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WASHINGTON, D.C. – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement regarding the pre-dawn raid of the residence of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) by federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
“I stand with Ilhan. The raid of Congresswoman Omar’s home is an unprecedented escalation in Trump’s weaponization of the federal government against his political opponents or anyone who disagrees with this administration. Despite Congresswoman Omar standing for reelection in a few weeks, federal agents swarmed her home in violation of longstanding Department of Justice norms of avoiding the appearance of political bias in the 60 days before elections. But the President does not care about appearances when it comes to vilifying and launching racist attacks against Congresswoman Omar and the entire Somali American community in Minnesota. Americans deserve a full account of this abuse of power by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, and I will use my position on the House Committee on Homeland Security to fight for transparency and accountability for all involved.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, and Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, re-introduced the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Securing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force Act.
This legislation will establish a task force within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dedicated to addressing safety and national security challenges posed by AI. The task force and reporting requirements will ensure effective DHS coordination as AI threats and challenges evolve. Recently, Rep. Carter appeared on CNBC to discuss how to regulate AI while preserving innovation.
“As technology advances in sophistication and use, our commitment to safeguarding against emerging threats and ensuring the responsible advancement of AI technologies must grow stronger too,” said Congressman Carter. “I’m introducing the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Securing AI Task Force Act to take an essential step towards managing the impact of AI on our cybersecurity landscape.”
“Advancements in AI technology are expanding by the day and we need to make sure our cybersecurity defenses are moving with it,” said Ranking Member Thompson. “This bill creates a dedicated CISA task force so the agency can better understand the risks that come with AI and make sure we are prepared to protect the systems and infrastructure Americans rely on every day. I am proud to work alongside Representative Carter to reintroduce this critical legislation and help ensure our defenses are ready for what comes next.”
Background
The CISA Securing AI Task Force Act would:
- Establish a Task Force - Within one year of enactment, the Director of CISA will establish a Task Force comprised of personnel from various offices and divisions to coordinate AI-related directives and activities.
- Address AI Challenges - The Task Force will ensure coordination of efforts to improve the safe and secure design, development, adoption, and deployment of AI. It will assess relevant safety and security initiatives, advise stakeholders on potential cyber risks associated with AI deployment, and identify workforce gaps.
- Increase Accountability - The Task Force will provide biannual briefings to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on its activities.
Read the full bill text here.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced the 988 Crisis Workforce Response Act. This legislation builds on existing behavioral health workforce training programs at the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to include trained crisis professionals, improving recruitment and retention efforts for these critical members of the behavioral health care team.
“America is not only experiencing a mental health crisis – but a severe mental health workforce shortage,” said Congressman Carter. “Every year, millions of Americans rely on the 988 Crisis Line to connect them to care, to specialists, and to hope. But without a properly trained and substantial workforce, individuals with mental health needs aren’t getting the care they deserve. This commonsense legislation will ensure that our behavioral health professionals have the support and resources necessary to continue providing care to those who need it.”
“When someone calls 988, they are often reaching out on one of the hardest days of their life. We need to make sure there is a trained professional ready to answer that call and help them through what comes next,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Carter on this impactful legislative effort to build the behavioral health workforce communities need and turn 988 from a number people can call into a system that can truly respond when someone is in crisis.”
Background
Nationwide, 137 million Americans live in a Mental Health Professional Service Area, and many states specifically report they have a shortage of crisis care providers. Without dedicated recruitment and retention programs, we will continue to fall short of the workforce needs for a robust crisis care continuum.
The 988 Crisis Response Workforce Act builds on existing behavioral health workforce training programs at the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to include trained crisis professionals, improving recruitment and retention efforts for these critical members of the behavioral health care team.
Specifically, this bill:
- Directs the Secretary to collect data on the availability and shortage of crisis response professionals and facilities.
- Creates a $10 million pilot program to train professionals who provide crisis management services, including those delivered at crisis call centers, as part of a mobile crisis response team, or through a crisis receiving and stabilization program, as part of the Minority Fellowship Program,
- Authorizes $10 million to add crisis workforce training programs as part of the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training program.
