Agriculture Committee and a member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee. The Farm Bill also deals with policy concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The House version of the bill, which Dr. Abraham supported,included work requirements for able-bodied adult SNAP beneficiaries, but the Senate's version did not. Though the final version did not include work requirements, it did include 18 different policy changes aimed at reducing waste, fraud and abuse within the program. I voted for the SNAP work requirements and job training included in the House bill because these changes would help people break the cycle of poverty. The Senate did not include these changes, nor would the Senators budge on their position during negotiations. When faced with a choice between leaving our farmers in limbo at the end of this Congress and allowing Nancy Pelosi to rewrite the Farm Bill next year, or passing a strong bill that didn't go as far as I would have liked, that choice was clear, Dr. Abraham said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2018/12/12/higgins-farm-bill-delivers-certainty-louisiana-farmers/,Higgins: Farm Bill Delivers Certainty for Louisiana Farmers,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“While it’s not perfect, this Farm Bill provides Louisiana farmers with much-needed certainty about critical agriculture programs. We delivered wins for both rice and sugar, maintained the policies that support Louisiana farmers, and we’re creating new opportunities for American farmers to compete on a global scale. I support agriculture and our farmers. Thus, I supported this bill. This was something that we had to get done in the 115th Congress. Turning the Farm Bill over to Speaker Pelosi and a Democrat majority on January 3rd would have been a disaster.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/higgins-farm-bill-delivers-certainty-louisiana-farmers,Higgins: Farm Bill Delivers Certainty for Louisiana Farmers,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted in support of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report, which extends and improves Farm Bill provisions. The 2018 Farm Bill: Preserves the U.S. sugar program maintains the existing U.S. sugar policy, which operates at zero-cost to taxpayers and provides critical support to Louisiana sugarcane farmers and millers. Expands trade opportunities helps combat the predatory trading practices of foreign countries, while providing additional funding to help grow export markets for American agricultural products. Protects crop insurance preserves the existing crop insurance program with small improvements. Prioritizes rural development authorizes annual appropriations to expand broadband access in rural communities and prioritizes funding to help combat opioid addiction. Enhances ag research programs provides additional funding for research, extension, and education projects that keep American agriculture at the forefront of innovation and productivity. Congressman Higgins issued the following statement: While it's not perfect, this Farm Bill provides Louisiana farmers with much-needed certainty about critical agriculture programs. We delivered wins for both rice and sugar, maintained the policies that support Louisiana farmers, and we're creating new opportunities for American farmers to compete on a global scale. I support agriculture and our farmers. Thus, I supported this bill. This was something that we had to get done in the 115thCongress. Turning the Farm Bill over to Speaker Pelosi and a Democratmajority on January 3rd would have been a disaster.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-supports-farmers-calls-reform,"JOHNSON SUPPORTS FARMERS, CALLS FOR REFORM",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Mike Johnson,J000299,mikejohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (R-La.) released the following statement after voting in favor of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report: After great deliberation, I voted for the Farm Bill' today, because Louisiana is one of the most important agriculture states in America. In my district alone, there are more than 1.5 million acres of farmland, 7,500 farms and 11,300 farmers, and I have an obligation to support my hard-working constituents. On the other hand, I and every member of this Congress also have an affirmative obligation to practice fiscal discipline. The bill today was flawed, because it forced lawmakers to choose between the well-being of our nation's foodsuppliers and the reform ofone of our nation's most broken and bloated welfare programs. Rather than giving people the chance to escape poverty through meaningful work opportunities, this bill continues to incentivize able-bodied adults to rely on government assistance. While I believe fiscal reforms and work requirements in a Nancy Pelosi-controlled House will be nearly impossible to achieve, the final version of the Farm Bill' missed a vital chance to make real, long-overdue adjustments. We must restore order to the process, present stand-alone bills to promote workforce development and give all Americans the tools they need to succeed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/2018-farm-bill-passes-house,2018 Farm Bill Passes House,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after the 2018 Farm Bill passed the House in an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 369-47. After successful negotiations between the House and Senate, this comprehensive legislation will bring greater economic stability to farmers and ranchers and reforms the SNAP program to give Americans greater opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Today's passage of the Farm Bill is a win for farmers, ranchers, consumers, and all American workers.As the breadbasket of the world, this Farm Bill will provide the certainty and economic stability they need to continue to succeed and lead the world in food production. Our farmers and ranchers not only put food on the tablesof Americans, but onthoseof families around the world. This bill also includes key reforms to the SNAP program that will help millions of Americans move from government dependence to work and self-sufficiency. With a strong economy and more job openings than Americans looking for work, there has never been a better time to help unemployed Americans get back in the workforce so they can support their families and achieve the American dream. Lastly, the conference agreement includes the House bill's provisionthat I fought hard to include to create newfunding opportunities for Roseau cane scale research. This is vital to Louisiana's First District and our efforts to prevent coastal-erosion. I applaud Chairman Mike Conaway for all of his strong leadership in negotiating this legislation with the Senate, and I am glad to have been able to work with him to lead this bill to passage in the House. I look forward toPresident Trump signing it into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-cassidy-announces-support-for-new-legislation-to-build-the-wall,VIDEO: Cassidy Announces Support for New Legislation to Build the Wall,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.12.18 VIDEO: Cassidy Announces Support for New Legislation to Build the Wall It's time we uphold our responsibility to secure the border. It's a national security priority, it's a health priority, it should be an American priority. Let's get it done. I'm proud to cosponsor the Wall Act. pic.twitter.com/cCdp17VbPc U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) December 12, 2018 WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), released the following video statement announcing he cosponsored the WALL Act (S. 3713), the first bill that will fully fund the wall along the southern border by identifying specific funding sources. Today, I'm announcing my support for the WALL Act, legislation to fully fund a wall along our country's southern border, said Dr. Cassidy. It isn't just about illegal immigration, although that's important. And it isn't just about stopping dangerous gang members from coming to our countrythat's important. It's also about stopping the flow of drugs coming across our border, killing Americans in communities across the country. That's particularly important. It's time we uphold our responsibility to secure the border. It's a national security priority, it's a health priority, it should be an American priority. Let's get it done. The Wall Act will fully fund President Trump's $25 billion border wall while providing specific ways to pay for it: Require a work-authorized Social Security Number (SSN) to claim refundable tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit. Currently, only the child needs a SSN, not the parent benefiting from the refundable child tax credit. The WALL Act would require the parent to have a valid work-eligible Social Security Number. Before 2003, the Social Security Agency did not distinguish between work-eligible and non-work eligible SSNs. Therefore, there are individuals benefiting from the EITC they are not authorized to receive because they are non-work eligible. Require welfare applicants (food stamps, TANF, HUD, etc) to verify citizenship. Currently, someone only needs to declare citizenship and provide a SSN to receive some of these benefits. The WALL Act enhances citizenship verification prior to granting benefits using E-verify and require a work-authorized SSN for eligibility. Increasing the minimum fines on illegal border crossers and establishes a minimum penalty for visa overstays. The bill is also backed by Senators John Kennedy (R-LA), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Ted Cruz (R-TX). ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sen-kennedy-warns-senate-colleagues-about-louisiana-s-failed-criminal-release-program,Sen. Kennedy Warns Senate Colleagues About Louisianas Failed Criminal Release Program,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/farm-bill-deal-reached-without-food-stamp-work-requirement-expansion,Farm Bill deal reached without food stamp work requirement expansion,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congress has reached a compromise dealon a new Farm Bill to set agriculture policy for five years, but it won't expand work requirements for food stamps, whichhad been a priority of U.S. Rep.Ralph Abraham of Louisiana and President Donald Trump. The Senate passed the bill Tuesday on an 87-13 vote, although Louisiana Republican Sen. John Kennedy was a no, criticizing the ""missed opportunity to reform"" the food stamp program. The House will likely vote Wednesday. But Abraham, R-Alto, whose family farms in northeastern Louisiana, said the legislation ""is a good bill that gives our farmers and ranchers the security they need. Abraham is the state's only member of the House Agriculture Committee and was a memberof the conference committee that crafted the final version. ""It preserves crop insurance and provides more flexibility for farmers moving forward,"" said Abraham, who announced last week he will run for governor in 2018. Abraham said one of the most important improvements in the new Farm Bill is a provision to extendeligibility for crop subsidies and other programsto nephews, nieces and cousins of a farmer. House Republicans like Abraham were willing to sign off on the compromise bill to avoid it being moved to the new Congress next month where Democrats will take over the majority. ""There's no way we could let Nancy Pelosi write the next Farm Bill,"" Abraham. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/farm-bill-will-not-include-snap-work-requirements,Farm bill will not include SNAP work requirements,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"A Farm Bill is in conference committee with votes expected on a final version in Congress later this week. The bill houses the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or food stamps, along with farming policy for the next several years. Congressman Ralph Abraham says he's disappointed the bill leaves out SNAP work requirements, but overall it's a good bill. We got 18 of the 21 asks. As a whole, when you have this large of a bill, we count this as a big win. The bill has the support of Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Steve Scalise. Abraham praised the legislation's farming reforms, including preserving crop insurance, increased flexibility for land classification, the Timber Innovation Act, irrigation changes for rice, and an expanded definition for family farms. It's redefined as also including nieces, nephews, and first cousins, where before it was the moms, dads, brothers, and sisters. That legally becomes a big deal. Abraham says he expects the bill to pass this week, and shortly after be signed by the President before the end of the year. To read full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/grace-notes-challenging-incumbent-governor-isnt-risk-averse,Grace Notes: Challenging an incumbent governor isn't for the risk-averse,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Challenging an incumbent for reelection is not for the risk-averse. And as of this week, we can addTreasurer John Schroderto that category, along with Attorney General Jeff Landry. For Landry and now Schroder, who announced his decision Monday, running against Edwards would have come with a personal cost. Because both are up for reelection at the same time, they'd have to give up their chances of winning new terms for their old jobs. Kennedy didn't have that problem, but a loss to Edwards by someone with his high profile would have been damaging to his political standing as well (not that he didn't do plenty of harm by stringing fellow Republicans along for so long). Nor does U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, the congressman from northeastern Louisiana who was just reelected and who quickly turned around and said he'd challenge Edwards. Like Kennedy, he gets a free shot by running, but unlike the senator, he's not dogged by high expectations. And Eddie Rispone, the Baton Rouge businessman who joins Abraham as an announced opponent, has nothing to lose but the $5 million or so he plans to spend on the campaign. That leaves just one other possible challenger on the sidelines, unless someone surprising comes along. Like Schroder and Landry, state Sen. Sharon Hewitt of Slidell would also have to forfeit a chance at a new term in order to go up against Edwards. She has said she's studying the data and will decide sooner rather than later. If she does join Abraham and Rispone, look for her to try to turn her sacrifice to her advantage. Only she, Hewitt could argue, wants the job so badly that she's willing to go big or go home. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/abraham-issues-statement-trump-administration-s-new-wotus-rule,Abraham issues statement on Trump Administrations new WOTUS rule,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D. R-Alto, today issued the following statement after the Trump Administration announced a new definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) to replace the failed Obama-era definition. The 2015 definition of WOTUS greatly increased the federal government's power over private land owners by expanding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (Corps) regulatory control over bodies of water throughout the country. The Trump Administration's rule reportedly takes a more common-sense approach to water use that seeks to promote clean water while protecting private citizens' land use rights. Obama's WOTUS simply went too far a puddle of water that might run into a ditch that then might run into a stream or river is by no means a navigable waterway and should not be treated as such. I'm still reviewing the new rule, but I'm pleased with what I've seen so far. We all want clean water, and we can achieve that without handing over our land rights to the EPA, Dr. Abraham said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://richmond.