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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), alongside Reps. Cleo Fields (D-LA), Mike Ezell (R-MS), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) introduced the NFIP Premium Transparency Act. This bill will require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide comprehensive, transparent flood insurance information to property owners and the public through enhanced policy documents and a new online tool.

“Since FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 program went into effect, Louisiana families have opened their flood insurance bills with more questions than answers: why their premium jumped and what discounts they're missing,” said Rep. Carter. “Louisiana has more riding on this than almost any state in the country. This legislation gives homeowners the information they've always deserved: a clear breakdown of their rates, real savings from mitigation, and a roadmap to full-risk pricing. This isn't a partisan issue. It's about giving working families the tools to protect their homes, their budgets, and their futures.”

The NFIP Premium Transparency Act requires FEMA to overhaul how flood insurance information is shared with property owners, a change with outsized stakes for Louisiana, which holds more than 470,000 National Flood Insurance Program policies. Within 12 months, the bill mandates enhanced information on the declaration pages of each flood insurance policy issued under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to clearly show current premiums, available discounts, claim history, rating factors, mitigation savings, and the timeline to full-risk pricing, giving coastal homeowners facing rising premiums clarity on why and when increases are coming. Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to launch a public online tool that allows property owners to access detailed flood risk data, including premium calculations, replacement costs, and flood history, along with an interactive feature showing how mitigation efforts, such as elevation, could lower both risk and cost.

“Louisiana families pay more flood insurance premiums than almost anyone in the United States, and for too long they've been handed a bill with no explanation. They] deserve to know why their rates went up, when they'll go up again, and what they can do about it. This bill does exactly that,” said Rep. Fields.

“Families deserve to know exactly how their flood insurance premiums are determined and what steps they can take to lower their costs,” said Rep. Ezell. “The NFIP Premium Transparency Act gives homeowners greater access to the information they need to make informed decisions, invest in mitigation, and better protect their property. For coastal communities like those in South Mississippi, improving transparency within the National Flood Insurance Program is a common-sense step that will help strengthen resilience while making the program more accountable to the people it serves.”

“Too many families in Northeastern Pennsylvania struggle with the impact flooding can have on their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Flood insurance continues to go up, making it harder for families to sell and first-time homeowners to buy,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “For many homeowners in our region, the NFIP is the only realistic option for protecting their property, but rising premiums are making that coverage increasingly difficult to afford. This legislation ensures that our families, small businesses, and non-profits are not priced out of the peace of mind that flood insurance brings.”

The NFIP Premium Transparency Act is endorsed by the Americans for Financial Reform, National Association of Counties (NACo), Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance, United Policyholders, American Policyholders Association, Greater New Orleans, Inc., Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO), Northshore Business Council, Fair Insurance Rates for Monroe (FIRM), Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance (GNOHA), and HousingNOLA.

“In Southeast Louisiana, flood insurance isn’t optional - it’s a reality that directly impacts housing affordability and community resilience. By requiring clear, detailed information on how premiums are calculated, the NFIP Premium Transparency Act empowers consumers and strengthens the market by bringing much-needed transparency to a complex system,” said Dan Mills, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans.

“With climate change driving greater flood risk across the country, it's critical that homeowners, renters, and prospective buyers and residents understand a property's flood history, the long-term trajectory of the flood risk they face, and what they can do to protect their homes and lower their insurance costs. The NFIP Premium Transparency Act would give people the information they need to better protect themselves physically and financially from floods,” said Alex Martin, climate finance policy director at Americans for Financial Reform.

“As President of FIRM, I am writing to express our strong support for the NFIP Premium Transparency Act introduced by Congressman Fields. This legislation takes a meaningful step forward by requiring clear, detailed information on declaration pages and creating an interactive Flood Insurance Information Tool. These changes will help policyholders better understand their premiums, discounts, and mitigation options, which we believe will improve trust in the program,” said Mel E. Montagne, President, Fair Insurance Rates for Monroe (FIRM).

“It's no secret that in Louisiana we desperately need comprehensive reform of the National Flood Insurance Program. We know that won’t happen quickly, and in the interim, the NFIP Premium Transparency Act gives homeowners the opportunity to arm themselves with information about costs and risks, and what can be done to address both.  While we wait on reform, knowledge is power, and that gives families the opportunity to make the best choices possible. We are grateful that the Louisiana congressional delegation continues to take the lead on critical matters such as this legislation—helping Louisiana families take meaningful steps to #PutHousingFirst,” said Andreanecia M. Morris, President, Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance (GNOHA).

“The bill is a common-sense measure that brings visibility to property owners' risk factors.  At long last, it empowers NFIP policyholders to better understand how NFIP sets premiums, and how to mitigate risk and cost simultaneously.  With an NFIP deadline of September 30 nearing, and with a pressing need to reconsider the federal role in insurance through a congressional commission, this bill is an important step forward in bringing light to the insurance crisis,” said Michael Hecht, President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) and founder of the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI).