The 988 Crisis Workforce Response Act was included in a larger 988 package – the 988 Implementation Act, which was introduced earlier this month. The 988 Implementation Act is cosponsored by Congressmembers Doris Matsui (CA-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Troy Carter (LA-02), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Don Beyer (VA-08), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Becca Balint (VT-AL), and Kim Schrier (WA-08). The comprehensive legislative package will provide states with federal resources to build the crisis response infrastructure behind the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Read the full bill text here.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), alongside Reps. Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) introduced the Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act. This legislation requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop and submit detailed workforce plans to Congress to ensure the agency can effectively respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. It also requires FEMA to improve employee recruitment and retention efforts, develop strategies to train and deploy its workforce efficiently, and use data to address and fix staffing gaps.
“Americans rely on FEMA in our most desperate moments,” said Congressman Carter. “As storms grow more intense and last longer, our commitment to preparedness must grow stronger too. I’m proud to champion this bipartisan legislation that will ensure FEMA has the support they need to maintain an effective and efficient workforce prepared to respond wherever and whenever disaster strikes.”
“Communities across South Mississippi know firsthand how important it is to have a prepared and capable FEMA workforce when disaster strikes,” said Congressman Ezell. “I’m proud to help introduce the FEMA Workforce Planning Act to ensure FEMA has the right people, training, and resources in place to respond quickly and effectively when Americans need help most. By improving workforce planning and addressing staffing gaps before the next emergency, we can strengthen FEMA’s readiness and better serve communities recovering from disasters.”
“Unfortunately, FEMA’s longstanding workforce problems have only worsened over the last year and a half. In order to respond to worsening disasters, we need FEMA to have the proper analysis, strategies, and plans to ensure its workforce is effective and meeting the needs of the nation. I thank Congressman Carter for introducing this necessary legislation,” said Congressman Thompson.
Background
The Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act requires the FEMA Administrator to develop a human capital operating plan, in accordance with best practices outlined by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Comptroller General of the United States, to shape and improve the Agency's workforce. The plan must be submitted to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure every 3 years.
The workforce plans must include:
- Performance measures to evaluate progress towards the human capital goals of FEMA, including filling staffing gaps, closing skills gaps in mission-critical occupations, and implementing workforce training and, if applicable, progress towards meeting those goals;
- Details of the types of employees of FEMA, including by hiring authority and cadre;
- A comprehensive analysis of the projected costs associated with implementing the plan;
- Strategies and practices designed to increase cost-efficiency within the workforce operations of FEMA, including reducing overhead costs, improving resource utilization, and avoiding unnecessary expenditures;
- A detailed analysis of how FEMA determined its current overall staffing goals;
- An analysis of the current workforce of FEMA and possible gaps in the current staffing structure needed to fulfill FEMA’s mission; and,
- A plan of action with specific recommendations for developing and reshaping the workforce of FEMA to address the gaps in critical and emerging skills.
Read the full bill text here.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after a report came out that L.B. Landry High School could be forced to close.
“We must act now to save L. B. Landry High School.
“The clock is ticking, and Landry’s students, educators, families, and legacy cannot afford further delay. I am calling on NOLA Public Schools and the Orleans Parish School Board to act immediately to keep Landry open, identify a qualified operator, provide the resources students need, and ensure that the Algiers community has a meaningful voice in every decision.
“I grew up in Algiers, and my mother graduated from Landry in the early 1950s. As a member of the New Orleans City Council, I helped rename the street in honor of Dr. Lord Beaconsfield Landry because I understood what his name—and this school—mean to our community.
“We understand that Landry faces serious enrollment and financial challenges, but if Algiers Charter does not intend to renew its charter, then NOLA Public Schools must immediately begin a transparent search for a qualified operator, publish a clear transition timeline, and provide the enrollment, financial, and academic support Landry needs to remain open.
“I am also calling on the Orleans Parish School Board to work with NOLA Public Schools to identify funding, approve a viable operating plan, and consider every option for preserving Landry as a public high school, including interim management if necessary. Any potential operator must present a concrete plan to maintain strong academics, recruit and retain experienced educators, support current students, and rebuild enrollment through meaningful partnerships with Algiers families and community organizations.
“No decision should be made without a public process that gives students, families, educators, alumni, and residents a meaningful opportunity to be heard. The community must have a voice now—not after decisions about Landry’s future have already been made.
“Landry stood before my mother as she walked its halls, and generations of Algiers families have helped shape its story. We owe today’s students a quality education, and we owe future students a genuine effort to keep that story alive. Saving Landry will require urgency, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the families who depend on it.
“Please contact NOLA Public Schools and the Orleans Parish School Board today. Tell them to keep L. B. Landry High School open, pursue every viable operating option, and include the Algiers community in the process. Your voice matters, and we need it now.