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-richmond-introduces-comprehensive-affordable-housing-bill,Rep. Richmond Introduces Comprehensive Affordable Housing Bill,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC- Today, Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) introduced the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, a bill originally introduced in the Senate by United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). This bill will reduce rent costs and provide greater access to home ownership through first-time homebuyer payment assistance. Having a home is one of the most essential human needs for thriving families and individuals, but many families long across the nation for far too long have been restricted from homeownership due to increasing rent prices and paychecks that don't match, said Rep. Richmond. The American Housing and Economic Mobility Act is a comprehensive bill aimed to combat the affordable housing crisis that continues to plague our nation. Having stable, affordable housing is life changing and brings the promise of economic freedom to all. This legislation aims to provide that for millions of American families, namely African American communities who have been historically and systematically left without stable housing. I applaud the work of Senator Warren on introducing this bill in the Senate and am honored to carry the torch in introducing it in the House. The Housing FIRST Alliance would like to thank Congressman Richmond for stepping forward to introduce the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, which is a promising move forward from disinvested communities across our country. Baton Rouge has been subjected to redlining for years, and we need legislation that will end unfair practices and enable all families to live better lives. We need as much assistance as possible to help Baton Rouge overcome the severe housing crisis. This bill viably helps address that issue. -Samuel Sanders, Executive Director of Mid City Redevelopment of Baton Rouge, Louisiana HousingNOLA has been working to implement policy and secure the investments necessary to create over 30,000 affordable housing opportunities, at an estimated $5.8 billion, needed to end the housing crisis that threatens New Orleans' future. The American Housing and Economic Mobility Act gets us closer to that goal and securing the economic stability New Orleanians deserve. This bill also represents a chance to align our policy priorities with other needs and truly put housing first by incentivizing the implementation of strategies like the Smart Housing Mix. As a country, we can no longer make substantial investments in our cities without ensuring that they are equitable and affordable for all. -Andreanecia M. Morris, Executive Director of HousingNOLA On behalf of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), I commend Congressman Richmond for his leadership in advancing bold and comprehensive solutions to help end housing poverty and homelessness in America once and for all. The American Housing and Economic Mobility Act puts forward an ambitious plan to significantly expand investments in proven solutions, like the national Housing Trust Fund, to help millions of the lowest income families who struggle to pay rent and put food on the table, buy medication, or save for a rainy day. Congress should quickly enact this bill to provide the lowest income seniors, people with disabilities, families with children, and others the breadth of opportunities that come from having a stable, affordable place to call home. -Diane Yentel, President and CEO of NLIHC Cosponsors of this bill include Representatives Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Gwen Moore (D-WI). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-farm-bill-helps-louisiana-agriculture-succeed,Cassidy: Farm Bill Helps Louisiana Agriculture Succeed,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.18 Cassidy: Farm Bill Helps Louisiana Agriculture Succeed WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), released the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the Agriculture Improvement Act (2018 Farm Bill), which includes his amendment to help create rural jobs. This legislation empowers Louisiana farmers and sugar producers to succeed,said Dr. Cassidy. The bill's investments in telemedicine and rural community treatment facilities helpsimprove health outcomes for Louisianans and fight opioid addiction. And it also includes my provision creating a grant program that createsjobs in rural communities, increase opportunity and boost local economies. The 2018 Farm Bill: Provides $500 million to promote rural small businesses, including Cassidy's provision creating a competitive grant program to create rural jobs Provides continued funding for the federal sugar program. This legislation also rejected proposals that would have depressed sugar farmer's prices with subsidized imports. More than doubles disaster assistance coverage options for crops that are currently not eligible for crop insurance. These include aquaculture and floriculture crops, seed crops, industrial crops, Christmas tree crops, and turf grass. Expands export opportunities for Louisiana farmers by providing an additional $500 million in permanent funding over the next decade to help find new foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products. Reauthorizes key safety net programs for agricultural producers, including federal crop insurance and farm commodity programs that provide a floor price and income support for covered commodities including Louisiana soybean, rice and cotton. Provides additional funding to expand broadband high-speed Internet access to rural communities Prioritizes funding for projects to help address the opioid crisis in rural America through expanded telemedicine and community facility investments. ### 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-introduces-legislation-to-put-doctors-back-in-control-of-va-health-care,Cassidy Introduces Legislation to Put Doctors Back in Control of VA Health Care,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.18 Cassidy Introduces Legislation to Put Doctors Back in Control of VA Health Care WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, today introduced theVeterans Affairs Medical-Surgical Purchasing Stabilization Act, legislation to fix the Department of Veterans Affairs' system for purchasing medical and surgical supplies so that veterans can receive the best quality care. As a doctor, I know effective treatment to patients requires the right tools, said Dr. Cassidy. Government bureaucrats with no clinical experience have no business deciding which medical and surgical supplies are necessary. This legislation makes sure VA doctors are equipped to provide the best care possible for our nation's veterans. Cassidy's bill directs the VA to correct the problems with their approved purchase list of medical-surgical supplies by using input from medical professionals with relevant expertise rather than administrative staff. This legislation would also prevent VA from outsourcing the creation of its list. The U.S. House of Representatives passeda version of the billin May. Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-cassidy-it-blows-my-mind-democrats-support-open-borders,VIDEO: Cassidy: It Blows My Mind Democrats Support Open Borders,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.11.18 VIDEO: Cassidy: It Blows My Mind Democrats Support Open Borders WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), appeared on Fox Business today to highlight Democrats' willingness to shut down the government in support of open borders that encourage the flow of illegal immigration and deadly drugs into our country. In 2006, 26 Democratsincluding Senators Chuck Schumer, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Barack Obamavoted to build the wall. Cassidy has been fierce in his support for border security andanti-drug trafficking measures,cracking down on sanctuary cities, andsupporting ICE agents. A full transcript of Dr. Cassidy's remarks on Fox Business are transcribed below. CASSIDY:I can't imagine why Democrats would want to shut down the government to preserve a freer flow of illegal immigration and drugs into our country. It just blows my mind. I'd like to think the American people would look at it and say, Hmm, we don't want a freer flow of illegal drugs and folks coming from other countries without permission into our country, so why don't we secure the border?' . The issue of securing our border to keep illegal drugs, to help prevent illegal drugs from coming, to hopefully prevent the debacles we've seen with the caravans from getting worse in the future, is both winning in terms of policy, it's winning in terms of politics. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sen-john-kennedy-r-la-issues-statement-on-vote-against-the-farm-bill,Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Issues Statement on Vote Against the Farm Bill,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/louisiana-governors-race-finally-taking-shape,Louisiana governor's race finally taking shape,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Louisiana's Republican leaders have wanted to oust Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards ever since his long-shot victory in 2015, but the candidate field shaping up years later doesn't feature the prominent political figures once predicted. The two announced GOP contenders for the October election are U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, arural northeast Louisiana lawmakerwho remains little-known across much of the state after four years in Congress, and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, a first-time office-seeker pledging to pour millions of his personal wealth into the race. With low name recognition, Abraham and Rispone still have time to shape their narratives as candidates, unlike more well-known contenders. Abraham's been underrated before, not expected to win the congressional race when he first ran in 2014. Rispone hopes to capitalize on the appeal of non-politicians to voters, a strategy that has worked in several states and in Trump's election. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sens-kennedy-inhofe-rounds-and-cruz-file-legislation-to-fully-fund-border-wall,"Sens. Kennedy, Inhofe, Rounds And Cruz File Legislation To Fully Fund Border Wall",2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/avoyelles-parish-soybean-farmers-hurt-weather-politics,"Avoyelles Parish soybean farmers hurt by weather, politics",2018-12-09,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Some say when a farmer is asked what he does for a living, he should say he's a professional gambler. Farming is a gamble when everything is as it should be. When the weather is contrary and geopolitics gets added to the mix, the gambler doesn't stand much of a chance against the house. This year, soybean farmers seemed to be the ones -- as U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham said -- taking it on the chin. There are thousands of acres of beans in Avoyelles Parish that were not harvested this year, County Agent Justin Dufour said. Some were left in the field because the fields never improved enough for the equipment to move in. Some farmers had no place to store their beans even if they harvested them. 25 percent destroyed' The Farm Service Agency estimated about 88,500 acres of soybeans were planted in Avoyelles Parish. Of that, 22,000 acres were deemed destroyed -- almost 25 percent of the total. Roszell and Lemoine both said they were hoping to get some relief through a federal assistance program to offset the impact of the tariffs. That would help to some extent, but only for those beans that were harvested, Roszell said. The beans that went unharvested we will get zero for. He said he has talked with U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham about Abraham's bill to help farmers who were unable to harvest their beans this season. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/gas-tax-increase-long-overdue,Gas tax increase long overdue,2018-12-09,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Louisiana legislators at their 2019 fiscal session should increase the state's 20-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax, but the odds of that happening are slim to none. Those taxes haven't been increased since 1989, and that 20 cents is worth only about 7 cents in today's money. Meanwhile, the Louisiana Coalition to Fix Our Roads is kicking off a $500,000 campaign to force another debate on the gasoline tax issue in 2019. Eric Ponti of Baton Rouge, a former state legislator and executive director of the Louisiana Asphalt Pavement Association, is one of the leaders of the 35-member Fix Our Roads group. Basically, it is a social media campaign, Ponti told The Advocate. There is so much information and misinformation that it is a long, slow educational process to get the facts out there. The administration of Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards is not publicly linked to the coalition's campaign. However, the governor's critics will be quick to blame Edwards for any talk about raising taxes. U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham, RAlto, who said he is going to run for governor in 2019, couldn't wait to say something had to be done about Edwards loving to raise taxes. What the governor's critics refuse to admit is that governors don't raise taxes, legislators do. Some critics have accused the governor of raising $7 billion in taxes since he took office, which is a wild figment of their imaginations. Edwards inherited a $2 billion deficit when he took office in 2016, and legislators agreed to raise $1.4 billion in temporary taxes to close the shortfall. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/trailer-what-we-learned-all-2018-results-winners-losers-flippers-voters-and,"The Trailer: What we learned from all the 2018 results: The winners, losers, flippers, voters and spenders",2018-12-09,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"AD WATCH:Louisiana Governor. Rep. Ralph Abraham (R) announced a gubernatorial bid this past week, which didn't come as a wild surprise to anyone who saw hisfinal 2018 campaign ad. It effectively reintroduced him as a doctor who ambled into politics to make a difference, similar to the biography that Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) used to his benefit in 2014. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://mikejohnson.house.gov/media/in-the-news/riceland-crawfish-announces-3m-expansion,Riceland Crawfish announces $3M expansion,2018-12-08,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Mike Johnson,J000299,mikejohnson.house.gov,,,legacy,"Riceland Crawfish announced a $3 million expansion project to expand its operations in Eunice. Dexter Guillory, Riceland president, was joined by state Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain and other leaders on Tuesday in making the announcement at the Sub-Zero facility on U.S. 190 east of Eunice. For 30 years we have been sharing the culture and food of Acadiana across the U.S., Guillory said. The crawfish industry in Louisiana represents a $173 million gross farm value and includes 1,543 producers. Of that state total, the Acadiana region is responsible for producing approximately 84 percent of that total or $138 million. This represents the work of 1,232 producers, and numerous processors. The expansion includes a new $2 million, 33,000-square-foot building behind the Sub-Zero facility and a $1 million in new equipment, according to a news release from Louisiana Economic Development. The expansion is projected to create 10 jobs and the retention of 60 jobs, according to the news release. The project is financed by local banks. Gov. John Bel Edwards stated, We are delighted to see companies like Riceland Crawfish ensure that Louisiana's culinary excellence makes it way far beyond our borders, bringing our culture to markets far and wide. Edwards continued in the news release, Riceland's new expansion is a testament to the skills of our workforce and to strengths of our local communities to support businesses and ensure they can grow and thrive. Our goal is to ensure that businesses like Riceland Crawfish have the tools and resources to expand and meet the demands of a growing customer base, and we congratulate them on this new chapter. The expansion gives Riceland the ability to provide crawfish products to major food distributors and retailers year-round, the state economic development news release stated. Additionally, the Riceland Crawfish's expansion will help drive growth in local Louisiana communities by providing increased support to industries that provide bait, bags, boxes, sacks, seasoning, wire for traps and other products necessary for crawfish processing, it stated. First established in 1984, Riceland Crawfish began as a small family-owned business, and has grown into one of the major crawfish and alligator processing plants in Louisiana. Doug Guillory, Riceland operations manager, said in a One Acadiana news release, Our expansion is consumer driven. Riceland Crawfish has been asked by existing customers to increase the amount of product we are currently supplying. The additional processing space is required to meet this demand. Bill Rodier, executive director of St. Landry Economic Development, saidm Locally owned companies like Riceland are important catalysts to our area economy. He added, At SLED, we put a high priority through our business outreach program on helping companies like Riceland pursue expansion opportunities. We are very fortunate to have the strong support of the team at 1 A to help accelerate these efforts. This project represents another great example of area, regional, and state partners working together to help move St. Landry Parish forward. The new