url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-taxpayer-funded-compensation-accountability-act/,Cassidy Introduces Taxpayer Funded Compensation Accountability Act,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced legislation to ensure political appointees in the federal government do not earn a salary higher than Members of Congress. The bill would cap the annual salary of appointees at the annual salary of a U.S. Senator or Member of the House of Representatives. “If you’re paid by taxpayers, you shouldn’t make more than those who were elected by taxpayers,” said Dr. Cassidy. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-legislation-to-help-americans-better-plan-for-retirement-advances-senate/,Cassidy Legislation to Help Americans Better Plan for Retirement Advances Senate,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) led efforts to pass the Claiming Age Clarity Act, a bill to help Americans better plan for retirement by ensuring they have clear information when deciding to claim Social Security benefits. The bill requires the Social Security Administration to replace current confusing terms used to describe claiming ages with clearer, more straightforward language. “Americans looking to retire are counting on the benefits they have earned. They ought to have the best financial information possible when the time comes,” said Dr. Cassidy. The Claiming Age Clarity Act has been endorsed by a variety of organizations representing elderly Americans, retirees, and individuals planning for retirement, such as the American Association of Mature Citizens Action (AMAC Action), Bipartisan Policy Center Action, and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). “For too long, the terminology used by the Social Security Administration has misled millions of Americans into making suboptimal choices about when to claim their hard-earned benefits. This commonsense legislation is vital to ensuring older Americans make informed decisions that directly impact their financial security in retirement,” said AMAC Action’s Andrew J. Mangione. “Hard-working Americans deserve simple, straightforward information when planning for retirement, especially when it comes to claiming Social Security…We know the age at which one first claims Social Security benefits drastically impacts the total income they receive over time, and this bill will ensure that retirees are better informed in their long-term planning and decisions,” said Bipartisan Policy Center Action President Michele Stockwell. “AARP has long supported efforts to improve the terminology used by the Social Security Administration to describe claiming ages, replacing confusing terms like ‘early’ or ‘normal’ with plain-language alternatives such as ‘minimum,’ ‘standard,’ and ‘maximum’ monthly benefit age. These changes will help people better understand the lasting impact of their claiming choices and make more informed decisions to protect their financial security in retirement,” said AARP Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Bill Sweeney. Background Cassidy joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce the legislation in 2023. The group sent a letter to the Social Security Administration urging them to develop an action plan to help individuals make more informed claiming decisions. Cassidy has championed efforts to rescue Social Security from insolvency and repeatedly called on Congress to act to save the program. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-honors-new-orleans-native-walker-beerys-legacy-during-pediatric-brain-cancer-awareness-month/,LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Honors New Orleans Native Walker Beery’s Legacy During Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Month,2026-09-30,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, honored the legacy of New Orleans native Walker Beery and his family’s work through Kids Join the Fight during Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Walker’s story is a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting difference. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. Read his full September 2026 Local Spotlight below: This month’s Local Spotlight recognizes September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, in particular, Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Behind every pediatric cancer diagnosis is a child and family whose lives are forever changed. One story I want to share today is that of New Orleans native Walker Beery and his family. At just seven years old, Walker was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a pediatric brain cancer. During one of his days in the hospital, another little girl also receiving treatment gave Walker a teddy bear. She was going through a difficult time herself, but still wanted to do something kind for someone else. This small act inspired Walker to do the same, in an even bigger way. And Kids Join the Fight was born. Walker dreamed of raising a million dollars to help others and cure pediatric brain cancer. Although sadly Walker passed away on September 4, 2021, before he could reach his goal, his family was determined to finish what he started. Before the end of that same year, Kids Join the Fight had raised the million dollars Walker dreamed of. And they kept going. What started as a grassroots effort led by Walker and his friends has grown into an organization helping families, advancing the fight against pediatric cancer, and providing grants to families across the country. And perhaps most importantly, it continues to give children a chance to do what Walker did. Help someone else. Now, Walker’s legacy is taking shape in a very special way right in Louisiana. This November, Walker’s Imaginarium will open at Manning Family Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. It will give patients and their families a bright, happy place to play, laugh, and experience just a bit of normalcy during an incredibly difficult time. Because even when a child is sick, they still deserve to be a child. That is what makes Walker’s story so powerful. He was a seven-year-old boy who received a teddy bear and decided to then help others. And years later, his family has turned that simple act of kindness into a movement. This September, we remember Walker, children like Walker, and the families who fight alongside them. And we celebrate a little boy from New Orleans whose kindness continues to make an impact on many. May we all learn to walk with courage, gratefulness, and generosity during hard times. Just as seven-year-old Walker Beery did. Background In August, Cassidy commemorated the twenty-first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by highlighting the partnership between Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and First Baptist New Orleans, illustrating the deep sense of community that binds Louisianans together. ###",1,2026-10-01T11:23:28Z,2026-10-01T11:25:15Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-strengthen-election-security-give-accountability-to-voters/,"Cassidy Introduces Bill to Strengthen Election Security, Give Accountability to Voters",2026-09-25,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced legislation to require states to conduct open primaries for federal offices and establish additional guardrails in congressional elections. The legislation includes commonsense provisions including requiring voter photo identification and placing limits on states’ ability to gerrymander congressional districts. Despite broad public support for these provisions, Democrats rejected the proposals, even though they have previously expressed support for measures intended to give voters greater influence in the electoral process. “The political system should serve the people, not be designed so that the people serve politicians. Forty-five percent of the American electorate are Independents. Some Republicans and some Democrats want to vote for the person not for the party. Open primaries address all of this. Power to the people,” said Dr. Cassidy. ###",1,2026-09-26T09:43:57Z,2026-09-26T09:44:55Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-joins-erin-talks-money-podcast-to-discuss-future-of-social-security-answer-americans-questions/,"Cassidy Joins Erin Talks Money Podcast to Discuss Future of Social Security, Answer Americans’ Questions",2026-09-24,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined Erin Moriarity of Erin Talks Money to answer Americans’ questions about the future of Social Security, what happens if Congress fails to act, and what can be done to strengthen the program for current and future retirees. Cassidy discussed his proposal for a separate investment fund and the bipartisan PROMISE Act, which would set up a process for Congress to consider and act on solutions. “If you could speak directly to someone who is already retired, someone who is 10 years from retirement, someone who is in their 30s, what would you want each of them to understand about the future of Social Security?” asked Moriarity. “I’d want them to understand that we need to act. The idea that if we do nothing means that nothing bad happens is false. If we do nothing and follow the law, there’ll be as much as 28.5% benefits cut on those currently receiving Social, or if we just do the traditional route of raising taxes and cutting benefits to cover 100% of the problem, it’s going to affect the person who’s 10 years out and the person who’s in their 30s,” said Dr. Cassidy. Background Cassidy has been outspoken in the media on the need to rescue Social Security from insolvency. He has outlined his plan to create a sovereign wealth fund independent of the Social Security Trust Fund. He has written extensively on his proposal in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, State Affairs, and the Washington Examiner. On the U.S. Senate floor, Cassidy has repeatedly called on Congress to act to save the program, and challenged the U.S. Senate to stop being good politicians and start being good senators. Most recently, Cassidy and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner calling on their colleagues to join their bipartisan effort to address Social Security’s looming insolvency. ###",1,2026-09-25T10:04:52Z,2026-09-25T10:05:46Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-joins-bicameral-effort-to-expand-educational-opportunities/,Cassidy Joins Bicameral Effort to Expand Educational Opportunities,2026-09-22,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined U.S. Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) and a bicameral group of colleagues in introducing the Educational Opportunities Expansion Package, which includes two bills to strengthen the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, a key provision of the Working Families Tax Cuts. The package aims to expand educational opportunities for students nationwide by removing the current state opt-in requirement and ensuring that scholarship donors are not restricted in their giving based on their marital status. The Educational Choice for Children Act was signed into law as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts bill in 2025. “As parents, we know our children better than anyone. When we put parents in charge of their child’s education, we give children the best opportunity to thrive,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Another win for School Choice!” Background As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy led Republican colleagues in introducing the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), bicameral legislation to expand education freedom and opportunity for students. The legislation provides scholarships for an estimated two million students in elementary or secondary education settings for tuition, fees, supplies, and equipment for the enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary school. ###",1,2026-09-23T09:45:16Z,2026-09-23T09:46:14Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-sounds-alarm-of-looming-social-security-deadline-discusses-health-care-affordability-at-semafor-future-of-health-forum/,"Cassidy Sounds Alarm of Looming Social Security Deadline, Discusses Health Care Affordability at Semafor Future of Health Forum",2026-09-18,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) discussed a wide range of pressing issues as Congress comes to a close, ranging from health care affordability to Social Security’s looming insolvency, to the future of college athletics, during this week’s Semafor Future of Health Forum. As Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Cassidy highlighted the recently passed bipartisan Patients Deserve Price Tags Act, which gives patients and employers greater transparency into health care costs. Cassidy also warned that the clock is ticking for Congress to address Social Security’s looming insolvency, stressing that delaying action will only make the issue more difficult and expensive to solve. “Health care is one of the few things in which you don’t know how much it’s going to cost when you walk in the door,”said Dr. Cassidy. “Our Patients Deserve Price Tags Act will do that for the patient. And it’ll do it in a way which prevents a lot of the arbitrage to maximize profits for intermediaries, but to maximize savings for the patient, the employer, and the employee.” “The window is closing, closing, closing,” said Dr. Cassidy. “But the longer you wait to fix Social Security, the worse it gets. And it doesn’t just get worse marginally. It gets worse a percentage point, another percentage point, and so on.” ###",1,2026-09-19T09:11:33Z,2026-09-19T09:12:45Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-kaine-join-newsnation-to-discuss-bipartisan-solution-to-social-securitys-looming-insolvency/,"Cassidy, Kaine Join NewsNation to Discuss Bipartisan Solution to Social Security’s Looming Insolvency",2026-09-15,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) on NewsNation to discuss Social Security’s looming insolvency and the need for Congress to act now. The senators warned that if Congress continues to stall, Social Security benefits could be cut by nearly 28.5% in just six years, making the issue even harder to solve as time goes on. Cassidy outlined his plan to create a separate investment fund, modeled after the National Railroad Retirement Investment Fund, to strengthen Social Security’s long-term solvency. Kaine expressed his support for Cassidy’s proposal, which he said could help make Social Security solvent for the next 50 to 75 years. “Set up an investment fund like your 401k, parallel to the Social Security trust fund, put money into it and allow it to grow with the power of the US economy. This money grows and ends up paying 65% of the obligation to our nation’s retirees. We could evergreen Social Security,” said Dr. Cassidy. Background Cassidy has been outspoken in the media on the need to rescue Social Security from insolvency. He has outlined his plan to create a sovereign wealth fund independent of the Social Security Trust Fund. He has written extensively on his proposal in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, State Affairs, and the Washington Examiner. On the U.S. Senate floor, Cassidy has repeatedly called on Congress to act to save the program, and challenged the U.S. Senate to stop being good politicians and start being good senators. Most recently, Cassidy and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner calling on their colleagues to join their bipartisan effort to address Social Security’s looming insolvency. ###",1,2026-09-16T09:43:13Z,2026-09-16T09:44:22Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-on-fox-business-congress-needs-to-have-the-guts-to-step-up-address-social-security/,"Cassidy on Fox Business: Congress Needs to Have the Guts to Step Up, Address Social Security",2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined Fox Business to discuss his plan to protect current and future retirees from a 22-28% cut to Social Security benefits in six short years. Cassidy urged Congress to step up and put a process in place to consider solutions for solvency. “What I am suggesting is we set up an investment fund. You called it a sovereign wealth fund. You could call it the nation’s 401k, and you set it up, separate from the Social Security Trust Fund, you put money in it, and you allow it to grow with the nation’s economy,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We just need Congress to have the guts to step up and take action now and not continue to postpone until it’s too late. And they can’t even pass a bill to even discuss ideas. That’s the big problem,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Background Cassidy has outlined his plan to rescue Social Security from insolvency by creating a sovereign wealth fund independent of the Social Security Trust Fund. He has written extensively on his proposal in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, State Affairs, and the Washington Examiner. On the U.S. Senate floor, Cassidy has repeatedly called on Congress to act to save the program, and challenged the U.S. Senate to stop being good politicians and start being good senators. Most recently, Cassidy and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner calling on their colleagues to join their bipartisan effort to address Social Security’s looming insolvency. ###",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-on-newsnation-congress-needs-to-get-down-to-work-and-address-social-security-this-year/,Cassidy on NewsNation: “Congress Needs to Get Down to Work and Address Social Security This Year!”,2026-09-04,2026,2026-09,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined NewsNation to discuss the need for Congress to take urgent action to consider solutions to protect current and future retirees from a 22-28% benefit cut when Social Security goes insolvent in just six years. Cassidy urged colleagues to stop blocking the process to merely consider bipartisan solutions and do their job to fix Social Security this year. “People are objecting to doing their job. They can offer their own proposal. That’s what’s frustrating. Congress needs to get down to work. Congress needs to fix Social Security this year,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’ve got my own plan. Bernie Sanders has his. Bernie Moreno has his. Give us all the chance to put them forward. I have senators objecting to merely agreeing to consider the issue!” continued Dr. Cassidy. Background Cassidy has been outspoken in the media on the need to rescue Social Security from insolvency. He has outlined his plan to create a sovereign wealth fund independent of the Social Security Trust Fund. He has written extensively on his proposal in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, State Affairs, and the Washington Examiner. On the U.S. Senate floor, Cassidy has repeatedly called on Congress to act to save the program, and challenged the U.S. Senate to stop being good politicians and start being good senators. Most recently, Cassidy and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner calling on their colleagues to join their bipartisan effort to address Social Security’s looming insolvency. ###",1,2026-09-05T08:49:07Z,2026-09-05T08:50:44Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-highlights-story-of-faith-and-unity-ahead-of-hurricane-katrinas-21st-anniversary/,LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights Story of Faith and Unity Ahead of Hurricane Katrina’s 21st Anniversary,2026-08-28,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"(Click here to download.) WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, commemorated the twenty-first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by highlighting a story of two New Orleans churches that came together to serve one another in the aftermath of the storm. The lasting partnership between Franklin Avenue Baptist Church and First Baptist New Orleans illustrates the deep sense of community that binds Louisianans together. Read his full August 2026 Local Spotlight below: This month’s local spotlight commemorates the 21st anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which forever changed our state. We know of the destroyed homes, families displaced, how it tested our communities in ways we could not otherwise imagine, had we not lived through it. But in the midst of all that loss and destruction, something remarkable occurred. People showed up for one another. Neighbors became families. Churches became places of refuge, which they always were, but even more so now. And Louisianans from every background put aside differences to help a complete stranger who is now their neighbor. One story from that time captures the true spirit of our state. When Hurricane Katrina flooded the majority of the city of New Orleans, and by the way, that included Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, 10 feet of flood water. So, when Franklin Avenue lost its place of worship, just a few miles away was First Avenue Baptist Church, which was spared from the floodwaters. How? So, years earlier when building a new campus, church leaders went near an old train yard, and they started driving down to build their property, and they ran into something hard. They assumed it was a buried boxcar. They could either excavate the whole property, and pull out the boxcar, which could have cost a lot of money, or they could put more dirt on top and build a higher foundation. They took the least expensive option and it turned out to be the best option. When Katrina floodwaters rose, because they had built up, those floodwaters rose to the church’s steps, but it never entered the building. Whoever buried that boxcar triggered a series of events in which the Baptist church here could host the Baptist church there. Now, Franklin Avenue, Pastor Fred Luter, he was determined to reunite his congregation. So, he calls First Baptist New Orleans Pastor David Crosby to ask if his church would share a facility with Franklin Avenue. And Pastor Crosby said yes, immediately. Beginning the very next Sunday, Franklin Avenue held services at 7:30 every morning, and First Baptist was at 9:30. And the act of generosity, of hospitality, has grown to a long-lasting bond between the two churches, that friendship now two decades old. They continue to worship together, serve communities together, and gather annually for prayer services and exchange pulpits as a reminder that although they may be different backgrounds, there is a unity of faith. Today, church leaders see that partnership as more than a response to a natural disaster. They see it as a lasting testament to faith, unity, and the power of serving one another. First Baptist has long used the story of elevating their church building, ultimately saving it from taking on Katrina floodwaters, as a reminder of another kind of foundation. That building a life rooted in faith, provides the strength to withstand life’s greatest storms. So, 21 years after Hurricane Katrina, the story of First Baptist and Franklin Avenue Baptist reminds us that Louisiana’s greatest strength is not simply perseverance, but the way we come together to lift one another up. Background In July, Cassidy highlighted LSU student William Grand who founded the Giving Greek organization, turning one simple observation into a community effort that has donated more than 10,000 meals to a local Baton Rouge homeless shelter. His leadership and commitment to serving others demonstrate how one person can make a meaningful difference in their community. ###",1,2026-08-29T11:31:28Z,2026-08-29T11:32:37Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-on-fox-business-voters-must-demand-answers-on-social-security/,Cassidy on Fox Business: Voters Must Demand Answers on Social Security,2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today joined Fox Business’ Varney & Co. to discuss his plan to save Social Security and urged voters to demand answers from political candidates about how they will protect the program. “Put $1.5 trillion in [a separate investment fund] over five years and let all the returns flow back to it. In the meantime, you guarantee that whatever the Social Security recipient is scheduled to receive, they continue to receive,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Voters should demand of their senator or the person running for Senate in their state: ‘Do you want to fix it now?’” continued Dr. Cassidy. Background Cassidy has outlined his plan to rescue Social Security from insolvency by creating a sovereign wealth fund independent of the Social Security Trust Fund. He has written extensively on his proposal in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, State Affairs, and the Washington Examiner. On the U.S. Senate floor, Cassidy has repeatedly called on Congress to act to save the program, and challenged the U.S. Senate to stop being good politicians and start being good senators. Most recently, Cassidy and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner calling on their colleagues to join their bipartisan effort to address Social Security’s looming insolvency. ###",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-durbin-release-joint-op-ed-calling-on-congress-to-join-their-bipartisan-effort-to-address-social-security/,"ICYMI: Cassidy, Durbin Release Joint Op-Ed Calling on Congress to Join Their Bipartisan Effort to Address Social Security",2026-08-27,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner calling on their colleagues to join their bipartisan effort to address Social Security’s looming insolvency. With the program facing an automatic 22 percent reduction in benefits in just six years if Congress fails to act, Cassidy and Durbin argue there is no excuse for further delay. Read the full op-ed here or excerpts below: There will never be a convenient time to address Social Security. Waiting only guarantees that the solutions available tomorrow will be harder than the ones available today. Social Security is an American promise, and Congress seems unmotivated or unwilling to do the hard work required to keep it. … Of course, every member of Congress says Social Security must be protected. They agree that retirees deserve the benefits they have earned. Yet year after year, Congress fails to seriously engage in the bipartisan work necessary to preserve the program, even as the deadline for action grows closer. … The suggestion that Congress should take more time is detached from reality, detached from the concerns of the American people, and detached from the job we were sent to Washington to do: tackle tough issues. Social Security does not have more time. … History is not going to remember whether Congress voted on a bill to merely set up a process by which to consider a solution. It will remember whether Congress acted before retirees faced unnecessary reductions to the benefits on which they depend. Background Cassidy and Durbin recently delivered a joint speech emphasizing the need for congressional action to address Social Security’s looming insolvency. The senators introduced the PROMISE Act which would establish a bipartisan process to address Social Security, merely setting up a process for Congress to consider debating proposals. ###",1,2026-08-28T17:11:49Z,2026-08-28T17:13:14Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-urges-congress-to-develop-a-china-strategy-built-to-last-in-foreign-affairs-op-ed/,ICYMI: Cassidy Urges Congress to Develop a China Strategy Built to Last in Foreign Affairs Op-Ed,2026-08-19,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today published an op-ed in Foreign Affairs outlining a durable strategy for United States trade competition with China. Cassidy argues that the U.S. cannot afford a short-term or partisan approach to its most consequential strategic competitor. Instead, America must strengthen its economic and national security foundations at home and use that strength to compete with China and win. “Long-term challenges require long-term solutions, and Congress is the branch best suited to crafting such solutions. Congress can provide the consistency and predictability needed to align U.S. economic, trade, and national security goals into the future,” wrote Dr. Cassidy. “Congress must take the lead. It can do so by permanently strengthening trade enforcement, modernizing customs authorities, building resilient supply chains throughout the Western Hemisphere, and ensuring that manufacturers in China cannot gain a competitive advantage by simply ignoring environmental standards,” said Dr. Cassidy. Read the full op-ed here or excerpts below: A China Strategy That Lasts: Congress Must Lead to Compete with Beijing For decades, Beijing has used trade not only as a means to generate economic growth but also as a geopolitical tool to attract investment, strengthen its industrial base, expand its economy, and support its military. It has done so by integrating national security, economic security, energy policy, and environmental policy. … Trade enforcement, even if codified in legislation, cannot on its own counter Chinese incursions into the Western Hemisphere. The United States must also provide countries with attractive alternatives to economic dependence on Beijing. … Near-shoring production in the Americas would diversify supply chains away from China, strengthen regional economies, improve U.S. access to critical minerals, and reduce U.S. and global dependence on Chinese manufacturing. … China uses trade as an instrument of geopolitical competition. To respond, the United States should keep its trade policy focused on one goal: curbing China’s ability to undermine the United States’ economy and military infrastructure, along with those of U.S. allies. Background Previously, Cassidy has advanced this approach through policies like the Foreign Pollution Fee Act, which would hold China accountable for its unfair trade practices while strengthening American manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign adversaries. ###",1,2026-08-20T05:28:41Z,2026-08-20T05:29:58Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-calls-congresss-bluff-on-social-security/,Cassidy Calls Congress’s Bluff on Social Security,2026-08-06,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), today sought unanimous consent on the U.S. Senate floor to establish a process for Congress to consider solutions to prevent a 22-28% cut to Social Security benefits for 75 million Americans in six short years. An objection prevented the U.S. Senate from even beginning consideration of the resolution. Cassidy then countered the objection. “[The resolution] does not predetermine the outcome. It just says that Congress must consider a solution—anyone’s solution—Democrat or Republican, Left and Right. It just asks us to do our job to consider the solution to then go through regular order on the Senate Finance Committee to be considered by all,” said Dr. Cassidy. Background Cassidy has outlined his plan to rescue Social Security from insolvency by creating a sovereign wealth fund independent of the Social Security Trust Fund. He has written extensively on his proposal in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, State Affairs, and the Washington Examiner. On the U.S. Senate floor, Cassidy has repeatedly called on Congress to act to save the program. Most recently, he challenged the U.S. Senate to stop being good politicians and start being good senators. ###",1,2026-08-07T06:11:19Z,2026-08-07T06:12:42Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-durbin-deliver-joint-speech-urging-senate-to-take-action-before-social-security-becomes-insolvent/,"CASSIDY, DURBIN DELIVER JOINT SPEECH URGING SENATE TO TAKE ACTION BEFORE SOCIAL SECURITY BECOMES INSOLVENT",2026-08-05,2026,2026-08,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered a joint speech on the U.S. Senate floor emphasizing the dire need for congressional action to address Social Security’s looming insolvency. The Social Security trust fund is expected to become insolvent in 2032, resulting in an automatic reduction in benefits for millions of Americans. The Senators have introduced the bipartisan Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone (PROMISE) Act, legislation that would establish a bipartisan process to address Social Security’s looming insolvency. The legislation merely sets up a process for Congress to consider debating proposals. “Mr. President, people won’t even set up a process! We’re not talking about a solution. We’re talking about a process that would come to a solution!…It is important for our country that Congress tackle this issue. And when I say our country, I mean the people who live here, whether they are older or whether they are younger; they’re relying upon Congress to step up to its responsibility,” said Dr. Cassidy. “So, to my colleagues who oppose this approach, who say we need more time to do it, I want to back up Senator Cassidy. It costs money over time. It costs benefits over time. The solution becomes more expensive over time. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to save Social Security. And we absolutely, positively have to save it,” said Senator Durbin. Remarks as delivered below: CASSIDY: Mr. President, We have been trying to set up a process, a process whereby Congress would consider a solution. Not prescribe a solution, consider a solution for Social Security. A process that would have members of the House and members of the Senate come together fully open for input from stakeholders, from citizens, to have something to present. Among all the proposals that are out there, two proposals, three proposals, and whatever we put up would not be the final solution, necessarily. It could be replaced by any other member of the Senate with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. And, Mr. President, people won’t even set up a process! We’re not talking about a solution. We’re talking about a process that would come to a solution, maybe, that still has to get 60 votes in the United States Senate. Folks say, “We need more time.” Dick Durbin just chuckled. He goes, “They’ve had 44 years. They’ve had 44 years, how much more time do they need?” I’ve got a couple cartoons just to make the case. I think that if we don’t set up this process, Congress will be kicking granny off the cliff. That was made famous long ago. There it is. She earned it. She deserves it. She counts on it. And Congress will not set up a process by which to address the issue. 