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://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1178,"Congressman Kennedy Unveils SNOW Act, Legislation to Help Communities Prepare for and Recover from Extreme Snowstorms",2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Legislation Would Help Communities In Western New York, And Other Snow Impacted Regions, Prepare For And Recover From Extreme Snowstorms By Updating FEMA’s Guidelines For Winter Storm Assistance Kennedy: “We can’t afford to do nothing. The cost is too great.” Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced legislation, the Support Neighborhoods Offset Winter Damage (SNOW) Act, to update the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) disaster assistance policies to better help communities prepare for and recover from snowstorms. “Time and again, our communities in Western New York have faced severe snowstorms without the federal support needed to respond. The Christmas Blizzard of 2022 is the latest example of how damaging and deadly snowstorms can be and it’s time for the federal government to step up,” said Congressman Kennedy. “That’s why I’ve written the SNOW Act, legislation requiring FEMA to treat catastrophic blizzards the same as any other natural disaster. This bill will help local governments across the country prepare for, respond to, and recover from extreme snowstorms. We can’t afford to do nothing. The cost is too great.” ""This legislation is crucial for updating FEMA's policies to allow for important federal support to be readily available to local governments impacted by significant winter weather events,"" said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. ""We know here in Erie County the importance of being able to access federal funding before, during and after a major snowstorm or blizzard. I thank Congressman Kennedy for his leadership and vision in providing protection against future catastrophic weather events."" The Buffalo Blizzard of 2022, the deadliest on record, showed that FEMA’s snow assistance policy is outdated, limited in scope, and prevents communities from adequately preparing for, responding to, and recovering from catastrophic snowstorms. Congressman Kennedy’s SNOW Act would bring extreme snowstorms on par with other emergencies and natural disasters in order to access federal assistance. Specifically, the legislation would: Update storm severity threshold to unlock federal funding: FEMA requires record snowfall to qualify for disaster assistance. This bill would update FEMA’s guidelines for approving assistance by incorporating damages, wind speed, wind chill, and the affected area’s real median household income. Provide access to snow removal equipment: This bill would add snow removal equipment to FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program which provides proactive investment in resilience for communities. Help state and local governments recover from storms: FEMA only provides snow assistance for emergency protective measures. This bill would provide assistance to include debris removal, and work on roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, public utilities, public parks, and other facilities. Provide financial assistance to impacted individuals: This bill would expand assistance to individuals when the cost of a snowstorm exceeds the ability of the state to respond or recover. Increase the federal cost share: To better support disadvantaged and rural communities, this bill would increase the federal cost share from 75% federal and 25% state/local to 90% federal and 10% state/local. This would include all communities in New York’s 26th Congressional District, including Support for the SNOW Act: ""As a city and region that has endured some of the most severe snowstorms in recent memory, including the devastating Christmas Blizzard of 2022, we know all too well the significant challenges these events bring,"" said City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon. ""Congressman Kennedy’s SNOW Act addresses the need for FEMA policies that recognize the increasing frequency and impact of extreme winter weather that targets our city and region. By elevating devastating snowstorms that affect Western New York into the same response framework as other natural disasters across the country, the SNOW Act ensures our region will receive the support it needs and deserves."" “This region must do all it can to support efforts by Congressman Kennedy and our other federal elected officials to obtain federal resources for local municipalities following winter weather events, that, if those concerned about climate change are correct, will become more frequent,” said Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joe Emminger. “The 2022 Christmas storm that hammered this region and stole more than 40 lives, left ruin in its wake for families, homeowners, renters and businesses. Winter Storm events need to be recognized similar to how Atlantic Hurricane events are recognized; not by record snowfalls but rather by the financial impact that they have on our local communities.” ""The SNOW Act would help towns like Cheektowaga deal with the impacts of unpredictable snow disasters that dump feet of snow, cause power outages, downed trees, and the need for help to make roads passable in a timely manner,” said Cheektowaga Town Supervisor Brian Nowak. “We cannot afford to have the vehicles of first responders stuck in the roads preventing police, fire, and EMS responding to scenes.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise-Statement-on-Passing-of-President-Jimmy-Carter,Scalise Statement on Passing of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"JEFFERSON, La. — Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter: “I am saddened to learn about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. “I join all Americans in saluting President Carter for his lifetime of service, first as a naval officer, then as a senator in the Georgia legislature, then as Governor of Georgia, and, finally, as President of the United States. Jimmy Carter set the standard for post-presidential service through his work with Habitat for Humanity. “Jennifer and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the Carter family.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/12/27/higgins-introduces-legislation-to-abolish-epa-return-authority-to-the-states/,"Higgins Introduces Legislation to Abolish EPA, Return Authority to the States",2024-12-27,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the introduction of the Sovereign State Environmental Quality Assurance Act (SSEQAA), which would abolish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and authorize funding directly to each state’s environmental quality agency. SSEQAA authorizes funding directly to the sovereign states at a baseline equating to 70% of 2019 EPA funding levels. The bill would: Authorize no more than $4.4 billion each year for four years to be divided proportionately to each state based upon the most recent decennial census. Allocate up to $880 million each year for four years to establish and staff a new office within the U.S. Treasury to administer and audit the disbursement of environmental protection funds to the states. Direct a study on the efficacy of the bill and require an annual report of findings to Congress. Require Congressional reauthorization each four years. Reduce federal spending by an estimated $60-80 billion over 10 years. Restore Tenth Amendment authority to the states. “FedGov has unconstitutionally weaponized federal agencies like the EPA against the American people and American industry,” said Congressman Higgins. “The EPA’s regulatory oppression has unjustly penalized our farmers, petrochemical industry, energy producers, and American families. My SSEQAA legislation abolishes the EPA, restores environmental protection authority to the sovereign states, and saves tens of billions in taxpayer dollars. This bill and several others will be reintroduced in the first legislative days of 2025, and I have introduced SSEQAA in the final days of the 118th Congress as a fair warning to the entire deep state bureaucracy that the 119th Congress will force serious reform upon DC.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise-Legislation-to-Expand-Atchafalaya-National-Heritage-Area-Signed-into-Law,Scalise Legislation to Expand Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Signed into Law,2024-12-24,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after his legislation, H.R. 6843, to expand the boundaries of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to include Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, was signed into law: “The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is home to some of the most unique and special landscapes and traditions in the world. This National Heritage Area tells the rich story of Louisiana’s treasured culture and history, but for too long, a piece of that story has been missing. I’m pleased to see my legislation to include Lafourche Parish in the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area become law and, at last, correct this unfortunate oversight by making this historic National Heritage Area whole,”said Leader Scalise. What Louisiana Leaders are saying: “Lafourche Parish offers an incredible blend of culture and natural resources that will strengthen the region’s unique identity and reinforce the importance of the National Heritage Area designation for our community. Lafourche was the only parish in the boundary left out of the original designation, and I’m grateful for Leader Scalise for spearheading this effort and our entire congressional delegation for their work to make Lafourche the final parish in the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area,”said Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson, III. “The addition of our 15th and final parish will allow us to tell the full story of the Atchafalaya region’s rich cultural, natural, and recreational resources that stretch from Bayou Teche to Bayou Lafourche and from Vidalia to the Gulf of Mexico. We’re grateful to our Louisiana Delegation for supporting efforts to include Lafourche in the National Heritage Area,"" said Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Executive Director Justin K. Lemoine.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise%27s-End-of-Congress-Recap%3A-House-Republicans-Delivered-Wins-Despite-Slim-Majority,Scalise's End-of-Congress Recap: House Republicans Delivered Wins Despite Slim Majority,2024-12-22,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 22, 2024 WASHINGTON, D.C. — As we approach the end of the 118th Congress, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement highlighting the wins the Republican majority achieved throughout the last two years: ""Over the past two years, the Republican majority in the House has worked tirelessly to counter the Biden-Harris Administration’s disastrous, crisis-causing policies, fighting for hardworking families who are struggling under the weight of these failures. With every bill we passed, House Republicans sought to preserve freedom, strengthen our economy, keep communities safe, and hold the government accountable – demonstrating from the beginning what a unified Republican government could accomplish. “We passed legislation to secure our border and stop the flow of fentanyl into American communities, such as the Secure the Border Act, and brought bills to unleash American energy and lower costs for families, such as the Lower Energy Costs Act. With federal agencies issuing burdensome regulation after regulation, we passed legislation to rein in executive overreach and keep the administrative state out of your homes, like the REINS Act and the Midnight Rules Relief Act. We also passed bills that stand up for our allies, like Israel, confront our adversaries, like China, and ensure our servicemembers and their families are taken care of. With the Parents Bill of Rights Act, we delivered on our promise to protect parents’ right to be involved in their child’s education, and with the SAVE Act, we worked to ensure only American citizens could vote in our elections. “In our committees, House Republicans conducted oversight investigations of the executive branch to hold officials accountable and deliver transparency to the people. We looked into key Administration officials’ roles in the catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan, how the Biden-Harris Administration knowingly and intentionally undermined U.S. border security to create the border crisis, antisemitism on American campuses and administrators’ failure to provide a safe environment for Jewish students, and the COVID-19 pandemic origins and handling. We also established a task force to investigate the attempted assassinations of President Trump. This is only some of what Republicans were able to achieve in the 118th Congress. “All of this we accomplished with control of only the House, laying out a roadmap by passing bill after bill to show the country how we can fix the things the Biden-Harris Administration broke. The country saw our solutions and made a clear choice, delivering a mandate to put the issues they care about first. We are already laying the groundwork so that we can move quickly in January to address these problems and pass President Trump’s agenda. With President Trump in the White House and a Republican Senate, we’ll be able to reverse the failure and chaos of the Biden-Harris Administration and lower costs for families and restore safety and sanity to our country. It’s going to be a very busy and productive new year."" A Future That’s Built on Freedom ✅ Small Businesses H.J. Res. 98 (James) – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to ""Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status."" Passed 206-177 Republicans 198-0 Democrats: 8-177 S.J. Res. 32 (Kennedy) – A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to ""Small Business Lending Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)"" : Repeals the final rule that requires financial institutions to collect and report credit application data for small businesses to the bureau and protects small businesses from government overreach. Passed 221-202-1 Republicans: 215-0-1 Democrats: 6-202 H.R. 3801 (Smith-NE)—Employer Reporting Improvement Act: Reduces the burden on small businesses filing health insurance paperwork with the IRS. Passed by voice vote Second Amendment H.J. Res. 44 (Clyde) – Pistol Brace CRA: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to ""Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces.'"" Passed 219-210 Republicans: 217-2 Democrats: 2-208 H.R. 3091 (Fry) – Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act: Directs the General Services Administration to allow law enforcement officers to buy retired service weapons. Passed 232-198 Republicans: 219-0 Democrats: 13-198 Consumer Choice H.J. Res. 136 (James) – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles”: Repeals the Biden-Harris EPA’s burdensome emissions rule relating to “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles” under the Congressional Review Act, protecting consumer choice, keeping more affordable and realistic car options in the marketplace, and preventing further reliance on China. Passed 215-191 Republicans: 207-0 Democrats: 12-186 H.R. 6192 (Lesko) – Hands Off Our Home Appliances Act: Prevents the Secretary of Energy and the DOE from implementing new or amended energy efficiency standards for appliances that are not technologically feasible and economically justified. Passed 212-195 Republicans: 205-0 Democrats: 7-195 H.R. 7673 (Ogles) – Liberty in Laundry Act: Prevents the Secretary of Energy and the DOE from implementing new or amended energy efficiency standards for clothes washers that are not technologically feasible and economically justified. Passed 215-200 Republicans: 209-0 Democrats: 6-200 H.R. 7637 (Miller-Meeks) – Refrigerator Freedom Act: Prevents the Secretary of Energy and the DOE from implementing new or amended energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers that are not technologically feasible and economically justified. Passed 212-192 Republicans: 205-1 Democrats: 7-191 H.R. 7700 (Langworthy) – Stop Unaffordable Dishwasher Standards Act: Prevents the Secretary of Energy and the DOE from implementing new or amended energy efficiency standards for dishwashers that are not technologically feasible and economically justified. Passed 214-192 Republicans: 207-0 Democrats: 7-192 H.R. 1640 (Lesko) – Save Our Gas Stoves Act: Prohibits the Department of Energy from imposing their proposed rule to ban gas stoves by amending the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and clarifies that the DOE cannot issue standards that effectively ban a product based on the fuel it uses. Passed 249-181 Republicans: 220-0 Democrats: 29-181 H.R. 1615 (Armstrong) – Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act: Blocks the CPSC from issuing a radical rule to ban gas stoves and bars the use of federal funds to regulate gas stoves as a banned hazardous product. Passed 248-180 Republicans: 219-0 Democrats: 29-180 Women's Sports H.J. Res. 165 (Miller-IL) – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to ""Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance"": Reverses the Biden Administration’s Title IX rule relating to Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance so schools and educational institutions can continue to uphold the safety and educational and athletic opportunities of women and girls. Passed 210-205 Republicans: 210-0 Democrats: 0-205 H.R. 734 (Steube) – Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act: Prevents biological males from competing in school athletic programs for women or girls. Passed 219-203 Republicans: 219-0 Democrats: 0-203 Schools H.R. 5 (Letlow) – Parents Bill of Rights Act: Provides transparency for parents and guardians by establishing various notification requirements for school curriculum. Passed 213-208 Republicans: 213-5 Democrats: 0-203 H.R. 8932 (Houchin) – FAFSA Deadline Act: Removes the flexibility in the deadline for the Education Department to release FAFSA applications by making October 1st the hard deadline for release and ends the confusion for students, families, and schools. Passed 381-1 Republicans: 195-0 Democrats: 186-1 H.R. 6090 (Lawler) – Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023: Instructs the Department of Education to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which includes denying Jewish self-determination and applying double standards to Israel, when enforcing laws and rules against discrimination in education programs. Passed 320-91 Republicans: 187-21 Democrats: 133-70 H.R. 3724 (Owens) – End Woke Higher Education Act: Includes legislation that amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to require colleges and universities to put in place First Amendment principles in order to receive funding, and prohibits accreditors from requiring schools to adhere to partisan frameworks and ideological litmus tests to receive accreditation. Passed 213-201 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 16-189 H.R. 1147 (Thompson) – Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023: Modifies requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture to permit schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. Passed 330-99 Republicans: 218-1 Democrats: 112-98 Ending Pandemic Era Policies H.J. Res. 7 (Gosar) – Terminates the COVID-19 national emergency. Passed 229-197 Republicans: 218-0 Democrats: 11-197 Signed into law 4/10/2023 Scheduling H.R. 382 and H.J. Res. 7 on the floor accelerated the need for the Biden Administration to announce the end of the COVID-19 emergency declarations. House Democrats overwhelmingly opposed this bill by a vote of 11-197. H.R. 185 (Massie) – Ends CDC’s requirement for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers entering the United States. Passed 227-201 Republicans: 220-0 Democrats: 7-201 H.R. 139 (Comer) – SHOW UP Act: Requires federal agencies to return to pre-pandemic teleworking policies. Passed 221-206 Republicans: 218-1 Democrats: 3-205 H.R. 497 (Duncan) – Freedom for Health Care Workers Act: Terminates the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers. Passed 227-203 Republicans: 220-0 Democrats: 7-203 H.R. 382 (Guthrie) – Pandemic is Over Act: Terminates the COVID-19 public health emergency. Passed 220-210 Republicans: 220-0 Democrats: 0-210 The Biden administration released a Statement of Administration Policy on January 30, 2023 announcing the expiration of the COVID-19 public health and national emergency on May 11, 2023 Standing up to Socialism H. Con. Res. 9 (Salazar) – Denouncing the horrors of socialism: Keeps America free from the implementation of socialist policies in the United States. Passed 328-86 Republicans: 219-0 Democrats: 109-86-14 H.R. 5349 (Salazar) – Crucial Communism Teaching Act: Directs the the independent Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to provide a civic education curriculum and educational materials for middle and high school students about the dangers of communism and totalitarianism, teaching how these systems are against American ideals and founding principles. Passed 327-62 Republicans: 171-28 Democrats: 156-34 Sporting, Recreation, and Public Lands H.R. 3397 (Curtis) – WEST Act of 2024: Requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) director to withdraw their finalized rule regarding conservation and landscape health that would upend their multiple use mandate and restrict access to public lands, and also prevents the BLM from finalizing a similar rule. Passed 212-202 Republicans: 209-1 Democrats: 3-201 H.R. 8790 (Westerman) – Fix Our Forests Act: Expedites and improves forest management activities on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands, tribal lands, and National Forest System lands, deters frivolous litigation that delays important projects, promotes collaboration across jurisdictions, prioritizes treatments in the forests with highest risk of wildfire, and encourages active forest management. Passed 268-151 Republicans: 213-0 Democrats: 55-151 H.R. 615 (Wittman) – Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023: Stops the Biden Administration’s Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters for hunting and fishing, unless the regulation is consistent with state laws and supported by science. Passed 214-201 Republicans: 207-3 Democrats: 7-198 H.R. 764 (Boebert) – Trust the Science Act: Would delist the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List in the lower 48 states and ensure this decision is not subject to judicial review. Passed 209-205 Republicans: 205-4 Democrats: 4-201 An Economy That’s Strong ✅ Energy H.R.1 (Scalise) – Lower Energy Costs Act: Increases domestic energy production and exportation, reduces regulatory burdens, and reforms permitting across all sectors of the economy. Passed 225-204 Republicans: 221-1 Democrats: 4-203 H.R. 7176 (Pfluger) – Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024: Puts a stop to the Biden Administration’s ban on LNG exports and streamlines the permitting process by getting rid of the requirement for the Department of Energy to authorize exports and giving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission total authority over the approval process. Passed 224-200 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 9-200 H.R. 1121 (Duncan) – Protecting American Energy Production Act: Prevents President Biden from implementing a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to protect American energy production, and expresses that states have primacy over energy production on state and private land. Passed 229-188 Republicans: 214-0 Democrats: 15-188 H.R. 7409 (Kim) – Harnessing Energy at Thermal Sources (HEATS) Act: Expedites geothermal energy production by exempting geothermal operators from federal drilling permit requirements, including NEPA, for wells on non-federal land where the United States holds an ownership interest of less than 50 percent of the subsurface geothermal estate. Passed 225-181 Republicans: 207-0 Democrats: 18-181 H.R. 1449 (Fulcher) – CLEAN Act: Requires the Interior Department to increase the frequency of geothermal lease sales from every two years to every year and hold a replacement sale if one is canceled or missed, and creates deadlines to inform geothermal drilling permit applicants of the decision on their application. Passed 244-171 Republicans: 213-0 Democrats: 31-171 H.R. 8446 (Ciscomani) – Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2024: Amends the Energy Act of 2020 to ensure all critical materials from the DOE’s critical materials list are included in the USGS CML, just as the critical minerals on the USGS CML are included in the DOE’s critical materials list. Passed 245-155 Republicans: 201-2 Democrats: 44-153 H.R. 6009 (Boebert) – Restoring American Energy Dominance Act: Would block the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed rule entitled “Fluid Mineral Leases and Leasing Process,” that would stifle American energy production on federal lands and burden small businesses, and prevent the BLM from implementing a similar rule in the future. Passed 216-200 Republicans: 213-0 Democrats: 3-200 H.R. 3195 (Stauber) – Superior National Forest Restoration Act: Rescinds the Biden Administration’s Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN, which blocks mining operations in the Superior National Forest lands in Minnesota and reissues canceled mineral leases granted prior to January 2021. Passed 212-203 Republicans: 210-0 Democrats: 2-203 H.R. 7023 (Rouzer) – Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act: Consists of five bills that reform and restore permitting processes under the Clean Water Act, ensuring they are more consistent and transparent and providing greater regulatory certainty. Passed 213-205 Republicans: 211-1 Democrats: 2-204 H.R. 2925 (Amodei) – Mining Regulatory Clarity Act of 2024: Undoes the damaging Rosemont decision, allows mining operations to continue as they have historically under the law, and protects the communities and jobs supported by this industry. Passed 216-195 Republicans: 207-1 Democrats: 9-194 H. Res. 987 (Newhouse) – Denouncing the harmful, anti-American energy policies of the Biden administration, and for other purposes: Denounces the Biden Administration’s disastrous and harmful anti-American energy policies that are raising costs for hardworking Americans, and putting our energy security and the security of our allies at risk. Passed 217-200 Republicans: 213-0 Democrats: 4-200 H.R. 6285 (Stauber) – Alaska’s Right to Produce Act of 2023: Reverses the Biden Administration’s and the Department of Interior’s decisions to ban energy development in the 1002 Area and the NPR-A and reinstates lawfully awarded leases. Passed 214-199-2 Republicans: 209-1 Democrats: 5-198-1 H.Con.Res. 86 (Zinke) – Expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States: Expresses the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would not be in the best interest of the country because it would raise energy prices, crush American families and businesses, and be detrimental to the United States economy. Passed 222-196 Republicans: 212-1 Democrats: 10-195 H.R. 1023 (Palmer) – Cutting Green Corruption and Taxes Act: Repeals the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, preventing unelected bureaucrats from forcing their climate agenda on the American people without any oversight or accountability. Passed 209-204 Republicans: 208-1 Democrats: 1-203 H.R. 6544 (Duncan) – Atomic Energy Advancement Act: Ensures efficient and predictable licensing, regulation, and deployment of nuclear energy technologies. Passed 356-36-1 Republicans: 199-0 Democrats: 166-36 H.R. 4394 (Fleischmann) – Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024: Provides FY2024 appropriations for the Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, and several independent agencies to enhance our energy security, invest in our national defense, and bolster our economic competitiveness. Passed 210-199 Republicans: 210-1 Democrats: 0-198 H.R. 8998 (Simpson) – Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: Reins in wasteful spending and cuts burdensome regulations to reduce energy costs, safeguard American jobs, develop our natural resources, and ensure Americans’ access to public lands for recreation. Passed 210-205 Republicans: 209-5 Democrats: 1-200 H.R. 4821 (Simpson) – Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024: Provides FY24 appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies that increase access to critical minerals, get rid of burdensome red tape on American oil and gas, prioritize public safety, rein in the EPA and their regulations, and make cuts to stop out-of-control spending. Passed 213-203 Republicans: 212-3 Democrats: 1-200 H.R. 21 (Rodgers) – Strategic Production Response Act: Limits the drawdown of petroleum in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve until DOE develops a plan to increase percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production. Passed 221-205 Republicans: 220-0 Democrats: 1-205 Modified open rule allowed for the consideration of 78 amendments on the House floor 147 amendments were submitted for pre-printing H.R. 22 (Rodgers) – Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China: Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from selling petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to any entities under the ownership or influence of the CCP. Passed 331-97 Republicans: 218-0 Democrats: 113-97 Budget H.R. 2811 (Arrington) – Limit, Save, Grow Act: Limits federal spending, saves taxpayer dollars, and grows the economy. Passed 217-215 Democrats: 0-211 Republicans: 217-4 H.R. 3746 (McHenry) – Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023: Makes vital and meaningful cuts to government spending, gets rid of red tape that’s limiting American growth, holds the executive branch accountable for its spending, and avoids default on our national debt. Passed 314-117 Republicans: 149-71 Democrats: 165-46 H.R. 4366 (Carter-TX) – Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024: Provides funding for (1) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, (2) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, (3) Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, (4) Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, (5) Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and (6) Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024. Passed 339-85 Republicans: 132-83 Democrats: 207-2 Became law on 3/9/24 H.R. 2882 (Ciscomani) – Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024: Provides funding for (1) Defense Appropriations Act, (2) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, (3) Homeland Security Appropriations Act, (4) Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, (5) Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, and (6) State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024. Passed 286-134 Republicans: 101-112 Democrats: 185-22 Became law on 3/23/24 Tax Relief H.R. 7024 (Smith-MO) – Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024: Restores and expands proven tax policies from the 2017 GOP tax reform that supported hardworking American families and made the economy more successful and productive, grew workers’ wages, and spurred job creation and greater investment in America. Passed 357-70 Republicans: 169-47 Democrats: 188-23 Reining In Executive Actions H.R. 115 (Biggs) – Midnight Rules Relief Act: Amends the Congressional Review Act to allow Congress to disapprove multiple rules through one joint resolution if those rules were issued during the last year of a President’s term in office. Passed 210-201 Republicans: 209-1 Democrats: 1-200 H.R. 357 (Cline) – Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act: Requires that rules from federal agencies be issued and signed by the head of the agency, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, to keep federal rulemaking in check and constitutional. Passed 218-203 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 3-203 H.R. 347 (Stefanik) – REIN IN Act: Requires the Biden administration to publish the inflationary impact of executive actions before enacting them. Passed 272-148 Republicans: 213-4 Democrats: 59-144 15 amendments offered on the floor S.J. Res. 38 (Rubio) – A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Highway Administration relating to ""Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers."" Passed 209-198 Republicans: 207-2 Dems: 2-196 Cutting Wokeness from Economic Policy H.R. 5339 (Allen) – Protecting Americans’ Investments from Woke Policies Act: Forces financial institutions to focus on maximizing returns in retirement plans instead of woke ESG factors by ensuring financial institutions base investment decisions solely on economic factors and complete information is provided to retirement investors. Passed 217-206 Republicans: 1214-0 Democrats: 3-206 H.R. 4790 (Huizenga) – Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act: Prevents radical leftist regulators from inserting ESG and other partisan policy into America’s financial system by blocking regulatory overreach, fixing the SEC’s proxy voting process and holding proxy advisory firms accountable, and restoring the materiality standard. Passed 215-203 Republicans: 212-0 Democrats: 3-203 Fraud H.R. 1163 (Smith-MO) – Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act: Protects taxpayers by incentivizing states to recover fraudulent payments, improving program integrity to prevent future fraud, and extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud. Passed 230-200 Republicans: 220-0 Democrats: 10-200 H.R. 6678 (McClintock) – Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act: Makes social security fraud committed by an illegal immigrant grounds for deportation or barring them from admission into the United States. Passed 272-155 Republicans: 217-0 Democrats: 55-155 Protecting Responsible Homebuyers H.R. 3564 (Davidson) – Middle Class Borrower Protection Act of 2023: Cancels the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s changes to single-family mortgage pricing framework that makes reliable borrowers with good credit subsidize riskier loans, and makes sure such changes cannot be done in the future. Passed 230-189 Republicans: 216-0 Democrats: 14-189 Expanding Access to Capital H.R. 2799 (McHenry) – Expanding Access to Capital Act of 2023: Cuts burdensome red tape by reducing securities regulations, increases access to capital, creates more investment opportunities, helps small businesses, and strengthens our public markets. Passed 212-205 Republicans: 212-0 Democrats: 0-205 Utilizing Federal Office Space Efficiently H.R. 6276 (Perry) – USE IT Act of 2023: Requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the General Services Administration (GSA) to identify the utilization rate of public buildings and federally-leased spaces, ensure it averages at least 60 percent over the course of a year, and put forward a plan to consolidate federal agency headquarters so building utilization is over 60 percent. Passed 217-203 Republicans: 211-2 Democrats: 6-201 Crypto H.J. Res. 109 (Flood) – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121: Overturns the SEC's rule relating to SAB 121 which prevents banks from offering crypto or digital asset custodial services to consumers: Passed 228-182 Republicans: 207-0 Democrats: 21-182 H.R. 4763 (Thompson) – Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act: Establishes a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, clarifies the CFTC’s jurisdiction over digital commodities and the SEC’s jurisdiction over digital assets offered as part of an investment contract, and implements strong consumer protections. Passed 279-136 Republicans: 208-3 Democrats: 71-133 H.R. 5403 (Emmer) – CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act: Blocks the Federal Reserve from directly or indirectly issuing a CBDC to any individual, prevents the Federal Reserve from using a CBDC to implement monetary policy, and requires Congress to authorize the issuance of any CBDC, protecting Americans’ financial privacy and freedom from government control. Passed 216-192 Republicans: 213-0 Democrats: 3-192 A Nation That’s Safe ✅ Border H.R. 2 (Diaz-Balart) – Secure the Border Act of 2023: Fixes our broken asylum system, hires more Border Patrol agents and provide them with resources they need, reinstates Trump-era policies like Remain in Mexico, and forces the Biden Administration to resume building the border wall. Passed 219-213 Republicans: 219-2 Democrats: 0-211 H. Res. 1371 (Stefanik) – Strongly condemning the Biden Administration and its Border Czar, Kamala Harris's, failure to secure the United States border: Condemns the Biden Administration and Border Czar Kamala Harris for their failure to secure the U.S. southern border, resulting in the worst border crisis in American history. Passed 220-196 Republicans: 214-0 Democrats: 6-196 H. Res. 1112 (Gonzales-TX) – Denouncing the Biden administration’s immigration policies: Condemns President Biden and his Administration for their disastrous open border policies that have created the worst border crisis in U.S. history, and urges the Biden Administration to take immediate action to end this national security threat. Passed 223-191 Republicans: 210-0 Democrats: 13-191 H. Res. 1065 (De La Cruz) – Denouncing the Biden administration’s immigration policies: Condemns President Biden and his Administration for their disastrous open border policies and holds them accountable for creating the worst border security crisis in U.S. history. Passed 226-193 Republicans: 212-0 Democrats: 14-193 H. Res. 957 (Moran) – Denouncing the Biden administration's open border policies, condemning the national security and public safety crisis along the southwest border, and urging President Biden to end his administration's open border policies. Passed 225-187 Republicans: 211-0 Democrats: 14-187 H.R. 7909 (Mace) – Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act: Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make illegal immigrants who are convicted of, who admit having committed, or who admit committing sex offenses or domestic violence inadmissible and deportable from the United States Passed 266-158 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 51-158 H.R. 7511 (Collins) – Laken Riley Act: Holds the Biden Administration accountable for their role in these tragedies through their open border policies, requires detention of illegal aliens who commit theft and mandates ICE take them into custody, and allows a state to sue the Federal government on behalf of their citizens for not enforcing the border laws, particularly in the case of parole. Passed 251-170 Republicans: 214-0 Democrats: 37-170 H.R. 5717 (LaLota) – No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act: Ensures that sanctuary cities, counties, and states that provide benefits to illegal immigrants are ineligible for federal funds to assist such immigrants. Passed 219-186 Republicans: 207-0 Democrats: 12-186 H.R. 5585 (Ciscomani) – Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act: Creates new criminal offenses for operating a vehicle within 100 miles of the southern border while fleeing from Border Patrol agents, or any law enforcement officer assisting the U.S. Border Patrol, including serious jail time and prohibition from ever receiving legal status in the United States. Passed 271-154 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 56-154 H.R. 6976 (Moore-AL) – Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act: Makes driving intoxicated or impaired a deportable offense for illegal immigrants and grounds to bar them from entering the country. Passed 274-150 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 59-150 H.R. 5283 (Malliotakis) – Protecting our Communities from Failure to Secure the Border Act of 2023: Prohibits the use of federal funds to provide housing to illegal immigrants on land that falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal land management agencies. Passed 224-203-1 Republicans: 218-0-1 Democrats: 6-203 H.R. 8663 (LaLota) – DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024: Authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct research and development, testing, and evaluation on equipment that would help law enforcement better detect fentanyl and other drugs. Passed by voice vote H.R. 7404 (Crane) – Subterranean Border Defense Act: Requires DHS to provide annual reports on counter-illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Passed by voice vote H.R. 8752 (Amodei) – Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025: Ensures our homeland is protected by increasing border security, providing for the removal of dangerous criminals, countering China and bolstering national security, supporting American values, and removing woke initiatives impeding the Department’s primary mission to promote American safety. Passed 212-203 Republicans: 207-6 Democrats: 5-197 H.R. 4367 (Joyce-OH) – Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024: Provides FY24 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure the southern border, counter China, remove criminals from the United States, and strengthen our national security, while defunding far-left initiatives in the Department. Passed 220-208 Republicans: 218-0 Democrats: 2-208 H. Res. 461 (Miller-Meeks) – Condemning the use of elementary and secondary school facilities to provide shelter for aliens who are not admitted to the United States. Passed 223-201 Republicans: 216-0 Democrats: 7-201 H.R. 3203 (Barr) – Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2023: Strengthens sanctions authorities aimed at Chinese opioid traffickers and officials who are complicit in trafficking. Passed by voice vote H.R. 467 (Griffith) – HALT Fentanyl Act: Permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances (FRS) in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, guarantees law enforcement has the resources to keep these drugs off the street, and allows for further research of FRS. Passed 289-133 Republicans: 215-1 Democrats: 74-132 H.R. 3941 (Molinaro) – Schools Not Shelters Act: Bans the use of public elementary schools, secondary schools, or institutions of higher education as shelters for illegal immigrants. Passed 222-201 Republicans: 218-0 Democrats: 4-201 National Defense H.R. 7888 (Lee-FL) – Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act: Reforms and reauthorizes FISA to maintain national security while protecting Americans' privacy and addressing Intelligence Community abuses. Passed 273-147 Republicans: 126-88 Democrats: 147-59 Became law on 4/20/24 H.R. 8038 (McCaul) – 21st Century Peace through Strength Act: Holds Russia and Iran accountable through sanctions, addresses the deadly fentanyl crisis, protects our national security from the threat posed by foreign adversary owned applications like TikTok, and inhibits funding for terrorism. Passed 360-58 Republicans: 186-25 Democrats: 174-33 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 7521 (Gallagher) – Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act: Prevents app store availability or web hosting services in the U.S. for ByteDance-controlled applications, including TikTok, unless the application severs ties to entities like ByteDance that are subject to the control of a foreign adversary. Passed 352-61-1 Republicans: 197-15 Democrats: 155-50-1 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 9495 (Tenney) – Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act: Prevents the IRS from charging late fees and penalties on American citizens wrongfully detained abroad, and revokes the tax-exempt status of U.S. non-profit organizations who have been found to provide financial or material support to designated terrorist groups like Hamas. Passed 219-184 Republicans: 204-1 Democrats: 15-183 H.R. 7589 (Latta) – ROUTERS Act: Protects Americans' communications networks from foreign-adversary controlled technology, including routers, modems, or devices that combine both. Passed by voice vote H.R. 820 (Stefanik) – Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act: Requires the FCC to publish a list of every entity that both holds an FCC license or authorization and has any ownership by foreign adversarial governments, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and Cuba. Passed by voice vote H.R. 8361 (McCormick) – Economic Espionage Prevention Act: Authorizes the President to impose sanctions with respect to economic or industrial espionage by foreign adversary entities tied to China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and the Maduro regime of Venezuela. Passed by voice vote H.R. 5613 (Waltz) – Sanctions Lists Harmonization Act: Requires coordination between federal agencies when placing a foreign individual or entity on specified sanctions lists. Passed by voice vote H.R. 7151 (Wagner) – Export Control Enforcement and Enhancement Act: Gives the Departments of State, Defense, and Energy greater ability to propose changes to the Entity List, a roster of foreign companies, research institutions, and individuals who pose a serious national security risk to the United States and are prohibited from purchasing sensitive American products. Passed by voice vote H.R. 6606 (Radewagen) – To amend the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 relating to the statement of policy: Revises the statement of policy of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to include protecting the trade secrets of the United States, its people, and its industrial base related to items subject to export control or when the subject of foreign economic espionage. Passed by voice vote H.R. 6614 (Jackson-TX) – Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act: Ensures accountability and transparency in the export control process when American goods and technologies are sent abroad. Specifically, the legislation requires information be provided to Congress about each export license application, including the name of the entity submitting the application, who they are exporting to, what the decision was, and how compliance with U.S. export controls is being monitored. Passed by voice vote H.R. 6046 (Clyde) – Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act: Redesignates the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization after the Biden Administration removed them from the list. Passed 285-135 Republicans: 213-1 Democrats: 72-134 H.R. 5917 (Gallagher) – Strengthening Tools to Counter the Use of Human Shields Act: Reinstates sanctions against individuals who use civilians as human shields in conflict zones. Passed 419-4 Republicans: 214-1 Democrats: 205-3 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 5826 (Wilson) – No Paydays for Hostage Takers Act: Deters any future hostage-taking by Iran and other U.S. adversaries by pushing the Administration to impose Levinson Act sanctions on hostage-taking. Additionally, H.R. 5826 allows the President to deny a representative of the United Nations diplomatic entry to the United States if the individual is sanctioned under specified Executive Orders related to terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Passed 391-34 Republicans: 215-1 Democrats: 176-33 H.R. 4681 (Hill) – Illicit Captagon Trafficking Suppression Act: Requires the Administration to impose sanctions on foreign persons who facilitate or profit from the production or proliferation of Captagon, an amphetamine-type stimulants. Passed 410-13 Republicans: 212-3 Democrats: 198-10 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 6586 (Burchett) – To require a strategy to oppose financial or material support by foreign countries to the Taliban, and for other purposes: Requires the Department of State to develop a strategy to discourage foreign countries from providing financial or material support to the Taliban, including using U.S.