facility will process whole boiled crawfish that is frozen and shipped across the nation. Strain said over 900 Walmart stores will be stocking the Riceland's product. This what economic development is all about and crawfish is the major aquaculture for the state, Strain said. More than 80 percent of Louisiana's aquaculture output is crawfish, he said. For farmers, the plant represents an additional opportunity for their crop, he said Strain said the natural resource base for the state includes agriculture, forestry, oil and gas, and mining. This is where wealth money is created. Those are the original dollars from the earth. Everything else modifies that, he said. Rodier said one of the things that has struck him is the level of sophistication of executives in the agriculture industry. Dexter Guillory said the expansion of the crawfish market was helped by Chinese imports. Those imports have been largely withdrawn from the U.S. market, but the Chinese crawfish helped create an awareness of the product, he said. China is starting to consume more their own product, which allows domestic farmers to replace Chinese in some of the markets, he said. Dwight Landreneau, a consultant at Riceland, said the company started with a pickup truck and fresh product. This expansion really shows the foresight and really the guts that Dexter Guillory and his family has had to put everything on the line to a business, an industry forward, Landreneau said. Troy Wayman, OneAcadiana president and CEO, said, The retention and expansion of Acadiana companies is important to our region's economic growth; up to 80 percent of new jobs and capital investment in any economy are generated by existing firms. Our competitive business climate, skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure will support the company's continued growth and success. Riceland operations at the downtown Eunice location will continue, Dexter Guillory said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/farm-bill-debate-seems-settled,Farm bill debate seems settled,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Lawmakers announced they come to an agreement on the farm bill. After a simmering fight in Congress over food stamps. the debate appears to be settled without the addition of new work requirements.Washington correspondent reports it's just one part of a sweeping farm bill set for a vote next week. But the bill is also notable for what it does not contain, new work requirements for people on food stamps.House Republicans championed that provision when they passed their plan earlier this year. ""An onramp for success for those that are less fortunate,"" said Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-Louisiana. Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Arkansas said, ""They need to have a way out of a situation that might not be best for them."" The provision stalled in the Senate though where Democrats worried it would cut food aid to vulnerable populations including children. Lawmakers said the final bill does not expand food stamp work requirements. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/la-gov-rep-ralph-abraham-r-will-run-governor,LA-Gov: Rep. Ralph Abraham (R) will run for Governor,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"As expected, Rep. Ralph Abraham (R) has announced he will take on Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) next year. Abraham is a physician and veterinarian who has been a back-bench conservative in the House for two terms. He has represented a deep-red seat in the northeast part of the state, and is the biggest of several names who had been considering the race. Abraham's lane became a lot more open this week after the strongest potential GOP rival, Sen. John N. Kennedy (R), bowed out of the race. However, Abraham will not have the jungle primary to himself State Treasurer John Schroder (R), State Sen. Sharon Hewitt (R), and (possibly self-funding) businessman Eddie Rispone (R) are also considering bids (or in Rispone's case already declared). If Abraham wins, it will trigger a special election for LA-5, which he won in 2014 by ousting kissing congressman Vance McAllister (R). The seat is an R+15 seat covering much of the state's northeast, including Monroe, Alexandria, and a large amount of rural territory. The seat also contains a bizarrely-shaped (but culturally-similar) arm along the Missisippi border through the rural northern Florida Parishes. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/politico-morning-score-gop-braces-potential-new-election-nc-09,Politico Morning Score: GOP braces for potential new election in NC-09,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"We may not be done with midterm electionsquite yet. Various Republican officials have signaled they're at least contemplating a new election in NC-09, where the race between Republican Mark Harris and Democrat Dan McCready remains uncertified (McCready also withdrew his concession in an interview withWSOC). NEXT UP GOP Rep. Ralph Abraham announced he will runfor Louisiana governor in 2019. The announcement said he will have a formal launch next year. Joe Gruters, a Florida state senator and ally of President Donald Trump,is poised to become the next chairman of the state Republican party,POLITICO Florida's Matt Dixonreported. To read the fullstory, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://garretgraves.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/graves-announces-2018-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Graves Announces 2018 Congressional App Challenge Winners,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Garret Graves,G000577,garretgraves.house.gov,,,legacy,"Graves Announces 2018 Congressional App Challenge Winners Baton Rouge, LA This week, Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) announced winners the 2018 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana's Sixth Congressional District. Graves and 221 other Members of Congress inspired students to pursue computer science in the fourth annual competition, the largest student computer science competition in America. Over the last four months, thousands of students coded original apps as part of district-wide competitions. Mack Kemper and Christian Thompson of Catholic High School earned first place for creating Unite SMS: an app intended to improve school communication between administrators, parents, students and teachers. Our app's goal is to make an easy to use communication system for schools that creates two way communication and accountability and also can be used for emergency situations, said Kemper. Brian Tsai, a senior from Baton Rouge High, came in second place with Urban Crisis, an app that consolidates and displays important information for use during an emergency. The reality is that our entire lives are wrapped up in our smartphones and their capabilities. It is in incredible how these students can actually use these opportunities to use data and design apps to make communities safer and improve communications, said Graves. Third place went to Jeremy Worley and Mateo Rosas from Catholic High School for their Spend to Save app. Co-Honorable Mention went to Tre, Ross and JP from the Dunham School (app: Dunham Wellness) and Josh Harold and Jefferson Koonce from Catholic High School (app: Safe Pass). On Monday, Graves visited Catholic High and Baton Rouge High to recognize the winners and participants from both schools. This was the second year Graves hosted the Congressional App Challenge for Sixth District students, and his office received over 20 submissions from schools in East Baton Rouge, Ascension and West Baton Rouge parishes. Technology is increasingly integrated into everything that happens in our district, state and country, and competitions like these are important for the future, said Graves. A panel of six judges selected this year's winners: Kristen Reeves, Executive Director of Louisiana Women in Technology Joshua Duplechain, Director of Communications, LSU College of Engineering Nathan Cotton, Past President of Louisiana Science Teacher Association Charlie D'Agastino, Executive Director of LSU Innovation Park Beth O'Quinn, Talent Manager, Louisiana Client Innovation Center at IBM Corporation Dr. Vernon Dunn, Program Manager at the Louisiana Board of Regents. The Congressional App Challenge aims to engage students in coding and computer science. All of the competitions are local and span 46 states and U.S. territories in rural and urban districts