url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-importance-louisiana-ports-and-rivers,Scalise Statement on the Importance of Louisiana Ports and Rivers,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, LA. – Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the following statement after the World Trade Center of New Orleans and the Big River Coalition published a report, titled the “Emerging South American Competitiveness to U.S. Soybean Exports.” ""The Mississippi River and Louisiana’s ports have a strong and positive impact on our national economy, our global competitiveness, and American job creation,” Rep. Scalise said. “According to this newly released report, the Mississippi River Basin produces 92 percent of our nation’s agricultural exports and just five Louisiana ports facilitate nearly three-quarters of our nation’s grain exports. This new study reinforces the importance of the Mississippi River to America's economic success, and highlights the importance of modernizing our waterborne infrastructure and the critical nature of deepening the Mississippi River to 50 feet in order to keep Louisiana competitive and dominant in domestic and international commerce. “Earlier this year, I proudly fought to ensure passage of the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA), a bipartisan bill that strengthens our nation’s water transportation infrastructure, and modernizes our ports. WRDA makes a long-overdue reinvestment in our ports by authorizing important reforms to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to deepen our waterways and allow America to remain competitive in the global marketplace. Passage of this significant piece of legislation could not have been possible without the efforts of Ranking Member David Vitter and House Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Shuster. I am thankful for the work of Sean M. Duffy, Sr., Executive Director of the Big River Coalition; Robert Evans, Chairman of International Business Committee of the World Trade Center of New Orleans (WTCNO); Dominick Knoll, Chief Executive Officer of WTCNO; and Dr. John T. Lambert, Associate Professor of International Business at the University of Southern Mississippi, for working together to develop this important study.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-shift-us-policy-toward-cuba,Scalise Statement on Shift in U.S. Policy Toward Cuba,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s announcement of changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba. “Obama’s announcement today declaring a historic shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba is the embodiment of this White House’s reckless and naïve foreign policy,” Rep. Scalise said. “While I welcome Alan Gross home to his family and country after five years of false imprisonment, I’m disheartened by the Administration’s decision to trade an unjustly imprisoned American aid worker for convicted Cuban spies. This sets a dangerous precedent that emboldens bad actors and threatens the lives of Americans around the globe. Loosening travel and economic restrictions on the Castro regime will only aid and abet the Cuban government in the continuation of its sordid history of repression and abuse. Today’s actions confirm my grave concerns regarding the foreign policy decision-making of this Administration and let down the Cuban people who long for freedom and liberty.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/spending-bill-sets-stage-battle-president,Spending Bill Sets Stage for Battle with President,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement after the House passed the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015.   “This critical legislation not only brings discretionary spending to its lowest level in nearly a decade, but also sets the stage for a battle with President Obama over his illegal actions on immigration, and that battle begins in just four weeks when we get the reinforcements of a Republican Senate in January,” Rep. Scalise said. “The new American Congress will hold the president accountable for his lawless, unconstitutional executive action on immigration. We adopted a conservative strategy that avoids a government shutdown and paves the way for the Republican Congress to focus on bold solutions that will put hardworking Americans back to work and get our country back on track. I look forward to working with my Republican colleagues in January to pass a spending bill that defunds the president’s lawless actions.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-terrorism-insurance-reauthorization,Scalise Statement on Terrorism Insurance Reauthorization,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement following House passage of S. 2244, legislation to reauthorize and reform the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA). S. 2244 passed the House 416-7.   “Today’s Terrorism Risk Insurance Act reauthorization brings much-needed reforms to reduce taxpayer liability and provides American businesses with the long-term certainty they need to expand and create new jobs,” Rep. Scalise said. “I urge my colleagues in the Senate to immediately take up and pass this important legislation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-applauds-delay-modified-charleston-method-2015-appropriations-bill,Scalise Applauds Delay of the Modified Charleston Method in 2015 Appropriations Bill,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today applauded the inclusion of a provision in the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations for 2015 Act that delays a wetland mitigation standard known as the ""Modified Charleston Method"" (MCM). The legislation will delay the MCM until Sept. 30, 2015. “The Modified Charleston Method is a radical environmental regulation that stunts economic development in Louisiana,” Rep. Scalise said. “I am pleased the 2015 Appropriations Bill includes my amendment to delay this crippling, unrealistic regulation. MCM increases the cost of private development and public works programs, which include critical hurricane protection projects in Louisiana. Wetland mitigation is crucial to the survival of Southeast Louisiana communities, but wetland mitigation, economic development, and improving quality of life should never be mutually exclusive. I am committed to working with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to create a wetland mitigation assessment that is both reasonable and achievable for Louisiana residents.”    Since implementation of MCM, Rep. Scalise has twice introduced amendments banning the Corps from enforcing MCM, both of which have passed the House unanimously. To read the most recent amendment, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-responds-senate-passage-honor-flight-act,Rep. Richmond Responds to Senate Passage of the Honor Flight Act,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington DC -- Yesterday, H.R. 4812, the Honor Flight Act, a bill sponsored by Rep. Richmond (LA-02), was passed by the U.S. Senate. The bill will codify the process by which the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides expedited and dignified passenger screening services for veterans traveling to Washington, D.C. to visit war memorials built and dedicated to honor their service. Expedited screening services will save veterans’ time and show them their proper respect and appreciation. Now that the bill has passed the Senate, it will go to the President’s desk for signature. “In Congress and across the country, we stand in support of treating our veterans with the reverence they deserve,” said Rep. Richmond. “I am proud the Senate has joined the House of Representatives in acting to pay a debt of gratitude to a group of Americans who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. I’m humbled to have been able to play a small role in ensuring that veterans across the nation continue to enjoy a more expedient process as they travel to our nation’s capital.” Rep. Richmond serves as Ranking Member of the Transportation Security Subcommittee of the House Committee on Homeland Security which oversees TSA. The Honor Flight Act of 2014 is supported by the Honor Flight Network, a non-profit organization that works with airlines and other non-profits to transport American veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials built and dedicated in honor of their service. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/richmond-statement-republican-lawsuit-against-president,Richmond Statement on Republican Lawsuit Against the President,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Rep. Cedric Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after House Republicans’ third attorney finally filed a lawsuit against the President: “Instead of focusing on the issues that matter to the American people, like good-paying jobs and providing a first class education for our children, House Republicans have chosen to waste time and taxpayer money on a baseless lawsuit against the President of the United States,” said Rep. Richmond. “We were elected to Congress to work together to create opportunity and further the American dream for all our citizens. Rather than fulfill that obligation my colleagues in the GOP continually pursue obstructionist tactics and meritless litigation.” “We are faced with a unique set of challenges as we conclude this session of Congress and move into 2015, and the American people expect us to faithfully execute our duty to govern and pass laws to meet those challenges. Wasting time on frivolous lawsuits and political posturing is irresponsible and marginalizes the role of Congress.” “I call on my colleagues to move past this ploy of partisan politics so we can get back to the work of moving this country forward.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-respect-rule-law,Scalise: Respect the Rule of Law,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 5759, the Preventing Overreach on Immigration Act. “As the great-grandson of an Italian immigrant, I’m proud that America is a nation of immigrants. However, we are also a nation of laws,” Rep. Scalise said. “President Obama has repeatedly shown his disregard for the Constitution and this nation’s rule of law by attempting to legislate from the Oval Office. Today’s vote re-establishes the rule of law and stops the president’s lawless, unconstitutional executive action from going into effect. The American people spoke loud and clear in the November elections. They want a Washington that works together on their behalf, not a go-it-alone president governing by executive fiat. I urge the president to focus on securing the border, enforcing the laws on the books, and working with us in Congress to fix our broken immigration system. I would like to thank Rep. Yoho for introducing this critical legislation and for his leadership in Congress on this issue. “I also want to commend Louisiana and the 16 other states that filed suit against the Obama Administration yesterday for the president’s most recent lawless actions on immigration. The states, especially those in the South, are on the front lines of our broken immigration system, and the president’s continued refusal to enforce the law will only exacerbate our border security crisis. Today, the House joined the states’ efforts in opposition to this executive overreach by passing legislation to reinforce the fact that the president does not have the authority to take these actions. I urge the Senate to immediately follow the House’s lead and send this legislation to the president’s desk.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-house-passage-able-act,Scalise Statement on House Passage of ABLE Act,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) tonight released the following video statement regarding the passage of H.R. 647, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, for which he was a co-sponsor. The legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, 404-17. “Today the House passed critical legislation that will improve the lives of millions of families who have children with disabilities. The Achieving a Better Life Experience, or ABLE, Act allows families with disabilities to create a tax-free savings account to help pay for medical visits, job training and educational opportunities. “Just like parents can save for their child’s education, an ABLE Act account allows children with disabilities to pay for their medical care and achieve their full potential. Individuals with disabilities face unimaginable challenges every day, and the ABLE Act makes it easier for them to reach their full potential and realize their hopes and dreams without being discriminated against by senseless federal laws. “The ABLE Act is a conservative solution that helps individuals become more independent and less dependent on government by empowering them with opportunity. It is also a conservative solution that enjoys more bicameral, bipartisan support than any other piece of legislation in Congress. “This is just one of the many solutions House Republicans are working on to help improve the lives of hard-working taxpayers and help get our country back on the right track.” BACKGROUND: Under current law, individuals with disabilities face significant barriers to finding and holding employment and living independently because their access to certain safety-net programs can be lost once they establish a minimum level of savings and income, creating a disincentive to work.  The ABLE Act would help more individuals with disabilities work, save and live independently without losing access to Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  States would have the option to establish an ABLE program, under which eligible individuals with disabilities could start an ABLE account, modeled after current Section 529 savings accounts.  Eligible individuals must be severely disabled before turning age 26. ·      Contributions would not be tax deductible; ·      Income earned by the accounts would not be taxed; ·      Account withdrawals, including portions attributable to investment earnings generated by the account, for qualified expenses would not be taxable; ·      Aggregate contributions to an ABLE account would be subject to an overall limit matching the State limit for Section 529 accounts.  ·      Individuals with ABLE accounts could maintain eligibility for means-tested benefits.  ABLE account balances and withdrawals are completely excluded for the purpose of Medicaid and other benefit programs. In SSI, the first $100,000 in account balances are excluded from counting as resources, as are most account withdrawals. ·      The legislation includes a series of offsets that ensure the legislation does not increase the deficit (while also ensuring the bill does not raise taxes overall).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-lauds-house-passage-stela-reauthorization,Scalise Lauds House Passage of STELA Reauthorization,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 4572, the Satellite Television Access Reauthorization Act. “I commend my colleagues in the House for passing this much-needed bipartisan legislation that provides certainty to 1.5 million satellite consumers nationwide at risk of losing their broadcast TV programming and modernizes some of the outdated laws governing today’s video marketplace,” Rep. Scalise said. “Over the last several decades, communications and entertainment technology has evolved at a rapid pace, while the laws and regulations governing those technologies have remained relatively unchanged. This legislation is an important first step toward creating a truly competitive 21st century video marketplace for American consumers and all stakeholders. “I enjoyed working with Chairmen Upton and Walden, and ranking members Waxman and Eshoo on a number of targeted reforms in this bill and I thank them and the leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee for including them in this bipartisan agreement. I urge the Senate to pass this legislation without delay.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-manufacturing-bill-passes-house,Scalise Manufacturing Bill Passes House,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives recently voted to approve the Promoting New Manufacturing Act, legislation introduced by House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) to increase investment in American manufacturing, create new jobs and reduce costly permitting delays. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support, 238-172. “This bipartisan jobs bill serves as a check and balance against job-killing radical EPA regulations by increasing transparency, cutting through unnecessary red tape, and forcing unelected bureaucrats to use real science to prove that their regulatory proposals can actually be achieved in the real world,” Rep. Scalise said. ""By bringing transparency to the convoluted permitting process and cutting red tape at the EPA, we can jumpstart our nation’s economy and get our country back on track. I would like to thank my colleagues in the House for passing this much-needed legislation that will help revive our country’s manufacturing base and create thousands of high-paying jobs for hard-working Americans.” The Promoting New Manufacturing Act: ·Reduces costly construction permitting delays that impede the construction of new facilities by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide guidance on how to comply with new or revised air quality standards.  ·Increases transparency by making public the number of Clean Air Act New Source Review (NSR) preconstruction permits issued annually and the timelines for the full permitting process.  ·Promotes the efficient processing of permits by requiring the EPA to provide Congress with an annual report on the actions being taken by the agency to expedite the permitting process. All across the United States there are hundreds of proposed manufacturing facilities not being constructed because they are held up in burdensome permitting processes and bureaucratic red tape. According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), there are currently 180 announced manufacturing projects that will contribute an estimated $115 billion to the U.S. economy. By 2023, the ACC estimates, these new investments could generate tens of billions in chemical industry exports and hundreds of thousands of permanent jobs. In Louisiana alone, there are 39 proposed projects worth $28.6 billion, that will create 46,000 new jobs and support an additional 22,000 jobs. In June of this year, H.R. 4795 passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee with bipartisan support.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206043652/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/-vitter-statement-on-secretary-of-defense-chuck-hagel-resignation,Vitter Statement on Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Resignation,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Statement on Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel Resignation Monday, November 24, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today made the following statement regarding Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s resignation. Vitter opposed Hagel’s nomination in the Senate in 2013. “The rise of ISIS in Syria and Iraq is a huge national security threat right now, and the Obama Administration including Secretary Hagel has not shown the leadership to adequately deal with them. The larger problem is that they’re not new threats, and the Administration has ignored them for too long,” Vitter said. “I opposed Chuck Hagel’s nomination in 2013 because of concerns like this – and hope that Obama will nominate someone who can effectively combat terror, and deal with turmoil in Israel and Iran.” In February 2013, Vitter opposed Hagel’s nomination and raised concerns that he was rushed through the Senate confirmation process. Vitter also raised concerns about statements and actions on a nuclear Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, suggesting that Hagel’s nomination would send the wrong message to our allies and enemies alike. Click here to watch the video of Vitter’s statement and interaction with Chairman Levin about the lack of disclosure of Hagel’s speeches. In a February 5, 2013 letter from Sen. Hagel to the Armed Services Committee, Hagel stated he “conducted an exhaustive search for all of my speaking engagements over the past five years. All available prepared texts and transcripts have been provided to the Committee.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206043656/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-leads-21-senators-urging-harbor-maintenance-funding-be-set-at-wrrda-levels,Vitter Leads 21 Senators Urging Harbor Maintenance Funding be Set at WRRDA levels,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Leads 21 Senators Urging Harbor Maintenance Funding be Set at WRRDA levels Monday, November 24, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter, top Republican on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee is pushing the Senate Appropriations Committee leadership to set the funding levels for harbor maintenance at the levels authorized in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), which Vitter passed and had signed into law this year. Vitter led 19 Senators in a bipartisan letter urging to get this right. “One out of every six American jobs depends on trade and maritime commerce, and $180 billion of goods per year travel on American waterways, to and from American ports,” Vitter said. “It’s vital to our economy to keep our ports and waterways properly dredged and maintained. We worked hard to get the correct funding levels authorized in WRRDA, and we need to see to it that we honor the commitment of that law.” Below is a copy of Vitter’s letter. Also signing his letter were Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bill Nelson (R-Fla.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.). November 20, 2014 The Honorable Barbara A. Mikulski Chairwoman Senate Committee on Appropriations S-128, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Richard C. Shelby Ranking Member Senate Committee on Appropriations S-128, U.S. Capitol Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Dianne Feinstein Chairwoman, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development 186 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 The Honorable Lamar Alexander Ranking Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development 186 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Chairwoman Mikulski, Ranking Member Shelby, Chairwoman Feinstein, and Ranking Member Alexander: Thank you for your efforts to increase U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works program harbor maintenance funding in your annual Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies (E&W) Appropriations Acts. We write to request that when you enter into negotiations with your House counterparts to complete Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15) annual appropriations legislation you support a final FY15 harbor maintenance funding level that was authorized under Section 2101(b) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014). That section established a 10-year path to fully use Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) collections for their intended purpose, with FY15 being the first year. It would be unfortunate if Congress failed to hit the HMT target just seven months after passing this legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support. We also ask that the funding be provided only for authorized harbor maintenance. More than $1.8 billion in annual HMT revenue is being collected specifically to meet the nation’s annual authorized harbor maintenance needs for harbors of all sizes. Unfortunately, annual appropriations have been significantly less than annual collections, resulting in harbors and navigation channels getting narrower and shallower due to accumulating sediment, declining dredged material disposal area capacity and deteriorating harbor structures such as breakwaters and jetties due to inadequate funding. Harbors and navigation channels are a vital part of our nation’s transportation infrastructure, and the elimination or reduction in their capacity can have significant impacts on local communities and economies as well as the national economy. WRRDA 2014 recognizes the national need to increase use of HMT collections to benefit all navigation projects, high and moderate use, emerging, underserved and Great Lakes ports, along with expanded uses at donor ports. The Army Corps of Engineers has reported that nationwide authorized channel depths are available about half of the time, and then only over half of the channel’s width. This drives up the cost of U.S. exports and imports, which threatens U.S. economic growth, and increases the risk of vessel groundings and associated oil spills. Many U.S. exports compete in a very price-sensitive global market where transportation inefficiencies mean losing business to other countries. It is vitally important that the WRRDA HMT commitment be met. While addressing increased funding is difficult, in part because of inadequate Administration funding requests, the United States should not miss opportunities to spur economic growth, improve our global competitiveness and create jobs. We urge you to work with the House to craft a final FY15 E&W Appropriations bill (or title within an omnibus appropriations bill) that meets the FY15 harbor maintenance spending target and allocation provisions under Sections 2101(b) and 2102, respectively, of WRRDA 2014 to maintain the nation’s shipping channels, our nation’s gateways to the global marketplace. Thank you for your consideration of this request. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206034234/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-obamas-unconstitutional-executive-amnesty-is-horrible-policy,Vitter: Obamas Unconstitutional Executive Amnesty is Horrible Policy,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Obama’s Unconstitutional Executive Amnesty is Horrible Policy Thursday, November 20, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.), Chair of the Senate Border Security Caucus, made the following statement regarding President Obama’s plan to grant executive amnesty by providing legal status and work permits to five million illegal immigrants. “President Obama’s executive amnesty is illegitimate, unconstitutional, and flat out horrible policy. This will only encourage more immigrants to come here illegally, completely undercutting the many immigrants who do follow our law. In fact, it will probably make it harder to legally become a citizen than just come here illegally. We must start with effective enforcement, both at the border and the workplace. I'm absolutely going to do everything I can to push back on Obama’s illegal actions – starting with working to take away any funding for amnesty,” Vitter said. Vitter has long been an advocate for targeted reforms to fix the immigration crisis, starting with border security and enforcing the immigration laws that already exist. Enforcement Bills introduced by Vitter: Deportation of UACs – implements mandatory detention and expedited removal of the unaccompanied alien children (UAC). Stop DACA – prevents the federal government from spending money to process new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA would allow the Administration from protecting people from being deported. This bill was introduced by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Vitter is an original co-sponsor. US-VISIT – prevents any adjustment in legal status for those in the country illegally until the Department of Homeland Security entry-exit biometric visa system (US-VISIT) is fully implemented at every land, sea, and airport. The system was required by Congress in 1996 to be implemented in 2005 but has yet to be implemented. Child Tax Credit – prevents illegal aliens from receiving the Child Tax Credit intended for American citizens and legal residents by closing a loophole with Internal Revenue System. This would save $4.2 billion each year. WIRE Act – requires a fee on remittances for customers who wire money to another country but cannot prove that they are in the United States legally. The fee would be used to enhance border security. Census – requires questions in the census regarding citizenship and immigration status. This would also prevent states from counting illegal aliens for the purposes of determining population levels and other data associated with the census.