Background:

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a federal program administered by FEMA that provides flood insurance to homeowners and businesses, aiming to reduce the financial impact of flooding. The program is vital for Louisiana, a state with extensive low-lying areas and frequent exposure to hurricanes and heavy rainfall. The NFIP helps protect residents from devastating financial losses due to flood damage, encourages responsible development in flood-prone areas, and supports rebuilding efforts after disasters—making it a critical safety net for Louisiana’s communities.

Since 2021, Risk Rating 2.0 has been FEMA's flood insurance pricing methodology, replacing the older system that largely based premiums on flood zone and elevation with a more granular model that factors in distance to water, elevation, construction type, and individual property flood risk. Many policyholders saw rates rise sharply without an intuitive explanation tied to flood zone maps they were used to, and FEMA's reluctance to release the full underlying methodology made it hard for homeowners and agents to understand or verify why their specific premium changed

In December, Rep. Carter authored the National Flood Insurance Program Automatic Extension Act of 2025. The bill ensures that the NFIP automatically continues its core operations even if Congress misses a scheduled reauthorization deadline.

Rep. Carter and Ezell also introduced H.R. 2822, the National Flood Insurance Program Authorization Extension Act in April to avoid a lapse in program authorization resulting from a government shutdown. This bill would have extended the program through December 31, 2026. They also introduced H.R. 5848, the NFIP Retroactive Renewal and Reauthorization Act in November, legislation to backdate reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to September 30, 2025, while extending the program’s authorization until December 31, 2026. This bill ensures that policyholders who plan to renew are not penalized for the lapse in NFIP reauthorization caused by the Republican government shutdown.

Rep. Carter serves as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Flood Resilience Caucus and the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Caucus. He continues to advocate for common-sense, bipartisan reforms to strengthen and sustain the NFIP for Louisiana and other flood-prone communities. 

Read the full bill text here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) introduced the Establishing and Developing University Cannabis Agriculture Techniques and Excellence (EDUCATE) Act. This bill creates pathways for minority students to explore and study jobs in cultivation, research, business, and policy sectors of the legal marijuana market.

“As the legal cannabis market continues to grow, this bill helps guarantee that local economies, not just large corporations, benefit from new jobs, new businesses, and new research,” said Rep. Carter. “By strengthening programs at HBCUs and HSIs, we can ensure students from historically underserved communities can enter high‑growth fields in agriculture, research, and advanced manufacturing.”

The 1890 Land-Grant Institutions are historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that offer high-quality agricultural research, education, and extension programs to prepare students from diverse backgrounds to participate meaningfully in the agriculture industry. Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) are colleges and universities where at least 25% of the undergraduate student body identifies as Hispanic and play a key role in expanding educational access. The cannabis industry has grown at a significant rate, projecting to generate $100 billion in revenue by 2030. As more states continue to implement or expand marijuana legalization policies, job growth will continue, serving as a pathway to economic empowerment for communities that have often been left out.

“The legal, responsible use of cannabis has been a major economic driver in Nevada and across the country and deserves further research,” said Rep. Titus. “The EDUCATE Act would enable students to explore and study jobs in the cultivation, research, business, and policy sectors of the legal marijuana market by providing federal funding to institutions of higher education.”

“As the cannabis plant becomes an increasingly prominent part of America's agricultural landscape, it is vital that we develop robust research and educational systems to grow our knowledge base, improve public health, maintain leadership on the global stage, and train the next generation of farmers and experts. The EDUCATE Act significantly facilitates these goals while creating opportunities for the communities that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. NORML is grateful for the introduction of this legislation, and we urge members of Congress to support it and call for its consideration without delay,” said Morgan Fox, Political Director, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).

“We are proud to endorse this legislation that will cultivate the next generation of cannabis industry leaders. Black and Latino communities have been most impacted by marijuana criminalization yet have been largely boxed out of the legal industry.  This bill will help change that, bringing us one step closer to an equitable marijuana industry,” said Maritza Perez Medina, Director of Federal Affairs, Drug Policy Alliance.

“HBCUs have played a critical role in developing and educating future leaders in our country, from Thurgood Marshall to Kamala Harris. This bill is an opportunity to bolster these historic institutions by providing the resources necessary to empower the next generation of students to study careers in the cultivation, research, business, and policy sectors of the legal cannabis market. For far too long, people of color bore the brunt of an overly punitive criminal justice system that relished the opportunity to throw jail time their way for cannabis. This bill represents an opportunity for those same communities to reap the benefits of the burgeoning billion-dollar cannabis industry, and we are proud to support it,” said Stephanie Shepard, Executive Director, Last Prisoner Project and former federal cannabis prisoner.