-provided foreign assistance to discourage countries from providing support to the Taliban Passed by voice vote H.R. 6408 (Kustoff) – To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to terminate the tax-exempt status of terrorist-supporting organizations: Revokes the tax-exempt status of any U.S. nonprofit that provides material support, including financing, resources, or tangible assistance, to a designated terrorist group. Passed 382-11 Republicans: 203-1 Democrats: 179-10 H.R. 6972 (Kiggans) – Securing Chain of Command Continuity Act: Requires all members of the National Security Council (NSC) to provide notification to the Executive Office of the President, the Comptroller General of the United States, and to each chamber of Congress within 24 hours of any planned or emergent medical incapacitation. Passed by voice vote H.R. 529 (Waltz) – Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act: Extends the customs waters territory of the United States from 12 nautical miles to 24 nautical miles, allowing U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to pursue critical efforts to enforce our trade laws and prevent deadly drug smuggling off our shores. Passed 402-6 Republicans: 208-0 Democrats: 194-6 H.R. 7659 (Graves-MO) – Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024: Supports and strengthens the Coast Guard in its critical missions to safeguard borders, ensure maritime safety, facilitate commerce, increase transparency, stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the country, protect the maritime domain, and confront Chinese expansion in the Pacific. Passed 376-16 Republicans: 181-15 Democrats: 195-1 H.R. 6679 (McClintock) – No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act: Makes illegal immigrants that are members of Hamas or participated in the October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel inadmissible to or deportable from the United States. Passed 422-2-1 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 207-2-1 H.R. 8771 (Diaz-Balart) – Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025: Reaffirms American leadership by combatting our adversaries, supporting our allies, promoting American values here and abroad, and prioritizing our national security, while cutting funds to wasteful climate initiatives and bureaucratic world organizations and refocusing our taxpayer dollars on actually protecting Americans and our allies. Passed 212-200 Republicans: 211-1 Democrats: 1-199 H.R. 4665 (Diaz-Balart) – Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024: Provides FY24 appropriations that combat the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, support our allies, promote American values here and abroad, and prioritize our national security, while defunding counterproductive climate programs, unnecessary regulations that hurt American business, and controversial organizations like the World Health Organization. Passed 216-212 Republicans: 216-2 Democrats: 0-210 H.R. 8774 (Calvert) – Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025: Strengthens America’s defense by prioritizing countering the CCP, investing in innovation in our military, supporting our servicemembers and their families, combatting the flow of fentanyl, promoting American values, and ensuring the Department is focused on its primary duty to keep our people safe. Passed 217-198 Republicans: 212-1 Democrats: 5-197 H.R. 4365 (Calvert) – Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024: Provides FY24 appropriations to the Department of Defense that prioritize the fight against China, invest in modernizing the military, and counter the flow of fentanyl while cutting wasteful spending in the President’s budget that funds divisive social programs. Passed 218-210 Republicans: 216-2 Democrats: 2-208 Senate Amendment to H.R. 5009 (Rogers) – Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025: Strengthens our national security by deterring China, restoring lethality, and cracking down on inefficient uses of funds, while also supporting our servicemembers by taking meaningful steps to improve their quality of life. Passed 281-140 Republicans: 200-16 Democrats: 81-124 H.R. 2670 (Rogers) – National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024: Counters the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression, boosts oversight of the Biden Administration’s Department of Defense, supports members of our military and their families, and saves taxpayers billions of dollars by cutting wasteful programs while still investing in a secure defense industrial base and innovative technologies to support our national defense. Passed 310-118 Republicans: 147-73 Democrats: 163-45 H.R. 8580 (Carter-TX) – Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: Provides FY25 appropriations for military construction, the VA, and related agencies that deliver for our veterans and servicemembers, bolster our national security, increase deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, and cut radical woke initiatives. Passed 209-197 Republicans: 205-2 Democrats: 4-195 H.R. 4366 (Carter-TX) – Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024: Provides FY24 appropriations for military construction, the VA, and related agencies that honor our commitment to veterans, support a strong national security, and keep the executive branch in check. Passed 219-211 Republicans: 219-2 Democrats: 0-209 S. 141 (Bost) – Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act: Expands economic opportunities, simplifies the disability claims process, reforms services for aging veterans, and opens more doors for mental health support. Passed 382-12 Republicans: 187-12 Democrats: 195-0 H.R. 9468 (Mike Garcia) – Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: Prevents a budget shortfall at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that allows benefit payments to continue being processed. Passed by voice vote Became law on 9/20/24 S. 4367 (Graves-MO) – Water Resources Development Act of 2024: Authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works Program for projects to improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, flood and storm protection, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure. Passed 399-18 Republicans: 192-18 Democrats: 207-0 H.R. 3848 (Chavez-DeRemer) – Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act of 2023: Provides increased funding for VA programs supporting homeless veterans. Passed 408-10 Republicans: 206-10 Democrats: 202-0 H. Res. 240 (Williams-NY) – Condemning recent actions taken by the Russian military to down a United States Air Force drone. Passed 410-0 Republicans: 212-0 Democrats: 198-0 Iran H.Res. 288 (Tenney) – Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE: Urges the EU to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization under the EU Common Position 931 on terrorism. It also encourages the Biden Administration to make the EU designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization a diplomatic priority in engagements with the EU. Passed 411-14 Republicans: 215-1 Democrats:196-13 H.R. 3152 (McCaul) – Fight CRIME Act: Imposes sanctions on Iran’s missile and drone programs. Passed 403-8 Republicans: 210-1 Democrats: 193-7 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 3774 (Lawler) – SHIP Act: Imposes sanctions on people and companies that facilitate Iran’s black-market oil sales. Passed 342-69 Republicans: 209-1 Democrats: 133-68 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 589 (Banks) – MAHSA Act: Imposes sanctions on senior Iranian officials complicit in human rights abuses or terrorism. Passed 410-3 Republicans: 209-1 Democrats: 201-2 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 5921 (Huizenga) – No U.S. Financing for Iran Act: Prohibits Treasury from issuing any licenses authorizing a U.S. financial institution to engage in transactions for trade with Iran, other than humanitarian aid. Passed 294-105 Republicans: 206-1 Democrats: 88-104 H.R. 6245 (Hill) – Holding Iranian Leaders Accountable Act: Requires the President to report on and publish the assets of certain Iranian government officials and terrorist leaders. Passed 419-4 Republicans: 215-1 Democrats: 204-3 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 6015 (Luetkemeyer) – Iran Sanctions Accountability Act of 2023: Requires the President to issue regulations to ensure that humanitarian exemptions involving Iran sanctions do not facilitate acts of international terrorism or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Passed 408-13 Republicans: 213-1 Democrats: 195-12 H.R. 5923 (Lawler) – Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act of 2023: Expands secondary sanctions to include all transactions between Chinese financial institutions and sanctioned Iranian banks that handle the purchase of petroleum and petroleum products. Passed 383-11 Republicans: 201-1 Democrats: 182-10 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 4691 (Self) – Iran Sanction Relief Review Act of 2023: Provides for tighter congressional oversight of any Administration attempt to weaken sanctions imposed on Iran. Passed 278-141 Republicans: 212-1 Democrats: 66-140 H.R. 5947 (Pfluger) – To provide for the rescission of certain waivers and licenses relating to Iran, and for other purposes: Ensures Iran cannot gain access to funds that could be used to support terrorism, including funding the Biden Administration has tried to make available to the Iranian regime. Passed 259-160 Republicans: 212-1 Democrats- 47-159 H.R. 6323 (Kim) – Iran Counterterrorism Act of 2023: Requires Iran to cease support for acts of international terrorism as a condition for the President to waive secondary sanctions and provides for a congressional review process for national security interest waivers of these sanctions. Passed 271-147 Republicans 212-1 Democrats 59-146 H.R. 3033 (Steel) – Solidify Iran Sanctions Act: Makes permanent the sanctions established by the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, which are set to expire in 2026, and ensures the U.S. can maintain critical deterrents and apply pressure to the Iranian regime to prevent them from acquiring nuclear weapons. Passed 407-16 Republicans: 213-1 Democrats: 194-15 H. Con. Res. 7 (Tenney) – Condemning the Iranian regime's human rights abuses against the brave women and men of Iran peacefully demonstrating in more than 133 cities. Passed 420-1 Republicans: 216-1 Democrats: 204-0 H.R. 6603 (Moran) – No Technology for Terror Act: Further restricts the export or re-export of U.S.-origin goods and technology to Iran, including those used to manufacture the same missiles and drones attacking our forces across the region. Passed 406-19 Republicans: 215-1 Democrats: 191-18 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 5961 (McCaul) – No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act: Freezes the funds released to Iran involved in the 2023 hostage deal between the United States and Iran and ensures these $6 billion remain permanently off limits to the Iranian regime. Passed 307-119-1 Republicans: 217-1-1 Democrats: 90-118 Federal Aviation Reauthorization H.R. 3935 (Graves-MO) – FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024: Reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration and aviation safety and infrastructure programs for the next five years. Passed 387-26 Republicans: 192-19 Democrats: 195-7 Became law on 5/16/24 Israel H. Res. 1143 (Kean) – Condemning Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack on Israel: Stands with Israel and supports their right to respond to Iranian aggression and deter future aggression. Passed 404-14 Republicans: 211-1 Democrats: 193-13 H.R. 8282 (Roy) – Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act: Would impose sanctions on the ICC or any foreign actor who supports their effort to arrest, detain, or prosecute protected persons of the United States and its allies, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant. Passed 247-155-2 Republicans: 205-0-2 Democrats: 42-155 H. Res. 883 (D’Esposito) – Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the slogan, ‘‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’’ is antisemitic and its use must be condemned. Passed 377-44-1 Republicans: 215-1 Democrats: 162-43-1 H.R. 8034 (Cole) – Israel Security Supplemental Appropriation Act, 2024: Replenishes critical defensive systems including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, provides additional weapons and munitions to Israel, and supports U.S. military operations responding to Iran-backed attacks on American troops and global shipping. Passed 366-58 Republicans: 193-21 Democrats: 173-37 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 6126 (Granger) – Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: Provides supplemental appropriations to support missile defense systems like the Iron Dome and additional military equipment for the Israel Defense Forces while also replenishing U.S. weapons stocks and fully offsetting the cost of this assistance. Passed 226-196 Republicans: 214-2 Democrats: 12-194 H.R. 8369 (Calvert) – Israel Security Assistance Support Act: Condemns the Biden Administration’s dangerous hold on arms delivery to Israel, urges the swift delivery of defense articles and weapons, withholds funds from the Secretaries of Defense and State and the National Security Council until these articles are delivered, and supports Israel’s right to self defense. Passed 224-187 Republicans: 208-3 Democrats: 16-184 H. Res. 771 (McCaul) – Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. Passed 412-10-6 Republicans: 218-1 Democrats:194-9-6 H. Res. 927 (Stefanik) – Condemning antisemitism on University campuses and the testimony of University Presidents in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Passed 303-126-3 Republicans: 219-1 Democrats: 84-125-3 H. Res. 798 (Owens) – Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Passed 396-23 Republicans: 213-1 Democrats: 183-22 H.R. 340 (Mast) – Hamas International Financing Prevention Act: Imposes sanctions targeting Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, the Lion's Den, and any affiliate or successor groups. Passed 363-46 Republicans: 208-1 Democrats: 155-45 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H. Res. 888 (Lawler) – Reaffirming the State of Israel's right to exist. Passed 412-1-1 Republicans: 210-1 Democrats: 202-0-1 H. Con. Res. 57 (Pfluger) – Expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel. Passed 412-9 Republicans: 217-0 Democrats: 195-9 H. Res. 894 (Kustoff) – Strongly condemning and denouncing the drastic rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. Passed 311-14-92 Republicans: 216-1 Democrats: 95-13-92 H.R. 5179 (Tenney) – Anti-BDS Labeling Act: Codifies the Trump Administration’s ""Country of Origin Marking of Products from the West Bank and Gaza"" guidance requiring imported products from Israel and Israeli-controlled parts of the West Bank to be labeled “Israel,” and imported products from Gaza or Palestinian-controlled areas to be labeled as “Gaza” or “West Bank,” and would prevent federal funds from being used to reverse or alter this guidance. Passed 231-189 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 16-189 H.R. 3099 (Lawler) – Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act: Establishes the position of Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords within the Department of State. Passed 413-13 Republicans: 214-2 Democrats: 199-11 H. Res. 311 (Wagner) – Encouraging the expansion and strengthening of the Abraham Accords to urge other nations to normalize relations with Israel and ensure that existing agreements reap tangible security and economic benefits for the citizens of those countries and all peoples in the region. Passed 401-19 Republicans: 215-1 Democrats: 186-18 China H.R. 3334 (McClain) – Sanctioning Tyrannical and Oppressive People within the Chinese Communist Party Act: Imposes sanctions on members of the Chinese Communist Party who take part in implementing policies that intend to infringe on Hong Kong’s autonomy, intimidate Taiwan, violate human rights, or promote political oppression within the People’s Republic of China. Passed 243-174 Republicans: 210-2 Democrats: 33-172 H.R. 1516 (Pfluger) – DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act: Restricts funding to American institutions of higher education (IHE) that maintain a relationship with a Chinese entity of concern or Confucius Institute, making them ineligible to receive any funds from the Department of Homeland Security. Passed 249-161 Republicans: 213-0 Democrats: 36-161 H.R. 1398 (Gooden) – Protect America's Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act: Reinstates and renames the China Initiative as the CCP Initiative to counter the CCP and Chinese government’s espionage efforts on U.S. intellectual property and academic institutions, prosecute those who engage in the theft of trade secrets and espionage, and defend U.S. critical infrastructure from threats from our adversaries. Passed 237-180 Republicans: 214-0 Democrats: 23-180 H.R. 9456 (Newhouse) – Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act: Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to be included on CFIUS for agriculture-related issues, and requires CFIUS to review and potentially block purchases of farmland by foreign adversaries that pose a national security risk. Passed 269-149 Republicans: 214-1 Democrats: 55-148 H.R. 5933 (Steel) – DETERRENT Act: Holds American institutions of higher education to a stricter standard on reporting gifts, donations, and investments made to them by foreign adversaries, lays out the punishments institutions will face if they fail to comply, and protects American education from harmful and dangerous foreign influence. Passed 246-170 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 31-170 H.R. 7980 (Miller-WV) – End Chinese Dominance of Electric Vehicles in America Act: Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude vehicles with batteries that contain materials sourced from foreign entities of concern from the clean vehicle credit, requires the Treasury Department to follow the same definition of FEOC as the Commerce Department, closes the ‘Chinese Billionaire Loophole’ and the ‘Chinese Manufacturing Loophole,’ and expands FEOC limitations. Passed 217-192 Republicans: 210-0 Democrats: 7-192 H.R. 8036 (Cole) – Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024: Strengthens deterrence against China’s threats, combats the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to take control of the Indo-Pacific region, enhances the relationship between regional partners and the U.S., and invests in infrastructure and munitions for Taiwan’s defense. Passed 385-34 Republicans: 178-24 Democrats: 207-0 Became law on 4/24/24 as part of H.R. 815 H.R. 7686 (Mike Garcia) – To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to clarify the definition of foreign country for purposes of malign foreign talent recruitment restriction, and for other purposes: Clarifies language in the CHIPS and Science Act to ensure the Chinese Communist Party cannot access taxpayer-funded research at U.S. universities. Passed by voice vote H.R. 510 (Davidson) – Chinese Currency Accountability Act: Requires the United States to oppose any increase in the weight of Chinese currency in the basket of currencies used to determine the value of Special Drawing Rights. Passed by voice vote H.R. 554 (Hill) – Taiwan Conflict Deterrence Act: Disincentivizes Chinese aggression towards Taiwan by publishing the assets of top Chinese leaders, as well as cutting them and their family members off from the U.S. financial system, if Beijing acts against Taiwan. Passed by voice vote H.R. 2864 (Stefanik) – Countering CCP Drones Act: Adds Da-Jiang Innovations (DJI), a Chinese drone company, to the FCC’s Covered List prohibiting new models of DJI drones from operating on U.S. communications infrastructure. Passed by voice vote H.R. 8631 (Gimenez) – Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act: Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from using appropriated funds to procure a battery produced by certain Chinese entities. Passed by voice vote H.R. 8152 (Lawler) – Remote Access Security Act: This bill broadens the scope of the U.S. export control system to include remote access of items to address a loophole being exploited by China. Passed by voice vote H.R. 5245 (Barr) – Science and Technology Agreement Enhanced Congressional Notification Act: Requires the Department of State to revoke science and technology agreements with China unless they are notified and justified to Congress. Passed by voice vote H.R. 1157 (Barr) – Countering the PRC Malign Influence Fund Authorization Act: Authorizes activities to counter the malign influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and China's government. Passed 351-36 Republicans: 172-25 Democrats: 179-11 H.R. 8333 (Wenstrup) – BIOSECURE Act: Prohibits entities that receive federal funds from using biotechnology that is from a company associated with a foreign adversary, including China. Passed 306-81 Republicans: 195-2 Democrats: 111-79 H.R. 1103 (Smith-NJ) – HKETO Certification Act: Requires the President to periodically determine whether to allow the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) to continue to operate in the United States. Passed 413-3 Republicans: 212-1 Democrats: 201-2 H.R. 4132 (Perry) – Falun Gong Protection Act: Requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on foreign persons that are knowingly responsible for, are complicit in, or have engaged in the involuntary harvesting of organs in China. Passed by voice vote S. 619 (Hawley) – COVID-19 Origin Act of 2023: Requires the Biden administration to declassify information relating to the potential links between Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origins of COVID-19. Passed 419-0 Signed into law 3/20/2023 H. Res. 104 (McCaul) – Condemning the Chinese Communist Party’s use of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over United States territory as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty. Passed 419-0 H. Res. 11 (McCarthy) – Establishing the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. Passed 365-65 Republicans: 219-0 Democrats: 146-65 H.R. 1107 (Kim) – PRC is Not a Developing Country Act: Requires the Department of State to take actions to stop China from being classified as a developing country by international organizations. Passed 415-0 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 200-0 H.R. 540 (Kim) – Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act: Support Taiwan’s participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Passed by voice vote H.R. 803 (Lucas) – PROTECT Taiwan Act: Exclude government officials of the Chinese Communist Party from financial and intergovernmental forums upon notice to Congress from the President of the United States declaring any threat to the people on Taiwan. Passed by voice vote H.R. 4039 (Moran) – No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act: Prohibits funds to the Department of State or the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to finance international projects in partnership with entities that import products mined, produced, or manufactured in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, commonly known for the genocide and forced labor of the Uyghur people. Passed by voice vote H.R. 1159 (Wagner) – Amending the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020: Modifies an existing requirement for the Department of State to review and report on its guidance to federal agencies on the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. Passed 404-7 Republicans: 216-0 Democrats: 188-7 H.R. 1189 (Mast) – Undersea Cable Control Act: Prevents foreign adversaries from acquiring goods and technologies capable of supporting the construction, maintenance, or operation of undersea cable projects. Passed by voice vote H.R. 1154 (Smith-NJ) – Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023: Imposes sanctions on persons involved in forced organ trafficking and authorizes the Department of State to revoke the passports of individuals convicted of certain crimes related to organ trafficking. Passed 413-2 Republicans: 211-2 Democrats: 202-0 H.R. 1093 (McCaul) – AUKUS Reporting: Requires the State Department to report to Congress on their efforts to implement the advanced capabilities pillar of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States. Passed 393-4 Republicans: 209-0 Democrats: 184-4 Crime & Oversight H.R. 8205 (Fitzgerald) – Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act: Amends the federal criminal statute dealing with insurance-related crimes to include corporate, for-profit, and non-profit entities that post bail for defendants, subjecting charitable bail funds to federal insurance fraud laws and state licensing requirements, and requiring their employees to pass criminal background checks. Passed 255-161 Republicans: 211-0 Democrats: 44-161 H.R. 7530 (Donalds) – DC CRIMES Act of 2024: Allows Congress to exert their oversight power over the D.C. Council and promote safety in Washington by blocking the Council’s pursuit of soft-on-crime sentencing and radical progressive policies. Passed 225-181 Republicans: 207-0 Democrats: 18-181 H.J. Res. 26 (Clyde) – Disapproving the action of the D.C. Council in approving the Revised Criminal Code Act. Passed 250-173 Republicans: 219-0 Democrats: 31-173 Signed into law 3/20/2023 House Democrats overwhelmingly opposed this legislation. After Biden announced he would sign the bill if passed by the Senate, the Senate passed H.J. Res. 26 by a vote of 81-14. Forced Dems to vote against D.C. statehood or vote against making America safe H.J. Res. 24 (Comer) – Disapproving the action of the D.C. Council in providing voting rights for non-residents. Passed 260-162 Republicans: 218-0 Democrats: 42-162 Police H. Res. 1213 (Stauber) – A resolution regarding violence against law enforcement officers: Addresses violence against law enforcement officers by condemning calls for defunding police and anti-police sentiment that has increased violence against police, acknowledging the mental and physical impacts such violence has on police, and expressing condolences and appreciation to the families of fallen law enforcement officers. Passed 337-61 Republicans: 203-0 Democrats: 134-61 H.R. 354 (Bacon) – LEOSA Reform Act of 2024: Broadens the ability of qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms in areas such as school zones, national parks, federal facilities open to the public, and state, local, or private property open to the public. Passed 221-185 Republicans: 205-0 Democrats: 16-185 H.R. 8146 (D’Esposito) – Police Our Border Act: Requires the Attorney General to report detailed information on how Biden’s border crisis impacts our law enforcement, including exposure to dangers such as fentanyl and human traffickers, injuries sustained, financial burdens, and operational strains. Passed 254-157 Republicans: 209-0 Democrats: 45-157 H. Res. 1210 (Higgins) – Condemning the Biden border crisis and the tremendous burdens law enforcement officers face as a result: Condemns President Biden’s border crisis and the dangers and burdens it has created for America’s law enforcement officers, and urges the Biden Administration to support the law enforcement officers defending our homeland. Passed 223-185-1 Republicans: 208-0 Democrats: 15-185-1 H.R. 7581 (Bishop) – Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act of 2024: Requires the Attorney General to assemble reports on violence against law enforcement officers and the effectiveness of programs meant to provide law enforcement with wellness resources and protective equipment so we may comprehensively enhance the safety of police officers. Passed: 356-55 Republicans: 210-0 Democrats: 146-55 H.R. 7343 (Van Drew) – Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act: Requires that illegal aliens who assault law enforcement officers are quickly arrested and detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until they are removed from the United States. Passed 265-148 Republicans: 211-0 Democrats: 54-148 H. Con. Res. 40 (Buck) – Expressing support for local law enforcement officers and condemning efforts to defund or dismantle local law enforcement agencies. Passed 301-119-3 Republicans: 214-2 Democrats: 87-117-3 H.J. Res. 42 (Clyde) – Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022. Passed 229-189 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 14-189 H.R. 2494 (Garbarino) – POLICE Act of 2023: Makes assaulting a police officer a deportable offense. Passed 255-175 Republicans: 219-0 Democrats: 36-175 Ensuring the Security of Presidential Candidates H.R. 9106 (Lawler) – Enhanced Presidential Security Act: Directs the U.S. Secret Service to use the same standards to determine the number of agents in a protection detail for Presidents, Vice Presidents, and major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates. Passed 405-0 Republicans: 207-0 Democrats: 198-0 Expanding Access to Justice S. 4199 (Young) – JUDGES Act of 2024: Would add 66 new federal judgeships in overworked districts across the country to help address case filing increases and ensure Americans have access to justice in a timely manner. Passed 236-173 Republicans: 207-2 Democrats: 29-171 Life H.R. 26 (Wagner) – Born-alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act: Requires medical care for children who survive abortion procedures. Passed 220-210 Republicans: 219-0 Democrats:1-210 Republicans protect all Americans, including the unborn H.R. 6918 (Fischbach) – Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act: Prevents the Secretary of Health and Human Services from restricting funding for pregnancy centers that serve new mothers and families that choose life. Passed 214-208 Republicans: 214-0 Democrats: 0-208 H.R. 4581 (Hinson) – Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2023: Clarifies that stillbirth prevention activities and research are an allowable use of funds. This clarification will support stillbirth prevention activities, saving the lives of mothers and babies. Passed 408-3 Republicans: 206-3 Democrats: 202-0 Became law on 7/12/24 H.R. 6914 (Hinson) – Pregnant Students' Rights Act: Requires universities and higher education institutions to communicate and distribute information informing pregnant students of their rights, accommodations, and resources available to them. Passed 212-207 Republicans: 212-0 Democrats: 0-207 H. Con. Res. 3 (Johnson-LA) – Expressing the sense of Congress condemning the recent attacks on pro-life facilities, groups, and churches. Passed 222-209 Republicans: 219-0 Democrats: 3-209 Republicans protect all Americans, including the unborn. Health H.R. 1425 (Tiffany) – No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act: Defends American sovereignty by requiring that any agreement reached by the World Health Assembly be treated as a treaty, and therefore be ratified by a supermajority of the Senate as outlined in the Constitution. Passed 219-199 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 4-199 H.R. 3799 (Hern) – CHOICE Arrangement Act: Codifies the Trump Administration's two rules to ensure small business owners and employees are able to have more affordable health care options, includes a new notification to employers to make sure they know these options exist, and protects the self-insured market that employers depend on. Passed 220-209 Republicans: 220-0 Democrats: 0-209 H.R. 485 (Rodgers) – Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023: Bans federal healthcare programs from using prices based on quality adjusted life years (QALYs) to determine coverage for care, protecting Americans with disabilities and chronic health conditions from life-threatening discrimination. Passed 211-208 Republicans: 211-0 Democrats: 0-208 H.R. 5378 (Rodgers) – Lower Costs, More Transparency Act: Empowers Americans with more information about the cost of health care services and treatments. Passed 320-71-1 Republicans: 166-40 Democrats: 154-31-1 H.R. 3797 (Smith-MO) – Paperwork Burden Reduction Act: eliminates mandates on small businesses to prepare and send outdated health insurance tax forms to millions of Americans who do not need them. Passed by voice vote Election Security H.R. 8281 (Roy) – SAVE Act: Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, requiring individuals to provide proof of United States citizenship in order to register to vote in federal elections. Passed 221-198 Republicans: 216-0 Democrats: 5-198 H.R. 7109 (Edwards) – Equal Representation Act: Requires the decennial census to include a citizenship question, and excludes noncitizens from the population on which the apportionment of U.S. House Representatives and electors for each state is based. Passed 206-202 Republicans: 206-0 Democrats: 0-202 H.R. 6513 (Carey) – COCOA Act: Provides statutory authority for designated congressional election observers. Passed by voice vote H.R. 192 (Pfluger) – To prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia and to repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022: Prevents individuals who are not United States citizens from voting in elections in the District of Columbia. Passed 262-143 Republicans: 210-0 Democrats: 52-143 A Government That’s Accountable ✅ Oversight Investigations Attempted Assassinations of President Trump: The House quickly acted after the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump on July 13th in Butler, Pennsylvania, and formed a bipartisan task force to investigate the series of failures by the U.S. Secret Service that day. The Task Force also investigated the subsequent assassination attempt that occurred on September 15th in Florida. On December 10th, the task force released its report titled, “Final Report of Findings and Recommendations.” It highlights significant failures in the planning, execution, and leadership of the Secret Service and its law enforcement partners. The Task Force-approved report also proposes 37 actionable recommendations related both to the security failures on July 13 and to overarching structural changes the Secret Service and Congress must consider strengthen security measures and prevent similar security failures in the future. Antisemitism on Campuses: After Hamas’ horrific October 7th attacks on Israel, and the subsequent military actions taken by Israel to defend itself, the U.S. has seen a disturbing uptick in antisemitism on college campuses. Led by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, House Republicans discovered a troubling culture on campuses, where administrators fail to implement protections for Jewish students and even mock Jewish students, and has demanded answers from these universities about student safety and funding of pro-Hamas groups and propaganda. As a result, the presidents of Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia resigned in disgrace. On December 18th, our committees released a House-wide report on Antisemitism, the result of a multi-faceted investigation that culminated in actionable findings and recommendations to safeguard Jewish Americans and uphold America’s commitment to religious freedom and safety. The Biden-Harris Border Crisis Report: The Committee on Homeland Security released a report exposing the many ways the Biden-Harris Administration knowingly and intentionally undermined U.S. border security to create the crisis we currently see at the border. The report revealed that even before taking office, the Administration was warned by experienced border security professionals about the dangers of their plan to open our borders and dismantle our border security. The Biden-Harris border crisis was not some inevitable phenomenon – it was directly caused by the actions taken by President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas. To view the full report, click here. The Biden-Harris Failed Afghanistan Withdrawal Report: The Foreign Affairs Committee’s investigation into the Biden-Harris Administration’s catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan revealed that the Administration disregarded the advice of military and security professionals, ignored the facts on the ground, and indulged in wishful thinking and endless deliberation that left American troops and diplomats in-country dangerously exposed – ultimately resulting in the tragic and unnecessary deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers. House Republicans passed legislation to condemn key figures and officials in the Administration, including President Biden, Vice President Harris, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby, State Department Secretary Antony Blinken, and others, for their part in this historic disaster. To view the full report, click here. China Oversight: The China Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party conducted numerous investigations this Congress to shed light on the threatening posture of the CCP toward the United States. It issued a report demonstrating that the CCP is helping facilitate the fentanyl crisis in the United States by subsidizing the manufacturing and export of fentanyl materials and otherwise strategically and economically benefits from the fentanyl crisis. It has also investigated American financial institutions investing in the CCP’s military capabilities; threats by the CCP to port infrastructure; and, most recently, with the Committee on Education and the Workforce, uncovered how federal funds and U.S. universities had benefited Chinese technological advancements and military capabilities. Covid Oversight: The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic were able to uncover many concerning actions by officials at the White House, NIH, state governments, and EcoHealth Alliance during the pandemic. The Subcommittee held hearings with Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Francis Collins, Governor Anthony Cuomo, and others. Significantly, the Subcommittee issued a report on EcoHealth Alliance, finding that it used taxpayer dollars from federal grants to facilitate gain-of-function research on coronaviruses at Wuhan Institute of Virology. The investigation resulted in HHS debarring the President of EcoHealth and suspending all funds allocated to EcoHealth. This month, the Subcommittee concluded its two-year investigation issuing a report titled “After Action Review of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Lessons Learned and a Path Forward.” The report details all the findings from the investigation and will serve as a road map for Congress, the Executive Branch, and the private sector to prepare for and respond to future pandemics. President Biden’s Influence Peddling and Classified Documents: On December 13, 2023, the House voted to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Biden allowing the Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means Committees to continue developing compelling evidence revealing how President Biden knew, was involved, and benefited directly from his family’s influence peddling schemes. The committees took key actions to bring in significant witnesses, including Hunter Biden and James Biden, both of whom had lied during their appearances, and the committees sent criminal referrals to the Department of Justice recommending they be charged with making false statements. In February, the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees subpoenaed Attorney General Merrick Garland for records, including transcripts, notes, video, and audio files, related to Special Counsel Robert Hur’s investigation of President Biden’s willful mishandling of classified information, after Hur declined to recommend charges against Biden citing his memory problems. A.G. Garland refused to produce the audio recordings of Special Counsel Hur’s interviews with President Biden and his ghostwriter, and on June 12, 2024, House Republicans voted to hold A.G. Garland in contempt for failing to comply with the subpoena. On July 2, 2024, the House Judiciary Committee filed a lawsuit in D.C. federal court to obtain these recordings. We remain committed to obtaining this critically important evidence in our investigation into Biden’s mishandling of classified documents. Government Censorship: The Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government and House Judiciary Committee have uncovered disturbing levels of government censorship through vigorous investigation. Notably, the Subcommittee demonstrated how the Biden-Harris Administration engaged in a pressure campaign to force tech companies to censor information in 2021. In a recent letter to the Judiciary Committee, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed regret at censoring content and stating he believed the government pressure “was wrong.” Regulatory Burdens: In the wake of the Supreme Court overruling Chevron, to assure the Biden-Harris Administration respects the limits placed on its authority, our House committees sent oversight letters to nearly every agency in the Executive branch requesting information on legislative rules, agency adjudications, enforcement actions, and agency guidance documents. Additionally, the House Oversight Committee issued a thorough report on the Biden-Harris Administration's regulatory overreach, concluding that it has imposed an estimated $1.7 trillion in regulatory costs, with EPA counting for $1.3 trillion. Transparency H. Res. 1367 (Kelly-PA) – Establishing the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump: Establishes the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, and gives the task force investigative authority, including subpoena authority, to thoroughly analyze the circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt and ensure the failures that occurred never happen again. Passed 416-0 Republicans: 214-0 Democrats: 202-0 H.R. 788 (Gooden) – Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023: Bars government agencies from entering or enforcing settlement agreements that instruct the offending party to donate to a third party, ensuring the owed funds go only to affected parties or the Treasury. Passed 211-197 Republicans: 211-0 Democrats: 0-197 H. Res. 12 (Jordan) – Establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government as a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary. Passed 221-211 Republicans: 221-0 Democrats: 0-211 Holding Democrat Representatives Accountable