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206042008/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-and-boustany-request-hearings-to-protect-veterans-appeals-rights,Vitter and Boustany Request Hearings to Protect Veterans Appeals Rights,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter and Boustany Request Hearings to Protect Veterans’ Appeals Rights Thursday, November 20, 2014 (Washington, DC) – Senator David Vitter (R-Louisiana) and Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., (R-South Louisiana) sent a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees requesting that the committees hold oversight hearings on the transfer of authority over payments for veterans’ emergency medical services from the Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Chief Business Office under the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act (VACAA) of 2014. In July, VISN 16, the VA network that covers healthcare for veterans in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and some veterans in Texas, Missouri, Alabama, and Florida, admitted to years of inappropriate payment denials and delays for veterans’ emergency medical care. This harmed the financial credit ratings of hundreds of Louisiana veterans. In response, Louisiana’s entire delegation followed up with a letter to the VA Secretary that remains unanswered. In meetings between the VA’s Chief Business Office and Louisiana providers last week, the VA admitted that VISN 16 effectively deprived veterans of their appeals rights by refusing to mail more than 650,000 letters in its system and keeping other appeal documents untouched in cabinets. Earlier this year, Boustany introduced the Veterans’ Credit Protection Act to improve Congressional oversight and protect veterans from unfair medical debts. Boustany introduced the bill after he helped a South Louisiana veteran clear an unpaid bill exceeding $1000 for a hospital emergency room visit. VISN 16 had ignored its obligation to pay the bill for over two years, damaging the veteran’s credit rating. Vitter said: “After the VA scandals that have come to light, we need to earn back the trust of our veterans. We can start by making improvements like this. Our veterans need to know that when they have medical emergencies, they can count on their bills being paid.” Boustany said: “Congress took claims processing authorities away from VISN 16 to stop it from harming veterans’ credit ratings. The Secretary has a duty to improve performance in Louisiana, and we expect to see results. Our veterans fought and sacrificed of themselves for the greater good. The least we can do is treat them with the dignity and respect they’ve earned when they return home. I won’t accept anything less than world-class service for our veterans, and I will continue to expose VA failures until we reach that standard.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206043700/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-sell-excess-property-to-bring-investment-for-new-orleans-public-housing,Vitter: Sell Excess Property to Bring Investment for New Orleans Public Housing,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Sell Excess Property to Bring Investment for New Orleans Public Housing Thursday, November 20, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) today sent a letter to Tamara Gray, the Director of the Special Applications Center for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), urging HUD to deny a request from the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) to keep and redevelop excess property in New Orleans. “The common sense thing to do would be for HANO to sell its excess properties. The idle and dilapidated properties are a waste of resources and harm their communities. Selling them could revitalize these neighborhoods and could bring millions of dollars in investment for the housing that already exists,” Vitter said. HANO submitted an application to HUD in September of 2013 asking to sell its excess properties, which are valued at over $6 million. In July, Vitter pushed HUD to approve this request and speed up the divestment process for all of HANO’s excess property sites. However, HANO’s leadership has changed and they are now requesting to keep the properties and redevelop them into mixed-income communities. New Orleans City Councilmember-At-Large Stacy Head has also raised concerns. She has been critical that HANO has not provided a clear plan for implementation and asked for a comprehensive study to be completed on the benefits of both options. The text of the letter is below. November 20, 2014 Tamara Gray Director, Special Applications Center US Department of Housing and Urban Development 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Room 2401 Chicago, IL 60604 Dear Ms. Gray: It has come to my attention that the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO), in a radical shift in strategy, has decided not to sell the majority of its “scattered site” properties to private developers and instead will keep properties and issue qualifications to find local developers to build mixed-income communities on the properties. It is my understanding that the Special Applications Center at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must approve this plan to go forward. I am concerned HANO does not have sufficient resources to maintain these properties, so I urge your department to not grant HANO approval for their new strategy and instead encourage them to sell these properties as soon as possible without any use conditions attached. For seven years these properties have sat fallow, depriving the citizens of New Orleans quality affordable housing and property tax revenue. At a time when the City Council is considering proposed property tax increases for the citizens of New Orleans, these properties sit untouched and unused bringing no tax revenue to the city, while they enjoy police and fire protection on the taxpayer dime. Furthermore, selling these properties could net HANO well over $6.8 million, which HANO could then use to fund other developments or to reinvest in its current housing and address the Section 8 housing waiting list. I am also concerned that this reversal will end up costing the taxpayer a much greater cost then selling the properties now. Will this be the case? Will HUD take into account the cost to the taxpayer in making your decision? Finally, I am also extremely concerned with the manner in which HANO came to this reversal of their decision. Councilmember-At-Large Stacy Head, of the New Orleans City Council, has been the leading voice on this issue for eight years. She requested to address HANO’s board at their September 4, 2014 meeting regarding these properties, and she was told by the board that, “[t]he evaluation of the scattered site portfolio is ongoing, and until such time as it is completed and vetted by our staff, this will not be a Board agenda item for discussion. We anticipate the vetting process will be completed within the next 3 months and then we will move forward with a recommendation to our Board.” Despite this assurance, no notice was given to Councilmember Head that HANO had completed their analysis and their plan would be announced at HANO’s October 28, 2014 meeting. In fact, by blindsiding Councilmember Head and other interested parties, no one on the Council or any members of the public were able to engage with HANO on this issue, despite the fact that these properties were purchased with Federal tax dollars from HUD. It is clear to me that HANO’s decision to reverse their strategy in regards to the over 200 surplus site properties has not been completely thought out. HANO has no concrete plan on how to proceed, no financing in place, and worst of all, these units in question are already in a state of disrepair. The community deserves the opportunity to develop these properties and restore parts of their neighborhood that have fallen into disrepair. HANO’s reconsideration of the original plan is haphazard and unfair to the citizens of New Orleans. I urge you to not approve any changes to the current plan to sell the properties without any conditions, and I look forward to your prompt response to my request. Sincerely David Vitter United States Senate",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206043703/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-announces-small-business-disaster-assistance-available-for-ouachita,Vitter Announces Small Business Disaster Assistance Available for Ouachita,2014-11-19,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Announces Small Business Disaster Assistance Available for Ouachita Wednesday, November 19, 2014 (Monroe, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today announced that the Small Business Administration (SBA) made a declaration of disaster for Ouachita Parish, and Vitter is encouraging affected homeowners, businesses and non-profit organizations to apply for disaster loans. Vitter will become the Chairman of the Senate Small Business Committee at the beginning of next year and is working with the SBA to make the declaration. “I toured the storm sites the day after these tornadoes hit, and the damages were clearly severe,” Vitter said. “Louisianians know better than anyone the challenges of rebuilding after a storm – resiliency is in our bones. I’m pleased we were able to get this disaster assistance made available.” Last month, two tornadoes damaged over 600 homes and 100 businesses throughout Ouachita Parish, and nearly 69,000 lost power. They destroyed 46 homes and affected hundreds others. The contiguous parishes eligible to apply are Caldwell, Jackson, Lincoln, Morehouse, Richland and Union Parishes. The Senate Small Business Committee, of which Vitter will become Chair in January, has jurisdiction over the SBA and its Disaster Loan Programs. Applicants may apply online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Additional information about eligibility and loan terms may be found at www.sba.gov/disaster or by phone at 1-800-659-2955. Applications can also be made in person at the Ouachita Parish Public Library’s Main Branch, 1800 Stubbs Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 on the second floor. Physical Disaster Loans (PDLs) of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners for repair or replacement of their primary residence to its pre-disaster condition, and up to $40,000 may be borrowed to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster. PDLs for businesses of up to $2 million are available to repair or replace damaged real estate, equipment, inventory and fixtures. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million are available to eligible businesses and non-profit organizations to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses as they overcome the temporary loss of revenue experienced as a result of the storms. PDL applications are due by January 20, 2015. EIDL applications are due by August 18, 2015. If you need assistance applying for a disaster assistance loan, please contact Senator Vitter’s office in Monroe. Sen. David Vitter’s Northeast Louisiana Office 1651 Louisville Avenue Suite 148 Monroe, LA 71201 tel (318) 325-8120 fax (318) 325-9165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206041231/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-authorizing-keystone-should-be-a-no-brainer,Vitter: Authorizing Keystone Should Be a No-Brainer,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Authorizing Keystone Should Be a No-Brainer Tuesday, November 18, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, made the following statement regarding today’s vote in the U.S. Senate to authorize building the Keystone XL pipeline. S. 2280 failed to reach 60 votes in the Senate and was therefore not agreed to. “We have been working to pass the Keystone XL pipeline for four years now, and it looks like Senate Democrats are not interested in creating good-paying jobs and increasing our energy independence,” said Vitter. “Passing Keystone XL should be a no-brainer, yet President Obama and Democrats in Congress keep kicking the can down the road. After all the talk from Sen. Landrieu who claimed they had enough Democrat votes, this must be a let-down for her.” The House of Representatives passed the companion legislation H.R. 5682, introduced by Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) last week. Last week, Vitter, along with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), wrote to President Obama requesting his opinion on legislation that would authorize and build the Keystone XL Pipeline. Click here to read more. Vitter was the first member of the Senate to introduce legislation to expedite the Keystone pipeline. The Keystone XL pipeline will carry 830,000 barrels of oil a day to U.S. refineries. According to the U.S. State Department, its construction will create 42,000 jobs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206041318/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitters-child-care-for-children-with-disabilities-legislation-passes-senate,Vitters Child Care for Children with Disabilities Legislation Passes Senate,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter’s Child Care for Children with Disabilities Legislation Passes Senate Legislation to Prioritize Child Care Grants for Low Income Children with Disabilities Passes House and Senate this week Tuesday, November 18, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) announced that the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act passed with his legislation to ensure that the grants are prioritized for low income families with special needs children. Vitter’s amendment creates key enforcement mechanisms to ensure these children receive necessary care. “Children with disabilities face tremendous challenges, and low-income families often don’t have the resources needed to provide them with specialized support or even basic child care,” Vitter said. “This legislation is a very positive victory, because it ensures that these families are the first to receive the support they need.” Click here to watch Vitter’s comments on the Senate floor before passing his amendment in March, 2014. Vitter’s legislation was originally introduced on March 12, 2014 and was included in the CCDBG Reauthorization which passed the Senate on March 13, 2014. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives this week with the Vitter amendment still included. The Senate passed the final version late last night by unanimous consent. The legislation now awaits a signature from the President. Vitter’s amendment requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Inspector General to submit an annual report to the Secretary to ensure all states receiving CCDBG funding prioritize funds for low income families with special needs children. If states fail to prioritize funding for these families, their CCDBG payments will be reduced by five percent until they have systems in place to meet this requirement. Current law requires states to prioritize CCDBG funds to families with very low family incomes and to children with special needs, but the statute has never been enforced. Currently 23 states are violating the law and 22 others are not guaranteeing the funds go to these families. Louisiana is one of five states in full compliance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206041516/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-defense-dept-reaffirms-nuclear-commitment-great-signal-for-elevating-global-strike-command-general-to-four-star-,"Vitter: Defense Dept. Reaffirms Nuclear Commitment, Great Signal for Elevating Global Strike Command General to Four-Star",2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Defense Dept. Reaffirms Nuclear Commitment, Great Signal for Elevating Global Strike Command General to Four-Star Vitter says outlook is positive for Global Strike Command General elevation Tuesday, November 18, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), said that he is confident that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) will elevate the Global Strike Command leadership to a four-star general position – the highest rank possible. Vitter noted the confidence was based on a statement the DoD issued this weekend declaring the U.S. Nuclear Triad as the highest priority mission. Vitter was also contacted about the Air Force’s plans to realign forces to accommodate the elevation. The Global Strike Command is located at Barksdale Air Force Base and is responsible for the majority of the U.S. Nuclear Triad. Vitter has been pushing for these recognitions despite the Obama administration’s attempts to reduce the priority of nuclear missions. “This designation is incredibly important both for Barksdale and our national defense. As home of the Global Strike Command, it shows our Defense Department’s long-term commitment to Barksdale and the U.S. Nuclear Triad. The elevation will give Barksdale a seat at the table during key decisions,” Vitter said. “Getting this designation has taken years of work, and I’ll keep working on it until Global Strike Command finally receives this recognition.” Earlier this year Vitter was able to secure a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 that recognizes the U.S. Nuclear Triad, of which two thirds is managed by Global Strike Command, as the highest mission in our nation’s defense. Congress’ support for this shows its long term commitment to Barksdale Air Force Base, which is home to U.S. Global Strike Command and is responsible for the majority of that Triad. The DoD’s joint statement on the Nuclear Triad mimics Vitter’s legislative language. In April, Vitter met with General Welsh, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, to push for the elevation to a four star position. Over the past two years, Vitter has been pushing legislation and efforts to raise the profile of the command. Vitter has pushed for this designation with Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force, and Frank G. Klotz, then Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, during multiple SASC hearings.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141127214929/http://www.vitter.senate.gov:80/newsroom/press/-gen-wesley-clark-to-promote-free-government-cell-phones-at-baton-rouge-press-club,Gen. Wesley Clark to Promote Free Government Cell Phones at Baton Rouge Press Club,2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Gen. Wesley Clark to Promote Free Government Cell Phones at Baton Rouge Press Club Monday, November 17, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – Gen. Wesley Clark is scheduled to appear at the Baton Rouge Press Club today at 12:00 pm CT to promote the free government cell phone program known as Lifeline. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) has repeatedly asked Gen. Clark to answer questions about who is funding his campaign supporting Lifeline and has challenged him to a debate on the issue. Vitter has legislation to end the free government cell phone program and restore the Lifeline program to its original intent of landlines. “General Clark has refused to come clean about where the funding for his campaign to support the fraud-ridden Lifeline program is coming from, so I hope he’ll answer that today while he’s in Louisiana,” Vitter said. Vitter has challenged Gen. Clark to debate the merits of Lifeline, but Clark has yet to accept the invitation. Vitter has also asked Clark a number of questions regarding his support of the program that he has never answered. • Gen. Clark Refuses to Respond to Vitter on Free Cell Phones • Vitter Urges Gen. Clark to Agree to Free Cell Phone Debate, Disclose Campaign’s Financial Supporters • Vitter Asks Gen. Clark to Accept a Date for Free Cell Phone Debate, Disclose Who’s Paying for his Campaign • Gen. Clark Agrees to Debate Vitter About Free Government Cell Phone Program • Vitter Challenges Gen. Wesley Clark to Free Government Cell Phone Debate Vitter has provided a list of seven suggested questions for the media to ask Gen. Clark today: 1) Press reports of your previous visits to Louisiana included quotes from your spokesperson as saying vaguely that a “public affairs company that represents veterans advocacy groups” sponsored your trip. Who are this company and its financial backers? 2) In particular, do any companies who receive funds from the fraud-ridden Lifeline program, like TracFone or others, financially support this public affairs company, you, your liberal political PAC, or any company in which you have a significant interest? If so, by whom and how much? 3) Are you aware that one of the top Lifeline companies, TracFone, alone profited $460 million from Lifeline in 2012 by collecting money from customers who pay a cell phone bill? 4) The Lifeline program in Maryland grew 10,000 percent from 2009 to 2012 to 645,000 recipients, a number that is double the number of people who should be eligible. Do you know the number of people in Louisiana that are eligible? 5) Do you know the number of fraudulent phones that have been given to Louisianians? 6) You often talk about how the Lifeline program is in the middle of partisan politics. With the ongoing and repeated reports of major fraud and abuse in the Lifeline cell phone program, do you think you should be working together to stop the extreme waste, fraud and abuse instead of expanding the program? 7) Why do you refuse to debate Sen. David Vitter on this issue? It was reported that you agreed to debate him while speaking with him on the phone, but have never responded to multiple dates that he has proposed. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206043710/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-announces-production-at-first-american-made-rig-in-gulf-off-louisiana-coast,Vitter Announces Production at First American-Made Rig in Gulf Off Louisiana Coast,2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Announces Production at First American-Made Rig in Gulf Off Louisiana Coast Monday, November 17, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, today made the following statement regarding the first oil at Tubular Bells, a deepwater oil and gas field off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. This site is where the very first offshore rig of its kind was designed and constructed entirely in the United States. Much of the rig construction took place in Houma, La. “We in the Gulf States – and especially in Louisiana – are aware of how important domestic energy production is to our economy,” said Vitter. “This is a major project and great news for the future of energy production in our country. It’s also exciting to see the first completely American-made rig of its kind contributing and bringing us closer to energy independence.” More information about Tubular Bells: • Tubular Bells deepwater oil and gas field was discovered in 2003 and lies 135 miles southeast of New Orleans, La. • The offshore oil rig is the first that was designed and constructed entirely in the United States • Construction of the rig created 7,000 direct and indirect jobs in Texas and Louisiana • Tubular Bells is expected to deliver approximately 50,000 barrels of oil per day from three producing wells Click here for more information. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-house-passage-keystone-xl-pipeline,Scalise Statement on House Passage of the Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement regarding House passage of H.R. 5682, legislation to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. The bill passed the House this afternoon with overwhelming bipartisan support, 252-161. “Today’s vote to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline will help create American jobs and increase American energy security,” Rep. Scalise said. “For over six years, the Obama Administration has dragged its feet and played political games while delaying this much-needed project and holding 40,000 American jobs hostage. The American people are hungry for a strong national energy policy that increases production here at home and reduces our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. That policy starts today. “The American people have waited far too long for this moment. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly approve this legislation so that the president can sign it into law. I would like to thank Mr. Cassidy for his leadership in bringing this important legislation to the floor.