“I also urge you to attend the town hall I will host to hear from the community and discuss what it will take to keep Landry open. Please watch for details and make plans to attend. This is our opportunity to stand together and demand action before it is too late.
“Algiers has never been a community that gives up on its own. But saving Landry will require all of us to act now. Contact NOLA Public Schools, attend the town hall, and help us protect this vital institution for today’s students and generations to come.”
You can read the original article here.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after Converse and Nike released a social media campaign promoting the Chuck 70X sneaker – including pictures with serious racial implications.
“Nike and Converse, what the hell were you thinking?
“Your campaign shows what looks like a hooded Klansman, framed by what appears to be the dangling feet of a lynching victim. There is nothing creative or artistic about it. It is racist, reckless and deeply offensive.
“I am a Black man, a son of the South and a Member of Congress from Louisiana. Where I come from, the image of Black people hanging from trees is not ancient history. That pain still lives in our families and communities. The white hood is not some harmless costume. It is a symbol of terror, murder and generations of racial violence.
“Do not insult our intelligence by dismissing this as an unfortunate misunderstanding. An advertising campaign does not just appear. It is conceived, photographed, reviewed, approved and distributed. At every stage, someone had the opportunity—and the responsibility—to say no.
“Who created this campaign? Who approved it? How many executives saw it? Were there any Black people in the room? If so, did anyone listen to them?
“You do not get to quietly pull the images, issue a polished apology and move on. You do not get a do-over. The public deserves to know how this happened, who was responsible and what you intend to do about it.
“Black pain is not a marketing prop. Lynching is not a creative concept. The Ku Klux Klan is not an aesthetic.
“This campaign should never have been created, approved or released. Nike and Converse must answer for it. You have caused real harm, and repairing that harm will require more than an apology written by your public relations department.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), alongside Reps. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Christian Menefee (D-TX), and Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), re-introduced the Equity in Research Act. This legislation creates a targeted National Science Foundation grant program to increase research capacity for under-resourced institutions of higher education.
“For far too long, students at under-resourced institutions have faced undue barriers to entering high-growth fields in STEM,” said Rep. Carter. “By strengthening research capacity at institutions that have long been at the forefront of empowering generations of students from historically under-resourced and underserved communities, we can strengthen our nation’s innovation pipeline and ensure that all students, not just some, have the resources and opportunity they need to pursue a future in STEM.”
“Researchers who are Black and brown often don’t get a seat at the table, and their contributions get drowned out,” said Rep McIver. “It is important that we provide opportunities to research institutions that are typically underfunded and undervalued because their researchers offer unique and valuable perspectives. Their work informs and supports scientific advancement and furthers workforce development and U.S. competitiveness. I am excited to provide grants that will support important long term work, not just one-time investments.”
“The next lifesaving cure, groundbreaking technology, or scientific discovery could come from a researcher who simply has not been given the resources to pursue it. When we invest in more researchers, more institutions, and more ideas, we expand what is possible,” said Rep Menefee. “That’s why I’m proud to support the Equity in Research Act alongside Rep. Carter and my colleagues in Congress and help ensure that great ideas have the resources they need to become groundbreaking discoveries.”
"The Equity in Research Act is a great opportunity to give students at community colleges and minority-serving institutions the tools they need to get more out of their education and help them compete at the forefront of cutting-edge research. I thank Rep. Troy Carter for his leadership on this bill, which will expand research participation and STEM pathways." Said Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz.
Background
The Equity in Research Act creates a new National Science Foundation (NSF) grant program to strengthen research capacity at institutions of higher education that have historically faced barriers accessing federal research resources. Many minority serving and land grant institutions operate with outdated facilities and limited research infrastructure, restricting their ability to compete for federal grants and contribute fully to the nation’s scientific enterprise.
The bill authorizes NSF grants of $1–$5 million for eligible institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Predominantly Black Institutions, Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, and 1890/1994 land grant universities. Funding may be used for upgrades to existing buildings, essential research equipment, infrastructure maintenance, and personnel costs directly tied to research activity.
By expanding research capacity at under resourced institutions, the Equity in Research Act strengthens the nation’s innovation pipeline and broadens opportunity for students historically underrepresented in STEM. Ensuring that federal research investments reach a more diverse set of campuses supports scientific advancement, workforce development, and long-term U.S. competitiveness.