H. Res. 914 (McClain) – Censuring Representative Jamaal Bowman. Passed 214-191-5 Republicans: 211-0-1 Democrats: 3-191-4 H. Res. 845 (McCormick) – Censuring Representative Rashida Tlaib for promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the state of Israel. Passed 234-188-4 Republicans: 212-4-1 Democrats: 22-184-3 H.Res. 521 (Luna) – Censuring Adam Schiff, Representative of the 30th Congressional District of California. Passed 213-209-6 Republicans: 213-0-6 Democrats: 0-209 Holding the Biden Administration Accountable H. Res. 1469 (McCaul) – Ensuring accountability for key officials in the Biden-Harris administration responsible for decision making and execution failures throughout the withdrawal from Afghanistan: Ensures the parties responsible for decision making and execution failures in the disastrous Biden-Harris Afghanistan withdrawal are held accountable, and condemns key figures and officials in the Biden-Harris Administration, including President Biden, Vice President Harris, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and others. Passed 219-194 Republicans: 209-0 Democrats: 10-194 H. Res. 918 (Armstrong) – Directing certain committees to continue their ongoing investigations as part of the existing House of Representatives inquiry into whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach Joseph Biden, President of the United States of America, and for other purposes. Passed 221-212 Republicans: 221-0 Democrats: 0-212 H. Res. 863 (Greene) – Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors: Impeaches Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors due to violating immigration and border security laws enacted by Congress and threatening the safety of the American people. Passed 214-213 Republicans: 214-3 Democrats: 0-210 H. Res. 1292 (Jordan) – Recommending that the House of Representatives find United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in contempt of Congress for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued by the Committee on the Judiciary. Passed 216-207 Republicans: 216-1 Democrats: 0-206 H.R. 4468 (Walberg) – Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023: Protects consumer choice by prohibiting Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing any proposed rule with regards to emissions from vehicles. Passed 221-197 Republicans: 216-0 Democrats: 5-197 H.R. 1435 (Joyce-PA) – Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act: Amends the Clean Air Act and blocks Biden’s EPA from issuing waivers for regulations that ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. Passed 222-190 Republicans: 214-0 Democrats: 8-190 H.J. Res. 88 (McClain) – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to ""Improving Income Driven Repayment for the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program"": Prevents the implementation of a new income-driven repayment plan that would force American taxpayers to repay student loan debt that doesn't belong to them. Passed 210-189 Republicans: 208-0 Democrats: 2-189 H.R. 4364 (Amodei) – Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2024: Provides FY2024 appropriations for the legislative branch, including the House of Representatives, to maintain essential oversight responsibilities and faithfully serve the American people in a fiscally responsible manner. Passed 214-197 Republicans: 210-0 Democrats: 4-197 S.J. Res. 11 (Fischer) – Trucker Emissions CRA: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ""Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards."" Passed 221-203 Republicans: 217-1 Democrats: 4-202 H.R. 277 (Cammack) – REINS Act of 2023: Requires congressional approval before “major rules” – such as those with an annual effect on the economy of at least $100 million or those that cause a major increase in prices – can take effect, instead of expressing disapproval after. Passed 221-210 Republicans: 220-0 Democrats: 1-210 H.J. Res. 45 (Good) – Student Loans CRA: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to ""Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans,"" blocking President Biden's student loan giveaway. Passed 218-203 Republicans: 216-0 Democrats: 2-203 H.R. 288 (Fitzgerald) – Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2023 (SOPRA): Restores proper constitutional separation of powers by amending the Administrative Procedure Act to override Chevron deference and require courts to decide disputes over interpretation of statutory text. Passed 220-211 Republicans: 219-1 Democrats: 1-210 H.J. Res. 39 (Posey) – Solar Panel CRA: Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to ""Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord With Presidential Proclamation 10414."" Passed 221-202 Republicans: 209-8 Democrats: 12-194 H.R. 23 (Smith-NE) – Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act: Rescinds funding for 87,000 IRS agents allocated by the Inflation Reduction Act. Passed 221-210 Republicans: 221-0 Democrats: 0-210 H.R. 140 (Comer) – Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act: Prohibits federal employees from advocating for censorship of viewpoints in their official capacity. Passed 219-206 Republicans: 219-0 Democrats: 0-206 H.J. Res. 30 (Barr) – Disapproving of the Biden administration’s ESG requirements for retirement investments. Passed 216-204 Republicans: 215-0 Democrats: 1-204 Forced first veto of the Biden administration on March 20, 2023. H.J. Res. 27 (Graves-MO) – WOTUS CRA: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to ""Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States.'"" Passed 227-198 Republicans: 218-1 Democrats: 9-197 After passing the Senate by a 53-43 vote, the White House vetoed this legislation. S.J. Res. 9 (Marshall) – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to ""Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment."" Passed 221-206 Republicans: 217-1 Democrats: 4-205 S.J. Res. 24 (Mullin) – Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to ""Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat."" Passed 220-209 Republicans: 218-1 Democrats: 2-208",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/12/21/higgins-social-security-fairness-act-will-become-law/,Higgins: Social Security Fairness Act Will Become Law,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced today that H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), is headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law following passage in the House and U.S. Senate. “Fairness for our elders at last, praise God fairness for our beloved elders at last. We have broken the yoke of unrighteous law and followed God’s Commandment to honor our Mothers and Fathers,” said Congressman Higgins. Congressman Higgins has been one of the strongest and most vocal advocates for the bill, which repeals the unjust Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) that penalize millions of public workers across the United States. For seven years, Congressman Higgins has advocated for passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. He has been a co-sponsor of the legislation in every Congress that he has served. His efforts include: December 14, 2017 – Co-sponsored the Social Security Fairness Act for the 115th Congress. January 17, 2019 – Co-sponsored the Social Security Fairness Act for the 116th Congress. February 1, 2021 – Co-sponsored the Social Security Fairness Act for the 117th Congress. August 16, 2022 – Made a personal plea to Speaker Pelosi urging a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. Read more here. September 30, 2022 – Became the 15th signature on a discharge petition to force a House floor vote on the bill. January 10, 2023 – Co-sponsored the Social Security Fairness Act for the 118th Congress. November 20, 2023 – Advocated for the bill during a House Ways and Means Committee field hearing. Watch here. February 27, 2024 – Delivered a letter to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith. Read the letter here. March 20, 2024 – Provided a video update to constituents on the Social Security Fairness Act. Watch here. September 10, 2024 – Became the 8th signature on the discharge petition that forced a House floor vote on the bill. November 8, 2024 – Delivered a letter to U.S. House of Representative co-sponsors. Read the letter here. November 12, 2024 – Spoke on the House floor in support of the Social Security Fairness Act. Watch here. November 12, 2024 – Voted for the Social Security Fairness Act on the House floor. See the roll call here. November 14, 2024 – Delivered a letter to Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune. Read the letter here. November 15, 2024 – Delivered a letter to U.S. Senate co-sponsors. Read the letter here. November 22, 2024 – Delivered a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Read the letter here. December 10, 2024 – Delivered a letter to Social Security Fairness Act Advocates. Read the letter here. Additionally, Congressman Higgins has published dozens of press releases, emails to constituents, and social media posts reaching millions of viewers explaining the SSFA and encouraging support, including unique videos updating the American people on the bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-votes-to-avert-government-shutdown/,Cassidy Votes to Avert a Government Shutdown,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,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 on his vote in support of a bill to avert a government shutdown by extending federal funding through March. “My priority was to prevent the flood insurance program from lapsing, secure our border, and fund our troops. I commend Speaker Johnson for his ability to unite a divided House,” said Dr. Cassidy. “And after a long battle to provide public workers with the full Social Security benefits they earned, we succeeded in repealing WEP and GPO! Anyone interested in the federal government being fair to all Americans should consider this important.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bill-to-repeal-wep-gpo-after-cassidy-successfully-pushes-for-vote/,Senate Passes Bill to Repeal WEP & GPO After Cassidy Successfully Pushes for Vote,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,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) celebrated the passage of his bill to fully repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) following his months-long effort to secure a vote. The Social Security Fairness Act, which passed by a vote of 76 to 20, ensures public sector workers and their families can receive full Social Security benefits by repealing the two unfair penalties that reduced benefits for nearly 3 million Americans. The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. “Today is a day to celebrate! State and local workers in Louisiana deserve the full Social Security benefits they’ve earned. Now they will get it,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This was a long overdue step. Now we must save Social Security from insolvency in nine years for every American.” WEP was enacted in 1983 and reduces the Social Security benefits of workers who receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government for employment not covered by Social Security. GPO was enacted in 1977 and reduces Social Security spousal benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers whose spouses receive pensions from a federal, state, or local government. Together, these provisions reduce Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million Americans—including many teachers and police officers. Cassidy spoke on the U.S. Senate floor tonight ahead of the final vote to pass the Social Security Fairness Act. He also spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday as the Senate cleared the first procedural vote on the bill by a tally of 73-27. Background Cassidy has repeatedly demanded a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. In July and again earlier this month, Cassidy spoke on the U.S. Senate floor urging Congress to repeal WEP and GPO as part of his “Big Idea” to save, strengthen, and secure America’s retirement system. In June, Cassidy entered a statement into the record urging the repeal of WEP and GPO ahead of the U.S. Senate Finance Subcommittee field hearing on Social Security. Cassidy is 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. He led the introduction of the legislation in the 117th and 116th Congress. Cassidy led a bipartisan working group to preserve and protect Social Security. Last spring, he 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 “Big Idea.” In March, Cassidy grilled U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on President Biden’s plan to address Social Security, to which Secretary Yellen admitted “the president doesn’t have a plan,” to save Social Security. Cassidy has discussed the “Big Idea” at a public forum with AARP on the future of Social Security, outlined his Social Security plan in a fireside chat with the Bipartisan Policy Committee, and authored op-eds in the National Review and Washington Examiner in October, the Wall Street Journal in March, and State Affairs, and Washington Post in May. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1183,"TSA Commuting Fairness Act, First Bill Introduced by Congressman Kennedy, Approved In House",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"During debate for the TSA Commuting Fairness Act, Rep. Kennedy said in part, “Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees face some unique challenges when commuting to work, however. Many employees find housing they can afford far from airports, leading to long commutes with limited public transit options and heavy traffic. Upon arrival at the airport, employees often must park in an employee lot and wait for irregular shuttles to bring them to the airport terminal, where they may have to walk a long distance to the security checkpoint to clock in for work. According to the Government Accountability Office, TSOs have reported that just getting from the parking lot to the checkpoint to clock in for work can take as long as 45 minutes. If these hardworking civil servants are just a few minutes late to clock in, they can face discipline and punishment. My bill, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act, would help provide fairer conditions for these employees as they commute to work to secure our transportation systems.” “TSA employees deserve fair compensation for their time on airport property,” said American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) TSA Council 100 President Hydrick Thomas. “Congressman Kennedy’s legislation is an important step in ensuring that our 45,000 members are made whole for their on-site commutes. Our members keep our skies safe each and every day and deserve to be recognized for their hard work.” The bill was led through the House Committee on Homeland Security by Congressman Kennedy on June 12, 2024. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration and approval. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1177,Congressman Kennedy Says Investment in Great Lakes Icebreakers Needed to Clear the Way for Economic Activity & Job Growth,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,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) raised the alarm on the economic impact of failing to clear a path for Great Lakes shipments, stressing the need for a reliable fleet of Great Lakes Icebreakers during a hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security. (Congressman Kennedy during the committee hearing.) Congressman Kennedy, co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus, pointed out the significant role the Great Lakes passageway plays in the economies along the US-Canada border, saying in part, “Marine commerce on the Great Lakes is vital, with tens of millions of metric tons moving across the Great Lakes, and hundreds of thousands of jobs that are supported here in the United States. In the winter months, like these months we’re in today, the ice that forms on the Great Lakes gets in the way of commerce, it disrupts supply chains, it poses safety risks to vessels. It’s a disruptive force, especially in shallow lakes, like Lake Erie, which my community, that I live in, and the district that I represent directly abuts, along with Lake Ontario. The Great Lakes region really relies upon these icebreakers. Without these icebreakers, our economy takes a massive hit.” In New York State, Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping supports $633 million in business revenue and $716 million in personal income. The Port of Buffalo alone handles nearly 964,000 in annual cargo tonnage. Major shipments include wheat for the food industry, sand, gravel, and cement for the construction industry, and salt for winter road safety. The U.S. Coast Guard requested $55 million in funding for the Great Lakes Icebreaking program to assist with upgrading its aging fleet, which includes some vessels over 40 years old. However, the FY 2024 budget included only $20 million for the program, significantly underfunding the resources needed to maintain reliable icebreaking capabilities during severe winters. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-delivers-floor-speech-highlighting-impact-of-flood-insurance-premiums-on-families-during-the-holidays/,Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Highlighting Impact of Flood Insurance Premiums on Families During the Holidays,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,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 strain rising flood insurance premiums are placing on families during the holiday season. Cassidy also demanded action to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) before it expires on December 20, 2024, and called for reforms to make the flood insurance program affordable again. “The season should be a time filled with family, friends, and joy, but this year it will be filled with financial worry for many Americans. They are struggling to pay for groceries, struggling to heat their homes, and struggling to afford flood insurance,” said Dr. Cassidy. “That’s why this week I introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act to give relief to Americans enrolled in NFIP. My legislation will give low- and middle-income households a real-time 33 percent refundable tax credit to combat the out-of-control flood insurance premiums,” continued Dr. Cassidy. “It is not a permanent solution—we need serious reform.” Background Earlier this month, Cassidy introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act to give low- and middle-income households enrolled in NFIP a 33 percent refundable tax credit to combat skyrocketing flood insurance premiums. Cassidy also recently released a report detailing the current state of NFIP and the issues that led to skyrocketing premiums for millions of homeowners. The report explains the historical developments that led NFIP to this moment, key findings following a thorough examination of the crisis, and next steps Washington must take. In January, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP at the request of Cassidy. The hearing highlighted the urgent need for Congress to act and featured a Louisiana witness. Cassidy also participated in a roundtable hosted by GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance before introducing the bill to hear from community leaders and advocates on the issue. Cassidy traveled St. Bernard Parish last year to talk with residents about their flood insurance premiums, resulting in the second episode of his series Bill on the Hill. Over the last several months, Cassidy has delivered a series of speeches on the Senate floor calling for action on NFIP. Most recently, he demanded that Congress reauthorize and reform the program just before its authorization expired at the end of the fiscal year on September 30th. The programs authorization was extended to December 20th days prior to the September deadline. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Madam President, The holiday season is upon us. The season should be a time filled with family, friends, and joy, but this year it will be filled with financial worry for many Americans. They are struggling to pay for groceries, struggling to heat their homes, and struggling to afford flood insurance. For over 50 years, Americans have relied on the National Flood Insurance Program—or NFIP—to be a safety net in case of a disaster. NFIP covers 4.7 million homes across the country. However, the program has become unaffordable, unaccountable, and unsustainable. Without congressional approval, FEMA implemented a new risk assessment program called Risk Rating 2.0. This program has unfairly jacked up premiums. The skyrocketing prices brought on by Risk Rating 2.0 have left many Louisiana families and families around the nation with major financial strain. This financial strain has caused 52,000 Louisianans to drop their coverage in just one year, leaving them with no way to protect their homes. And nearly half a million Americans nationwide have dropped their coverage! Time and time again, I hear from constituents about the burden Risk Rating 2.0 places on their pocketbooks. During the holiday season, this burden will only be amplified as a Mama tries to give her children a wonderful Christmas. That’s why this month I introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act to give relief to Americans enrolled in NFIP. My legislation will give low- and middle-income households a real time 33 percent refundable tax credit to combat the out-of-control flood insurance premiums. It is not a permanent solution—we need serious reform. But cutting flood insurance bills by a third is a good place to start. I am working on a comprehensive NFIP reform package that protects families from excessive premium hikes, strengthens mitigation efforts, and simplifies the claims process by cutting red tape. While we work to fix the broken system—and believe me when I say I am working around the clock to do so—this tax credit provides relief for current policyholders. And it provides a path for Americans who have been forced to drop their coverage due to unaffordable premiums to re-enroll in the program at an affordable price. It also directs the Treasury Secretary to establish a program where premiums can be paid in advance. This will benefit families when they need it the most—like during the holiday season. Parents shouldn’t have to pick between putting food on the table, wrapping presents under the Christmas tree, or paying for flood insurance. With a tax credit taking a third off her flood insurance bill, she won’t have to. She will be able to give her children a Merry Christmas and protect the home they sleep in. This isn’t true just for families living along the Gulf Coast. It’s true for families across the nation. This year’s hurricane season showed us flooding is possible in areas that don’t typically make you think “flooding”. Just think of all the homes devastated by flooding in North Carolina. Americans need relief from Risk Rating 2.0. That is not a question. And Americans need us to pass massive reform. However, perhaps most importantly, Americans expect us to guarantee that the National Flood Insurance Program will still be around come the New Year. If Congress does nothing, the program will expire at the end of this week. Families are already worried about how they will pay their next flood insurance bill; we do not need to add to their worry that the program might cease to exist. Frankly speaking, letting the program lapse is not an option. NFIP is often the only flood insurance option for many communities. Without it, we will leave millions vulnerable. This is why, I am also working with the entire Louisiana delegation on legislation to reauthorize the program. Today, I urge my colleagues to support this reauthorization and give their constituents peace of mind and protection this holiday season. And finally, I urge my colleagues to look to the future. Passing the flood insurance affordability tax credit to give relief to policyholders and reauthorizing the program is only the first step. They are both critical steps this body must take, but unless we want to do a disservice to the American people and NFIP, we can’t—and should not—stop here. When we come back in the New Year, we must commit to reforming the program to make flood insurance affordable again!! Every single one of my colleagues has constituents who rely on the NFIP. Just look at this chart. Every single state in the union is shaded in, representing the amount of NFIP claims each has had. The states in dark yellow have been hit the hardest by flooding and have relied on NFIP the most. They have all had more than one billion in NFIP claims since 1978. 44 states have had over fifty million in total NFIP claims. It is clear Americans rely on the program, but if we continue down this path, the program is going to go bankrupt. My message to my colleagues who represent states that rely on the National Flood Insurance Program—which is every single one of them— is let’s find a way forward. My team is working on a bipartisan, permanent solution that will roll back Risk Rating 2.0 and make flood insurance affordable and accountable again. And I encourage my colleagues to join me in the New Year to get this done. In the meantime, let our Christmas gift to Americans enrolled in the National Flood Insurance program be a lower flood insurance bill and peace of mind by reauthorizing the program. With that, I yield. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-big-wins-for-louisiana-ports-waterways-in-2024-water-resources-package/,"Cassidy Secures Big Wins for Louisiana Ports, Waterways in 2024 Water Resources Package",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,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 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024 will include big wins for Louisiana ports and waterways, including significant provisions that will strengthen our water resources infrastructure and provide enhanced flood protection for our Louisiana coastal communities. “This is great news for communities along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast and our rivers,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These wins strengthen our ports, waterways, and water infrastructure. It’ll create jobs and protect Louisiana from future hurricanes and floods.” Cassidy wins in the 2024 WRDA: Authorizes water resources development projects and studies, including 22 authorizations for new projects or modifications to existing projects and over 200 feasibility studies. Included language addressing Hurricane Storm Disaster Risk Reduction (HSDRRS) payback provisions that clarifies that the State of Louisiana has met all its funding obligations for the HSDRRS system, which is the Greater New Orleans area flood control and levee system. This clarification will save the State hundreds of millions of additional dollars in additional construction payments and interest charges. Authorizes nearly $6 billion for the St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana Coastal Storm and Flood Risk Management Project. Authorizes a feasibility study for the Lake Pontchartrain Barrier Project that would reduce storm surge risk throughout the Lake Pontchartrain Basin. Modifies a flood control project to include bank stabilization and study the feasibility of adding 62 miles to the east bank of the Ouachita River Levee System from Monroe to Caldwell Parishes. Modifies an existing Corps project to allow for improvements to both Channel Deepening and an East Jetty Extension for the Calcasieu Ship Channel (Calcasieu River and Pass Project). Includes Morganza-to-the-Gulf tie in to Upper Barataria Basin language that requires the Corps to evaluate risk reduction measures to close the 7-mile gap between the Morganza-to-the-Gulf and Upper Barataria Basin projects as this is the only area without planned structural hurricane protection from Terrebonne Parish to the New Orleans HSDRRS system. Includes an expansion of an existing feasibility study of the Alexandria to the Gulf for the West Atchafalaya Basin Protection Levee system to include additional parishes to participate in the scope of the study. Includes language authorizing Point Celeste Pumping Station as an environmental infrastructure project, making the project eligible to receive Corps funding. Increases the federal cost-share for inland waterway projects to 75%; the remaining 25% will come from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. Includes authorizing language that requires the Corps of Engineers to assume all operations, maintenance, repair, replacement and rehabilitation (OMRR&R) responsibilities for all aspects of the West Bank and Vicinity Project and the original earthen levees protection system along the Algiers Canal at full federal expense. Authorizes a Corps study to provide recommendations for levee systems constructed to federal standards, but not constructed by the USACE, such as the South Lafourche Levee District, to become a federally recognized levee system and thereby become eligible for future federal support. Extends authority to raise HSDRRS levees that have subsided or settled below design grade to 2033. Extends authority for the continuation of a Non-Federal Implementation Pilot Program to 2030. This pilot program allows local Corps project partners, such as the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, to execute and construct federally authorized major flood protection projects. Authorizes funding for Larose to Golden Meadows rehabilitation and inspection program to evaluate and address any deficiencies in the covered flood risk reduction project. Includes language that provides credit to the Morganza to the Gulf project for prior interim flood protection work that the project has undertaken. Includes language that expedites the Corps of Engineers review and notification process for the Port Fourchon Belle Pass Navigation Project. Includes a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Reauthorization Title which includes reauthorization of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) programs as well as specific language that makes Vernon, Sabine, and Terrebonne Parishes eligible to participate in DRA programs. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-secures-key-louisiana-investments-in-national-defense-package-heading-to-presidents-desk/,Cassidy Secures Key Louisiana Investments in National Defense Package Heading to President’s Desk,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,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 on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law. The package includes key priorities Cassidy secured, including $105 million for Louisiana military installations. “Strategic investments in Louisiana’s bases and troops are critical to our national defense. It also supports jobs in our communities,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This package demonstrates to the world that the United States stands ready to defend our freedom against any adversary.” Cassidy and the delegation took steps to protect our national security by ensuring the Air Force cannot make changes to Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base, without Congressional approval. Additionally, the Air Force is prohibited from spending any funds to modify the current structure of the command until that plan is submitted. The package also requires the Government Accountability Office to study ways to improve special education services, including dyslexia, in schools run by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). As ranking member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Cassidy has advocated for improving special education for military children. Provisions Cassidy secured for Louisiana in the NDAA include: Cassidy also secured $6 million for the new National Disaster Military System Pilot program that will incorporate LSU Health Shreveport into the pilot program to expand emergency medical care during a disaster. That funding was secured in a separate funding bill known as the FY25 Senate Defense Appropriations package. In addition to the Louisiana funding secured above, the FY25 NDAA: Secures a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers (E1-E4) and a 4.5% pay raise for all other military members; Combats “wokeness” within the DOD; Expands tough-on-China policies; Rebuilds the “Arsenal of Democracy” and reforms antiquated DOD procurement process; Embraces innovation for counter-drone tech, AI, and quantum computing; Pushes for generational nuclear, hypersonic, missile defense, and space upgrades; Improves oversight of key Pentagon programs; Provides support for Israel and bolsters U.S. counter measures against Iran; Reverses shrinking Air Force and expands Navy shipbuilding; and Stops Democrat attempts to revise military annual medical screening forms to include pro-abortion information. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1176,"SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, KENNEDY – WITH PUSH BUFFALO – ANNOUNCE $20 MILLION TO BOOST COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCY FOR DISASTERS AND EXTREME WEATHER",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy along with PUSH Buffalo and a coalition of other Western NY environmental justice groups announced $20 million via the Inflation Reduction Act for Erie County’s Buffalo Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs Plan, which will support emergency response and extreme weather hubs and bring emergency preparedness resources to neighborhoods across Buffalo. The lawmakers said the project will also support local workforce training initiatives for solar installation, energy efficiency upgrades, and other energy-related trades to help families lower costs and fight climate change locally. “I’m championed the Inflation Reduction Act, the single largest investment in environmental and climate justice in history, because we need to invest in communities like Buffalo to give them both the resources and the skills to combat climate change locally – not to mention new tools to hold down energy costs. I am proud to deliver this major up to $20 million federal investment to make neighborhoods across Buffalo more resilient, keep people prepared in emergencies like snowstorms, flooding and heatwaves, and give people the tools to enter clean-energy careers,” said Senator Schumer. “This is a win-win: making Buffalo neighborhoods stronger in the face of emergencies and boosting workforce training for good paying clean-energy jobs. This will help build a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for Western NY.” “No one should be without access to critical support services during an emergency,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud to announce this federal funding, which will help make sure that residents of Buffalo have access to the resources they need during climate-related crises. I’m committed to building on this initiative, and I will continue working to guarantee that communities across New York have the services they need to combat the growing number of climate-related emergencies striking our state.” “In times of crisis, many communities in Buffalo face acute challenges that require big ideas and teamwork,” said Congressman Kennedy. “PUSH Buffalo and CoNECT have demonstrated their ability to meet the needs of vulnerable neighborhoods by providing resources and support. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, this $20 million grant will empower this coalition to create 150 Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs, which will include emergency equipment to ensure communities are prepared for storms and other emergencies. This program will also invest in workforce training that will give people the tools required to increase community resilience, secure good-paying jobs, and strengthen our economy. This is an important step in making communities in Buffalo more equitably prepared for emergencies—improving and saving lives.” Schumer fought to secure $2 billion to create the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Change Grants Program in the historic Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The program helps disadvantaged communities tackle environmental and climate justice challenges through projects that reduce pollution, build climate resilience, and help achieve climate justice. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. They are designed to deliver on the transformative potential of the IRA for communities most adversely and disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution, and historical disinvestments. To learn more, click here. The Buffalo Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs Plan aims to create Community Resilience Hubs across Erie County to provide disadvantaged communities access to portable solar kits, batteries, walkie-talkies, backup generators, and other emergency equipment in emergencies. The project will purchase portable network kits, solar kits to power them, wired internet access, and other devices will be stored at Community Tech Labs. The project will additionally support local workforce training in solar installation, energy efficiency upgrades, and other trades and conduct outreach to potential employers. Project partners include Just Solutions Collective, Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition, Clean Air Coalition of WNY, University at Buffalo, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, City of Buffalo- Department of Citizen Services, Erie County- Department of Health Equity. Rahwa Ghirmatzion, Senior Fellow at the Just Solutions Collective will provided strategy and overall project management. “The Community Change Grant represents a turning point for climate resilience and environmental justice for frontline communities in the City of Buffalo. We celebrate President Biden’s investment in self-determined solutions and grassroots leadership right here in our own neighborhoods, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s commitment to climate justice. We will use this three-year award to develop and implement neighborhood-focused solutions and strategies that live into the People’s Climate Law (New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, or CLCPA, passed in 2019). These programs and services will directly address the unique needs of each neighborhood, and be implemented in collaborative, collective action,” said Dawn Wells-Clyburn, Executive Director of PUSH Buffalo. “We are excited to launch this vital project to support community-led efforts in collaboration with government partners as we work towards health equity and environmental resiliency in Buffalo,” said Jessica Bauer Walker, Executive Director of CoNECT. “We are so pleased to have selected the Buffalo Neighborhood Mobilization Hubs Plan (PUSH Buffalo) to receive funding to help support their amazing work,” said Lisa F. Garcia. “These EPA investments will advance local, on-the-ground projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity.” “Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition is deeply grateful to the EPA for its investment in this innovative and collaborative community effort to heal and restore our neighborhoods and work towards building a healthy and sustainable Buffalo, where everyone can work, play, learn, live, and thrive,” said Dina Thompson, Executive Director, Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition. “We are grateful to President Biden for listening to climate justice leaders on their decades-long fight to address the worst impacts of climate change in our communities. The Communities Change grant is meant to catalyze investments on the frontlines to pave the way for a just and equitable clean energy transition,” said Rahwa Ghirmatzion, Project Manager. ""Clean Air welcomes the EPA's tremendous investment in climate resiliency, led by and for the Buffalo community. Our work on the front lines of the climate crisis has highlighted the need for neighborhood-level resiliency, and we are proud to partner in this crucial effort,"" said Chris Murawski, Executive Director, Clean Air Coalition. “We are grateful to President Biden and Senator Chuck Schumer for listening to climate justice leaders on their decades-long fight to address the worst impacts of climate change in our communities. The Communities Change grant is meant to catalyze investments on the frontlines to pave the way for a just and equitable clean energy transition,” said Rahwa Ghirmatzion, Project Manager. ""The University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences is excited to be collaborating with PUSH Buffalo and other partners on this resilience-building project in Buffalo. We look forward to supporting the students and faculty funded by this grant and are excited to witness the impact that it will make locally and throughout the region,"" said Robin G. Schulze, dean of the UB College of Arts and Sciences. About PUSH Buffalo and CoNECT PUSH Buffalo and CoNECT each have extensive experience working to engage the local community and outreach to disadvantaged residents. PUSH and CoNECT co-founded ANCHOR (Assisting Needs for Community Health, Opportunity, and Resiliency) as a community-based coalition in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to function as a bridge between systems, sectors, organizations, grassroots efforts, and community members. Their mission is to remove barriers and build up support to help Buffalo’s most vulnerable neighborhoods that disproportionately face the first and worst impacts of any acute events, including pandemics, mass shootings, and extreme weather. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-barrasso-slam-biden-harris-lng-export-study/,"Cassidy, Barrasso Slam Biden-Harris LNG Export “Study”",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,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 John Barrasso (R-WY), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement on the Biden-Harris administration’s holiday news dump: the U.S. Department of Energy’s study on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. “The only ‘science’ driving the Biden-Harris LNG pause and study is political science,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It’s no secret the Biden-Harris administration decided to dump this report during the holiday season because their actions amounted to war on American energy and war on the American worker. Natural gas has significantly lowered emissions, and LNG has been a lifeline for our allies’ energy and economic security.” “Studies have repeatedly shown that American liquefied natural gas exports benefit our economy, our environment, our security and the security of our allies. Nothing in a biased study from a bitter administration on its way out the door can change that. I look forward to President Trump unleashing American energy and reversing President Biden’s ban on liquefied natural gas exports,” said Senator Barrasso. Background Immediately following the Biden-Harris administration’s announcement that they would be freezing pending applications for LNG export permits, Cassidy led 25 of his Republican colleagues in condemning the decision. Our European allies, who have become increasingly reliant on the U.S. for LNG following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, will now be forced to decide between depriving their citizens of energy or actively funding Putin. He also introduced with Senator Barrasso the LNG Security Act to reverse President Biden’s decision to stop new American LNG export approvals and require the DOE to approve LNG exports to all countries that have imported, currently import, or are capable of importing Russian or Iranian natural gas. Additionally, he introduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act, which depoliticizes the export of American liquefied natural gas. It eliminates the requirement for the DOE to authorize its export and instead gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) sole authority over the approval process. In February, Cassidy penned an op-ed with U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in the Houston Chronicle underscoring the devastating economic, environmental, and national security impacts of the Biden-Harris decision to freeze new LNG export projects. In January, Cassidy questioned DOE Deputy Secretary David Turk on the rumors surrounding this decision and emphasized the energy, economic, environmental, and national security importance of U.S. LNG exports. Cassidy delivered a speech on the U.S. Senator floor on the Biden-Harris administration’s hypocritical and backward LNG export permitting freeze in August. Watch it here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-cortez-masto-cornyn-bennet-introduce-bipartisan-draft-legislation-to-help-teaching-hospitals-train-more-doctors-and-address-workforce-shortages/,"Cassidy, Cortez Masto, Cornyn, Bennet Introduce Bipartisan Draft Legislation to Help Teaching Hospitals Train More Doctors and Address Workforce Shortages",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,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), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced draft legislation to improve the Medicare Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, which makes payments to teaching hospitals for training residents and fellows in approved training programs. This bipartisan proposal aims to help increase our supply of physicians and meet the growing needs of communities across the country. This draft legislation builds on the Medicare GME Working Group’s policy proposals first outlined earlier this year to enhance GME funding. “Doctors often practice where they do a residency. If it helps to get doctors to practice in rural and low-income areas, let’s put training programs in these areas!” said Dr. Cassidy. “Workforce shortages are straining our health care system, especially in rural areas, and we must do more to recruit, train and retain doctors in communities across Nevada,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “That’s why I’ve been working across the aisle on this bipartisan proposal to address critical gaps in our physician workforce. I’ll continue working to ensure Nevada families in every corner of our state can access the care they need.” “By creating new graduate medical education slots, our bill would expand access to and improve the quality of behavioral health and primary care in rural communities across the Lone Star State,” said Senator Cornyn. “Rural Coloradans shouldn’t have to travel long distances to see a doctor,” said Senator Bennet. “This bipartisan effort will help teaching hospitals train and retain providers in rural and underserved communities. All Americans deserve access to quality health care – no matter where they live.” Medicare supports physician training through GME payments to teaching hospitals. In 1996, Congress capped funding based on residency numbers, fearing a surplus. Nearly 30 years later, the U.S. projects a shortage of 139,940 physicians by 2036 — including 68,020 primary care doctors and 42,130 psychiatrists. By modernizing Medicare GME, this proposal aims to ensure that every state has the workforce it needs to provide the care every American deserves. This bipartisan draft legislation would: Expand Medicare-supported residency positions in areas and specialties with critical shortages, like primary care and psychiatry. Support rural hospitals in building residency training infrastructure. Improve federal data collection to better allocate GME funding and address workforce gaps. Click here to read the section-by-sectionsummary. Senators Cassidy and Cortez Masto are seeking feedback on this draft until January 31, 2024. Additional feedback would be appreciated on the following questions: Is the 30-slot cap appropriate for ensuring fair distribution of residency slots across hospitals? What other strategies could Congress consider to ensure hospitals in all regions have an equal opportunity to compete for slots? Is codifying remote supervision the best way to provide flexibility to rural hospitals, or are there alternative approaches Congress should consider? Are the proposed data categories in Section 7 sufficient for understanding the GME landscape without overburdening small hospitals? Are there other useful data points or reporting methods that should be included? Is creating a GME Policy Council the right approach to guiding future GME slot allocations? Is the scope and responsibility of the Council adequate to make it effective? Are there any categories of high-need hospitals with potentially higher GME costs that are not already captured in the bonus rates for the proposed standardization of PRA for new slots? ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-kaine-introduce-bill-to-help-louisiana-fishers-combat-illegal-unreported-unregulated-fishing/,"Cassidy, Kaine Introduce Bill to Help Louisiana Fishers, Combat Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated Fishing",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,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) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. By creating unfair competition for fishermen who abide by international fishing laws, predatory IUU fishing hurts the U.S.—especially Louisiana—which is a major harvester, importer, and consumer of seafood. This practice disrupts international trade and undermines maritime security, marine ecosystems, and food and economic security while often involving forced labor, human trafficking, and unsafe working conditions. “Illegal fishing practices abroad threaten Louisiana. Seafood production is a driver of our economy and way of life,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By cracking down on unfair competition from IUU fishing, we can preserve jobs, protect our local economies, strengthen national security, and safeguard marine habitats.” “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing has devastating consequences on global security, our economy—including Virginia’s seafood industry—and marine conservation efforts,” said Senator Kaine. “The People’s Republic of China is a particularly egregious perpetrator of IUU fishing violations, and the PRC’s lawless behavior warrants a coordinated response from the U.S. government and our international partners. This bipartisan legislation takes important steps to deter IUU fishing by the PRC and other bad actors, and hold those participating in IUU fishing accountable for their actions.” IUU fishing includes a range of activities that violate national and international fishing laws, including fishing without a license for certain species, failing to report catches or making false reports, using prohibited fishing gear, or conducting unauthorized transfers of fish to cargo vessels. IUU fishing has become a particular challenge in the Western Hemisphere. IUU fishing in the region costs nearly $2.7 billion in lost revenue annually. It makes up more than 20 percent of all catches in Latin America. The increasing presence of illegal Chinese fishing vessels has significantly contributed to the rise in IUU fishing in the hemisphere and around the world. Specifically, the Protecting Global Fisheries Act would: Expand existing authorities to allow the U.S. government to work with partners and allies around the world to support the enforcement of maritime law enforcement agreements that combat IUU fishing. Authorize the President to impose visa, asset, and financial sanctions on foreign persons or foreign vessels found responsible or complicit in IUU fishing and the sale, supply, purchase, or transfer of endangered species. Require the U.S. Departments of State and Defense to regularly provide briefings to Congress on efforts and strategies to combat IUU fishing. Assert that the U.S. will prioritize countering IUU fishing in collaboration with friendly countries and via international forums. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise-Reflects-on-118th-Congress,Scalise Reflects on 118th Congress,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore (R-Utah) to discuss the incoming Republican majority’s plans to get the country back on track from the failures created by the Biden-Harris administration. Leader Scalise vowed that pro-growth energy policies, border security, and eliminating wasteful, inflation-causing government spending will be priorities for House Republicans in the 119th Congress. Image",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-bill-to-protect-extend-atchafalaya-national-heritage-area-passes-senate-heads-to-presidents-desk/,"Louisiana Delegation Bill to Protect, Extend Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Passes Senate, Heads to President’s Desk",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,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 passage of a bill championed by the Louisiana Congressional delegation to include Lafourche Parish within the boundary of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area (ANHA), continuing a commitment to sustain the unique heritage of “America’s Foreign Country.” Cassidy introduced the companion bill to legislation introduced by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA-01) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill passed the House under Scalise’s leadership, and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law after passing the Senate. “The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is a celebration of Louisiana’s history and culture,” said Dr. Cassidy. “With today’s passage, we not only extend the footprint but create jobs and protect this sportsmen’s paradise for generations.” Cassidy and U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the bill in December 2023. Majority Leader Scalise was joined in cosponsoring the bill by U.S. Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA-06), Julia Letlow (R-LA-05), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), and Troy Carter (D-LA-02). Originally signed into law in 2006, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act established the National Heritage Area for 15 years in the following parishes: St. Mary, Iberia, St. Martin, St. Landry, Avoyelles, Pointe Coupee, Iberville, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafayette, West Baton Rouge, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, and Ascension. In early 2023, the Atchafalaya NHA was reauthorized to continue work until 2037. Background The Mission of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, America’s Foreign Country, is to build understanding and identity, raising local, regional, and national awareness of the Atchafalaya region; to strengthen the fabric of the place; to expand economic opportunities and increase the community collaboration and involvement within the parishes that constitute the heritage area while supporting a healthier Atchafalaya ecosystem and enhancing natural resource-based recreation opportunities. National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a nationally important landscape. NHAs are not national park units, rather, the National Park Service partners with, provides technical assistance, and distributes matching federal funds from Congress to NHA entities. The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is one of 55 designated by Congress since 1984. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-5-4-million-for-tribal-broadband-from-his-infrastructure-law/,Cassidy Announces $5.4 Million for Tribal Broadband from His Infrastructure Law,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,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 U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will grant Louisiana tribal communities $5,415,550.00 for broadband infrastructure. The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana will receive $4,919,614.00 to provide high-speed internet access to approximately 190 households in the area. The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana will receive $495,936.00 to increase broadband access and affordability and address digital literacy. “Communities of every size throughout Louisiana are benefitting from the Infrastructure Law,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Because I had a seat at the table, Louisiana tribal communities are getting faster and more reliable internet while we build Louisiana’s economy for 2050.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-sullivan-congressional-colleagues-ask-college-football-playoffs-to-preserve-army-navy-games-time-honored-tradition/,"Cassidy, Sullivan, Congressional Colleagues Ask College Football Playoffs to Preserve Army-Navy Game’s ‘Time-Honored Tradition’",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,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), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), 54 congressional colleagues, and two senators-elect sent a letter to the executive directors of the College Football Playoff and Bowl Season asking that they preserve the annual Army-Navy football game’s “time-honored tradition” of setting “aside the second Saturday in December in future seasons solely” for the patriotic sporting event. “The Army vs. Navy Football Game – affectionately known as “America’s Game” – has long been recognized as one of the greatest events in all of college sports,” wrote the members. “The game is so important that it continued to be played even during World War II. Citizens throughout the world look forward to the game’s telecast, which engages the interest of millions of Americans, including the hundreds of thousands of current and former military personnel who watch it. The game is always played in a sold out NFL venue and brings patriotism and pageantry to the fans in the stadium and to the people of the host city. To reflect the immeasurable esteem that this event garnered for decades, it has been played for many years on a Saturday reserved specifically for the Army vs. Navy Game without any competing college football events.” “We write out of concern that the additional games detract from the focus on our Armed Forces that the nationally televised Army vs. Navy Game provided with a unique day set aside for it. Young Americans often cite the pregame events as igniting their interest in serving in uniform. The airtime of those pregame events are now in jeopardy with a preceding televised college football game,” continued the members. “We feel there is no other block of time in television programming that rekindles our nation’s patriotism, unity, and confidence in the military and promotes a greater sense of appreciation than this incredible game day production. On behalf of both Army and Navy, all those who are serving or have served our country and the citizens whom we represent, we respectfully request you set aside the second Saturday in December in future seasons solely for the Army vs. Navy Game to preserve this time-honored tradition.” Cassidy and Sullivan were joined by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Angus King (I-ME), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Krysten Sinema (I-AZ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Steve Daines (R-MT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Rick Scott (R-FL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jim Risch (R-ID), Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Boozman (R-AR), Senators-elects David McCormick (R-PA) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and U.S. Representatives Robert Wittman (R-VA-01), Mike Garcia (R-CA-27), Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), Jake Ellzey (R-TX-06), James Moylan (R-GU-AL), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), Austin Scott (R-GA-08), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Cory Mills (R-FL-07), Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-07), Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Keith Self (R-TX-03), Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), Dutch Ruppersberg (D-MD-02), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Rich McCormick (R-GA-06), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), Jeff Duncan (R-SC-03), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Troy Nehls (R-TX-22), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01). Read the full letter here or below: Dear Mr. Clark and Mr. Carparelli: The Army vs. Navy Football Game – affectionately known as “America’s Game” – has long been recognized as one of the greatest events in all of college sports. The game is so important that it continued to be played even during World War II. Citizens throughout the world look forward to the game’s telecast, which engages the interest of millions of Americans, including the hundreds of thousands of current and former military personnel who watch it. The game is always played in a sold out NFL venue and brings patriotism and pageantry to the fans in the stadium and to the people of the host city. To reflect the immeasurable esteem that this event garnered for decades, it has been played for many years on a Saturday reserved specifically for the Army vs. Navy Game without any competing college football events. As you know, college commissioners voted unanimously to schedule the twelve-team College Football Playoff (CFP) around the Army vs. Navy Football Game. The decision demonstrated a significant degree of respect extended by the most prominent leaders in college football, which we strongly commend. Nevertheless, the expanded CFP will cause other bowl games—for the first time in recent history—to be played on the same day as the Army vs. Navy Game. We write out of concern that the additional games detract from the focus on our Armed Forces that the nationally televised Army vs. Navy Game provided with a unique day set aside for it. Young Americans often cite the pregame events as igniting their interest in serving in uniform. The airtime of those pregame events are now in jeopardy with a preceding televised college football game. We feel there is no other block of time in television programming that rekindles our nation’s patriotism, unity, and confidence in the military and promotes a greater sense of appreciation than this incredible game day production. On behalf of both Army and Navy, all those who are serving or have served our country and the citizens whom we represent, we respectfully request you set aside the second Saturday in December in future seasons solely for the Army vs. Navy Game to preserve this time-honored tradition. We would like to thank you in advance for recognizing the importance of safeguarding the exclusivity of the Army vs. Navy Game and are hopeful we can work together to protect America’s Game. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/week-in-review-cassidy-introduced-legislation-to-lower-flood-insurance-premiums-boost-economy-hold-china-accountable-save-taxpayers-375-million/,"Week in Review: Cassidy Introduced Legislation to Lower Flood Insurance Premiums, Boost Economy & Hold China Accountable, Save Taxpayers $375 Million",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,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 week, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced legislation to give Louisianans relief from skyrocketing flood insurance premiums, released a discussion draft for his Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production, and highlighted a report that found his investigative efforts returned up to $375 million in taxpayer dollars to the American people since April 2024. Senator Cassidy hosted a telephone town hall on his efforts to repeal WEP & GPO, and his office held Constituent Assistance Events in the following Parishes this week: Ascension, Assumption, Bienville, Bossier, Concordia, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Grant, LaSalle, Livingston, Natchitoches, Pointe Coupee, Sabine, St. Helena, St. James, St. Landry, West Feliciana and Winn. Learn more about the week below: WWL reports that “Cassidy’s bill seeks to cut federal flood insurance premiums by 33% for low-and middle-income households in Louisiana.” Watch the full news report here. Sen. Bill Cassidy Works Across Aisle for Legislation that Would Cut Flood Insurance Premiums Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy is talking about possible savings for people who shell out big money for flood insurance. “We know that rising flood insurance premiums are continuing to put a financial strain on thousands of Louisianans,” Sen. Cassidy said. The senator said a possible solution is the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act. It’s a long name but a simple concept. Watch the full news report here. Bloomberg: Foreign Pollution Fee to Boost Economy, Lower Emissions Unveiled China and other countries would have to pay a pollution fee on certain products imported into the US under draft legislation Senate Republicans expect to unveil Wednesday. … Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy (La.) and Lindsey Graham (S.C.) are seeking feedback on the framework over the next several weeks, with the intention of introducing legislation next year. … The Steel Manufacturers Association endorsed the idea of a foreign pollution fee on steel imports entering the US “based on their embedded emissions levels,” in a recent action plan prepared for President-elect Donald Trump and the 119th Congress. … The idea of a foreign pollution fee is a “clear economic win for the industry.” Read the full article here. Central Louisiana News: Cassidy’s Efforts Recover Millions in Wrongful Pension Payments A recent report from the Inspector General of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation has revealed significant savings in taxpayer dollars due to an investigation led by Cassidy. The investigation has resulted in up to $250 million being returned to taxpayers after it was discovered that funds were wrongfully paid for deceased individuals on union pension fund rolls. This is part of a larger $90 billion pension bailout initiated by Democrats. … Earlier this year, Cassidy successfully secured the return of $127 million from the Central States Pension Fund after a report indicated that their bailout request included 3,479 deceased participants. This sum contributes to the estimated $250 million wrongly disbursed as part of the Democratic pension bailout. Read the full article here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/12/12/higgins-continues-to-urge-senate-to-pass-the-social-security-fairness-act/,Higgins Continues to Urge Senate to Pass the Social Security Fairness Act,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"“We must not allow the Senate to fail through inaction. We must pass H.R. 82, or it’s dead. We cannot fail the American people.” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered an open letter this week urging advocates to help push H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, through the U.S. Senate. The letter is being circulated to organizations that have signaled public support for the bill: National Fraternal Order of Police International Association of Fire Fighters National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees National Association of Letter Carriers National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association National Treasury Employees Union Senior Citizens League American Federation of Teachers National Education Association American Federation of School Administrators Peace Officers Research Association of California California Retired Teachers Association “This is the best opportunity we have ever had to pass H.R. 82, and we must not let this moment go to waste,” wrote Congressman Higgins in the letter. “For decades, both sides have recognized the failures of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions, originally meant to bring accountability to government benefits, have stolen countless billions of dollars that rightly belong to our nation’s senior citizens.” Congressman Higgins has advocated for this legislation for seven years. In September, Congressman Higgins became the eighth signature on the discharge petition that forced a vote on the House floor. The House passed H.R. 82 on November 12, 2024, and the bill remains on hold in the Senate waiting for a vote. “62 Senators, including Chuck Schumer, cosponsored the Social Security Fairness Act. The House of Representatives has passed the Social Security Fairness Act, and it is being blocked in the Senate. We, the People, demand a clean vote on the Senate floor, yet these Senators who cosponsored SSFA are not demanding a vote,” said Congressman Higgins in a statement last week. “Senate rules allow 60 Senators to force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act, and 62 have cosponsored the Social Security Fairness Act. America, call them, write them, demand their compliance. Make these Senators honor their own signature. A clean vote, yes or no, that’s all we ask for.” In recent weeks, Congressman Higgins has also delivered letters to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Majority Leader-elect John Thune (R-SD), urging them to schedule a vote in the U.S. Senate. Read the letter to Social Security Fairness Act Advocates here",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise-Applauds-Committee-Chairs-for-119th-Congress,Scalise Applauds Committee Chairs for 119th Congress,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Majority Leader Scalise (R-La.) announced the House Republican Steering Committee’s recommendations for committee chairs for the 119th Congress. “After four years of suffering under the radical policies of the Biden-Harris Administration and a Democrat-controlled Senate, the American people made clear they are ready for a change. With Republicans taking control of the White House, Senate, and House, it is imperative we are in position to move President Trump’s agenda efficiently and thoughtfully so we can quickly restore our nation to greatness,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. “From securing our southern border, to unleashing American energy, to fighting to lower Bidenflation, and making our communities safe again, our Committee Chairs are ready to get to work fulfilling the American people’s mandate and enacting President Trump’s America-First agenda. House Republicans are heading into the 119th Congress prepared to address the issues most important to hardworking Americans and fight for meaningful legislative wins. I want to congratulate all of the newly selected Chairs, and I look forward to working with these strong leaders and their Committees to advance President Trump’s priorities and deliver the American people the government they voted for in November.” Agriculture – Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) Appropriations – Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) Armed Services – Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) Budget – Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) Education and the Workforce – Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) Energy and Commerce – Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) Financial Services – Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) Foreign Affairs – Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) Homeland Security – Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) Judiciary – Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) Natural Resources – Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) Oversight and Accountability – Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) Science, Space, and Technology – Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) Small Business – Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) Transportation and Infrastructure – Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) Veterans’ Affairs – Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) Ways and Means – Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise-Talks-Tax-Agenda,Scalise Talks Tax Agenda,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) appeared on Fox Business Network's Kudlow to discuss President Trump's successful record of economic growth through tax cuts and Republicans' path forward through reconciliation. Leader Scalise outlined how Republicans will deliver big wins in the first 100 days of the Trump Administration through strong energy and border policies, cutting wasteful spending and regulations, and stopping tax increases. Image",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-padilla-introduce-bill-to-improve-temporary-housing-for-disaster-victims-while-they-rebuild-their-lives/,"Cassidy, Padilla Introduce Bill to Improve Temporary Housing for Disaster Victims While They Rebuild Their Lives",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,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 Alex Padilla (D-CA) today introduced the Disaster Housing Reform for American Families Act to improve temporary housing available to disaster victims after a storm. The bill instructs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to construct disaster-resilient housing within 90 days that can be used to transition into affordable housing under a local public housing authority or affordable housing program to ensure long-term use of the structure. “We cannot leave disaster victims without a solid roof over their heads. There is a better way to provide more resilient and longer-lasting housing that allows communities to recover quickly,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We must change the way we respond to these storms. That includes dedicating more resources to stable, resilient homes.” “California communities know all too well the devastating impacts of wildfires, earthquakes, and flooding that often leave individuals and families without stable housing when they need it most,” said Senator Padilla. “Our bipartisan legislation would help disaster survivors build back stronger by expanding disaster housing options, expediting assistance, and increasing long-term housing opportunities.” Under current law, FEMA provides temporary housing solutions for disaster victims through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), which provides mobile homes for short-term housing for up to 18 months. Under Cassidy’s bill, disaster victims would still have access to mobile homes but would be given the opportunity to transition into disaster-resilient single-family housing structures of four units or less. The new housing would resemble typical affordable housing. To ensure quality and livability, the home construction standards are consistent with federal standards on permanent housing, including those for flood management and natural disaster resilience. Once the disaster has ended and all disaster victims have returned to their permanent homes, the property would then be transitioned to a local public housing agency or private affordable housing program to create a new long-term affordable housing supply. Background Earlier this Congress, Cassidy introduced two bills to improve federal disaster responses. The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act takes recommendations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of the Inspector General and Government Accountability Office to establish a permanent and predictable funding process. The Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act creates an independent board to investigate major natural disasters nationwide. The National Disaster Safety Board (NDSB) would specifically study the underlying causes of disaster-related fatalities and property damage, and make recommendations to all levels of government on how to make communities more resilient to the impacts of disasters. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-foreign-pollution-fee-to-boost-economy-lower-emissions-unveiled-by-cassidy-graham/,"ICYMI: Foreign Pollution Fee to Boost Economy, Lower Emissions Unveiled by Cassidy, Graham",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,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 – Bloomberg highlighted the newly released trade and manufacturing policy discussion draft from U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) noting its robust support from industry and potential to boost the American economy. The updated Foreign Pollution Fee Act would level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production. It is out for public comment until Friday, January 17, 2025. Foreign Pollution Fee to Boost Economy, Lower Emissions Unveiled by Cassidy, Graham Kellie Lunney Bloomberg China and other countries would have to pay a pollution fee on certain products imported into the US under draft legislation Senate Republicans expect to unveil Wednesday. The proposal would levy a fee on imports with greenhouse gas emissions, including aluminum, fertilizer, cement, iron, and steel, in an effort to level the playing field for US manufacturers, according to a discussion draft obtained exclusively by Bloomberg Government. Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy (La.) and Lindsey Graham (S.C.) are seeking feedback on the framework over the next several weeks, with the intention of introducing legislation next year. A requirement that exporting countries pay for US imports that increase pollution is poised to gain momentum in 2025, as tariffs dominate presidential politics and Congress eyes a tax overhaul. Such a fee, based on pollution intensity, appeals to a diverse group… The draft bill would not levy a fee on domestic manufacturers, or put a carbon price on US production. The fee would increase as the difference in pollution between a foreign country and the US rises. It could be waived or decreased under certain circumstances, including national security needs or domestic sourcing constraints. The lawmakers are seeking input from stakeholders on how to structure the fee. … The Cassidy-Graham blueprint would allow the US to forge partnerships with other countries to pay a reduced pollution fee or no fee at all, depending on the agreement. The proposal also would seek to encourage developing economies pursue decarbonization. The idea of a foreign pollution fee is a “clear economic win for the industry…” Read the full article here. Background Cassidy and Graham introduced their Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production. The Foreign Pollution Fee Act: Combats China’s Exploitation of Trade Rules: This policy will level the playing field for U.S. businesses by countering the unfair practices of non-market economies like China, ensuring American manufacturers can compete and thrive. Strengthens Global Supply Chain Resilience: Diversifying trade relationships will reduce dependence on adversarial nations, making supply chains more secure against geopolitical disruptions and enhancing national security. Revitalizes American Manufacturing: By discouraging imports of pollution-intensive goods, this policy will bring jobs back home, strengthen domestic industries, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Expands U.S. Export Markets: As high-polluting countries modernize their industries, they’ll increasingly demand American-made inputs, feedstocks, and cutting-edge technologies, opening new opportunities for U.S. exports. Deepens Trade Ties with Allies: By promoting partnerships with nations that share our economic and environmental values, this policy builds a coalition against predatory practices by the Chinese Communist Party, supporting emerging markets and allies alike. Rewards Leadership in Cleaner Manufacturing: The policy incentivizes international partners to adopt cleaner production methods while ensuring that domestic manufacturers maintain a competitive edge by continuing to lead in industrial decarbonization. The Foreign Pollution Fee Act was a key topic at Cassidy’s Louisiana Energy Security Summit. The summit featured ten panels that explored protecting U.S. interests from unfair trade practices, Louisiana’s low-emission manufacturing advantage, and the role of natural gas in strengthening U.S. geopolitical influence. Panelists included presidents and CEOs from Entergy, First Solar, Buzzi UnicemUSA, Orsted, and Aluminum Technologies, former Trump administration officials, and leaders from Louisiana trade associations and major energy and Fortune 500 companies. In September, he released the 3rd episode of Bill on the Hill, where he highlights his Foreign Pollution Fee Act and discusses China’s growing economy and military coming at the expense of the American worker. After hearing fellow Americans share their concerns, Cassidy presented his plan to address the nexus between economic development, national security, and the environment. His Foreign Pollution Fee Act would even the playing field while holding China accountable. He penned editorials in Foreign Affairs, The Washington Times, and jointly in the USA Today Network discussing the geopolitical threat that China poses to U.S. global standing. Cassidy also joined Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax to discuss his foreign pollution fee, noting the competitive advantage China receives from intentionally ignoring environmental standards. Last spring, the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue an industrial manufacturing and trade policy to counter competition from China. Learn more here. Last Congress, Cassidy released a landmark energy policy outline in response to the Biden-Harris administration’s assault on domestic energy. The outline details how we can successfully reset U.S. energy policy, including Cassidy’s plan for an Energy Operation Warp Speed to cut permitting red tape and unleash domestic energy and manufacturing. Cassidy led Republican colleagues in opposition to a domestic carbon tax and introduced the first comprehensive judicial reform for permitting bill. He also pushed back on disastrous proposals from the Biden administration to limit development in the Outer Continental Shelf with the introduction of the WHALE Act and the Offshore Energy Security Act of 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/12/11/higgins-releases-final-j13-investigative-report/,Higgins Releases Final J13 Investigative Report,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), a member of the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, released an addendum to the Task Force’s final report, discussing his objective findings following his five months of focused investigation. Congressman Higgins remains dedicated to revealing the full truth about J13 and will continue his investigations through the House Oversight and Accountability Committee in the 119th Congress. “As I have stated before, every question will be answered, every theory explored, and every doubt erased,” said Congressman Higgins. “My addendum is an additional 26 pages, reflective of my variance with the investigative conclusions of the FBI. I have spent hours on the ground in Butler and will continue this investigation in the 119th Congress.” Read Congressman Higgins full addendum here. Read the Task Force’s final report here. Watch Congressman Higgins discuss his addendum here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/12/11/higgins-votes-for-national-defense-authorization-act/,Higgins Votes for National Defense Authorization Act,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on the passage of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA). “The NDAA represents a major commitment to our Armed Forces and Louisiana. Congress is responsible for providing our servicemen and women with the weapons and technology to address security threats. The FY25 NDAA refocuses the Department of Defense on lethality and force readiness. In Louisiana, we’re working to prioritize our bases, protect small shipyards, and lead on the development of autonomous systems.” The bill authorizes funding for programs and facilities in Louisiana, which includes: $12 million for the Navy’s 40-foot patrol boat program. $30 million to produce the Navy’s Yard, Repair, Berthing, Messing (YRBM) vessel. Language prioritizing development and procurement of Small Unmanned Surface Vessels (sUSVs). Extends the lifecycle of F-15E aircraft and requires a study of the aircraft’s capabilities to support the Louisiana National Guard. $33 million for the Louisiana Army National Guard’s Lafayette Readiness Center. $50 million for a Rotational Unit Billeting Area for Fort Johnson. $116 million authorized for a Joint Operations Center at Fort Johnson. $22 million authorized above the President’s Budget Request for a Child Development Center at Barksdale Air Force Base. An assessment to help Gulf Coast states improve alternate strategic seaport operational readiness and facility standards. A requirement for the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to expedite the review of Deepwater Port Applications for Delfin LNG. Additionally, the bill takes corrective action to eliminate woke policies championed under the Biden-Harris administration. These conservative policy wins include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1175,Congressman Kennedy Announces Service Academy Advisory Panel,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Pictured (L-R): Randy Garver, Kathy Garver, Congressman Kennedy, Jeffrey Burhart, and Jerry Irving. Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced members serving on the Service Academy Advisory panel for New York’s 26th Congressional District. The panelists met recently to interview and make recommendations to the Congressman for student nominations to the United States service academies. Appointments are made by the President and require a nomination from the Vice President or a member of Congress. “Applying to our nation’s service academies requires rigorous determination and a deep sense of duty,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I commend the students for pursuing a path to join generations before them, including members of our Service Academy Advisory Panel, who are committed to sacrifice and excellence in pursuit of service. I thank the panel for their service to this nation, our community, and their continued dedication to the next generation of United States military leaders.” Members of Congressman Kennedy’s 2024 Service Academy Advisory Panel include: Jerry Irving is a retired U.S. Navy Commander with 26 years of service and a U.S. Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer. Commander Irving has been employed at Moog Inc. for 35 years and serves in the position of Vice President for Human Resources. Kathy Garver graduated from West Point in 2001 and served as a logistics officer in the United States Army. Garver previously worked as an FBI agent and today serves as Assistant VP for Complex Investigations at M&T Bank. Jeffrey Burhart is a 2002 Air Force Academy graduate and former Air Force Captain. Following his service, he earned an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. Today he serves as a Lieutenant with the New York State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Randy Garver graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the 1st Infantry Division. His deployments include a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo and combat operations in Iraq. Garver is a Supervisory Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he investigates child exploitation. Students applying to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy are required to receive a nomination from a member of Congress. The individual academies make final acceptance decisions. Students enrolled in a U.S. service academy graduate achieving a military officer rank and commit to at least five years of military service. A total of 18 students with impressive academic, athletic, and leadership accomplishments are requesting a nomination from Congressman Kennedy. The students are preparing to graduate from high schools across the region including Canisius, North Tonawanda, Williamsville North, Williamsville East, Lewiston Porter, and Sweet Home. In October, Kennedy held a Service Academy information night for students, parents, and school counselors. Student applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are due at the end of January. Acceptance announcements are made in the spring. For more information on the service academy process, visit Congressman Kennedy’s website at: https://kennedy.house.gov/services/service-academy-nomination.htm. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-graham-release-discussion-draft-on-trade-manufacturing-policy-to-hold-china-accountable/,"Cassidy, Graham Release Discussion Draft on Trade, Manufacturing Policy to Hold China Accountable",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,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,"Senators Collecting Feedback on Revised Foreign Pollution Fee Act Through January 2025 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) released a new discussion draft of their Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production for public comment. The discussion draft comes after Cassidy’s “Louisiana Energy Security Summit: Unleashing America Abundance in a Changing Global Landscape,” which brought together leaders from the federal, state, and local government, industry, and the research community in Baton Rouge and highlighted the need for a trade and manufacturing policy that puts Americans first. “It is only fair to the American worker that we charge China the same thing we charge ourselves to control pollution,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We cannot let the Chinese Communist Party take our jobs by not enforcing environmental regulations. The Foreign Pollution Fee begins to make China pay, promotes fair trade, preserves jobs in Louisiana, and revives American manufacturing for the future” “It is long past time that the polluters of the world, like China and others, pay a price for their environmental policies. This bill calls out the foreign polluters and rewards American businesses who are doing the right thing,” said Senator Graham. “We are leveling the playing field, and American manufacturers and business will be the biggest beneficiaries.” Adversaries exploit lax environmental and labor standards to gain an unfair trade advantage over American companies. The Foreign Pollution Fee Act is a trade and manufacturing policy that addresses the geopolitical challenges confronting U.S. businesses and workers. The Foreign Pollution Fee Act: Combats China’s Exploitation of Trade Rules: This policy will level the playing field for U.S. businesses by countering the unfair practices of non-market economies like China, ensuring American manufacturers can compete and thrive. Strengthens Global Supply Chain Resilience: Diversifying trade relationships will reduce dependence on adversarial nations, making supply chains more secure against geopolitical disruptions and enhancing national security. Revitalizes American Manufacturing: By discouraging imports of pollution-intensive goods, this policy will bring jobs back home, strengthen domestic industries, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Expands U.S. Export Markets: As high-polluting countries modernize their industries, they’ll increasingly demand American-made inputs, feedstocks, and cutting-edge technologies, opening new opportunities for U.S. exports. Deepens Trade Ties with Allies: By promoting partnerships with nations that share our economic and environmental values, this policy builds a coalition against predatory practices by the Chinese Communist Party, supporting emerging markets and allies alike. Rewards Leadership in Cleaner Manufacturing: The policy incentivizes international partners to adopt cleaner production methods while ensuring that domestic manufacturers maintain a competitive edge by continuing to lead in industrial decarbonization. Please send feedback to Christine_Harbin@cassidy.senate.gov by Friday, January 17, 2025. Click here to read the discussion draft bill text and here to read a two-pager. Background Cassidy and Graham introduced their Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production. The Foreign Pollution Fee Act was a key topic at Cassidy’s Louisiana Energy Security Summit. The summit featured ten panels that explored protecting U.S. interests from unfair trade practices, Louisiana’s low-emission manufacturing advantage, and the role of natural gas in strengthening U.S. geopolitical influence. Panelists included presidents and CEOs from Entergy, First Solar, Buzzi UnicemUSA, Orsted, and Aluminum Technologies, former Trump administration officials, and leaders from Louisiana trade associations and major energy and Fortune 500 companies. In September, he released the 3rd episode of Bill on the Hill, where he highlights his Foreign Pollution Fee Act and discusses China’s growing economy and military coming at the expense of the American worker. After hearing fellow Americans share their concerns, Cassidy presented his plan to address the nexus between economic development, national security, and the environment. His Foreign Pollution Fee Act would even the playing field while holding China accountable. He penned editorials in Foreign Affairs, The Washington Times, and jointly in the USA Today Network discussing the geopolitical threat that China poses to U.S. global standing. Cassidy also joined Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax to discuss his foreign pollution fee, noting the competitive advantage China receives from intentionally ignoring environmental standards. Last Spring, the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue an industrial manufacturing and trade policy to counter competition from China. Learn more here. Last Congress, Cassidy released a landmark energy policy outline in response to the Biden-Harris administration’s assault on domestic energy. The outline details how we can successfully reset U.S. energy policy, including Cassidy’s plan for an Energy Operation Warp Speed to cut permitting red tape and unleash domestic energy and manufacturing. Cassidy led Republican colleagues in opposition to a domestic carbon tax and introduced the first comprehensive judicial reform for permitting bill. He also pushed back on disastrous proposals from the Biden administration to limit development in the Outer Continental Shelf with the introduction of the WHALE Act and the Offshore Energy Security Act of 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/12/10/higgins-votes-for-water-resources-bill-includes-wins-for-south-louisiana/,"Higgins Votes for Water Resources Bill, Includes Wins for South Louisiana",2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted for House passage of S. 4367, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), which authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) projects and makes policy reforms that improve America’s ports, waterways, and water management infrastructure. Congressman Higgins requested and secured several measures for South Louisiana in the final bill. The following South Louisiana provisions were included: Authorizing a feasibility study on channel deepening and jetty extension for the Calcasieu River and Pass Project. Expansion of the Alexandria to the Gulf Study, adding Pointe Coupee, Allen, Calcasieu, Jeff Davis, Acadia, Iberville, and Cameron parishes to better align the scope with Louisiana Watershed Initiative Region 5. Adds Terrebonne Parish to the service area for the Delta Regional Authority. Prioritizes the operation and maintenance needs of alternate seaports, like the Port of Lake Charles, to ensure continued economic and national security. Clarifies Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) payback terms for Louisiana, potentially saving the State hundreds of millions of dollars. Extends the Non-Federal Implementation Pilot Program through 2030, which enables Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) to compete for federal funding for flood risk management, hurricane mitigation, and coastal storm damage reduction projects. “South Louisiana’s ports and waterways play a significant role in our state’s economic infrastructure,” said Congressman Higgins. “This WRDA package authorizes infrastructure improvements and provides the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the necessary tools to invest in dredging, flood mitigation, and other maintenance procedures to ensure future success and growth. Over the past eight years, my office has opposed oppressive, bloated legislation that forced liberal policies and massive deficit spending while offering just a small percentage of actual concrete and steel infrastructure. Getting projects authorized and funded requires constant, focused work, and my office will never stop working for Louisiana…but we will not make deals with the Devil in exchange for a few bucks. Our infrastructure work is clean. We will continue to support infrastructure projects that drive economic growth and strengthen our coastal communities without sacrificing our core principles.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise%3A-House-GOP-is-in-Sync-with-Trump-on-Day-One-Agenda,Scalise: House GOP is in Sync with Trump on Day One Agenda,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) appeared on Fox Business Network's Mornings with Maria to discuss how House Republicans are working closely with President Trump on a plan for government funding and reconciliation to ensure we cut spending, secure the border, prevent tax hikes, and unleash American energy. Leader Scalise also addressed the growing concern over Chinese drone technology and cybersecurity breaches and noted that, unlike President Biden, President Trump will stand up to China and work to end future threats. Image",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise%3A-NDAA-Strengthens-Military-Following-Years-of-Biden-Harris%27-Woke-Agenda,Scalise: NDAA Strengthens Military Following Years of Biden-Harris' Woke Agenda,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore (R-Utah) to discuss the House’s plan to pass the NDAA this week, which will improve the quality of life for service men and women. Leader Scalise noted that after four years of the Biden-Harris Administration spending more time focusing on implementing a woke agenda in the military rather than readiness, House Republicans will be working with President Trump to reinvigorate and reform the Department of Defense. Additionally, Leader Scalise shared how House Republicans are already working with President Trump to be ready to implement our agenda of lower costs, no tax hikes, reduced government spending, and a secure border. On the National Defense Authorization Act: “This week, our members have been working for months on bringing to the floor Wednesday, the National Defense Authorization Act. As [Congressman] Blake [Moore] pointed out, this is a bill that's really focused on improving the quality of life for our service men and women. We've seen under the last three and a half years of the Biden-Harris administration, it's been hard to recruit and keep good service members, in part because of the bad woke policies, the loss of focus by this administration on what the mission is. We start addressing that by routing out more of the woke policies over at the DOD. Of course, that ultimately is going to get fixed when President Trump takes office next month. He talked about those things during the campaign, what he would do to restrengthen, reinvigorate our military. But at least we give President Trump some really good tools and important tools to recruit and retain a strong military by improving their quality of life in this bill.” On preventing tax hikes: “Something else we've been continuing to work on as we take care of the legislative business is to focus on what we will do day one to hit the ground running, to go to work delivering the promises that were made during the campaign to help those families who are struggling under the weight of the failed Biden-Harris policies. We talked a lot during the campaign about securing America's border, strengthening our energy security, lowering costs at the grocery store, at the pump for families who have been paying way too much under the failed Biden-Harris policies. But we also talked about what we’d do to stabilize tax policy to prevent a massive four-and-a-half trillion dollar tax increase, which Kamala Harris wanted to impose. She actually campaigned, bragging that she would allow tax cuts to expire, putting a massive tax increase on families.” On fulfilling the mandate from voters on day one: “We're already working on what we will do in those first few months to deliver on those promises and get our economy back on track to help provide real relief for families who are struggling. Those talks are going really well, not only amongst House Republicans, Senate Republicans, but also the Trump administration. Trump officials in the transition team have been part of those conversations because we want to make sure the day we start in January, President Trump's policies are going to be front and center. The things that we all campaigned on. It wasn't just President Trump who talked about those things as he did. We talked about those, too. The good news is we got elected, and we got a mandate from the American people who want to see a secure border, who want to see lower costs, who want to see us finally confront those problems that Biden and Harris created. We're going to do just that. The work has already started. We cannot wait until January to not only take office but as we're preparing, we're doing that work already today here.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-booker-introduce-legislation-to-give-americans-relief-from-skyrocketing-flood-insurance-premiums/,"Cassidy, Booker Introduce Legislation to Give Americans Relief from Skyrocketing Flood Insurance Premiums",2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,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 Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act to give low- and middle-income households enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) a 33 percent refundable tax credit to combat skyrocketing flood insurance premiums. The rising insurance premiums caused by FEMA’s new risk assessment program, Risk Rating 2.0, have left many Americans vulnerable, including thousands of Louisianans who have been forced to drop their policies. “The National Flood Insurance Program’s outlandish premiums are crippling Americans’ ability to protect their families and homes,” said Dr. Cassidy. “While we work to fix the broken system, this tax credit provides relief to current policyholders and provides a path for others to re-enroll in the program.” “Flood insurance is becoming less and less affordable for families across our country,” said Senator Booker. “This bipartisan legislation will provide much needed relief for low- and middle-income households, particularly in New Jersey, where many families are grappling with rising premiums through the National Flood Insurance Program. This legislation is one important step forward as we work to expand access, lower costs, and protect New Jersey families from extreme weather and flooding.” The Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act will also direct the Treasury Secretary to establish a program where premiums can be paid in advance on behalf of taxpayers when premiums are due, benefitting families when they need it most. Background Last month, Cassidy released a report outlining the current state of the NFIP and the issues that have led to skyrocketing premiums for millions of homeowners. In January, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP at the request of Cassidy. The hearing highlighted the urgent need for Congress to act and featured a Louisiana witness. Cassidy also participated in a roundtable hosted by GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance before introducing the bill to hear from community leaders and advocates on the issue. Cassidy traveled St. Bernard Parish last year to talk with residents about their flood insurance premiums, resulting in the second episode of his series Bill on the Hill. Over the last several months, Cassidy has delivered a series of speeches on the Senate floor calling for action on NFIP. Most recently, he demanded that Congress reauthorize and reform the program just before its authorization expired at the end of the fiscal year on September 30th. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-cassidy-investigation-will-save-up-to-375-million-in-taxpayer-dollars-from-being-wrongfully-paid-for-dead-people-on-union-pension-funds/,NEW REPORT: Cassidy Investigation Will Save up to $375 Million in Taxpayer Dollars from Being Wrongfully Paid for Dead People on Union Pension Funds,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,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 – A new report from the Inspector General of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) found that up to $250 million in taxpayer dollars will be returned to the American people as a result of the investigation efforts of U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. These tax dollars wrongfully paid for dead people on union pension fund rolls as part of Democrats’ $90 billion pension bailout. This is in addition to the $125 million in federal tax dollars Cassidy stopped from being wrongfully paid out, resulting in as much as $375 million saved for the American people since April 2024. “This gross mismanagement should not surprise anyone. Rather than pursuing substantive reforms to at-risk pension funds, Democrats spent $90 billion of taxpayer funds on a bailout with no accountability,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Our oversight is not over. We need to ensure every dollar wrongfully paid out from the Democrats’ irresponsible bailout is returned to the American people. I look forward to working with the Trump administration and my colleagues in Congress to get it done.” Initially, Cassidy secured the return of $127 million earlier this year that was wrongfully paid to the Central States Pension Fund following a report showing the plan included at least 3,479 dead participants in its bailout request. This is part of the estimated $250 million that was wrongfully paid out as part of the Democrats’ pension bailout. Cassidy also introduced legislation that would require PBGC to verify past and future pension bailout applications by cross-checking plan participation lists against the Full Death Master File, ensuring taxpayer dollars are not paying pension bailouts to multiemployer pension plans for deceased individuals. It would further require the PBGC to recoup from multiemployer plans any “ghost pensions” the plans received as windfalls from taxpayer dollars. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-4-8-million-for-generators-in-st-bernard-parish/,Cassidy Announces $4.8 Million for Generators in St. Bernard Parish,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,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 $4,775,507.00 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for generator projects in St. Bernard Parish as a result of Hurricane Ida. The grants will fund the purchase, installation, and management of 18 permanent generators to provide backup power for critical facilities to allow for continuity of services and support recovery efforts after natural disasters. “Putting precautions in place is the best way to prevent future devastation,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These generators will help St. Bernard Parish keep the lights on and prepare for the next storm.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-5-5-million-for-louisiana-in-hurricane-seawater-intrusion-relief/,"Cassidy Announces $5.5 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane, Seawater Intrusion Relief",2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,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 $5,494,687.67 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Ida, and seawater intrusion relief. “Louisiana is resilient,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding plays a crucial role in rebuilding our communities, strengthening our defenses against future hurricanes, and ensuring access to clean water for everyone.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/12/06/higgins-urges-senate-to-hold-vote-on-the-social-security-fairness-act/,Higgins Urges Senate to Hold Vote on the Social Security Fairness Act,2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued the following statement today, urging the U.S. Senate to hold a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. “62 Senators, including Chuck Schumer, cosponsored the Social Security Fairness Act. The House of Representatives has passed the Social Security Fairness Act, and it is being blocked in the Senate. We, the People, demand a clean vote on the Senate floor, yet these Senators who cosponsored SSFA are not demanding a vote. Senate rules allow 60 Senators to force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act, and 62 have cosponsored the Social Security Fairness Act. America, call them, write them, demand their compliance. Make these Senators honor their own signature. A clean vote, yes or no, that’s all we ask for.” Congressman Higgins has advocated for this legislation for seven years. In September, Congressman Higgins became the eighth signature on the discharge petition that forced a vote on the House floor. The House passed H.R. 82 on November 12, 2024, and the bill remains on hold in the Senate waiting for a vote.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1173,"During Hearing, VA Under Secretary Agrees with Congressman Kennedy That Buffalo Needs New VA Hospital",2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Kennedy (NY-26), during a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing, secured recognition from Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, that the Buffalo VA Medical Center ought to be replaced by a new hospital. (Congressman Kennedy duringthe hearing.) During the hearing, Congressman Kennedy summarized the challenges facing the Buffalo VA Medical Center that Under Secretary Elnahal witnessed during his September visit to the facility and emphasized the need for a new hospital, saying, “You were able to see first hand the issues we’re dealing with at that facility—a crumbling hospital that was built in the 1940s, no air conditioning, hardly any parking, room sizes not up to code, the list goes on and on…. You saw first-hand the Buffalo VA hospital is in desperate need of resources and frankly, we need a new VA hospital. This is a priority for me.” When asked if he agreed, Under Secretary Elnahal confirmed, saying, “I do, Congressman…. I think the Buffalo-area veterans do deserve better infrastructure. And my visit was really one of the highlights of the last several months for me. Getting to meet the team there, getting to meet the veterans there with you, and Congressman Langworthy, really, really did show what was needed there.... I would hope to see new infrastructure at the Buffalo VA Medical Center.” Under Secretary Elnahal concluded by expressing excitement for a potential partnership with SUNY University at Buffalo to lease facilities conducive to better care for veterans, saying, “I’m also excited about the potential for a leasing project under PACT Act 704’s authority with the University of Buffalo. We’re exploring the possibility of that. That project would be smaller in scale, probably between $300 and $400 million in the form of a lease, but one that would be able to extend access to care to more veterans and one that would afford more modern infrastructure to the veterans in your district.” Additional Information: In August, following the removal of top healthcare administrators at the Buffalo VA Medical Center amid allegations of delayed care and administrative failures, Congressman Kennedy swiftly met with the VA Buffalo Medical Center Acting Director and interim leadership staff to discuss how the VA would ensure corrective action is taken to ensure the highest quality care for veterans. To learn more, click here. In September, during a Congressional hearing, Kennedy secured a visit to the Buffalo VA Medical Center with Dr. Shereef Elnahal. In advance of the visit, Kennedy expressed outrage over the findings in a report issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) related to the mistreatment of veterans at the Buffalo VA Medical Center. During the visit, Kennedy joined Dr. Elnahal to tour the facility and speak with patients and staff. To learn more, click here and here. In October, Kennedy joined a bipartisan push demanding that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a VA-wide review of the Veterans Integrated Services Networks’ (VISN) community care consult practices to ensure that no veteran suffers egregious delays in care again. To learn more, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1174,Congressman Kennedy Honors the Career of Western New York Journalist and News Anchor Don Postles,2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,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) took to the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize and celebrate Don Postles’ decades-long career in local broadcast journalism. Rep. Kennedy acknowledged Don Postles’ career as one “marked by a strong commitment to journalistic integrity, pursuit of the truth, and service to the public.” (Rep. Kennedy speaking on the House floor.) Kennedy celebrated Postles’ career and thanked him for his commitment to keeping Western New Yorkers informed, saying in part, “Buffalonians have come to trust Don Postles’ voice as one of honesty and integrity, guiding us through our highest of highs and lowest of lows. Whether it was our Buffalo Bills and Sabres bringing home a victory or a dangerous blizzard bearing down on the region, Don Postles’ dedication to keeping folks informed has never wavered. His dedication and hard work leave behind an inspiring example for the next generation of journalists to follow. On behalf of the residents of Buffalo and all of our Western New York community, thank you Don. Enjoy your hard-earned retirement.” Postles, a recipient of several Associated Press and United Press International awards, has brought Western New Yorkers their news with honesty and integrity in a career spanning more than thirty years. Don Postles is also one of the few journalists to have worked for all three major local broadcast news stations in the Buffalo-Niagara region. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-cruz-klobuchar-bill-to-protect-victims-of-deepfake-revenge-porn-unanimously-passes-senate/,"Cassidy, Cruz, Klobuchar Bill to Protect Victims of Deepfake “Revenge Porn” Unanimously Passes Senate",2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,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 – Legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act, passed the Senate unanimously and now moves to the House for consideration. The TAKE IT DOWN Act, would criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII (commonly referred to as “deepfake revenge pornography”), and require social media and similar websites to have in place procedures to remove such content within 48 hours of notice from a victim. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a crucial step toward protecting victims of intimate image abuse, especially minors, in today’s digital world,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’m pleased to see we are closer to making this a reality.” “Over the past several months, courageous victims of AI-deepfake ‘revenge porn’ have shared their stories to raise awareness and inform lawmakers’ efforts to stop this despicable behavior,” said Senator Cruz. “Passage of our bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act will give innocent victims — many of whom are teenage girls — the opportunity to seek justice against deviants who publish these abusive images. It will also hold Big Tech accountable by making sure websites remove these disgusting fake videos and pictures immediately. For young victims and their parents, these deepfakes are a matter requiring urgent attention and protection in law. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Washington to move this common-sense bipartisan legislation quickly through the House and to the President’s desk so it can be signed into law.” “We must provide victims of online abuse with the legal protections they need when intimate images are shared without their consent, especially now that deepfakes are creating horrifying new opportunities for abuse. This bipartisan legislation builds on my work to ensure that victims can have this material removed from social media platforms and will ensure law enforcement can hold perpetrators accountable,” said Senator Klobuchar. The TAKE IT DOWN Act has received widespread support from nearly 90 organizations, including victim advocacy groups, law enforcement, and tech industry leaders. Leaders from both large and small social media platforms, dating apps, and tech organizations, including Google, Microsoft, Meta, TikTok, Bumble, Match Group, Entertainment Software Association, IBM, TechNet, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Internet Works, are rallying behind the bipartisan legislation. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, spearheaded a letter with 23 additional groups calling for the swift passage of this bill. The National Fraternal Order of Police has also sent a letter to Senate leadership endorsing the legislation. Last month, the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, Microsoft, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) sent a letter to Senate and House leadership urging the passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act this Congress. The TAKE IT DOWN Act has also been endorsed by editorial boards of the Seattle Times, Houston Chronicle, and Dallas Morning News. Cassidy, Cruz, and Klobuchar were joined by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ted Budd (R-NC), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Todd Young (R-IN), Joe Manchin (I-WV), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Thune (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) in introducing the legislation. U.S. Representatives Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) and Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) have introduced companion legislation in the House. Background While nearly every state has a law protecting people from NCII, including 31 states with laws explicitly covering deepfake NCII, these state laws vary in classification of crime and penalty and have uneven criminal prosecution. Further, victims struggle to have images depicting them removed from websites, increasing the likelihood the images are continuously spread, and victims are retraumatized. In 2022, Congress passed legislation creating a civil cause of action for victims to sue individuals responsible for publishing NCII. However, bringing a civil action can be incredibly impractical. It is time-consuming, expensive, and may force victims to relive trauma. Further exacerbating the problem, it is not always clear who is responsible for publishing the NCII. The TAKE IT DOWN Act would protect and empower victims of real and deepfake NCII while respecting speech by: Criminalizing the publication of NCII in interstate commerce. The bill makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly publish NCII on social media and other online platforms. NCII is defined to include realistic, computer-generated pornographic images and videos that depict identifiable, real people. The bill also clarifies that a victim consenting to the creation of an authentic image does not mean that the victim has consented to its publication. Protecting good faith efforts to assist victims. The bill permits the good faith disclosure of NCII, such as to law enforcement, in narrow cases. Requiring websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victim. Social media and other websites would be required to have in place procedures to remove NCII, pursuant to a valid request from a victim, within 48 hours. Websites must also make reasonable efforts to remove copies of the images. The FTC is charged with enforcement of this section. Protecting lawful speech. The bill is narrowly tailored to criminalize knowingly publishing NCII without chilling lawful speech. The bill conforms to current First Amendment jurisprudence by requiring that computer-generated NCII meet a “reasonable person” test for appearing indistinguishable from an authentic image. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-six-cassidy-bills-signed-into-law-headed-to-the-presidents-desk-passed-the-senate-this-week/,"ICYMI: Six Cassidy Bills Signed Into Law, Headed to the President’s Desk, Passed the Senate This Week",2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,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 week, six bills led and sponsored by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) were signed into law, headed to the President’s Desk, and passed the U.S. Senate via unanimous consent. This included renaming a post office in Rayville, Louisiana in honor of Luke Letlow, providing tax relief for Hurricanes Francine and Ida victims, improving health care for expectant mothers, and supporting Gold Star family spouses and veterans organizations. TAX RELIEF LEGISLATION FOR HURRICANE FRANCINE AND IDA VICTIMS HEADED TO THE PRESIDENT’S DESK Cassidy took to the Senate floor on Wednesday night to pass his bill that provides tax relief for Americans impacted by Hurricanes Francine and Ida. Now heading to the President’s Desk to be signed into law, the bill allows Hurricanes Francine and Ida victims and victims of other Presidentially-declared major natural disasters to deduct qualified disaster-related personal casualty losses from their income, even when taking the standard deduction. “Three years after Hurricane Ida and months after Hurricane Francine hit Louisiana, communities are still recovering, and every bit helps,” said Dr. Cassidy. LEGISLATION SUPPORTING VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS HEADED TO THE PRESIDENT’S DESK Cassidy’s Veteran Service Organization (VSO) Equal Tax Treatment (VETT) Act would expand the deductibility of charitable contributions to all federally chartered tax-exempt organizations serving current and former members of the Armed Forces. Specifically, it overturns a provision that prohibits veteran organizations from accepting tax-deductible donations if their membership contains over 10 percent peacetime veterans. “Giving back to the men and women who wore the uniform for our freedom is a noble cause,” said Dr. Cassidy. “If this bill incentivizes one more American to help our veterans, then it has been a good day in the U.S. Senate.” SENATE PASSES CASSIDY BILL TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS Cassidy’s bicameral Connected Maternal Online Monitoring (MOM) Act aimed at improving health care for expectant mothers passed the U.S. Senate on Wednesday night. “Maternal mortality is preventable and far too common in Louisiana today,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Passing this bill through the Senate is one step closer to providing high-risk moms the comfort to stay in their homes while her physician remotely monitors her and her baby’s health.” CASSIDY BILL SUPPORTING GOLD STAR SPOUSES PASSES SENATE WITH UNANIMOUS SUPPORT Cassidy’s Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act passed the U.S. Senate on Wednesday night as well. The legislation increases access to job counseling services for spouses of members of the Armed Forces who died while on active duty – “surviving spouses” – through the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, a program housed within the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service at the U.S. Department of Labor. “The families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice deserve the best we have to offer,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Passing this bill ensures Gold Star spouses always have access to the services they need.” CASSIDY-SPONSORED BILL TO STOP AI “REVENGE PORN” UNANIMOUSLY PASSES U.S. SENATE On Tuesday night, the Cassidy-sponsored TAKE IT DOWN Act unanimously passed the U.S. Senate. The legislation would criminalize the publication of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII), including AI-generated NCII (commonly referred to as “deepfake revenge pornography”), and require social media and similar websites to have in place procedures to remove such content within 48 hours of notice from a victim. The TAKE IT DOWN ACT has received widespread support from nearly 90 organizations, including victim advocacy groups, law enforcement, and tech industry leaders. “The TAKE IT DOWN Act is a crucial step toward protecting victims of intimate image abuse, especially minors, in today’s digital world,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I’m pleased to see we are closer to making this a reality.” POST OFFICE NAMING HONORING LUKE LETLOW SIGNED INTO LAW Cassidy’s legislation to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 103 Benedette Street in Rayville, Louisiana, as the “Luke Letlow Post Office Building” was signed into law. Luke Letlow was a Start native who dedicated his life to public service. He was elected in 2020 to represent the 5th Congressional District of Louisiana but died of complications from COVID-19 before being sworn into office. “Luke’s death at too young of an age due to COVID robbed his family, Louisiana, and our nation of a man who served others his entire professional life,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This post office naming memorializes his work, his life, and the tragedy of COVID.” Cassidy delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor in support of the bill and to honor Luke Letlow’s life of service. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1172,Congressman Kennedy Announces Approval of the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,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) announced the House of Representatives has approved legislation posthumously awarding Shirley Chisholm with the Congressional Gold Medal. The bipartisan bill, cosponsored by Rep. Kennedy, commemorates Chisholm “in recognition of her activism, independence, and groundbreaking achievements in politics, including election as the first African American woman in Congress.” (Rep. Kennedy speaking on the House floor.) Kennedy celebrated Chisholm’s life and achievements in remarks on the House floor, saying in part, “It was here, in these halls and in this very chamber, that Shirley Chisholm advanced policies that provided healthy food options for mothers and their children, expanded child care, strengthened healthcare coverage, and much more. Shirley Chisholm’s famous declaration during her historic Presidential bid, “Unbought and Unbossed,” continues to resonate as a call for courage, authenticity, and integrity in public service. I am deeply honored to represent the district that serves as her final resting place at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York….Her presence in our community is a powerful reminder of her enduring legacy. We are forever indebted to her for her service in advancing civil rights, women’s rights, and making our nation more equitable for all.” Chisholm, who is nationally recognized as the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress as well as the first Black woman candidate to run for a major party’s nomination for President, lived in and is laid to rest in Western New York. She met her husband, Arthur Hardwick, Jr. in Albany while serving in the New York State Assembly and the couple made their home in Williamsville, New York. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 80 and is laid to rest in the Birchwood Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise-Previews-DOGE-Meeting,Scalise Previews DOGE Meeting,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss House Republicans unifying around a strong agenda to be ready to hit the ground running in January. Leader Scalise previewed the House Republican meeting with DOGE this afternoon and also shared how House Republicans will use the reconciliation process to target excess federal spending, prevent tax hikes on Americans, lower energy costs by reasserting American energy dominance, and secure the border. Image",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-duckworth-bill-to-support-veteran-organizations-heads-to-presidents-desk-to-become-law/,"Cassidy, Duckworth Bill to Support Veteran Organizations Heads to President’s Desk to Become Law",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,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 Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) applaud the U.S. Senate passage of their Veteran Service Organization (VSO) Equal Tax Treatment (VETT) Act, which would expand the deductibility of charitable contributions to all federally chartered tax-exempt organizations serving current and former members of the Armed Forces. Specifically, it overturns a provision that prohibits veteran organizations from accepting tax-deductible donations if their membership contains over 10 percent peacetime veterans. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the president’s desk for signature into law. “Giving back to the men and women who wore the uniform for our freedom is a noble cause,” said Dr. Cassidy. “If this bill incentivizes one more American to help our veterans, then it has been a good day in the U.S. Senate.” “It’s critical we do all we can to support Veterans Service Organizations, which provide vital assistance and community programming for those who served our nation,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud our bipartisan legislation passed the Senate and is now that much closer to reforming our tax code so that it promotes—rather than discourages—involvement in these community organizations, helping ensure they can continue to be a resource for Veterans to lean on.” Nearly 2.5 million of the 20 million veterans across the U.S. are peacetime veterans. Certain congressionally-chartered veterans organizations are forced to deny peacetime veterans membership to avoid dipping below the 90% threshold and losing their ability to accept tax-deductible donations. The VSO Equal Tax Treatment Act would: Provide that charitable contributions made to a federally chartered veteran service organization exempt from tax under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code are deductible for Federal income tax purposes. Amend the current law requiring 90 percent of members of these organizations to be considered “wartime veterans.” Stipulate that such charitable contributions qualify for the more generous charitable contribution percentage limitations that apply to contributions to organizations listed in section 170(b)(1)(A) of the Code. The VETT Act is endorsed by AMVETS, American Legion, AMSUS, Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS, Fleet Reserve Association, Jewish War Veterans, Military Order of the World Wars, Non Commissioned Officers Association, U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, and TREA: The Enlisted Association. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hassan-applaud-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-improve-health-care-for-expectant-mothers/,"Cassidy, Hassan Applaud Senate Passage of Legislation to Improve Health Care for Expectant Mothers",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,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 Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statements applauding the U.S. Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation aimed at improving health care for expectant mothers. The bicameral Connected Maternal Online Monitoring (MOM) Act now awaits action in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Maternal mortality is preventable and far too common in Louisiana today,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Passing this bill through the Senate is one step closer to providing high-risk moms the comfort to stay in their homes while her physician remotely monitors her and her baby’s health.” “Too many women across New Hampshire and our country face significant barriers to accessing regular prenatal and postpartum care – whether they live in rural communities, struggle with childcare, or juggle demanding work and family responsibilities,” said Senator Hassan. “Our bipartisan legislation recognizes how medical technology can help bridge these gaps, making it easier for women to access remote monitoring tools that can help detect potential pregnancy complications early. I will continue working across the aisle to address our maternal health crisis and ensure that every woman receives the health care she needs.” This legislation was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Tom Carper (D-DE), John Thune (R-SD), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). The Connected MOM Act requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide coverage recommendations for remote devices such as those that can check for irregularities in blood pressure, blood glucose, and pulse rates which can be indicators of potential pregnancy complications. It also requires CMS to update state resources, such as state Medicaid telehealth toolkits, to correspond with the recommendations provided. The goal is to improve maternal and infant outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-peters-introduce-legislation-to-protect-americans-dna-national-security/,"Cassidy, Peters Introduce Legislation to Protect Americans’ DNA, National Security",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,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 Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Genomic Data Protection Act to give Americans using at-home DNA tests the choice to delete their genomic data and destroy their biological samples. Approximately 21% of Americans have taken a mail-in a DNA test from a Direct-to-Consumer Genomic Testing Company. The lack of privacy protections opens the door to the potential selling of this data, which poses a risk to consumers and national security if an adversarial entity acquires the information. “Americans should know what happens to their personal health data after an at-home DNA test,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We need federal guidelines to make sure their rights are protected. Specifically, Americans should control their own genomic privacy.” “American citizens should have the right to control how their unique health and genetic information is being used and stored,” said Senator Peters. “This bill would give consumers the power to access their personal genomic data, delete it from a company’s platform, and ultimately destroy it if they choose.” Ten states, including Arizona, California, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming have enacted consumer protections related to the genomic data held by Direct-to-Consumer Genomic Testing Companies. However, there is no federal framework that allows Americans to protect the privacy of their personal genomic data. The legislation tasks the Federal Trade Commission with enforcing the Genomic Privacy Protection Act. The Genomic Data Protection Act would: Require Direct-to-Consumer Genomic Companies to enable a consumer to access their genomic data, delete their genomic data, and destroy their biological samples; Require Direct-to-Consumer genomic testing companies to notify consumers about the upcoming purchase or acquisition of a Direct-to-Consumer Genomic Companies and remind consumers of their rights to access, delete, and destroy their genomic data and biological sample; Require Direct-to-Consumer Genomic Companies to process deletion requests within 30 days. The companies must also notify consumers that their request was processed 30 days after the data was deleted; and, Stipulate that deidentified data can only be used for medical research in compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-cassidy-led-bill-to-provide-tax-relief-for-hurricanes-francine-ida-victims-heads-to-presidents-desk/,"VIDEO: Cassidy-Led Bill to Provide Tax Relief for Hurricanes Francine, Ida Victims Heads to President’s Desk",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,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 applauded the passage of his bill to provide tax relief for Americans impacted by Hurricanes Francine and Ida. The bill would allow Hurricane Ida victims and victims of other Presidentially-declared major natural disasters to deduct qualified disaster-related personal casualty losses from their income, even when taking the standard deduction. The Senate passed the bill through unanimous consent and now goes to the president’s desk to be signed into law. “Three years after Hurricane Ida and months after Hurricane Francine hit Louisiana, communities are still recovering, and every bit helps,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We are one step closer to providing more resources to Louisianans who need that money to rebuild their lives.” Additionally, it would repeal the rule requiring that losses exceed 10% of adjusted gross income. This legislation is part of Cassidy’s continued effort to support the people of Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ida and builds upon his previous work to support disaster victims. Cassidy secured the same tax relief in 2020 to help Hurricane Laura victims and in 2017 for Louisianans impacted by the Great Floods of 2016. Cassidy’s legislation was passed as part of a larger tax package, which also included a bill to provide tax relief for wildfire survivors who have received compensation for losses and damages suffered during a Presidentially-declared disaster, which Cassidy supported. The package also included relief for the victims of East Palestine railroad tragedy. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/12/04/higgins-announces-winners-of-the-2024-congressional-app-challenge/,Higgins Announces Winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced that Rudra Karadkhelkar, a student at Lafayette High School, and Terrell Lazar, a student at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy, as the overall winners of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge for Louisiana’s 3rd District. Rudra and Terrell’s project, “Town Square,” is a local business directory app that helps residents connect with nearby businesses that fit their needs. The app allows users to search local shops by name, industry, ratings, and most visits. The students created “Town Square” to increase the visibility and engagement of local businesses and help alleviate some of the stress of marketing. Watch the students demonstrate their app here. “Congratulations to Rudra and Terrell on their winning app,” said Congressman Higgins. “Town Square’s mission to help local businesses succeed is admirable. Rudra and Terrell’s app has the potential to connect citizens to local businesses, boosting our economy and bringing prosperity to communities across South Louisiana.” About the Congressional App Challenge",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/12/04/higgins-commends-passage-of-legislation-expanding-the-atchafalaya-national-heritage-area/,Higgins Commends Passage of Legislation Expanding the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) commended House passage of H.R. 6843, legislation adding Lafourche Parish in the boundaries of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. The bill was authored by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and co-sponsored by Congressman Higgins. The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area stretches across 14 parishes and provides support for the region’s cultural heritage, increases national attention to the area through tourism, and enhances the ecological habitats and wildlife species. The area currently includes St. Mary, Iberia, St. Martin, St. Landry, Avoyelles, Pointe Coupee, Iberville, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafayette, West Baton Rouge, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, and Ascension parishes. “I’m glad to see legislation expanding the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area pass the House,” said Congressman Higgins. “Lafourche Parish shares the same natural resources and cultural significance as others in the Heritage Area, and I thank Majority Leader Scalise for leading this important legislation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases/scalise-2025-house-calendar,Scalise: 2025 House Calendar,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) announced the 2025 legislative calendar for the first session of the 119th Congress. Click here to download the calendar. Image",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise%3A-2025-House-Calendar-Sets-Stage-for-Ambitious-Republican-Agenda,Scalise: 2025 House Calendar Sets Stage for Ambitious Republican Agenda,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore (R-Utah) to highlight Republicans’ ambitious agenda for next year. Leader Scalise discussed how Republicans are working together to lay the groundwork to deliver for American families on day one. Image",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hassan-schmitt-kelly-celebrate-senate-passage-of-legislation-supporting-gold-star-spouses/,"Cassidy, Hassan, Schmitt, Kelly Celebrate Senate Passage of Legislation Supporting Gold Star Spouses",2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,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), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) applauded the Senate unanimously passing their Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act. The legislation increases access to job counseling services for spouses of members of the Armed Forces who died while on active duty – “surviving spouses” – through the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, a program housed within the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service at the U.S. Department of Labor. The program provides every state with funding to hire dedicated workforce specialists to provide individualized career counseling support with localized knowledge to eligible veterans. “The families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice deserve the best we have to offer,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Passing this bill is the first step toward ensuring Gold Star spouses always have access to the services they need.” “We owe it to the families of fallen service members to do all that we can to support them after their devastating loss,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill will ensure that surviving spouses have access to job counseling services and will help address some of the employment challenges that the families of those who have served face. I urge my colleagues in the House to work with us to get this commonsense bill across the finish line as part of our ongoing efforts to live up to our promise to support military families.” “This bill is a common sense, bi-partisan step forward to make sure the families of those who gave their lives for our country are able to receive the services they need. I’m proud to join Senator Hassan on this effort, and I’m hopeful we can continue work together to support our Gold Star families,” said Senator Schmitt. “I am pleased the Senate passed this important bill that honored our commitment to the families of service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Senator Kelly. “Expanding access to these resources will provide critical support to families navigating unimaginable loss, helping them secure good-paying jobs and stability for their futures. I’m proud to see this bipartisan effort move closer to becoming law.” Cassidy is a strong advocate for veterans and their families. Last year, Cassidy passed and had signed into law the Solid Start Act, which requires the VA to contact every veteran three times within their first year of separation from the military to connect them with programs and benefits, including mental health resources. Since then, he has introduced legislation to help families and caseworkers secure the records of prisoners of war and those missing in action, and to prevent the implementation of the Oracle Cerner electronic health record system until improvements are made. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/House-Passes-Scalise-Legislation-to-Expand-Atchafalaya-National-Heritage-Area,House Passes Scalise Legislation to Expand Atchafalaya National Heritage Area,2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 6843, legislation authored by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), to include Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, in the boundaries of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. ""Stretching across 14 parishes in Louisiana, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area protects our region’s storied culture and resources. From Cajun music to Zydeco to our bayous and abundant natural resources, Louisiana has unparalleled culture and heritage and is home to some of the most unique and special landscapes in the world. ""I’m proud to lead the effort with my delegation colleagues to ensure that Lafourche Parish – the only parish in the historic boundary area that is left out of the original designation – is finally included in this National Heritage Area. This bill corrects a long overdue oversight that will complete the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, and I am pleased to see it pass the House today,”said Leader Scalise. What Louisiana leaders are saying: “I’m pleased to see Leader Scalise’s legislation to modify the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area to include Lafourche Parish pass the House to raise awareness for the cultural and historical significance that our parish brings to the designation,” said Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson, III. “Lafourche Parish is rich with natural resources and a vibrant cultural identity that are integral to our Atchafalaya story. I applaud Leader Scalise’s leadership to modify the Heritage Area’s boundary and strengthen the vitality of our communities in the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area,"" said Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Executive Director Justin K. Lemoine.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hassan-introduce-bill-to-connect-individuals-to-the-workforce/,"Cassidy, Hassan Introduce Bill to Connect Individuals to the Workforce",2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,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 Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced legislation to build our workforce and help connect individuals to good jobs. The Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act strengthens the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which has a proven track record of connecting disadvantaged individuals to employment and has long received bipartisan support. The WOTC provides a federal tax credit to employers who invest in American workers who have consistently faced barriers to employment, including eligible veterans, SNAP recipients, individuals with disabilities, and long-term unemployed individuals. Employers incur higher recruitment and training costs to reach WOTC eligible populations and support their successful transition back into employment. WOTC has not been updated since its enactment twenty-seven years ago and its value has been eroded significantly due to inflation. “It can be challenging for individuals to find jobs after being out of the workforce,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bill helps employers help prospective employees struggling to find work, boosting the American economy and reducing the reliance on government assistance.” “Creating economic opportunity for all Americans is essential to our country’s success,” said Senator Hassan. “Our bipartisan legislation will help connect more Americans across the country with good-paying jobs, while also lowering costs for businesses who invest in hiring veterans, people with disabilities, and others who may face barriers to employment. This tax cut is a commonsense, bipartisan way to support job growth and economic opportunity in New Hampshire and across the country.” Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11), Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Steven Horsford (D-NV-04), and Mike Kelly (R-PA-16). “The restaurant industry has hundreds of thousands of jobs that it needs to fill every month, many of which can be filled by individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to employment. Getting these people back to work is valuable to the individual, the restaurant operator and the community. We appreciate Sens. Cassidy and Hassan’s efforts to improve on WOTC as a tool for restaurant operators to hire needed staff and increase their business viability,” said Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, National Restaurant Association. “The Louisiana Restaurant Association applauds Sen. Cassidy for his leadership in introducing the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Act. Restaurants in Louisiana are not just places to enjoy great food; they are training grounds for skill development and second chances for many individuals facing employment barriers. The WOTC program is essential for fostering opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and contributing to the economic vitality of our communities,” said Stan Harris, President and CEO, Louisiana Restaurant Association. “The Critical Labor Coalition applauds Senators Cassidy and Hassan for their leadership on this important issue. The ongoing. labor shortage presents significant challenges to business owners; the Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides opportunities to those facing barriers to workforce entry and stimulates job growth. The “Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act” also addresses the need to increase the credit after 25+ years, a much-needed adjustment for current employers,” said Misty Chally, Executive Director, Critical Labor Coalition. “FMI – The Food Industry Association applauds Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) for introducing this legislation to improve the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). WOTC is an important workforce-building tool, utilized by our grocery, wholesaler, and product supplier members, to hire individuals facing barriers to employment. FMI is excited to work with Senators Cassidy and Hassan and House companion bill sponsors Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) on strengthening the path for veterans, SNAP participants, justice-involved individuals, and others to obtain meaningful employment in the food industry through enactment of this measure,” said Christine Pollack, FMI Vice President, Government Relations. “The Work Opportunity Tax Credit has been a vital resource for franchise business owners that provide job opportunities to workers who have faced barriers to employment. IFA applauds Sens. Cassidy and Hassan for taking this important step to help franchised businesses hire workers from underserved communities and provide additional relief, especially since finding labor remains the most significant challenge for local franchises,” said Mike Layman, Chief Advocacy Officer, International Franchise Association. The legislation is endorsed by the American Health Care Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association, American Seniors Housing Association, American Staffing Association, American Trucking Associations, Argentum, Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., Due Process Institute, NAACP, NAPEO, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Association for Home Care and Hospice, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors, National Beer Wholesalers Association, National Franchisee Association, National Grocers Association, National Urban League, NATSO, Representing America’s Travel Centers and Truck Stops, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Retail Merchants Association, SIGMA, America’s Leading Fuel Marketers, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, and Society for Human Resource Management. Background: The National Employment Opportunity Network reports that the WOTC has saved federal governments an estimated $202 billion over ten years. The Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act would update the WOTC, which has not been changed since its enactment twenty-seven years ago and encourage longer-service employment. The bill would (1) increase the current credit percentage from 40% to 50% of qualified wages and (2) add a second level of credit for employees who work 400 or more hours. In addition, the bill eliminates the arbitrary age cap at which SNAP recipients are eligible for WOTC. This change will provide an incentive to hire older workers and better align the credit with previously adopted work reforms. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-13-5-million-for-south-louisiana-in-hurricane-laura-ida-relief/,"Cassidy Announces $13.5 Million for South Louisiana in Hurricane Laura, Ida Relief",2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,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 $13,491,123.64 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Hurricanes Laura and Ida relief. “In the years following Hurricanes Laura and Ida, South Louisiana families have shown their resiliency,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will help our communities continue to rebuild and recover.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-calls-for-senate-vote-to-repeal-wep-gpo-quit-wasting-time-on-biden-harris-judicial-nominees/,"Cassidy Calls for Senate Vote to Repeal WEP, GPO, Quit Wasting Time on Biden-Harris Judicial Nominees",2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,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) took to the U.S. Senate floor calling on the Senate Majority Leader to stop wasting time on last-minute, lame duck Biden-Harris judicial nominees, and take up the Social Security Fairness Act after it passed with overwhelming support in the U.S. House of Representatives last week. The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal two unfair Social Security provisions known as Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). “We can repeal two unfair Social Security provisions with the Social Security Fairness Act today if the Majority Leader schedules a vote,” said Dr. Cassidy. “WEP and GPO penalize families across the country who worked a public service job for part of their career with a separate pension. We’re talking about police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public employees who are punished for serving their communities.” “We owe it to every public servant who has taught our children, protected our streets, ran into burning buildings, and more to get this passed. The time for political theater is over! It is time to get serious and vote on legislation that matters,” continued Dr. Cassidy. “I am ready to vote yes on the Social Security Fairness Act and repeal WEP and GPO for Louisianans and Americans across the country.” Cassidy is a long-time cosponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act in the Senate. Cassidy has been an original cosponsor of the Social Security Fairness Act since he became a Member of Congress in 2009. He reintroduced the legislation in the 117th and 116th Congress. Background In June, Cassidy entered a statement into the record urging the repeal of WEP and GPO ahead of the U.S. Senate Finance Subcommittee field hearing on Social Security. In July, Cassidy spoke on the U.S. Senate floor urging Congress to repeal WEP and GPO as part of his “Big Idea” to save, strengthen, and secure America’s retirement system. Cassidy led a bipartisan working group to preserve and protect Social Security. Last spring, he 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 “Big Idea”. In March, Cassidy grilled U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on President Biden’s plan to address Social Security, to which Secretary Yellen admitted “the president doesn’t have a plan,” to save Social Security. Cassidy has discussed the “Big Idea” at a public forum with AARP on the future of Social Security, outlined his Social Security plan in a fireside chat with the Bipartisan Policy Committee, and authored op-eds in the National Review, Washington Examiner in October and in July, Wall Street Journal, State Affairs, Washington Post. Cassidy’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Madam President, Before the Thanksgiving holiday, my colleagues and I voted late into the night. I’d have no problem with this if we’re voting on meaningful legislation. That’s not what we were been doing. We were voting on last-minute, lame duck Biden-Harris judicial nominees. Yet we have serious legislation that will help millions of Americans that the House overwhelmingly passed in mid-November. They sent it over to the Senate, and it’s waiting for a vote. I’m speaking of the Social Security Fairness Act to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset—or WEP and GPO. Social Security is a sacred trust between generations. It is a promise to workers that when they retire, they will not live in poverty. Right now, Social Security’s future is in danger. According to the people who run this program, if Congress does nothing the Social Security trust fund will be busted in 9 years. Flat. Bankrupt. And there will be an automatic 20-24 percent cut in benefits for everyone receiving Social Security and for those who will receive it in the future. We must save, strengthen, and secure the program and I have a plan to do so. One thing we can’t do is perpetuate unfairness that began decades ago. This unfairness targets people who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities as state or local community workers, such as first responders and teachers. Today, we can take a step towards fairness. We can repeal two unfair Social Security provisions with the Social Security Fairness Act today if the Majority Leader schedules a vote. WEP and GPO penalize families across the country who worked a public service job for part of their career with a separate pension. We’re talking about police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public employees who are punished for serving their communities. So how did we get here? WEP and GPO were introduced decades ago to address perceived inequalities in the Social Security system, but they have had the opposite effect of creating real tangible inequalities. When my police officers, firefighters, and teachers in Louisiana have second jobs, second careers, or get married, they are unfairly punished. They receive less from Social Security than if they had never worked in public service at all. That’s not right. WEP reduces the earned Social Security benefits of individuals who also receive a pension from a non-Social Security-covered job. This has resulted in thousands of individuals who have paid into the system during their careers receiving a significantly reduced Social Security benefit when they hit retirement. GPO reduces earned Social Security spousal or survivor benefits for individuals who also receive a government pension. This provision can reduce or even eliminate the Social Security benefits that a spouse or widow might have expected and relied on. Public servant spouses would receive more if they had never worked at all. Louisiana has more first responders per capita than any other state in the nation and tens of thousands of teachers, meaning our state is disproportionally hurt by WEP and GPO. Time and time again I hear from constituents that they feel like they are being punished for serving their communities. And public servants across the country rightfully feel the exact same way. WEP and GPO affect Americans in every single state. There is no excuse to treat our public servants this way. WEP and GPO should have never become law. But we have an opportunity to fix it. In mid-November, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Social Security Fairness Act. As a longtime original cosponsor of the Senate version, I have been waiting to proudly vote yes, and finally repeal WEP and GPO. Instead, day after day, Senate Democrats have focused their attention on ramming through partisan nominees rather than passing serious legislation. If I sound frustrated, it is because I am. We owe it to every public servant who has taught our children, protected our streets, ran into burning buildings, and more to get this passed. The time for political theater is over! It is time to get serious and vote on legislation that matters. I am ready to vote yes on the Social Security Fairness Act and repeal WEP and GPO for Louisianans and Americans across the country. So, I call on the Majority Leader to schedule a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting it. With that, I yield. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/11/12/higgins-comer-nehls-demand-compliance-with-law-to-protect-u-s-shrimp-industry/,"Higgins, Comer, Nehls Demand Compliance with Law to Protect U.S. Shrimp Industry",2024-11-12,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-KY), and Congressman Troy Nehls (R-TX) are putting pressure on the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine whether the U.S. Treasury Department is adhering to legal requirements by opposing international economic assistance projects that threaten American industries, including the shrimp industry. This letter coincides with Congressman Higgins and Congressman Nehls’ legislation, the Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2024, which would prohibit federal funds from being made available to International Financial Institutions (IFIs) that subsidize foreign activity relating to shrimp farming, shrimp processing, or the export of shrimp to the United States. Read more on that legislation here. “It has come to our attention that the U.S. Treasury Department may not be in compliance with statutory requirements to oppose projects seeking economic assistance before international monetary institutions that pose direct competition to American industries,” wrote the lawmakers. “This role is crucial to ensure American tax dollars are not used to undermine American industries in international economic decisions while representing the United States on global financial boards like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.” “Notably, since 2006, U.S. directors have either supported or abstained from voting at least 17 times on projects involving industries that directly compete with the U.S. shrimp industry—an industry facing severe challenges due to foreign shrimp dumping. These findings raise concerns that the Treasury Department may not fully comply with this statute and, in some cases, has voted to support industries that directly compete with American businesses,” continued the lawmakers. “To ensure these policies are followed, we request that the Government Accountability Office review whether the Treasury Department has met its obligations under this statute.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise-Celebrates-Trump-Naming-Stefanik-U.S.-Ambassador-to-the-U.N.,Scalise Celebrates Trump Naming Stefanik U.S. Ambassador to the U.N.,2024-11-11,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"JEFFERSON, La.— Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement celebrating President Trump naming Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations: “President Trump has made a fantastic choice with Conference Chair Elise Stefanik for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. I will miss Elise, who has become a dear friend in the House as well as a respected leader as our Republican Conference Chair. She is extremely qualified for this new role in public service, and the House’s loss will be a huge gain for the Trump Administration and the country. There is nobody better to represent President Trump’s foreign policy and America’s values at the United Nations than Elise Stefanik.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1165,Congressman Kennedy Announces Funding Available Through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program,2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,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) announced federal funding is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The program supports equipment, training, and protective gear aimed at keeping first responders and communities safe from fire and related hazards. “Firefighters and emergency responders provide a selfless service, racing into difficult and dangerous situations to help their neighbors and protect our communities,” said Congressman Kennedy, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. “The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program provides critical resources to enhance capabilities and improve safety. I encourage local fire departments to apply.” The application period opens on November 12, 2024, and the deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on December 20, 2024. The program makes $291.6 million in grant funding available to fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical services (EMS) organizations nationwide. For a schedule of virtual workshops on the application process visit: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/firefighters/workshops Additional assistance is available to applicants through the Assistance to Firefighters helpdesk by calling 866-274-0960 or by emailing firegrants@fema.dhs.gov. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise%3A-House-Republicans-are-Ready-for-Trump%E2%80%99s-First-100-Days,Scalise: House Republicans are Ready for Trump’s First 100 Days,2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"JEFFERSON, La.—Today, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined Fox News’ Fox and Friends to discuss House Republicans' agenda for President Trump’s first 100 days in office. Leader Scalise emphasized that House Republicans will waste no time using reconciliation to get America back on track by slashing unnecessary regulations to lower costs, extending the Trump tax cuts, implementing strong energy policies, and securing the border. Excerpts from Leader Scalise’s interview: On House Republicans’ first 100-day agenda: “I've already talked to President Trump about [the number one bill we will pass], a bill called budget reconciliation. There are a lot of things you could put in that. We laid it out as a first 100-day agenda. And we would put things like renewing the Trump tax cuts, many of those which expired that we passed in 2017. We want to renew those cuts so that families don't see a tax increase. “President Trump on the campaign trail talked about some other things he wants to include there. We can include more American energy production. You want to talk, Lawrence, about getting our economy back on track. Let's open up more American energy that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris shut down. The ability to produce more energy in our country, it will lower costs for things like gasoline and food for families who are struggling. And it really takes leverage away from countries like Russia, like Iran, like Venezuela. So geopolitically has a lot of benefits, too. Let's rightsize government. Elon Musk is going to be very involved in that. We can put a lot of those ideas in budget reconciliation. And get rid of a lot of rules and regulations that add cost, that don't do anything to keep us safer. Just carrying out things, stupid things, like banning gas stoves and banning the combustion engine. The EPA came out with a rule that is already killing thousands of jobs up in Michigan. Let's get rid of those rules that have no impact on our country. It helps China. If you want to help the EV industry in China, that's what those rules do. They crush American jobs. We got to get rid of those rules, too. We're looking at all of that, Lawrence, in the first 100 days. “And more border security as well, President Trump is ready to go there, too. We got a great opportunity to get this country back on track, and I want to thank the American people for the overwhelming mandate they gave President Trump and all of us.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-5-6-million-for-louisiana-in-hurricane-laura-ida-relief/,"Cassidy Announces $5.6 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane Laura, Ida Relief",2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,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 $5,565,046.50 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Hurricanes Laura and Ida relief. The Calcasieu Parish School Board will receive $3,327,984.22 for permanent work to Sulphur High School as a result of Hurricane Laura. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport will receive $2,237,062.28 for permanent work to the MSY Campus Facilities as a result of Hurricane Ida. “Louisiana remains strong in the aftermath of Hurricanes Laura and Ida,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will help our communities continue to recover and prepare for the next storm.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1164,Congressman Kennedy Statement on the Closure of Sumitomo Rubber USA,2024-11-07,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the following statement following the closure of Sumitomo Rubber USA’s tire manufacturing facility in the Town of Tonawanda: “The decision to close this facility is a devastating and outrageous loss to 1,550 hard-working people, to the Town of Tonawanda, and to our region’s entire economy,” said Congressman Kennedy. “After investing over $100 million, which increased production by fifty percent, the company is shutting down its only tire production facility in the U.S. Our community has manufactured tires at this facility for over a hundred years, and we have developed one of the highest-quality workforces to do so. I will continue to fight for the skilled and dedicated individuals in our region, who deserve good-paying jobs right here in Western New York.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1167,"Congressman Kennedy, Veterans One-stop Center Announce Over $1.5 Million for At-Risk Veterans",2024-11-07,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced funding for the Veterans One-stop Center in Buffalo, New York. A total of $836,189, made available through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families will be directed towards supporting homeless and at-risk veterans and their families. Additionally, $750,000 from the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program will be dedicated to veteran suicide prevention efforts. “Our veterans have sacrificed dearly for our country, and it’s our duty to support them when they need us most,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I am proud to announce over $1.5 million in federal funding for Veterans One-stop Center to meet the housing needs of veterans and their families, and to reduce the number of veterans who take their life after leaving the service. This funding is helping to ensure our heroes in Western New York are never left behind or forgotten.” ""Funding for programs like Supportive Services for Veteran Families and the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program is crucial,"" said Veterans One-stop Center President & CEO Adam Howard. ""It provides essential support and resources, ensuring our Veterans and their families receive the care and assistance they deserve. The Veterans One-stop Center strives to ensure that all Veterans and their families have barrier-free access to the services they need to deal with challenges at home, to complete the transition to civilian life, and to achieve their goals and reach their full potential."" Background Information: The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program grant supports the implementation of tailored suicide prevention programs and services for Veterans and their families. For more information, click here. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families and Homeless Providers Grant program assists with rapidly rehousing veterans, prevents the imminent loss of veterans’ homes, and identifies more suitable housing situations. For more information about the housing grant, click here. Founded in Western New York in 2013 by a group of independent service providers led by the Western New York Veterans Housing Coalition and Goodwill of Western New York, the Veterans One-stop Center of WNY serves the needs of Veterans and their families returning to civilian life. A well-integrated provider network, the One-stop Center now serves counties and communities beyond Western New York, reaching Veterans, service members, and their families across the nation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1163,Congressman Kennedy Announces $360 Million in Heating Assistance Available to New Yorkers,2024-11-04,2024,2024-11,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) announced residents in New York State will receive $360,185,996 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). HEAP makes home heating assistance available to eligible residents. “As the winter season approaches, HEAP funding helps to fill the gap to ensure seniors and families on a fixed income can remain safe and healthy in their homes,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I’m proud to deliver these critical resources for New Yorkers and encourage residents looking for help paying their energy bills to apply for HEAP assistance.” The resources for New York State are part of $3.7 billion in HEAP funding released to states and territories nationwide. The newly released funding was included in the Continuing Resolution approved by Rep. Kennedy in September. This allocation includes an additional $100.1 million made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help residents with heating assistance and long-term improvements to upgrade home energy equipment and energy efficiency home upgrades. The HEAP application window in New York opened on November 1, 2024. Residents can use the U.S. Health and Human Services online tool to see if they might be eligible for HEAP: https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/eligibility-tool. Western New Yorkers are also encouraged to visit the Erie County www3.erie.gov/heap/ or Niagara County www.niagaracounty.gov/departments/s-z/social_services/heap.php HEAP websites for additional information on eligibility and the HEAP application process. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-9-9-million-for-louisiana-in-hurricane-seawater-intrusion-relief/,"Cassidy Announces $9.9 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane, Seawater Intrusion Relief",2024-11-04,2024,2024-11,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 $9,866,737.76 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Ida, and seawater intrusion relief. “Louisiana is a beacon of strength and resilience through any storm,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will help restore our communities, prepare for future hurricanes, and ensure they are equipped with clean water.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-cruz-crenshaw-colleagues-file-bicameral-amicus-brief-defending-american-energy/,"Cassidy, Cruz, Crenshaw, Colleagues File Bicameral Amicus Brief Defending American Energy",2024-11-04,2024,2024-11,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), Ted Cruz (R-TX), U.S. Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX-02), and colleagues filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to rehear or rehear en banc City of Port Isabel v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The amicus brief aims to ensure that federal courts correctly interpret and apply the Natural Gas Act, which encourages the development of natural gas resources and infrastructure. The brief highlights the interest to protect American jobs, strengthen national security, and restore energy independence. “In the Natural Gas Act (NGA), Congress said that building LNG facilities is strongly in the public interest of the United States. NGA Section 3 sets up a ‘general presumption favoring authorization’ of LNG facilities. To that end, Congress dictated that FERC ‘shall’ approve an application to export natural gas ‘unless, after opportunity for hearing, it finds that the proposed exportation . . . will not be consistent with the public interest.’ […] The Commission’s job is to approve LNG facilities unless they are clearly ‘not . . . consistent’ with the public interest. It is not the Court’s job to make the public-interest determination for FERC by deciding that environmental whimsy is more important than building LNG facilities,” wrote the members. “In this case, the federal regulators at FERC did what Congress asked them to do: they considered and explained the environmental effects of their decision to fulfill the public interest. Then they approved the construction of these much-needed LNG facilities in South Texas. The panel should have let FERC’s decision stand. Instead, the panel used NEPA to elevate other interests over the public interest dictated by Congress. Most critically, the panel barely mentioned the NGA’s presumption in favor of exporting LNG, much less tried to reconcile that statutory mandate with its use of NEPA to vacate FERC’s approval,” continued the members. “Building LNG facilities is in the public interest, sometimes irrebuttably so. Congress established this strong regime for LNG production to promote domestic economic growth. Its effects are particularly felt in Texas, Louisiana, and other energy producing States, given the abundant energy resources in such States and their access to global markets. This regime is intended to reduce America’s reliance on imported energy from foreign adversaries and protect the Nation’s security, particularly at a time when our allies and partners are seeking trusted and reliable sources of LNG. Respectfully, federal courts cannot overcome such critical, congressionally established public interests by insisting on more paperwork,” concluded the members. Cassidy, Cruz, and Crenshaw are joined by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), John Barrasso (R-WY), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and U.S. Representatives Steve Scalise (R-LA-01), Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Michael C. Burgess (R-TX-26), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34), Wesley Hunt (R-TX-38), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), and Randy Weber (R-TX-14) on the amicus brief. Read the full amicus brief here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-honors-veterans-in-denham-springs/,Cassidy Honors Veterans in Denham Springs,2024-11-04,2024,2024-11,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 –On Saturday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) honored veterans and their families in Denham Springs at a Veterans Appreciation Day event. He thanked all of those present for their service and committed to doing everything he can to get them the health care and support they need. “Denham Springs and Livingston Parish honored Gold Star families, Blue Star families, and our veterans,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It was a moving ceremony. My commitment to these families and these veterans is to make sure that our VA works for them as they have worked for us.” Cassidy has worked to expand health care options for veterans and ensure the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) delivers timely and effective care. In 2022, he passed and signed into law the Solid Start Act, which ensures that the VA contacts every veteran three times by phone in the first year after they leave active duty to connect them with VA programs and benefits. Cassidy also voted for the PACT Act, which expands benefits to post-9/11 and other veterans who were exposed to toxins during their time in service. Additionally, Cassidy introduced legislation to create a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Policy Advisory Commission (VetPAC) that will help ensure that the VHA effectively provides health care for the veterans it serves. Present at the event were veterans from across Livingston Parish, as well as members of the American Legion, the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, and Louisiana Women Veterans. Cassidy was welcomed by Mr. Stan McCurdy, the organizer of the event and a Gold Star Father. “I appreciate Senator Cassidy taking the time to meet with the veterans who came to our event and listen to their concerns,” said Mr. McCurdy. “His respect and support for veterans and our community means a lot.