Background:

The EDUCATE Act will:

• Provide $5,000,000 in annual research and operational funding to HBCU 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and HSIs to assist in developing the infrastructure needed to support student engagement and learning in cannabis agriculture.
• Create a $100,000 scholarship annually for undergraduate and graduate students to pursue studies in cannabis agriculture.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

Congressman Carter is a member of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and is a leader on cannabis policy. He is the author of the Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act which would deliver justice for countless Americans whose lives have been disrupted and deprived because of a misdemeanor Marijuana offense. He also introduced the RESPECT Resolution that outlines steps and practices to create an equitable cannabis industry that addresses, reverses, and repairs the consequences of the failed “War on Drugs.” Finally, his bipartisan CLIMB Act will allow state-legal American cannabis companies, including small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses the ability to access critical lending and investment opportunities currently available to other domestic and regulated industries.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement:

“This ruling is a win for Louisianians and for every American who just wants to breathe clean air. The court was clear: the EPA's arguments for walking away from this rule simply did not hold up. That matters. The 2024 standard was grounded in science and built through a public process, and it's projected to prevent thousands of premature deaths and tens of thousands of asthma attacks every single year. Louisianans deserve those protections as much as anyone.

“I understand the concerns raised by industry about compliance costs, and I will always fight for policies that keep Louisiana businesses competitive and our energy workforce strong. But protecting public health and supporting a responsible energy and manufacturing sector are not mutually exclusive goals. Cleaner air doesn't have to come at the expense of good jobs, and an EPA that simply refuses to enforce the law isn't doing right by the people it's supposed to serve.

“I'm glad the courts stepped in here. I'll continue pushing the EPA to implement this standard fully and fairly, and to work with us on a realistic path to compliance that protects both our families and our economy.”

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressmen Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement:

“Today marks a major step forward for New Orleans and for the future of our medical corridor. For far too long, Charity Hospital has stood as a reminder of what was, and what still could be. I have long believed that this historic site deserved new life, new purpose, and a vision worthy of its legacy.

“Tulane University’s commitment to help lead this redevelopment is welcome news. This project has the potential to be catalytic and transformative, bringing together healthcare, research, education, housing, jobs, and economic growth in a way that can strengthen downtown New Orleans and benefit our entire region.

“Charity is more than a building. It is part of the soul of New Orleans. Generations of families were born there, cared for there, trained there, and served there. To see real momentum toward its redevelopment is both meaningful and long overdue.

“Hats off to Tulane University and to the public-private partnership that helped make this possible. Big projects take vision, patience, persistence, and cooperation. This is the kind of bold partnership New Orleans needs.

“There is still work ahead, but today we should recognize this important milestone and keep pushing forward. Redeveloping Charity Hospital is not just about restoring a historic landmark. It is about building opportunity, expanding innovation, and shaping a stronger future for New Orleans.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Clay Higgins (R-LA), and Cleo Fields (D-LA) introduced the bipartisan Crawfish Reclassification for Agricultural Workforce (CRAW) Act. This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly classify crawfish‑processing work—such as washing, sorting, grading, whole‑boiling, peeling, and transporting—as “agricultural labor or services.”  By recognizing these tasks as agricultural, the legislation makes crawfish‑processing employers eligible to use the H‑2A visa program, which is designed for temporary agricultural labor and is not subject to the annual caps that restrict the H‑2B program.

“Louisiana's crawfish industry is a cornerstone of our state's agricultural economy and our cultural identity, but for too long, outdated visa classifications have left our processors scrambling for the workforce they need,” said Rep. Carter. “I've heard directly from crawfish processors across Louisiana about the loss of income and crop simply because of bureaucratic definitions that somehow classifies peeling a crawfish tail as less agricultural than picking a tomato. The CRAW Act fixes this by calling crawfish processing what it is: agricultural work. This commonsense fix will give our processors access to a more reliable workforce, protect thousands of jobs, and help ensure Louisiana crawfish stays on dinner tables here at home and across the country.”

The Louisiana crawfish industry has become one of the state’s most economically significant agricultural sectors, with acreage and production increasing by approximately 200 percent over the past two decades and total economic value surpassing $640 million in 2025. However, the industry has struggled with severe labor shortages due to H‑2B visa caps, delays, and inconsistent visa releases. These labor issues have forced processing plants to scale down operations or send unprocessed crawfish overseas for peeling, resulting in potential estimated losses of over $100 million. Shifting these jobs into the uncapped H‑2A program would provide a more dependable workforce, strengthen Louisiana’s agricultural economy, and help prevent supply shortages and price spikes for consumers.