75 million retirees, widows, widowers, others rely on Social. In 6 years, the program, the trust fund goes insolvent. And when that happens, according to the actuaries, there will be either an almost 29% benefit reduction or a 40% increase in payroll taxes on working Americans. If that trust fund goes insolvent, and that benefit is cut 28.5% as the actuaries say it will, the rate of poverty among Americans over age 65 will increase by 50%. By 50%. So here’s another cartoon. Congress made a promise, and some people want to ignore it. She paid in, she earned it, she relies on it. But…if you ask, “Should we do something about Social?” Apparently, for some people, the time to do something on Social is never. Don’t disturb Congress. They don’t want to take a tough vote, even if that vote only sets up a process. Doesn’t even propose a solution. A process whereby Congress is required to fix the issue. By the way, Social has always been important. It’s even more important now that Americans are living longer. And every year we delay to fixing it, fixing Social, the amount of cuts required to balance it increase. The amount of taxes required to fix it increase. The amount of money we have to borrow to fix it increases. There is no good thing about waiting, except that it allows Congress to dodge its responsibility. I want to compliment my colleague from Illinois. He came up to me and goes, “Bill, I’m leaving the Senate. We need to make a run.” But, by the way, we have a solution, but we’re not saying it has to be our solution. All we’re trying to do is set up a process by which solutions can be considered. And running out the clock, it may be politically convenient, but it is the wrong thing to do. Congress’s obligation to the American people, to the people that rely upon Social Security, is to act and is to act now. I have another cartoon here just to make the point. It’s not just older people affected; it is younger people. Sorry, young folks, you’re getting left behind. Because some say it’s not our problem. The Social Security system is going insolvent, and these folks can pay into it, they’ll never receive a benefit. These young Pages here, they don’t recognize it yet, but they’re contributing every month on the wages they’re getting to a system that will not be there for them unless we do something now. So, before I defer to my colleague, I’ll say once more: all we’re doing is setting up a process to propose solutions that may or may not pass, that any Senator can bring their own bill and have it as an amendment in the nature of a substitute. And it’s up to Congress to find a solution. Now, history will decide whether Congress took up the responsibility of addressing the issue or whether because it was politically advantageous, politically expedient, to kick the can down the road once more, even though the road’s about to end in a dead end. Or, in the case of one of our cartoons, with the cliff here, they built a bridge and decided not to finish it. Here, the folks who need to get across the bridge of Social Security will get to it someday. We’ve got to get to it now. That’s the point, Mr. President. Let’s set up a process to be considered. We’re talking about the PROMISE Act, which is a Dick Durbin, lead author, Bill Cassidy bill. Now, there may be another way, but let’s set up the process. With that, I defer to my colleague. DURBIN: Mr. President, What a treat it is to be on the floor of the Senate with a colleague on the Republican side of the aisle, working together, to try to solve a problem. It doesn’t happen much around here. You see these empty desks? They’re empty almost all the days, week in, week out, month in, month out. We do important things like nominations. There’s nothing that’s trivial about that. But we don’t tackle the issues that really affect the people at home with their families. Here’s one: Social Security. 75 million Americans rely on it. Half of them, it’s their only source of income. So, a Social Security check means a lot. So, the experts on Social Security tell Dr. Cassidy and myself that just in a few years, six years, Social Security will be unable to make full promise payments. It’ll be cut by 22% in terms of benefits. Let’s take one example. The average Social Security check now is around $2,400 a month. If you reduce that by 22%, it means that people receiving Social Security will receive about $450 to $500 less a month. If that is your only source of income, imagine for a moment that $2,400 just lopped off from the monthly payment. How does if affect you? Paying your rent, paying your mortgage, paying your utility bills, paying what it might take at a grocery store to get by. It’s going to be a real hardship, as Senator Cassidy said. For the citizens of America, it means that those under the poverty level will increase by 50%. We can’t let that happen. We have to do something about it. And the bill that I’ve introduced with Senator Cassidy basically doesn’t pick a solution, although we can come up with a couple. It doesn’t pick a solution. It just says, don’t waste any time. Start talking about it. Start debating it. Let the American people engage in this conversation with you and vote on some alternatives. Now, vote is a word that used to be part of being a senator. Not so much anymore. Except when it comes to nominations, there aren’t a lot of votes on substantive issues around this chamber. I know a little bit about this. I’ve given more than half of my life to Congress. 14 years in the House, 30 years in the Senate. I know what you’re saying. Sounds like a career politician. Well, maybe I am. And proud of it. And particularly proud of serving in this chamber. I’ve seen some glorious things happen in this chamber on a bipartisan basis. But it takes a couple senators, maybe more, to stand up and say, “We’ve got to do something that’s risky and controversial, but important.” This is not the first time I faced Social Security. When I was a member of the House, elected in ’82, came to serve in ’83, I was told that in a matter of months, Social Security would run out of money. Imagine that. You’re a brand-new member of Congress, scared to death you won’t be reelected, and they tell you you’ve got to make a big change in the biggest social program in America. Scares you to death. But you know what? We did it. Our goal was simple. 50 years of solvency in Social Security. Can we change Social Security and guarantee 50 years of solvency? We made a lot of changes. And you know what we got for it? 2032. 1983 to 2032, we kept our word. 50 years. It’s not too much to ask this Congress to fix Social Security and keep it solvent for 50 years. We can do it. The longer we wait to do it, the more difficult it becomes. I look back on voting for that, and I thought it was the end of my political career, which was only a few months old. But it turned out no member of Congress, Democrat or Republican, in 1983 and ’84 lost an election because they voted for Social Security changes. The American people expect us to make the best choices we can. And they accepted what we did, and we bout 50 years of solvency. That’s an amazing thing when you consider how important this program is. And so, what Senator Cassidy and I have suggested is a process which basically says we won’t go by the Senate rules. I might add, I was going to show it, but I think it violates the Senate rules. The Senate is a chamber of tradition. Down here, a few of you can see it, is a brass spittoon. A brass spittoon. It’s been held onto as part of the tradition of the Senate. Well, we have traditions in the rules that make things almost impossible to pass except after a long period of time. Weeks go by sometimes. Days certainly go by. Trying to get a measure on the floor to an actual vote. The Senate rules are not kindly. They’re tough. So, the bill that I introduced basically cuts through some of this red tape of delay and says we’ll move after several weeks to consider alternative Social Security. The bottom line is it isn’t enough to get a majority in the Senate under the current rules, and it isn’t changed at all under our proposal. You still need 60 votes to ultimately pass any change in Social Security. Well, Democrats don’t have 60 votes. Republicans don’t have 60 votes, but together we think we can reach that goal. Now, I’ve been a little disappointed but not surprised that some of my colleagues that I’ve talked to about this said they thought it was a good idea, but on reflection they’ve decided it’s too risky, that we’re moving things too fast. The Senate’s never been accused successfully of moving too fast on almost anything. We take our time. That’s why we’re here. The Senate is different than the House, and I served in both and respect both. So, to my colleagues who oppose this approach, who say we need more time to do it, I want to back up Senator Cassidy. It costs money over time. It costs benefits over time. The solution becomes more expensive over time. The longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes to save Social Security. And we absolutely, positively have to save it. Too many people are counting on it. I’ll bet you the folks who gather here today have many relatives of their own who count on Social Security, either because they’re disabled or elderly. I understand that in my own family. I think everybody does. So, it is a great day in the Senate when a Democrat and a Republican stand on the floor and don’t criticize one another, but actually talk about working together. It’s been a real pleasure for me, I’d say to Senator Cassidy, to be part of the Cassidy–Durbin Team. We’re both ending our Senate careers on January 3rd of next year. We hoped that this would be one of the things we could achieve before we left. I’m still not giving up completely. Miracles do occur. But I had to step up and make a proposal with Senator Cassidy to get my colleagues in conversation. The conversation about Social Security has increased dramatically since we started this effort. And I think it should. The sooner, the better. The more expensive it becomes the longer we wait. And I yield back to Senator Cassidy. CASSIDY: Thank you, Senator Durbin. And Senator Durbin is referring to what is called the PROMISE Act. Again, it is a bill which sets up a process to come to a solution. It doesn’t dictate what the solution is. We have colleagues who are objecting to coming up with a process. And so, it is important for our country that Congress tackle this issue. And when I say our country, I mean the people who live here, whether they are older or whether they are younger, they’re relying upon Congress to step up to its responsibility. Thank you, Senator Durbin. We’ll continue to push on this. It is important for our Congress, important for our country, important for our people. With that, I yield. ###",1,2026-08-06T07:37:31Z,2026-08-06T07:38:34Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-highlights-lsu-students-dedication-to-the-baton-rouge-community/,LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights LSU Student’s Dedication to the Baton Rouge Community,2026-07-31,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, recognized William “Will” Grand for turning a simple observation into a community effort that has helped feed thousands of Louisianians in need. As a junior at LSU, Will founded Giving Greek, a student-run organization that has donated more than 10,000 meals to a local Baton Rouge homeless shelter. Will is a shining example of how one person’s leadership can impact thousands. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. Read his full July 2026 Local Spotlight below: This month’s local spotlight is William Grand. A few years ago, Will was a junior at LSU and a member of an Interfraternity Council organization. One night after getting out of a late class, he noticed something that just didn’t sit right. Regularly one of the last people at the table for dinner, he watched as trays of perfectly good food were thrown away at the end of every meal. Most people would have noticed this waste and moved on. Will didn’t. He asked a simple question: Could this food help someone else? He reached out to Baton Rouge’s St. Vincent de Paul homeless shelter to see if they would accept food donations. They welcomed the idea with open arms. Will still remembers that very first delivery. As he pulled into the parking lot, a man walked up to his car, reached into his pocket, and began counting a handful of coins. Will told him the meal was free. Then, the man asked if he could have another plate for a friend who also hadn’t eaten in days. That moment changed everything. It was a reminder that what seemed like leftovers to one person could be a lifeline to another. That single act of service turned into Giving Greek, an organization that now brings together fraternities and sororities from across LSU’s campus to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it to neighbors in need. Today, Giving Greek has donated more than 10,000 meals to St. Vincent de Paul. But the impact hasn’t stopped there. They’ve organized toy drives for children during Christmas. They’ve handed out blankets during hard freezes. They’ve continued looking for new ways to serve their neighbors. One thing surprised Will in this journey. It wasn’t how many were in need of help. It was how many wanted to help. We often think people don’t care. But maybe they’re just waiting for someone to lead. Even after graduating from LSU, Will still helps organize volunteers each week and has passed the leadership of Giving Greek to younger students. He hopes to see the organization continue to grow at LSU and one day spread to universities across the SEC. Now he’s beginning another chapter in service of others as he pursues a career in dentistry. Something tells me that whether he’s caring for patients, leading his profession, or serving his community, he’ll keep finding ways to make Louisiana a better place– in fact, he sounds like a future Senator to me! Will, our future is in good hands with leaders like you. Thanks for all you’re doing. Background",1,2026-08-01T07:27:26Z,2026-08-01T07:28:22Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-urging-congress-to-pass-promise-act-to-protect-social-security/,Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Urging Congress to Pass PROMISE Act to Protect Social Security,2026-07-28,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"(Click here to watch and here to download.) WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor discussing his plans to secure the future of Social Security. Cassidy’s agenda includes the bipartisan PROMISE Act, which sets up a process for Congress to work toward a solution for Social Security. This is the first step toward ensuring that millions of Americans continue to receive the Social Security benefits they are owed. In his speech, Cassidy also outlined his “Big Idea” policy, which will include an investment fund modeled after the Federal Railroad Retirement System. “I’m pleased to say that there’s new momentum on both sides, Republicans and Democrats, to find a solution and preserve benefits for those who have spent their lifetime earning them,” said Dr. Cassidy. “My Democratic colleague from Illinois, Dick Durbin, and I just introduced the PROMISE Act along with a group of colleagues, Republican and Democrat. The PROMISE Act sets up a process. It doesn’t dictate a policy. It sets up a process that puts Congress on the clock to save Social Security,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks are below: Mr. President, I’ve been working on Social Security for eight years now. Why? One, it’s a guarantee, an international guarantee, made to Americans when they get to a certain age to retire. It’s an earned benefit which says that after a lifetime of work and contribution, Americans can count on a measure of financial security. Today, more than 75 million Americans rely on Social Security. Most are retired workers. Many are disabled. Others are widows or widowers and children. Now, let’s just set the context. A program that 75 million Americans rely on, 10 million baby boomers a day become eligible for, and in six years, if Congress does nothing, by law, their benefits will be cut almost 29%. So let’s just say that once more. If Congress does nothing in six years by law, benefits going to 75 million Americans and more at that time will be cut by almost 29%. We’ve known this is coming. It’s because there’s been a continued drawdown for the Social Security Trust Fund. By law, Social Security cannot pay out more than it receives. Currently, it is receiving money from payroll taxes, but also from the trust fund. When the trust fund goes belly-up in six years, and the only income is that which current workers are paying, then the amount going out has to fall, and it will fall 28.5% if we wait until then to fix things. I’m pleased to say, though, that there’s now momentum on both sides, Republicans and Democrats, to find a solution to preserve benefits for those who have spent their lifetime earning them. By the way, people ask, how is Social Security going bankrupt? I’ve been paying it my whole life! Everybody I know has been paying into it their whole life. So why is it going bankrupt now? I point out to people that when Social Security came along, there were like five kids per family. And now there’s like two kids per family. And when Social Security was first enacted, you didn’t get benefits until you were 65, but the average age of death was 62. Now, people live until they’re 82, and they’re getting their hips replaced when they’re 75 to go bungee jumping in New Zealand. So the point being is that people are living far longer and they’re living more actively. And as a result of that, we are drawing down that trust fund. So my Democratic colleague from Illinois, Dick Durbin, he and I just introduced the PROMISE Act along with a group of colleagues, Republican and Democrat. And the PROMISE Act sets up a process. It doesn’t dictate a policy. It sets up a process that puts Congress on the clock to save Social Security. What the PROMISE Act does, it says that Congress shall come up with multiple options to present to the Senate Finance Committee, or to the Ways and Means Committee on the House side, in order for them to consider it, have it scored, and be delivered to Congress in order to deliberate. And then it says that the relevant committee, say Senate Finance, has seven working days to consider it, and then it comes to the floor, and then we have a vote on it. That begs the question: Why do it now? Why not wait until the next Congress? Because every year we wait, it gets harder and harder to fix Social Security. The amount of cuts required or the amount of taxes to be raised are more dramatic, more drastic, and more likely to harm an individual’s personal finances. We’re not dictating a policy. We’re just setting up a process. Now, by the way, in full honesty, I have a policy I’ve been working on, but my policy will be one of several that will be considered. My policy, we have something in it which we call the Big Idea. And our Big Idea, we look at a trust fund, we look at pension funds that are doing well, that are not going bankrupt, and are growing in line with the needs of the people whom they cover. This would be the kind of pension fund that Exxon or Google or Deloitte & Touche has. It’s called a pension investment fund, in which dollars are invested at an early stage, allowed to grow, and as those dollars grow over time, they meet the needs of the retirees as they become eligible for pulling those dollars down. We’ve actually done that in the federal government. Under George W. Bush, the federal railroad retirement system was going insolvent. And so Congress voted to allow it to diversify the investments of this pension fund. I think every Democrat voted for it in the Senate. Three Republicans voted no. And the concerns they had have been proven wrong. Because what’s happened now with the Federal Railroad Retirement System, we still have more retirees relative to fewer workers, but that system is in the black because it invests in the strength of the U.S. economy, and the strength of the U.S. economy has been able to pay all future obligations. That’s our Big Idea. What has Congress already done successfully with the Federal Railroad Retirement System? What is being done with major corporations that meet their pension benefit? Kind of what you do with your own 401K. We can set up this investment fund to supplement the payroll taxes that are the primary source of funding for Social Security, we can meet that future obligation. Now, let me go back to the PROMISE Act. I’m not dictating my proposal to be the answer. We’re dictating the process that can be considered so that any proposal can be brought up. The presiding officer has a proposal with Senator Warren. His proposal came up. So it might be his proposal, or more likely it’s going to be some sort of amalgamation. But the only option that should not be an option is to do nothing. Congress is being irresponsible, destructively irresponsible, if we don’t address Social Security. It’s driving our national debt. And if we cut benefits by 28%, that will double poverty among the elderly. The promised benefit will not be delivered. By the way, if all we do is borrow, it’s going to tank our credit rating. So, going back to my particular plan, folks say, well, what if the stock market goes down? Under our plan, all risk is borne by the investment fund. No risk is borne by the individual. That individual gets all the benefits she’s been promised, even if the market goes up and down. They ask me, are they putting the trust fund into the stock market? No way. We have a separate investment fund, separate from the Social Security Trust Fund, and that’s where the investment goes. And one more thing. Folks want to say, well, wait a second. I don’t trust Congress, and I don’t trust the president. You put a pot of money there, it’s like honey to a bear. They’re going to reach in and grab it. We have guardrails all over the place, including an annual audit of how the money is invested and how the money is spent or not spent. And that audit is put online so the American people can keep track of what’s happening with their trust fund. I will finish by saying this, Mr. President. I like my plan. I think it’s a good plan. I think it’s going to make it a lot easier to address the problem. But the PROMISE Act is not about my plan. The PROMISE Act, which Dick Durbin and I introduced, is only setting up a process by which Congress is forced to take action before it gets any worse. My proposal may be the one considered. It may be the presiding officers. It may be somebody else’s. The only option that should not be taken is the option of doing nothing. We need to do something. With that, I yield. Thank you. ###",1,2026-07-29T07:41:48Z,2026-07-29T07:42:57Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-urging-congress-to-reauthorize-the-improve-and-enhance-the-work-opportunity-tax-credit-act/,Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Urging Congress to Reauthorize the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act,2026-07-24,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"(Click here to watch and here to download.) WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor to urge Congress to reauthorize and expand the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Act. Cassidy emphasized the importance of access to stable employment to help military spouses, those returning to society after incarceration, pregnant mothers, and others struggling to find a job. “Instead of making service a barrier to employment, WOTC rewards it by providing the military spouse the opportunity to build a stable and rewarding career. And in our country, that’s how we should treat those who have served our country in the military,” said Dr. Cassidy. “One of the most meaningful ways to strengthen a person’s future, to support their family, and uplift their community, is by taking the skills that you know you have, and finding a job in which you can meaningfully use those skills,” said Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Mr. President, When I go back to Louisiana, I meet with folks around the state. Veterans in Jefferson Parish, some of whom have just gotten out of the service and are struggling to find a job. Local business owners in Houma. Nurses at hospitals in Baton Rouge. What do they have in common? They all can benefit from the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act, or WOTC for short. WOTC is a bill that makes it easier to get a job if you are someone who, for one reason or another, has difficulty doing so. As an example, if you are the spouse of someone in the military, companies often won’t hire you because of the likelihood of having to relocate. But WOTC gives employers a federal tax credit when they hire military spouses, benefitting the employee and the employer. Mr. President, when one member of the family is serving our country, the whole family serves. Instead of making service a barrier to employment, WOTC rewards it by providing military spouses the opportunity to build a stable, rewarding career. In the United States of America, that’s exactly how we ought to treat those serving our country. There are others whose circumstances prevent them from getting a good job. Pregnant and working mothers. Lower-income families. WOTC incentivizes companies to hire them all. I believe that one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen your future, support your family, and uplift your community is by applying your skills in a profession that’s right for you. That’s why, in the Working Families Tax Cuts bill, if you’re receiving SNAP benefits, and you are able-bodied, and you can work, then you should. WOTC helps those who have been out of work rejoin the workforce and supports businesses along the way. So, when someone gets a good job, they receive more than an income. They find stability. They become independent. They have another tool with which to achieve their American Dream. That’s why we must reauthorize WOTC, which expired last December. People in Louisiana and across the country support this bill and have contacted my office requesting that Congress reinstate it as soon as possible. So that the military spouse or service member newly out, the working mom, the low-income family, all have the opportunity to work hard, contribute to society, and succeed despite the challenges they face. That is what being an American is all about. I wake up every morning, and I think about how to make life better in Louisiana and in the United States of America. The Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act creates jobs, expands opportunity, and makes life better. As we approach a new reconciliation bill, work on funding the government, and other legislative vehicles, we should consider including WOTC and extending it to military spouses. Let’s get it done as soon as possible. ###",1,2026-07-25T07:13:44Z,2026-07-25T07:15:09Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-honoring-fallen-u-s-deputy-marshal-michael-andrew-hanson/,Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Honoring Fallen U.S. Deputy Marshal Michael Andrew Hanson,2026-07-22,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"(Click here to watch.) WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor honoring Michael Andrew Hanson, a fallen U.S. Deputy Marshal from the Western District of Louisiana. Cassidy honored Deputy Hanson for his service to the state of Louisiana and asked for a moment of silence for Hanson’s family, friends, and community. “Hanson displayed the greatest love: love for his country, love for justice, and love for others,” said Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Mr. President, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson was a member of the Western District of Louisiana’s Fugitive Task Force. He was a husband. He was a father. He was shot and killed while arresting a man on sexual battery charges. Mr. President, Deputy Hanson displayed the greatest love: love for his country, love for justice, and love for others. The man who murdered him took his life, yes. But no criminal, no weapon can take a man’s honor, courage, or legacy. Now, a moment of silence for Drew’s family, friends, and community. [pause] ###",1,2026-07-23T07:31:02Z,2026-07-23T07:32:26Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-legislation-to-provide-employment-assistance-to-spouses-of-veterans-who-died-by-suicide/,Cassidy Introduces Legislation to Provide Employment Assistance to Spouses of Veterans who Died by Suicide,2026-07-16,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today introduced the Veteran Suicide Spousal Career Services Act to ensure spouses of veterans who died by suicide because of a service-connected disability have access to career counseling and employment services. “When a veteran dies by suicide, the surviving spouse is left to rebuild a life after unimaginable loss. A steady job provides purpose, stability, and a path forward. This bill creates that opportunity,” said Dr. Cassidy. Background",1,2026-07-17T07:15:58Z,2026-07-17T07:17:05Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-durbin-tillis-kaine-cornyn-king-introduce-bipartisan-proposal-to-initiate-congressional-action-on-social-security/,"CASSIDY, DURBIN, TILLIS, KAINE, CORNYN, KING, ARMSTRONG INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN PROPOSAL TO INITIATE CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ON SOCIAL SECURITY",2026-07-14,2026,2026-07,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Angus King (I-ME), and Alan Armstrong (R-OK) today introduced a proposal to initiate Congressional action on Social Security. The Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone (PROMISE) Act follows the release of the Social Security Board of Trustees’ annual report, which found that the Social Security Trust Fund will only be able to cover 78 percent of benefits in 2032—meaning that Americans who rely on the program will have their benefits reduced by 22 percent if Congress does not act. “Millions of Americans rely on Social Security to live. In 6 years, those families will see a 22% cut to their benefits if Congress doesn’t act. Our plan starts the process of preserving promised benefits for current retirees and the next generation of Americans,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Here is our chance to agree on a bipartisan process to rescue Social Security this year,” said Senator Durbin. “Our bipartisan proposal opens Congress to debate this issue in a transparent, fair, and bipartisan way. We were elected to solve problems—and there’s no greater problem than the solvency and future of Social Security.” “Social Security is on an unsustainable path that will lead to dramatic benefit cuts for retirees and growing skepticism among workers paying into a program on the brink of insolvency. With each passing year, the menu of options that preserve benefits and limit tax hikes narrows. The modest reforms Congress contemplated in 2010 would have put Social Security on solid footing for 75 years; today, those same reforms would add less than two years to our current runway,” said Senator Tillis. “I won’t pretend there’s consensus on how we solve this, but the math is unforgiving: the longer Congress waits to act, the fewer good options remain, which is why I am proud to support this legislation.” “For nearly a century, Social Security has been a lifeline that allows Americans to retire with dignity. Congress should not wait around until the last minute to shore up this critical program and prevent broad-based benefit cuts upon Trust Fund depletion,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m joining a bipartisan group of my colleagues in introducing legislation that will encourage Congress to roll up its sleeves and find a path forward to ensure current and future generations of retirees and their families are able to receive the benefits they have earned and which they are owed.” “For years, we’ve known that Social Security faces serious long-term financial challenges, yet Congress has repeatedly chosen to look the other way,” said Senator King. “This legislation creates a bipartisan process to ensure Congress finally does its job. Social Security is a promise millions of Americans have earned through a lifetime of work – household budgets rely on the timely arrival of these earnings to pay for mortgages, heat, and medications. We have a responsibility to preserve that promise for today’s retirees and for generations to come.” “Americans have paid into Social Security with the expectation that the benefits they earned would provide the foundation for their retirement, and Congress has a responsibility to keep that promise,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m proud to support this bipartisan plan of action to address Social Security’s rapidly approaching insolvency before it becomes a bigger crisis so Congress is not caught flat-footed and Texans are not left holding the