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z https://scalise.house.gov/press-releases/Scalise-Tours-Hurricane-Helene-Damage-in-Asheville,Scalise Tours Hurricane Helene Damage in Asheville,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,scalise,https://scalise.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Yesterday, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) visited Asheville, North Carolina with Congressman Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) alongside Congressman Jason Smith (R-Mo.), Congressman Mark Alford (R-Mo.), and Congressman Mike Collins (R-Ga.) to tour communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Leader Scalise met with local officials, volunteers, and small business owners working to rebuild and released the following statement: “Hurricane Helene had a devastating impact across western North Carolina. But I saw in Asheville today what I saw in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina: resilient people coming together in the face of destruction and tragedy to lend helping hands to their neighbors and rebuild their vibrant community. I’m thankful to have been here to see the challenges firsthand and to meet many of the incredible volunteers, restaurateurs, and business owners already working to restore what was lost. My friend Congressman Chuck Edwards is working tirelessly in the wake of this storm to help these hard-hit areas and aid them on their road to recovery. North Carolina is not alone in this fight.” Below are photos from Leader Scalise's visit: 3) Leader Scalise meets with local business owners working to rebuild the River Arts District.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hassan-release-policy-framework-on-medicare-site-neutral-reform-to-lower-health-care-costs/,"Cassidy, Hassan Release Policy Framework on Medicare Site-Neutral Reform to Lower Health Care Costs",2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,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 Maggie Hassan (D-NH) today released a legislative framework to address site-neutral Medicare payment reform to lower health care costs for patients and save taxpayer dollars. Current Medicare regulations allow hospitals to take advantage of the higher Medicare payment structure for hospitals, allowing them to charge the highest possible price for services that can be done in less expensive settings. Many procedures can be done safely and in a less expensive setting like a physician’s office, yet hospitals continue to charge higher prices to do the same. “As a doctor, my focus is always providing the best care at the most affordable cost,” said Dr. Cassidy. “If the same care can be safely provided in different settings, patients should not pay hundreds more simply because their doctor works in a hospital. Our framework provides a path to ensure that.” “Patients should not be forced to pay higher bills just because their regular doctor’s office was purchased by a hospital,” said Senator Hassan. “Our bipartisan site-neutral payment framework demonstrates how we can significantly lower health care costs for seniors on Medicare – which in turn will save taxpayers billions of dollars. Our bipartisan framework would also make significant investments in rural and high-needs hospitals that serve their local communities. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Cassidy and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle on future legislation. There is bipartisan agreement that by pursuing site neutral payment in Medicare, we can lower costs and ensure that more people can get the health care that they need.” Read the full policy framework here. Site-neutral policies would require Medicare to pay the same rate for the same service, regardless of where the service is delivered (e.g., hospital, ambulatory surgery center, outpatient clinic). Currently, Medicare patients and taxpayers share the cost of hospital “facility fees.” These fees, which can be hundreds of dollars, are typically charged when a patient receives basic care—such as a steroid shot or allergy test—in a hospital setting regardless of what the procedure is. These extra fees drive up patient costs and increase provider consolidation incentives, such as hospital ownership of non-hospital care settings such as physician offices. Consolidation reduces patient choice among providers and increases overall health care costs for patients in highly consolidated markets. Cassidy and Hassan’s framework proposes establishing site-neutral payments in off-campus hospital outpatient departments and for common outpatient services. The framework is endorsed by the United States of Care, Third Way, Small Business Majority, the ERISA Industry Committee, Families USA, Bipartisan Policy Center, the Community Oncology Alliance, West Health Policy Center, the Committee to Protect Health Care, Americans for Prosperity, Alliance to Fight for Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Aledade, American Benefits Council, and Arnold Ventures. “We know from our listening work that cost is the primary source of anxiety for people when seeking health care, and that it often prevents people from getting the care that they need. Establishing site-neutral payment policy not only promotes fair billing practices for services we all rely on, but it strikes at the core of what people want changed with our health care system,” said United States of Care CEO and Co-Founder Natalie Davis. “This framework is a great first step towards implementing site-neutral payments, and by investing the savings from these reforms into rural hospitals, we’re reinforcing access to health care in communities across the nation. I applaud Sens. Cassidy and Hassan for their hard work and commitment in driving these targeted changes that will help promote transparency, fairness, and access.” “We appreciate Sens. Hassan (D-NH) and Cassidy’s (R-LA) leadership on this framework to address payment reforms that would reduce the burden of health care costs on patients while also reinvesting in rural and high-needs communities. Site-neutral payment policies, like those proposed in this framework and recommended by the Bipartisan Policy Center, reduce costs for patients and taxpayers and improve the sustainability of Medicare. BPC Action looks forward to working with Congress to continue identifying and moving the needle on long-term solutions, such as this framework, that improve health outcomes while reducing cost burdens on individuals and the federal government,” said Michele Stockwell, President of BPC Action. “Small business owners consistently tell us that they’re struggling under the weight of increasingly high healthcare costs,” said Small Business Majority Founder & CEO John Arensmeyer. “Something has to be done to get these expenses in check, and site-neutral billing is a great way to help contain healthcare costs. If we don’t take action to address the enormous cost of healthcare, more and more small businesses will be forced to make difficult decisions such as cutting back employee benefits or, in some cases, closing down their businesses.” “Employers applaud Senators Hassan and Cassidy for advancing site-neutral payment policies, which drive down costs and promote fair competition. Patients should receive quality care without worrying whether their costs will be inflated by provider consolidation. We look forward to working with Congress to enact these policies into law,” said James Gelfand, President & CEO of the ERISA Industry Committee. “While hospitals need to be financially sound, what is good for their bottom line is not necessarily good for patients or taxpayers,” said Tim Lash, President of West Health Policy Center. “The time for site-neutral payment reform is long overdue, which is why West Health is supportive of the bipartisan legislative framework put forth by Senators Cassidy and Hassan. Site-neutrality is commonsense policy that could save billions of dollars in healthcare spending, and legislation that closes this policy loophole needs to advance as quickly as possible.” “Ensuring Americans are paying the same price for the same service regardless of where they seek care is essential to lowering health care costs. Today, Medicare enrollees pay up to four times more for routine care provided at a hospital-owned outpatient facility compared to the cost at an independent doctor’s office, incentivizing large hospital monopolies to buy up physician practices and increase prices. We applaud Sens. Cassidy and Hassan for putting forth a bipartisan framework for comprehensive site-neutral payment reform, a commonsense solution that would lead to savings for Medicare enrollees and taxpayers,” said Mark Miller, Executive Vice President at Arnold Ventures. “Your health care costs shouldn’t go up just because a corporate hospital system bought your doctor’s office,” said David Merritt, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. “That’s why we applaud Sens. Hassan and Cassidy for releasing a legislative framework that puts consumers first. It ends the practice of hospitals gobbling up independent physician practices and then charging patients as much as five times more for the same service simply because the office changes names. This an important step toward making health care more affordable for all Americans.” “We have a health care affordability crisis in this country, with America’s families struggling to afford the care they need. Yet all across the nation, big hospital corporations keep jacking up the price of care, buying up small, family-owned doctor’s offices so they can charge more and more for the exact same care and services. It’s time to hold these big corporations accountable and bring down costs for patients. Families USA strongly supports the bipartisan work of Senators Hassan (D-NH) and Cassidy (R-LA) to make sure that people pay the same price for the same health care service, regardless of where the care is delivered. This legislative framework is the roadmap to enacting comprehensive site neutral payment reform which will lower costs for people and save our health care system money, and Congress should get it done,” said Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Families USA. “The Community Oncology Alliance commends Senator Cassidy for his leadership in putting forth a framework for legislation to create site payment parity, which will reduce medical costs for Medicare seniors, regardless of where they are treated. Higher hospital costs are contributing to mounting medical debt, forcing seniors on fixed incomes to choose between paying hospital bills and keeping food on the table. As a physician, Senator Cassidy also understands that small hospitals are failing, creating treatment ‘deserts’ in rural and underserved communities and need immediate help,” said Ted Okan, Executive Director of the Community Oncology Alliance. “As a national mobilization of over 20,000 physicians and health care advocates, the Committee to Protect Health Care is proud to support this site neutral payment reform framework from Senators Hassan and Cassidy,” said Dr. Rob Davidson, Executive Director of the Committee to Protect Health Care. “Doctors are increasingly concerned about the growing trend of consolidation among hospitals and outpatient care settings, and how the resulting higher costs for patients often dissuade them from seeking needed care. Common-sense, bipartisan site neutral payment reforms can help protect our patients from being charged more for the same care just because of where they receive it. We thank Senators Hassan and Cassidy for laying this groundwork for continued discussion and look forward to helping shape the legislation that comes from these efforts.” “Corporate hospital systems are driving up the cost of healthcare. What’s worse, a recent report found that corporate hospital systems are threatening to dump patients’ insurance networks in an attempt to increase their profits. Not only does this strategy make patients innocent victims of predatory billing practices, it increases their out-of-pocket costs and what their employers pay in premiums. Better Solutions for Healthcare commends Sens. Hassan and Cassidy for acknowledging this problem and offering pragmatic solutions to lower the price patients pay for care,” said Connie Partoyan, Executive Director of Better Solutions for Healthcare. “Employers see site-neutral payment reform as critically important policy to restore competition among health care providers and to better align incentives with value, which are essential to lowering health care costs,” said Ilyse Schuman, Senior Vice President for Health and Paid Leave Policy at the American Benefits Council. “The bipartisan framework set forth today by Senators Cassidy and Hassan not only recognizes the problem but offers common-sense solutions that will lower costs while protecting rural hospitals. We applaud them for leading the charge against runaway health care prices and urge all of Congress to follow their example.” “Same service, same price! Patients should be free to choose the care setting that’s best for them. That’s why we support site-neutral payment reform and the bipartisan SITE Act, and it’s why we welcome this thoughtful new framework from Senators Cassidy and Hassan,” said Dean Clancy, Senior Health Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity. “This bipartisan proposal would give all Americans more personalized health care options, leading to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients, less waste for taxpayers, and more competition in local communities – with protections for local safety-net providers. It’s time for fair billing in health care by making payments to providers site neutral.” “Incentives that encourage hospitals to consolidate are leaving patients paying more for health care. This bipartisan framework would protect seniors from paying more to hospitals for the same services that are safely and commonly provided in independent physicians’ offices at a much lower price tag. As a result, out-of-pocket costs and premiums would go down, and Medicare’s financial security would drastically improve. Third Way applauds Senator Cassidy and Senator Hassan for leading the charge to reduce the high cost of health care and make hospital care more affordable for patients,” said Darbin Wofford, Senior Health Policy Advisor at Third Way. “We commend Senators Cassidy and Hassan for their leadership in addressing the key issues driving hospital consolidation and the decline of independent physicians,” said Lawson Mansell, Health Policy Analyst at the Niskanen Center. “Medicare’s practice of paying hospitals and outpatient departments higher rates for routine services that are often provided in physician offices distorts the healthcare market and raises costs for patients. This framework introduces a pragmatic approach to site-neutral payments, correcting harmful financial incentives that inflate healthcare costs while ensuring that hospitals with greater needs can receive appropriate reinvestment.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/10/31/congressman-higgins-working-to-make-america-affordable-again/,Congressman Higgins Working to Make America Affordable Again,2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) released a video today outlining conservative policy solutions to help address the affordability crisis impacting American families. “American families have struggled to make ends meet under the Biden-Harris economy,” said Congressman Higgins. “We need conservative policies and a cooperative executive branch to restore strength and prosperity. Smaller government, lower taxes, and more economic freedom. That is what we’re fighting for.” Click here or the video above to watch Video Transcript: “The Biden-Harris administration’s policies have increased costs for all of our families. Gas and groceries are unaffordable. Utility costs are rising, and the American dream is in jeopardy. “I’m fighting to cut bureaucratic red tape, promote American energy independence, and lower taxes for working families. “In Congress, I’ll continue working to restore economic prosperity and make America affordable again.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1162,"Congressman Kennedy Announces $525,550 for Erie County Medical Center BRAVE Trauma Recovery Center",2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced $525,550 in federal funding for the Buffalo Rising Against Violence at ECMC (BRAVE) Trauma Recovery Center. This funding will expand comprehensive services and accessibility to support the needs of human trafficking survivors and increase community capacity to screen, identify, and appropriately refer survivors for services. This funding was made possible through the Office for Victims of Crimes, within the U.S. Department of Justice. “This vital funding will strengthen efforts to fight human trafficking and, most importantly, to provide critical support for survivors,” said Congressman Kennedy. “This grant will allow BRAVE to expand outreach and services and help victims rebuild their lives. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have in our district and I thank the leaders at ECMC and BRAVE for their dedicated work meeting the needs of people in our community and helping make individuals whole in the wake of horrific circumstances.” Thomas J. Quatroche Jr., PhD, ECMC President and CEO said, “We thank Congressman Kennedy for his longstanding support of ECMC, which has helped strengthen our caregivers’ ability to meet the healthcare needs of the residents of Western New York. This federal OVC grant will similarly enhance ECMC’s BRAVE TRC’s support of victims of human trafficking and help get them the services they need. As our region’s only Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, the services provided through the BRAVE TRC provide hope and healing to these victims and their families.” Paula Kovanic-Spiro, LMSW, MPH, Director of ECMC’s BRAVE Trauma Recovery Center said, “Survivors of human trafficking have experienced unimaginable trauma and deserve to have the resources and support necessary to rebuild their lives. This funding from the Department of Justice- Office of Victims of Crime will allow the BRAVE TRC the ability to expand services to support the needs of human trafficking survivors and increase community capacity to screen, identify, and appropriately refer survivors for vital services. We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Kennedy’s dedication to helping survivors and working toward a future where everyone can live without the fear of violence.” Background: This grant will support the increase of community collaboration and capacity regarding identification, services, and referral pathways for trafficking survivors, with data-driven decisions guiding outreach, training, and collaboration activities. For more information about the grant, click here. Additional Information: Launched in 2020, BRAVE is Western New York’s only hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP). Through BRAVE, ECMC focuses on the structural causes of violence and provides survivors the tools and connections to make lifestyle changes that prevent re-victimization or further perpetration of violence. BRAVE workers connect patients and families to culturally sensitive, comprehensive, and multifaceted interventions at ECMC and in the community. To learn more about the services that BRAVE advocates provide for program participants, the BRAVE services that are provided free of charge by frontline staff, and more, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-tours-sugar-farm-and-meets-with-south-louisiana-farmers-discusses-next-farm-bill/,"Cassidy Tours Sugar Farm and Meets with South Louisiana Farmers, Discusses Next Farm Bill",2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,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 week, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) visited with farmers in Port Allen and Jennings, to discuss the next Farm Bill and what Louisiana’s farmers need to continue feeding our state and the world. “Our farmers and fishermen produce the best sugarcane, rice, and seafood in the world,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It’s my goal to protect them against unfair foreign competition, to keep crop insurance affordable, and to prevent the cost of farming from rising. I appreciate being able to meet with Louisiana farmers and work together to reach these goals in the next Farm Bill.” On Wednesday, Cassidy toured a sugar farm in Port Allen alongside Mr. Travis Medine, the managing partner of Medine Farms and a fifth-generation Louisiana sugarcane farmer. He learned how they use modern technology to plant and harvest sugarcane, which was Louisiana’s second most lucrative commodity in 2023, according to the LSU AgCenter. Additionally, on Tuesday and Wednesday, Cassidy participated in roundtables with farmers in Jennings and Port Allen to discuss issues important to Louisiana farmers. The main topic was the upcoming Farm Bill and the need to focus on providing affordable crop insurance, among other crucial tasks. Cassidy also discussed challenges in hiring workers, the need for rural health care services, and preventing unfair competition from overseas. During his time in Congress, Cassidy has taken the lead in advocating for Louisiana farmers. Last September, he introduced legislation to protect Louisiana shrimpers and rice farmers from the dumping of cheap products by China and India into the United States. He also quizzed the U.S. Trade Representative on this matter during a U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing in April. Farmers and their families have also benefitted from Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Last April, he announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would grant Louisiana over $1.5 million to support public schools, roads and other municipal services in rural areas where farmers work. Moreover, in separate appropriations, Cassidy secured $9 million in Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024 for the USDA/ARS Sugarcane Research facilities in Houma and is on track to secure another $7 million in the Fiscal Year 2025 agricultural appropriations bill. While meeting with farmers in Port Allen, Cassidy was joined by Mr. Richard Fontenot, President of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. Cassidy was recognized as a Friend of Farm Bureau for outstanding service to farmers. “This marks the eighth Congress in a row in which Senator Bill Cassidy has received the Friend of Farm Bureau Award presented by the American Farm Bureau,” said Mr. Fontenot. “It’s given on his voting record, which shows that he and his staff are close allies of the Louisiana Farm Bureau and listen to and respond to the needs of our farmers and ranchers. With farm income down 23% since 2022 and some Louisiana farmers facing a third straight year of losses due to record high input costs and low commodity prices, we’re thankful Senator Cassidy took the time to hear those struggles directly from Louisiana Farm Bureau members.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1159,Congressman Kennedy Calls on Governor Hochul to Save Coplon Living Center from Closing,2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) sent a letter to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul urging her administration to intervene in the planned closure of Weinberg Campus’ Rosa Coplon Living Center in Western New York. In the letter, Kennedy wrote that the closure would exacerbate the state’s ongoing care crisis, “There are 5,600 fewer nursing home beds available today than there were in 2019….Closing another facility will only worsen this crisis as transferring residents will strain an already overburdened system….The closure will also deepen the existing care crisis in our community by forcing more than 300 skilled members of the healthcare workforce from their jobs.” Kennedy recalled personal experiences of facility closures during his career in healthcare to underscore the necessity of an expedited receivership, writing, “As an occupational therapist, I have seen firsthand the impacts of facility closures and the involuntary relocations that result from them, especially instances as sudden as this. It disrupts care, negatively impacts mental and physical health, and in the worst cases, some patients do not survive.” Kennedy urged the Governor to use state surplus resources to facilitate a receivership by Lineage Care Group (Lineage) to keep the facility operating, writing, “Through your careful stewardship, New York’s surplus fund is robust enough to support emergencies like this and meet the financial needs of the facility outlined by Lineage. For these reasons, once again I respectfully request that the state step in and take immediate action to prevent the closure of this facility and provide funding to support the receivership of the Rosa Coplon Living Center at the Weinberg Campus.” To view the full letter, click here. Background Information: On October 25, Kennedy released the following statement after Weinberg Campus announced the closure of its Rosa Coplon Living Center. To view the statement, click here. On October 29, Kennedy joined residents of the Rosa Coplon Living Center and members of 1199SEIU Health Care Workers to call on the Department of Health to facilitate a receivership that would keep the facility open. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1161,"WNY Leaders Kennedy, Poloncarz, Kulpa, Scanlon, McMahon Urge Governor Hochul to Save Coplon Living Center from Closing",2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa, Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon, and Assemblywoman Karen McMahon released the following statement urging Governor Kathy Hochul to intervene in the planned closure of the Rosa Coplon Living Center at Weinberg Campus in the Town of Amherst: “The decision of Weinberg Campus to close its 180-bed Rosa Coplon Living Center will undermine the well-being of its residents, and jeopardize the livelihood of over 300 skilled healthcare professionals. Western New York is in the midst of a care crisis, with older adults and their loved ones bearing the brunt of dwindling facilities and a strained healthcare workforce. Our region cannot afford the closure of yet another nursing home facility. We strongly urge Governor Hochul to intervene by directing the Department of Health to facilitate an expedited receivership to ensure the facility remains open, and residents have the choice to stay in the place they call home.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-discusses-infrastructure-and-energy-in-capital-region/,Cassidy Discusses Infrastructure and Energy in Capital Region,2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,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 –Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) hosted his final rural community funding summit of 2024, to connect elected leaders in the Capital Region with opportunities in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to improve roads, fix sewage and water problems, and reduce their risk of flooding. “We have a partnership with mayors and other leaders in the Capital Region to use the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to meet the needs of this growing community,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Already we’re replacing gas lines in Donaldsonville and East Feliciana and reducing flood risk across the Baton Rouge area. This region is moving forward.” Cassidy also discussed the IIJA before the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. Communities in the Capital Region have been major beneficiaries of the law. Just last week, Iberville Parish was awarded over $2.54 million and the village of Morganza over $1.87 million to upgrade their natural gas pipe systems. Additionally, Cassidy announced last October that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development received $88.3 million for Phase One of the LA 415 Interconnector Project, which would help fund the construction of highways and bridges and reduce traffic congestion in the Baton Rouge area, including in West Baton Rouge Parish. Other major grant announcements for communities around Baton Rouge include over $10.4 million from the drinking water state revolving fund for the Livingston Ward 2 Water District and West Feliciana Parish, $30 million in 2023 and 2024 to replace aging gas pipes in the City of Donaldsonville, over $33 million for dredging and surveys along the Atchafalaya River and in Bayous Chene, Boeuf and Black, over $39 million for improvements to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and $100 million to launch a manufacturing plant in St. Gabriel that will produce lithium hexafluorophosphate, which is necessary for batteries. Major highway projects are also being funded throughout the region. At the rural community funding summit and the West Baton Rouge Chamber, Cassidy was welcomed by community leaders and thanked for his service. “I appreciate Senator Cassidy coming to Gonzales to make sure that communities in Ascension Parish and throughout the region know how we can take advantage of his infrastructure bill,” said Mayor Ryland Percy, of Gonzales, Louisiana. “I also appreciate his work to protect the energy industry that keeps people here and throughout the parish. That’s the kind of leadership we need in Washington.” “Thanks to Senator Cassidy, the people in West Baton Rouge Parish employed by our manufacturers and energy companies will be able to stay employed and make a life in this community,” said Ms. Anna Johnson, Executive Director of the West Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. “And his infrastructure bill will make it easier for them to get to work, to their kids’ school, and back home in the evening. We appreciate Senator Cassidy for making life easier and better for our neighbors.” Later, Cassidy toured Turner Industries’ modular fabrication facility in Port Allen, from which they also transport modules. They build major modules (or components) for industrial facilities such as refineries and petrochemical plants, and then ship them to worksites for more efficient installation. Their facility is also being used to build modules for LNG plants that will process liquefied natural gas, to be delivered to the rest of the world while supporting jobs in Louisiana. “Turner is building modules for the Venture Global plant,” said Dr. Cassidy. “They’re part of a job creating process that starts at the wellhead and ends at the LNG terminal, but along the way produces thousands of great paying Louisiana jobs.” Turner’s Port Allen facility features a 415 Yard, which spans 35 acres, has a 24,000-square-foot module assembly building, and sits along 1,100 feet of intracoastal waterway in order to more easily ship modules. The 415 Yard is one of three similar facilities that Turner owns. As part of their module construction, they provide welding, blasting and painting, steel and pipe support fabrication, and specialty alloy work. Additionally, Turner has a pipe fabrication facility nearby, which is capable of producing more than 6,500 spools per month. Turner Industries provides its array of services in over 400 facilities across the nation. Cassidy has also worked to protect Louisiana’s energy industry. On October 16, Cassidy convened the Louisiana Energy Security Summit in Baton Rouge, which brought together senior officials from previous Republican administrations and leaders in Louisiana’s energy industry and research community to discuss how to bring back manufacturing jobs to the United States by developing the state’s energy resources. Cassidy also introduced the Foreign Pollution Fee Act, which would improve U.S. trade policy to help Louisiana’s manufacturers counter the unfair competition they face from foreign adversaries like China. There are over 400 employees at Turner’s Port Allen facility. In total, Turner has over 19,000 employees. Cassidy was thanked in advance for his work in a statement by Mr. Stephen Toups, CEO of Turner Industries. “On behalf of the Turner team, we thank Senator Cassidy for visiting us in Port Allen today,” said Mr. Toups. “I am so glad that he got to meet the men and women who are constructing the modules for the Liquefied Natural Gas projects here in the state. Our state has supported so many energy projects for our country and for the world. Thanks to our employees, we are supporting the Senators vision to keep America energy independent, and to use that energy to produce jobs here at home. We look forward to working with the Senator as he writes laws that continue to make our work possible.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-discusses-infrastructure-in-acadia-parish-tours-catholic-charities-in-lafayette/,"Cassidy Discusses Infrastructure in Acadia Parish, Tours Catholic Charities in Lafayette",2024-10-30,2024,2024-10,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 – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke before the Rotary Clubs of Crowley and Rayne, and hosted a rural community funding summit in Rayne, to highlight the opportunities available for communities in Acadia Parish to benefit from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “Part of my goal in writing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill was to help growing communities in Acadiana prevent flooding, improve highways, fix water and sewage problems, and connect their towns to high-speed broadband,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Working in partnership with mayors and police jurors, we help get them the resources to meet these needs and keep making Acadiana a place where our children want to stay.” Since the IIJA was passed in August of 2021, millions of dollars have been spent on projects that benefit residents of Acadia Parish, including over $54.8 million for slab repair in the I-10: Jeff Dav PI-I-49 project. Additionally this year, over $349,000 was awarded to install landslide perimeter fencing and access gates at the Le Gros Memorial Airport in Crowley, and over $928,000 was granted for flood mitigation elevations in the parish. Surrounding parishes have also received money to make improvements to their infrastructure. Cassidy has visited Acadiana multiple times, including in July to Acadia Parish to meet with mayors from Crowley, Duson, Elton, Estherwood, Kaplan, Lake Arthur, Maurice, Rayne, Vinton, and Welsh. At both the Rotary meeting and the rural community funding summit, he was welcomed by local leaders. “We appreciate Senator Cassidy visiting us today and speaking to the Crowley and Rayne Rotary Clubs, along with the Crowley Lions Club and others,” said Ms. Katie Chiasson, member of the Crowley City Council and board member for the Rotary Club of Crowley. “It was good to get updates from him on infrastructure, insurance and other important issues.” “I appreciate Senator Cassidy bringing representatives of federal and state agencies to our region to discuss how mayors, police jurors and city council members can access the funds from his infrastructure bill,” said Mr. Chuck Robichaux, mayor of Rayne. “Our constituents want better roads, cleaner water and more jobs in our communities. We also want to make sure that the benefits of high-speed broadband come to Acadiana. I appreciate Senator Cassidy’s leadership on these topics and look forward to working with him in the future.” Robichaux co-sponsored the rural community funding summit with the Louisiana Municipal Association, the Louisiana Housing Corporation and LITACorp. Later, Cassidy toured Catholic Charities of Acadiana in Lafayette, including visiting their regional disaster warehouse where they store supplies that victims of floods and hurricanes need to survive. Cassidy also visited their St. John Street Campus, where he learned about their efforts to provide accommodations for the homeless and find permanent housing for homeless veterans. “Catholic Charities in Lafayette helps the homeless and the addicted while fulfilling the mission of Christ to care for the less fortunate,” said Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy himself has taken steps to support those who volunteer in their communities. In September, he introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and strengthen AmeriCorps programs, which provide national service opportunities to more than 200,000 Americans every year in thousands of communities around the country. He has also previously introduced bipartisan legislation to provide medical professionals with a limited, but consistent, level of legal protection while volunteering during federally-declared disasters. Before being elected to Congress, Cassidy himself co-founded the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic and converted an abandoned K-Mart building into an emergency health care facility in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Cassidy was led on a tour of Catholic Charities’ facilities by their CEO, Ms. Kim Boudreaux. “We are grateful to have had the opportunity to offer Senator Cassidy a firsthand look at the programs we provide at Catholic Charities of Acadiana,” said Ms. Boudreaux. “Every day, our organization works to address the urgent needs of our neighbors in Acadiana who are experiencing homelessness, hunger, poverty, and situational crisis. Additionally, we offer critical support to survivors of natural disasters, helping them rebuild and restore their lives. Senator Cassidy’s visit underscores the importance of these critical services, and we hope it will inspire continued collaboration and support as we work together to bring healing, stability and hope to the most vulnerable members of our community.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/10/29/higgins-calls-for-redirecting-ukraine-war-funding-to-disaster-relief-for-americans/,Higgins Calls for Redirecting Ukraine War Funding to Disaster Relief for Americans,2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced legislation that would redirect unobligated dollars from the Economic Support Fund, a part of the April 2024 Ukraine supplemental funding package, to FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund and offer critical recovery help for Americans impacted by natural disasters. In April 2024, the Economic Support Fund was appropriated for an additional $8 billion for budget support. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), most of this funding was used to reimburse the Government of Ukraine for expenses such as salaries for teachers, civil servants, and health care workers.” “I work for the American citizenry, not Ukraine,” said Congressman Higgins. “The federal government has appropriated more than $174 billion to Ukraine while American citizens are struggling. Our nation is crippled with debt, and yet the Biden-Harris administration continues to prioritize spending for foreign interests. My legislation ensures that we are meeting disaster recovery needs and putting America and American citizens first.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1157,Congressman Kennedy Joins Roundtable Discussion with Local Restaurant Owners,2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,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) joined Western New York restaurant owners for a roundtable discussion about challenges, ideas, and opportunities related to the food and beverage industry. Congressman Kennedy’s district is home to approximately 1,875 restaurants employing 35,884 Western New Yorkers. “Restaurants play an important role in our economy and community, supporting small business entrepreneurship and jobs, contributing to the region’s stability and vibrancy, and serving as tourism and social gathering destinations,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Today’s roundtable provided an opportunity for deeper understanding and open dialogue about the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.” “Restaurants throughout the state continue to struggle due to reduced consumer spending and inflation. Inflation has increased the cost of food, labor, services, energy, and rent, and staffing challenges remain. We thank Congressman Kennedy for taking the time to come to this roundtable discussion to hear first-hand about the challenges many face and how restaurant owners have gotten creative to keep their doors open,” said Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA). “As a co-owner of Glen Park Tavern since 1999, I’ve seen the challenges facing our industry grow to an all-time high with rising costs, staff shortages, and the ongoing need to support our employees’ well-being. Congressman Kennedy's participation in today's roundtable was invaluable, as he truly listened to the concerns of local restaurant owners like myself who grapple with these issues every day. Restaurants are the heart of every community, and the hospitality we offer helps shape the vibrant, welcoming communities we all cherish,” said Ellie Grenauer, Co-Owner of Glen Park Tavern and Board Member of NYSRA. ""The restaurant industry is a critical sector of our economy,” said A.J. Baynes President and CEO Amherst Chamber of Commerce. “Restaurants often serve as the heart of our communities, driving job creation, fostering local culture, and providing countless opportunities for small business growth. As we work together to strengthen our economy, we must recognize restaurants' vital role in shaping vibrant neighborhoods and supporting the livelihoods of millions of Americans. I am thrilled Congressman Kennedy had this roundtable today to hear about the challenges that face this industry, and hopefully can help provide solutions allowing this industry to continue to thrive."" Participants in the event, hosted by the Western New York Chapter of the New York State Restaurant Association in coordination with the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, included owners and leaders from Glen Park Tavern, Pizza Plant, Schutte Hospitality, Ration Ales, Buffalo Bisons, Osteria 166, The Banshee Irish Pub, Break’n Eggs Creperie, Eagle House, Anderson’s Frozen Custard, Fat Bob’s Smokehouse, Moor Pat, and Sunshine Vegan Eats. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), established through the American Rescue Plan, distributed $28.6 billion to restaurants across the country, including $85 million to keep 387 restaurants in Western New York open and people working during the pandemic. According to the National Restaurant Association eating and drinking establishments contribute nearly $1.4 trillion in sales to the national economy and support 14.2 million jobs. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-tillis-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-replenish-the-sba-disaster-loan-program-following-hurricanes-francine-helene-milton/,"Cassidy, Tillis, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program Following Hurricanes Francine, Helene, Milton",2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,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), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Rick Scott (R-FL) announced plans to introduce the Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act that would replenish the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. On October 15th, the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money. The senators plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returns to session. “Hurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton hit us hard, but Louisianans and Americans are resilient,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding is essential to help small businesses recover from these storms and support our local economies.” “The SBA Disaster Loan Program running out of funds risks delays in processing the loans of those affected by Helene and Milton and their ability to get their lives back on track,” said Senator Tillis. “That is why I am leading legislation to replenish this fund when Congress returns to Washington, and I look forward to working across the aisle to pass a long-term disaster aid package that will provide additional resources to help make the victims of these hurricanes whole again. ” “The citizens of Western North Carolina are some of the toughest and most resilient people in this country,” said Senator Budd. “As they recover and rebuild their communities, they must be able to access disaster loans from SBA. This recovery will take many years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to cut through the delays and provide WNC with the resources they need as quickly as possible.” “Hurricane Helene brought a level of devastation to South Carolina we haven’t seen since Hugo. With a natural disaster of this magnitude, Congress should take the opportunity to show leadership and help ease the pain of those who have lost everything,” said Senator Tim Scott. “Communities back home and in surrounding states have come together to recover, but it will take every possible effort to get us back to where we were.” “We cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. This is especially important in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated Florida, North Carolina and communities across the Southeast U.S,” said Senator Rick Scott. “I continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. I won’t stop fighting to get this done and am proud to join my colleagues to introduce a bill that funds SBA disaster loans and makes sure the federal government is a reliable partner as families continue their recovery.” The Relief Act would appropriate $550 million to fund the SBA Disaster Loan Program Account, which would provide $2.475B in lending capacity projected to last until the end of 2024. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-3-6-million-for-louisiana-in-hurricane-laura-delta-ida-relief/,"Cassidy Announces $3.6 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane Laura, Delta, Ida Relief",2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,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,"$1,312,777.93The Society of the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Lafayette, Inc.This grant will provide federal funding for permanent work to the St. Francis Mission Chapel as a result of Hurricane Laura.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-participates-in-mental-health-care-center-grand-opening-hosts-rural-community-funding-summit-in-new-orleans-area/,"Cassidy Participates in Mental Health Care Center Grand Opening, Hosts Rural Community Funding Summit in New Orleans Area",2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,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 – This morning, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) participated in the grand opening ceremony for the National Alliance of Mental Illness’s (NAMI) mid-city New Orleans campus in Southeast Louisiana. This follows a merger of NAMI’s New Orleans and St. Tammany branches to found a Southeast Louisiana affiliate, in order to better deliver mental health care services for people in the region. “I appreciate NAMI’s partnership in improving access to quality mental health care in Southeast Louisiana,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This remains a top priority of mine in Congress.” Cassidy has worked to provide more mental health care resources for communities across Louisiana. In 2022, Cassidy helped author and pass into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which increased access to mental health and suicide prevention programs through community health centers and school-based mental health services. The legislation also provided investments in telehealth, so families in rural or impoverished communities can access quality mental health care. Additionally, Cassidy led the effort to successfully reauthorize and strengthen resources he first secured in the passage of his Mental Health Reform Act of 2016, which originally passed into law as part of the 21st Century Cures Act. The law improved access to mental health care for children, boosted suicide prevention programs, and created an Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to oversee grants and promote best practices. NAMI Southeast Louisiana brings together therapists and other mental health care providers to serve patients in nine parishes, namely Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington. Among other programs, they support behavioral health care services and offer apartments to those with serious and persistent mental illnesses who are currently homeless. They also connect people who are experiencing difficulties finding mental health care to those who can provide it. Cassidy was welcomed to the event by Mr. Nick Richard, Executive Director of NAMI Southeast Louisiana. “We were honored to have Senator Cassidy join us for this momentous occasion,” said Mr. Richard. “His support and dedication to mental health advocacy is invaluable as we continue to expand our services and reach more individuals in need.” Later, Cassidy hosted his fourth Rural Community Funding Summit of 2024 in Covington, together with the Louisiana Municipal Association, the Police Jury Association of Louisiana, and LITACorp. These summits are designed to help local communities access funds in Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to fix water and sewage systems, mitigate for flooding, or build infrastructure that supports economic development projects. “The North Shore and the Florida Parishes are growing rapidly. Expanding infrastructure is essential,” said Dr. Cassidy.“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get resources to fix roads and sewer and water systems, reduce flood risk, and do other things. By getting our tax dollars back, we should benefit.” Just in the past week, over $101 million has been announced to build rail, upgrade airports, replace aging gas infrastructure, and fix water and sewer systems in Louisiana. There have also recently been major grant announcements to support communities on the Northshore. Over $9.8 million was announced in September for flood mitigation elevations in St. Tammany Parish. Another $1.5 million was announced for Bogalusa since May to improve the local airport and provide a Brownfields Cleanup Grant. And over $2.7 million has been provided to Slidell since June to advance the Bayou Patassat Green Corridor Project and upgrade their airport. This summit was also hosted by Madisonville Mayor Jean Pelloat, who thanked Cassidy for his leadership and support for the Northshore. “Every mayor and council member in our parish wants to meet the needs of our residents, including the many newcomers who have made St. Tammany Parish their home in recent years,” said Mayor Pelloat. “We appreciate that Senator Cassidy has made money available to upgrade our roads and water and sewer systems, and to support new businesses that create jobs in our communities. I thank Senator Cassidy for hosting this summit and to make sure we can speak with the people who will be granting money from his infrastructure bill.” Additional Rural Community Funding Summits will be held in Rayne at 9 AM on Tuesday at the Rayne Civic Center, and again at 9 AM on Wednesday at the Price LeBlanc PACE Center in Gonzales. For more information, please click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/video-cassidy-showcases-recent-energy-security-summit-highlights-foreign-pollution-fee-act-in-new-video/,"Video: Cassidy Showcases Recent Energy Security Summit, Highlights Foreign Pollution Fee Act in New Video",2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,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 and here to watch) WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) showcased his recent “Louisiana Energy Security Summit: Unleashing America Abundance in a Changing Global Landscape” in a new video. The summit, hosted in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in mid-October, brought together leaders from the federal, state, and local government, industry, the research community, and elsewhere. During his keynote address and fireside chat, Cassidy highlighted his Foreign Pollution Fee Act, which would even the playing field for American manufacturers while holding China accountable. “Right now, China is taking jobs from the United States by not enforcing environmental regulations. If the United States wants the jobs back, we got to begin to make China pay,” said Dr. Cassidy. “My Foreign Pollution Fee Act works for fairness, works for job creation, and stops giving China a cost advantage. It allows us to build a stronger economy not just for Louisiana but for our country.” The summit featured ten panels which explored protecting U.S. interests from unfair trade practices, Louisiana’s low emissions manufacturing advantage, and the role of natural gas in strengthening U.S. geopolitical influence. Panelists included presidents and CEOs from Entergy, First Solar, Buzzi UnicemUSA, Orsted, and Aluminum Technologies, former Trump administration officials, and leaders from Louisiana trade associations and major energy and Fortune 500 companies. Background Cassidy and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced their Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production. In September, he released the 3rd episode of Bill on the Hill, where he highlights his Foreign Pollution Fee Act and discusses China’s growing economy and military coming at the expense of the American worker. After hearing fellow Americans share their concerns, Cassidy presented his plan to address the nexus between economic development, national security, and the environment. His Foreign Pollution Fee Act would even the playing field while holding China accountable. He penned editorials in Foreign Affairs, The Washington Times, and jointly in the USA Today Network discussing the geopolitical threat that China poses to U.S. global standing. Cassidy also joined Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax to discuss his foreign pollution fee, noting the competitive advantage China receives from intentionally ignoring environmental standards. Last Spring, the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue an industrial manufacturing and trade policy to counter competition from China. Learn more here. Last Congress, Cassidy released a landmark energy policy outline in response to the Biden administration’s assault on domestic energy. The outline details how we can successfully reset U.S. energy policy, including Cassidy’s plan for an Energy Operation Warp Speed to cut permitting red tape and unleash domestic energy and manufacturing. In support of this complete vision and in addition to the Foreign Pollution Fee Act, Cassidy led Republican colleagues in opposition to a domestic carbon tax and introduced the first comprehensive judicial reform for permitting bill. He also pushed back on disastrous proposals from the Biden administration to limit development in the Outer Continental Shelf with the introduction of the WHALE Act and the Offshore Energy Security Act of 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1156,Congressman Kennedy Statement on Weinberg Campus’ Coplon Living Center Closure,2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the following statement after Weinberg Campus announced the closure of its Rosa Coplon Living Center. The Center currently houses approximately 120 residents and employs more than 400 employees, of which 300 are 1199SEIU members. “I am deeply concerned by the decision of Weinberg Campus to close its 180-bed Rosa Coplon Living Center, which will leave residents and their family members scrambling to secure quality care and will rob more than 300 SEIU union employees of good-paying, fulfilling jobs. As an occupational therapist, I know first hand how important skilled, quality, and reliable care is to the health of older adults in Western New York. This closure undermines the welfare of both the residents and the skilled healthcare workforce that serves them and will stand to exacerbate the ongoing care crisis in our region. I urge Weinberg leaders and state officials to work toward a solution, including exploring a receivership, that protects residents and workers.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-1-9-million-for-louisiana-in-hurricane-ida-relief-2/,Cassidy Announces $1.9 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane Ida Relief,2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,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 South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association will receive $1,880,864.92 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for streetlight and utility pole repairs as a result of Hurricane Ida. “It is great to see money coming to Louisiana to help our resilient communities continue to recover,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding will allow our communities to return to wholeness.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-63-1-million-for-louisiana-railroad-projects-from-his-infrastructure-law/,Cassidy Announces $63.1 Million for Louisiana Railroad Projects from His Infrastructure Law,2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,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 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will grant Louisiana a total of $63,149,456.00 from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for railroad infrastructure. “This is a huge investment from the Infrastructure Law to improve Louisiana’s railroads,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These projects will bring new interstate commerce opportunities for Louisiana families and businesses and build our economy for 2050.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://clayhiggins.house.gov/2024/10/24/higgins-demands-answers-on-chinese-illegal-infected-with-tuberculosis-at-louisiana-ice-facility/,Higgins Demands Answers on Chinese Illegal Infected with Tuberculosis at Louisiana ICE Facility,2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,LA,Clay Higgins,H001077,clayhiggins.house.gov,clayhiggins,https://clayhiggins.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement, sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) raising alarm on recent reports of a Chinese illegal immigrant infected with a rare form of tuberculosis (TB) in custody at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Louisiana. “The illegal Chinese national has come into contact with hundreds of ICE detainees and numerous other individuals. This strain of TB is a rare, aggressive, and drug-resistant form that has been associated with high mortality rates. We must ensure detainees exposed to these deadly bacteria are not released into the interior to spread this sickness to more Americans,” wrote the Congressman. “This situation is yet another example of the catastrophic failures at our southern border and the dangerous consequences of the Biden-Harris Administration’s negligence. The American people deserve leaders who prioritize their safety and security. I demand swift action. The people of Louisiana and the American public cannot afford further delay. We expect full transparency on this matter,” the Congressman concluded.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1154,Congressman Kennedy Applauds Biden-Harris Administration for Protecting Children From Lead,2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the following statement applauding the Biden-Harris Administration for finalizing stronger requirements for identifying lead paint dust in homes and childcare facilities. “I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for protecting our children from lead paint contaminants in homes and childcare facilities,” said Congressman Kennedy. “These contaminants jeopardize the development and wellbeing of young people across our community, state and nation. These new requirements are a part of a larger effort to remove lead from our homes and drinking water, especially benefiting communities in Western New York with elevated lead exposure. Our children’s health should not depend on their zip code.” The strengthened requirements from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are a part of the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposure and Associated Health Impacts. To learn more about the rule, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-cotton-colleagues-to-doj-and-ftc-systemic-weaponized-leaks-violate-ethics-rules/,"Cassidy, Cotton, Colleagues to DOJ and FTC: Systemic, Weaponized Leaks Violate Ethics Rules",2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,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), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) demanded an investigation into systemic media leaks in a letter to Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz and Federal Trade Commissioner (FTC) Inspector General Andrew Katsaros. These leaks, all to the same media outlet, resulted in negative headlines about the Biden-Harris administration’s antitrust targets and potentially violated ethics rules. “These leaks result in negative headlines about the administration’s targets while the targeted companies have no way to respond, as they haven’t yet seen the potential lawsuits. Both DOJ and FTC have ethics rules that prohibit leaking civil cases before the cases are filed,” wrote the senators. Read the full letter here or below: Dear Inspectors General Horowitz and Katsaros, We write asking you to investigate whether the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have violated their own ethics rules by systematically leaking potential antitrust cases to a specific media outlet. Since 2023, Bloomberg News has broken the news in at least twelve instances that DOJ or FTC was “preparing” or “poised” to take legal action before a lawsuit was filed. Indeed, the same journalist reported on eleven of these cases. This pattern strongly suggests that certain officials at DOJ and FTC are intentionally publicizing legal action days or weeks before filing. These leaks result in negative headlines about the administration’s targets while the targeted companies have no way to respond, as they haven’t yet seen the potential lawsuits. Both DOJ and FTC have ethics rules that prohibit leaking civil cases before the cases are filed. Bloomberg News reporting DOJ and FTC antitrust actions before the filing of a lawsuit January 23, 2023: DOJ Poised to Sue Google Over Digital Ad Market Dominance February 23, 2023: DOJ Preps Antitrust Suit to Block Adobe’s $20 Billion Figma Deal May 15, 2023: Amgen’s $28 Billion Horizon Deal Faces Unexpected FTC Hurdle June 29, 2023: Lina Khan Is Coming for Amazon, Armed With an FTC Antitrust Suit October 16, 2023: Real Estate Brokers Pocketing Up to 6% in Fees Draw Antitrust Scrutiny February 20, 2024: FTC, States to Sue Over Kroger-Albertsons Deal Next Week March 20, 2024: Justice Department to Sue Apple for Antitrust Violations April 10, 2024: Nippon Steel Bid to Buy US Steel Gets Extended Antitrust Review April 17, 2024: Tapestry’s $8.5 Billion Capri Deal Faces Planned FTC Lawsuit May 22, 2024: US Justice Department to Seek Breakup of Live Nation-Ticketmaster July 10, 2024: FTC Preparing Suit Against Drug Middlemen Over Insulin Rebates September 23, 2024: Visa Faces Justice Department Antitrust Case on Debit Cards These leaks aren’t just unethical, but they harm these companies’ employees, shareholders, and others. If the companies have engaged in wrongdoing, by all means the government should try them in a court of law. But the Biden-Harris administration shouldn’t try them in the liberal media. These leaks appear to be simply one more instance of this administration weaponizing the administrative state against politically disfavored opponents and critics, much like DOJ investigating parents at school-board meetings or the FTC targeting Elon Musk and Twitter for insufficient censorship of conservatives. We urge you to investigate promptly these systematic, unethical, and potentially illegal leaks. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-releases-critical-report-outlining-national-flood-insurance-program-crisis-urges-congress-to-act/,"Cassidy Releases Critical Report Outlining National Flood Insurance Program Crisis, Urges Congress to Act",2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,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 a new report detailing the current state of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the issues that led to skyrocketing premiums for millions of homeowners. The report explains the historical developments that led NFIP to this moment, key findings following a thorough examination of the crisis, and next steps Washington must take. “This report confirms what Louisiana homeowners already know—the National Flood Insurance Program is broken,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We must understand the problem to properly diagnose it and address it. This report clearly lays out why flood insurance premiums are out of control, but also why there is reason to hope.” For over 50 years, Americans have relied on the NFIP for affordable flood insurance to protect them in case of a natural disaster or major flood. NFIP is often the only flood insurance option for many communities. However, skyrocketing insurance premiums caused by FEMA’s new risk assessment program, Risk Rating 2.0, have left many Louisianans with no way to protect their families and homes. Cassidy’s report found that Risk Rating 2.0 makes flood insurance unaffordable, puts the entire program at financial risk, and runs contrary to Congressional intent. Click here to read the full report and here to read the one-pager. Background In January, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP at the request of Cassidy. The hearing highlighted the urgent need for Congress to act and featured a Louisiana witness. Cassidy also participated in a roundtable hosted by GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance before introducing the bill to hear from community leaders and advocates on the issue. Cassidy traveled St. Bernard Parish last year to talk with residents about their flood insurance premiums, resulting in the second episode of his series Bill on the Hill. Over the last several months, Cassidy has delivered a series of speeches on the Senate floor calling for action on NFIP. Most recently, he demanded that Congress reauthorize and reform the program just before its authorization expired at the end of the fiscal year on September 30th. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-investing-in-flood-prevention-infrastructure-works-heres-what-we-are-doing/,ICYMI: Investing in Flood Prevention Infrastructure Works. Here’s What We Are Doing.,2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,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 Advocate highlighting a new report showing flood mitigation investments reduce storm damage and the billions of dollars he’s secured for Louisiana from his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to do so. “The best way to recover from a storm is never to flood at all. A recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report confirmed this, finding that for every dollar spent on federal flood mitigation projects, communities see a return of $2 to $3 in reduced damages. This reality resonates deeply for many families in Louisiana and across the country,” wrote Dr. Cassidy. “In my time in Congress, I have been a vocal advocate for federal investment in flood mitigation, working to secure billions of dollars for projects that protect communities and reduce the economic burden of disasters. The funding secured through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a game-changer,” continued Dr. Cassidy. This op-ed comes on the heels of a critical report Cassidy released this morning detailing the current state of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the issues that led to skyrocketing premiums for millions of homeowners. “As the new CBO report shows, investment in flood mitigation pays off — again and again. The IIJA provided billions of dollars to reduce the risk of flooding, and much of this money is heading to Louisiana. It’s a good start, but NFIP reform must come next,” concluded Dr. Cassidy. Read the full op-ed here or below. Investing in Flood Prevention Infrastructure Works. Here’s What We Are Doing. By: Senator Bill Cassidy October 24, 2024 As hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Francine floods homes and communities across the East Coast, Americans are focused on two questions: How do we help those affected to recover and how do we prevent this from happening again? The best way to recover from a storm is never to flood at all. A recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report confirmed this, finding that for every dollar spent on federal flood mitigation projects, communities see a return of $2 to $3 in reduced damages. This reality resonates deeply for many families in Louisiana and across the country. In my time in Congress, I have been a vocal advocate for federal investment in flood mitigation, working to secure billions of dollars for projects that protect communities and reduce the economic burden of disasters. The funding secured through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is a game-changer. The findings of this CBO report show us this is the right strategy. The IIJA allocated over $5.5 billion for disaster mitigation, coastal restoration, and flood risk reduction efforts. In Louisiana alone, it has already delivered hundreds of millions in coastal resiliency grants alone. Last month, I announced Louisiana will receive a fresh $206 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance program. This funding will go toward projects across Louisiana, from Gretna’s green infrastructure network — set to receive $51.8 million — to elevation projects in St. John the Baptist Parish and Livingston Parish totaling $27.1 and $11.8 million, respectively. In 2023, Louisiana secured over $207 million from FEMA in Building Resilient Infrastructures and Communities grants. These funds have gone toward a variety of projects, from $19 million for hardening and hurricane-proofing Jefferson Parish’s power grid to $4.5 million for residential mitigation programs in Lafayette Parish. The result: stronger resilience for Louisianans as we confront future storms. Three years in, we have made historic investments in flood infrastructure, providing resources to communities across Louisiana and the country to build stronger, more resilient systems. These efforts not only safeguard communities to prevent catastrophic flooding, they reduce the need for costly recovery efforts and alleviate the pressure on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which has struggled to stay solvent. I have repeatedly highlighted the urgent need to reauthorize — and more importantly, reform — the NFIP in a series of speeches on the Senate floor. Skyrocketing flood insurance premiums due to Risk Rating 2.0 are leaving families in Louisiana and other flood-prone areas behind. Flood insurance costs impose an unsustainable financial strain placed on both homeowners and the program itself. At my request, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP reform in January, featuring testimony from locals speaking to the program’s challenges. The principles can be stated simply: Make the program affordable to the homeowner, accountable to the taxpayer and sustainable for the future. This isn’t just a Louisiana issue, as the devastation of Hurricane Helene has demonstrated. Flooding is a national problem. Forty-four states have had over $50 million in total NFIP claims since 1978. Thirteen states have had more than $1 billion in NFIP claims during that same timeframe. So, I’m confident we can build the big coalition needed to enact this vital legislation. As the new CBO report shows, investment in flood mitigation pays off — again and again. The IIJA provided billions of dollars to reduce the risk of flooding, and much of this money is heading to Louisiana. It’s a good start, but NFIP reform must come next. Background In January, the U.S. Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on NFIP at the request of Cassidy. The hearing highlighted the urgent need for Congress to act and featured a Louisiana witness. Cassidy also participated in a roundtable hosted by GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance before introducing the bill to hear from community leaders and advocates on the issue. Cassidy traveled St. Bernard Parish last year to talk with residents about their flood insurance premiums, resulting in the second episode of his series Bill on the Hill. Over the last several months, Cassidy has delivered a series of speeches on the Senate floor calling for action on NFIP. Most recently, he demanded that Congress reauthorize and reform the program just before its authorization expired at the end of the fiscal year on September 30th. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-20-3-million-for-louisiana-airports-from-his-infrastructure-law/,Cassidy Announces $20.3 Million for Louisiana Airports from His Infrastructure Law,2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,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 Aviation Administration (FAA) will grant Louisiana airports $20,300,000.00 from the Airport Terminal Program in his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “Investing in Louisiana’s airports is key to building our economy for 2050,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This funding from the Infrastructure Law will support improvements in New Orleans, Shreveport, and Monroe.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-risch-colleagues-introduce-stand-with-israel-act-to-combat-israels-persecution-at-un/,"Cassidy, Risch, Colleagues Introduce Stand with Israel Act to Combat Israel’s Persecution at UN",2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,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), Jim Risch (R-ID), and 26 Republican colleagues announced their intent to introduce the Stand with Israel Act when the Senate and House reconvene in November. This legislation would cut off U.S. funding to United Nations (UN) agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. “The United States will not stand for antisemitism at home or on the world stage,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Anyone who attempts to restrict or reduce Israel’s status at the UN should bear a heavy cost.” “Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic,” said Senator Risch. “That said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all I can to ensure any changes to Israel’s status will come with consequences.” Reports indicate that the Palestinian Authority (PA) will attempt to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN. The PA is able to do this after the UN General Assembly passed a biased resolution which enhanced the PA’s status at the United Nations on May 10, 2024. The Stand with Israel Act would cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. The bill is modeled after the current prohibition of funding to any UN entities that elevate the status of the Palestinian Authority to a member state. Cassidy and Risch were joined by U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Barrasso (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Ted Budd (R-NC), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tim Scott (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), James Lankford (R-OK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Thune (R-SD), and Deb Fischer (R-NE) in introducing the legislation. This is companion legislation to bipartisan House bill HR 9394 led by U.S. Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1153,"Congressman Kennedy Announces $168,000 for UB Fellowship Advancing Bilingual Education",2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced $168,099 to support the Institute in Developing Research and Educational Excellence in Multilingual Education (I-DREEME) to provide fellowships for PhD study at the University at Buffalo (UB) for students pursuing the advanced study of bilingual education and teaching of English as a second language. “This funding will support the next generation of trainers to equip educators with the tools to empower multilingual students,” said Congressman Kennedy. “By investing in these scholars, we’re helping to ensure that all students have access to the tools they need to succeed, no matter their linguistic background.” “We are so grateful to Congressman Kennedy for his leadership in support of education and new and innovative teaching methods,” said Professor Kearney, Professor, Language Education and Multilingualism, Chair, Department of Learning and Instruction. “This initiative will not only prepare the next generation of university educators who train PreK-12 teachers, but it will also build a network of scholars dedicated to improving education for students from diverse language backgrounds—addressing a critical need in both New York and across the United States.” Additional Information: The I-DREEME initiative will prepare the next generation of university educators who train PreK-12 teachers. A key focus of I-DREEME is to recruit and support students from underrepresented backgrounds, which will enhance both the training of PreK-12 educators and the scope of research conducted in this field. The funding for the University at Buffalo was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget: Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN); Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) and was made possible by the United States Department of Education.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-13-7-million-for-pipeline-safety-from-his-infrastructure-law/,Cassidy Announces $13.7 Million for Pipeline Safety from His Infrastructure Law,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,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 $13,692,920.00 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for pipeline safety from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “Pipelines play a crucial role in delivering the energy that powers our everyday lives,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This investment from the Infrastructure Law will significantly improve the safety and efficiency of Louisiana’s infrastructure and build our economy for 2050.” Background Thanks to IIJA, the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization is helping communities throughout the country safeguard natural gas pipes. Nearly one billion will be awarded over five years. Earlier this year, Cassidy announced over $52 million to municipalities and gas utility districts seeking to replace aging natural gas infrastructure with new pipelines. Additionally, a similar announcement was made last April of over $27 million going to cities and towns in south and central Louisiana, for similar purposes. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-announces-4-million-for-11-louisiana-infrastructure-transportation-economic-development-projects-from-his-infrastructure-law/,"Cassidy Announces $4 Million for 11 Louisiana Infrastructure, Transportation, Economic Development Projects from His Infrastructure Law",2024-10-21,2024,2024-10,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 $4,084,100.00 from the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to boost economic development and improve the quality of life for Louisiana communities and residents thanks to his Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “This is great news for Louisiana and an investment in our economy and workforce,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, which I helped negotiate, we can expect to see even more dollars coming our way.” The 11 new investment projects will improve water and sewer systems, update transportation infrastructure, and bolster electrical reliability for 18,000 residents in communities across Louisiana. Funding for these projects is provided by the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program (SEDAP), which provides direct investment into community-based and regional projects to support basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, workforce training and education, and small businesses development with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, and the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF), which targets physical infrastructure projects that help build safer, more resilient communities in the Delta region. DRA coordinates directly with the Office of the Governor for the State of Louisiana and its local development districts for program funding implementation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1152,Congressman Kennedy and Healthcare Leaders Call for Strengthening and Diversifying Medical Supply Chains,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) and healthcare leaders of Western New York called for strengthening and diversifying medical supply chains following an IV solution shortage due to Hurricane Helene. The category four storm caused significant damage to Baxter International’s North Cove manufacturing facility in Marion, North Carolina, a major manufacturer of dialysis solutions and IV fluids. “More frequent and severe weather events are making communities like ours vulnerable to supply chain issues—when those shortages affect medical supplies, the result can be dire,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I am urging manufacturers to strengthen their supply chains and evaluate the merits of diversifying production locations in order to deliver products like IV fluids that hospitals and patients rely on. In addition, I am asking the agencies responsible for maintaining our strategic stockpile to outline what more needs to be done to secure our stream of supplies, and evaluating what more Congress should be doing to better prepare for the future. Western New Yorkers’ lives depend on it.” “As a former Occupational Therapist, Congressman Kennedy knows, firsthand, what it is like to work at the bedside and what is needed to take care of patients,” said Dr Michael Mineo, Chief, Medical Officer, Kaleida Health. “And now as our Congressman, he is leveraging that experience and the power of his office to advocate for Western New Yorkers in challenging times like this. By calling on the FDA, HHS and some of the large manufactures of IV products, Congressman Kennedy is helping ensure that our doctors, nurses, pharmacists and frontline staff have the tools needed to do their jobs. On behalf of our 13,000 employees and the thousands of patients that we take care of every day, we thank the Congressman for his support and advocacy on this important issue.” “We are very grateful for Congressman Kennedy's advocacy on this critically important issue and his strong support of ECMC throughout his years of public service,” said Andrew L. Davis CPA, Chief Operating Officer, Erie County Medical Center Corporation. “We agree with Congressman Kennedy that we must prevent future shortages of vital resources like IVF that are essential to our ability to care for our patients and invest in supply chain resiliency to ensure that these types of disruptions do not occur again.” “It is only through extraordinary teamwork, ingenuity and communication across our clinical, supply chain and leadership teams that we’ve been able to avoid negative impacts for patients,” said Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Julia Faller. “We are grateful to Congressman Kennedy for his leadership to ensure that care providers have what they need so they can keep their focus on providing great care.” ""Our healthcare workforce can serve patients best when it has the support and resources necessary to do the job,” said Peter De Jesús Jr., President, WNY Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. “I thank Congressman Kennedy for advocating for stronger medical supply chains, which will empower our region’s hospital and healthcare workers to deliver the quality of care that patients deserve.” ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Following the IV fluid shortage, Congressman Kennedy sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration inquiring about the actions the agencies took to address the shortage about policy changes being made moving forward to ease future shortages. He also sent a letter to the three largest domestic manufacturers of IV fluids urging the companies to strengthen their supply chains and review the merits of diversifying production locations, especially in the face of more frequent and severe weather events. Finally, he requested that the Government Accountability Office issue a report with policy recommendations for Congress and our federal agencies to prevent future medical supply shortages caused by extreme weather or other disasters. Rep. Kennedy is a member of the Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, where he is focused on ensuring that hospitals in Western New York and across the country have the supplies they need to function in the face of emergencies and natural disasters. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1155,Kennedy Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Ensure VA Hospitals Have Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY-26) released the following statement after introducing the bipartisan Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in VA Hospitals (SANE VA) Act, along with Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN-02). Additional co-sponsors include Reps. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Nancy Mace (R-NC-01) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13). This bill would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that sexual assault nurse examiners are employed at certain Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities. “As a nation, we have a responsibility to ensure that every veteran deserves the care and dignity they deserve,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I am proud to join the bipartisan Homeward Bound Act that takes a crucial step to guaranteeing access to specialized sexual assault nurse examiners as VA facilities, providing survivors with the compassionate and expert care they need to begin healing.” “It’s an awful reality that some of our servicemembers are victims of sexual assault, and we need to make sure they get the care they need in those situations. These people put their safety on the line to protect our country, it’s our duty to care for them in return.” said Congressman Burchett. “Our veterans deserve the most comprehensive healthcare possible, and that must include examinations and referrals for those who have been sexually assaulted. This is a critical piece of bipartisan legislation to support survivors who have risked their lives in service to our nation, and we owe it to our heroes to make this a priority.” Said Congressman Moskowitz. ""As a survivor, I know how hard it can be to come forward. Less than half of women in the military trust their chain of command to properly handle reports of sexual assault — and that’s unacceptable. The SANE Act is about fixing this broken system. We’re making sure VA hospitals have the resources and trained professionals survivors need, so women and girls aren’t left to fend for themselves. It’s time we start holding people accountable and ensure no survivor is abandoned by the system."" Said Congresswoman Mace. ""We must ensure that Veterans who have suffered through traumatic sexual violence are heard and receive the support and justice they deserve. I am proud to back Congressman Burchett's legislation to protect their well-being,"" said Congresswoman Luna. ""Nurse examiners who focus on sexual assault victims are crucial in providing the necessary forensic examinations for these survivors. We must guarantee this vital care within our VA medical facilities."" Said Congresswoman Luna. The full text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1148,Congressman Kennedy Co-Sponsors Bill to Address CDC Pet Travel Rule,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,LA,John Kennedy,K000393,kennedy.house.gov,kennedy,https://kennedy.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) released the following statement after co-sponsoring H.R. 9675, the Homeward Bound Act, introduced by Congresswoman Mary Peltola (AK-AL), Congressman Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Senator Angus King (I-ME), and Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND): “The current CDC rules for pets have created unnecessary red tape, especially for people and families in our community who frequently cross the U.S.-Canadian border,” said Congressman Kennedy. “I am proud to join the bipartisan Homeward Bound Act to ease the burden for military families and people with service dogs while keeping people and commerce moving and protecting public health.” “Alaskans rely on our dogs, not just for companionship, but for transportation and protection,” said Representative Peltola. “Recent CDC rule changes are unworkable for many Alaskan families, especially those who frequently cross into Canada, and for dog musher teams that travel to and from the Lower 48. I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Homeward Bound Act – Alaskans spoke up, and we listened.” H.R. 9675, the Homeward Bound Act would give military families, diplomatic families, and service dogs an 18-month waiver from the CDC rule; eliminate the age requirement; and require microchips for dogs born after enactment of the bill. Click here to view the bill text. Additional Information: In May, the CDC announced new rulemaking for dogs traveling to the U.S. from Canada. In response, Congressman Kennedy sent a letter to the CDC expressing concern that the new rule would hurt border communities, including those in Western New York. In July, Kennedy joined a bipartisan letter urging the CDC to pause the new rule. Later that month, the CDC announced changes to the rule that would reverse certain requirements. In August, Congressman Kennedy introduced the Border-Crossing and Re-Entry for K9s Act that would permanently pause the CDC Dog Importation Rule for pet owners and dogs traveling from low-risk countries. To view the bill text, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z