“My office has long endeavored to correct workforce issues facing the crawfish industry, and I believe the CRAW Act provides long-term stability,” said Rep. Higgins. “The legislation accounts for the unique nature of crawfish processing and rightly transitions the industry from the H2-B to H2-A visa program. I’m proud to sponsor this commonsense fix, and I’d like to thank Congressman Carter for his work on this issue.”

“I'm proud to support the CRAW Act, which finally recognizes crawfish processing as the agricultural work it has always been,” said Rep. Fields. “One simple change gives our processors access to the uncapped H-2A program and frees them from the H-2B caps and delays that have left plants short-staffed season after season. This is overdue relief for my constituents. Crawfish is a way of life in Louisiana and a major driver of our economy, yet labor shortages have shut down plants, sent our catch overseas to be peeled, and cost the industry millions. A dependable, legal workforce shouldn't be too much to ask, and I urge my colleagues to join me in standing up for Louisiana's workers and producers.”

“Farm grown commodities need to reach their markets to be of value to both the farmer and the consumer. Farms require a seasonal workforce to do that. Through the CRAW Act, Congressmen Carter, Higgins, and Fields are rightfully recognizing that crawfish processing should be eligible for H-2A, our agricultural guestworker program. Our delegation fought this miscategorized workforce regulatory battle with us in the spring and we are very appreciative of the Louisiana members for carrying this fix forward to legislation,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, introduced a bipartisan House Resolution in recognition of Men’s Health Week which occurs annually the week leading up to Father’s Day. This resolution is intended to raise awareness about men's health issues and promote preventive care.

“As a father, I think about the future my sons will inherit—and that includes making sure I’m here for it,” said Rep. Carter. “Too many men across this country are skipping checkups, ignoring symptoms, and needlessly losing years of their lives. National Men’s Health Week is not just about awareness—it's about action. It’s about telling every man, every father, every son: your health matters. Early detection saves lives. Preventive care isn't optional—it's essential. I’m proud to introduce this resolution because it’s time we change the conversation around men’s health and help more men live longer, healthier lives for the people who count on them most."

"As a physician, I understand the critical importance of men's health. I'm proud to Co-Chair the Congressional Men's Health Caucus and support this resolution recognizing National Men's Health Week,” said Rep. McCormick. “We must encourage men to prioritize their well-being, seek preventive care, and be proactive about their health. Early detection and regular checkups can save lives and ensure men are there for their families and communities. Let's use this week to raise awareness, break down stigmas, and promote a culture of health and longevity for all men."

“Knowing early warning signs and getting regular checkups are essential for men to live healthy lives,” said Rep. Lieu. “We need to make sure men have the education and access to care they need. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in the Men’s Health Caucus to support Men’s Health Week and raise awareness for men's health issues.”

“As a country, we need to improve the conversation around men’s health—and together, we’re working to make that happen,” said Rep. Menendez. “By commemorating National Men’s Health Week, we can take an important step to encourage men across the country to prioritize their wellbeing and seek preventative care for both physical and mental health. I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Men’s Health Caucus for leading this important effort.”

“As a urologist, I know that some of the most serious health conditions affecting men are also among the most treatable when caught early,” said Rep. Dunn. “I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Men’s Health Week to raise awareness about the value of preventative care and encourage Americans to schedule regular checkups and recommended screenings. Taking proactive steps today can make all the difference for a healthier tomorrow."

The full text of the resolution is below, and you can read it here.

“Supporting the designation of the week of June 14 through June 21, 2026, as ‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’.

“Whereas, despite advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of more than 5 years less than women, and American Indian/Alaska Native and African-American men have the lowest life expectancy;

“Whereas heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and unintentional injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead to death in men at a higher percentage than women;

“Whereas African American and Hispanic men have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, compared to non-Hispanic White men and are less likely to seek care from a health professional;

“Whereas suicide is among the top 10 causes of death for men, and ranks as the second highest cause of death for men in 2 age groups, from ages 1 through 19 and ages 20 through 44;

“Whereas men on average experience a heart attack 7 years earlier than women;

“Whereas testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men between the ages of 15 and 34, and when detected early, has a 95-percent survival rate;

“Whereas, according to the American Cancer Society, the number of colorectal cancer cases among men is expected to be over 84,160 in 2026, and over 30,110 men are expected to die from it;

“Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 out of every 100 American men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime;

“Whereas, according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 333,830 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2026, and an estimated 36,320 of them will die from the disease;

“Whereas African-American men in the United States have the highest incidence of prostate cancer;

“Whereas African-American men are 1.76 times more likely to be diagnosed with, and 2.2 times more likely to die from, prostate cancer than White men;

“Whereas significant numbers of predominantly male-related health problems, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, infertility, and colon cancer, could be detected and treated in the early stages if men were more widely aware of the many early detection and screening tools and preventive measures currently available;