alike. Congressional participation reached new horizons this year, including districts in Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Wyoming. Participating Members came from both sides of the aisle in near equal numbers, a testament to the bipartisan support for computer science and STEM in Congress. The list of all 2018 national winners can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/u-s-senate-passes-bipartisan-kennedy-duckworth-durbin-legislation-to-support-veteran-owned-small-businesses,U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan Kennedy-Duckworth-Durbin Legislation to Support Veteran-Owned Small Businesses,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/abraham-enters-governors-race-i-intend-win,Abraham enters governor's race: 'I intend to win',2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Republican U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham has entered the 2019 governor's race, saying simply, ""I intend to win."" Abraham, the 5th District congressman from Alto, joins wealthy Baton Rouge Republican businessman Eddie Rispone as the announced challengers to Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards. The three-term congressman came out of the chute firing at the incumbent Edwards. ""Louisiana deserves better than what she currently has,"" Abraham said in an interview with USA Today Network. ""I'm seeing businesses leaving and a governor who has been focused on raising taxes. I intend to do something about that."" Abraham, a medical doctor and veterinarian who likes to say he can treat anything on two or four feet,has said since last year that he may run for governor. The congressman said he needed to focus on the last two weeks of the current Congress before fully engaging in a gubernatorialcampaign. Abraham, who isalso a farmer, is apilot for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol and the Pilots for Patients not-for-profit organization. He has been married 43 years to Dianne. The couple hasthree children and nine grandchildren. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/abraham-launches-campaign-governor,Abraham Launches Campaign for Governor,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Ralph Abraham (R-05) announced Thursday he will challenge Gov. John Bel Edwards (D). Abraham will hold a formal campaign launch on January 1, 2019. He was a general family doctor before becoming a member of Congress. He is the second Republican to announce candidacy following Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone (R). (release) Abraham, in an interview: ""Louisiana deserves better than what she currently has. I'm seeing businesses leaving and a governor who has been focused on raising taxes. I intend to do something about that."" To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-ralph-abraham-enters-louisiana-governor-s-race,Congressman Ralph Abraham enters Louisiana governors race,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Abraham is a doctor from rural northeast Louisiana. He joins wealthy Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone as the Republican contenders vying to keep Edwards from a second term. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/house-republican-announces-bid-unseat-louisianas-democratic-governor-i,House Republican announces bid to unseat Louisiana's Democratic governor: 'I intend to win',2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Ralph Abraham, R-La., on Thursday became the second Republican to announce he would challenge the incumbent Democratic governor of Louisiana. Abraham, who in November won a third term in Congress, will vie with Republican businessman Eddie Rispone and current Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in the gubernatorial race set for next October. ""I'm running for Governor and I intend to win,"" Abraham wrotein a press releaseThursday ahead of a more formal campaign launch next year. In an interview withthe News Star, Abraham added that ""Louisiana deserves better than what she currently has."" ""I'm seeing businesses leaving and a governor who has been focused on raising taxes. I intend to do something about that,"" he told the news outlet. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/louisiana-baptist-ralph-abraham-announces-run-governor,Louisiana Baptist Ralph Abraham announces run for governor,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ralph Abraham, M.D., a Republican who represents the 5thCongressional District, announced Thursday, Dec. 6, he has entered the 2019 gubernatorial race. I'm running for governor, and I intend to win, Abraham said in a brief statement released on his personal Facebook page. Abraham, a member of Alto Baptist Church, was first elected to Congress in 2014. His district encompasses 24 parishes in the northeastern, central and southeastern areas of the state. He serves as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the Agriculture Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. The three-term congressman joins Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, also a Republican, in challenging the incumbent John Bel Edwards, a Democrat. Abraham is a physician, veterinarian, business owner, farmer, pilot and veteran. He was a first lieutenant with the 20th Special Forces Group Airborne Division of the Army National Guard from 1986-1989, according to his website. He is a native of rural Richland Parish where he and his wife, Dianne, live. He holds degrees from Mangham High School and Louisiana State University. During his time in Congress, Abraham has been a consistent pro-life advocate, voting against funding for abortion providers like Planned Parenthood. A member of the pro-life caucus, Abraham has spoken at various events around the state, such as the 2016 CENLA Pro-Life Prayer Breakfast at Louisiana College in Pineville and the 2018 Louisiana Life March CENLA in Alexandria-Pineville. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/louisiana-s-ralph-abraham-running-governor,Louisianas Ralph Abraham Running for Governor,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Louisiana Rep.Ralph Abrahamis running for governor in 2019. I'm running for governor and I intend to win, the Republican lawmakertweetedThursday morning. He's the second Republican to announce a challenge to Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards. Sen.John Kennedyannounced earlier this weekhe wouldn't run for the office, opening the field to lesser-known candidates. Louisiana deserves better than what she currently has, Abrahamtoldthe USA Today Network. I'm seeing businesses leaving and a governor who has been focused on raising taxes. I intend to do something about that. Edwards fired back that the congressman is abandoning [his] responsibilities in Congress just a month after he was re-elected. First elected to Congress in a 2014 runoff, Abraham is a doctor who represents Louisiana's 5th District. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/ralph-abraham-announces-run-governor,Ralph Abraham announces run for Governor,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ralph Abraham announced December 6, 2018, that he will run for Governor of Louisiana. ""I'm running for Governor, and I intend to win,"" Abraham said. Abraham will have a formal campaign launch after the first of the year. Abraham is a Republican and has served in Congress since 2015 as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. It includes 24 parishes in North, Central, and Southeast Louisiana. KNOE caught up with Abraham on the phone today. He said he wants to be the person to bring change to the state. ""We are last in just about every meaningful category that comes out, as far as from health care, education, business, you name it,"" Abraham said. ""We're either 49th or 50th and that's unacceptable. I'm truly worried about the direction our state is going."" Abraham's announcement comes on the heels of major Republican figures announcing they won't run for governor, including House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, Attorney General Jeff Landry, and most notably, U.S. Senator John Kennedy, who bowed out on Monday. Abraham says Kennedy's announcement opened the door for him. ""We were looking at it hard anyway, but John certainly bowing out of it did call for a little bit of a window for us to put our foot in the water,"" Abraham said. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/ralph-abraham-republican-congressman-running-governor-against-john-bel,"Ralph Abraham, Republican congressman, is running for governor against John Bel Edwards",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"Republican U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham is running for governor against Gov. John Bel Edwards next year, the two-term congressman announced on Wednesday the latest development in a rapidly congealing election less than a year away. But after most major GOP players have said they don't plan to challenge the only Democratic governor in the Deep South, Abraham's announcement signaled that Republicans are starting with an uphill climb in their efforts to unseat Edwards. Abraham's campaign owns the domainwhoisralphabraham.comand ran an introductory campaign ad across the state in October even though his opposition in the Congressional race was largely nominal. ""I'm running for governor, and I intend to win, Abraham, 64, said in a brief statement on Monday. Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone, 69, is the only other Republican to make a formal leap into the 2019 gubernatorial race so far. On Monday, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, once thought a likely frontrunner for the chance to face Edwards in a runoff election, announced that he would not be on next year's ballot. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://abraham.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/us-rep-ralph-abraham-declares-candidacy-governor,U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham declares candidacy for governor,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Ralph Abraham,A000374,abraham.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham announced Thursday that he will run for governor against Gov. John Bel Edwards. The northeast Louisiana Republican was just re-elected to his third term in Congress. Eddie Rispone, a Baton Rouge Republican businessman, is also challenging Edwards in next year's election for governor. Under Louisiana's system, all candidates, regardless of party, will appear on the Oct. 12, 2019, ballot. If no candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote, a runoff between the top two vote-getters will be held Nov. 16, 2019. Abraham's announcement was expected. It follows the surprise announcement earlier this week from U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, also a Republican, that he will not run for governor. Over the past year, Kennedy's constant criticism of the Edwards administration teased a possible run. Abraham, 64, is a family physician from Richland Parish. To read the full story, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2018/12/06/st-thomas-more-students-win-2018-congressional-app-challenge/,St. Thomas More Students Win 2018 Congressional App Challenge,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced that Elliott Benoit, John Michael Weaver, and John Arceneaux won first place in the 2018 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana’s 3rd District. The team’s app titled “Vo18” is designed to encourage youth involvement in local elections. This year’s competition had 18 teams and more than 70 students participate. The winning team was selected by a panel of expert judges including computer science and software professionals from McNeese State University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A celebration honoring all of this year’s participants will be held on December 11 at the UL Lafayette Student Union Ballroom. Congressman Higgins issued the following statement: “Congratulations to Elliott, John, and John Michael on a well-designed app. It’s impressive to see how these students identified a problem and used their coding skills to build a solution that improves political participation amongst young people. In our second year of hosting this challenge, we saw it grow from a dozen to more than 70 students. This was a high-level of competition and a tough choice for our judges. “I also want to thank Lafayette Parish GEAR UP, New Vision Leadership Foundation of Acadiana, and the staff at CGI for once again partnering with my office on this community initiative.” St. Thomas More Principal Kelley Leger added: “We are so honored and excited to have 3 of our students win the Congressional App Challenge! We encourage all of our students to express their creativity and think outside of the box. Given the right tools and platforms, such as this competition, they can become innovators who may someday change the world.” — About the Congressional App Challenge The U.S. House of Representatives officially launched the Challenge in 2015 to help inspire innovation and learning in computer science and coding. The Challenge is a nationwide effort that allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application or “app” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Student teams compete against each other by congressional district, and the winning apps are showcased at the U.S. Capitol each year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/media/press-releases/st-thomas-more-students-win-2018-congressional-app-challenge,St. Thomas More Students Win 2018 Congressional App Challenge,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced that Elliott Benoit, John Michael Weaver, and John Arceneaux won first place in the 2018 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana's 3rd District. The team's app titled Vo18 is designed to encourage youth involvement in local elections. This year's competition had 18 teams and more than 70 students participate. The winning team was selected by a panel of expert judges including computer science and software professionals from McNeese State University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A celebration honoring all of this year's participants will be held on December 11 at the UL Lafayette Student Union Ballroom. Congressman Higgins issued the following statement: Congratulations to Elliott, John, and John Michael on a well-designed app. It's impressive to see how these students identified a problem and used their coding skills to build a solution that improves political participation amongst young people. In our second year of hosting this challenge, we saw it grow from a dozen to more than 70 students. This was a high-level of competition and a tough choice for our judges.I also want to thank Lafayette Parish GEAR UP, New Vision Leadership Foundation of Acadiana, and the staff at CGI for once again partnering with my office on this community initiative. St. Thomas More Principal Kelley Leger added: ""We are so honored and excited to have 3 of our students win the Congressional App Challenge! We encourage all of our students to express their creativity and think outside of the box. Given the right tools and platforms, such as this competition, they can become innovators who may someday change the world."" -- About the Congressional App Challenge The U.S. House of Representatives officially launched the Challenge in 2015 to help inspire innovation and learning in computer science and coding. The Challenge is a nationwide effort that allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application or ""app"" for mobile, tablet, or computer devices. Student teams compete against each other by congressional district, and the winning apps are showcased at the U.S. Capitol each year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-announces-414m-usdot-grants-la-01,Scalise Announces $41.4M in USDOT Grants for LA-01,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today announced Louisiana's First Congressional District has been awarded $41.4 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation in two separate BUILD grants. St. Tammany Parish has been awarded $25 million to expand I-12, and the Greater Lafourche Port Commission has been awarded $16.4 million for the South Lafourche Airport Corridor Project. ""This $25 million grant to widen I-12 in St. Tammany has long been a top priority of mine, and the recent tragedy over Memorial Day weekend underscored why this project is needed, and why today's announcement by DOT Secretary Chao is so important.I especially thank St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister for being a leader, ally, and strong local advocate on this critical project,""said Whip Scalise. ""I'm also very excited to announce that another priority of mine, Port Fourchon's Airport Connector Project will also receive a $16.4 million grant.Port Fourchon is a hub of economic