bag.” More than 70 million Americans receive Social Security benefits. Social Security is a bedrock promise that hard-working Americans paying into the program will earn their retirement and not have to worry about putting food on their table, a roof over their heads, or medicine in their cabinets. However, last month’s Trustees report means that seniors and people with disabilities would have their benefits reduced by $450 per month (based on the average Social Security benefit of $2,071 per month). If Congress does not act, this automatic across-the-board benefit cut could push more than three million additional seniors and people with disabilities into poverty. Members of Congress have introduced several pieces of legislation that would ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for the next 75 years. Some of these bills have nearly 200 cosponsors, and others are bipartisan and have broad, popular support. However, almost none of them have ever received a vote. Congress should not wait until the Social Security Trust Fund is empty to address this issue when it can act now to protect and strengthen the Social Security Trust Fund for current and future generations. The PROMISE Act would create a procedure to initiate Congressional action on Social Security. Specifically, under the Senators’ proposal: The Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB), an independent, bipartisan advisory committee established to make recommendations to Congress, would transmit a base bill (which must ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for at least the next 50 years) to Congress. The Majority Leaders of the Senate and House would introduce the base bill. If they do not, any Member of Congress could do so. The base bill would be referred to the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee. Both committees would have the chance to hold hearings and amend the base bill. The Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee would report the base bill (as potentially amended). If the Committees do not report the base bill, it automatically would be discharged and placed on the Senate and House calendars. The Majority Leaders of the Senate and House would move to proceed to the base bill (as potentially amended). If the Majority Leaders do not, any Member of Congress could do so. Members of Congress could offer substitute amendments (which must ensure that the Social Security Trust Funds are funded for at least the next 50 years) to the base bill (as potentially amended) after the motion to proceed. The Senate and House would vote on passage of the base bill (as potentially amended) after 100 hours of consideration. Final passage would require a three-fifths vote in the Senate and a majority vote in the House. According to polling from the Bipartisan Policy Center, 67 percent of those polled want Congress to take near-term action to solve Social Security’s impending challenges. The following organizations support the PROMISE Act: Peterson Solutions Fund, Bipartisan Policy Center, Third Way, and Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. “Peterson Solutions Fund applauds the introduction of the PROMISE Act. Senators Cassidy and Durbin deserve tremendous credit for putting forward bipartisan legislation to secure the long-term solvency of the trust funds. Social Security is critical to the economic and retirement security of millions of Americans. An independent proposal from the experts of the Social Security Advisory Board combined with expedited procedures for its consideration in Congress will provide a once in a generation opportunity to address its looming crisis,” said Brett Loper, Executive Director of Peterson Solutions Fund. “America’s current and future retirees deserve a Social Security system that is financially strong and able to meet its financial commitments to seniors. With the trust funds nearing insolvency, Congress cannot remain in entrenched partisan positions. BPC Action endorses the PROMISE Act and commends Senators Cassidy (R-LA), Durbin (D-IL), Tillis (R-NC), Kaine (D-VA), and King (I-ME) for creating a serious bipartisan process to break the status quo of inaction. Their leadership should spur other members—and advocates committed to Social Security’s future—to come to the table, confront difficult choices, and help secure Americans’ earned benefits for generations to come,” said Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action. The legislation is supported by Romina Boccia of Cato, Jessica Riedl of Brookings, and Chuck Blahous of Mercatus Center. “For too long, Congress has treated Social Security’s rising shortfall as a future problem for someone else to solve. The program is already paying more in benefits than it collects in dedicated taxes, requiring the Treasury to borrow from the public to finance the gap. Over the long-term, the program’s financing gap compares to the size of the entire publicly held debt, in present value terms. And with automatic benefit cuts only about six years away under current law, further delay guarantees fewer choices, more uncertainty, and greater disruption for American workers and retirees when reform eventually comes. A process that requires Congress to debate and vote on a comprehensive solvency plan is a critical step toward dealing with the shortfall head on. As Cato polling demonstrates, the American people support a Congress willing to put politics aside to confront fiscal reality before a preventable crisis forces far more painful choices,” said Romina Baccia of Cato. “The longer Congress waits to address Social Security’s looming insolvency, the more expensive and narrow the eventual reforms become. This legislation will help Republicans and Democrats debate and craft a credible, bipartisan solution that keeps Social Security sustainable for decades,” said Jessica Riedl of Brookings. “Every year that Congress delays action on Social Security, the choices become more difficult and the consequences more severe. Social Security’s trustees have long warned that the program’s payment and revenue schedules need to be brought back into alignment. This bill does not dictate policy outcomes—it creates a mechanism for forward progress, and that’s what is needed more than anything else. The sooner you treat a dangerous condition, the better the patient’s chances for a healthy future. Once lawmakers are engaged in the process, they can bring their different value judgments to the table and hammer out a bipartisan compromise solution. But first, the process needs to start,” said Chuck Blahous, Mercatus Center. Background",1,2026-07-15T07:12:08Z,2026-07-16T07:23:13Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-highlights-james-josephs-commitment-to-helping-louisianans/,LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights James Joseph’s Commitment to Helping Louisianans,2026-06-26,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, recognized James Joseph for his volunteer work throughout Louisiana. From installing more than 24,000 air conditioning units to providing washers and dryers to schools in underserved communities, James Joseph’s story is a shining example of compassion and service to others. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. Read his full June 2026 Local Spotlight below: This week’s Local Spotlight is James Joseph. When James was younger, he dreamed of playing in the NBA. And that dream took him on a different path with an incredible career with the Harlem Globetrotters. Later, he worked and still works with UPS, now about 30 years. But in that career, things took an unexpected turn. One day, working on his delivery route, he noticed something that just didn’t seem right. Something that seemed odd. James could have seen the problem and kept moving. But he stopped. He noticed. He asked. He cared. And he continues to ask. So many people want to help, maybe want to volunteer. James’ example tells us you start by asking that simple question: What do you need? And then you meet that need. Now, clearly, James has got a big heart. He’s passionate about helping those around him. So let’s ask, what inspires you to do this every day? Because this is a lot of hard work. How do you do so much? I love his answer. His mother, Lillie, his uncle Jessie, may not have realized how their generosity and service would inspire James. And that’s a lesson for us all. You never know who is watching. You might be someone else’s example. You know how many seeds are in an apple. But not how many apples are in a seed. Your generosity to another, encouraging them to help and be generous to others, to serve others, can pay forward for generations. Remember, all it takes is one simple question—what do you need? And when you ask it, you might change the world for the better, just like James Joseph. James— Louisiana, our nation needs more people like you. You are an inspiration. Thank you for who you are and what you’re doing. Background In May, Cassidy highlighted Jady Regard of New Iberia, Louisiana. Regard’s business, the Cane River Pecan Company, produces a variety of pecan products in Louisiana. ###",1,2026-06-27T06:16:17Z,2026-06-27T06:17:30Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-to-introduce-bill-to-protect-louisiana-seafood-rice-producers-from-unfair-imports/,"Cassidy to Introduce Bill to Protect Louisiana Seafood, Rice Producers from Unfair Imports",2026-06-25,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) will introduce the Home Market Restoration Act of 2026 to protect Louisiana crawfish, shrimp, rice, catfish, and other American producers from unfair foreign competition. The legislation would establish tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) on import-sensitive food and agricultural products to stop import surges, restore fair prices, and keep American producers in business without shutting down lawful trade. “Louisiana producers can compete with anyone if trade is fair,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Whether it is crawfish, shrimp, rice, or catfish, America cannot let foreign competitors flood our markets and push our producers out of business.” The Home Market Restoration Act of 2026 is supported by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, USA Rice, American Honey Producers Association, Southern Shrimp Alliance, American Shrimp Processors Association, Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA), and R-CALF USA. “Many staple commodities from Louisiana farms are struggling economically due to foreign competitors dumping cheap, inferior products into our markets. Senator Cassidy has long been fighting to give Louisiana farmers a chance. This bill is a testament to that and would finally level the playing field for crawfish, shrimp, rice, honey and other food products grown by Louisiana Farm Bureau producer members. Congress should follow Senator Cassidy’s lead and protect American farmers with passage of this bill before it’s too late. Fair trade is all we are asking for,” said the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. “USA Rice supports Senator Cassidy’s efforts to level the playing field for sensitive commodities, including the U.S. rice industry. In Louisiana and across the United States, rice farmers have been hammered by the exponential growth of unfair imports over the past two decades, largely driven by illegal subsidies by foreign governments. The influx of cheap imports have forced consolidation in the U.S. rice industry and offshored jobs across the mid-south. This bill provides a pathway toward rebuilding that domestic market share for American rice farmers and processors,” said USA Rice. “On behalf of America’s beekeepers and honey producers, we commend Senator Cassidy for introducing legislation that confronts years of unfair trade practices that have distorted the U.S. honey market. For too long, foreign bad actors have evaded trade rules, dumped underpriced honey into our country, and driven honest American producers to the brink,” said Steven Coy, President of the American Honey Producers Association. “A fair and enforceable tariff-rate quota would help restore integrity to the marketplace, defend rural livelihoods, and give U.S. beekeepers a fighting chance to survive and rebuild.” “The United States is losing the ability to feed itself. An unchecked flood of imports has been unfairly driving American farmers, fishermen, and ranchers out of business,” said Blake Price, Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance. “Senator Cassidy’s Home Market Restoration Act of 2026 fights back. By establishing tariff-rate quotas to stop manipulated import surges, his legislation prioritizes America’s shrimpers and food producers. We don’t just support this bill to establish a fair-trade regime–we urgently need it.” “American shrimp processors strongly support the Home Market Restoration Act of 2026,” said Trey Pearson, President of the American Shrimp Processors Association. “Domestic shrimp producers have struggled with wave after wave of unfairly traded shrimp imports for decades, and we support every effort to combat these imports and give our industry a chance to compete.” “America’s tariff schedule is littered with specific duties still priced in 1930 dollars, and inflation has quietly repealed most of them,” said CPA President Jon Toomey. “Senator Cassidy’s bill does the obvious thing Washington has neglected for a hundred years: it indexes the duties so they hold their value. Every specific tariff in the U.S. schedule should be written this way.” “We applaud Senator Cassidy for introducing this historic and urgently needed reform of our nation’s antiquated tariff schedules and import quotas. Current tariffs on lamb and beef and quotas on beef were set decades ago and have proven ineffectual at protecting our cattle and sheep industries from excessive price-depressing imports that have all but destroyed America’s commercial sheep industry and is causing the rapid deterioration of our beef supply chain. Today over 70% of lamb and 22% of beef consumed in America is sourced from foreign countries. America should not tolerate its growing dependency on foreign countries for our food. This is a threat to national security and Senator Cassidy’s bill will help America’s cattle and sheep producers rebuild our domestic supply chains for lamb and beef,” said Bill Bullard, CEO, R-CALF USA. The Home Market Restoration Act of 2026 would: Establish tariff-rate quotas on import-sensitive food and agricultural products, including shrimp, crawfish, catfish, rice, honey, lamb, goat meat, live cattle, and beef; Apply higher duty rates to imports above those quota levels to stop foreign competitors from flooding U.S. markets; Create country-by-country quotas for shrimp and crawfish, quarterly quotas and an export-license regime for honey, and new quota structures for rice, catfish, lamb, goat meat, live cattle, and beef; Protect Louisiana crawfish, shrimp, rice, and catfish producers from unfair import surges that drive down prices; Restore fair competition for American farmers, fishermen, ranchers, and food producers without cutting off lawful trade. ###",1,2026-06-26T06:29:35Z,2026-06-26T06:31:46Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-warns-delaying-social-security-reform-will-only-raise-costs-highlights-plan-to-save-it-in-wsj/,"ICYMI: Cassidy Warns Delaying Social Security Reform Will Only Raise Costs, Highlights Plan to Save It in WSJ",2026-06-23,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned a letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal warning that the longer Congress waits to address Social Security’s looming insolvency, the larger the tax increases and benefit cuts will be. Cassidy also highlighted his plan to strengthen Social Security by investing funds into the U.S. economy. This letter comes in response to Joseph C. Sternberg’s column, “The Social Security Trust Fund Deception”. “The longer Congress does nothing, the larger the tax increase workers will face and the deeper the benefit reductions retirees will endure,” wrote Dr. Cassidy. “That’s why Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and I introduced our bipartisan “Big Idea” for Social Security to invest funds into the U.S. economy,”continued Dr. Cassidy. Read the full letter to the editor here or excerpts below: The Cost of Delaying Social Security Reform Joseph C. Sternberg suggests waiting to solve Social Security’s looming insolvency in his column “The Social Security Trust Fund Deception” (Political Economics, June 12). But the longer we delay, the higher the cost will be. The program’s funds are rapidly approaching insolvency. … The longer Congress does nothing, the larger the tax increase workers will face and the deeper the benefit reductions retirees will endure. That’s why Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and I introduced our bipartisan “Big Idea” for Social Security to invest funds into the U.S. economy. The returns would strengthen Social Security’s finances over time, just like pension funds, retirement accounts and state investment funds. … The Social Security problem won’t solve itself. We must act now. Background Cassidy has outlined his plan to rescue Social Security from insolvency by creating a sovereign wealth fund independent of the Social Security Trust Fund. Earlier this month, Cassidy released a statement following the most recent Social Security Trustees’ annual report, which predicts that Social Security will become insolvent by 2032. Cassidy also recently laid out his vision during a U.S. Senate Budget Committee hearing in March, as well as last year at a public forum with the AARP and a keynote address to the National Institute on Retirement Security’s (NIRS) 15th Annual Retirement Policy Conference on the future of Social Security. He has written extensively on his proposal in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, State Affairs, and the Washington Examiner. ###",1,2026-06-24T06:25:30Z,2026-06-24T06:26:49Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-releases-statement-on-dire-outlook-for-social-security/,Cassidy Releases Statement on Dire Outlook for Social Security,2026-06-10,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement after the release of the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds annual report forecasting each respective program’s ability to pay full benefits to taxpayers. The report projects the Social Security Trust Fund will become insolvent in 2032, earlier than previously anticipated. This will force an automatic 22% benefit cut for all current and future beneficiaries. “Millions of retirees are facing a twenty to twenty-five percent cut in benefits which can throw them into poverty and put a greater strain on their families,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This latest report from the trustees is proof that Congress must step up now to protect Social Security before it’s too late. It’s only going to cost more and be more difficult to solve the longer we wait.” Background Cassidy has outlined his plan to rescue Social Security from insolvency by creating a sovereign wealth fund independent of the Social Security Trust Fund. Cassidy recently laid out his vision during a U.S. Senate Budget Committee hearing in March, as well as last year at a public forum with the AARP and a keynote address to the National Institute on Retirement Security’s (NIRS) 15th Annual Retirement Policy Conference on the future of Social Security. He has written extensively on his proposal in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, State Affairs, and the Washington Examiner. ###",1,2026-06-11T06:38:38Z,2026-06-11T06:41:07Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-warnock-announce-june-11-as-national-seersucker-day/,"Cassidy, Warnock Announce June 11 as National Seersucker Day",2026-06-02,2026,2026-06,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced a resolution designating Thursday, June 11th as National Seersucker Day. “Seersucker is a New Orleans invention, a Senate tradition, and brings a welcome moment of unity to Washington every year,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I look forward to seeing colleagues from both parties join in again this year.” “Seersucker is interwoven in the style and tradition of the South,” said Senator Warnock. “I’m proud to continue this storied bipartisan Senate tradition of Georgia cotton, Southern charm and fashion alongside Senator Cassidy.” Seersucker suits were popularized by New Orleans businessman Joseph Haspel in the early 1900s as an answer to the summer heat. Former U.S. Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) brought Seersucker Thursday to Congress in 1996. After the tradition went unobserved in 2012 and 2013, Cassidy revived it and has continued the tradition in the Senate. Cassidy invites Americans across the country to wear seersucker in celebration of National Seersucker Day. All senators are invited for an official photograph at the Ohio Clock in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, June 11, at 12:30 p.m. ET. ###",1,2026-06-03T06:40:39Z,2026-06-03T06:42:22Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-highlights-local-pecan-farmers-mission/,LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights Local Pecan Farmer’s Mission,2026-05-29,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, recognized Jady Regard for his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for the pecan industry. From the Cane River Pecan Company to his support for making the pecan the national nut of the United States, Regard is an inspiring story of hard work and creativity. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. Read his full May 2026 Local Spotlight below: Jady Regard is about Louisiana, about the United States of America, and like all about pecans. Growing up, he and his family called themselves “the nutcrackers”. Now, that’s not a joke. They kind of like that. And so the family nickname turned into a family business. Now, there is a great book called Good to Great which talks about adapting your business, going from good to great. And if there’s room to grow, even if it requires change, you’ve got to change if you want to grow until you’re the best at what you do. That’s what Jady did with the Cane River Pecan Company. Now, Jady knows just about everything there is to know about pecans. He can tell you about the history of pecan farming here in Louisiana and indeed here in the United States. Jady is a visionary. He thinks we need a national nut. Not Jady, but the pecan to be our national nut. Of course, why? Because the pecan, by the way, and I think this is interesting. I mean Jady just is infectious with his enthusiasm. The pecan is the only nut that is domestic. So Jady’s point is we got a national bird, the bald eagle. A national flower, the rose. And the national nut, the only domestic nut. By the way, there is a great Louisiana angle. When Jady has a vision, he sees it through. And that’s something we can all learn as we all seek to go from good to great. When the pecan becomes the national nut of the United States of America, it’s what I will expect. We in Louisiana will know who’s behind it. And I look forward to it. Background In April, Cassidy highlighted Amanda Ratcliff of New Orleans, Louisiana. Ratcliff’s business, Buttery Spell, offers products that reflect flavors and culture of her hometown. ###",1,2026-05-30T06:11:53Z,2026-05-30T06:13:24Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-pens-op-ed-calling-for-return-to-unity/,ICYMI: Cassidy Pens Op-Ed Calling for Return to Unity,2026-05-26,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) posted an op-ed to X calling for a renewed commitment to unity, bipartisan cooperation, and principled leadership to address America’s greatest challenges. “That unity is not some sentimental ‘can’t we all get along’ aspiration. It is a practical necessity. The country’s largest challenges cannot be solved without it,” wrote Dr. Cassidy. “Americans should reject those who say that our divisions are greater than our shared identity. We must remain one nation, united not by uniformity of opinion but by devotion to constitutional government, individual liberty, and the rule of law,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Read the full op-ed here or below: The Hard Work of Unity and Hope for America’s Future Since my recent election loss, I have been asked about the state of our politics and where our country goes from here. I am hopeful. America remains a strong and resilient nation, but the challenges before us require leadership grounded in steadiness, trust, constitutional principles, and a renewed sense of unity. That unity is not some sentimental “can’t we all get along” aspiration. It is a practical necessity. The country’s largest challenges cannot be solved without it. Today, the only policies out of Washington are partisan reconciliation bills or executive orders destined to be reversed by the next Democrat administration. That is not durable, fully representative governance. It creates instability for families, businesses, and allies who need confidence that American policy will endure beyond the next election cycle. The nation’s largest long-term challenges — including the debt and deficit, which cannot be solved without addressing Social Security and Medicare — require the political courage to engage in bipartisan cooperation. But bipartisan cooperation requires trust. It requires leaders who keep their word, negotiate in good faith, and recognize a shared obligation to the country’s future. In a word, unity. That same principle applies abroad. The United States needs a renewed sense of unity among democratic nations committed to freedom, open markets, and the rule of law. The challenges posed by China’s growing power, instability in the Middle East, and the ambitions of authoritarian regimes cannot be effectively addressed by America acting alone. Our allies do not need to agree with us on every issue. But they do need confidence that the United States approaches alliances with seriousness, steadiness, and mutual respect. Short-term displays of dominance or public humiliation of allied leaders may create momentary political satisfaction, but they weaken the trust and cooperation needed to achieve long-term strategic goals. Successful alliances depend upon credibility, reliability, and shared purpose. The United States has historically been most effective when it combines strength with stability and leadership with respect for its partners. Rebuilding confidence among Western allies is not an act of charity. It is a matter of national interest. Americans are hungry for a politics that solves problems. To achieve this, loyalty must first be to country, Constitution, and fellow Americans, not to individuals. At its best, America has renewed itself through leaders who understood that public office is a responsibility, not a performance. The most successful leaders in our history combined strength with restraint, conviction with humility, and patriotism with respect for constitutional limits. That tradition is worth reclaiming. I have spent much of my life as a physician. In medicine, words matter; decisions matter; conduct matters. Life and death can depend upon it. The same is true in government. The American people do not expect perfection from their leaders, but they do expect seriousness. Leaders who are steady, not erratic. Thoughtful, not impulsive. Their words should lower the temperature rather than inflame division. Their actions should place the long-term interests of the country above short-term political or personal gain. Leadership is not using power to serve your own needs; it is using power to serve the needs of others. If someone does not understand this, they should not hold a position of leadership. Americans are exhausted by a culture that treats every disagreement as betrayal. Our constitutional system was designed around debate, persuasion, and compromise. Ronald Reagan famously said that someone who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and ally, not an enemy. That philosophy helped build one of the most successful political coalitions in modern American history because it welcomed people into a movement instead of driving them away. If leaders are going to meet the needs of the present moment – better-paying jobs; more affordable gas, groceries, and health care; families having the confidence that their children will inherit a stronger country – unity of the kind that Reagan built is a practical necessity. These challenges are too large and require too great a sacrifice for one party to go it alone. Most importantly, Americans should reject those who say that our divisions are greater than our shared identity. We must remain one nation, united not by uniformity of opinion but by devotion to constitutional government, individual liberty, and the rule of law. Our country has overcome far greater challenges than the political tensions of the present moment because great leaders have always called us to believe in one another and in the enduring promise of this nation. We desperately need those leaders today – who understand both the necessity of unity and the hard work it demands at home and abroad. Difficult though it may be to forge, it remains the surest path to a better future. ###",1,2026-05-27T06:38:34Z,2026-05-27T06:40:17Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-defends-jones-act-highlights-importance-for-louisiana-shipbuilding-economy/,"Cassidy Defends Jones Act, Highlights Importance for Louisiana Shipbuilding, Economy",2026-05-15,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"(Click here to watch and here to download.) WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor defending the Jones Act and warning against waivers of the law, which protects Louisiana ports, shipyards, energy producers, and maritime workers from unfair competition from foreign vessels and labor. “[The Jones Act] supports American industry. In my state, Louisiana ports, shipyards, energy producers, maritime workers, are a large portion of the state’s economy,” said Dr. Cassidy. ###",1,2026-05-16T06:05:00Z,2026-05-16T06:06:37Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-speaks-at-disabled-american-veterans-state-convention/,Cassidy Speaks at Disabled American Veterans State Convention,2026-05-15,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"BATON ROUGE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke at the State Convention for Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in Baton Rouge, where he committed to continue advocating for veterans and their families in Washington. “It is our duty to support our veterans, who risked their lives to defend our freedoms,” said Dr. Cassidy. “In Washington, I’m working to make sure Congress works for them.” In December, Cassidy passed the VetPAC Act and the Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act through the Senate. These bills would make VA hospitals more effective and efficient and increase access to job counseling services for widows and widowers of deceased servicemembers. Cassidy is also a co-sponsor of the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow veterans who were forced to medically retire due to combat or combat-related injuries to receive both their VA disability compensation and full military retirement pay. At the state convention, Cassidy also met with attendees and discussed how his Baton Rouge office can help them with any individual problem they have with the VA. He was welcomed to the convention by Mr. Paul Hermann, Adjutant for the DAV Department of Louisiana. “The Disabled American Veterans Department of Louisiana appreciates the time that Senator Cassidy took to attend our department’s convention and inform us on the work he is doing in DC to support veterans and especially disabled veterans,” said Mr. Hermann. ###",1,2026-05-16T06:05:00Z,2026-05-16T06:06:37Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-urging-congress-to-make-flood-insurance-affordable-again/,Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Urging Congress to Make Flood Insurance Affordable Again,2026-05-14,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor highlighting the growing flood insurance affordability crisis ahead of hurricane season and calling for long-term reform of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). He urged colleagues to address rising costs driven by the Biden-era Risk Rating 2.0 policy and act before the next storm threatens Louisiana families. “Every year, more and more people have to drop their National Flood Insurance Program coverage because it is too expensive and too unreliable, so this is about making flood insurance affordable again,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I tell folks, I wake up every morning and think about how to make life better for the people of my state and my country, and I can tell you that reliable, accountable, affordable flood insurance is part of that,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Madam President, Hurricane Season is less than three weeks away. Three. Weeks. We’ve got to act now to make flood insurance affordable again before it’s too late. Last year, thankfully, no hurricanes hit Louisiana. Now, no hurricanes hitting my state—that’s good news for everybody in Louisiana! But especially for homeowners who do not have flood insurance. Every year, more and more have to drop National Flood Insurance Program coverage because it’s too expensive and unreliable. Between 2022 and 2024, 70 THOUSAND people in Louisiana dropped coverage. Last year, another 52 THOUSAND did the same. Why? They need it. They try to be responsible. They can’t afford it! They’re being priced out of flood protection by the rising