“Whereas educating both the public and health care providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality for these diseases;

“Whereas appropriate use of tests such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) exams and blood pressure and cholesterol screens, in conjunction with clinical examination and self testing for problems such as testicular cancer, can result in the detection of many of these problems in their early stages and increases in the survival rates to nearly 100 percent;

“Whereas, according to the 2019 Cleveland Clinic MENtion It Survey, two-thirds (65 percent) of men tend to wait as long as possible to see their doctor if they have any health symptoms or an injury, and among men surveyed, men ages 35 to 54 are more likely to agree they tend to tough it out as long as possible before going to the doctor (72 percent), compared to men 55 and up (59 percent);

“Whereas women are twice as likely as men to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services;

“Whereas men are less likely than women to visit their health center or physician for regular screening examinations of male-related problems for a variety of reasons, including fear of learning or confirming health status or condition, embarrassment, lack of health insurance, lack of information, and high out-of-pockets costs;

“Whereas ‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’ was established by Congress and first celebrated in 1994 and urges men and their families to engage in appropriate health behaviors, and the resulting increased awareness has improved health-related education and helped prevent illness;

“Whereas the Governors of all 50 States have issued proclamations annually declaring Men’s Health Week in their States, as have mayors of over 350 cities;

“Whereas, since 1994, ‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’ has been celebrated each June by hundreds of States, cities, localities, public health departments, health care entities, churches, and community organizations throughout the Nation that promote health awareness events focused on men and families;

“Whereas the ‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’ website has been established at www.menshealthmonth.org and features proclamations from Governors and mayors, and ‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’ events;

“Whereas men who are educated about the value that preventive health care can play in prolonging their lifespan and their role as productive family members will be more likely to participate in health screenings;

“Whereas men and their families are encouraged to increase their awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and medical checkups; and

“Whereas June 14 through June 21, 2026, is ‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’, which has the purpose of heightening the awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys:

“Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

“(1) supports the annual ‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’; and

“(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States  and interested groups to observe ‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’ with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Background

Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) is the Co-Chair of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus. Congressman Carter is joined by Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), Co-Chair, and Vice Chairs Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Rob Menendez (D-NJ). The bipartisan Caucus is dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health issues, encouraging men and boys to take an active role in their personal health, and promoting legislation that will improve the health and well-being of men, boys, and their families.

The Men’s Health Caucus focuses on topics including mental health care, prostate cancer screening, traumatic brain injury, and urological health issues. The Caucus will continue these efforts to educate Congress and the public about important topics in men’s health.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Alma Adams (D-NC) recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Health Resources & Services Administration Administrator Thomas J. Engels urging the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) not to delay critical funding for the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program (Follow-Up Program). The members want to ensure the important services provided by sickle cell disease community-based organizations (CBOs) do not lapse. Any delay in awarding grants will impact the continuation of the critical services provided by the CBOs that participate in the program.

“While newborn screening for sickle cell disease (SCD) occurs in every state, many individuals are lost to follow-up care or face barriers to access high-quality care throughout their lifetime,” the Members wrote. “HRSA’s Sickle Cell Disease Newborn Screening Follow-Up Program works in tandem with HRSA’s Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program (SCD TDP) to help address these access issues. The Follow-Up Program focuses on providing supportive services to individuals living with sickle cell disease and their families while the SCD TDP focuses on the clinical aspect of care for individuals with SCD and bolstering provider education related to SCD.”

The current five-year grant cycle for this program ends August 31, 2026, but HRSA has yet to issue a new Notice of Funding Opportunity for the next grant cycle. Without an announcement of future funding, it is unclear if the SCD Follow-Up Program will be extended. Congress provided full funding for the program in 2026 at $7 million and there is active support for continued funding in 2027.

“Sickle cell disease doesn't wait, and neither can we. The 25 community-based organizations funded through HRSA's Follow-Up Program are lifelines for patients and families across this country — connecting them to care, to specialists, and to hope,” said Rep. Carter. “Congress did its job by funding this program in 2026, and we stand ready to fight for continued funding in 2027. But right now, HHS must act. Every day without a new Notice of Funding Opportunity is a day these organizations are left in limbo, and every day they are in limbo, patients are at risk. I will not stop pushing until these grants are secured and the sickle cell community has the certainty it deserves.”

“I watched my sister suffer and lose her life to sickle cell disease at just 26 years old. That loss is why I have spent my career in Congress fighting to ensure no family faces that same devastating struggle alone, without access to proper care,” said Rep. Adams. “The 25 community-based organizations funded by the Follow-Up Program are the backbone of the sickle cell community, connecting patients with education and resources, linking families to specialists, arranging transportation to care, and providing financial support when families need it most. These organizations are not a luxury. They are the infrastructure that keeps patients alive. Every day this funding is delayed puts that infrastructure at risk of collapse. I am calling on HHS to issue a new Notice of Funding Opportunity for these grants immediately. We cannot allow politics or bureaucratic inaction to cost people their health, or their lives.”