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141114185953/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-house-continues-washington-exemption-from-obamacare,Vitter: House Continues Washington Exemption from Obamacare,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: House Continues Washington Exemption from Obamacare Friday, November 14, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter issued the following statement today expressing disappointment in the House of Representatives vote to protect Washington’s Exemption from Obamacare. Congressman Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) proposed a rule for the House Republican Conference that would have required all members and staff to be enrolled in Obamacare as the law states. Some members created a loophole and designated their staff as “non-official” so they could be exempted from entering the Obamacare Exchange. “In this election, Americans across the country sent a message: Washington is out of touch and on the wrong track. The House of Representatives had an opportunity to change course today, but instead they protected their exemption under Obamacare,” Vitter said. “Congress gave America Obamacare, and Congress needs to face reality and experience this train-wreck law in the exact same way their constituents do. I’m going to continue fighting to make sure Washington is treated the same way as the constituents they represent by getting rid of Washington’s exemption from Obamacare.” The proposed rule would state that all staff is recognized as “official” under Obamacare, which would require them to purchase health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange. Vitter has introduced a Conference Resolution in the Senate that requires all Members to designate all staff as official. Vitter has introduced legislation that would require all Members of Congress, all Congressional staff, the President, Vice-President, and all political appointees within the administration to purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange and receive the same amount of financial support from tax credits or subsidies as any American would outside of Washington. Vitter has also designated all of his staff, including committee staff, as official as the law requires. Last fall Vitter fought to get a vote on his legislation, but Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid blocked his attempts. Vitter also introduced his legislation in April, but Reid pulled the legislation from the floor before it could get a vote. However, Reid did agree to give Vitter a vote in the future. Click here to read some of Vitter’s efforts to pass his “No Washington Exemption from Obamacare.” Currently members of Congress and their staff members are still eligible to receive taxpayer funded subsidies ($5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a family) to pay for their health care. Those same subsidies are not available to any other American.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141113190210/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/sen-vitter-rep-lamborn-warn-administration-not-to-weaken-missile-defense,"Sen. Vitter, Rep. Lamborn Warn Administration Not to Weaken Missile Defense",2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Sen. Vitter, Rep. Lamborn Warn Administration Not to Weaken Missile Defense Lawmakers ask State Department for clarification of space arms policy they’ve seemed to develop secretly without informing the Defense Department, Congress Thursday, November 13, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) and U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) urged the U.S. State Department to clarify the Administration’s outer space arms control policy, particularly how it could negatively impact the United States’ missile defense capabilities and anti-satellite weapon purposes. “A major part of our national security and infrastructure revolves around outer space, and our continued ability to use satellites and various missile capabilities,” Vitter said. “We need to make sure we’re not restricting ourselves, especially when China or Russia are pursuing access to weapons that could destroy U.S. satellites – putting us a greater national security risks.” “Any proposal for a space code of conduct or an outer space arms control treaty should only be considered by the United States if it clearly improves our national security and does not limit our own freedom of action in space. I am particularly concerned by the potential that State Department officials may be proposing agreements without any consideration for the national security implications of their proposals,” Lamborn said. The Administration has seemingly embraced the European Union’s approach to outer space arms, which top national security officials have said is too restrictive and could put the U.S. at an unfair national security risk by not protecting the U.S.’s ability to fully develop missile defenses. Vitter and Lamborn’s letter highlights the State Department failure to consult with the defense agencies or relevant key committees. Previously, on Feb. 2, 2011, Vitter along with 37 U.S. Senators warned former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of the European Union’s approach and requested their reasoning for moving towards adopting the more restrictive approach. A copy of Vitter and Lamborn’s letter is below. November 12, 2014 Mr. Frank Rose Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Defense Policy U.S. Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC 20520 Dear Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Rose, We write to ask for your clarification regarding the Administration’s space arms control posture. Like you, we are deeply concerned by the rising threats of anti-satellite weapons in the hands of states like the People’s Republic of China. That said, we believe the Administration would do better to focus on real solutions to these threats, as opposed to more feel good measures like the European Union’s (EU) Code of Conduct for Outer Space activities or other similar measures. We are concerned by proposals for outer space arms control, including the EU Code of Conduct for Outer Space activities, which the Administration has embraced. We see no advantage to such a Code for the United States; according to assessments by the uniformed military, implementation of this code would result in real world operational impacts. The product of this equation demands the opposition of the entire United States government. With the languishing of that Code, we fear a new threat to our ability to protect U.S. outer space capabilities, and, perhaps even to develop our missile defenses. We seek your understanding of the Administration’s position on space arms control, specifically, the “debris-generating kinetic energy ASAT testing moratorium” which, as we have been informed, you proposed to U.S. allies. We are unfamiliar with any such proposal having been coordinated with the Department of Defense or the uniformed military, and therefore we ask for your answers to the following questions: 1) Please indicate the date, and by which Department official, the State Department Circular 175 request was signed. What was the scope of this Circ-175 and has the Department determined if this moratorium would be submitted to the Senate for its advice and consent? 2) If this Circ-175 will not be submitted to the Senate, on what basis would such an international agreement be negotiated and to what end? 3) Please detail the potential implications for United States space and missile defense activities. How would such an agreement protect our ability to fully develop our missile defenses, including our test and targets program? 4) Please further detail how such agreement will ensure full freedom of action for the United States to take needed defensive and other action in space. 5) Please provide the Joint Staff assessment of impacts to military operations you obtained before discussing this moratorium with our allies. 6) Please detail the specific allies with which you have discussed this moratorium and the respective dates of discussion. Please further detail which State Department official authorized these discussions. We appreciate your prompt responses to these questions. Sincerely, CC: SECSTATE SECDEF CJCS ODNI STRATCOM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141114190016/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/republican-senators-request-yes-or-no-from-obama-on-keystone,Republican Senators Request Yes or No from Obama on Keystone,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Republican Senators Request “Yes” or “No” from Obama on Keystone Thursday, November 13, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, along with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), wrote to President Obama requesting his opinion on legislation that would authorize and build the Keystone XL Pipeline. “Multiples attempts to have the Senate vote to approve the pipeline over the past two years have been rejected by Democratic leadership prior to the recent November election. Now that they are planning to hold a vote, it is essential that we understand your position on this legislation,” wrote the Senators. “The American people deserve to know if the effort by Democratic leadership to finally make good on our request to vote to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline is a serious attempt to build the pipeline and grow our economy, or if this is a shell game designed to give certain Democratic Senators cover as they meet with constituents to discuss this issue.” The House of Representatives is expected to vote today on H.R. 5682, introduced by Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), which would authorize building the Keystone XL pipeline. The Senate is expected to vote on Keystone next week, and an agreement has been made in the Senate to send H.R. 5682 to the President upon passage. Vitter was the first member of the Senate to introduce legislation to expedite the Keystone pipeline. The Keystone XL pipeline will carry 830,000 barrels of oil a day to U.S. refineries. According to the U.S. State Department, its construction will create 42,000 jobs. Vitter also reintroduced legislation this Congress. Click here to read more. Text of today’s letter is below. Click here to see the PDF. November 13, 2014 Dear Mr. President, As you know next week the U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on H.R. 5682 by Representative Bill Cassidy (R-LA) that would finally authorize building the Keystone XL Pipeline after more than 6 years of delay by your administration. The Keystone XL Pipeline will help North America become more energy independent and will contribute more than $3 billion to the economy. Even more significant, your own State Department estimates that building the pipeline will create more than 42,000 jobs. Multiples attempts to have the Senate vote to approve the pipeline over the past two years have been rejected by Democratic leadership prior to the recent November election. Now that they are planning to hold a vote, it is essential that we understand your position on this legislation. The American people deserve to know if the effort by Democratic leadership to finally make good on our request to vote to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline is a serious attempt to build the pipeline and grow our economy, or if this is a shell game designed to give certain Democratic Senators cover as they meet with constituents to discuss this issue. A Statement of Administration Policy on this matter is an important and welcome step. Thank you in advance for your consideration of our letter, and we look forward to a prompt reply. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-veterans-day-statement,Scalise Veterans Day Statement,2014-11-11,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement honoring our nation’s veterans.   “Our nation’s veterans have earned the gratitude of all Americans for the sacrifices they have made and the freedoms they have defended for us. This Veterans Day, and every day, we honor the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who gave so much for our country.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-administration%E2%80%99s-desire-regulate-internet,Scalise Statement on Administrations Desire to Regulate the Internet,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement in response to President Obama urging the Federal Communications Commission to impose “net neutrality” regulations on the Internet. “Today’s attempt by the president to have the FCC reclassify broadband Internet as a public utility is yet another example of the Obama Administration’s radical effort to have the government take over more aspects of our economy where there is no justification,” Rep. Scalise said. “Title II reclassification would have a chilling effect on the Internet, which is a sector of our economy that has thrived under the current light-touch regulatory model, and sends the wrong message that regulation trumps innovation in the Internet ecosystem. 1930’s-era utility regulations have no business being applied to a 21st century Internet. The best way to guarantee a vibrant Internet economy is by keeping the federal government out of the way, not getting it more involved. The FCC should not allow itself to be bullied into embracing this dangerous proposal that will harm our economy.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141106191053/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/-vitter-honored-as-a-leader-in-fighting-tax-increases,Vitter Honored as a Leader in Fighting Tax Increases,2014-11-06,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Honored as a Leader in Fighting Tax Increases Thursday, November 6, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) was recently honored by the National Tax-Limitation Committee (NTLC) for his leadership in fighting against tax increases and government spending, receiving the organization’s “Certified Tax Fighter” award for this year. “I’ll continue fighting against tax increases and fundamental tax reform to lower rates for everyone. Also, we must drastically reduce the complexity and end the special-interest provisions in our tax code. To rein in spending and taxation, we need a balanced budget constitutional amendment that includes a requirement that says any tax increase needs a super majority,” Vitter said. “Fundamentally, President Obama has rejected all attempts at meaningful tax reform that do not include major tax increases, but I hope with a new Senate majority that we can convince him to sign pro-growth tax reform.” For the past 30 years, the NTLC has ranked members of Congress using their key votes on tax and budget issues—each member in both houses receives a “fiscal responsibility score”. In the 113th Congress, Vitter received an “A” score, while Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) received an “F”.  The NTLC promotes limitations on taxation, spending, and deficits at all levels of government to increase our nation’s economic growth. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141106191206/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/-vitter-joins-cruz-calling-on-reid-to-stop-amnesty-in-lame-duck,Vitter Joins Cruz Calling on Reid to Stop Amnesty in Lame-Duck,2014-11-05,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Joins Cruz Calling on Reid to Stop Amnesty in “Lame-Duck” Wednesday, November 5, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) joined Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and four other Senators today calling on current Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to block any attempt by President Obama to grant amnesty to illegal aliens. Reports indicate that Obama plans to grant millions of illegal immigrants amnesty, but has been waiting to do so until after the election. “We know President Obama is quietly preparing to welcome millions of illegal immigrants into our country,” Vitter said. “Not only is it unconstitutional, it’s incredibly dangerous – for our national security, public health and our economy.” The Obama administration has reportedly told vendors to prepare to manufacture at least 9 million green cards that will allow 9 million illegal immigrants to legally work and live in the United States. Also joining Cruz and Vitter were Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.). Below is a copy of their letter. November 5, 2014 Senator Harry Reid Majority Leader S-221, The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Leader Reid: We write to express our alarm with President Obama’s announced intention to take unilateral executive action by the end of this year to lawlessly grant amnesty to immigrants who have entered the country illegally. The Supreme Court has recognized that “over no conceivable subject is the power of Congress more complete” than its power over immigration. Therefore, President Obama will be exercising powers properly belonging to Congress if he makes good on his threat. This will create a constitutional crisis that demands action by Congress to restore the separation of powers. As majority leader of the Senate, you have the responsibility of not only representing the voters of your State, but also of protecting the Constitution through vigilant exercise of the checks and balances provided under the Constitution. Therefore, we write to offer our full assistance in ensuring expeditious Senate debate and passage for a measure that preserves the power of Congress by blocking any action the President may take to violate the Constitution and unilaterally grant amnesty; however, should you decline to defend the Senate and the Constitution from executive overreach, the undersigned Senators will use all procedural means necessary to return the Senate's focus during the lame duck session to resolving the constitutional crisis created by President Obama's lawless amnesty. Sincerely, Ted Cruz (R-Texas) David Vitter (R-La.) Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) Mike Lee (R-Utah) Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141105185329/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-demands-answers-from-cdc-about-sick-passenger-who-arrived-at-port-of-new-orleans-from-west-africa,Vitter Demands Answers from CDC about Sick Passenger Who Arrived at Port of New Orleans from West Africa,2014-11-04,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Demands Answers from CDC about “Sick Passenger” Who Arrived at Port of New Orleans from West Africa Tuesday, November 4, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today sent a letter to the director of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) demanding answers about a “sick passenger” on a ship originating from Liberia that arrived in the port of New Orleans. Over the weekend, the CDC notified congressional offices of the passenger but indicated that the patient was not considered to be of any concern for Ebola. Vitter wants answers on how they handled the rest of the passengers on board, why no one was quarantined, and what protocols are in place to protect Louisiana health care workers. “This lack of urgency is exactly why people have zero confidence in the Obama Administration’s response to Ebola,” Vitter said. “It’s their responsibility to take absolutely every precaution to ensure that Louisianians are not put in danger.” Vitter has called for the Administration to impose immediate travel restrictions and highlights how in 1976, there was an Ebola virus outbreak in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC]). When the virus began to spread in the region, the United States along with Zaire and other governments quarantined 275,000 people in the affected region and imposed travel restrictions. On October 17, 2014, Vitter along with Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.) called on House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to have congress reconvene to address the threat raised by the Ebola virus. Read more here. Vitter’s letter to the CDC today is below. November 4, 2014 Director Tom Frieden Office of the Director Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30329-4027 Dear Director Frieden, I write with serious concerns regarding the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) most recent notice informing Louisiana Congressional offices that a sick passenger from a ship originating from Liberia arrived in the port of New Orleans this weekend. What I find alarming is the CDC determined the passenger had a fever, a common symptom of Ebola, the passenger was not placed in the agency’s quarantine program. The CDC’s response to Ebola has been disastrous by many metrics. Your agency has failed to put systems in place to equip health care workers with the resources to protect themselves, patients, and the public from this deadly virus. Weeks after America’s initial Ebola scare, 80 percent of registered nurses surveyed by the National Nurses United said their hospital has not communicated to them any policy regarding potential admission of patients infected by Ebola, 87 percent said their hospital has not provided education on Ebola, and one-third said their hospital lacks sufficient supplies to protect health care workers. Experts have also said that airport screenings for fevers and other symptoms are largely ineffective. This creates a major void of adequate preventative care and protections. And it means that whenever an individual comes to the United States with any potential exposure and displays Ebola symptoms, the CDC has an obligation to follow every precaution and place such person in the quarantine program. The CDC’s mission is to increase our nation’s health security by conducting critical science and providing health information that protects our nation against dangerous health threats. But based on the CDC’s response this week in the Port of New Orleans, I believe your agency has been incredibly incompetent and put the health of Louisianans at risk. Given the critical nature of preparing Louisiana hospitals and health care providers with an effective Ebola response, I ask that you respond to the following questions by no later than November 7, 2014. 1. Did the CDC evaluate all passengers on the ship that originated in Liberia? 2. Specifically, what tests did the CDC perform while these passengers were under evaluation? 3. Why did the CDC ignore its own recommendations to place individuals with possible exposure and Ebola-like symptoms, such as a fever, in the quarantine program? 4. Will the CDC conduct follow-up tests for these passengers to ensure they do not display Ebola-like symptoms during the 21-day incubation period? 5. Has the CDC given additional resources including best practices, specific protocol, and the necessary supplies to protect Louisiana health care workers in case any of these passengers are eventually diagnosed with Ebola? Sincerely, David Vitter United States Senator -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-release-usmc-sgt-tahmooressi,Scalise Statement on Release of USMC Sgt. Tahmooressi,2014-11-01,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scalise Statement on Release of USMC Sgt. Tahmooressi Nov 1, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the following statement regarding the homecoming of United States Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, who had been held in jail in Mexico since March.   “After 214 days in Mexican jail, I am glad Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi is finally reunited with his family and is back home in the United States,” Rep. Scalise said. “This is long overdue, and would not have been possible without the relentless work of my colleagues Chairman Ed Royce and Rep. Matt Salmon, whose efforts helped make Sgt. Tahmooressi’s release a reality.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-administration-official%E2%80%99s-comments-israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu,Scalise Statement on Administration Officials Comments on Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu,2014-10-29,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding the appalling comments made by senior Obama Administration officials deriding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  “It is offensive that senior officials within the Obama Administration would make such inappropriate comments about a foreign leader, let alone Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, our strongest ally and most trusted friend in the region. President Obama needs to repudiate any derogatory comments made by his Administration officials toward Israel's Prime Minister, and quickly take steps to hold anyone accountable within the White House who would make such reckless statements,” Rep. Scalise said.  “At a time when Israel continues to face serious threats from terrorists, as well as actions from within the United Nations that could undermine a mutually negotiated two-state solution, these reckless insults against the prime minister add to the concerns about the Administration’s fraying relationship with Israel. Congress, however, remains united in strong support of our friendship and strategic alliance with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-negotiations-iran,Scalise Statement on Negotiations with Iran,2014-10-29,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding recent reports suggesting the Obama Administration will not seek Congressional approval for a nuclear deal with Iran.  “In less than a month, the Iran nuclear negotiations will end. As a state sponsor of terrorism and gross violator of human rights, Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” Rep. Scalise said. “However, it’s troubling that these negotiations do not address Iran’s ballistic missile program and any agreement could sunset within the decade. “With this in mind, I’m very concerned by the reports that the Obama Administration is looking to avoid Congressional approval for any deal with Iran and would unilaterally roll back sanctions. There is significant bipartisan support from Congress to ensure that Iran will not attain a nuclear weapons capability. I urge the president to work directly with Members of Congress to ensure that any deal will have strong bipartisan support and represent the national security interests of America. “Congress has repeatedly passed additional sanctions against Iran to disrupt its nuclear program and only Congress can repeal the sanctions. Last December, I introduced H.Res. 431, a bipartisan resolution that calls on the Senate to pass H.R. 850, the Nuclear Iran Prevention Act. H.R. 850 overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House of Representatives 400-20-1. I believe if these sanctions had been implemented, the Administration would have had stronger leverage in the ongoing negotiations. “The president must consult with Congress over the next few weeks, not force a deal that will be unacceptable to the vast majority of Republicans and Democrats in Congress. The president cannot grant concessions that simply delay Iran’s nuclear breakout time while circumventing Congress. Such a bad deal with Iran will continue to threaten our national security, the security of Israel, and further destabilize the region.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141027224813/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-congratulates-sasol-on-final-investment-decision-for-ethane-cracker_says-will-be-part-of-economic-boom-for-southwest-louisiana,"Vitter Congratulates Sasol on Final Investment Decision for Ethane Cracker, Says Will Be Part of Economic Boom for Southwest Louisiana",2014-10-27,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Congratulates Sasol on Final Investment Decision for Ethane Cracker, Says Will Be Part of Economic Boom for Southwest Louisiana Monday, October 27, 2014 (Lake Charles, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today congratulated Sasol Limited, an energy and chemical company, on their final investment decision on their $8.1 billion ethane cracker and derivatives complex at its existing site in Calcasieu Parish. Sasol says an additional $800 million will be invested in infrastructure, utility improvements and land acquisition that will enable future growth in the area. Recently, Vitter helped to secure a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to allow Sasol to begin constructing their gas-to-liquid (GTL) facility at the same site. “This is a huge investment and will help provide a great boom for southwest Louisiana,” Vitter said. “Louisiana has obviously shown a commitment to the energy and chemical industries, and our abundant natural gas resources make us a perfect fit for the new facility. I’m extremely pleased that we were able to get this major economic project moving forward.” Vitter has been working very closely with the Corps of Engineers, particularly Col. Rick Hansen, and also with Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Secretary Stephen Chustz to move these projects forward. Construction on the first of its kind GTL facility, as well as the ethane cracker facility, is expected to begin very soon. It is estimated that the projects will create 1,200 permanent jobs. In 2010, Sasol announced it would construct one of the world’s first Ethylene Tetramerization Units in Lake Charles. The GTL facility, in addition to the ethylene facility, will produce a number of products including diesel fuel, naphtha and other chemical products, which will be marketed nationally and globally. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141027225018/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-free-government-cell-phone-program-needs-criminal-investigators,Vitter: Free Government Cell Phone Program Needs Criminal Investigators,2014-10-24,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Free Government Cell Phone Program Needs Criminal Investigators Friday, October 24, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today urged for more oversight of the controversial free government cell phone program known as Lifeline. In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman, Tom Wheeler, who administers the program, Vitter questioned why they won’t allow the hiring of criminal investigators. “The free government cell phone program is one of the most abused and fraud-ridden federal programs ever,” said Vitter. “It’s alarming that the federal agency in charge won’t allow criminal investigators to be hired. That needs to change, and the FCC needs to be much more aggressive in tackling the fraud and abuse.” Recent testimony by the FCC’s Inspector General David Hunt before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology indicated that the FCC Chairman has denied their request to hire criminal investigators. The Lifeline Program was created in 1984 to expand landline services for low-income households through the Universal Service Fund (USF). The program supporting mobile phones was expanded in 2008 to include wireless service provider and has grown from $143 million in 2008 to nearly $2 billion. Vitter has introduced legislation to eliminate the welfare subsidy for mobile phone service in the Lifeline Program and restore the program to its original intent of providing landline service. Below is the text of Vitter’s letter. October 24, 2014 The Honorable Tom Wheeler Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20554 Chairman Wheeler: The recent testimony by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Inspector General David Hunt before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology regarding your decision to hamper investigations is alarming. According to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), you have denied them authority to hire criminal investigators. That needs an immediate explanation. Considering the highly publicized fraud that permeates the FCC, especially within the highly controversial Universal Service Fund (USF) Lifeline program, it makes absolutely no sense to me why you would deny Mr. Hunt’s request to hire criminal investigators. The Lifeline program is one of the most abused and fraud-ridden federal programs ever, and it is our responsibility to work together to eliminate the fraud and abuse. Mr. Hunt’s testimony revealed major cause for concern regarding your efforts to eradicate the fraud within Lifeline and USF programs. In July 2014, you created a “strike force,” and I commend that effort. However, given the massive amount of documented fraud within the Lifeline program, the “strike force” should coordinate with law enforcement and the OIG. It is obvious that you are not using all of the tools at your disposal or even making basic decisions that would allow the “strike force” to eradicate any findings of fraud and prevent cases of future fraud from happening. While you might claim that the FCC is taking action to address escalating fraud within Lifeline through implementing the “strike force,” it is clear that your efforts are neither effective nor comprehensive. It has been two years since the initial push to curb fraud and abuse within Lifeline, but reports keep coming about new, massive cases of fraud. Far more needs to be done. For instance, a recent Washington Examiner report determined that nearly double the number of eligible subscribers have received taxpayer subsidized cell phones from Lifeline in Maryland. The enforcement of the program rules and regulations has not been a priority of the FCC, and that must change immediately. Without enforcement of Lifeline’s eligibility rules, fraud will continue to haunt this taxpayer subsidized welfare program for years to come. At a minimum, you should absolutely allow the OIG to hire criminal investigators. I hope you will reconsider your denial, and start working aggressively to identify waste, fraud and abuse so we can end it. Sincerely, David Vitter U.S. Senator -30- Press Contact (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today urged for more oversight of the controversial free government cell phone program known as Lifeline. In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman, Tom Wheeler, who administers the program, Vitter questioned why they won’t allow the hiring of criminal investigators.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141027225022/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-crawfish-processors-will-be-compensated-19-million,Vitter: Crawfish Processors Will Be Compensated $19 Million,2014-10-24,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Crawfish Processors Will Be Compensated $19 Million Friday, October 24, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La) made the following statement regarding compensation for Louisiana crawfish processors. United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be compensating crawfish processors $19 million for illegal “dumping” by Chinese importers. “Excessive dumping of Chinese crawfish has put Louisiana crawfish producers at an unfair disadvantage,” Vitter said. “I think I speak for all Louisianians that crawfish from China probably doesn’t taste right anyway. More importantly, until Chinese importers play by the rules, it’s our jobs and our businesses here in Louisiana that are hurting.” The compensation is part of what is owed to crawfish processors under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (commonly known as the “Byrd Amendment”) in effect from 2000 to 2007. That law was designed to compensate the industries directly harmed by illegal trade, using some of the collected duties to help domestic industries deal with illegal trade. China is the top violator of trade laws, and crawfish was one of the most dumped products from China. Duties owed from the time the Byrd Amendment was in effect can still be paid to the crawfish industry, but CBP has been ineffective in collecting the duties. Meanwhile, Chinese importers do everything possible to avoid their trade obligations, delaying payments to the crawfish industry as the duty collection is behind by years, and even more than a decade for many illegal imports. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141027225034/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-fleming-announce-camp-minden-explosive-material-cleanup-agreement-,"Vitter, Fleming Announce Camp Minden Explosive Material Cleanup Agreement",2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter, Fleming Announce Camp Minden Explosive Material Cleanup Agreement Wednesday, October 22, 2014 (Shreveport, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) and U.S. Rep. John Fleming, M.D. (R-La.) announced the settlement agreement that has been signed between the U.S. Army and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on taking responsibility for the disposing of explosive material at Camp Minden in Minden, La. The cleanup of the 15 million pounds will be paid for on behalf of the U.S. Army. In the next week, the EPA will announce a 30 day public comment period to receive input from the local community. The Army confirmed to Vitter this week that a team of experts will be sent to Louisiana to assist with the initial steps. In March, the EPA directed the U.S. Department of the Army to address the 15 million pounds of abandoned explosives and propellant stored on the grounds of Camp Minden. Vitter started working with EPA offices in early 2013 for a solution and has been following up routinely with calls, letters and meetings. Click here to read letters Vitter and Fleming wrote on May 30, 2013. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Vitter is pushing legislative language that would remove any doubt that the Army is responsible and should use existing funds to address the problem. Vitter has previously elevated this issue with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Gen. Raymond Odierno, the Chief of Staff of the Army, and multiple other high level DOD officials. Last week, Senator Vitter testified to some of the details of the announcement at the Louisiana House Homeland Security Committee Hearing. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Dr. Fleming has addressed Army officials on numerous occasions, in person and in letters, urging that the Army use its resources to help remedy the dangerous situation at Camp Minden. Louisiana State Police discovered a large amount of explosives that had not been properly stored by a defense contractor, Explo Systems, in 2012. The Department of Defense was reluctant to agree that they had necessary authority. After intervention from Vitter and Fleming, the Army sent their Explosives Safety Board to evaluate and provide recommendations. In a written determination in July, the EPA finalized that the Army has the legal and civic responsibility to clean up the material. The Army attempted to reject this determination. The U.S. Department of Justice was forced to intervene, leading to an agreement between the Louisiana Military Department, the EPA, and the Army over the Army’s culpability of the remaining explosives at Camp Minden. The Army will be liable to fund the cleanup efforts. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024001052/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-urges-state-to-stop-designating-eureka-math-,Vitter Urges State to Stop Designating Eureka Math,2014-10-21,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Urges State to Stop Designating Eureka Math Tuesday, October 21, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter sent a letter to Louisiana Department of Education Superintendent John White this week urging the state to stop designating Eureka Math as the preferred curriculum. “I’ve been meeting with and hearing from parents all across the state, and I’m concerned with the extreme difficulty and frustration many students and parents are having with Eureka Math,” Vitter said. “As a practical matter, many local systems have felt pressured to adopt it, particularly smaller systems with very limited curriculum review and development resources. Any pressure to adopt it needs to stop immediately.” St. Tammany Parish School Board recently ordered Eureka Math to be dropped from the district's curriculum by the next school year. Below is the text of Vitter’s letter. October 20, 2014 Superintendent John White Louisiana Department of Education 1201 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL AND OVERNIGHT DELIVERY IMMEDIATE ATTENTION REQUESTED RE: Local control over curriculum, alternatives to Eureka Math Dear Superintendent White: I am very concerned with the extreme difficulty and frustration many students and parents are having with Eureka Math. And I believe this experience illustrates that, while local control over curriculum is the rule in theory, it is clearly not fully or adequately protected and implemented in practice. As you know, the Eureka Math curriculum is not mandated per se. But it is the only math curriculum designated as Tier 1 by your department. As a practical matter, this has caused many local systems to feel pressured to adopt it, particularly smaller systems with very limited curriculum review and development resources. To correct this, I strongly urge your department to aggressively emphasize and protect local control over curriculum and, in particular, to: 1) Stop designating Eureka Math as the preferred curriculum in any way. 2) Ensure that local school systems have all appropriate resources to identify several strong math curricula, including those that use no elements of Eureka Math. 3) Ensure that Louisiana's testing regime in no way disadvantages students taught under these non-Eureka Math alternatives. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter. Sincerely, David Vitter U.S. Senator -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024001200/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-named-champion-of-national-security-by-center-for-security-policy,Vitter Named Champion of National Security by Center for Security Policy,2014-10-20,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Named “Champion of National Security” by Center for Security Policy Monday, October 20, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter has been named a “Champion of National Security” by the Center for Security Policy. Vitter was one of only five U.S. Senators to receive a 100 percent score. The Center’s rankings are based on legislators’ voting records on issues from border security to terrorist threats. “ISIS and the Ebola virus are huge national security threats right now – but the biggest problem is that this Administration hasn’t put forward any real or comprehensive national security strategy on any front, including securing our borders,” Vitter said. “Without a secure border, we don’t just have an illegal alien crisis, we are actually increasing the threat of terrorists entering our country and the likelihood of a public health crisis. I’m honored to receive this recognition and I’ll keep fighting in the Senate for strong national security.” Vitter has always voted against amnesty for illegal immigrants. As the Chairman of the Senate Border Security and Enforcement First Immigration Caucus, he’s been a leader in the Senate for pro-enforcement legislation and stronger border security. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Vitter has also fought against the transfer of dangerous Guantanamo detainees into the United States for their detention and trials. Click here to see the Center for Security Policy scores. Below are some of the key votes the Center scored. Restrict transfer of unlawful enemy combatants from Guantanamo Bay. Oppose provisional immigration status absent secure borders. Oppose provisional immigration status absent increased border fencing. Oppose temporary legal status for illegal entrants to the U.S. absent implementation of US-VISIT. Provide for comprehensive immigration reform: Voted against allowing a “pathway to citizenship” which was a form of amnesty. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024001215/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-asks-air-force-for-protocol-on-disinfecting-planes-from-africa,Vitter Asks Air Force for Protocol on Disinfecting Planes From Africa,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Asks Air Force for Protocol on Disinfecting Planes From Africa Friday, October 17, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today sent a letter to the U.S. Air Force asking questions about their protocol for disinfecting air craft that have been in parts of Africa contaminated with the Ebola virus. Vitter was recently contacted by a constituent in the United States Air Force (USAF) who was given an order to clean and disinfect aircraft that are returning from Africa. However, their squadron has zero training with Ebola or relevant procedures in place to handle this type of event. “The Administration’s response to the Ebola threat has been nothing short of pathetic. People are downright scared that this virus could enter the U.S. more widespread than it already has. We need to have an administration wide – full strategic plan on how to make sure it doesn’t spread. That includes all our Military branches,” wrote Vitter. Below is the text of Vitter’s letter. October 17, 2014 General Mark Welsh Chief of Staff 1670 Air Force Pentagon Washington, DC 20330 The Honorable Deborah Lee James Secretary of the Air Force 1670 Air Force Pentagon Washington, DC 20330 Dear Secretary James and General Welsh: The Administration’s response to the Ebola threat has been nothing short of pathetic. People are downright scared that this virus could enter the U.S. more widespread than it already has. We need to have an administration wide and full strategic plan on how to make sure it doesn’t spread. That includes all our Military branches. Last week my office received a DOD briefing on the military role in the Ebola response, and I was assured that all necessary precautions were being taken to ensure our service members were being adequately protected. Unfortunately, I have been presented with evidence that there are flaws within the ongoing operations. I have recently been contacted by a constituent in the United States Air Force (USAF) who was given an order to clean and disinfect aircraft that are returning from Africa. However, their squadron has zero training with Ebola or relevant procedures in place to handle this type of event. The Air Force needs to be far more cautious than this. This type of carelessness is unacceptable. Surely the Air Force has squadrons who are trained and equipped to probably disinfect air craft that may have been in contact with the virus. If not, that should be an immediate priority. Please respond immediately to the following five questions: 1. Does the USAF have squadrons that have had the necessary training to deal with contaminated aircraft? 2. Are untrained airmen being ordered to complete a life-threatening task without proper training and necessary protection? 3. What is the Air Force doing to ensure that maintenance troops receive thorough and expert training to effectively decontaminate these planes and more importantly, protect themselves from exposure to this deadly virus? 4. What measures have been put into place so these airmen will not expose their families and other persons in in the U.S. or at any of our military bases around the world? 5. What measures have been implemented by USAF to train and protect our military members, their families, and those who support our operations at all of our bases? 6. Does the Air Force have necessary protocols and authorities for mandatory leave time to accommodate the required DOD quarantine time when service members return from the field? All of our military branches need to be incredibly cautious to ensure this public health risk does not escalate. Your assistance in this time-sensitive and urgent matter is appreciated. Sincerely, David Vitter United States Senate -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141024001219/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-and-garrett-demand-that-boehner/reid-reconvene-congress-to-address-ebola,Vitter and Garrett Demand that Boehner/Reid Reconvene Congress to Address Ebola,2014-10-17,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter and Garrett Demand that Boehner/Reid Reconvene Congress to Address Ebola Friday, October 17, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) today sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid demanding that congress is immediately reconvened to address the threat raised by the Ebola virus. “The Obama administration has failed to recognize this public health threat,” said Garrett and Vitter in the letter. “Thus far, the administration has refused to implement flight restrictions from affected countries, and provide effective screening process for travelers after they arrive on shores. The House and Senate must reconvene to direct the administration on what steps must be taken to protect the American people.” To read the letter, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017001227/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-impose-immediate-travel-restrictions-fire-cdc-director,"Vitter: Impose Immediate Travel Restrictions, Fire CDC Director",2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Impose Immediate Travel Restrictions, Fire CDC Director Says the CDC’s response to Ebola has been “pathetic” Thursday, October 16, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) is calling for the resignation of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Thomas Frieden and for travel restrictions. Vitter made the following comment. “The CDC Director's response to the spread of the Ebola virus has been nothing short of pathetic,” Vitter said. “President Obama needs to fire him, put someone strong and competent in charge, and impose travel restrictions into the U.S. – all immediately.  That sort of quarantine action was an essential part of the eradication of the late 1970s Ebola outbreak in Africa.” Earlier today, Sen. Vitter testified at a Louisiana House of Representatives Homeland Security hearing in Baton Rouge, La., where he recommended that the Louisiana state representatives submit a flight restriction request to the CDC. In 1976, there was an Ebola virus outbreak in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC]).  When the virus began to spread in the region, the United States along with Zaire and other governments quarantined 275,000 people in the affected region and imposed travel restrictions.   -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017001322/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-to-testify-at-louisiana-house-homeland-security-hearing-tomorrow-on-camp-minden-border-security,"Vitter to Testify at Louisiana House Homeland Security Hearing Tomorrow on Camp Minden, Border Security",2014-10-15,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter to Testify at Louisiana House Homeland Security Hearing Tomorrow on Camp Minden, Border Security Wednesday, October 15, 2014 (Baton Rouge, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter will be testifying at the Louisiana House of Representatives Homeland Security Hearing tomorrow, Thursday, October 16. At the hearing, Vitter will announce a planned settlement agreement that is expected to be reached between the U.S. Army and the Environmental Protection Agency on taking responsibility for the disposal of explosive material at Camp Minden in Minden, La. The agreement is expected to be signed by all parties this month. Vitter will also be testifying about the federal plan to combat the threat of the Ebola virus and the ongoing border crisis. “This announcement for Camp Minden is a great victory, and long overdue. The Army has been dragging its feet for far too long, creating a dangerous situation for folks in Louisiana,” Vitter said. “I’ve been working hard to make sure the Army takes responsibility and cleans up this mess, and I’ll continue holding their feet to the fire until they do.” Homeland Security Hearing 10 a.m. CT House Committee Room 5 State Capitol Baton Rouge Vitter, who is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, will also be testifying about the current strategy to keep the Ebola Virus out of Louisiana and the United States. Vitter has asked for a clear strategy from the Obama Administration, who is currently asking for $1 billion to fight the spread of the virus. Vitter has advocated for more aggressive flight restrictions from areas where the virus is most prevalent and stated there is a clear lack of coordinated efforts by the administration. Vitter is also the Chairman of the U.S. Border Security and Enforcement First Immigration Caucus and has been pushing for solutions to the ongoing border crisis. The most recent immigration crisis with unaccompanied alien children (UAC) has spread into Louisiana and will cost more than $10 million (La. Dept. of Ed estimates nearly $7 million, but Vitter’s estimates are above $10 million) just in the school districts alone. Vitter has proposed legislation that would implement mandatory detention at the border and expedited removal of all illegal aliens. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/rep-scalise-calls-gsa-reverse-policy-shipped-jobs-american-disabled-workers-overseas,Rep. Scalise Calls on GSA to Reverse Policy that Shipped Jobs of American Disabled Workers Overseas,2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) issued the below letter to General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Dan Tangherlini regarding recent reports that the Obama Administration made a policy change to ship jobs overseas which resulted in blind and disabled American workers being laid off.   In his letter to the GSA, Rep. Scalise called on the Obama Administration to reverse this policy in order to restore the American jobs that have been lost as a result of the new procurement rules, and also raised questions about the transparency of the new contracts.   ***     October 10, 2014     Honorable Dan Tangherlini Administrator, General Services Administration 1800 F. Street, NW Washington, DC 20405   Dear Administrator Tangherlini:   I read with concern an article that appeared today in the Washington Times that described how the implementation of a program to provide supplies to our troops in Central Asia was resulting in over 40 jobs lost at the Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans. For over 75 years, AbilityOne agencies, such as Lighthouse for the Blind, have helped to support our troops and provide meaningful jobs and income to individuals who are legally blind or have severe disabilities. At a time when our economy is still struggling to provide jobs, we need to make sure we are not shipping jobs overseas at the expense of the most underemployed sector of our workforce.   While the safety and security of our men and women overseas is the top priority, I have several questions about whether this program is being administered in a fashion that also protects jobs for the disadvantaged here at home. Specifically, I would like a response on what steps the Administration has taken to protect jobs being disproportionally lost at organizations for the blind and disabled.   Additionally, the underlying statute requires that products purchased overseas be: “ from a country along a major route of supply to Afghanistan if it is mined, produced, or manufactured in a covered country.” There have been significant questions raised as to whether all products purchased under this program have been “mined, produced, or manufactured” in an eligible country. I request all information on steps the GSA has taken to document this requirement is being met. A government program that chooses to ship jobs overseas must be completely transparent and fully audit suppliers to ensure the law is being followed.   