Key Points:
- Establishes a dedicated NSF grant program to support research infrastructure at under resourced institutions.
- Provides $50 million in annual authorization beginning in FY27.
- Targets institutions that serve historically underserved communities to expand research participation and STEM pathways.
- Supports sustainable, long-term improvements rather than short-term or one-time investments.
Read the full bill text here.
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Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced that the bipartisan TWIC Efficiency (TWICE) Act introduced by himself and Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will improve access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program by assisting those currently in Federal, State, or local prisons through the TWIC card application process to gain this credential needed for specific transportation sector jobs.
“I am incredibly proud that my colleagues passed the TWICE Act, a bill which I know will have a lasting impact in Louisiana and across the country,” said Rep. Carter. “So many jobs in the United States require a TWIC card just to work behind a secure facility’s gate, and this bill gives returning citizens a fair shot and ensures that workforce training can improve people’s lives.”
“A man’s character shouldn’t be measured by how he falls, it should be measured by how he stands back up. By cutting red tape and streamlining access to the TWIC program, this legislation will address maritime and transportation workforce shortages in the Gulf of America and Louisiana waterways while extending a second chance to formerly incarcerated Americans,” said Rep. Higgins. “I commend Congressman Carter for his leadership on this effort and hope my Senate colleagues will swiftly deliver these reforms to President Trump’s desk.”
Background
The TWICE Act would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to:
- Develop guidelines to improve returning citizens' access to the TWIC program.
- Develop guidelines to assist individuals in custody to pre-apply for TWIC cards and to assist those requesting an appeal or waiver after issuance of a “Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility.”
- Provide a briefing to Congress within a year on improvements to access to the TWIC program.
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program was created by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002 as a response to September 11th and extenuating concern over national security. TWIC remains critical to national security by regulating access to maritime facilities and vessels. Across the country, there are 13,825 vessels and 3,270 facilities under MTSA’s jurisdiction. These facilities are often major employment hubs – ports, terminals, factories, refineries, power plants, and more.
TWIC assists in controlling workers’ access, like those involved in the surface transportation of containers in or out of ports or those involved in the construction, maintenance, or operation of adjacent facilities and their associated infrastructure. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) manages TWIC card applications. In total, 2.3 million Americans have TWIC cards, and about 500,000 Americans enroll per year.
TWIC cards are often required for employment in high-demand professions for which labor is in low supply. Facilities within MTSA’s jurisdiction are critical to the supply chain yet are egregiously affected by labor shortages. Nationally, as of October 2023, there is a 2-million-person gap between job openings and unemployed workers, and the labor participation rate has fallen from 67% in 2000 to 62% today.
Before issuing a TWIC card, TSA will conduct a security threat assessment to determine a person’s eligibility. Applicants with criminal records, depending on the offense, will be temporarily or permanently disqualified from the TWIC program. According to TSA, individuals in the custody of Federal, State, and local prisons are not eligible until after they are released from custody. After, they will receive a “Preliminary Determination of Illegibility” for one-year post-release, regardless of offense. Applicants may appeal a preliminary determination and go through a redress process, and TSA issues a waiver in most circumstances.
Based on a TSA-verified sample, approximately 98% of applicants are issued a TWIC card, including redress cases. However, approximately 62% of applicants do not respond to redress notifications. Only 0.1% of those requesting redress are denied due to TSA standards. The redress process is burdensome and often takes months for TSA to review conviction details, circumstances, and proof of rehabilitation. Assisting applicants with the redress process – and minimizing the number of applicants going through this process – can accelerate hiring, increase the labor pool, and reduce TSA’s administrative burden.
Nearly 30% of American adults have a criminal record, yet adult incarceration nationally has declined by 30% in the past decade. Just in Louisiana, about 13,000 formerly incarcerated persons are released back into communities each year.
The TWICE Act is endorsed by American Trucking Association, American Waterways Operators, American Association of Port Authorities, World Trade Center of New Orleans, Transportation Institute, Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), GNO Inc., Right on Crime, IMTT, The Cooper Group, Cooper Consolidated, Prison Fellowship, Riverview Boat Store - St. Louis barge company, We Work the Waterways, Central Ohio River Business Association (CORBA), Bayaud Enterprises, Bridgeways, Church World Service, Commercial Drivers License of California, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, Conservation Corps of Long Beach, First 72+, JOB1 Business & Career Solutions, Justice & Accountability Center of Louisiana, JustUS Coordinating Council, Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration, National Skills Coalition (NSC), New York Association of Training & Employment Professionals, REDF, Repowered, The Fortune Society, Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, The Los Angeles Regional Reentry Partnership, Valeo Vocation, Jobs for the Future, JustLeadershipUSA, and Reentry Working Group.