“The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. (SCDAA) thanks Representatives Troy Carter and Alma Adams for taking the lead on urging the Administration to extend the grants for HRSA’s Sickle Cell Disease Newborn Screening Follow Up Program. Since 2002, Congress has funded these grants to support sickle cell disease community-based organizations (CBOs). They are used to provide essential direct services, referrals, and education to those living with sickle cell disease,” said Regina Hartfield, President and CEO of SCDAA. “CBOs are the first place a sickle cell warrior goes for help. CBOs—and the sickle cell community--cannot have this grant program lapse.”

Additional lawmakers signing onto the effort include Reps. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Shomari Figures (D-AL), Al Green (D-TX), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Robin Kelly (D-OH), Summer Lee (D-PA), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Emilia Sykes (D-OH), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Nikema Williams (D-GA).

Read the full letter here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) secured deadline extensions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Joint Infrastructure Recovery Request (JIRR) program in New Orleans to June 2, 2028. FEMA also agreed to review other active Katrina recovery projects across south Louisiana for potential extensions.

“Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina, we are still dealing with the aftermath of the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history,” said Rep. Carter. “FEMA’s partnership and resources have been the backbone of Louisiana's rebuilding efforts. While Louisiana has closed out 99% of Katrina recovery projects, the scope and technical complexity of the few remaining projects require additional time to complete responsibly and in compliance with federal requirements. I am happy FEMA granted this extension and will continue to fight for all funding that my community needs.”

“This extension is critically important for the people of New Orleans because it gives us the ability to complete transformative infrastructure projects that are already underway and continue delivering long-overdue improvements to our residents,” said Mayor Helena Moreno. “An enormous amount of work went into securing this extension, and I am incredibly proud of our team for their relentless advocacy and coordination to help make this happen.”

JIRR is a comprehensive FEMA-funded initiative to repair 10,000 blocks of streets and drainage systems damaged by the historic floods of Hurricane Katrina. On Wednesday, Congressman Carter pressed Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in a committee hearing to grant time extensions for these projects to ensure they are completed responsibly.

Additionally, Congressman Carter sent letters this past December and February to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security in support of the state’s extension requests for the JIRR program and other active Hurricane Katrina recovery projects in Louisiana.

You can read those letters here and here.

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Updates School Signage with SAMHSA 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Information

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman James Moylan (R-GU) introduced the bipartisan Student SuicidePrevention Awareness Act of 2026. This legislation would expand grant funds to support a public awareness campaign addressing youth mental health in middle schools and high schools. Specifically, the program would encourage schools to update their signage on campus to inform students about the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

“Too many young people are struggling with their mental health in silence, and too often help feels out of reach in a moment of crisis,” said Rep. Carter. “My bill is a simple, commonsense step to ensure every student knows exactly where to turn for help. If this bill helps even one young person pause, reach out, and get the support they need, then it will have done its job.”

Signage would be required to indicate this is a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day, giving students experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts resources to access immediate help. Signs should be displayed, or digitally posted, in locations easily visible to students including, but not limited to, entrances and exits of the school, student common areas, school counselor offices, school nurse offices, gymnasiums, auditoriums, art rooms, music rooms, libraries, student restrooms (including bathroom stalls and sinks) and locker rooms, and digital school bulletin boards, as applicable.

“The mental health and well-being of our students must remain a national priority, including for our youth in Guam,” said Rep. Moylan. “This legislation helps ensure students are aware of critical resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and encourages schools to foster environments where seeking help is supported and accessible. No student should feel alone in moments of crisis.”

“From the first time I met Congressman Carter and his staff, I knew they would be one of the best allies on Capitol Hill for mental health and suicide prevention. The pain and struggles that I have been through as someone with Clinical Depression and past suicidal ideation should be transformed into something that can help other young people across the country. And that is what Congressman Carter is helping us do. The Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act of 2026 is such an important step to ensuring young people know about resources like the 988 Lifeline that are available to them. I see that there is so much stigma among my peers and hesitancy to seek help, along with a general lack of awareness. We need to be teaching our children that seeking help when you are struggling is a strength, not a weakness. By strengthening Project AWARE and helping schools be trusted messengers for this work, we are truly working to save young lives and provide hope to those in need. Thank you to Representatives Carter and Moylan for bringing this bill forward,” said Ayaan Moledina, high school student and Federal Policy Director, Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT). 

“The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors endorses the Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act of 2026 as this strengthens the awareness of 988 and highlights the importance of suicide prevention for youth in schools,” said Brian Hepburn, MD, Executive Director, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD).