I ask that you, in consultation with the Department of Defense, review and reconsider the program's operations to protect the jobs of the blind and disabled. I look forward to your response on how we can best protect both men and women in uniform and, at the same time, those back home who are among the most disadvantaged.   Sincerely,     Steve Scalise Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/obamacare-continues-fail-louisiana-families,Obamacare Continues to Fail Louisiana Families,2014-10-11,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, LA – U.S. Representative Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding reports that health insurance providers in the Louisiana Exchange expect to raise premiums by double digits in 2015.   “The people of Louisiana are seeing first hand that the second year of Obamacare is even worse than the first – higher costs, fewer choices, and more broken promises,” Rep. Scalise said. “Louisiana families will be facing the sticker shock of double-digit increases in their health premiums due to the president's unworkable law. This is unacceptable and further evidence that the government takeover of health care has failed hard-working taxpayers.   “The Obama Administration’s decision to play politics and delay open enrollment until after the November elections is deceptive and underhanded. We need to protect Louisiana families from the sticker shock of Obamacare rate hikes by repealing the law and replacing it with reforms that lower costs and put patients back in charge of their health care decisions with their doctors.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141009235930/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-optimistic-for-midla-pipeline-settlement,Vitter Optimistic For Midla Pipeline Settlement,2014-10-08,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Optimistic For Midla Pipeline Settlement Wednesday, October 8, 2014 (Baton Rouge, La.) -- U.S. Sen. David Vitter, top Republican on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, announced that a motion has been filed asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to stop the abandonment application for the Midla Pipeline and move forward with a new pipeline plan. The Midla Pipeline services many rural Louisianians with affordable energy. ""The top priority needs to be making sure the rural Louisiana customers utilizing this pipeline have access to affordable energy,"" Vitter said. “If we hadn't intervened they could have been stuck with exorbitant rate structures for new services that would more than quadruple the current price of natural gas delivery. That uncertainty about the future of meeting their basic energy needs was cause for major concerns.” “On behalf of the Town of Slaughter and the gas districts in East Feliciana Parish, I would like to express our appreciation to Senator Vitter for all he has done to help us in Washington in building a Coalition regarding this issue,” said Slaughter Mayor Robbie Jackson. “He and his staff have been very accessible and encouraging to us as we are dealing with a difficult and complex issue. This decision enables our community to continue with our economic development projects and locks down a new long term gas supply for all the customers on our system. The benefit of this can’t be overstated, and his effort on our behalf is greatly appreciated.” Vitter first started calling attention to the potential pipeline abandonment in February. Also, in an April 29, 2014 Vitter along with Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) asked Cheryl LaFleur, Acting Chairman of FERC for a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the abandonment application requested by American Midstream Partners, LP and American Midstream Pipline (Midla). According to the motion filed this week, interested parties have reached an agreement in pricipal, which will be formalized and filed for FERC approval. The motion states that Midla will be building a new 12” line from Winnsboro to Natchez that will serve Jonesville, Sicily Island, Clayton, and Vidalia. The motion also states that Midla will pay for nearly all of the transition costs of putting those not served by the new Natchez Line on some other form of gas or propane service. The Midla pipeline is an interstate natural gas pipeline with approximately 370 miles of pipeline linking the Monroe Natural Gas Field in Northern Louisiana and interconnections with the Transco Pipeline system and Gulf South Pipeline system to customers near Baton Rouge. Midla was owned by American Midstream but was partially acquired by Boston-based ArcLight and then sold to an ArcLight entity, Highpoint. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141010000024/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-release-isis-persecuting-christians-in-iraq-is-deplorable,Vitter: ISIS Persecuting Christians in Iraq is Deplorable,2014-10-08,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: ISIS Persecuting Christians in Iraq is Deplorable Wednesday, October 8, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today made the following statement regarding ISIS militant’s persecution of Christians in Iraq who won’t convert to Islam. Many Christians have been fleeing Iraq, especially in areas that have been taken over by ISIS. “My thoughts and prayers go out to Christians standing up for their beliefs in Iraq in this ongoing struggle. People such as Bishop Canon Andrew White, who is in Baghdad, has painted a dire picture of what the Christian minority there are expecting in upcoming weeks should ISIS continue to expand. The thought of ISIS murdering people for being Christians is absolutely deplorable,” Vitter said. “The Obama Administration hasn't laid out a coherent overall strategy to effectively attack these terrorists yet. I’ve strongly urged him to do this and to ask Congress for a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force. I think this is constitutionally necessary since we're in a whole new country -- Syria -- and it's the right thing to do in order to properly engage Congress and the American people.” -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-commends-local-schools-receiving-national-blue-ribbon-award,Scalise Commends Local Schools for Receiving National Blue Ribbon Award,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Scalise Commends Local Schools for Receiving National Blue Ribbon Award Three schools in Louisiana’s First Congressional District Recognized as 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools Oct 1, 2014 Issues: Education METAIRIE, LA –U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise (R-La.) today commended three schools in Louisiana’s First Congressional District for being recognized as 2014 National Blue Ribbon Schools. “President Reagan created the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of schools whose teachers and students demonstrate excellence in education,” Scalise said. “I commend these three schools for exceeding the high standard in education we expect for our children. I’m proud that half of the institutions in Louisiana that met the rigorous selection standards of the program came from the First Congressional District. I applaud the hard work and dedication of the teachers, administrators and students necessary to receive this distinction.” The schools of the First Congressional District that received the National Blue Ribbon Award are: Joseph J. Davies Elementary School of Meraux Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic School of Mandeville Tchefuncte Middle School of Mandeville The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program was created in 1982 and is administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The program recognizes both public and private schools, k-12, for overall academic achievement and excellence in education.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003000414/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-st-charles-streetcar-in-new-orleans-named-national-historic-landmark,Vitter: St. Charles Streetcar in New Orleans Named National Historic Landmark,2014-10-01,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: St. Charles Streetcar in New Orleans Named National Historic Landmark Wednesday, October 1, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today announced that the Interior Department has recognized the St. Charles Streetcar Line in New Orleans as a National Historic Landmark. The St. Charles Line has operated continuously since 1923-24, making it the oldest operational street railway in the country. “The Streetcar is an iconic example of Louisiana’s rich history and culture,” Vitter said. “New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the country, and St. Charles Avenue is one of the most beautiful streets. The St. Charles Streetcar Line is certainly deserving of this designation.” The National Historic Landmarks Program is administered by the National Park Service on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003000432/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-costs-number-of-illegals-in-louisiana-schools-higher-than-reported,"Vitter: Costs, Number of Illegals in Louisiana Schools Higher than Reported",2014-09-30,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Costs, Number of Illegals in Louisiana Schools Higher than Reported Updated numbers show more than 1,600 unaccompanied alien children (UAC) in Louisiana school system will cost at least $7 million Tuesday, September 30, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) recently reached out to John White, Louisiana Superintendent of Education, regarding the state’s ability to handle the influx of the 1,275 unaccompanied alien children (UACs) relocated to Louisiana. Since White’s initial response, the number of UACs relocated to the state has increased to 1,652, and he estimated it will cost Louisiana nearly $7 million, if not more, to educate them in the 2014-2015 school year. “This rapid influx puts an additional burden on teachers who will be expected to accommodate non-English speaking students. That’s not fair to the teachers and not fair to the students in the classroom,” Vitter said. “President Obama’s failure to enforce basic immigration laws is now causing a huge financial burden for Louisiana.” Below is a chart with information from the Louisiana Department of Education showing how many UAC’s have been relocated to Louisiana. Below the chart are some statistics based on the Parishes who have received the children. Note: some parishes have not provided a cost estimate, therefore the following estimated cost only accounts for less than two thirds of the UACs. Parish Total # of Unaccompanied Children Relocated between Jan. 1 – Aug. 31, 2014 Estimated Cost to Educate UACs East Baton Rouge Parish 289 $948,137 Jefferson Parish 575 $4,600,000 Lafayette Parish 107 N/A Orleans Parish 256 N/A St. Tammany Parish 145 $1,425,640 Unidentified Parish 280 N/A TOTAL 1,652 $6,973,777 • The East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPS) estimates 289 new unaccompanied children. EBRPS has indicated that in order to educate these additional UACs, the district will need to hire 7 new teachers, 7 English as a Second Language (ESL) Paraprofessionals/Facilitators, 7 Parent/Student Advocates, and 1 Practitioner License (PL) teacher. (EBRPS estimates a cost of $948,137, which includes $21,000 for translations and materials and supplies.) • The Jefferson Parish School System estimates 575 new unaccompanied children. They have indicated that in order to educate these additional UACs, the district will need to hire 27 new English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers, 20 New ESL Para-Educators, 19 Regular Education Teachers, and 3 Special Education Teachers. (Jefferson Parish School System estimates a cost of $ 4.6 million) • The Lafayette Parish School System estimates it has 107 new unaccompanied children. The district has indicated that in order to educate these additional students, they have hired 1 new English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher for a new ESL program at the High School career center and plan on hiring 7 additional ESL Teachers and 7 additional Bilingual Assistants. Additionally, the district plans to open a new elementary ESL program for grades K-5. (Lafayette Parish School System did not provide a cost estimate.) • The St. Tammany Parish School System estimates it has 145 new unaccompanied children, and has indicated that in order to accommodate these additional students, the district hired 1 English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher and 8.5 ESL Aides. (St. Tammany Parish School System estimates a cost of $ 1,425,640.)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141003000435/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-co-sponsors-bill-to-encourage-savings-for-education-expenses,Vitter Co-Sponsors Bill to Encourage Savings for Education Expenses,2014-09-29,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Co-Sponsors Bill to Encourage Savings for Education Expenses Bill would give families more flexibility with Coverdell savings accounts Monday, September 29, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) signed on to legislation authored by Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) that would make reforms to Coverdell savings accounts, which are designed to encourage savings for education expenses. The bill would increase the limit that the federal government has set on what a family can contribute each year. “Education is among the best investments a family can make. And as the father of four, I know education expenses add up quick,” Vitter said. “Making these reforms to savings accounts will make it easier for all families to save more money for education, without the government setting an unrealistically low limit. It also gives families more flexibility on how they can spend their savings.” Coverdell savings accounts are opened on behalf of beneficiaries under 18 years old to save for elementary and secondary education. Currently, the total contribution to all accounts on behalf of a beneficiary in any year cannot exceed $2,000. The bill would remove the income restriction on contributors to the account and raise the annual contribution limit to match the annual gift tax exclusion, which is $14,000 for 2014. The bill would also give families more flexibility on how they choose to spend their savings. It will allow home-schooling expenses to qualify as eligible expenses of Coverdell savings accounts and allow savings to be put towards a Roth IRA or the purchase of a first-home once beneficiaries have completed their education.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-sends-modified-charleston-method-reform-recommendations-army-corps,Scalise sends Modified Charleston Method reform recommendations to Army Corps,2014-09-26,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, LA –U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise (LA-01) made this statement after sending a letter, along with the entire Louisiana Congressional delegation, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding an unrealistic wetland mitigation regulation known as the “Modified Charleston Method” (MCM). “Radical environmental regulations developed by unelected bureaucrats at the Corps of Engineers threaten communities throughout southeast Louisiana and increase the cost of critical hurricane protection projects,” Rep. Scalise said. “The Corps of Engineers needs to work with the Louisiana Congressional delegation to create a plan that keeps Louisiana families and economic development in mind when they are establishing new regulations and policies. We all know that wetland mitigation is crucial to the survival of southeast Louisiana, but mitigation and economic development should never be mutually exclusive. The Corps must be aware of the impact its regulations have on local communities.” Since implementation of MCM, Rep. Scalise has introduced amendments banning the Corps from enforcing MCM, which have passed the House unanimously. To read the most recent amendment, click here. Click here to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/whip-scalise-statement-resignation-attorney-general-holder,Whip Scalise Statement on Resignation of Attorney General Holder,2014-09-25,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Whip Scalise Statement on Resignation of Attorney General Holder Sep 25, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding reports that Attorney General Eric Holder will resign his office. “Eric Holder’s tenure as Attorney General has been defined by a lack of respect for the rule of law and the further erosion of the public’s trust in President Obama’s administration,” Rep. Scalise said. “Attorney General Holder engaged in political activism and abused the power of his office. I urge President Obama to take this opportunity of Holder’s resignation to restore fairness and accountability to his administration by nominating someone who will carry out the responsibilities of this important office in a fair and impartial manner.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-equal-pay-louisiana,Rep. Richmond Statement on Equal Pay in Louisiana,2014-09-23,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) released the following statement in response to new data related to the gender wage gap in Louisiana. “As our state moves into an economic resurgence we must ensure our mothers, sisters, and daughters are able to share in that prosperity,” said Rep. Richmond. “Women comprise a larger component of the workforce than any point in our history, and perform their duties at the same level as their male counterparts. This hard work should be reflected in their compensation.” “We have taken steps on the federal level to address this inconsistency with legislation such as the Paycheck Fairness Act, but partisan opposition has stymied that progress. I will continue to be a strong advocate for women’s fair pay and for any policies which can help women and their families get ahead despite the obstacles.” According to new Census data, Louisiana has the largest gender pay gap in the United States, with women earning approximately two thirds of what their male counterparts are paid. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140926001643/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-epas-incomplete-pesticides-analysis-is-killing-ruston-peach-farm,Vitter: EPAs Incomplete Pesticides Analysis is Killing Ruston Peach Farm,2014-09-22,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: EPA’s Incomplete Pesticides Analysis is Killing Ruston Peach Farm EPA phases out certain pesticides without providing cost-efficient, effective alternatives. EPA’s ineptitude has likely killed a Louisiana peach farm. Monday, September 22, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, today sent a letter to Gina McCarthy, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regarding the growing negative agricultural and economic impacts due to the Agency’s inappropriately calculated risks and benefits for certain pesticides. “Just in the last decade, one of Louisiana’s iconic peach farms has steadily watched the family orchard die thanks to EPA phasing out methyl bromide in pesticides without providing a cost-effective or equally efficient alternative,” said Vitter. “Peaches are a huge part of North Louisiana’s economy and culture, and the EPA needs to provide answers immediately about their failings.” In Vitter’s letter, he highlights a family peach farm in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana that has been devastated as the EPA has continued to wind down the use of a critical pesticide. The orchard has shrunk by 80% over the last decade. Despite efforts to find an appropriate replacement for methyl bromide, thus far attempts have failed and both the orchard and livelihood of many Louisianians are in jeopardy. In today’s letter, Vitter asks EPA to explain the process behind which they grant farmers and businesses critical use exemptions to use pesticides such as methyl bromide for which there are often no commercially or economically viable alternatives. Text of today’s letter is below. September 22, 2014 The Honorable Gina McCarthy Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460 Dear Administrator McCarthy: It has recently been brought to my attention that significant concerns exist regarding EPA’s permissible use of methyl bromide under the Critical Use Exemption (CUE) program. I understand that pursuant to the Montreal Protocol there has been a long-term scheduled phase-out of ozone depleting substances including methyl bromide. While I do not intend to argue the merits of ozone restoration, I do have concerns that the lack of appropriately calculating risks and benefits for CUE allocations is having growing negative agricultural and economic impacts in a number of regions around the country. As the primary sources of methyl bromide are oceans and biomass burning, along with the consideration that methyl bromide has a very short life in the atmosphere, there does appear to be a legitimate question as to whether additional phase-outs of the remaining limited uses will result in any significant material benefits towards ozone restoration. Moreover, my understanding of the natural sinks that absorb methyl bromide indicates that scientific understanding is not complete. The clear impacts felt regionally, particularly to the domestic agriculture industry, serve as important notice to the challenges of replacing certain products of critical importance and may provide an example of why decision-making should evolve along with scientific understanding. The challenges of applying for and acquiring CUEs for methyl bromide has had a profound impact on a number of industries, peach farming in Louisiana is unfortunately a good example. In Lincoln Parish, one of Louisiana’s iconic farms has steadily watched the family orchard die off as the EPA has continued to wind down the use of methyl bromide. The orchard has shrunk by 80% over the last decade and threatens the annual Peach Festival, which draws thousands of visitors each year. Despite feverish efforts to find an appropriate replacement for methyl bromide, thus far attempts have failed and both the orchard and the festival, along with the livelihood of many Louisianians are in jeopardy. My understanding is that the primary objection to the process being used by EPA to evaluate requests for CUEs is that the government does not perform an objective analysis of the need for the product – including taking into account often serious economic impacts.. Essentially, the level of information that the EPA is requiring an applicant to furnish in support of their CUE overwhelms the capabilities of most regular Americans including farmers. Further, when an application is submitted, the general sense seems to be that EPA can be counted on to assert any number of excuses including that it is not sufficient or complete, or the EPA of course forms different conclusions than the researchers regarding the research that is conducted. Finally, it appears EPA has suggested alternatives that often cost multiple times more than methyl bromide and frequently those replacements either lack technical feasibility or have potential to be even more harmful to the environment. Perhaps the Montreal Protocol’s stricture in permissible use of methyl bromide can serve as an example of the need to provide member countries the flexibility to better calculate impacts on domestic businesses and families when entering into international agreements, and to provide appropriate off ramps when necessity observes. In the interim to a long-term fix to the growing challenges with the methyl bromide phase-out, I would appreciate responses to the following questions: 1. How many CUE applications has EPA denied and accepted over the last five years? 2. What replacement products for methyl bromide have been developed, how do the costs and availability of those replacements compare to methyl bromide, and how has EPA worked to get the information on those products in the hands of farmers? 3. How has EPA’s science on methyl bromide evolved over the last ten years? 4. Has EPA done anything to simplify the application process over the last five years? 5. If not cost-benefit analysis, or risk-benefit analysis, what analysis does EPA utilize to determine the need for a CUE? I appreciate your response to these questions as I work to better understand the impacts of the Montreal Protocol and the implementation of the phase-out program. Thank you, David Vitter Ranking Member Committee on Environment and Public Works",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140926001646/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-says-administration-giving-illegal-aliens-free-pass-on-obamacare,Vitter Says Administration Giving Illegal Aliens Free Pass on Obamacare,2014-09-22,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Says Administration Giving Illegal Aliens Free Pass on Obamacare Monday, September 22, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) is highlighting significant inconsistencies with the Obama Administration’s current policy allowing illegal immigrants to receive taxpayer funded Obamacare benefits. Vitter sent a letter to Marilyn Tavenner, Administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), demanding answers. CMS is supposed to be reviewing immigration related inconsistencies, but Vitter believes they are taking too long. “The Obama Administration is bending over backwards to give Obamacare to illegal immigrants – but won’t protect hard working American citizens who are losing their health care coverage,” Vitter said. “The Obama administration has been granting deadline extensions, making excuses, and turning a blind eye to falsified documents by illegal immigrants. Enough is enough, and they need to provide answers to why they think illegal immigrants should be eligible for Obamacare.” Vitter recently offered The Employee Health Care Protection Act which would allow healthcare plans currently available on the group market under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to continue to be offered through 2018. Senate Democrats blocked the legislation that the House has already passed 247 to 167. CMS outlined a Sept. 5, 2014 deadline for roughly 310,000 people to respond to requests for documentation or face coverage terminations at the end of the month. As of Aug. 28, 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that only 70,000 people of the 310,000 had responded to requests for information. HHS officials also said that a firm date has not been established for when coverage termination notices related to immigration would be sent. The department also has yet to act in a similar way on income-related inconsistencies. Although CMS said it was sticking to the Sept. 5 deadline to submit necessary immigration documents, the agency also established a 60-day special enrollment periods for those unable to get the documents in on time. The text of the letter is below. Marilyn Tavenner Administrator Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21244 Dear Administrator Tavenner, I write with serious concerns regarding Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance sent to issuers on August 13, 2014 which creates a separate, special enrollment period for individuals who failed to take actions to resolve inconsistencies related to their eligibility for taxpayer funded subsidies under Obamacare. In the CMS guidance, you outlined a September 5th deadline for consumers with unresolved immigration-related inconsistencies to submit necessary documents or lose their coverage and potentially repay subsidies already issued. To further undermine the original deadline of March 31, 2014 for submitting personal information to claim health care subsidies for coverage, CMS quietly established a special enrollment period giving those who have yet to comply with the law an additional 60 day extension. This latest extension to resolve inconsistencies within the 90-day required in statute sheds doubt on the Administration’s commitment to ensure taxpayer funded credits are issued to eligible citizens of the United States. Given the urgency to resolve these inconsistencies before the next enrollment period, I ask that you answer the following questions by no later than October 1, 2014. 