Read the full bill here.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, introduced a bipartisan House Resolution in recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
“This issue is important to me because every year, the Black community is disproportionately affected by prostate cancer. Specifically, Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men,” said Rep. Carter. “To address the disparities in prostate cancer outcomes, we must ensure at-risk populations have access to prevention, early detection, and treatment options. This disease does not have to be a death sentence. Together, we can increase awareness through campaigns like ‘Prostate Cancer Awareness Month’ and beat prostate cancer once and for all.”
“As a physician and Co-Chair of the Men’s Health Caucus, I’m proud to support this resolution. Prostate Cancer is one of the leading causes of death for men, affecting 1 in 8 men during their lifetime. As an ER Doctor, I have seen firsthand the devastation Prostate Cancer has on men and their families. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in leading this resolution once again to help break the stigma around seeking help and raise awareness of this horrible disease.” said Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA).
“Throughout my career as a physician, I saw firsthand the difference that early detection can make in the fight against prostate cancer,” said Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL). “Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting American men, yet too many put off important conversations with their doctors about their risk and screening options. This September, I’m proud to once again join my colleagues in recognizing National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and encouraging men across the country to take charge of their health, know their risk, and talk with their doctor about what is right for them.”
“Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men,” said Rep. Lieu (D-CA). “It’s important to talk to a doctor about risk factors and getting screened, especially as you get older and the risk increases. Early detection can save lives. Making September National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder for men to prioritize their health. I’m pleased to join the Men’s Health Caucus on this bipartisan effort.”
“Ensuring that our communities are informed about prostate cancer and early detection strategies is crucial to saving lives and protecting families,” said Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ). “As Co-Chair of the Men’s Health Caucus, I am proud to help lead efforts to designate September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and remain committed to making meaningful progress toward improving health outcomes and ending the stigma around men’s health.”
The full text of the resolution is below, and you can read it here.
“Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.”
“Whereas, more than 3,100,000 men have at some point been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are still alive in the United States;
“Whereas 1 in 8 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes and 1 in 44 men in the United States will die from prostate cancer;
“Whereas the Men’s Health Network advises that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed nonskin cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States;
“Whereas the American Cancer Society estimates that, in 2026, 333,830 men will be diagnosed with, and more than 36,320 men will die of, prostate cancer;
“Whereas 40 percent of newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases occur in men under the age of 65;
“Whereas the chances of developing prostate cancer rise rapidly after age 50;
“Whereas African-American men suffer from a prostate cancer incidence rate that is significantly higher than that of White men and have more than double the prostate cancer mortality rate than that of White men;
“Whereas having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles the risk of a man developing prostate cancer, with a higher risk for men who have a brother with the disease and the highest risk for men with several affected relatives;
“Whereas screening by a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen blood test can detect the disease at the earlier, more treatable stages, which could increase the chances of survival for more than 5 years to nearly 100 percent;
“Whereas only 32 percent of men survive more than 5 years if diagnosed with prostate cancer after the cancer has metastasized;
“Whereas there are typically no noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer in the early stages, making appropriate screening critical;
“Whereas the Department of Veterans Affairs has established 21 Precision Oncology Centers of Excellence in order to deliver precision oncology services to veterans suffering from prostate cancer;
“Whereas ongoing research promises further improvements in prostate cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment; and
“Whereas educating people in the United States, including health care providers, about prostate cancer and early detection strategies is crucial to saving the lives of men and preserving and protecting families:
“Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
“(1) expresses support for the designation of ‘National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month;’
(2) declares that steps should be taken—(A) to raise awareness about the importance of screening methods for, and treatment of, prostate cancer; (B) to encourage research—
(i) to improve screening and treatment for prostate cancer;
(ii) to discover the causes of prostate cancer; and
(iii) to develop a cure for prostate cancer; and (C) to continue to consider ways to improve access to, and the quality of, health care services for detecting and treating prostate cancer; and
(3) calls on the people of the United States, interest groups, and affected persons—(A) to promote awareness of prostate cancer; (B) to take an active role in the fight to end the devastating effects of prostate cancer on individuals, families, and the economy; and (C) to observe National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 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 Co-Chair Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), 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. – Today, New Orleans lost a giant, and I lost a friend.