“The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is proud to support the Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation led by Congressman Carter (LA-02) and Delegate Moylan (GU-At-Large) to expand awareness of and access to critical mental health resources, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,” said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at AFSP. “Research published in JAMA found suicide deaths among 15 to 23-year-olds were 11% lower than expected following the launch of the 988 Lifeline in July 2022 through December 2024. This legislation is a practical, life-saving step to help ensure students know where to turn during a mental health or suicide crisis. By promoting clear, consistent 988 signage in schools, it will help connect more young people to support and strengthen a culture of care, help-seeking, and suicide prevention in school communities.”

Background:

In January, Congressman Carter authored the Raising Awareness for Youth Suicide (RAYS) Prevention Act. This bipartisan bill requires middle and high schools to include mental health and suicide prevention information on student identification cards and school websites.

The Student Suicide Prevention Awareness Act is endorsed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT), National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Psychological Association, JJ's Hello Foundation, The Grace Loncar Foundation, Half a Sorrow Foundation, The Speedy Foundation, Western Youth Services, Jay Walkers, American Counseling Association, Inseparable, and the Association for Mental Health and Wellness.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

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Members of Congress Press for Action to Protect U.S. Sugar Producers from Predatory Trade Practices

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) joined Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) to send a bipartisan, bicameral letter, along with 112 of their colleagues, in support of efforts by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to utilize a Section 301 investigation into unfair and discriminatory trade practices by foreign sugar-producing countries. They call on USTR to take appropriate action to protect American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers, processors, refiners, and factory workers from being undercut by discriminatory foreign trade practices. In the letter, the members of Congress:

• Highlighted that the tier two tariff, meant to defend U.S. sugar production from being undercut by discriminatory foreign trade practices, has not been updated in 26 years and has become wholly ineffective.
• Noted that the erosion of the tier two tariffs has led to a more than 700 percent increase in out-of-quota sugar imports between Fiscal Years (FY) 2021 and 2025 compared to the prior five-year period.
• Highlighted a recent study by the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Agricultural Risk Policy Center analyzing the impact of over-quota sugar imports on domestic sugar prices, which found that Tier-2 imports depressed U.S. domestic raw sugar prices and resulted in an estimated loss of up to $1.8 billion for the domestic U.S. sugar industry last year.
• Cited peer-reviewed research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics that confirms the retail prices of sugar-sweetened foods are not driven by the cost of sugar.
• Urged Ambassador Greer to take action to level the playing field for U.S. producers, including imposing tariffs sufficient to return sugar imports to historic norms.

“The sugar farming families and workers across our States support more than 151,000 jobs in more than two dozen states while generating more than $23 billion in economic activity each year. We are gravely concerned about the surge in unfairly traded foreign sugar imports, which, along with higher input costs, are plunging the domestic industry into crisis and presenting an imminent threat to the industry’s long-term viability,” the Members wrote.

“U.S. sugar policy is a necessary response to a global playing field where foreign countries routinely sell sugar at well below the world cost of production… In the past 10 years, 14 percent of our nation’s beet sugar processing facilities and 12 percent of our domestic cane sugar mills and refineries have closed, including the complete loss of sugarbeet farming in California (2025) and sugarcane farming in Hawaii (2016) and Texas (2024). Absent action to protect the domestic sugar industry from discriminatory foreign trade practices, these continued revenue losses will only mount, threatening the future existence of domestic U.S. sugar production. We strongly urge you to investigate these unfair trading practices that disadvantage our domestic sugar industry and take decisive action as appropriate.”

Read the full letter here.

The following organizations have endorsed the letter: Amalgamated Sugar Company, American Crystal Sugar Company, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sugar Alliance, American Sugar Cane League, American Sugar Refining, Inc., American Sugarbeet Growers Association, Big Horn Basin Beet Growers Association, Big Horn County Sugar Beet Growers Association, Colorado Sugarbeet Growers Association, Elwyhee Beet Growers Association, Florida Crystals Corporation, Florida Sugar Cane League, Michigan Sugar Company, Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Union, NebCo Beet Growers Association, Nebraska Sugarbeet Growers Association, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association, Snake River Sugarbeet Growers, Southern- Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, Southern Montana Sugarbeet Growers Association, Sugarcane Growers Cooperative of Florida, US Beet Sugar Association, US Sugar, Western Sugar Cooperative, Wheatland Beet Growers Association, Wyoming Sugar Company, Alma Plantation, Cajun Sugar Company, LLC., Cora Texas Manufacturing Co, Enterprise Factory, Lafourche Sugars Corp, Louisiana Sugar Cane Co-op, Lula Sugar Factory, Raceland Raw Sugar Corp, St. Mary Sugar Co-Op, Sterling Sugars, and Westfield Sugar Factory.