1. What steps has CMS taken to communicate to individuals with immigration related consistencies? Specifically, what information did you request from them to resolve such issues? 2. What is the internal verification process CMS is using to validate information? 3. How long will the review process of these 310,000 applications take? Do you expect to resolve these issues prior to the next enrollment period starting November 15, 2014? 4. Will the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) store this documentation? If so, what security measures will be taken to protect personal information? 5. How many applications with immigration-related inconsistencies resulted from a computer malfunction on healthcare.gov? 6. How many applications with immigration-related inconsistencies were from individuals who are illegal immigrants residing in the United States? 7. If an individual’s self-attested information fails to match federal data resources, will there be repercussions for falsifying documents to a government agency? Does CMS plan on sharing this information with other agencies that would enforce 18 U.S. Code Section 1001? 8. In August, the Department of Treasury issued a notice stating individuals receiving advanced payment tax credits to offset the cost of their exchange plans will be responsible for repaying the government should they be found ineligible. If an individual is deemed ineligible due to their immigration status, how does the Administration plan on receiving these funds from a person who is technically undocumented and therefore, illegally residing in the United States and may not have a tax identification number or bank account? It is critical as the Administration moves forward into Obamacare’s second enrollment period that CMS dramatically improves the verification process in determining eligibility for taxpayer funded subsidies. Last year was nothing short of a disaster and as a result the Administration continues to bend the rules for people who did not comply with the law in the first place, with an exorbitant cost to the U.S. taxpayer. With millions of Americans losing their plans on the individual market and potentially millions more losing insurance on the small group markets in 2015, CMS has a responsibility to correctly issue credits to eligible Americans. Sincerely, David Vitter United States Senate",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-smart-energy-policy-equates-more-jobs-and-healthy-economy,Scalise: A Smart Energy Policy Equates to More Jobs and a Healthy Economy,2014-09-18,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the following statement regarding House passage of the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs & More American Jobs Act (H.R. 2) and the Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4). “Over the course of this Congress, the House has remained focused on delivering real solutions for the American people and getting our economy moving again,” Scalise said. “In fact, the House has passed over 370 bills – many of which will create jobs and grow the economy – that are now collecting dust in Harry Reid’s Senate. “As the representative of a region with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, I understand that a smart energy policy equates to more jobs and a healthy economy. The American people are hungry for a strong national energy policy that increases production here at home and reduces our dependence on Middle Eastern countries who don’t like us. “Today’s votes in the House took critical steps toward increasing our energy independence and getting the American economy back on track. It starts with smart policy like the Keystone XL pipeline – a project that has been sitting on the president's desk for six years while 40,000 jobs hang in the balance. It opens up areas rich in natural resources that are currently closed right due to radical policies, off the coasts of places like Virginia, Alaska and even Louisiana. By enacting these reforms, hardworking families struggling in this economy will see lower prices of gas at the pump and lower costs for groceries at the store. The American people can’t afford any more Senate inaction. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly take up these commonsense bills to increase American energy production and spur job growth.” Earlier today, Rep. Scalise took to the House floor to speak in support of H.R. 2. ‎Click HERE to watch the video.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/nicole-gustafson-lead-whip-office-conservative-coalitions-outreach,Nicole Gustafson to Lead Whip Office Conservative Coalitions Outreach,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) has tapped Legislative Counsel Nicole Gustafson to spearhead the office’s conservative coalitions outreach. “Nicole is committed to advancing the conservative principles that make America great,” Scalise said. “I look forward to working with Nicole to build lasting partnerships with organizations that share our conservative values to help develop and pass bold conservative solutions for American families as we work to move our country forward.” Gustafson’s announcement was praised by prominent conservative organizations. “Nicole Gustafson has been a strategic voice for conservatives in her many roles on Capitol Hill,” said Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council. “Her tireless advocacy for policy solutions that reflect conservative beliefs on social, fiscal and national defense policy underscores her commitment to conservatism. Nicole is a friend to all of those who love and cherish faith, family and freedom. We at Family Research Council look forward to continuing to work with her and Majority Whip Scalise to advance policies that benefit the American family.”  “Nicole Gustafson is a talented coalitions builder who has worked tirelessly with the SBA List throughout the years to advance commonsense legislation that saves unborn children and protects mothers,” said Hon. Marilyn Musgrave, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Susan B. Anthony List. “We look forward to continue working with Nicole and Majority Whip Scalise to pass laws that save lives.” “We are so glad to hear that Nicole Gustafson will be working in the House leadership to build bridges and coordinate with pro-life groups,” said Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO for Americans United for Life. “We are really looking forward to working with Nicole toward building an America where every person is welcomed in life and protected in law.” ""Nicole Gustafson is a veteran of many pro-life legislative battles, and we hold her in the highest regard,” said Douglas Johnson, Legislative Director for National Right to Life Committee. “National Right to Life looks forward to collaborating with Majority Whip Scalise, Nicole, and the entire leadership team, to continue to advance pro-life public policy goals."" “Nicole is a fighter with a good strategic mind,” said Ed Corrigan, of the Heritage Foundation. “She is well respected in the Conservative Movement and will be a vital asset to the Whip team advancing our principles.” Nicole joined the Office of the Majority Whip after working for former Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) as Chief Counsel. Prior to working in House leadership, Nicole served as Policy Director for Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and previously with the Senate Judiciary Committee as Counsel to Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). She began her career on Capitol Hill as Legislative Counsel to Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) before joining the Pro-Life Caucus. Nicole is a graduate of William Penn University and she received her J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/whip-scalise-statement-house-passage-continuing-resolution,Whip Scalise Statement on House Passage of a Continuing Resolution,2014-09-17,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the following statement regarding the House passage of a Continuing Resolution to fund the government through mid-December at current spending levels. “Today’s vote demonstrates the House’s commitment to keeping the government open for business, defending our homeland, and supporting a strong national defense,” Scalise said. “The debate and discussion we have had as a conference over the past two weeks has brought us closer together in appreciation that we will continue to work hard to represent our districts and protect this country we love so much. My colleagues and I pushed to have a separate vote on the ISIL language because we felt the authorization request from the president deserved its own debate separately from the other components in the CR. “With passage of this bill today, we have sent a clear message to the president that we will not blindly accept whatever legislation this administration forces upon us. We wrote this on our terms, and the entire House came together to pass it. I hope the Senate will move quickly to pass this important legislation so we can get it on the president’s desk.” Prior to the passage of the continuing resolution, Rep. Scalise took to the House floor to speak in support of the ISIL amendment. ‎Click HERE to watch the video.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-passing-tommy-boggs,Rep. Richmond Statement on the Passing of Tommy Boggs,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement regarding Tommy Boggs’ passing on Monday. “I am deeply saddened by the news of Tommy Boggs’ passing. Tommy’s ambition and business acumen were only matched by his kindness and generosity,” said Rep. Richmond. “The contributions of the Boggs family to Louisiana cannot be overstated, and Tommy was no exception. The legacy he has built will live on for generations to come. My heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with his family.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/another-day-another-obamacare-broken-promise,"Another Day, Another Obamacare Broken Promise",2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the following statement regarding a new report from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) confirming that, despite President Obama’s repeated promises to the contrary, taxpayer dollars are being spent on abortion under the Affordable Care Act. ""Many of us argued at the time Obamacare passed that it would funnel taxpayer dollars to elective abortions, despite President Obama’s repeated broken promises to the contrary. This independent report validates our claims and proves that yet another Obamacare promise has been broken,” Scalise said. ""The administration should be held accountable for this, the most recent in a string of Obamacare broken promises to the American people. Earlier this year, the House passed bipartisan legislation to codify the Hyde Amendment, prohibiting taxpayer funding for abortion. I urge the Senate to do its job and pass the House’s bipartisan legislation that will protect the lives of mothers and their children."" House Republican leadership requested the GAO report last December. The House of Representatives in January passed the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act (H.R. 7) with bipartisan support. The Senate is yet to take action on H.R. 7. Read the complete report online here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918202642/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-new-report-shows-obamacare-funds-used-for-abortions,Vitter: New Report Shows Obamacare Funds Used for Abortions,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: New Report Shows Obamacare Funds Used for Abortions Tuesday, September 16, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) today said a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) exposes widespread taxpayer-funded abortion coverage under Obamacare. According to the report, taxpayer funding is going toward over 1,000 health insurance plans that include abortion even though such funding is illegal under the law. “It’s tragic and completely unacceptable that this funding is going towards abortions,” Vitter said. “It should come as no surprise that President Obama and Democrats in Congress would mislead the American people about yet another aspect of Obamacare – but this time it comes at the expense of millions of unborn children.” At Vitter’s request, the GAO is investigating the use of federal funding allocated to Planned Parenthood and other specific organizations that perform abortions. Vitter along with Reps. Diane Black (R-TN) and Pete Olson (R-TX) requested the investigation in February 2013. In 2012, Planned Parenthood performed a record 327,166 abortions and received $540 million in taxpayer funding – nearly $1.5 million per day in the form of government grants, contracts, and Medicaid reimbursements. Vitter has legislation that would end taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918204225/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-urges-vote-to-allow-americans-to-keep-healthcare-plans,Vitter Urges Vote to Allow Americans to Keep Healthcare Plans,2014-09-16,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Urges Vote to Allow Americans to Keep Healthcare Plans Rep. Bill Cassidy passed same bill through the House last week Tuesday, September 16, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) today called on the Senate to vote on legislation introduced by Congressman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and passed by the House of Representatives last week. The Employee Health Care Protection Act would allow healthcare plans currently available on the group market under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to continue to be offered through 2018. The House passed the legislation 247 to 167. “Millions of Americans have been losing healthcare coverage and struggling to find new policies under Obamacare. While Washington created a special exemption for Members of Congress to keep their Obamacare subsidy, the rest of America deserves to be able to keep the insurance they like – just like President Obama and Democrats in Congress promised,” Vitter said. The Employee Health Care Protection Act would give small businesses and their employees the option to choose non-ACA compliant plans, giving them access to more affordable options that can better meet their needs than what is available today and more affordable coverage than what is available today under the President’s health care law. It would also ensure that Americans enrolled in these health plans would not face a penalty under Obamacare’s individual mandate. Last year, 93,000 Louisianans received notice that their health insurance plan had been cancelled. The employer mandate will be kicking in for small and large businesses across the state in a few months, and thousands more Louisiana families are expected to get notice that they cannot keep their health plan. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) confirmed that this legislation would lower the deficit by $1.25 billion, provide more health plan options with lower premiums, and raise wages for American workers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140918204228/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-senators-to-itc-protect-american-steel-producers-from-unfair-foreign-trade-practices,"Vitter, Senators to ITC: Protect American Steel Producers from Unfair Foreign Trade Practices",2014-09-15,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter, Senators to ITC: Protect American Steel Producers from Unfair Foreign Trade Practices Monday, September 15, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) today joined a bipartisan group of Senators in calling on the International Trade Commission (ITC) to protect U.S. steel producers from foreign subsidies and unfair trade practices. The steel rebar industry has struggled to compete against imported rebar from Turkey and Mexico that flood the U.S. market through unfair trade practices. ""Unfair trade practices could lead to a decrease in demand for our steel made here in America, and that could mean cuts in jobs and pay for Louisianians and other folks across the country in the steel industry,” Vitter said. “For example, Nucor Corporation just built a major facility in St. James Parish, and we want them to continue as a leader in the industry. Our American workers should be the first to get new business when we build infrastructure here at home – not foreign countries that cheat the system.” Vitter signed on to a letter led by Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) and signed by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Richard Burr (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chuck Schumer (D-NY ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Kay Hagan (D-NC), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Al Franken (D-MN), Dick Durbin (IL), and Claire McCaskill (D-MO). The senators’ full letter to Chairman Broadbent is below. Dear Chairman Broadbent: We are writing to express support for the U.S. steel reinforcing bar (“rebar”) producers and their workers, and to encourage the International Trade Commission to ensure that foreign subsidies and dumping are prevented from causing additional injury to an already weakened industry. As the Commission is aware, rebar is used primarily by the construction industry to strengthen concrete structures and is an essential component of American infrastructure. The domestic industry should be benefitting from the modest recovery in construction demand in the wake of the recession. Instead, the industry has faced a continuous onslaught of unfairly traded imports which has had a negative impact on rebar producers and their families. Since 2010, these imports have flooded the U.S. market at the direct expense of U.S. producers, who have seen their share of the market drop dramatically. Capacity utilization rates are at historically low levels – near 60 percent – and production levels have yet to recover from the recession. Profitability has collapsed and returns on investment have been inadequate. Indeed, conditions have deteriorated to such an extent that some U.S. producers have been forced to close production, while others have had to lay off workers, slash hours, and cut pay to stay afloat. The U.S. rebar industry is a major segment of the U.S. steel industry with over seven million tons of production a year. The industry employs thousands of direct rebar workers in several dozen states, and supports tens of thousands of additional jobs throughout the country. These jobs are in jeopardy. On behalf of the U.S. rebar industry and the workers and their families who depend on the full and fair enforcement of our trade laws for their survival, we urge you to give careful consideration to their arguments regarding investigations involving Turkey and Mexico. It is essential that foreign subsidies and dumping be addressed in order to prevent further harm to the U.S. rebar industry and the unwarranted loss of American jobs. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration of this critical issue.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-gov-jindal%E2%80%99s-early-childhood-grant-letter-president,Rep. Richmond Statement on Gov. Jindals Early Childhood Grant Letter to the President,2014-09-12,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Jindal’s recent letter to the Obama Administration about federal early childhood education grants. “This is just further proof that Governor Jindal is concerned more with his political ambitions outside the state than he is with the welfare of the people of Louisiana,” said Rep. Richmond. “This letter shows that this recalcitrant governor is going out of his way to deprive Louisiana of federal support for important programs, no matter how crucial they are.” “As governor, the amount of federal funding for important projects that he has refused is staggering. The $15 million that he is endangering now is on top of the $45 million in federal funding to improve pre-kindergarten education that he pointedly declined to go after less than a year ago. There is also $80 million to provide rural broadband to the people of Louisiana and $300 million for a high-speed rail from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. However, all of those losses pale in comparison to his refusal to expand Medicaid. That decision cost the state $16 billion and left more than 200,000 Louisiana citizens out in the cold. The common denominator to all these decisions is Governor Jindal’s willingness to sabotage the people of Louisiana for his personal political ambitions."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-introduces-bill-delay-closure-mail-processing-facilities,Rep. Richmond Introduces Bill to Delay Closure of Mail Processing Facilities,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) introduced the Postal Jobs Protection Act, a bill that would prevent the United States Postal Service (USPS) from closing or consolidating any currently-operating mail processing facilities until the end of 2015. This bill would prevent the closure of 82 mail processing facilities, including the New Orleans Processing and Distribution Center, scheduled to cease operations in January 2015. “The Postal Service’s plan to close mail processing facilities would be devastating to our economy and our communities,” said Rep. Richmond.  “Next year as many as 15,000 Americans could lose their jobs at mail processing centers across the country.  As Congress and the USPS consider options for comprehensive postal reform, the USPS should not take steps that will destroy jobs, damage our economy and slow mail delivery nationwide.” The bill is endorsed by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the American Postal Workers Union. ###, Rep. Richmond (LA-02) introduced the Postal Jobs Protection Act, a bill that would prevent the United States Postal Service (USPS) from closing or consolidating any currently-operating mail processing facilities until the end of 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-ninth-anniversary-hurricane-katrina,Rep. Richmond Statement on Ninth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement regarding the ninth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall in Louisiana. “In the nine years since the tragedy that was Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana and the entire Gulf Coast has been a beacon of resiliency in the United States,” said Rep. Richmond. “We have rebuilt much of our infrastructure, seen thousands return home, and welcomed in the World for everything from Mardi Gras to a Super Bowl. Though we have made incredible strides, much of the journey is still ahead of us. The progress we have made has not reached everyone, and our work is not done until it does. We must continue working together to ensure that the recovery process is sustained and inclusive to all citizens.” “I am proud of the work many of our local officials and the Congressional delegation have done to restore our state and rebuild our communities. I will continue to do all in my power to secure resources and safeguard Louisiana citizens.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-republican-healthcare-bill,Rep. Richmond Statement on Republican Healthcare Bill,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement after voting against H.R 3522 a Republican sponsored healthcare bill that would scale back crucial components of the Affordable Care Act. “Whether you support the Affordable Care Act or not, I would hope we all can agree that we do not want to return to the days where insurers could deny coverage due to a preexisting condition, charge more to cover a woman, or drop coverage altogether when someone gets sick,” said Rep. Richmond. “A majority of Americans agree that we should not return to those unfair practices. Unfortunately, my Republican colleagues have not received the message.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-urges-compassion-context-road-home-implementation-continues,"Rep. Richmond Urges Compassion, Context as Road Home Implementation Continues",2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC -- Today Congressmen Cedric Richmond (LA-02) urged HUD to consider the context in which many Louisiana residents entered into the Road Home agreement and to exercise flexibility and forgiveness where appropriate with the recovery of elevation grants to homeowners who have made good faith attempts to restore their homes. “The Department of Housing and Urban Development has been an invaluable partner as we continue to recover from the disastrous storms that battered this region nine years ago,” said Rep. Richmond. “The Road Home program provided resources to many vulnerable families and it is important to consider their unique circumstances when it comes to evaluating their compliance with the program. While there are a few individuals who did not utilize their resources responsibly the majority of homeowners made good faith efforts to restore their homes and every homeowner should be treated with the utmost fairness and respect as recovery from non-compliant homeowners continues.” In a letter to HUD Secretary Julián Castro, Rep. Richmond specifically asked that HUD: Continue to consider the context in which many of our constituents made their Road Home covenants. Homeowners that made good faith attempts, to restore their homes and follow their Road Home covenants, be treated with the utmost respect and fairness. Work with the Office of Community Development to consider an alternative process by which homeowners must demonstrate compliance with their Road Home covenants. Exercise flexibility, forgiveness where appropriate, and most of all human compassion and understanding for decisions made in a time of extreme duress, pain and uncertainty. The letter to Secretary Castro can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/house-majority-whip-scalises-reaction-president-obamas-address-isil,House Majority Whip Scalise's Reaction to President Obama's Address on ISIL,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following reaction to President Obama's Address on ISIL. ""Tonight we heard the president address the actions he intends to take to confront ISIL and the threat they pose to our nation. I have been concerned about the threat that ISIL poses to America’s national security for some time now, and look forward to discussing with my colleagues in the House the best plan of action to address this serious terrorist threat.