Media

Today, Congressman Carter released a statement following Haley Stevens’ endorsement of GOP Candidate Mike Rogers in the Michigan Senate race:  

“In my opinion, Haley Stevens’s decision has more to do with a bruised ego than a commitment to the people she was elected to serve. I could not be more disappointed.

“I understand that losing a primary hurts. I also understand that policy disagreements can be deeply held. But when we seek public office, we accept a responsibility to put the people ahead of our own disappointment. That responsibility does not end when we lose an election or feel slighted by another candidate.

“Haley has chosen to endorse Republican Mike Rogers, whose Trump-style policies she once vehemently opposed. What changed for the families of Michigan? What changed about their need for affordable health care, good jobs, lower costs, and protection of their rights? Those needs remain, regardless of how she feels about the Democratic nominee.

“Antisemitism is serious, and we have an obligation to confront it. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed has said clearly that he disagrees with the contents of the outside group’s advertisement. 

“Michigan Democrats chose their nominee. Haley had every right to challenge him in the primary and to continue pressing him on policy. But endorsing his Republican opponent days before the election calls into question the convictions she asked voters to believe in throughout her campaign.

“I have worked with colleagues with whom I strongly disagree. Public service requires that. We cannot allow a personal grievance to outweigh the consequences of our decisions for millions of people.

I expected better from my colleague. The people who supported her, volunteered for her, and trusted her word deserved better, too.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), released the following statement following the motion-to-dismiss hearing held in Shreveport, LA, on Louisiana v. Callais, to determine whether the legal challenge to the final Black-majority congressional district in Louisiana can move forward:

“Fair representation in our democracy doesn’t just mean lines on a map — it’s about whether Black Americans and other Americans of color have a meaningful opportunity to make their voices heard in government and obtain access to good schools, safe roads, and quality health care. The Callais plaintiffs got what they want earlier this year: the Supreme Court eviscerated the Voting Rights Act further, giving permission to conservative state legislators in Louisiana and around the country to eliminate Black-majority congressional districts. As a result, fair political representation for Black communities will take a huge blow this Election Day. But this wasn’t enough; now these plaintiffs want to eliminate the last remaining Black-majority congressional district in Louisiana – a state that is one-third Black and has six congressional districts. I will continue fighting to protect the right to vote and the principles of fair representation in Congress by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.”

Background

In April 2026, the Supreme Court issued a ruling in the Callais case that struck down Louisiana’s previous congressional map and further eviscerated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Louisiana eliminated one of its two Black-majority districts. Earlier today, a motion-to-dismiss hearing was held in Shreveport, Louisiana. At the hearing, the original plaintiffs in the Louisiana v. Callais case presented a challenge to Louisiana’s remaining majority-Black congressional district. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has requested the case be dismissed.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Co-Chairs of the Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus, introduced the Emergency Preparedness in Higher Education Act. This legislation authorizes $100 million in annual federal funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to distribute to higher education institutions. These grants would improve institutions’ capacity, planning, and facilities to better prepare for, and respond to, disasters and other emergencies that directly impact students, administrators, and staff. The need for greater disaster preparedness was evident when Hurricanes Katrina, Ida, and Irma devastated universities in Louisiana and Florida, and when wildfires forced evacuations of California campuses.

“Our climate crisis makes extreme weather events more frequent and severe, so we need to ensure uniquely vulnerable communities, such as our colleges and universities, have the support and resources they need to prepare for and respond to disasters and emergency situations,” said Congressman Carter. “I’m partnering with Rep. Moskowitz to introduce this legislation and take necessary steps toward preparing our institutions of higher education for protecting the lives, housing, property, and futures of our young adults and the staff that support them before disaster strikes – not after a storm has already arrived.”

“As Florida’s former emergency management director, I know that the time to prepare for a disaster is before it strikes. No student should be left wondering where to go or whether their campus can keep them safe when a disaster hits,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “Families send their children to college trusting that their safety is a priority. That responsibility starts long before the first evacuation order.”

Background

American colleges and universities function as small communities, often housing tens of thousands of students, staff, and researchers in concentrated areas, making them uniquely vulnerable to a range of natural disasters and other emergencies. Campus shootings and other acts of violence, from Virginia Tech to Michigan State, have shown that institutions need well-rehearsed active-threat plans and protocols, reliable mass-notification systems, trained threat-assessment teams, and coordination with local law enforcement. Additionally, climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of hurricanes, wildfires, floods, extreme heat, and other events that can shut down campuses, displace students, and damage infrastructure.

Institutions have a duty of care for the many students who live on campus far from family, including international students, students with disabilities, and low-income students who face additional challenges. Investing in comprehensive emergency planning, resilient infrastructure, continuity-of-operations strategies, accessible communication, and other resources protects lives, preserves academic and research missions, and limits financial impacts. As these threats become more frequent and often overlap, campuses need additional support to make preparedness a core institutional responsibility.

The Emergency Preparedness in Higher Education strengthens higher education resilience by establishing a $100 million annual FEMA grant program to help eligible higher education institutions create or expand emergency management and preparedness capacity. 

Eligible uses of grant funds include personnel costs to expand emergency preparedness; creating or updating comprehensive institutional emergency management plans; infrastructure and facility construction or improvements for emergency operations centers or areas of refuge; and equipment and technology to enhance interagency coordination.

Read the full bill text here.

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NATCHEZ, MS – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), Committee Member, released the below statement on their surprise oversight visit yesterday to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility at Adams County Correctional Center (ACCC) in Mississippi, the nation’s largest migrant detention facility. 

“One of Congress’ primary responsibilities is oversight of federal agencies, and we exercised that power – and legal right – in an unannounced visit to ACCC after a summer of crises, protests, and power outages. We wanted an unvarnished look at the institution to make sure that facility problems highlighted in correspondence our offices and in public inspection reports are being addressed, and that everyone in the facility has access to their constitutional due process rights. Regardless of a person’s station in life, they are still human and deserve safe shelter with adequate, sanitary food and water, and access to health care. 

“We continue to have concerns that detainees aren’t able to obtain access to adequate mental health services, a full understanding of what crimes they are charged with, and transparency and accountability for when ACCC staff fail in upholding their constitutional rights. As the Trump administration continues to weaponize ICE against communities across the country, we will continue rigorous oversight of immigrant detention facilities so that the law is followed and immigrants have access to their full constitutional rights.”

Background

Adams County Correctional Center (ACCC), operated by the private prison company CoreCivic, is the largest permanent immigration detention facility in the U.S. and detains an average of 1,878 men daily. 

In the past six months, ACCC and the men detained there have experienced multiple crises. In May 2026, ICE’s Office of Detention Oversight inspected ACCC and downgraded the facility from a “Superior” rating to “Acceptable/Adequate,” with only 24 of 28 standards met. In July, nearly 70 detainees submitted a petition to the warden demanding an end to the practice of placing three detainees in cells meant to hold two people. During the week of August 10, 2026, a lengthy power outage at ACCC left detainees without air conditioning for two days in nearly 100-degree heat. On August 22, 2026, around 100 male detainees started a protest over poor living conditions, spoiled food, and meager rations.

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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