Background:

Sugarcane production is a cornerstone of Louisiana's economy and culture, generating billions of dollars in economic impact annually. Louisiana’s sugarcane industry is why New Orleans proudly hosts the Sugar Bowl each year. Approximately 13 million tons of sugar cane are produced on more than 400,000 acres of land in 22 Louisiana parishes. Much of the cane is processed at the 11 raw sugar factories in the state. The industry supports roughly 17,000 jobs through the production and processing of sugarcane in Louisiana.

Last week, Congressman Carter and Congressman Higgins (R-LA) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging a Section 301 investigation into unfair practices harming the American seafood industry. Read that full letter here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressmen Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Clay Higgins (R-LA) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging a Section 301 investigation into unfair practices harming the American seafood industry.

Our fishermen have long played a crucial role in the Louisiana economy and culture, providing jobs, supporting coastal communities, and ensuring a reliable domestic seafood supply. Louisiana’s shrimp industry has led the United States in shrimp production, averaging about 100 million pounds in annual landings and accounting for nearly 50% of Gulf shrimp landings over the past 25 years. However, the ongoing influx of unfairly subsidized, low-cost imported shrimp has placed this industry in an untenable position. Foreign seafood companies have also been documented to engage in labor abuses and false labeling, among other issues. All of this has contributed to a significant decline in the domestic seafood industry. A Section 301 investigation offers an important tool for correcting trade imbalances and ensuring fair competition across the seafood sector.

“Consistent with the Executive Order and your stated intent, we respectfully request that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) initiate a broad Section 301 investigation into unfair acts, policies, and practices affecting trade in seafood and seafood products,” the Members wrote. “A Section 301 investigation encompassing a broad spectrum of unfair practices, including false labeling and species designations, the abuse of banned antibiotics and fungicides in aquaculture, export and production subsidies, environmental harm, structural excess capacity, labor abuses, and permissive standards with respect to gear usage, would allow the Administration to effectively leverage access to our market to improve conditions overseas and level the playing field for the American seafood industry within its own domestic market.”

“Because of the breadth and complexity of these challenges, we encourage the USTR to pursue a seafood-specific Section 301 investigation that examines all unfair acts, policies, and practices across the full seafood supply chain from countries including, but not limited to: Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam, ” the Members continued.

The letter is endorsed by many seafood industry associations, including the Catfish Farmers of America, Southern Shrimp Alliance, California Sea Urchin Commission, North American Marine Alliance, Oregon Trawl Commission, Hawaii Longline Association, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, North Carolina Fisheries Association, California Pelagic Fisheries Association, Fishing Communities Coalition, Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association, Alabama Farmers Federation, and the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

“Time and again I hear from Louisiana Farm Bureau members who have a simple request of their lawmakers: help us do business on a level playing field. Congressmen Carter and Congressman Higgins clearly have heard that plea and are raising their voices for us in a big way. We appreciate them calling on USTR to initiate a Section 301 investigation on seafood and we join them in this request to give our crawfish farmers, shrimpers, and other seafood producers a fighting chance,” said Richard Fontenot, President of Louisiana Farm Bureau 

“The U.S. shrimp industry is grateful to Congressmen Clay Higgins and Troy Carter for spearheading a Congressional request to the United States Trade Representative to launch a Section 301 investigation — one that can comprehensively address the unfair acts, policies, and practices harming American seafood producers. We ask the Trump Administration to seize this opportunity to address unfair trade practices, eliminate unsafe imports, and level the longstanding unfair playing field for American producers. Under fair market conditions, American shrimpers can sustainably harvest tens of millions of additional pounds of shrimp each year — preserving a way of life for fishing families and boosting coastal economies from Texas to North Carolina,” said Blake Price, Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance.

Read the full letter here.

Background

Congressman Carter and Congressman Higgins are authors of the bipartisan Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act, which grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) additional authority to order the destruction of foreign products that fail health inspections at import facilities, ensuring that contaminated, unsafe, and mislabeled seafood imports do not harm American consumers.

In March 2025, Congressman Carter and a bipartisan coalition of Gulf representatives introduced the Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2025, which passed the House on May 12, 2026. This bill requires U.S. representatives to the International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, and other international financial institutions to oppose financial assistance to foreign countries for projects that support shrimp farming, processing, or exporting of shrimp from any foreign country to the United States.

Congressman Carter is also an original co-sponsor of the Safer Shrimp Imports Act, which would require foreign shrimp producers to meet the standards that domestic producers face before exporting their shrimp to U.S. markets.

Last year, Congressman Carter sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jameison Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick outlining his concerns about harms inflicted on the U.S. domestic shrimp industry due to unfair trade practices and non-reciprocal trade agreements.

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