costs of a post-Biden era flood insurance program. Under Joe Biden, FEMA implemented Risk Rating 2.0 as a new risk assessment program, despite Congress never signing off. Since 2023, rates have increased, making people’s flood insurance premiums so high they just cannot afford it. They cannot pay their mortgage if they pay their flood insurance premium. Mr. President, these are hardworking families just trying to do the right thing, having to choose between paying their mortgage, buying food, taking care of their kids, and having flood insurance. They would like to have flood insurance. They would like to go to sleep at night knowing that they are protected if some terrible flooding event occurs. For example, in 2016, a 46-foot river crest swept the land completely out from underneath a Cypress Point home, even though they elevated it above the base Flood Elevation. This is a family doing everything right, but a natural disaster still wiped out their home. It would be great if they had flood insurance. But it’s possible they can’t afford it. So, if Congress has the power to guarantee reliable flood insurance that people can afford, why don’t we? Instead, nearly one-fifth of folks in Louisiana on the National Flood Insurance Program—nearly a hundred thousand—can no longer afford their insurance. By the way, this is a problem nationwide. Millions of Americans across the nation rely on the National Flood Insurance Program. They’re all getting pounded by Risk Rating 2.0. I’m leading a group of Republicans who, last year, tried to end the policy. I recently followed up with FEMA, asking that they be urgent in addressing the harm Risk Rating 2.0 is doing to the flood insurance program for people in Louisiana and across the nation. I understand, as does President Trump, that the American people need to be able to afford every day goods. And right now, they cannot afford flood insurance. In 2019, President Trump and I worked together to delay Risk Rating 2.0 for a year. Let’s do that again, but let’s make it permanent. The American people need flood insurance which is affordable and also reliable. Right now, the NFIP relies on Congress to both fund and authorize the program. Fund, meaning that if funding is ever withheld by Congress—like the Democrats have done multiple times this Congress—the National Flood Insurance Program cannot operate effectively, leaving millions of Americans hanging in uncertainty. Now, Congress must vote every year to reinstate the program. I introduced legislation to automatically extend the program to operate during a lapse in authorization—so it can still issue policies, renew contracts, pay claims, and access funding. Coverage should be there, whether politicians decide to get their act together or not. Congress needs to act, and soon. In the meantime, federal support is critical. In President Trump’s first administration, he created a program called BRIC—short for Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities. The BRIC program provided cost- and life-saving grants that Louisiana benefited from. President Trump’s second administration assured me they would release more BRIC funds, and I’m pleased to say, FEMA just announced that a new round of BRIC funding has been released—1 BILLION dollars to help states impacted by natural disasters. Louisiana will certainly benefit. I have been fighting consistently to get this done, and I’m pleased that it has. But as much as we need recovery assistance, we in Louisiana know that the best way to lower the cost of flood insurance is by making sure you don’t flood in the first place. That’s why, through my work negotiating the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, our state has gotten hundreds of millions for flood mitigation and coastal restoration. This is a bargain for the federal taxpayer, because it’s easier and cheaper to prevent a flood than it is to pick up the pieces afterward. One example is if you go from Kenner to Baton Rouge, and you pass LaPlace, you’ll see construction on a huge flood control structure, which I toured last August. That has received over a BILLION dollars, which I’ve obtained to prevent those people from flooding and to prevent the National Flood Insurance Program from having to pay out a benefit. I’m a doctor. I know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In this case, 1.2 BILLION dollars for prevention is worth maybe 70 billion in recovery. Go to Terrebonne or Lafourche Parish, and you’ll go by the Morganza to the Gulf levee project. This is a project with tremendous local support, for which I’ve been able to get 615 MILLION dollars through the infrastructure bill and other mechanisms, including a funding package recently signed into law by President Trump. And you know the positive impact of this? Even before completion, when Hurricane Ida came, they said there were 10 THOUSAND homes that did not flood. That’s ten THOUSAND claims that did not have to be paid. 10 THOUSAND homes that did not need to be cleaned out. That saved the taxpayer money, aside from the fact that those families were able to continue working, going to school, living as usual, keeping our society and our economy running. I find that moms rest easier knowing their families will stay safe and dry when the next storm comes. The funding I am delivering gives her that peace of mind. And there is more to come. I wake up every morning, and I think about how to make life better for the people in my state and in my country. I can tell you: reliable, accountable, affordable flood insurance makes life better. That’s what I’m working towards as I continue sending tax dollars back to my state for flood prevention. ###",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-over-18-9-million-for-louisiana-hurricane-ida-francine-recovery/,"Cassidy Announces Over $18.9 Million for Louisiana Hurricane Ida, Francine Recovery",2026-05-13,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $18,928,243.43 in federal funding from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support disaster recovery and emergency response efforts following Hurricanes Ida and Francine. The funding will assist with debris removal, coastal restoration, and management costs for local and state agencies. “Louisiana communities know how to clean up, rebuild, and move forward after a storm,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding supports those efforts.” ###",1,2026-05-14T06:11:37Z,2026-05-14T06:12:56Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-resolution-backing-law-enforcement-during-national-police-week/,Cassidy Introduces Resolution Backing Law Enforcement During National Police Week,2026-05-13,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced a resolution recognizing the service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers during National Police Week. The resolution expresses support for police officers across the country, honors those killed or injured in the line of duty, and calls for increased resources for law enforcement. “Law enforcement officers run toward danger so the rest of us can live safely,”said Dr. Cassidy. “We should stand with them, honor their sacrifice, and make sure they have the support they need.” Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Justice (R-WV), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in introducing the resolution. “National Police Week is an important time to recognize the sacrifices law enforcement officers have made to serve and protect our communities,” said Senator Blackburn. “As Democrats work to undermine law enforcement at every turn, Republicans will do everything in our power to support the work these men and women do to safeguard the American people every day.” “This National Police Week, we honor the unwavering commitment and dedication of our law enforcement officers, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Senator Britt. “Across our nation, these brave men and women risk their lives to protect our communities, leaving their homes and putting themselves in harm’s way so we can safely return to ours. Each and every day, they courageously put the safety of others above of their own. I am deeply grateful for their service in upholding the rule of law and strengthening the communities they serve.” “Law enforcement officers and personnel dedicate their lives every day to selflessly protect their local communities. I’m glad to work with Senator Cassidy on this resolution to celebrate National Police Week and recognize the contributions of our brave men and women in uniform,”said Senator Daines. “Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe and defend the rule of law. They deserve our respect, our gratitude, and our support—not just during National Police Week, but every day of the year. That’s why I’m proud to sign onto the National Police Week Resolution. I’ll keep fighting to make sure we do everything we can to protect those who protect us,” said Senator Justice. “Leadership is about service to others, and Pennsylvania’s law enforcement officers live that out every day by putting their lives on the line to keep our communities safe,” said Senator McCormick. “During National Police Week, we honor their courage, sacrifice, and selfless commitment to serving the public. I’m proud to support this resolution and stand with the brave men and women in blue across our Commonwealth and the nation who work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and protect our families.” “Our police officers stand between chaos and law and order protecting Americans and keeping our communities safe. I’m proud to join my colleagues in honoring the men and women in blue and ensuring their service, strength, and dedication does not go unnoticed,”said Senator Schmitt. “Law does not enforce itself; we need men and women willing to risk their lives every day to do that. This National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women in blue who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. While we can never fully repay the debt we owe them, we are forever grateful for the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement officers across Florida and our nation,” said Senator Scott. ###",1,2026-05-14T06:11:37Z,2026-05-14T06:12:56Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-14-9-million-for-louisiana-airport-upgrades-from-his-infrastructure-bill/,Cassidy Secures $14.9 Million for Louisiana Airport Upgrades from His Infrastructure Bill,2026-05-12,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $14,887,241.00 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding will protect against flooding, expand taxiways, rehabilitate pavement, and support airport planning and development. “I worked to bring this funding home to Louisiana so our airports can keep up with demand and stay safe,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These projects help keep our people and our state’s economy moving.” ###",1,2026-05-13T06:12:22Z,2026-05-13T06:13:52Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-leads-entire-louisiana-republican-delegation-in-protecting-women-babies-from-dangerous-abortion-drugs-upholding-louisiana-values/,"Cassidy Leads Entire Louisiana Republican Delegation in Protecting Women & Babies from Dangerous Abortion Drugs, Upholding Louisiana Values",2026-05-08,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led the entire Louisiana Republican congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), U.S. Representatives Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Julia Letlow (R-LA), in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court supporting Louisiana’s lawsuit to protect women and their unborn children from dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs. The brief argues mifepristone’s in-person dispensing requirement must be reinstated. More than 100 Republican lawmakers, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), signed onto Cassidy’s brief. “I am grateful to my home state of Louisiana for leading the effort to defend women and babies in our state and across the country. Chemical abortion drugs kill innocent children and put mothers’ lives at risk,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Safeguards protecting against coercion, such as the in-person dispensing requirement, must be reinstated immediately. The Fifth Circuit got this right, and I urge the Supreme Court to affirm that decision.” “By leading the way against dangerous mail-order chemical abortion drugs, Louisiana’s proving once again that it stands strong for innocent life. I’ll always be proud to support our state’s pro-life values, and I hope and pray that the Fifth Circuit’s ruling—in favor of federalism and the safety of women and girls—prevails at the Supreme Court,” said Senator Kennedy. “We filed this brief because the Biden FDA’s approval of chemical abortion drugs plainly puts young women and their unborn children at risk. The state of Louisiana has done heroic work in leading the fight against mail-order, on-demand abortion drugs, and the 5th Circuit was right to block the FDA from continuing this dangerous practice. We urge the Supreme Court to affirm that decision and protect women and babies nationwide,” said Speaker Johnson. “There are legitimate concerns about these drugs putting women and girls at significant risk,” said Leader Thune. “I urge the Supreme Court to reinstate the safety guardrails that were in place before the Biden administration while the Department of Health and Human Services reviews these drugs.” As a strong pro-life leader, Cassidy has an A+ rating on Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America’s 2025 National Pro-Life Scorecard. As Chairman of the HELP Committee, Cassidy led a hearing in January with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on the dangers of chemical abortion drugs. He is also leading conservative Republicans calling on U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary to fulfill their promise to complete a safety review of abortion drugs. Previously, Cassidy led 58 Republican lawmakers in an amicus brief to the district court, arguing that the illegal Biden policy must be overturned. “We’re deeply grateful to pro-life champions Senator Bill Cassidy and Representative Chris Smith for leading this amicus brief in support of Louisiana and courageous survivor Rosalie Markezich against the FDA’s reckless mail-order abortion policy,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America. “The FDA’s decision to side with the abortion industry and allow dangerous abortion drugs to be shipped nationwide without an in-person doctor’s visit is unacceptable. This policy kills countless unborn children, enables coercion and abuse, and gravely endangers women and girls, while the FDA callously ignores the well-documented harms that states and survivors have warned about for years. We are thankful for the members of Congress fiercely supporting pro-life states like Louisiana and survivors who are seeking justice in court.” “Louisiana has chosen to protect women and their babies by prohibiting mail-order abortion,” said Erica Inzina, J.D., Policy Director, Louisiana Right to Life. “It is unconscionable that the FDA would allow abortion drugs to be openly distributed without any safeguards whatsoever. These actions harm women and hinder states like Louisiana from being able to protect its citizens and enforce its laws. The abortion industry’s response to the 5th Circuit’s ruling, including promoting even more unsafe methods of elective abortion, is telling. For the abortion industry, it was never about women’s safety or health. Instead, it has always been about money and promoting abortion at all costs, even when it hurts the women they purport to help. The Supreme Court should uphold the 5th Circuit’s decision to halt the 2023 REMS and reinstate basic health standards. We are grateful for Senator Bill Cassidy and all of our elected officials on the state and federal level who continue to support women’s health and the lives of unborn babies.” “I’m grateful for the Senators and Representatives who have signed this brief in support of Louisiana’s right to protect unborn children and their mothers,” said Tony Perkins, President, Family Research Council. “The rise of mail-order abortion has not only endangered women and unborn children, but also created new avenues for coercion and abuse. The FDA’s policy, which overrides state pro-life protections, undermines both the rule of law and the safety of those it claims to serve. It must be reversed.” The brief is also supported by U.S. Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Katie Boyd Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Rand Paul, M.D. (R-KY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), James Risch (R-ID), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and Todd Young (R-IN). Read the full brief here. ###",1,2026-05-09T06:00:32Z,2026-05-09T06:02:31Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-highlights-669-million-in-retroactive-payments-for-beneficiaries-of-his-effort-to-repeal-wep-gpo/,Cassidy Highlights $669 Million in Retroactive Payments for Beneficiaries of His Effort to Repeal WEP & GPO,2026-05-07,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"METAIRIE –U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted an event yesterday in Jefferson Parish highlighting the success of the bill he championed to fully repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). As a result, monthly Social Security retirement benefits have increased for Louisiana’s retired teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other state and local government employees, and $669 million in retroactive payments have been made to compensate them for lost benefits. “Our retired police officers, firefighters and teachers worked every day to keep us safe and educate our children,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Because of my work, they are finally getting the Social Security benefits they deserve.” Cassidy was a long-time cosponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act in the Senate, being an original cosponsor since he became a Member of Congress in 2009. Cassidy successfully demanded a vote, getting the bill signed into law. During the event, Cassidy was joined by Mr. Chad Major, the President of the Professional Firefighters Association of Louisiana, Mr. Gasper Migliore, Jr., a former Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office lieutenant, and Ms. Annette Accomando, a former teacher at Chalmette High Schol. “We’ve been working on this for years to the point where people were kind of exhausted, thinking it would never happen. But when it did, I started getting calls of joy, calls from widows that were crying on the phone,” said Mr. Major. “There’s lots of people whose lives have been bettered, Senator, for the things that you and other Members of Congress did. On behalf of over 5,000 active members that I represent, not including the retired members, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” “I can tell you what this did for me personally. It went from me waiting until I was 70 to start collecting [Social Security] because that’s when it would maximize out, to being able to draw it this past October at age 65,” said Mr. Migliore. “As police officers, sometimes we find ourselves in very dangerous situations, and we don’t know what’s on the other side of that door that’s waiting for us. We need to have the faith and belief that the person standing behind us has our back. Senator Cassidy, I want to thank you for having not only my back, but firemen, teachers, and all public service employees’ backs. Thank you for that.” “It’s great to be able to be with my grandchildren, and that’s the one thing that this has allowed us,” said Ms. Accomando. “I was able to retire. I was able to just this January start getting my benefits, and my husband and I said, ‘shall I wait until I’m 70? I’m 68 now, do I wait?’ And we realized, ‘no, we want to go see our grandchildren more. We want to be able to go out for our anniversaries and our birthdays. This is going to give us the opportunity to do those peace-of-mind things that everybody wishes to do.” ###",1,2026-05-08T05:46:43Z,2026-05-08T05:48:09Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-highlights-efforts-to-create-jobs-train-workers-in-new-orleans/,"Cassidy Highlights Efforts to Create Jobs, Train Workers in New Orleans",2026-05-07,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"METAIRIE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) on Wednesday spoke before the French Quarter Business Association, which helps small businesses in the French Quarter succeed. Cassidy also toured unCommon Construction, which trains apprentices to be skilled laborers in the construction trades. “Louisiana businesses thrive when they have a skilled workforce, safe community, and the tools to keep building,” said Dr. Cassidy. “That’s exactly what I’m working on in Congress.” Cassidy supported the Working Families Tax Cut bill which ended taxes on tips and overtime, extended the Child Tax Credit, allowed businesses to deduct 100% of their new business investments, and made permanent the 20% small business pass-through deduction. As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Cassidy also increased Americans’ access to career and technical-based education by establishing Workforce Pell Grants. At both stops, Cassidy was thanked for his leadership in making the Greater New Orleans area safer and more prosperous. “We thank Senator Cassidy for speaking at today’s French Quarter Business Association luncheon at the Astor Crown Plaza,” said Mr. Tony Viloria, Past President and Director of Development for the French Quarter Business Association. “Our members truly valued the opportunity to hear from him and to share our perspectives. We appreciate his time, engagement, and continued support of the French Quarter business community. “We’re grateful to Senator Bill Cassidy for taking the time to visit our new campus and engage directly with our young people, hearing firsthand about their aspirations and hopes for their futures so he can represent them in DC,” said Mr. Aaron Frumin, Founder and CEO of unCommon Construction. “His curiosity about unCommon’s unique model for workforce development, and his willingness to connect authentically with the next generation of builders here in New Orleans means a great deal to our students and our community.” ###",1,2026-05-08T05:46:43Z,2026-05-08T05:48:09Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hosts-veterans-town-hall-in-baton-rouge/,Cassidy Hosts Veterans Town Hall in Baton Rouge,2026-05-04,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"BATON ROUGE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted a veterans town hall at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Zachary Taylor Post in Baton Rouge, where they discussed Cassidy’s work to ensure veterans have access to the health care and benefits they need. “Louisiana veterans deserve a system that works for them,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Through discussions like these, I can better serve them in Washington and ensure they get the benefits they’ve earned.” As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Cassidy is taking a leading role in shaping legislation that will benefit veterans. He recently passed through the Senate the Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission (VetPAC) Act, which will facilitate a transparent, expert-driven review process for the Veterans Health Administration’s operations, including their delivery of care at VA hospitals. He also added a provision in the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act that will ensure benefits for disabled veterans don’t count against them when applying for housing assistance. Cassidy recently announced that the VA has awarded a lease for a new community-based outpatient clinic in St. George, which will serve veterans throughout the Capital Region. Also, Cassidy’s casework team based in Baton Rouge regularly advocates for Louisiana veterans and their families before the VA. If a veteran or spouse of a veteran has an issue with the VA, they can call (225) 929-7711 for assistance. Cassidy was thanked in advance by Mr. Jason Sedotal, Commander of Chapter 177 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, whose chapter hosted the town hall. “We appreciate Senator Cassidy visiting with our members and other veterans to discuss what he’s doing to ensure we have access to quality health care and benefits,” said Mr. Sedotal. “We also thank him for honoring the sacrifice we made as veterans by advocating for us in Washington.” ###",1,2026-05-05T05:58:12Z,2026-05-05T05:59:44Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-help-louisiana-forest-landowners-recover-after-natural-disasters/,Cassidy Introduces Bill to Help Louisiana Forest Landowners Recover After Natural Disasters,2026-05-01,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced legislation to help America’s landowners recover from the loss of timber after natural disasters. The Save America’s Family Forests Act amends and makes improvements to the tax code to allow forest owners to deduct more reforestation expenses caused by a natural disaster. “Thousands of Louisianians rely on our forest industries for work,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Supporting our forest landowners as they rebuild is the right thing to do.” The Save America’s Family Forests Act is supported by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the Louisiana Forestry Association, the Forest Landowners Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Association of Consulting Foresters, and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “Louisiana’s forestry producers have faced repeated setbacks from hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters that can wipe out decades of investment overnight. Recovery depends on the ability to reinvest quickly, and current tax policy slows that process down. The Save America’s Family Forests Act helps address that by allowing landowners to expense reforestation costs when they are incurred, improving cash flow and speeding up recovery. Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation supports this commonsense approach to keeping working forests productive and supporting the rural communities that depend on them,” said the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. “Louisiana’s forest landowners know firsthand how difficult recovery can be after major disruptions like Hurricane Ida and the 2023 wildfires that impacted more than 60,000 acres across the state. Long timelines for cost recovery only add to that burden. By allowing faster reinvestment in reforestation, the Save America’s Family Forests Act supports landowners in restoring their forests, sustaining forest-based jobs, and keeping Louisiana’s working forests healthy and productive over the long term,” said the Louisiana Forestry Association. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA-1), Aaron Bean (R-FL-4), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Greg Murphy (R-NC-3), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-1), Terri Sewell (D-AL-7), and Mike Thompson (D-CA-4). Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in introducing the legislation in the Senate. Background Louisiana timberland plays a critical role in the state’s economy, communities, and environment. According to the Forest Landowners Association, they provide an impact of $13 billion on the Louisiana economy. 48,000 Louisiana jobs are supported by forestry providing $1 billion in salaries and wages and $328 million in state taxes. Tax deductions for crop losses provide much-needed relief for agriculture crops and farmers after a disaster. However, they do not provide any economic relief for landowners whose timber crops were destroyed. The legislation allows landowners to immediately deduct more of the cost of replacing timber destroyed during disaster events. ###",1,2026-05-02T05:53:08Z,2026-05-02T05:54:44Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-meets-with-business-community-leaders-from-one-acadiana/,"Cassidy Meets with Business, Community Leaders from One Acadiana",2026-05-01,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"LAFAYETTE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today visited Lafayette, where he met with Ambassadors for One Acadiana, the chamber of commerce for Lafayette and Acadiana’s leading economic development organization. He discussed his work to create jobs, support local businesses, and make life more affordable for Louisianans. “We’re building a Louisiana where Acadiana’s next generation wants to stay and raise a family,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’ve cut taxes, secured funding for roads, bridges, and local airports, and strengthened public safety to do just that. Cassidy has taken steps to support Lafayette’s workers and business owners, including by supporting President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut bill. The legislation, which was passed into law last year, eliminated taxes on tips and overtime work and extended the Child Tax Credit. Cassidy also included provisions to expand access to workforce training and require the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to expand offshore lease sales for oil and gas. Lafayette Parish has also benefitted from Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. That includes millions for roads and bridges, including $163 million for the Atchafalaya Basin, $59 million for the Lafayette Regional Airport’s terminal and safety projects, $30 million for a Cameron Parish Crown Substation to help it withstand flooding and wind, and $4 million for the St. Landry and St. Martin airports for runway signage, airfield lighting, and runway markings. Additionally on Wednesday, Cassidy unveiled a comprehensive plan to bring energy costs down, cut permitting delays, and end unnecessary restrictions on domestic energy production. One Acadiana’s Ambassadors meet monthly to discuss regional initiatives, chamber member recruitment and retention, and opportunities for community involvement with the chamber. They also support local businesses by attending ribbon cutting celebrations, grand openings, and other community events. Cassidy was thanked by Troy Wayman, President and CEO of One Acadiana, for speaking with them. “We appreciate Senator Cassidy joining our 1A Ambassador meeting and engaging directly with members of Acadiana’s business community,” said Mr. Wayman. “It was a valuable opportunity to hear about current priorities in the Senate, issues relevant to both our state and region, and how his office can serve as a resource for local businesses.” ###",1,2026-05-02T05:53:08Z,2026-05-02T05:54:44Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-150m-for-i-10-calcasieu-river-bridge-celebrates-groundbreaking/,"Cassidy Secures $150M for I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, Celebrates Groundbreaking",2026-05-01,2026,2026-05,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a statement following the groundbreaking ceremony for the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provided $150 million in funding for replacing the bridge. “This new bridge means more jobs and safer roads for Lake Charles,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It is great to see the $150 million I secured for this much-needed project in action.” The new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge will improve public safety by providing a wider roadway for commuters with six lanes in total, shoulders and central barriers, updated interchanges, lower inclines, and increased overhead clearance. ###",1,2026-05-02T05:53:08Z,2026-05-02T05:54:44Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-highlights-local-business-owners-journey-from-uncertainty-to-entrepreneurship/,LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights Local Business Owner’s Journey from Uncertainty to Entrepreneurship,2026-04-30,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, recognized Amanda Ratcliff for her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit in turning life’s challenges into opportunity. Her business, Buttery Spell, features uniquely crafted products that reflect her creativity and the unmistakable flavors and culture of New Orleans. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. Read his full April 2026 Local Spotlight below: For this month’s Local Spotlight, let’s recognize somebody I met recently. I met her in Jefferson Parish, and her name is Amanda Ratcliff. Now, if you ever meet somebody and you instantly know that they are in the right place at the right time, that’s Amanda. And her food business, Buttery Spell, is unique. Now, fast forward to 2020. She, like a lot of people, found herself at home because COVID had shut the government down, shut the businesses down, shut our society down. So she went to business school. She figured out how to sell her product, and now she’s a business owner. I met Amanda at a JEDCO Food Incubator celebration event a couple weeks ago. Now my weakness is sweets, and so I’m tasting her peanut butter. I’m thinking this peanut butter tastes exactly like the peanut butter in a Girl Scout cookie. So I taste it. I come back, I say, ‘Wow, Amanda. How did you figure this out?’ So to anyone listening, if you’ve got an idea, a dream, a spark, follow it. You don’t quite know where it might take you. But Buttery Spell is proof that you don’t need a perfect plan. You just need the courage to take that first step. Amanda, you may not be building cars like you once thought you would. But I suspect your younger self would be extremely proud of who Amanda is today and of Amanda’s business. And I’m proud. Louisiana’s proud. Keep up the great work. Background In March, Cassidy highlighted David Hoke of Lafayette, Louisiana. Hoke has dedicated himself to sharing the word of God by creating and distributing personalized leather-bound Bibles for elected leaders and their families across the country and around the world. ###",1,2026-05-01T06:06:26Z,2026-05-01T06:08:22Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-plan-to-lower-gas-prices/,Cassidy Announces Plan to Lower Gas Prices,2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today unveiled his energy plan to lower gas prices. Cassidy’s agenda aims to produce more American energy, cut red tape, and lower costs so Louisiana families pay less at the pump and less on their energy bills. “To lower prices immediately, we must support President Trump’s efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz. In the meantime, let’s work on what else can be done,” said Dr. Cassidy. “For example, increasing oil and gas production off the coast of Louisiana and across the U.S., boosting imports to Louisiana’s refineries, and passing permitting reform to get fuel to market faster. My plan does that, creating more jobs and lowering prices at the pump for Louisianians.” The Cassidy Energy Plan to Lower Gas Prices focuses on four areas of reform. Boost American Supply: Produce more American energy to bring prices down. Slash Costs & Fix Broken Permitting: Cut permitting delays, end unnecessary energy restrictions, and reject any domestic carbon tax. Build a Stronger Energy System: Invest in reliable energy infrastructure to keep costs low and the lights on. Compete Globally: Stand up for American energy and workers by expanding U.S. energy exports, enforcing fair trade, and securing critical supply chains. Background Cassidy has consistently worked to bring down energy costs for American families. He played a critical role in expanding offshore lease sales and extending the length of said leases in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Earlier this month, Cassidy secured $29 million to strengthen transmission lines and update an electrical substation in Cameron Parish. ###",1,2026-04-30T06:05:15Z,2026-04-30T06:07:09Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-honors-martha-odom-mall-of-louisiana-shooting-victims-on-senate-floor/,"Cassidy Honors Martha Odom, Mall of Louisiana Shooting Victims on Senate Floor",2026-04-29,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor honoring Martha Odom, a Louisiana high school senior who was tragically killed in a shooting at the Mall of Louisiana on April 23rd. Cassidy mourned the loss of Odom, offered condolences to her family, friends, and classmates, and wished the others injured in the shooting a full recovery. “We can say that all in my state, in my country, are deeply and profoundly sorry, and that all of Louisiana grieves with Martha’s family,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I ask that this body and all who hear join in a quiet moment for the life of Martha Odom, for everyone who loved her, loves her still, and will always love her,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Mr. President, I am the elected representative of Louisiana, and sometimes I speak on behalf of the whole state. Now is one of those times. How everyone in our state felt grief at the mass shooting in Shreveport, now we feel grief at the mass shooting in Baton Rouge. And our state as a whole feels this grief—everyone in the state. We all grieve. My friend Collis Temple called me. He spoke to me about the grief he felt. That compelled me to speak to this as well. Every family can imagine no longer having their child or their sibling. We all grieve. Every classmate can picture walking into school and seeing an empty chair where their classmate once sat. We all grieve. Every friend can imagine going on a carefree senior skip day and having something awful happen. We all grieve. M. President, what can we say when words fail? We say that we are sorry—deeply and profoundly sorry. And that all of Louisiana grieves with Martha’s family. So I ask this body and all who hear this to join me in a quiet moment for the life of Martha Odom, for everyone who loved her, loves her still, will always love her. I yield the floor. ###",1,2026-04-30T06:05:15Z,2026-04-30T06:07:09Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-release-of-wrongfully-detained-louisiana-woman-facing-life-imprisonment-in-philippines/,Cassidy Secures Release of Wrongfully Detained Louisiana Woman Facing Life Imprisonment in Philippines,2026-04-28,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Tina Becker, a Louisiana native wrongfully detained in the Philippines on baseless drug charges, has safely returned home to her family. Becker was facing life in prison for possessing an empty prescription drug container. Cassidy and his team worked for over a year to successfully facilitate her return. “Bringing Tina back home was a question of saving a person from life imprisonment in a foreign country,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We were in a position to help secure her freedom, so we fought to bring her home.” On September 1, 2024, Tina was arrested in the Pasay City airport in the Philippines when she was found with an empty prescription drug container. Following her arrest, for 18 months, she endured uninhabitable imprisonment conditions as she awaited trial. Background Cassidy continues to work secure freedom for other Louisianans wrongfully detained overseas, including Bossier City-native Nelson Wells, Jr. For years, Cassidy and his team have worked to help bring home Wells who has been imprisoned in China for over 13 years. Cassidy and his office have worked with the State Department, including the SPEHA Office of Hostage Affairs and the consular section, and have met with the Chinese Ambassador, embassy officials, and senior Politburo members to advocate for Wells release as well as improvements to his living conditions. They have also remained in contact with the Wells family throughout their ordeal. ###",1,2026-04-29T06:03:53Z,2026-04-29T06:05:09Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-discusses-work-to-defend-unborn-with-louisiana-pastors/,Cassidy Discusses Work to Defend Unborn with Louisiana Pastors,2026-04-27,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"BATON ROUGE – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) had breakfast on Friday in Baton Rouge with pastors from across Louisiana to discuss his work to protect women and babies from dangerous chemical abortion drugs. “We have an obligation to keep mothers and their unborn babies safe,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Chemical abortion drugs kill innocent children and put mothers’ lives at risk. The safeguards protecting women from coercion and abuse must be reinstated immediately.” In January, as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, Cassidy led a hearingon the dangers of the abortion drugs. He is also leading conservative Republicans calling on Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary to reinstate commonsense safeguards that protect women from coercion and abuse. In February, Cassidy led 58 Republican lawmakers in filing an amicus brief supporting Louisiana’s lawsuit to protect women and their unborn children from chemical abortions. Additionally, he launched an investigation into chemical abortion drug manufacturers to determine if they are complying with FDA regulations in marketing these dangerous drugs. The breakfast was organized by the Family Research Council, with their President Tony Perkins thanking Cassidy for his work. “This is not just another issue,” said Mr. Perkins. “The shedding of innocent blood is not just another policy issue. Senator Cassidy has been leading on this issue in Washington, DC, even as late of this week. I appreciate Senator Cassidy’s leadership on this. He gets it, he understands it, and he’s not afraid to speak out about it.” ###",1,2026-04-28T06:05:12Z,2026-04-28T06:07:17Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-over-67-7-million-for-louisiana-flood-mitigation-projects-from-his-infrastructure-bill/,Cassidy Secures Over $67.7 Million for Louisiana Flood Mitigation Projects from His Infrastructure Bill,2026-04-27,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Funding AmountRecipientProject Description$27,133,179.20St. John the Baptist ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for the FMA 2023 Elevation Project.$20,201,740.20HED-01 Diversion (Detention Pond & Culvert Project)This grant will provide federal funding to construct a diversion culvert and detention pond to improve drainage and reduce flooding in surrounding areas.$11,720,438.98Livingston ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for elevations & acquisitions to reduce flood risk.$2,456,972.13City of Mandeville (2025 Lakeshore Drive)This grant will provide federal funding for a 2023 FMA Elevation Grant.$964,407.52City of New OrleansThis grant will provide federal funding for the FY 2022 Elevation Project 12.$838,556.70City of New OrleansThis grant will provide federal funding for the FY2022 FMA Elevation Project 8.$720,926.00St. Charles ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for the FMA 2023 Elevation Project.$712,037.22City of New OrleansThis grant will provide federal funding for the FY2022 FMA Elevation Project 2.$675,000.00Bossier CityThis grant will provide federal funding for drainage master plan scoping.$675,000.00St. Charles ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for FMA 2023 Norco Drainage Project scoping.$570,624.57City of New OrleansThis grant will provide federal funding for the FY2022 FMA Elevation Project 9.$504,356.70Jefferson ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for mitigation reconstruction.$208,271.81City of New OrleansThis grant will provide federal funding for the FY2022 FMA Elevation Project 6$195,725.00City of Mandeville (2835 Lakeshore Drive)This grant will provide federal funding for a 2023 FMA Elevation Grant.",1,2026-04-28T06:05:12Z,2026-04-28T06:07:17Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-32-2-million-for-louisiana-grid-resilience-emergency-power-projects/,"Cassidy Announces $32.2 Million for Louisiana Grid Resilience, Emergency Power Projects",2026-04-24,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $32,167,742.80 in federal funding from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to strengthen critical infrastructure and improve emergency preparedness across the state. The funding will support upgrades to an electrical substation in Cameron Parish and install backup power generators for key public safety facilities in Baton Rouge. “Louisiana needs reliable power before, during, and after a storm,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding strengthens our power grid so families aren’t left in the dark when it matters most.” ###",1,2026-04-25T05:38:36Z,2026-04-25T05:40:21Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-43-4-million-for-port-of-south-louisiana-from-his-infrastructure-bill/,Cassidy Announces $43.4 Million for Port of South Louisiana from His Infrastructure Bill,2026-04-24,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the Port of South Louisiana will receive $43,361,426.00 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), which received increased funding through Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This grant provides federal funding to support the construction of a new dock conveyance system in Donaldsonville to transport iron ore pellets from port berths to a new ultra-low carbon steel manufacturing facility. “I worked to secure this funding because I know Louisiana’s ports are vital to keep our state and country’s economy moving,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Proud to have made this project possible to keep our state competitive.” ###",1,2026-04-25T05:38:36Z,2026-04-25T05:40:21Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-over-29-9-million-for-louisiana-hurricane-laura-ida-recovery/,"Cassidy Announces Over $29.9 Million for Louisiana Hurricane Laura, Ida Recovery",2026-04-23,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $29,872,642.08 in federal funding from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support hurricane recovery, school repairs, and rebuilding efforts across the state following Hurricanes Laura and Ida. “After a storm, we need to get communities back up and running as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding helps rebuild schools, restore community spaces, and make sure Louisiana families can keep moving forward.” ###",1,2026-04-24T05:51:25Z,2026-04-24T05:53:00Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-calls-on-senate-to-pass-save-america-act-in-floor-speech/,Cassidy Calls on Senate to Pass SAVE America Act in Floor Speech,2026-04-23,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a floor speech pushing for the passage of the SAVE America Act, calling on Senate Democrats to stop blocking the bill. The legislation would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. “The SAVE America Act does not make it harder to vote; it ensures that only American citizens vote in American elections,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Folks are asking for the assurance of a secure election. The SAVE America Act helps get that done,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Madame President, Protecting the integrity of our elections is a Constitutional principle. That’s why I’m a proud co-sponsor of the SAVE America Act, which requires a photo ID when you go to vote. Now, Americans have to show a photo ID or proof of citizenship on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. You open a bank account, you show a photo ID. You cash a check, you show a photo ID. You board a plane, you show a photo ID. So to require the same thing when you go to the polls to vote in a federal election—that’s common sense. It’s also not new. It’s already a requirement in a lot of states. The SAVE America Act doesn’t make it harder to vote; it ensures that only American citizens vote in American elections. That’s Constitutional. It’s also popular among the American people. 71 percent of Democrats and 95 percent of Republicans agree you should have to show a photo ID when you go to vote. So why isn’t it popular in Congress? Because Senate Democrats are dead set on pleasing their small left-wing base of 16 percent who oppose it. So they come up with reasons NOT to pass the SAVE America Act. Republicans have addressed them. As an example, they say, “What about people who have lost their documents and can’t prove citizenship?” We’ve said, if you are a citizen and you’ve lost your documents, or never had them, you could go to a state election official, swear to the details of your birth date and location or naturalization details, and register to vote. We have that option in Louisiana. That alternative process is built into the SAVE America Act. So, lack of documentation is not an issue. But rather than accepting that, Senate Democrats just ignore the solution and get back to work trying to find another reason to oppose it, totally ignoring the fact that a majority of THEIR voters want the SAVE America Act passed into law. We need to get back to serving the people. And the people are asking for secure elections. The SAVE America Act helps get that done. We need to get it passed. I have supported the talking filibuster since my first day as a Senator in 2015. I support using it now to pass the SAVE America Act, restore trust in our elections, and carry out the will of the people. With that, I yield the floor. ###",1,2026-04-24T05:51:25Z,2026-04-24T05:53:00Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-gets-commitment-to-fix-louisiana-medicaid-payments/,Cassidy Gets Commitment to Fix Louisiana Medicaid Payments,2026-04-23,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) addressed Louisiana’s outstanding Medicaid directed payment pre-print with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing. “CMS is working with Louisiana to approve Medicaid provider tax pre-prints after passing the Working Families Tax Cut Act. We have one more to be approved: the Physician 2026 pre-print. Louisiana’s fiscal year starts in two months, and we just need to get this done ASAP as was congressional intent. Please prioritize getting it resolved and I’ll follow up with you and Dr. Oz. But [it’s] critical to my state’s providers and my state’s fiscal health, if you will, that this be complied with,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’m happy to put my staff in touch. You can call me anytime to make sure it’s happening,” said Secretary Kennedy. Background: Medicaid provider tax pre-prints allow Louisiana hospitals and physicians to access essential Medicaid funding. Senator Cassidy led efforts to insert language into President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act that grandfathered in Louisiana providers, protecting them from future funding changes. HHS has already approved two separate Louisiana pre-prints since the passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. ###",1,2026-04-24T05:51:25Z,2026-04-24T05:53:00Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-votes-to-pass-republican-budget-resolution-for-second-reconciliation-bill/,Cassidy Votes to Pass Republican Budget Resolution for Second Reconciliation Bill,2026-04-23,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today released the following statement after voting for the Republican budget resolution, a necessary step in advancing a second reconciliation bill to reopen and fully fund the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to prevent another Democrat shutdown.. “Republicans are working to protect the men and women who keep our border secure and Louisiana communities safe,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This shutdown has gone on long enough. It’s time for it to end.”",1,2026-04-24T05:51:25Z,2026-04-24T05:53:00Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-14-9-million-for-louisiana-airport-improvements-from-his-infrastructure-bill/,Cassidy Announces $14.9 Million for Louisiana Airport Improvements from His Infrastructure Bill,2026-04-22,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Funding AmountRecipientProject Description$5,778,750.00City of New Orleans and New Orleans Aviation BoardThis grant provides federal funding to reconstruct the existing north terminal by installing new automated passenger exit lanes to improve the movement of passengers and baggage.$4,232,101.00Shreveport Airport AuthorityThis grant provides federal funding to reconstruct 8,882 square feet of the existing terminal, including the Federal Inspection Station, that has reached the end of its useful life.$1,875,000.00City of New Orleans and New Orleans Aviation BoardThis grant provides federal funding to improve 22,000 square feet of the existing terminal north, including concessions, security, and ground transportation areas.$712,500.00City of SlidellThis grant provides federal funding to clear land for the relocation of transmission lines to enhance safety at Slidell Airport.$563,000.00Beauregard Parish Airport District No. 1This grant provides federal funding to construct a new 5,000 square foot hangar for aircraft storage to support airport self-sustainability.$447,366.00Concordia Parish Airport AuthorityThis grant provides federal funding to construct a new 3,300 square foot hangar for aircraft storage to support revenue generation and self-sustainability.$325,000.00Shreveport Airport AuthorityThis grant provides federal funding to reconstruct 5,750 square yards of the Northwestern Apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life.$300,457.00City of SpringhillThis grant provides federal funding to expand an existing fuel farm by adding two self-service pumps to increase fuel availability and support airport operations.$289,800.00City of BastropThis grant provides federal funding to construct a new airfield drainage system to bring the airport into conformity with current standards.$120,000.00Town of VivianThis grant provides federal funding to construct a new fuel farm by adding one fuel tank to expand fuel availability and support airport self-sustainability.$108,038.00St. Mary Parish GovernmentThis grant provides federal funding for design work to rehabilitate 5,399 feet of Taxiway A pavement to maintain structural integrity and extend its useful life.",1,2026-04-23T05:48:52Z,2026-04-23T05:50:10Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-pays-tribute-to-eight-children-killed-in-shreveport-shooting/,Cassidy Pays Tribute to Eight Children Killed in Shreveport Shooting,2026-04-21,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor honoring the eight young lives lost in a tragic act of violence in Shreveport. “All of us have experienced someone in our life who has died, but the murder of a child defies comprehension,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We pray for the families, for the communities, that they can recover as much as families and communities can recover from something so horrific,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: All of us have experienced someone in our life who has died, but the murder of a child defies comprehension. It can’t be measured, understood, or compared to anything else. It is, in a word, awful. But today, the Shreveport community in Louisiana grieves the loss of eight children. A man shot seven of his own, and a cousin, between the ages of three and 11. He shot the mothers. I’m told they’re hospitalized in serious condition, but expected to survive. A 13-year-old was injured jumping off a roof to escape. Now I asked my people in my office: Why do we grieve so much? People die all the time. And I think what we agreed upon is that they look to their parents for protection, and not to be killed. And it is, if you will, a sacrifice of a sacred bond between a parent and a child. And of course, when that comes to mind—what is sacred? And then also, when we read of these dying, we think of our own children, and we feel protective of them. And we know no matter how much emotion we feel, they died. Now we thank the officers who acted quickly and bravely to pursue the shooter and stop him from doing it again. We pray for the families, for the communities, that they can recover as much as families and communities can recover from something so horrific. Madam President, I request a moment of silence for these eight young souls, for Shreveport, for us all. I yield the floor. ###",1,2026-04-22T05:46:42Z,2026-04-22T05:48:06Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-tours-lsu-health-speaks-on-dyslexia-in-new-orleans/,"Cassidy Tours LSU Health, Speaks on Dyslexia in New Orleans",2026-04-20,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"METAIRIE – On Friday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited New Orleans, where he first visited and toured LSU Health to discuss how they are working to make Louisiana families healthier and address chronic health concerns. “LSU Health is helping patients defeat obesity and lower their risk of cancer,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I will continue to support these efforts, so our loved ones can live longer, healthier lives.” As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy recently chaired a hearing on how to modernize NIH, so they can create innovative, lifesaving cures for Americans. Additionally, Cassidy has passed into law legislation to improve research into childhood cancer, and has proposed the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would increase access for senior citizens to weight management medications. While at LSU Health, Cassidy toured their new research laboratory space in their Medical Education Building and specifically learned how they are taking advantage of the All of Us Research Program sponsored by NIH. Cassidy discussed LSU Health’s work with Dr. Lucio Miele, the director of the LSU-LCMC Health Cancer Center and their Cancer Crusaders Professor of Genetics. “Large-scale efforts like the All of Us Precision Medicine Research Program and its ancillary studies such as Nutrition for Precision Health are key to tackling the burden of chronic disease in Louisiana, including diabetes, obesity and cancer,” said Dr. Miele. “Our participation in All of Us, NPH, and future All of Us-based studies will play a major role in our drive to achieve NCI designation for Louisiana. These cutting-edge programs would allow us to accelerate discoveries that will ultimately reduce the cancer burden in our state.” Later, Cassidy attended the Annual National Conference of the American Language Therapy Association (ALTA) to speak on his passion for helping people with dyslexia. “I know first-hand how you can change a dyslexic child’s life if she gets the support she needs,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By diagnosing dyslexia early and supporting schools which specialize in helping dyslexic students, we can help every child reach their full potential.” Cassidy is an advocate for dyslexic students and adults, starting when he created the Bipartisan Congressional Dyslexia Caucus as a U.S. Representative. Again as Chairman of the HELP Committee, he introduced the 21st Century Dyslexia Act, which would include dyslexia in a list of disabilities which define a “child with a disability,” thus encouraging early diagnosis of the condition. He also held a roundtable earlier this week on how to support students with dyslexia and ensure all students have an opportunity to succeed. Finally in 2018, Cassidy inserted language in the First Step Act to screen inmates for dyslexia, so they can become literate and be less likely to break the law again when they leave the prison system. Before his remarks at the conference, Cassidy was welcomed by conference chairwoman Traci Barrientos, M.Ed., who thanked Cassidy for being a champion of those with dyslexia. “Senator Cassidy’s presence at ALTA’s 40th Anniversary National Conference marks a historic milestone – the first time a federal legislator has stood before our professional body to speak directly to our mission,” said Ms. Barrientos. “His leadership on the First Step Act and the 21st Century Dyslexia Act reflects a deep understanding of how unidentified written language disorders shape outcomes in education, the workforce, and the justice system. We are profoundly grateful for Senator Cassidy’s commitment to individuals with dyslexia and honored to welcome him to this landmark conference in his home state of Louisiana.” ###",1,2026-04-21T05:46:59Z,2026-04-21T05:48:34Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-meets-with-constituents-at-catch-up-with-cassidy-event-in-washington/,Cassidy Meets with Constituents at “Catch Up with Cassidy” Event in Washington,2026-04-16,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) met with Louisianans visiting Washington, D.C. at his “Catch Up with Cassidy” event yesterday. The event provided an opportunity for Louisianans from across the state to connect with Senator Cassidy and discuss real issues facing their communities. “Nobody knows what Louisiana needs better than the folks who live there,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These conversations give me exactly what I need to keep delivering real results for our communities.” Attendees included representatives from the City of Minden, the Tulane University School of Medicine, AARP Louisiana, Kipp Public Schools, Louisiana BIO, Franklin Medical Center, the Small Shipyard Grant Coalition, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association, the Downtown Development District of New Orleans, the Baton Rouge Downtown Development District, the National Limousine Association, and the American Traffic Safety Services Association. See photos from the event below. AARP Louisiana The City of Minden Downtown Development District of New Orleans & Baton Rouge Downtown Development District Kipp Public Schools Mortgage Bankers Association ###",1,2026-04-17T05:47:03Z,2026-04-17T05:48:33Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-saves-350-jobs-secures-tariff-relief-for-louisiana-railcar-manufacturing/,"Cassidy Saves 350 Jobs, Secures Tariff Relief for Louisiana Railcar Manufacturing",2026-04-16,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) helped save 350 Louisiana jobs by successfully pushing for rail tank cars to be included in the Section 232 tariff list. Thanks to President Trump, there will be a 25 percent tariff on imported tank cars, preventing foreign manufacturers from undercutting American prices and protecting jobs at the Union Tank Car Company’s facility in Alexandria, which is the last remaining plant producing these railcars in the United States. “This is a win for Louisiana and for our country,”said Dr. Cassidy. “We’re keeping 350 Louisiana jobs here at home while making sure America is still building the equipment we depend upon.” “The decision to include tank cars under Section 232 underscores the strategic importance of domestic tank car manufacturing and sustaining a skilled workforce in Louisiana. We appreciated Senator Cassidy’s visit to our Alexandria facility and value the strong partnership with his office and the White House. These policies help ensure that critical infrastructure, like tank cars, continues to be manufactured in America,” said Randy McDougal, General Manager, UTLX Manufacturing. Background Over the past two decades, U.S. tank car production declined from nearly 100 percent of the market to roughly one-third, with production increasingly shifting to Mexico. Cassidy engaged with the U.S. Department of Commerce to ensure that this vulnerable domestic industry was not undercut by unfair foreign competition—particularly from Mexico. In August, Cassidy met with UTLX employees and toured their Alexandria plant. ###",1,2026-04-17T05:47:03Z,2026-04-17T05:48:33Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-make-irs-easier-to-navigate-for-taxpayers/,Cassidy Introduces Bill to Make IRS Easier to Navigate for Taxpayers,2026-04-15,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Improving IRS Customer Service Act to improve customer service at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Among other things, the legislation would expand information regarding refunds available to taxpayers online and help taxpayers with payment plans if they need it. “Taxpayers deserve a simple, stress-free experience when dealing with the IRS,”said Dr. Cassidy. “This bill makes the process quicker and easier for taxpayers to get the information they need.” In a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing today, Cassidy secured a commitment from President Donald Trump’s IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano that the IRS would work with Congress to implement these reforms if the legislation were signed into law. “I’m happy to meet with the team … and do all I can to make it as good as you want it to be,”said Mr. Bisignano. The Improving IRS Customer Service Act would: Establish a dashboard to inform taxpayers of backlogs and wait times; Expand electronic access to information and refunds; Expand callback technology and online accounts; Inform individuals facing economic hardship of collection alternatives. Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) in introducing the legislation.] ###",1,2026-04-16T05:48:36Z,2026-04-16T05:50:08Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidyrepublican-colleagues-call-to-stop-enforcing-rule-violating-second-amendment-rights/,"Cassidy,Republican Colleagues Call to Stop Enforcing Rule Violating Second Amendment Rights",2026-04-15,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), John Hoeven (R-ND), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Risch (R-ID), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) urged Acting Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Daniel Driscoll to cease the agency’s enforcement of a vacated Biden era rule labeling braced pistols as short-barrel rifles under the National Firearms Act (NFA). “The new Rule, which classified virtually all braced pistols as short-barrel rifles under the NFA, exposed millions of Americans to criminal penalties … Thankfully, the Rule was soon vacated in August 2024, albeit on procedural grounds, following rulings by both the Fifth and Eighth Circuits. Now, however, it appears that ATF has no intention of backing down,” wrote the senators. “We believe that any attempt to extend the NFA’s onerous requirements to the untold millions of citizens who already own braced pistols cannot pass constitutional muster,” continued the senators. Read the full letter here or below. We write with deep concern regarding the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) attempts to continue enforcing the legal theory behind its unconstitutional and since-vacated rule entitled: “Factoring Criteria for Firearms with an Attached Stabilizing Brace” (Rule). Issued by the Biden Administration in 2023, this Final Rule expanded the scope of the National Firearms Act (NFA) to include virtually all pistols equipped with stabilizing braces. In our view, this since-vacated Rule does not comply with the statute and cannot pass constitutional muster, and we urge ATF to cease any efforts to continue enforcing it either in substance or in form. First developed around 2012, stabilizing braces attach to the rear of a pistol and allow it to be braced against, strapped to, or hooked around the forearm, giving the user more control and stability when firing. ATF initially determined that using a stabilizing brace would not convert the weapon into a short-barrel firearm under the NFA. And over the course of the next decade, millions of Americans relied on that advice, purchasing stabilizing braces for the purpose of improving the safety and stability of their firearms. Indeed, a Congressional Research Service report estimates that there were between 10 and 40 million pistol braces in circulation as of 2021. Current ownership rates are likely to be far higher. In 2023, the Biden Administration issued its now-vacated rule reversing more than a decade of guidance overnight. The new Rule, which classified virtually all braced pistols as short-barrel rifles under the NFA, exposed millions of Americans to criminal penalties if they did not surrender their lawfully acquired property to the government, dismantle or destroy it, or comply with the NFA’s onerous registration and fee requirements. In fact, it’s estimated that only 0.6% to 8% of braced pistols were successfully registered within the allotted 120-day “amnesty” period, leaving millions of Americans who had acquired or assembled their braced pistols in good faith and had never misused them as potential felons. Thankfully, the Rule was soon vacated in August 2024, albeit on procedural grounds, following rulings by both the Fifth and Eighth Circuits. Now, however, it appears that ATF has no intention of backing down. In another ongoing case brought by the State of Texas and Gun Owners of America, ATF suggests that it can and will continue enforcing the underlying legal theory behind the Rule—that braced pistols qualify as short-barreled rifles under the NFA. In court documents filed on March 16th, ATF acknowledged that it “continue[s] to enforce the . . . regulation of short-barreled rifles against some brace-equipped pistols, even though the Rule has been universally vacated.” According to ATF, this “should come as no surprise” because the absence of a formal rule does not prevent ATF from interpreting and carrying out its statutory obligations. In our view, the Final Rule cannot be salvaged either in substance or in form. We believe that any attempt to extend the NFA’s onerous requirements to the untold millions of citizens who already own braced pistols cannot pass constitutional muster. In Heller v. District of Columbia, the Supreme Court affirmed the right of individuals to keep and bear arms for self-defense. The Court struck down a ban enacted by the District of Columbia on handgun registration, noting that handguns are the “quintessential self-defense weapon.” Again, in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, the Supreme Court made clear that the Second Amendment protects firearms that are “in common use for self-defense today” and which fall outside the category of “dangerous and unusual” weapons historically subject to regulation. Stabilizing braces, like the handguns they modify, are neither dangerous nor unusual. They are owned by tens of millions of Americans who rely on these attachments to improve the stability of their handguns. Far from being a dangerous modification, pistol braces make these weapons safer. As Judge Willett noted in his concurrence in the Fifth Circuit litigation: Rearward attachments, besides making a pistol less concealable, improve a pistol’s stability, and thus a user’s accuracy. Accuracy, in turn, promotes safety. Even for attachments that convert a pistol into a rifle under the statutes, ATF has not identified any historical tradition of requiring ordinary citizens to endure a lengthy, costly, and discretionary approval process just to use accessories that make an otherwise lawful weapon safer. Ultimately, we agree with Judge Willett that “common, safety-improving modifications” like pistol braces fall under the protection of the Second Amendment. And we fail to see any compelling historical analogue for subjecting such safety-improving devices to the “lengthy, costly, and discretionary” regulatory regime of the NFA. ATF must immediately provide clear and permanent clarity on this issue. Right now, millions of Americans continue to languish in uncertainty, fearing that they may be prosecuted simply for exercising their constitutional rights. Accordingly, we urge you to: Issue a public statement that the ATF will not take further enforcement action regarding the classification of braced pistols as short-barrel rifles under the NFA; Issue an interpretive rule clarifying that firearms equipped with stabilizing braces do not qualify as short-barreled rifles under the NFA; and Through ongoing litigation, enter into a judicially-enforceable consent agreement, which would 1) permanently enjoin the ATF from attempting to revive its pistol brace regulations through new rulemaking and 2) permanently enjoin the ATF from taking any further enforcement action related to the classification of braced pistols as short-barreled rifles under the NFA. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. ###",1,2026-04-16T05:48:36Z,2026-04-16T05:50:08Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-millions-of-dollars-for-jedco-food-and-beverage-incubator-in-jefferson-parish/,Cassidy Announces Millions of Dollars for JEDCO Food and Beverage Incubator in Jefferson Parish,2026-04-09,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined the leaders of the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) and Greater New Orleans (GNO), Inc. to celebrate the $3.65 million he secured for JEDCO’s Food and Beverage Incubator. “People travel from around the world just for Louisiana’s food scene,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By supporting this project, we’re supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and continuing a culinary legacy.” Cassidy announced that the $3.65 million has been secured from the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2026 for this project, bringing the total secured for the incubator up to $8.7 million. Other contributors include the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Louisiana Economic Development, the Jefferson Parish Council, and JEDCO itself. When completed, it will be the only major wholesale food production incubator in the Greater New Orleans region. It will feature three commercial kitchens with a demonstration/teaching kitchen, equipment for bottling, baking, blending and general production, a loading dock, dry, cold, and freezer storage, and an outdoor plaza and culinary garden. After the announcement was made about the appropriation, Cassidy visited with small business owners who will benefit from the project and JEDCO’s efforts. He was also joined by Mr. Jerry Bologna, President and CEO of JEDCO, and Mr. Michael Hecht, President and CEO of GNO, Inc. “This project signals JEDCO’s commitment to the food and beverage industry,” said Mr. Bologna. “With this additional federal investment, we are accelerating our ability to deliver a world-class resource that empowers entrepreneurs to launch, grow, and scale food and beverage businesses right here in Jefferson Parish. This incubator will remove barriers, unlock innovation, and create new pathways for economic growth across our region. We are tremendously grateful for Senator Cassidy’s support of this project and the meaningful impact it will have on our community.” “This project represents the kind of strategic, collaborative, delicious investment that drives regional economic growth,” said Mr. Hecht. “By providing the infrastructure and support needed to scale food and beverage businesses, we’re helping to strengthen one of Southeast Louisiana’s most culturally significant and economically promising industries.” ###",1,2026-04-10T05:46:57Z,2026-04-10T05:48:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-pens-op-ed-calling-to-ban-congressional-stock-trading-restore-faith-in-congress/,"ICYMI: Cassidy Pens Op-Ed Calling to Ban Congressional Stock Trading, Restore Faith in Congress",2026-04-09,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in the Daily Wire highlighting his Stop Insider Trading Act, which would ban members of Congress and their families from trading individual stocks. Cassidy called attention to the conflict of interest that arises when lawmakers, who have access to nonpublic information, are allowed to trade individual stocks, and emphasized the need for his legislation to restore trust in Congress. “In his State of the Union address, President Trump highlighted the need to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks,” wrote Dr. Cassidy. “So, to join President Trump’s call to end this loophole that is eroding the trust of the American people, I introduced the Stop Insider Trading Act,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Read the full op-ed here or below: We Don’t Let Referees Bet On Games. So Why Does Congress Get To? In his State of the Union address, President Trump highlighted the need to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks. He pointed to stopping members like Nancy Pelosi, whose stock portfolio has performed extremely well — imagine that. To the American citizen working hard, paying the bills, and trying to do the right thing, this is not only suspicious but also extremely frustrating. Trust is already at an all-time low. A recent Pew Research study found that just 17% of Americans say they trust the government. That is partly because members of Congress, like Nancy Pelosi, are trading stocks. To show you how big a deal this is, Nancy Pelosi earned an estimated $130 million while in Congress, often purchasing or selling stocks just before legislative announcements affecting the industries in which she had investments. In 2024 alone, her portfolio grew by 70%. Unfortunately, this isn’t just Nancy Pelosi — it’s a problem across Congress. What happens when Americans believe the system is rigged? They disengage. They stop believing their votes make a difference and that their government is working on their behalf. We need to restore confidence in elected leaders. That will not happen until the line is clearly drawn. Rebuilding trust requires accountability — and that starts with ending practices that put private profit ahead of the public interest. It also requires transparency and rules that apply equally, without exception or delay. So, to join President Trump’s call to end this loophole that is eroding the trust of the American people, I introduced the Stop Insider Trading Act. It says that if you are a member of Congress, or you’re married to one, or you’re the child of one, you cannot purchase individual, publicly traded stocks. To do so is wrong. This legislation is clear, enforceable, and leaves no room for loopholes. The bill also requires a seven-day public notice before sales of stocks that members and those closest to them already own can take place. There have been previous attempts to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks, but no final ban has passed. Every day, lawmakers are attending committee hearings and briefings, meeting with stakeholders, and writing and voting on legislation that could change the course of an industry. Clearly, there is a conflict of interest. How can the American people be sure their elected officials are making decisions for the public good, and not for private gain? The answer is, they can’t. That is why there is such strong public support for the Stop Insider Trading Act. In fact, one poll by the Program for Public Consultation shows that 86% of people support banning stock-trading in individual companies by members of Congress. That includes 87% of Republicans, 88% of Democrats, and 81% of Independents. Clearly, most Americans are on the same page when it comes to this issue. Yet, Congress has done nothing, further fueling public skepticism. The American people deserve more out of their elected officials, and rightfully so. Considering the overwhelming support for banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, every single member of Congress should support my Stop Insider Trading Act. If they don’t, it says exactly where their priorities lie. Elected leadership is about public office, not private profit. We don’t let referees bet on games. Congress should not be any different. My bill makes sure that public service is actually about serving the public, not getting ahead of it. If you are a lawmaker, you should not be a day trader. That’s a good principle that most people agree on. Now, let’s make it a law. ###",1,2026-04-10T05:46:57Z,2026-04-10T05:48:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-2-6-million-for-louisiana-airport-improvements-from-his-infrastructure-bill/,Cassidy Announces $2.6 Million for Louisiana Airport Improvements from His Infrastructure Bill,2026-04-08,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana airports will receive $2,550,111.00 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding will support weather equipment, pavement markings, perimeter fencing, apron construction, runway lighting, and airport planning updates across the state. “When you fly into a town, the airport is the first impression,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These improvements help Louisiana airports stay safe, updated, and ready to serve the people who depend on them.” ###",1,2026-04-09T05:39:42Z,2026-04-09T05:40:59Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-touts-job-creation-local-projects-in-houma/,"Cassidy Touts Job Creation, Local Projects in Houma",2026-04-08,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) met with local business owners, educators, health care providers, and government officials at a roundtable discussion hosted by the South Central Industrial Association (SCIA) and COLAB. Cassidy discussed his efforts to support flood prevention and recovery, local projects, and job creation in the Bayou Region. “We want the Bayou region to be a place where our children and grandchildren grow up and raise their children,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By lowering flood insurance rates and providing resources for ports, flood protection, and workforce development, together, we can make that happen.” Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and his work as one of the U.S. Senate’s top appropriators, Cassidy has secured $615 million to support the Morganza-to-the-Gulf project. He also obtained over $170 million in total to support Conrad Shipyards and Metal Shark as they build vessels to be used by our military. Additionally, over $772,000 is coming from the IIJA for the Morgan City Harbor and Terminal District in March for equipment upgrades. Additionally, Cassidy was a key supporter of the President’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The legislation ended taxes on tips and overtime for workers and guaranteed at least two lease sales every year for 15 years in the Central and Western areas of the Gulf of America. Finally, Cassidy remains committed to ending Risk Rating 2.0 hikes and reforming the National Flood Insurance Program, and wrote an op-ed on this subject for the Lake Charles American Press in March. Cassidy was welcomed by SCIA Executive Director Hillary Charpentier, M.Ed. “We are honored to have hosted the Bayou Region Roundtable with Senator Bill Cassidy,” said Ms. Charpentier. “Opportunities like this are vital in ensuring the voices of our local industries are heard. We are deeply thankful for the ongoing support of Senator Cassidy and the Louisiana delegation, for their continued efforts to secure critical funding opportunities that support the growth and sustainability of the Bayou Region.” ###",1,2026-04-09T05:39:42Z,2026-04-09T05:40:59Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-millions-to-make-burbank-drive-safer-visits-womans-hospital/,"Cassidy Announces Millions to Make Burbank Drive Safer, Visits Woman’s Hospital",2026-04-02,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"BATON ROUGE – This morning, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) attended an event celebrating the $2 million he secured for Burbank Drive safety improvements through the appropriations process. These improvements will ensure families coming to and from the Burbank Soccer Complex can do so safely. “Creating a turning lane so that the thousands of people who go into the Burbank Soccer Complex can enter safely is common sense,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This is me working on the federal level with local officials to better serve the people of St. George, Baton Rouge, and Louisiana.” Burbank Drive is one of the busiest thoroughfares in St. George, and the Burbank Soccer Complex serves hundreds of families and children each week. Due to the current lack of intersection control, there have been many traffic incidents as families have to cross multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic to return home. The Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriation will help improve access to Burbank Drive and add additional J-turn lanes, making the area safer and improving traffic flow. During his announcement, Cassidy stood with many local officials praising the project, including St. George Mayor Dustin Yates. “The Burbank Drive Project is exactly the kind of infrastructure investment our community needs – targeted, impactful, and focused on safety,” said Mayor Yates. “We’re proud to partner with Senator Cassidy to deliver real improvements that will benefit residents in a major way and enhance safety for families who use this area every day.” Later, Cassidy visited Woman’s Hospital, where he met with their Chief Executive and Medical Officers, and toured their hospital. Cassidy recently introduced legislation to improve telehealth services for pregnant and postpartum women. Additionally, as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy is leading the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act, helping doctors better identify patients at risk for lung cancer. “As Louisiana looks to improve how mothers do before, during, and after their pregnancy, Woman’s Hospital is on the leading edge, including having only one of 5 maternal mental health units in the nation,” said Dr. Cassidy. “As we strive to be the best, Woman’s Hospital shows how it can be done.” Mr. Rene Ragas, CEO of Woman’s Hospital, welcomed Cassidy to the hospital. “We were pleased to welcome Senator Bill Cassidy to our campus today, providing an opportunity to learn more about Woman’s Hospital, our mission to improve the lives of women and infants, and to see firsthand the care we provide to our community through a tour of key areas, including our NICU, Perinatal Mental Health Unit, and Cancer Pavilion,” said Mr. Ragas. ###",1,2026-04-03T05:34:17Z,2026-04-03T05:35:48Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-discusses-jobs-infrastructure-health-care-on-northshore/,"Cassidy Discusses Jobs, Infrastructure, Health Care on Northshore",2026-04-02,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday afternoon, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke in Mandeville at a luncheon hosted by the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce and the Northshore Business Council on his work to make life better for families and business owners in St. Tammany Parish, including by authoring the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has funneled millions into the area for roads, bridges, and flood mitigation. “I’ve worked with the Northshore community to understand their needs,” said Dr. Cassidy. “To address these needs, I’ve delivered things such as $1.2 billion to tackle drainage, sewage, and flood risk around Lake Pontchartrain, and $92 million for road projects such as widening I-12. These are your tax dollars returning to work for you.” Cassidy also was a major supporter of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which ended taxes on tips and overtime work, and included provisions to expand school choice and increase oil drilling in the Gulf of America. As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy also inserted provisions to strengthen Pell Grants, encourage individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards for K-12 students, and end inflationary loan programs that drive up the cost of college. Cassidy was greeted at the luncheon by both Ms. Lacey Osborne, CEO of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Kevin Davis, Executive Director of the Northshore Business Council. “We are grateful for our senior Senator’s visit to St. Tammany during the recess to provide our members an opportunity to meet him in person,” said Ms. Osborne. “With the many current concerns that affect business and families – gas prices, the future of healthcare funding to name just a few – we welcome this opportunity to hear first-hand from Senator Cassidy. We appreciate all that he has done to make our growing parish and region better. He understands that education and economic development work hand in hand to deliver a stronger workforce for all northshore businesses.” “Senator Cassidy has worked to fund road projects, support mental health providers, and help create an environment on the Northshore where we can create good-paying jobs for our neighbors,” said Mr. Davis. “We appreciate his partnership, and thank him for visiting with us today.” Earlier in the day, Cassidy visited the North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, where he met with doctors and nurses and discussed his recent work as Chairman to make health care affordable and improve patient outcomes. “The doctors, nurses and support staff at North Oaks told me what works and what doesn’t work in health care across Tangipahoa Parish,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’ll take what I learned back to Washington to deliver better care for families back home.” Cassidy has recently convened HELP Committee hearings on lowering the cost of health care, improving patient outcomes by strengthening health information, and delivering lifesaving cures to American families. He also recently introduced legislation to eliminate the Medicare 190-day lifetime cap on impatient psychiatric care, which removes barriers to mental health care for Louisiana seniors. At North Oaks, he was welcomed by Ms. Michelle Sutton, President and CEO of the North Oaks Health System. “We are grateful to Senator Cassidy for visiting North Oaks Health System to provide a congressional update on health care,” said Ms. Sutton. “Engaging directly with federal leaders allows our physicians, team members, and leadership to stay informed on initiatives and priorities that affect our industry and the patients and communities we care for every day.” ###",1,2026-04-03T05:34:17Z,2026-04-03T05:35:48Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2405,Statement from Congressman Kennedy on Erie County Medical Examiner Report on Cause of Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam,2026-04-01,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"BUFFALO, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy issued the following statement today following the completion of the Erie County Medical Examiner’s report of the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam: “The Erie County Medical Examiner has confirmed what we suspected: Mr. Shah Alam’s death has been ruled a homicide. “Mr. Shah Alam would be alive today with his family if he had access to medical care. Instead, he was callously abandoned on a cold winter night by Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security. “In light of this determination, DHS must fully cooperate with New York State Attorney General James, and newly-confirmed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin must order an independent and transparent investigation.” ###",1,2026-04-02T05:33:17Z,2026-04-06T21:06:43Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-speaks-to-ul-turning-point-usa-chapter/,Cassidy Speaks to UL Turning Point USA Chapter,2026-04-01,2026,2026-04,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This afternoon, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke to members of the Turning Point USA Chapter at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) on what he’s doing to advance conservative values and Charlie Kirk’s legacy in Washington. “Charlie Kirk advocated for the next generation to stand in faith, defend freedom, and stay true to American values,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’m supporting those principles in Washington for a better future for us all.” As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy led 14 Republican senators in nominating Charlie Kirk to be included in the National Garden of American Heroes for his historic contributions to the nation. Cassidy was welcomed to the meeting by chapter President Louis Cohn, who thanked him for attending.",1,2026-04-02T05:33:17Z,2026-04-02T05:34:59Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/local-spotlight-cassidy-highlights-lafayettes-david-hoke-for-sharing-scripture-following-gods-call/,"LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Cassidy Highlights Lafayette’s David Hoke for Sharing Scripture, Following God’s Call",2026-03-31,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), for his monthly Local Spotlight, recognized David Hoke of Lafayette, Louisiana. Hoke has dedicated himself to sharing the word of God by creating and distributing personalized leather-bound Bibles for elected leaders and their families across the country and around the world. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. Read his full March 2026 Local Spotlight below: This month’s Local Spotlight is about David Hoke—a man with a vision. A vision of the power of Scripture presented in a personal way. David lives in Lafayette and is saying yes to God’s call to minister to others by presenting elected leaders with personalized Bibles. David has been obedient in doing what God has asked him to do. And he, I think, found God asking him a little bit more. And so, David began to not only do these wonderful leather-bound Bibles for the elected official, but also for his or her spouse. And he’s now sent one to my wife and to many other spouses. Now, Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit and of joint and of marrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Now, you know, I’m not quite sure why David started giving these first with politicians. Perhaps he thinks we’re in particular need of guidance, and I particularly agree to him. David, we, the people—we, the elected leaders—thank you for your efforts to fulfill the Great Commission by other means, not just in our country, but around the world. Your work calls to mind the parable in Matthew of the farmer sowing his seed. Some fall into the rocky ground. It can’t take root. Some into weeds that grow up and choke the plant. But other onto the good soil, and it produces a hundred, sixty, or thirty times more than that which was sown. We trust that this is the good seed landing in the fertile ground that yields a hundredfold. Thank you, David Hoke. Background In February, Cassidy highlighted Theo Chaisson of the United Houma Nation in Southeast Louisiana. Theo left school in the third grade to help his family make a living and later began operating the Isle de Jean Charles Marina, which he still visits every day. Theo’s hard work, love for family, and dedication to the bayou help make Louisiana special. Each month, Cassidy highlights a local story that truly reflects Louisiana values of humility, respect, and resiliency. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-1-billion-in-fema-funding-for-disaster-prevention-projects/,Cassidy Announces $1 Billion in FEMA Funding for Disaster Prevention Projects,2026-03-30,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made $1 billion in federal funding available through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program to support disaster mitigation projects in Louisiana and across the country. “Investing before a disaster strikes saves lives and taxpayer dollars,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will help Louisiana protect families, reduce flood risk, and save money both now and in the future.” Background Cassidy has consistently supported the BRIC grant program and repeatedly pushed to continue and strengthen it. In May, Cassidy urged the Administration to reinstate the BRIC grant program within FEMA. In April, Cassidy delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling for the continuation of the BRIC grant program. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-lummis-introduce-bill-to-boost-u-s-digital-asset-mining-back-president-trumps-strategic-bitcoin-reserve/,"Cassidy, Lummis Introduce Bill to Boost U.S. Digital Asset Mining, Back President Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve",2026-03-30,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the Mined in America Act to bring critical digital infrastructure back to the United States. Additionally, this bill codifies President Donald Trump’s Executive Order to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. “Digital asset mining is a big part of our economy. We should be doing it here in America,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bill will secure supply chains, back U.S. manufacturing, and support this industry.” “President Trump pledged to make the United States the digital asset capital of the world— and we’re not backing down,” said Senator Lummis. “The Mined in America Act brings this industry home through forward-thinking initiatives to secure our financial future. I’m proud to join Senator Cassidy to ensure the future of digital assets is built right here in America.” BACKGROUND 1. Creates a voluntary “Mined in America” certification: Directs the Department of Commerce to establish a voluntary certification program for cryptocurrency mining facilities and mining pools. 2. Phases out foreign adversary-linked mining hardware: Certified facilities must transition away from mining equipment manufactured by companies tied to foreign adversaries. 3. Uses existing federal energy and rural programs to support the transition: Integrates certified projects into existing federal programs rather than creating new spending authorities. 4. Supports domestic manufacturing of mining hardware: Directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership to help U.S. manufacturers develop secure and energy-efficient cryptocurrency mining equipment. 5. Codifies President Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: Establishes a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve within the Department of the Treasury. The Mined in America Act is supported by the Satoshi Action Fund. “America controls 38 percent of the world’s Bitcoin hash rate, but 97 percent of the hardware powering it comes from China. That is not leadership, that is a liability. The Mined in America Act breaks that dependency by building a virtuous cycle of domestic manufacturing, certified mining operations, grid-strengthening energy infrastructure, and a pipeline to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. If we are serious about leading on Bitcoin, we cannot let adversaries hold the keys to our supply chain,” said Dennis Porter, CEO and Co-Founder of Satoshi Action Fund. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-pays-tribute-to-former-rapides-parish-sheriff-william-hilton/,Cassidy Pays Tribute to Former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Hilton,2026-03-27,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor honoring former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton who was tragically killed on Monday. Sheriff Hilton’s sense of duty and service to his community are reflected in his 50-year career in law enforcement. “Sheriff Hilton was a sheriff in every positive, meaningful sense of the word,” said Dr. Cassidy. “He was steady. He was committed. He was there to answer the call when the community needed him,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Mr. President, I rise today to honor my good friend William Hilton, who was tragically killed on Monday. William was a great Sheriff. Safe, steady, committed, always there when his community needed him. That kind of service is more than just a job—it’s a calling. William lived that calling every single day. He was also a devoted husband to his wife Billie, a loving father to Shane and Christy, and a proud grandfather to Slade. Behind a man who carried such a heavy responsibility was a strong family—one who loved him, supported him, and stood by him through long, difficult, often seven-day work weeks. He was a true servant. A man others leaned on. As Sheriff Wood, his deputy and mentee, said: “I talked to him almost every day. If I had any questions, who else could I ask but him?” That tells you everything you need to know about William. He just had a lot of wisdom. Even though he retired in 2008, he was asked to come back as sheriff, and he served two more terms. By the time he retired for good in 2020, he had served in law enforcement for fifty years. He could have lived comfortably in retirement, but he chose to come back because he had a sense of duty. In 2016, there was a police ambush in Baton Rouge—a gunman killed four officers and wounded two more. William came to a ceremony for one of them, which I appreciated. In fact, he and I rode down to that together from Alexandria to pay homage to a fallen lawman. And you know, there is something to be said for lawmen’s realism. William certainly had it. He told me: When you’re fighting crime, it’s like mowing the grass. You never stop, you just have to keep on going. No anger, no bitterness, just a realism. There’s a quote about losing a friend that says, “the melody he played upon the lives of those around him will never be played quite the same way again.” So, while the melody may not be played quite the same way, it will be echoed by his family, by his community, by all of us. Mr. President, I ask now that we take a moment of silence to honor the life of William Earl Hilton.Thank you. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-calls-on-senate-democrats-to-stop-inflicting-pain-end-the-dhs-shutdown/,"Cassidy Calls on Senate Democrats to Stop Inflicting Pain, End the DHS Shutdown",2026-03-26,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor, calling on Senate Democrats to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). “At some point, [Senate Democrats] have to be willing to make an agreement,” said Dr. Cassidy. “You should consider the pain that you are exacting upon fellow Americans, upon people who are not getting paid for six weeks even though they have bills to pay,” said Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Mr. President, Someone asked me today, since Senate Democrats keep moving the goalpost on DHS funding, what’s the level of frustration amongst Republicans? You know what I said? “Ask the American people how frustrated they are!” Senate Democrats are hurting Americans for their own gain. The lines at the airport get longer. Just look at the people lined up at the airport in New Orleans. If you’re one of the people waiting in line at the airport, you should call up a Senate Democrat and ask them to end this shutdown. The rate of call-outs from TSA staff exceeded 40 percent over the weekend. They’re calling out because they’re driving an Uber or Lyft to pay the bills. Iran gives us more reasons to guard our borders and coasts. Yet Democrats say no every time. By the way, we HAVE a solution—a solution that Democrats initially agreed to, first when they negotiated the bill, and then once more! And now, they’ve moved the goalpost again. Clearly, they care more about appeasing their left-wing base than they do about solving this problem for the American people. It is greedy, it is dangerous, and it is totally un-American. They are intentionally inflicting pain on the people in this country who are just trying to make a living and do the right thing. When we, Republicans, the White House, try meeting Senate Democrats halfway—even MORE than halfway—they still won’t budge! And the American people suffer the consequences. The TSA agent I spoke to at Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans—he is desperate for his paycheck. Troops and officers trying to keep our country safe and prevent Iranian cyber-attacks—they are stretched thin. Folks traveling, trying to get back home or to a wedding or a funeral—they can’t! They’re showing up five hours early for a flight, just to miss it by ten minutes because the security line is so backed up. By the way, DHS includes FEMA—pretty important for Louisiana! We don’t know when the next hurricane could hit. But we know that Hurricane Season starts 10 weeks from now. The funds have GOT to be in place in case the worst happens. If it does, if a storm hits our state and homes flood, FEMA won’t be able to help. Senate Democrats know this. And if they wanted to fix it, they would. So when you start to wonder, “I wonder how frustrated politicians are?” Try asking an everyday American how frustrated they are. Protect our country and pay our people. Fund DHS. With that, I yield the floor. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-presents-plan-to-save-social-security-protect-benefits-at-budget-hearing/,"Cassidy Presents Plan to Save Social Security, Protect Benefits at Budget Hearing",2026-03-26,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) outlined his plan to save Social Security in light of looming benefit cuts at a U.S. Senate Budget Committee hearing. Cassidy’s proposal would protect benefits for current and future retirees and strengthen the program’s long-term solvency. “Everyone watching—everyone sitting here—if they live to be retirement age will be affected by Social Security … This is just not luxury income. This is what people need to live,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The question is, Mr. Chairman and Mr. Ranking Member, are we going to fulfill our obligations to the American people in a way which is actually both politically and by policy viable to fix social [security]—not just now, but for future generations,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Background In August, Cassidy introduced a resolution designating August 14th as National Save Social Security Day, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Social Security Act and highlighting the program’s role in providing retirement security for generations of Americans. Cassidy released a statement following the most recent Social Security Trustees’ annual report, which predicts that Social Security will become insolvent by 2033. Cassidy’s plan to save Social Security infuses money into the program by creating a sovereign wealth fund—separate from the Social Security Trust Fund—which would consistently deliver benefits to those currently enrolled in Social Security and ensure the program remains solvent for future generations. Cassidy released the inaugural Bill on the Hill video, where he asked Capitol Hill visitors from across the country their thoughts on the looming benefit cuts to Social Security and presented his plan. Cassidy has discussed his plan at a public forum with AARP and delivered a keynote speech at the National Institute on Retirement Security’s (NIRS) 15th Annual Retirement Policy Conference on the future of Social Security. ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-over-1-5-million-for-louisiana-ports-and-airport-improvements-from-his-infrastructure-bill/,Cassidy Announces Over $1.5 Million for Louisiana Ports and Airport Improvements from His Infrastructure Bill,2026-03-25,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $1,528,378.00 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation through his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The funding will support improvements to ports and airports across the state to help move goods and support local economies. “Stronger ports and airports mean a stronger Louisiana economy,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding helps move more goods, support local jobs, and keep our state competitive for decades to come.” ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-votes-to-confirm-president-trumps-nominee-for-department-of-homeland-security/,Cassidy Votes to Confirm President Trump’s Nominee for Department of Homeland Security,2026-03-23,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today voted to confirm U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security. He was confirmed in the United States Senate by a vote of 54-45. “As my friend and colleague, I know Markwayne is a great choice for the job,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I look forward to working closely with him to continue President Trump’s success in securing the southern border, ensuring FEMA delivers for Louisiana families, and keeping our country safe.” ###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-pens-op-ed-calling-to-make-flood-insurance-affordable-again/,ICYMI: Cassidy Pens Op-Ed Calling to Make Flood Insurance Affordable Again,2026-03-23,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in the American Press highlighting the need to make flood insurance more affordable and reliable for Louisiana families ahead of hurricane season. He called for reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), including ending FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 rate hikes and ensuring coverage continues even in the event of a government shutdown. “I understand, as does President Trump, that Americans are tired of being ripped off. In 2019, we worked together to delay Risk Rating 2.0 for a year. Now, I want to do it again—permanently.” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s make flood insurance reliable, accountable, and affordable again. ” continued Dr. Cassidy. Read the full op-ed here or excerpts below: Hurricane Season Is 12 Weeks Away—It’s Time to Make Flood Insurance Affordable Again Another hurricane season is behind us, and for the first time since 2015, not a single hurricane made landfall in Louisiana. That’s good news for people with flood insurance, but even better news for people without it—a group that is growing fast because the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has become too expensive. In Louisiana, roughly 70,000 policyholders dropped their coverage between 2022 and 2024. The following year, another 52,000 followed suit. These aren’t negligent homeowners—they are families priced out of protection by the astronomical costs of a post-Biden NFIP. And they are the people who need coverage most. … Under President Biden, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) implemented a new risk assessment program—Risk Rating 2.0—in 2023, despite Congress never approving it. It jacks up rates, making premiums so expensive that people have no choice but to go without flood insurance. I understand, as does President Trump, that Americans are tired of being ripped off. In 2019, we worked together to delay Risk Rating 2.0 for a year. Now, I want to do it again—permanently. Last June, I led a group of Republican colleagues in the effort to do so, and I won’t stop working until we succeed. Last month, I followed up with FEMA, emphasizing the urgent need to address the harm that Risk Rating 2.0 is doing to the NFIP as well as policyholders in my state and across the nation. … Congress needs to act, and soon. In the meantime, federal support is critical. I’ve secured about $13 billion for Louisiana through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), much of it going directly to flood protection projects throughout the state. … Let’s make flood insurance reliable, accountable, and affordable again.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-urging-senate-to-pass-save-america-act-2/,Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Urging Senate to Pass SAVE America Act,2026-03-21,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today delivered a floor speech urging the passage of the SAVE America Act as Senate Democrats continue to block the bill. The legislation would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. “To my Democratic colleagues, I ask you to listen to the people. Pass the SAVE America Act,” said Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Mr. President, it’s a lot easier to show your photo ID when you go to vote than it is to read that poster. But Democrats insist on making it difficult. They insist on making a common-sense, widely supported bill a huge fight. It’s funny, you don’t hear any Democrats complaining that you have to show a photo ID to buy a gun. But when it comes to this Constitutional principle of protecting the integrity of our elections, suddenly that’s too far. The SAVE America Act is supported by 71 percent of Democrats and 95 percent of Republicans. That’s why I’m a proud co-sponsor, and why you might scratch your head when you hear that Democrats broadly refuse to support it. Democrats know that most of their constituents are for verifying citizenship to vote; they’re just ignoring them—presumably to appease the small left-wing base of 16 percent who are against it. It does not prevent any eligible American citizen from casting a ballot. It does not take away anyone’s constitutional rights. It just says that only American citizens may participate in federal elections. We have even worked with Democrats to address some of their concerns. For example, there is concern that those eligible to vote may not be able to obtain physical documents, like a birth certificate. But we’ve addressed that concern! If you are a citizen and you’ve lost your documents, or never had them, you could go to a state election official, swear to the details of your birth date and location or naturalization details, and register to vote. The SAVE America Act allows that alternative process to accommodate those who need an affidavit option. So, lack of documentation is not an issue. Americans have to show a photo ID or proof of citizenship on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. Opening a bank account, cashing a check, boarding a plane. They’re throwing mud against the wall to see what sticks, because that’s easier than admitting the real reason they oppose the SAVE America Act: Senate Democrats are controlled by the far left, not the majority of their constituents. But you know what’s ironic about that? When Mayor Mamdani offered New Yorkers a chance to make a few bucks snow shoveling during the blizzard last month, he required not one, but TWO, forms of valid ID. Democrats make a weak argument that even those in their own party are having trouble defending. As far as the talking filibuster is concerned, I have supported returning to the talking filibuster since I joined the Senate in 2015. Let’s see a proposal and get it done. We should look at every avenue to push the SAVE America Act. I have voted for it, and I will do so again. To my Democratic colleagues: Listen to the people. Pass the SAVE America Act. With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor. ###",1,2026-04-02T05:33:17Z,2026-04-02T05:34:59Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hosts-catch-up-with-cassidy-event-in-washington/,Cassidy Hosts “Catch Up with Cassidy” Event in Washington,2026-03-20,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted a “Catch Up with Cassidy” event, meeting with constituents from across Louisiana visiting Washington, D.C. The event provided an opportunity for Louisianans to share their priorities, ask questions, and discuss issues impacting their communities. “I wake up every morning thinking about how I can make Louisiana and our country a better place to live,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It was great to talk with folks back home about how we can keep delivering for our state.” Attendees included representatives from the Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association, the City of Pineville, the Richland Parish Police Jury, the St. Mary Community Action Agency, the Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Citadel Aviation, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. See photos from the event below. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Richland Parish Police Jury Louisiana Fire Chiefs Association St. Mary Community Action Agency Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ###",1,2026-04-02T05:33:17Z,2026-04-02T05:34:59Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-expand-mental-health-care-for-seniors/,Cassidy Introduces Bill to Expand Mental Health Care for Seniors,2026-03-18,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Removing Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Limitations Act to eliminate the Medicare 190-day lifetime cap on inpatient psychiatric care. “Louisiana seniors deserve easier access to the care they need,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By removing barriers to mental health care, we’re making their lives easier and providing peace of mind for their families.” Under Section 1812 of the Social Security Act, inpatient psychiatric care under Medicare is limited to 190 days over a lifetime. The Removing Medicare Mental Health Impatient Limitations Act would erase this cap, ensuring seniors have complete and uninterrupted access to the mental health care they need. The Removing Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Limitations Act is supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Legal Action Center, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health America, American Nurses Association, American Psychiatric Association, REDC Consortium, Oceans Healthcare, and the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action. “Medicare’s 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric care is an outdated policy that creates an arbitrary barrier we would never accept for patients with cancer or any other chronic disease — and patients with serious behavioral health needs deserve no less. As Louisiana’s leading provider of inpatient psychiatric services, Oceans Healthcare has witnessed this inequity firsthand and Senator Cassidy’s bill is an important step in patient care, and we urge Congress to move it forward,” said Stuart Archer, CEO of Oceans Healthcare. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-ricketts-introduce-bill-to-ban-congressional-stock-trading-restore-trust-in-congress/,"Cassidy, Ricketts Introduce Bill to Ban Congressional Stock Trading, Restore Trust in Congress",2026-03-18,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) today introduced the Stop Insider Trading Act to prohibit Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks and mandate a seven-day public notice period before any stock sales can be executed. “Members of Congress shouldn’t cash in on information the public doesn’t have. That’s wrong,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s put a stop to it.” “No lawmaker should ever profit from insider information. Nebraskans send us to Congress to build a better country. Public service is a privilege, not a profit center,” said Senator Ricketts. “Trust in Congress remains at an all-time low. To fix that, we need to prove we are playing by the same rules as everyone else.” The Stop Insider Trading Act will: Prohibit Members, spouses, and dependent children from purchasing any new stocks in publicly traded companies. Require public notice at least seven days, but no more than 14 days, in advance of any intended sale. Establish a penalty of $2,000 or 10% of the investment value, whichever is greater, plus the forfeiture of any net gain realized from the sale. Stop insider trading without preventing successful people from the private sector from serving. Cassidy and Ricketts were joined by U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA), Jon Husted (R-OH), Deb Fisher (R-NE), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Todd Young (R-IN) in introducing the legislation. This is the Senate companion bill to legislation led by U.S. Representative Bryan Steil (R-WI-01) in the U.S. House of Representatives. ###",1,2026-04-01T05:41:29Z,2026-04-01T05:42:36Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-votes-to-confirm-president-trumps-judicial-nominee-for-the-eastern-district-of-louisiana/,Cassidy Votes to Confirm President Trump’s Judicial Nominee for the Eastern District of Louisiana,2026-03-17,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today supported President Donald Trump’s judicial nominee, Anna St. John, to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. St. John was confirmed in the United States Senate by a vote of 51-45. “Anna stood up for Americans in court,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Because of this, we can trust her to put the Constitution and Louisianans first.” “I know the Eastern District of Louisiana is in good hands with Anna St. John on the federal bench. She knows our Constitution like the back of her hand and has the smarts and experience to be a great, fair judge. I was pleased to see my Senate colleagues agree with me today and am grateful for President Trump’s confidence in her,” said Senator Kennedy. Ms. St. John began her legal career clerking for the Honorable Rhesa H. Barksdale of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and spent several years as an attorney in the Washington, D.C. office of Covington & Burling LLP. She is a graduate of Columbia Law School, where she was named a James Kent Scholar; received a Master of Arts from the Columbia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; and received a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana State University. Prior to her nomination, Anna St. John served as president and general counsel of Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-participates-in-annual-st-patricks-day-parade-in-baton-rouge/,Cassidy Participates in Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Baton Rouge,2026-03-16,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) on Saturday rode in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Baton Rouge, which has occurred every year since 1986 thanks to the leadership of Mr. Pat Shingleton and his family. The parade route was surrounded by thousands of people and helped local businesses across the city. Beforehand, Cassidy spoke at an opening ceremony where he congratulated the Shingletons and others involved for their efforts. “St. Patrick’s Day, the Shingletons brought it to Baton Rouge,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It means family and fun and a beautiful day at home.” Others who were at the opening ceremony included Grand Marshal Jim Cantore with The Weather Channel and Catholic Bishop of Baton Rouge Michael Duca, among others. Cassidy was introduced at the ceremony by State Representative Dixon McMakin, who said the following: “Over these years, we are blessed and lucky to have Senate and Congressional leadership capable of putting petty politics to the side, and focus on winning for Louisiana,” said Rep. McMakin. “Since 2015, [Cassidy] has utilized his talents and abilities to focus on healthcare, energy, [and] delivering over $10 billion dollars for our great state. He’s passed legislation on mental health, tax cuts, the HALT Fentanyl Act, and the 2025 Social Security Fairness Act.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-advances-senate-legislation-to-make-housing-more-affordable-secures-three-key-louisiana-priorities/,"Cassidy Advances Senate Legislation to Make Housing More Affordable, Secures Three Key Louisiana Priorities",2026-03-12,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement after voting for the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act. The package includes Cassidy’s priorities to support veterans, boost disaster recovery, and make housing affordable again. All are major Louisiana priorities that Cassidy worked to secure. “Families are working hard, doing everything right, and still can’t afford a home,” said Dr. Cassidy. “The wins I helped secure in this bill help make that dream of homeownership achievable.” Provisions Cassidy helped champion for Louisiana in the ROAD to Housing Act: Legislation to fix a broken disaster recovery system that has left Louisiana families waiting too long for help. The legislation strengthens HUD’s disaster recovery grants, improves federal coordination, and establishes a dedicated office to ensure communities can rebuild faster and stronger. Legislation to ensure disabled veterans’ benefits don’t count against them when applying for housing assistance. The legislation includes provisions to support other related housing needs. Legislation to unlock additional private capital for affordable housing and community development in rural Louisiana communities. This legislation is market-driven, deregulatory, and directly beneficial to the state. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-urging-senate-to-pass-save-america-act/,Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Urging Senate to Pass SAVE America Act,2026-03-11,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor calling on the Senate to pass the SAVE America Act, legislation that would require proof of citizenship when voting in federal elections. “Senate Democrats know that most of their constituents are for verifying citizenship to vote. They are ignoring the will of the people they represent,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I ask my Senate Democratic colleagues to remember this: you demand ID to buy a gun, one constitutional right, but you won’t require it to cast a vote, another constitutional right. Listen to the people. Pass the SAVE America Act,” continued Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Mr. President, America was founded on the principle that the right to vote is sacred. Protecting it is our responsibility. I’d like to read a quote from the Boston Gazette, published April 16, 1781. “Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote…that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.” Samuel Adams wrote that nearly 245 years ago, when our country was just five years old. I often find that the principles which are described in history become more relevant as time goes on. And today, Mr. President, as this Congress debates whether proof of citizenship should be required to vote in federal elections, those words from 1781 speak as clearly as they did then. Now, when you ask the American people about this, there isn’t really that much debate. Over 83 percent of Americans say, “Yes! You should have to show a government-issued ID to vote!” This is the position of most Americans—71 percent of Democrats and 95 percent of Republicans. That’s why I’m a proud co-sponsor of the SAVE America Act—that is, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. Now, I’m from Louisiana. In EVERY state, you’re required to show your ID to buy alcohol. So, when you hear that Democrats are refusing to support the SAVE America Act, you might scratch your head. Like, I’ve got to show my government-issued ID to buy a gun, which is another Constitutional right. I’ve got to show it to board an airplane or cash a check. But when it comes to choosing the leaders who will steer the future of the United States of America—suddenly showing an ID is too much to ask? There’s something really backwards about that. Especially considering how clearly the American people are speaking on this issue. As far as the talking filibuster is concerned, I have supported returning to the talking filibuster since I joined the Senate in 2015. Let’s see a proposal and get it done. We should look at every avenue to push the SAVE America Act. It is common sense and overwhelmingly supported by the American people. Only 1 percent of people say they are undecided. Senate Democrats know that most of their constituents are for verifying citizenship to vote; they’re just ignoring them—presumably to appease the small left-wing base of 16 percent who are against it. It does not prevent any eligible American citizen from casting a ballot. It does not take away anyone’s constitutional rights. It simply strengthens trust in our system by ensuring that only citizens participate in federal elections, as our founding fathers intended. Our constitutional republic was founded on the principle that every lawful vote should count, and no unlawful vote should dilute the voices of American citizens. The SAVE America Act is simple, reasonable, and widely supported. When it comes to the Senate floor for a vote next week, I ask my Democratic colleagues to remember this: you demand ID to buy a gun, one constitutional right, but you won’t require it to cast a vote, another constitutional right. Listen to the people. Pass the SAVE America Act. With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-helps-secure-new-aviation-pilot-program-in-louisiana/,Cassidy Helps Secure New Aviation Pilot Program in Louisiana,2026-03-10,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approving Houma-Terrebonne Airport for the Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The Houma-Terrebonne Airport will be utilized for testing cargo and personnel transportation capabilities for flights over the Gulf of America to neighboring commercial facilities in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Senator Cassidy spoke with FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau and urged the administration to choose Louisiana as one of the sites for this program. “America’s aviation is moving into the 21st century,”said Dr. Cassidy. “That’s why I pushed to bring this program right here to Houma so that Louisiana can lead the way.” “Senator Cassidy’s leadership and responsiveness have been instrumental in bringing this opportunity to Louisiana. Our state is grateful for his commitment and tireless work on our behalf,”said Joshua Alford, Chairman of the Houma-Terrebonne Airport Commission. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-address-americas-debt/,Cassidy Introduces Bill to Address America’s Debt,2026-03-10,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Fiscal Commission Actto establish a commission that would address our nation’s debt and provide a better future for our children. “If Louisiana families have to budget, so should the federal government,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We’re addressing this to protect our economy today and make sure our kids aren’t stuck with the bill.” Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Todd Young (R-IN), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Warner (D-VA) in introducing the Fiscal Commission Act. BACKGROUND Under this legislation, a Fiscal Commission would be established to educate the American public on the escalating risk of our national debt while charting a course for the United States to stabilize its debt-to-GDP ratio below 100% by 2039. The commission would consist of 12 members of Congress and 4 outside experts. The commission would be required to submit a report to Congress by November 13, 2026, with an option to extend the deadline to April 13, 2026. Upon the commission completing its recommendations, each chamber of Congress would be required to vote on passing or rejecting said recommendations without amendment. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-introduces-bill-to-protect-u-s-markets-from-fraud/,Cassidy Introduces Bill to Protect U.S. Markets from Fraud,2026-03-09,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries (SAFE) Act, which would ensure the U.S. customs system provides fair and enforceable conditions for reliable trade partners to access the U.S. market. “American markets should be safe from foreign fraudsters,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We’re making it easier to do business with the partners we trust, and harder for those we don’t.” “President Trump has taken decisive action to confront unfair global trade practices, but Congress must do its part to close loopholes that allow foreign companies – often backed by adversaries like China – to skirt U.S. trade enforcement,” said U.S. House of Representatives Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19). “My Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries (SAFE) Act requires every Importer of Record to have a real and verifiable presence in the United States and subjects them to enforcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). I’m proud to support the President’s America First trade agenda by leading this effort to safeguard taxpayer dollars and ensure a level playing field for American businesses and workers.” BACKGROUND For decades, U.S. customs law allowed foreign entities—without a meaningful U.S. presence—to act as importers of record (IOR). The SAFE Act ensures that only verifiable and accountable parties can serve as importers of record across all entry types, aligning bonding requirements with current trade system while recognizing the significant trading relations with trusted allies and partners. The bill enhances the integrity of the U.S. customs system and levels the playing field for compliant companies. The SAFE Act is supported by the Coalition for a Prosperous America, Flexport, the International Trade Surety Association, the Alliance for Trade EnforcementNOW, and the Northern Border Customs Brokers Association. “CPA strongly supports Senator Cassidy’s Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries Act because it rewinds a disastrous undermining of core customs principles. The concept of a ‘Non-Resident Importer’ is incompatible with the core principle of customs law that whomever is making customs declarations to an officer is someone that can be arrested for lying. Overseas, judgment-proof vendors should not be able to act as importers,” said Jon Toomey, President of the Coalition for a Prosperous America “Right now, the U.S. is the only major economy that allows foreign companies to import without meaningful accountability. That creates a huge enforcement gap and an uneven playing field for businesses that are doing things the right way. The fix here is actually pretty simple. We should continue allowing foreign companies to import into the U.S., but require basic accountability—like establishing a U.S. subsidiary, having at least one local employee, and a U.S. bank account. That’s a common-sense standard that would weed out bad actors while still supporting open trade,” said Ryan Petersen, Founder and CEO of Flexport “The International Trade Surety Association recognizes the need for new legislation and enhanced CBP processes to meet the increasingly fraudulent use of Non-Resident-Importer privileges and the ability to easily create new importers of record that later are found to be insolvent shell companies. This legislation provides new tools important for protecting US revenue and enforcement of law,” said the International Trade Surety Association “The Alliance for Trade EnforcementNOW supports the Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries (SAFE) Act. The Alliance’s platform reflects the lived experience of companies and industry associations that operate in compliance with trade laws and rely on effective enforcement to compete fairly and sustain their businesses. Importer transparency, traceable financial responsibility, and clear jurisdictional accountability are not only practical requirements for a fair trading environment – they are necessary conditions for the viability of American industry,” said David Rashid, Founding Member of the Alliance for Trade EnforcementNOW “The Northern Border Customs Brokers Association appreciates the opportunity to participate in the dialogue surrounding the ‘Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries Act’ legislation and thanks Senator Cassidy and his staff for the engagement with stakeholders. We are particularly supportive of the legislation’s recognition of reciprocal relationships with trusted trading partners, including Canada. As an organization representing customs brokers operating along the northern border, we see firsthand the importance of reciprocity in promoting efficient, secure, and predictable cross‑border trade. Aligning treatment for reciprocal programs strengthens supply chains and reinforces longstanding economic and security partnerships between the United States and Canada,” said Brian Barber, President of the Northern Border Customs Brokers Association ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-lankford-republican-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-stop-fraud-protect-taxpayers/,"Cassidy, Lankford, Republican Colleagues Introduce Bill to Stop Fraud, Protect Taxpayers",2026-03-09,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and James Lankford (R-OK), and a group of Republican colleagues introduced the Stop Unemployment Fraud Act to strengthen safeguards against fraud in the unemployment insurance system and protect taxpayer dollars. “The unemployment system should benefit Americans who are looking to get back on their feet, not scammers,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We’re eliminating the waste, fraud, and abuse in the system, saving taxpayer dollars and serving people who actually need it.” “Making the government more efficient isn’t a partisan issue, it’s an American issue,” said Senator Lankford. “During COVID, fraudsters exploited loopholes in the unemployment system and stole billions while taxpayers were left with the bill. This legislation strengthens verification, improves coordination between states, and ensures benefits go to the Americans who actually qualify, not criminals exploiting the system.” The Stop Unemployment Fraud Act would: Strengthen identity verification requirements for unemployment claimants Require states to cross-check claims using fraud detection systems to prevent duplicate or improper payments End the “pay and chase” model by ensuring benefits are not issued before eligibility is verified Strengthen work-search requirements and federal oversight of state compliance Allow states to retain a portion of recovered overpayments to invest in fraud prevention and program administration Cassidy and Lankford were joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Steve Daines (R-MT) and U.S. Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-16), Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24), Randy Feenstra (R-IA-04), Max Miller (R-OH-07), Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01), Carol Miller (R-WV-01), Vince Fong (R-CA-20), and Aaron Bean (R-FL-04) in introducing the legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-legislation-to-protect-children-and-teens-online-passes-senate/,Cassidy Legislation to Protect Children and Teens Online Passes Senate,2026-03-06,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) applauded the Senate’s passage of his Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection (COPPA 2.0) Act to ensure children and teenagers are protected online by updating online data privacy rules for the 21st century. “Kids today grow up online. They should be protected when they do,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We’re giving parents peace of mind by protecting their kids’ personal information.” The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act would prohibit targeted advertising to children and teenagers. It would also establish data minimization rules and an “Eraser Button” for users to delete all collected information on a child or teenager. This legislation would revise and extend COPPA by banning internet companies from collecting sensitive information on users ages 13-16 without consent and closing compliance loopholes. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2382,"In the Face of Trump & Noem’s Silence, Kennedy and Fellow Members of Congress Continue to Demand Answers on Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam",2026-03-05,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Speaking on House Floor, Kennedy Reiterated the Need for a Complete and Independent Investigation into Shah Alam’s Death After Being Abandoned by DHS Kennedy’s Colleagues, Including Ranking Member Raskin, Rep. Nadler, and U.S. Senator Padilla, Highlighted Shah Alam’s Case in Oversight Hearings With Kristi Noem WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than a week after the preventable and tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) and his Democratic colleagues continue to shine a spotlight on his case and demand answers and accountability from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In a speech on the floor of the House, Kennedy underscored the tragic and inhumane circumstances of Mr. Shah Alam’s death, noting it is part of an established pattern of cruelty, inhumanity, and injustice under Donald Trump and Kristi Noem’s DHS. Though Kennedy formally requested to question Secretary Noem during her appearance before the House Judiciary Committee today, he was denied by Chairman Jim Jordan. Nevertheless, Kennedy’s colleagues ensured that Mr. Shah Alam’s case was discussed, with Ranking Member Jamie Raskin and Rep. Jerry Nadler pressing Secretary Noem on the tragic incident. Additionally, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla of California noted Mr. Shah Alam’s death in his remarks in a Senate Judiciary hearing. Despite DHS's best efforts, Kennedy and his Democratic colleagues will continue to fight for truth and accountability for Mr. Shah Alam, his family, and all New Americans who have come here in search of a better life. Kennedy’s Full Remarks Available Here “Under Trump and Kristi Noem, we have seen a troubling pattern of cruelty, inhumanity, and injustice from their Department of Homeland Security,” said Congressman Kennedy. “A pattern rooted in hate, division, and intolerance, with a willful and complete disregard for human life. Leadership matters. Accountability matters. And the Department of Homeland Security under Kristi Noem has neither. Our communities deserve a government that protects the vulnerable, not one that neglects them in the cold in the dark of night. The death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam is a failure of our entire system, and those at the top must answer for it, starting with Kristi Noem.” “You promised to use ICE and CBP to expel the worst of the worst undocumented immigrants guilty of committing violent crimes, like the people responsible for murdering the children of these angel families, these angel moms and dads who've joined us today. Instead, your mask agents have been indiscriminately rounding up any and all immigrants and citizens who your agents think look like they might be immigrants. Just last month, your agents picked up Nurul Shah Alam, a severely disabled and nearly blind Rohingya refugee lawfully in America who didn't speak English. You claimed your agents dropped him at a safe, warm location. Again, not the truth. They dropped him off miles from his home in the dark at a closed coffee shop in subfreezing temperatures. And now, because of this cruelty, this man too is dead,” said Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MA-08). “Two weeks ago, Mr. Shah Alam was left abandoned by US Customs and Border patrol agents outside of Tim Horton's coffee shop an hour after they closed in the cold and in the dark with no shoes on. Miles away from his home, five days later, he was found dead. Mr. Shah Alam escaped the genocide in his home country, just to die here, because border patrol could not be bothered to take him home or to tell his family where they had released him. When the story came out in the press, DHS claimed that they had dropped Mr. Shah Alam at a ‘warm, safe location near his last known address,’ your agents also claimed Mr. Shah Alam showed no signs of distress or ability issues or disabilities requiring special assistance. These are obvious lies. The coffee shop was closed. It wasn't safe and warm. He was nearly blind. He required special assistance,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12). “Secretary Noem, before you even knew the facts or even allowed for a credible investigation to be conducted, you called Renee Good and Alex Pretti domestic terrorists for exercising their First Amendment rights,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing. “And just last week, DHS lied yet again about abandoning a Rohingya refugee, a nearly blind man who couldn’t speak or understand English in the parking lot of a closed coffee shop, only for him to die in the freezing streets of Buffalo.” Mr. Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee from Burma who was living in Buffalo with legal status, was transferred to DHS custody following his release from the Erie County Holding Center. Upon release by DHS, given Mr. Shah Alam’s legal status, he was abandoned in the parking lot of a closed Tim Hortons restaurant. Mr. Shah Alam spoke little to no English, was mostly blind, and had mobility issues. Additionally, he was not equipped with proper winter clothing. Tragically, he was found dead five days later. Kennedy has requested an independent investigation of the circumstances of Mr. Shah Alam’s death in a letter to Attorney General Letitia James, and he was joined by colleagues Reps. Raskin, Thompson, and Meng in penning a letter to Secretary Noem requesting an investigation by DHS. ###",1,2026-04-01T05:41:29Z,2026-04-06T21:05:58Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2383,Congressman Kennedy Statement on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Firing,2026-03-05,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the below statement today following the firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “I have called for Kristi Noem’s resignation or impeachment for months. And while her firing is welcome news, the severe damage she caused is already done. Long before she was fired by President Trump, Kristi Noem trampled on our constitutional rights and civil liberties, established a culture of cruelty at DHS, and undermined our shared values. Though she is out of her job at DHS, she must still answer for her reckless actions to the American people. She, her successor, and the Trump Administration must be held accountable.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:05:58Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-87-million-for-louisiana-flood-protection-wind-mitigation-emergency-preparedness-projects/,"Cassidy Announces $87 Million for Louisiana Flood Protection, Wind Mitigation, Emergency Preparedness Projects",2026-03-05,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"Funding AmountRecipientProject Description$14,616,967.00Jefferson ParishThis grant will provide federal funding to elevate 60 flood-prone structures in Jefferson Parish to reduce future flood risk and improve long-term resilience.$12,204,257.67Office of Risk ManagementThis grant will provide federal funding to acquire and install 43 permanent generators at 11 Louisiana colleges and universities to provide emergency power during outages caused by natural hazards.$9,645,788.00Livingston ParishThis grant will provide federal funding to elevate 35 flood-prone residential structures and acquire eight residential structures in Livingston Parish to reduce repetitive flood losses and risk to life.$7,576,705.50Jefferson ParishThis grant will provide federal funding to reconstruct 34 flood-prone residential structures in Jefferson Parish and elevate them to reduce future flood losses.$7,215,951.40Tangipahoa ParishThis grant will provide federal funding to elevate 35 residential structures and acquire one residential structure in Tangipahoa Parish to reduce repetitive flood damage and risk to life.$6,173,204.55East Baton Rouge Parish (City of Baton Rouge City Hall)This grant will provide federal funding for the wind retrofit of the City of Baton Rouge City Hall’s ten-story building, including upgrading windows to withstand up to 140 mph wind speeds.$4,632,155.00Washington ParishThis grant will provide federal funding to elevate 21 flood-prone residential structures and acquire/demolish one severe repetitive loss property in Washington Parish to reduce future flood damages and risk to life.$4,444,414.00GOHSEPThis grant will provide federal funding for the Statewide 7% Initiative Planning project to help 49 parishes update hazard mitigation plans and strengthen statewide preparedness.$2,435,070.00Concordia Parish (Vidalia LWI Canal)This grant will provide federal funding for Vidalia LWI Canal drainage improvements to reduce flood risk and improve drainage flow within the Vidalia Canal watershed.$1,747,564.05St. Martin ParishThis grant will provide federal funding to elevate nine flood-prone residential structures in St. Martin Parish to reduce repetitive flood losses and improve life safety.$1,619,680.00Jefferson ParishThis grant will provide federal funding to elevate eight flood-prone residential structures in Jefferson Parish, including wind retrofit components and subsidence mitigation measures.$1,467,380.00SOWELA Technical Community CollegeThis grant will provide federal funding for design and mitigation work to retrofit the Charleston Building with impact-resistant opening protection and related repairs needed to meet current code.$1,441,584.90Washington ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for construction of a hurricane safe room meeting FEMA P-361 standards to protect essential staff and support continuity of operations during severe weather.$1,346,730.00Livingston Parish Sewer DistrictThis grant will provide federal funding for draining, treating, and closing one detention pond at the Lockhart Road Sewer Treatment Plant, including sludge treatment and disposal to reduce future public health hazards.$1,184,442.00St. Mary ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for Phase I activities to enhance pumping capacity at Pump Station 9, including design work and technical studies to support flood protection improvements.$1,170,128.75Tangipahoa ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for Phase II of the David Drive flood mitigation project, including replacing drainage outlets and certain driveways with larger culverts and new grate inlets to reduce flooding risk.$1,148,358.00Jefferson ParishThis grant will provide federal funding to rebuild seven flood-prone structures in Jefferson Parish in compliance with FEMA and local elevation requirements to reduce future flood damages and NFIP claims.$1,070,233.20City of New Orleans (Audubon Park)This grant will provide federal funding for Phase I drainage activities for the Audubon Park Lagoon Drainage Improvement Project, including data collection, surveys, engineering, and permitting.$1,005,596.54GOHSEP (Louisiana Watershed Initiative Region 4)This grant will provide federal funding to develop the Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning Commission Network Plan to address repetitive flooding and support creation of the West Louisiana Public Coordination District.$1,000,000.00Louisiana Watershed Initiative Region 4This grant will provide federal funding for LiDAR hazard mitigation data collection and analysis across nine West Louisiana parishes to identify repetitive flooding and address data gaps.$726,720.00Jefferson ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs for Jefferson Parish to administer the Jefferson Parish Ida HMGP Round II Elevation project.$610,212.88Office of Risk ManagementThis grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs to administer the ORM Generators project from application development through closeout.$482,289.00Livingston ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs for Livingston Parish to administer the Livingston Parish Elevation & Acquisition Project.$372,028.00Jefferson ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs for Jefferson Parish to administer the Jefferson Parish Ida HMGP Round 2 Reconstruction project.$360,797.55Tangipahoa ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs for Tangipahoa Parish to administer the Tangipahoa Parish Elevation/Acquisition project.$231,607.00Washington ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs for Washington Parish to administer the Washington Parish Elevation/Acquisition project.$121,753.50Concordia Parish (Vidalia LWI Canal)This grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs for the Vidalia LWI Canal Drainage Improvements project, including engineering procurement, analysis, investigations, permitting, and testing.$87,378.20St. Martin ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs for St. Martin Parish to administer the St. Martin Parish Elevations project.$80,816.00Jefferson ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs for Jefferson Parish to administer the Jefferson Parish LWI Region 8 E2 elevation project.$77,580.00Washington ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs for Washington Parish to administer the Washington Parish Safe Room project.$71,764.00Jefferson ParishThis grant will provide federal funding for subrecipient management costs for Jefferson Parish to administer the Jefferson Parish Reconstruction project.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2381,Statement from Congressman Kennedy on Iran Strikes Following Classified Briefing,2026-03-04,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Senior Trump Administration officials delivered a classified briefing to Members of Congress regarding the attack on Iran. Rep. Tim Kennedy released the following statement: “Donald Trump campaigned on keeping our nation out of foreign wars. Instead, he has launched one without a defined mission, without a plan, and without Congress. Yesterday’s briefing did nothing to convince me otherwise. “No evidence has been presented that Iran posed an imminent threat to our homeland or our interests abroad. This is a war of choice. President Trump has decided to send our sons and daughters into combat instead of pursuing peace through diplomacy. “The Constitution entrusts Congress with the power to declare war, a responsibility we do not take lightly because we know who bears the true cost of conflict. We have already paid the highest price a nation can pay. Six service members have given their lives, and their families will carry that loss forever. The President says more U.S. servicemembers will be lost. “Congress must act now.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:05:58Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-cassidy-pens-op-ed-highlighting-support-for-save-america-act/,ICYMI: Cassidy Pens Op-Ed Highlighting Support for SAVE America Act,2026-03-03,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) penned an op-ed in State Affairs highlighting his strong support for the SAVE America Act. He also emphasized the need to protect the integrity of American elections by verifying citizenship before registering to vote and urged the U.S. Senate to pass the legislation. “The right to vote is sacred, and it belongs to American citizens,” wrote Dr. Cassidy. “The SAVE America Act is simple, reasonable, and widely supported. Democrats demand ID to buy a gun, but they won’t require it to cast a vote. It’s time to stop the hypocrisy. Pass the SAVE America Act and protect the American people’s right to vote,”concluded Dr. Cassidy. Read the full op-ed here or excerpts below: Americans Want the SAVE America Act The right to vote is sacred, and it belongs to American citizens. … Polling shows that over 80 percent of U.S. adults support requiring a photo ID to vote. The American people are speaking clearly on this issue. Democrats know their constituents support verifying citizenship to vote, yet party leaders are choosing to ignore them. If 80 percent of Americans back this common-sense measure, then we should have at least 80 votes in the Senate to support this bill. Therefore, inaction isn’t about public opposition; it’s about appeasing a small, fringe left-wing base. … Our constitutional republic was founded on the principle that every lawful vote should count, and no unlawful vote should dilute the voices of American citizens. The SAVE America Act is simple, reasonable, and widely supported. Democrats demand ID to buy a gun, but they won’t require it to cast a vote. It’s time to stop the hypocrisy. Pass the SAVE America Act and protect the American people’s right to vote. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-celebrates-groundbreaking-of-new-lipseys-headquarters/,Cassidy Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Lipsey’s Headquarters,2026-03-02,2026,2026-03,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) last Friday spoke at the groundbreaking for the new headquarters of Lipsey’s Guns in Baton Rouge, which will open next year. Cassidy thanked Mr. Richard Lipsey and his team for creating jobs and supporting the Baton Rouge community. “Lipsey’s is a family business committed to our state which made tough decisions in order to go from a good business to a great business, and we all benefit from them,” said Dr. Cassidy. “They went from one sporting goods store with a single location, to the largest gun wholesaler in the nation.” Then known as S&S Wholesale Sporting Goods, Lipsey’s was founded in 1953 and has evolved into a major wholesale firearms and shooting-sports distributor, supplying products to gun dealers and retailers. Those products include handguns, rifles, shotguns, suppressors, optics, and accessories. They employ about 200 people in Louisiana. Cassidy was joined at the groundbreaking by Mr. Richard Lipsey, who thanked the Senator for his attendance. “Senator Cassidy, thank you for being here today,” said Mr. Lipsey. “Moments like this reminds us that Lipsey’s has never been about buildings, it has always been about people. Your support helps us continue serving our community with honor, excellence, and heart.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2374,Statement from Congressman Kennedy on Trump Administration Strikes on Iran,2026-02-28,2026,2026-02,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the following statement: “Last night, Donald Trump launched pre-emptive military strikes against Iran without Congressional authorization or making the case to the American people. “Iran is a dangerous, murderous regime. However, the Constitution is clear: Congress declares war. Trump chose escalation over diplomacy, putting American lives at risk in a volatile region. “Our service members deserve better than to be sent to war without a plan, without Congressional authorization, and without the will of the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:03:58Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2373,Congressman Kennedy Leads Congressional Letter Demanding Federal Investigation into Death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam,2026-02-27,2026,2026-02,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Kennedy Joined by Ranking Members Thompson and Raskin, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Meng in Oversight Letter to DHS Secretary Noem BUFFALO, N.Y. – Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), alongside Ranking Members Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Grace Meng (NY-06), sent an oversight letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem demanding an immediate and comprehensive federal investigation into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam in Buffalo, New York. “The tragic death of Mr. Shah Alam is a moral failure that demands answers and a thorough investigation,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy. “A man who fled persecution, who was nearly blind, and unable to communicate in English, was left alone in the dead of winter to fend for himself. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, but rather a predictable result of the culture of cruelty that has taken hold at DHS under Trump and Kristi Noem. His family is owed clarity, and the American people deserve a full accounting of how this happened, and how similar tragedies will be prevented from ever happening again.” “What happened to Mr. Shah Alam is a heartbreaking failure that raises serious questions DHS must answer for,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security. “DHS’s actions were a stunning display of carelessness and cruelty that Congress has a responsibility to fully investigate and ensure never happens again. I thank Congressman Kennedy for leading on this matter.” “The death of Mr. Shah Alam is the result of at least staggering recklessness and coldhearted indifference. It is an American tragedy and an American disgrace. This kind of cruelty is now one more five-alarm wake-up call for a country already reeling from violent deaths caused in American streets by federal agents,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. “I salute my colleague Rep. Tim Kennedy on his fierce leadership and determination not to let this catastrophe be swept under any MAGA bureaucrat’s rug.” “Nurul Amin Shah Alam should be alive today. He is dead because U.S. Border Patrol agents abandoned a blind refugee miles away from home and then lied to cover it up. Video footage proves that Mr. Alam was left outside of a coffee shop that was closed, not a ‘warm, safe location’ as they claimed. The Department of Homeland Security’s cruelty, callousness, and indifference to human life is absolutely sickening. As Members of Congress, we demand answers and justice for his family. The Department of Homeland Security must be held accountable,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Mr. Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee with legal status in the United States, was reported missing on February 19, 2026, shortly after being released from custody and transported by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP). According to publicly available reporting and information provided by his family, Mr. Shah Alam was nearly blind, did not speak English, and was unable to independently navigate transportation. He had fled persecution in Burma and arrived in the United States in December 2024 seeking safety. The letter outlines serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding his release. USBP reportedly transported Mr. Shah Alam from Erie County custody and left him at a coffee shop miles from his family’s residence during winter. He was not reunited with family members, and questions remain about what accommodations, if any, were made to account for his severe visual impairment and language barriers. Mr. Shah Alam was found deceased on February 24, several days after he was reported missing. In the letter, Congressman Kennedy and his colleagues demand a full timeline of events and a transparent accounting of DHS policies and actions that may have contributed to this tragedy. The letter makes clear that this case raises broader questions about federal transportation and release practices for vulnerable individuals in custody. It calls for coordination with state and local officials, full transparency to the public, and accountability where failures occurred. See the full text of the letter below: February 27, 2026 The Honorable Kristi Noem Secretary Department of Homeland Security 2707 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20528 Dear Secretary Noem, We write to demand an immediate investigation into the tragic death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a Burmese refugee who was found deceased in the City of Buffalo on Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, after being transported and subsequently neglected by U.S. Border Patrol (USBP). As Members of Congress with the responsibility to conduct oversight of this administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its inhumane – at times deadly – treatment of immigrants, we must hold this administration accountable for any negligence, wrongdoing, or breach of protocol that resulted in a death. Accordingly, we demand a comprehensive investigation into the sequence of events that led to Mr. Shah Alam’s death, including DHS’s responsibility that may have contributed to this preventable tragedy. Mr. Shah Alam, a Rohingya refugee with legal status, was reported missing on February 19, 2026, shortly after release by USBP. Mr. Shah Alam was largely blind and did not speak English, coming to the United States on December 24, 2024 after fleeing persecution in Burma, where Rohingya people have faced systemic oppression and genocide. According to publicly available information, on February 19th, USBP took Mr. Shah Alam from Erie County custody, transporting him to a coffee shop miles from his family’s residence. According to his family, Mr. Shah Alam had a severe disability, could not read, write, or use a phone, and could not communicate independently. Despite these significant occupational challenges and the inability to find shelter or safety on his own, USBP abandoned Mr. Shah Alam at an unsafe location in the middle of winter, without proper care, and without his family to ensure his safety.[1] Tragically, several days after he was reported missing, Mr. Shah Alam was found dead on the night of February 24th. This tragedy raises serious questions about USBP’s responsibility surrounding the circumstances that contributed to Mr. Shah Alam’s death, as well as DHS’s transportation and release protocols for vulnerable individuals from federal law enforcement custody. This administration’s inhumane, abhorrent treatment of immigrants has resulted in entirely preventable deaths and it is our responsibility as Members of Congress to conduct oversight into these matters. In addition to a full timeline of the events involving USBP, we demand a comprehensive, transparent investigation into Mr. Shah Alam’s case and request that the Department provide answers to the following questions no later than March 5, 2026. What was the justification behind USBP’s involvement in transporting Mr. Shah Alam? Were any other DHS components involved in his transport? What is CBP’s protocol for transporting and releasing vulnerable individuals with disabilities? What are the standard protocols for “courtesy rides” for transportees that USBP has referenced in statements? Given Mr. Shah Alam was blind and barely spoke English, how was the decision made to drop him somewhere other than his home? What steps, if any, were taken to ensure Mr. Shah Alam’s continuity of care upon his release, given his complex medical conditions? What translation or interpretation services were offered to Mr. Shah Alam during transit? Why was Mr. Shah Alam left at a coffee shop rather than a home address? What clothing was Mr. Shah Alam wearing when he was released by USBP? Was he provided any warm clothing given the winter weather? When was DHS notified of Mr. Shah Alam’s release, and why was USBP made responsible for his custody? At what point did USBP coordination with Erie County officials fail? A USBP spokesperson stated that Mr. Shah Alam was “not amenable to removal.” When was this determination made? What contact, if any, was made with Mr. Shah Alam’s family prior to his release? Mr. Shah Alam had been missing since February 19th. What actions, if any, were taken by DHS between February 19th and February 24th to attempt to locate Mr. Shah Alam? Will CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility conduct any disciplinary or remedial actions to ensure DHS personnel involved are held accountable for any potential wrongdoing? How will CBP classify Mr. Shah Alam’s death? What processes or procedures have been immediately put in place following Mr. Shah Alam’s death to ensure this never happens again? The death of Mr. Shah Alam was entirely preventable. DHS has a moral and legal obligation to conduct a full and transparent investigation, in coordination with state and local officials, to ensure accountability, answer to the American people, and provide justice for the Shah Alam family. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your response. Sincerely, Congressman Timothy M. Kennedy House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson House Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Jamie Raskin House Judiciary Committee Congresswoman Grace Meng Chair, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T21:03:58Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-over-70-5-million-for-louisiana-disaster-recovery-emergency-preparedness/,"Cassidy Announces Over $70.5 Million for Louisiana Disaster Recovery, Emergency Preparedness",2026-02-27,2026,2026-02,Republican,Senate,LA,Bill Cassidy,C001075,www.cassidy.senate.gov,cassidy,https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/?jsf=jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $70,508,828.60 in federal funding from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support disaster recovery and emergency preparedness efforts following Hurricanes Laura, Ida, and Francine, as well as response efforts to saltwater intrusion in Plaquemines Parish. The funding will support emergency protective measures, infrastructure repairs, and rebuilding efforts for communities, schools, and ports across the state. “Louisiana families count on good roads, clean drinking water, and help they can trust when disasters hit,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding helps communities recover, rebuild stronger, and prepare for future storms.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:26:08Z