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-remembers-victims-attacks-september-11-2001,"Scalise Remembers the Victims of the Attacks on September 11, 2001",2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today issued the following statement regarding the anniversary of 9/11. “Thirteen years ago, in an attempt to break our spirit and fracture us as a nation, terrorists carried out the deadliest terror attack on American soil in history,” Scalise said. “Little did they know that the American people would emerge from the attacks more unified and with a strengthened resolve to combat any threat against our nation. We continue to live in a dangerous world, faced with enemies wanting to destroy the American way of life. Congress has a commitment to defend our homeland, and we will uphold that promise by remaining vigilant, determined, and unified in our support of a strong national defense. Today we pause to remember the 3,000 innocent men, women and children who lost their lives on that tragic day, and we pray for their families and loved ones.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/whip-scalise-votes-uphold-presidents-broken-promise,Whip Scalise Votes to Uphold President's Broken Promise,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Whip Scalise Votes to Uphold President's Broken Promise Millions of hard-working people nationwide are faced with cancelations, higher prices, and fewer options Sep 11, 2014 Issues: Health Care WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today voted for legislation that would in part uphold President Obama’s broken promise that, “if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan. Period.” The Employee Health Care Protection Act (H.R. 3522) allows health insurance plans currently offered on the group market to continue to be offered. “Hard-working taxpayers are experiencing first-hand the devastating impact of President Obama’s failed health care law,” Scalise said. “Despite the president’s repeated promise to the contrary, millions of hard-working people nationwide are experiencing cancelations, higher prices, and fewer options. Last year, the House took action to help Americans losing their health insurance in the individual market. Today’s legislation will bring peace of mind to the millions of Americans and their families who have health insurance they like. As the clock ticks down on my colleagues in the Senate, I urge them to quickly pass this critical legislation. I would like to commend my good friend and colleague Dr. Bill Cassidy for introducing this bill to uphold the president’s broken promise to the American people that they can keep the good health care plans that they have and like.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912000633/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/icymi-vitter-pushes-reform-legislation-on-senate-floor,ICYMI: Vitter Pushes Reform Legislation on Senate Floor,2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"ICYMI: Vitter Pushes Reform Legislation on Senate Floor Thursday, September 11, 2014 As Senate Democrats continue to push their legislation to amend the Constitution and limit rights protected under the First Amendment, U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today spoke on the Senate floor on reform legislation he’s pushing. Vitter introduced his “No Washington Exemption from Obamacare” legislation as an amendment to the Senate Democrats’ proposal, S.J. Res. 19, which would require all Members of Congress, all Congressional staff, the President, Vice-President, and all political appointees within the administration to purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange and receive the same amount of financial support from tax credits or subsidies as any American would outside of Washington. He also spoke in support of establishing term limits in Congress. “Americans of all backgrounds think that Washington is on a different planet, and Members of Congress just don’t get it,” Vitter said. “We need to get back to the best traditions of our democracy – including electing citizen legislators and making sure that legislators don’t put themselves into a separate ruling class.” Click here to watch Vitter’s remarks today. Vitter has fought to get a vote on his legislation since introducing it in May of 2013, and most recently in July; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has blocked each of his attempts. Vitter also introduced his legislation in April as an amendment to legislation, but Reid pulled the bill from the floor before it could get a vote. However, Reid did agree to give Vitter a vote in the future. Vitter is also the lead author of legislation to establish term limits for members of Congress. His legislation would create a constitutional amendment that limits Senators and Congressmen to three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and two in the U.S. Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912000658/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-gets-calcasieu-river-lock-issue-resolved-will-increase-barge-and-boat-traffic-,"Vitter Gets Calcasieu River Lock Issue Resolved, Will Increase Barge & Boat Traffic",2014-09-11,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Gets Calcasieu River Lock Issue Resolved, Will Increase Barge & Boat Traffic Thursday, September 11, 2014 (Lake Charles, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, today announced that he has resolved an issue affecting the Calcasieu Saltwater Barrier that will increase waterway traffic. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had previously restricted lock hours that hindered recreational and commercial traffic on the Calcasieu River. Vitter was able to increase the lock hours of operation in legislation he passed earlier this year. “Southwest Louisiana is experiencing some incredible growth, and we need to make sure our waterways can accommodate the positive increase in water traffic,” Vitter said. “The oil and gas industry is a real engine for the local economy, and we need to make sure that recreational and commercial boats and barges can move up and down the river to service the industry.” Vitter wrote specific language in Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 to ensure that locals had an opportunity to better manage Federal structures on their waterway. Despite the objections of affected businesses and recreational users, the Corps unilaterally decreased lock hours of operation for the Calcasieu Saltwater Barrier. Vitter worked with local officials to find a solution by changing how the Corps can work with non-federal partners to properly fund the operation of inland waterway structures. The Corps officially signed the cooperative agreement this morning.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912000700/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-final-approval-issued-for-cameron-lng-project-in-hackberry,Vitter: Final Approval Issued for Cameron LNG Project in Hackberry,2014-09-10,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Final Approval Issued for Cameron LNG Project in Hackberry Wednesday, September 10, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, today announced that the Department of Energy is issuing the final authorization approval for the Cameron Liquefaction Project in Hackberry, Louisiana, which will be able to export domestically produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States. “The Cameron LNG project is a prime example of the economic growth and opportunities available in Louisiana and across our country when we harness our energy resources,” Vitter said. “Natural gas is arguably the brightest spot in our otherwise weak economy, and moving forward with Cameron LNG will provide thousands of jobs in Louisiana and contribute to more affordable and reliable energy for all Americans. In February, Cameron LNG (liquefied natural gas) received conditional approval by the Department of Energy (DOE). It received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) in June. The project is the sixth approved by DOE for non-FTA exports and is the third project in Louisiana. The project will create 3,000 jobs during construction and more than 1,300 jobs in Louisiana in the next four years. On January 22, 2014 Vitter visited Cheniere Energy, Inc. to address job creation and the importance of natural gas production. Vitter has been pushing the Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz to keep both the Cameron LNG and Cheniere Energy, Inc. projects moving forward. Click here to read more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912000704/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-are-1275-illegal-immigrant-children-starting-school-in-louisiana,"Vitter: Are 1,275 Illegal Immigrant Children Starting School in Louisiana?",2014-09-10,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Are 1,275 Illegal Immigrant Children Starting School in Louisiana? Wednesday, September 10, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) reached out to John White, Louisiana Superintendent of Education, regarding the state’s ability to handle the influx of the 1,275 unaccompanied alien children (UACs) relocated to Louisiana. Vitter has said the influx is a direct result of the Obama Administration’s policies. “President Obama’s policies created this illegal immigration mess in Louisiana, and the school system should not be left to clean it up,” Vitter said. “This could potentially cause a huge financial burden for the state, and for no reason except the Obama Administration is completely inept at enforcing immigration laws and securing our border.” According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a minimum of 1,275 UACs have been relocated to Louisiana, which puts the state among the top 10 states that have received relocated children. Vitter has been calling out the Obama Administration for its practices of assisting foreign children being smuggled into the country illegally without penalizing their parents. Vitter has legislation to implement mandatory detention and expedited removal. He has also asked DHS how many times this practice has occurred. Click here to read more. Vitter is the Chairman of the Senate Border Security Caucus. Below is the text of Vitter’s letter to White today. September 10, 2014 John White Louisiana Department of Education 1201 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Dear Superintendent White: I wanted to bring to your attention a very important and timely issue that could have a major impact on this school year. According to a recent response I received from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a minimum of 1,275 unaccompanied alien children (UACs) have been relocated with sponsors in Louisiana. This places Louisiana in the top 10 of states receiving UACs relocated by the Obama Administration. Below you will find a breakdown of the number of UACs received by parish. This massive and sudden influx of children has the potential to cause significant challenges for the upcoming school year. To begin with, these children were brought here illegally and in most cases, were part of a human smuggling operation. Often, these children were abused physically, sexually, and most certainly emotionally. In addition, nearly all of these children do not speak English, and in some cases, do not even speak Spanish. The trauma this vulnerable group faced will surely leave lasting scars and the lack of language skills coupled with their illegal immigration status will pose significant challenges in educating these UACs. East Baton Rouge 173 Jefferson Parish 533 Lafayette Parish 51 Orleans Parish 237 St. Tammany Parish 54 In an effort to better grasp any impact the relocation of these children will have on the education system in Louisiana, I ask that you answer the following questions: (1) For the 2014-2015 school year what is the average state contribution that will be given to school districts to assist in the cost of educating students? (2) For the same year, what is the total average cost of educating students in each of the five parishes mentioned above? (3) Will each of these students be taken into account when calculating the amount of state funding that will be given to each impacted school district for the 2014-2015 school year? (4) Will the state or local educational agencies receive additional Federal funding to assist in educating these students? (5) What is the additional cost in providing English as a second language classes to these students? Particularly to students who speak neither English nor Spanish? (6) How will the addition of these students affect class sizes in each of these districts? (7) Will the addition of these students necessitate hiring an additional faculty member so as not to heavily impact class sizes? Thank you for your time and consideration in answering these questions. I look forward to receiving your responses. Sincerely, David Vitter U.S. Senator",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/whip-scalise-condemns-president-unlawful-terror-transfer,Whip Scalise Condemns President for Unlawful Terror Transfer,2014-09-09,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement following the House passage of a bipartisan resolution condemning President Obama for the release of five Taliban terrorists without Congressional approval, which was in clear violation of the law.   “When President Obama transferred five high-risk terrorists from Guantanamo Bay without Congressional notification, he did so in clear violation of both the Antideficiency Act and the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act,” Scalise said. “The president’s desire to ignore and rewrite our nation’s laws threaten the delicate system of checks and balances that exists between the branches of our government and the separation of powers critical to the success of our great democracy. Worse than breaking the law, the reckless actions of the president opened the door for the released terrorists to return to the battlefield, putting the American people and our homeland directly at risk. I commend Congressman Scott Riggell and Chairman Buck McKeon for their leadership in holding President Obama and his lawlessness accountable to the American people we represent.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/whip-scalise-statement-house-passage-legislation-stop-executive-power-grab,Whip Scalise Statement on House Passage of Legislation to Stop Executive Power Grab,2014-09-09,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today released the following statement regarding the House passage of bipartisan legislation to block the Obama administration from implementing a proposed rule to unilaterally expand the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. The bill passed the House 262-152. “As part of the EPA's radical overreach, the Obama Administration wants to expand the definition of ‘navigable waterways’ to include every drainage ditch, backyard pond and puddle – a move that threatens the ability of farmers and landowners alike to make decisions regarding their private property,” Scalise said. “If allowed to move forward, this near-limitless extremist regulation will be the catalyst for higher prices, costly litigation and the loss of more American jobs. The continued abuses, overreach and attempted power grabs from the Obama EPA is unacceptable. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act swiftly and pass this much-needed legislation to protect hard-working taxpayers. I applaud Congressman Steve Southerland for introducing this critical bill.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://richmond.house.gov/press-release/rep-richmond-statement-retirement-norman-francis,Rep. Richmond Statement on the Retirement of Dr. Norman Francis,2014-09-08,2014,2014-09,Democrat,House,LA,Cedric Richmond,R000588,richmond.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – Today Rep. Richmond (LA-02) issued the following statement congratulating Dr. Norman Francis on his retirement after 45 years as President of Xavier University. Dr. Francis is the nation’s-longest serving university president and is a noted educator and community leader. In 2006, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States for his outstanding contributions to civic causes. “President Norman Francis is an exemplary man, champion of civil rights, and one of the finest educators in this nation,” said Rep. Richmond. “His service to Louisiana and devotion to his students are unparalleled and have received commendation from the highest office in the land. His leadership of Xavier transformed the university into a pillar of our community and his leadership in New Orleans played an instrumental role in rebuilding our city after Hurricane Katrina. Throughout his illustrious tenure at Xavier he has been a guiding light to the community, a mentor to other HBCU Presidents, and a true servant to his students and his community. “I am proud to have had the honor of working with President Francis and wish he and his wife Blanche continued success and happiness in all their future endeavors.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-white-house-immigration-delay,Scalise Statement on White House Immigration Delay,2014-09-08,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement regarding President Obama’s decision to delay his unilateral executive action to overhaul the immigration system until after the November elections.   “Once again, President Obama is playing political games to protect his liberal friends in November by using sleight of hand to temporarily hide his radical agenda from the American people,” Scalise said. “The president needs to abandon his attempt to issue blanket amnesty by executive order, and instead focus on securing the border as the House already did. Border security is a critical national security issue, and President Obama should stop using immigration as a political tool during election time, and instead work in a bipartisan way to solve this problem and secure the border. The decision to delay is a blatant admission that this is not just the wrong policy for the president’s liberal friends, but for the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912000737/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-introduces-no-obamacare-exemption-as-amendment-to-senate-democrats-campaign-legislation-,Vitter Introduces No Obamacare Exemption as Amendment to Senate Democrats Campaign Legislation,2014-09-08,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Introduces “No Obamacare Exemption” as Amendment to Senate Democrats’ Campaign Legislation Monday, September 8, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today introduced his “No Washington Exemption from Obamacare” legislation as an amendment to S.J. Res. 19, the Senate Democrats’ proposal to amend the Constitution and allow Congress to set limits on campaign contributions. Vitter’s legislation would require all Members of Congress, all Congressional staff, the President, Vice-President, and all political appointees within the administration to purchase their health insurance on the Obamacare Exchange and receive the same amount of financial support from tax credits or subsidies as any American would outside of Washington. “Senate Democrats are unbelievably out of touch with reality. Instead of focusing on big problems like the rising costs of healthcare, the border crisis or foreign policy, they’re inventing a campaign issue – just two months before an election,” Vitter said. “If Washington has to experience Obamacare like the rest of America, maybe they’ll get their act together and focus on all the problems with it. Instead Harry Reid and Senate Democrats only want to try and change the constitution, which they think will help them stay in office – and continue collecting their special Obamacare subsidy.” Vitter has fought to get a vote on his legislation since introducing it in May of 2013, and most recently in July; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has blocked each of his attempts. Vitter also introduced his legislation in April as an amendment to legislation, but Reid pulled the bill from the floor before it could get a vote. However, Reid did agree to give Vitter a vote in the future. Currently members of Congress and their staff members are still eligible to receive taxpayer funded subsidies ($5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a family) to pay for their health care. Those same subsidies are not available to any other American.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912001338/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-senate-needs-to-bring-up-house-immigration-enforcement-bills,Vitter: Senate Needs to Bring up House Immigration Enforcement Bills,2014-09-08,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Senate Needs to Bring up House Immigration Enforcement Bills Monday, September 8, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today called on Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to bring legislation passed through the House of Representatives to enforce immigration law to a vote in the Senate. President Obama announced last week that he will defer any action on immigration until after the midterm elections. Vitter called on Reid last month to bring the Senate back into session to address the border crisis. “Obama's balk on an executive amnesty for illegal immigrants does not change the fact that Harry Reid needs to bring up the House-passed enforcement bills,” Vitter said. “I'll continue fighting against amnesty every day, and also working to actually enforce our immigration laws and secure our border.” Vitter has been calling out the administration for its practices of assisting foreign children being smuggled into the country illegally without penalizing their parents. Vitter has legislation to implement mandatory detention and expedited removal. He has also asked DHS how many times this practice has occurred. Click here to read more. Vitter is the Chairman of the Senate Border Security Caucus.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140912001349/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-disappointed-in-sec-decision-will-continue-fighting-to-help-stanford-ponzi-victims,"Vitter Disappointed in SEC Decision, Will Continue Fighting to Help Stanford Ponzi Victims",2014-09-08,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Disappointed in SEC Decision, Will Continue Fighting to Help Stanford Ponzi Victims Monday, September 8, 2014 (Baton Rouge, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) spoke out against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for not appealing a court decision which ruled that thousands of victims of the Stanford Ponzi scheme were ineligible to file claims to recoup their losses. “It's disappointing the SEC would just give up, but I’m going to make sure that they stay committed to helping the Stanford Ponzi scheme victims get compensated.” In May, Vitter met with Stanford Ponzi scheme victims in Baton Rouge to discuss his efforts to push Sharon Bowen, the acting chairman of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), to revisit their decision not to compensate victims. Vitter has urged President Obama to nominate new members to SIPC, which has a record of protecting investors. SIPC is the organization that has blocked compensation for the Stanford Ponzi scheme victims. In November 2013, Vitter introduced the bipartisan “Restoring Main Street Investor Protection and Confidence Act of 2013” which would reform how the SEC and SIPC go about compensation recommendations for investment fraud victims. The legislation would give more authority and flexibility to the regulators who are tasked with protecting victims of investment fraud and more authority to retrieve appropriate compensation. Vitter has tirelessly pushed SIPC to revisit its decision not to compensate victims of the Stanford Ponzi Scheme. Vitter provided evidence to SIPC that they never considered, and because there was a clear directive to compensate the victims, SIPC still needs to revisit the case. Vitter led the opposition and nearly defeated the former SIPC chair, Sharon Bowen’s, nomination to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Click here to read more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-lauds-bp-court-ruling,Scalise Lauds BP Court Ruling,2014-09-04,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, LA – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today lauded a federal judge’s ruling that BP bears the majority of responsibility for the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster. This decision is a key step in determining the total amount of fines owed under the Clean Water Act – 80 percent of which will be directed to Gulf Coast states for the purposes of ecosystem and economic recovery. “Today’s ruling is a crucial step forward as we work to secure RESTORE Act funds for the people of Louisiana,” Scalise said. “I'm encouraged that Judge Barbier agrees that BP was grossly negligent in the Deepwater Horizon disaster, and it is time for BP to reach an agreement that allows the families and communities affected to finally repair the damage that was done. The people of south Louisiana have waited long enough. I urge the court to move forward in an expeditious manner so that Gulf States like Louisiana can restore our coast, as we established in the RESTORE Act passed by Congress.” In a ruling released today, U.S. Circuit Judge Carl Barbier determined BP to bear the majority of responsibility for the Deepwater Horizon disaster in April 2010, citing their “gross negligence” and “reckless” practices in the lead up to the spill. Under the Clean Water Act, BP may now face fines up to $4,300 per barrel of spilled oil totaling $17.6 billion in fines. Last month, the U.S. Treasury Department issued an Interim Final Rule allowing for Gulf Coast states, including Louisiana, to begin applying for grants from the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund. Scalise also met with members of the Coalition for Coastal Resilience & Economy to discuss effective ways Louisiana can best implement coastal restoration projects throughout Louisiana when utilizing the RESTORE Act funds.  Specifically, the RESTORE Act, which Scalise championed through the U.S. House of Representatives and was then signed into law July 6, 2012, directs 80 percent of the Clean Water Act fines resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster to Gulf Coast states for the purposes of ecosystem and economic recovery. Earlier this year, Scalise joined his Louisiana congressional colleagues Senator David Vitter and Congressman Bill Cassidy to push U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to expedite the rule-making process so that RESTORE funds could be disbursed quickly. In November of 2013, Scalise submitted comments to the U.S. Treasury on the proposed regulations governing the use of RESTORE funds. On the one-year anniversary of the passage of the RESTORE Act, Scalise authored an op-ed emphasizing the importance of specifically utilizing these funds for the purpose of preserving eroding wetlands and coastline.