Jerome “Big Duck” Smith was a freedom fighter, a mentor and a servant of this community who loved his people deeply.
Duck didn’t have much patience for excuses. If our children needed something, he was going to fight until somebody listened.
That was Big Duck.
It was never about Jerome. It was always about somebody else.
His civil rights work did not stop with the movement of the 1960s. He spent the rest of his life carrying that work forward through Tambourine and Fan, teaching generations of young people where they came from, what they were capable of, and why they mattered.
I am grateful that I had the chance to know him, work with him, laugh with him and, yes, sometimes be pushed by him. More than anything, I am grateful that I was able to tell him while he was still here what he meant to me and what he meant to this city.
New Orleans is better because Big Duck walked these streets.
To his family, his loved ones and the entire Tambourine and Fan family, my prayers are with you.
Rest well, my brother. Thank you for loving this city and its people enough to spend your life fighting for them.
Rest in power, Big Duck.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) led the Flood Resilience Caucus in sending a letter to Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Administrator Cameron Hamilton, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and members of the FEMA Review Council. The Members provided a response to FEMA Review Council Report Key Recommendation 7 – Reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for Financial Stability and Risk Resilience. The Flood Resilience Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Troy Carter (D-LA), Mike Ezell (R-MS), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), and Randy K. Weber, Sr. (R-TX).
“The federal government needs a federal flood insurance program that keeps coverage affordable, narrows the insurance gap, and rewards mitigation—yet Risk Rating 2.0 has undermined these goals. Since its October 2021 rollout, our offices have fielded steady complaints from policyholders about the new pricing methodology, which has increased affordability pressure and widened the coverage gap. The average NFIP policy now costs $1,808 annually, a 103.6% jump over legacy rates,” the Members wrote. “Clearly, NFIP reform is necessary. The FEMA Review Council’s Final Report provides a platform for this action; however, nuance is needed to achieve desired results in line with FEMA’s mission of ‘helping people before, during and after disasters.’”
On May 7, 2026, the FEMA Review Council released its final report of findings and recommendations, proposing a range of policy shifts. The report calls for gradually shifting NFIP toward the private market through continued implementation of Risk Rating 2.0, updated flood mapping, risk-based pricing, and a voluntary program to transfer policies to private insurers, with the ultimate goal of moving the bulk of flood coverage into the private market. This approach will weaken a program already struggling to retain policyholders by pulling the lowest-risk policies out to private insurers, leaving NFIP holding a smaller, more concentrated pool of higher-risk properties, driving up average losses, shrinking premium revenue, and deepening the program's debt to the Treasury. Policyholders already face rising premiums under a “risk-based” model whose actual math they cannot see. FEMA has never released the full underlying Risk Rating 2.0 formula or subjected it to independent, third-party verification, leaving homeowners and local officials unable to check whether their individual rating factors (flood distance, elevation, mitigation credits) are correct and fair.
The lawmakers provided the following feedback to the FEMA Review Council:
- Empower Communities (Better Land-Use Policies)
- Modernize Risk Assessment (Update Risk Rating 2.0 & Improve Maps)
- Implement Risk-Based Pricing & Actual Costs
- Revise ‘Write Your Own’ Compensation
- Shift to Private Market through Depopulation of Existing NFIP Policies
- Evaluate Development of Flood Insurance Marketplace
- Address Repetitive Loss Properties
“CSFI appreciates the Flood Resilience Caucus for uplifting common-sense NFIP improvements, from a means-tested affordability program to a third-party review of Risk Rating 2.0. Flood events have occurred in 99% of counties over the past 20 years, and the peril affects essentially all congressional districts, although only 4% of American households have flood coverage. As NFIP participation continues to fall from a peak of 5.7M to under 4.5M now, CSFI encourages Congress to act on this program before more policyholders are priced out, while advancing sustainable solutions that reduce risk across perils.,” said Michael Hecht, President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) and founder of the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance (CSFI).
Additional lawmakers signing onto the effort include Reps. Cleo Fields (D-LA) and LaMonica McIver (D-NJ).
Background:
Members of the Bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus recognize the importance of acting now to adapt communities and build resilience in the face of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Research shows that proactive investments in adaptive measures, such as elevating homes and retrofitting infrastructure, can save taxpayers an average of six dollars for every one dollar of federal spending.
Read the full letter here.
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