activity, and as America continues to be a leading oil and gas producer, improving access to our offshore rigs is crucial. Construction of this industrial corridor will not only be a boon to our local economy, but has incredible national significance because of the importance of American energy production."" Here is how local leaders are responding: This is a huge win for all of us the St. Tammany community and the people who travel this interstate. To see that the federal government has chosen to support our mission in making our interstate system safer by awarding this $25 million BUILD Grant, reinforces the necessity of this project. We can't wait to get started. We sincerely appreciate the leadership and efforts of our Congressman, Steve Scalise, and the rest of the Louisiana delegation on securing this funding, said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. We committed to doing our part to find a funding source for this project, and this first step is a success, which means we can move forward in the plans to make the I-12 safer for travel. We will still continue to seek support and funding from every possible source, and we will continue to push for immediate action. The safety of St. Tammany and every person who comes through here is and has always been my top concern. ""The Greater Lafourche Port Commission is excited and thankful for the opportunity to enhance the safety and the economy for our community with this grant. It will allow for collaboration on local, state, and federal levels to provide intermodal connectivity between the South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport and Port Fourchon. We thank Congressman Scalise and the Louisiana delegation for their continued support of the port commission's top priorities,"" said Chett Chaisson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commision. Background information on the BUILD grants: The $25 million grant will be used by St. Tammany Parish to begin the construction of additional lanes along I-12 to improve driver safety between LA 21 and US 190. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development, there have been more than 900 accidents on I-12 from LA 21 to US 190, since 2013. The Greater Lafourche Port Commission's $16.4 million grant will go towards the South Lafourche Airport Corridor Project, which will enhance Port Fourchon's ability to provide air support to deepwater oil and gas rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. The new roadway linking the South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport in Galliano to LA 3235 will allow for increased ability to transport personnel and equipment to the offshore rigs, which will greatly increase economic potential for Southeast Louisiana.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-build-grants-for-i-12-port-fourchon-improvement-projects,"Cassidy Announces BUILD Grants for I-12, Port Fourchon Improvement Projects",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18 Cassidy Announces BUILD Grants for I-12, Port Fourchon Improvement Projects WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), today announced two grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvement projects in Louisiana. The state will receive $25 million for widening I-12 and $16.2 million for transportation improvements for Port Fourchon. Cassidywrote to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao in Julyin support ofboth grant applications. These resources will go toward critical infrastructure projects in Louisiana that will create jobs and support economic growth. Widening I-12 will eliminate unsafe bottlenecks in St. Tammany Parish, and a new bridge and roadwork connecting South Lafourche Airport, Highway 1, and Port Fourchon will facilitate industrial traffic and improve highway safety,said Dr. Cassidy. During our phone call this morning I gave a big thank you to Secretary Chao for listening to our needs and approving these resources. In August,Secretary Chao joined Cassidy in New Orleansto formally mark the award of $45 million in federal funds for the Belle Chasse Bridge and Tunnel Replacement project. During the visit Secretary Chao also announced a $2.5 million award for the Port of New Orleans to support the current container-on-barge shuttle service operated by SEACOR AMH between New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Memphis, and to launch a new container-on-barge shuttle service on the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal (IHNC) in New Orleans. ### 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/watch-at-cassidys-invitation-baton-rouge-pastor-tommy-middleton-opens-us-senate-in-prayer,"WATCH: At Cassidy’s Invitation, Baton Rouge Pastor Tommy Middleton Opens U.S. Senate in Prayer",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.18 WATCH: At Cassidy's Invitation, Baton Rouge Pastor Tommy Middleton Opens U.S. Senate in Prayer WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), today introduced Baton Rouge Pastor Dr. Tommy Middleton on the Senate floor and invited him to open the Senate in prayer. Dr. Cassidy's remarks and Dr. Middleton's prayer are transcribed below. CASSIDY:I rise today to speak to my friend, Dr. Tommy Middleton, the executive director of the Baptist Association of Greater Baton Rouge, who just opened us prayer. Dr. Middleton oversees 100 churches and missions, which include services in six languages, Chinese, Burmese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, SpanishI should say sevenalso English. The ministries include the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Extension of Baton Rouge, student work at the Baptist Collegiate Ministries of Louisiana State University and Southern University, camp ministries at the Judson Baptist Retreat Center, prison ministries in four state prisons and six local parish jails, governmental interface on the local, state, and federal level, ministries to the seamen through the Seafarer's Ministries, church planting regionally, and international missions in 16 different countries in which he's been personally involved. I'll add one morebringing relief to victims of natural disasters across our country. Overall, Dr. Middleton has spread the good news of the Gospel for nearly 50 years. It is my honor to invite Dr. Middleton to open the United States Senate in prayer this morning. We have all been blessed. Thank you. MIDDLETON:Good morning. Let's pray. Father, we are grateful for this life and health and strength that you have given us so that we may serve you and serve others. So thankful for your hand of blessing and favor that has rested upon this nation, and O God, may that continue. And so Lord, we pray for these senators, that Lord, you would give them wisdom in the decisions that they make and in the crafting of legislation. Lord, that you would give them compassion, as they deal with others, fellow senators, legislators, elected officials, constituents. And that you would give them courage to make decisions based upon truth. Although there may be opposition, may they, Lord, may they stay people of truth. And Father, I do pray that you give them discernment so that in the deliberations that they make, they will judge a righteous judgment. And finally, O Lord, that we would walk in humility, realizing that the decisions that we make, the course of our walk, our actions in our life will be judged by those who have elected us here, but more than that, that we will be judged by you, almighty God. Lord, we pray, we desire, we seek your help, and as your Word says, our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and Earth. And in that name, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen. ### Print Email Tweet Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/congress-votes-to-extend-national-flood-insurance-program-and-prevent-government-shutdown,Congress Votes to Extend National Flood Insurance Program and Prevent Government Shutdown,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/2018/12/sen-kennedy-announces-25-million-to-widen-interstate-12-along-with-a-16-4-million-build-grant-for-port-fourchon,Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) Announces $25 Million To Widen Interstate 12 Along With a $16.4 million BUILD grant for Port Fourchon,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,www.kennedy.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Home About Services Legislation Media Contact",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z