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140904235901/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-comments-on-judge-ruling-that-bp-was-grossly-negligent-in-deepwater-horizon,Vitter Comments on Judge Ruling That BP was Grossly Negligent in Deepwater Horizon,2014-09-04,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Comments on Judge Ruling That BP was Grossly Negligent in Deepwater Horizon Thursday, September 4, 2014 (Metairie, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) today made the following statement on the U.S. District Court for Eastern District ruling that BP was grossly negligent in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. “No one felt the effects of the Deepwater Horizon disaster more than the citizens of Louisiana,” Vitter said. “Finishing the job of properly holding BP accountable and making sure that the appropriate penalties go toward restoring the damaged Gulf Coast have been top priorities of mine. Today’s ruling should help make sure a significantly higher dollar figure is apportioned to rectifying the impacts still felt in Louisiana.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/whip-scalise-announces-additional-staff,Whip Scalise Announces Additional Staff,2014-09-02,2014,2014-09,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) today announced new additions to his staff for both the Office of the Majority Whip and his personal office.   “I’m proud to welcome these new members to my Washington staff,” Scalise said. “All of them bring to the team their unique and varied experiences, dedication to public service, and commitment to representing the values, interests, and people of Southeast Louisiana. They will play an integral role as we work to unite the Republican Conference around conservative solutions that move America forward.”   Office of the Majority Whip   Moira Bagley Smith, Communications Director: Moira joins the Office of the Majority Whip after most recently serving as Communications Director for U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) since his election to Congress. Prior to her tenure with Sen. Paul, Moira began her career in Washington, D.C., at Roll Call Newspaper before working for the Republican National Committee and subsequently, The Daily Caller. She is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Kentucky.  Dan Sadlosky, Policy Advisor: Dan is returning to Team Scalise after serving U.S. Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.) as a Legislative Assistant. Dan previously worked for Rep. Scalise as a Legislative Aide. Dan is a graduate of the George Washington University, where he also received his master’s degree.  Office of the First District of Louisiana   Conner Brace, Staff Assistant: Conner joins the Office of the First Congressional District after having recently interned with the Republican Study Committee. Conner is a graduate of the University of Virginia.     Kevin O’Keefe, Intern: Kevin joins Team Scalise after recently graduating from Syracuse University. Kevin is a native of Baton Rouge.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-statement-ninth-anniversary-hurricane-katrina,Scalise Statement on the Ninth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina,2014-08-29,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, LA –U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise (LA-01) today issued the following statement on the ninth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in Southeast Louisiana. “As I spoke at the nine year anniversary ceremony in St. Bernard Parish this morning, I reflected on all of the struggles, challenges and hardship our people have been through since the storm,” Scalise said. “What defines us is not the devastation, but instead the strength and resilience of our people. It was inspiring to see the young students at this morning's ceremony, and they are proof that we have emerged stronger and more resilient than ever. We will not stop working until we have rebuilt a better, stronger, and smarter community than before the storm. We remember those who lost their lives and we are Louisiana proud. Earlier this year, Congress passed legislation that authorized critical flood protection projects throughout southeast Louisiana.  These projects will bring peace of mind, assuring home and business owners that they are no longer as vulnerable to the devastating effects of future storms and floods.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140904235958/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-announces-sasol-construction-permit-approved-by-corps-says-will-be-part-of-economic-boom-for-southwest-louisiana,"Vitter Announces Sasol Construction Permit Approved By Corps, Says will be Part of Economic Boom for Southwest Louisiana",2014-08-29,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Announces Sasol Construction Permit Approved By Corps, Says will be Part of Economic Boom for Southwest Louisiana Vitter has been pushing the Corps daily to grant Sasol this permit to allow construction of a new gas-to-liquid facility in Calcasieu Parish. Friday, August 29, 2014 (Lake Charles, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today announced that Sasol, an energy and chemical company, has received the necessary permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin constructing their gas-to-liquid (GTL) facility in Calcasieu Parish. “I’m extremely pleased to announce that this major economic project can move forward. It’s a huge investment and will help provide a great boom for southwest Louisiana,” Vitter said. “Louisiana has obviously shown a commitment to the energy and chemical industries, and our abundant natural gas resources make us a perfect fit for the new facility.” Vitter has been working very closely with the Corps of Engineers, particularly Col. Rick Hansen, and also with Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Secretary Stephen Chustz to move this permit forward. Construction on the first of its kind GTL facility, as well as an ethylene facility, is expected to begin very soon. It is estimated that the projects will create 1,200 permanent jobs. In 2010, Sasol announced it would construct one of the world’s first Ethylene Tetramerization Units in Lake Charles. The GTL facility, in addition to the ethylene facility, will produce a number of products including diesel fuel, naphtha and other chemical products, which will be marketed nationally and globally.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-responds-reports-president-obamas-name-and-shame-climate-agreement,"Scalise Responds to Reports of President Obama's ""Name and Shame"" Climate Agreement",2014-08-28,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, LA -- U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise (LA-01) released the following statement in response to a report that the Obama Administration will sidestep Congress and unilaterally pursue a wide-reaching international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  “The Obama Administration needs to finally abandon their radical climate change agenda that is killing jobs and increasing costs for American families,"" said Scalise.  ""Four years after the Democratic controlled Congress rejected the president’s cap-and-trade scheme, the White House wants to sidestep Congress and commit the United States to a United Nations agreement which would ‘name and shame’ countries into adopting higher emissions standards.  This just proves that the president is prepared to pursue his job-killing climate agenda at any cost, which the American people and House of Representatives will not stand for.  I'm not sure which is more concerning, the president's willingness to sidestep the Constitution and Congress, or his relentless pursuit of radical policies which will have devastating consequences on our economy.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140828235917/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-asks-administration-to-allow-old-rig-to-remain-as-artificial-reef-in-gulf-of-mexico,Vitter Asks Administration to Allow Old Rig to Remain as Artificial Reef in Gulf of Mexico,2014-08-25,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter Asks Administration to Allow Old Rig to Remain as Artificial Reef in Gulf of Mexico Monday, August 25, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee, sent a letter to Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Department of the Interior, requesting that the Department allow a collapsed structure to remain serving as an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico. “Decommissioned, idle platforms that develop into artificial reefs are becoming an indispensable resource for aquatic life in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Vitter. “While this particular site has yet to obtain official status as an artificial reef site, the thriving ecosystem that has grown around it is already playing an important role in growing and sustaining our Gulf fisheries. The Administration should back off and allow it to prosper.” Currently, Interior is mandating the removal of the Ewing Banks 947A structure, which would disrupt the ecosystem that has been built around it. The State of Louisiana has requested that they exempt this rig from being removed so it can remain as a habitat for marine life. Interior denied the request and Vitter is asking them to reconsider. In May 2013, In May 2013, at the beginning of this Congress, Vitter introduced S. 1079, the Artificial Reef Promotion Act, which would increase the utilization of decommissioned Gulf platforms as artificial reefs, as part of the Rigs to Reefs program. The Artificial Reef Promotion Act requires that twenty new reef planning areas be established after a year of enactment, including six off each of the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, three off the coasts of Mississippi and Alabama, and five off of the coast of Florida. Text of today’s letter is below. Click here for the PDF version. August 25, 2014 Secretary Sally Jewell U.S Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington DC 20240 Dear Secretary Jewell, I am writing to you today to ask your Department to reconsider a request made by the State of Louisiana to exempt the Freeport McMoran Oil & Gas’s Ewing Banks 947A (EW-947A) structure from the requirements of CFR § 250.1730 in order to allow for its continued use as an artificial reef. It has been brought to my attention that your Department recently notified the State that you will not be granting this exemption. As you may know, EW-947A is a 4-pile structure located in federal waters, 70 miles offshore at a depth of 477’. Currently, the structure is no longer standing as it was toppled when Hurricane Ike came through the Gulf region in 2008. Since its collapse, parts of the structure, including the deck and debris have been removed, with only the jacket and several stubs remaining. While the inadvertent toppling of the structure is regrettable, one positive outcome has been the increase in marine life that has begun using it as a habitat. The development of marine reefs with significant biodiversity is an unintended benefit of many of the idle rigs remaining in the Gulf of Mexico. Artificial reefs are becoming an indispensable resource for our Gulf fisheries. While this particular site has yet to obtain official status as an artificial reef site, the ecosystem that it has created and supported around it is already playing an important role in growing and sustaining our Gulf fisheries. It is important that extra consideration be given to the request made by the State of Louisiana, and I ask that you please do so. I also ask that you provide the following information by September 25, 2014. 1. Please provide a full and detailed reasoning for your decision to reject the State’s request for an exemption. 2. Please provide a list of alternative means, which the State may pursue that will result in as much of this structure remaining in place as safely as possible. Thank you for your attention to this issue. If you have any questions, please contact the Environment and Public Works Committee at (202) 224-6176. Sincerely, ___________________ David Vitter Ranking Member Environment and Public Works Committee",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/event/slidell-satellite-office-hours-5,Slidell satellite office hours,2014-08-22,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Slidell satellite office hours Start: September 10, 2014 9:30 am End: September 10, 2014 11:30 am Location: 2055 Second Street, Slidell, LA 70458 Aug 22, 2014",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/event/slidell-satellite-office-hours-6,Slidell satellite office hours,2014-08-22,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Slidell satellite office hours Start: October 8, 2014 9:30 am End: October 8, 2014 11:30 am Location: 2055 Second Street, Slidell, LA 70458 Aug 22, 2014",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/event/slidell-satellite-office-hours-7,Slidell satellite office hours,2014-08-22,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Slidell satellite office hours Start: November 12, 2014 9:30 am End: November 12, 2014 11:30 am Location: 2055 Second Street, Slidell, LA 70458 Aug 22, 2014",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/event/slidell-satellite-office-hours-8,Slidell satellite office hours,2014-08-22,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"Slidell satellite office hours Start: December 10, 2014 9:30 am End: December 10, 2014 11:30 am Location: 2055 Second Street, Slidell, LA 70458 Aug 22, 2014",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-outlines-restore-act-priorities-coastal-leaders,Scalise Outlines RESTORE Act Priorities with Coastal Leaders,2014-08-22,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, LA – U.S. Congressman Steve Scalise (LA-01) today met with community leaders who are members of the Coalition for Coastal Resilience & Economy (CCRE) to discuss effective ways Louisiana can best implement coastal restoration projects throughout Louisiana when utilizing the RESTORE Act funds that will flow from the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund.  “Just as we've made it clear to our colleagues in Congress that the BP fines should not be used for unrelated spending in Washington, we will work equally as hard to ensure that RESTORE Act funds will be focused on coastal restoration and will not be siphoned off on unrelated spending in Louisiana,” Scalise said. ""The signing of the RESTORE Act into law is without a doubt the single most significant action taken to restore our coast in Louisiana’s history, and we must not let these funds be squandered. I am glad the CCRE coalition is equally committed to ensuring that mistakes of Louisiana history don't repeat themselves, and to ensuring that these vital funds will be used specifically on coastal restoration projects. Our coast makes up the very fabric of our existence in South Louisiana, and the funds that come to Louisiana as a result of the RESTORE Act should be spent developing and defending that most vital asset. Today's meeting gave local business and community leaders the opportunity to collaborate and discuss the most effective ways we can revive and protect Louisiana's wetlands and coastline using RESTORE Act funds. With many of Louisiana families still struggling in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon disaster, it is imperative that this money be used for critical coastal restoration projects and not be raided for unrelated purposes. "" Specifically, the RESTORE Act, which Scalise championed through the U.S. House of Representatives and was then signed into law July 6, 2012, directs 80 percent of the Clean Water Act fines resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster to Gulf Coast states for the purposes of ecosystem and economic recovery. Earlier this year, Scalise joined his Louisiana colleagues Senator David Vitter and Congressman Bill Cassidy to push U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, urging the agency to expedite the rule-making process so that RESTORE funds could more quickly be disbursed.  In November of 2013, Scalise submitted comments to the U.S. Treasury on the proposed regulations governing the use of RESTORE funds. On the one-year anniversary of the passage of the RESTORE Act, Scalise authored an op-ed emphasizing the importance of specifically utilizing these funds for the purpose of preserving eroding wetlands and coastline. Louisiana loses a football field of wetlands to erosion every hour and more than 16 square miles of coastline a year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140828235938/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-obama-administration-releases-illegal-immigrant-criminals-in-louisiana,Vitter: Obama Administration Releases Illegal Immigrant Criminals in Louisiana,2014-08-22,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Obama Administration Releases Illegal Immigrant Criminals in Louisiana Friday, August 22, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) -- U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.) today spoke out against the decision by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release illegal immigrants convicted of “homicide-related” offenses that had been awaiting deportation proceedings. ICE responded to a request from Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) disclosing that it released 169 convicted illegals from over 130 zip codes in 2013. At least two of the zip codes mentioned are from Louisiana: Kenner and Baton Rouge, released through the South Louisiana Detention Center. “This information proves that some of our deepest fears about the Obama administration’s amnesty policies are, in fact, true,” Vitter said. “It’s absolutely vital that the administration stops granting amnesty and starts enforcing our immigration laws – and it needs to happen before any more of these criminals are released into Louisiana.” Vitter joined a group of Senators in March to push for an amendment that would have required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide Congress with information about the illegal immigrants who are being released. Click here to read more. Vitter has also pushed for information from DHS about how many unaccompanied alien children have been relocated to Louisiana. He has not received an official response from the administration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140822000523/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/senators-warren-and-vitter-and-congressmen-garrett-and-capuano-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-letter-urging-fed-to-strengthen-restrictions-on-emergency-lending-authority,"Senators Warren and Vitter, and Congressmen Garrett and Capuano Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter Urging Fed to Strengthen Restrictions on Emergency Lending Authority",2014-08-18,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Senators Warren and Vitter, and Congressmen Garrett and Capuano Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter Urging Fed to Strengthen Restrictions on Emergency Lending Authority Monday, August 18, 2014 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and David Vitter (R-La.), and Congressmen Scott Garrett (R-N.J.) and Michael Capuano (D-Mass.), and their colleagues in the Senate and House sent a letter today to Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Janet Yellen calling for the Fed to strengthen restrictions on its emergency lending authority. The letter was signed by 11 additional members of the Senate and House: Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), and Representatives Walter Jones, Jr. (R-Calif.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Leonard Lance (R-N.J.), and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). During the financial crisis, the Fed invoked its emergency lending authority to provide over $13 trillion in loans primarily to a select group of large financial institutions. These loans were long-term and offered at below-market rates – a bailout in all but name of institutions regarded as “Too Big to Fail.” Congress enacted Section 1101 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) to ensure that such bailouts could not happen again. Yet, as the senators and representatives noted in their letter, the Fed’s proposed rule implementing Section 1101 does not place “meaningful restrictions on the agency’s emergency lending powers.” ""If the Board’s emergency lending authority is left unchecked, it can once again be used to provide massive bailouts to large financial institutions without any congressional action,” wrote the senators and representatives. “The Board’s proposed rule fails to strike the appropriate balance between promoting financial stability and mitigating moral hazard among the largest financial institutions.” The senators and representatives recommended that the Board: • Establish a clear time limit for a financial institution’s reliance on the Board’s emergency lending. • Establish procedures for the orderly unwinding of any emergency lending program. • Adopt a broader definition of “insolvent.” • Expand the definition of “broad-based.” • Establish limitations, and a penalty rate, on lending terms. Read the full text of the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140822000550/http://www.vitter.senate.gov/newsroom/press/vitter-gulf-council-considers-red-snapper-allocation-pushed-by-ny-based-environmental-activist-group,Vitter: Gulf Council Considers Red Snapper Allocation Pushed by NY Based Environmental Activist Group,2014-08-18,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,David Vitter,V000127,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Vitter: Gulf Council Considers Red Snapper Allocation Pushed by NY Based Environmental Activist Group Vitter says amendment considered today would negatively affect red snapper allocation, create long-term battles between sectors and further complicate situation in Gulf Monday, August 18, 2014 (Baton Rouge, La.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter, top Republican on the Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), made the following statement regarding the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council public hearing in Baton Rouge today. They are discussing stakeholder views on an amendment that Vitter says would cut off additional access to offshore resources for Louisianians. The hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m. CT. “Allowing states to have more control over red snapper fisheries and promoting transparency and accountability within the councils are very important to Louisiana anglers,” said Vitter. “Thousands of Louisianians and businesses are impacted by the red snapper fisheries, and we should be giving States more control than the federal government. The amendment being discussed today is being pushed by a far-left environmental activist group whose goal is to cut off public access to red snapper in federal waters.” The hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m. CT tonight at the Hyatt Place Baton Rouge: Public Hearing on Reef Fish Amendment 40 - Sector Separation 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. CT Hyatt Place Baton Rouge 6080 Bluebonnet Boulevard Baton Rouge The amendment today is endorsed by the New York based Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). EDF has received a $225,959 Fisheries Innovation Fund grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This grant program is primarily funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Walton Family Foundation, and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The intended purpose is to support the implementation of a “large scale recreational catch share” system in the Gulf Region. Vitter and the EPW Committee minority staff recently released a report that shows collusion between the Obama administration and groups like EDF. You can read the report here: The Chain of Environmental Command: How a Club of Billionaires and Their Foundations Control the Environmental Movement and Obama's EPA. In July Vitter introduced two amendments to the bipartisan Sportsmen's Act of 2014. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid blocked both. Vitter's first amendment would bring transparency to closed meetings of the Regional Fishery Management Councils (RFMC), including new requirements for detailed minutes and transcripts. Vitter's second amendment grants the Gulf States regional management authority of the red snapper fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico. In June, Vitter wrote an op-ed in the Houma Courier, “Protecting red snapper fishing.” Vitter’s op-ed was about fairly managing our fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and protecting the rights of recreational anglers - particularly with access to the red snapper fishery. Click here to read the op-ed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://scalise.house.gov/press-release/scalise-lauds-treasury-rule-allowing-gulf-states-apply-restore-act-funds,Scalise Lauds Treasury Rule Allowing Gulf States to Apply for RESTORE Act Funds,2014-08-14,2014,2014-08,Republican,House,LA,Steve Scalise,S001176,scalise.house.gov,,,legacy,"METAIRIE, LA - U.S. Representative Steve Scalise (LA-01) released the following statement regarding the  U.S. Treasury Department’s Interim Final Rule on the Resources and Ecosystem Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coastal States (RESTORE) Act.  The rule allows for Gulf Coast states, including Louisiana, to begin applying for grants from the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund for the purpose of environmental restoration and economic development projects.  ""This announcement is a victory and big step forward for the people of Louisiana,” said Scalise.  “The economy, culture and heritage of our great state are shaped and influenced by our unique coastline and wetlands.  As many families and businesses continue to struggle in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon spill, the RESTORE Act stands as the single most significant action taken to revitalize our coastline.  This rule finally enables much-needed funds to start flowing to our coastal communities as they continue to recover.” Scalise championed the RESTORE Act through the House of Representatives in 2011.  Specifically, the RESTORE Act directs 80 percent of BP Clean Water Act fines to Gulf Coast states still struggling with the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon spill for the purposes of ecosystem and economic recovery.  Earlier this year, Scalise along with U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy (LA-06) sent a letter to the Treasury Department urging the agency to expedite the rule-making process so that funds could more quickly be disbursed.  Click here to read the letter.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z