Media
Latest News
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement:
“From the battlefields of Korea to the halls of Congress, Charlie never stopped fighting — for justice, for fairness, for the people of Harlem, and for the heart of this nation. He was a giant, a trailblazer, a lion whose voice roared for the voiceless.
“We have lost a legend, but his spirit lives on in every fight for equity and every young leader he inspired.
“Rest well, Congressman. You changed the world — and we will carry your torch forward.
“My deepest condolences to the Rangel family and all who loved him.”
###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement:
“I unequivocally condemn all acts of violence—no matter the target, no matter the justification. The recent deadly shooting at the Jewish Museum was a heinous act of terror, and my heart breaks for the lives lost and the communities in mourning.
“Let me be clear: every life is precious. Every voice has value. No belief system, political stance, or religious identity should ever make someone a target.
“Violence—whether in the name of religion, politics, or protest—is never the answer. We must work together to build a world where our differences are not feared, but respected. Where our disagreements lead to dialogue, not destruction.
“Hate has no place in our society. Not now. Not ever.”
###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement after voting no on the Republican Budget Bill:
“Tonight, Republicans may have won a battle—but the war for the soul of this nation is far from over.
“Yes, we were outvoted—by just one vote. One vote that will never be a mandate to tear healthcare from the hands of children, seniors, veterans, and working families.
“For over 30 hours, we stood our ground. We fought—on the floor, in committee, and through the night—because the stakes are too high to sit this one out.
“This fight is not about politics. It’s about people.
“It’s about veterans who served with honor.
It’s about mothers caring for sick children.
“It’s about workers who can’t afford to get sick, and people with disabilities who deserve dignity and care.
“To every American watching—know this: we will not back down.
“We will continue to fight for what is right, what is just, and what is humane.
“They may have won this round—but we are not finished.”
###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement:
“The Justice Department’s decision to charge Congresswoman LaMonica McIver for performing her constitutional duty is deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable.
“Members of Congress have clear legal authority to inspect federal detention facilities without prior notice. This isn’t a gray area—it’s established law and a vital check on executive power.
“Charging a sitting Member of Congress for lawful oversight sets a dangerous precedent. It’s not about safety or justice—it’s political retaliation masquerading as law enforcement.
“We cannot allow the Department of Justice to be used as a tool of intimidation. I stand with Congresswoman McIver and every Member committed to holding government accountable. This is a test of our democracy—and we must not fail it.”
###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) will continue to be in a 36-hour-long Energy and Commerce Committee business meeting debating the Republican partisan budget reconciliation bill. Under this plan, Republicans will impose $715 billion in Medicaid cuts.
Congressman Carter invited Katie, Coye, Connor, Cooper Corkern from Louisiana to join him as an example of a local family who will be devastated by these Medicaid cuts. Connor John Corkern was born 18 years ago with a congenital brain malformation. His parents were shocked at the news of his diagnosis as his mother Katie’s pregnancy was uneventful. At just six weeks old, Connor’s parents were told that his brain malformation was so significant that he would need one on one care for all aspects of his life. He was blind, developmentally delayed, had poor muscle tone, was fed through a tube, had numerous types of seizures every day, had an underdeveloped pituitary gland, needed hormone replacement medications, had an immune deficiency disorder, and was nonverbal. Coye, a Louisiana law enforcement officer, and Katie, a Special Education Teacher, spent much of their time with Connor at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans as their son’s seizures and illnesses turned into life-threatening events.
After nearly a decade of being on a waiting list for a home and community-based disability waiver, Connor was given an emergency New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) in 2015. The NOW waiver afforded them Medicaid despite their income, and with that came help in caring for Connor at his own home with his parents and two brothers. Connor’s skilled nurse has been with him for 10 years now. She cares for Connor while his parents work. Connor has also had wonderful direct support professionals who assist him in the evenings while his parents bring his brothers to and from extracurricular activities and events.
When Connor was first diagnosed, his physicians warned his parents that his life was extremely fragile and there was a high chance he would not survive childhood. On May 7, 2025, Connor graduated from high school with his peers.
“We’re here because the Republican Majority is attempting to do exactly what they promised: rip people’s health care away from them,” said Rep. Carter. “Under this plan, Republicans will impose drastic Medicaid cuts–which will result in millions of Americans losing their health care, destroy our hospitals and close the nursing homes our parents and grandparents rely upon while blowing-up states’ budgets, including Louisiana’s. These cuts will put the elderly, the disabled, and our children at risk – all so they can give trillions of dollars in tax breaks to billionaires and large corporations. Simply put- this is cruel, inhumane and wrong.
“Connor’s story is an example of why Medicaid is so important for countless families across the United States. Republicans need to know that these cuts are not just numbers on paper, these are decisions with real life consequences that will hurt our people. Medicaid plays a crucial role in providing life-saving care to millions of Americans and Louisianians, and it’s essential that we continue to support and strengthen this program – not make it harder for people to access care. Let’s make it easier for children, like Connor, and their families to access these critical services made possible through Medicaid, not harder. Connor’s story could be any family’s story. The story of our family should not be written in a genetic lottery. Every family is precious.”
View photos and video from today’s meeting here.
###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) led 33 Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. opposing staff and budget cuts. The Members also expressed strong concerns with HHS’ upcoming re-organization plans, which will eliminate the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
“As you know, the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was created to fill the growing need for mental health, suicide, and substance use emotional support. Since its inception in July 2022, the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has received over 13 million calls, texts, and chats from people seeking support across the country – including 1.4 million from the Veteran’s Crisis Line (VCL). Any further staffing and budget cuts at SAMHSA could affect or disrupt this vital service, potentially leading to an increase in hospitalizations, mental health issues and crises that will go unaddressed,” the Members wrote.
Congressman Carter is the sponsor of the Mental Health Workforce Act, legislation that incentivizes students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities to pursue careers as mental health care practitioners by offering student loan forgiveness in exchange for a commitment to serving communities of color as mental health practitioners for five years after graduation. He is also Chair of the Men’s Health Caucus, a bipartisan group 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
Background
The letter was signed by 33 Members of Congress, including Reps. Jennifer L. McClellan (D-VA), William R. Keating (D-MA), Greg Landsman (D-OH), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Marc A. Veasey (D-TX), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Bradley Scott Schneider (D-IL), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Summer L. Lee (D-PA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), André Carson (D-IN), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Robert J. Menendez (D-NJ).
Read Congressman Carter’s full letter here.
###
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement on newly selected Pope Leo XIV:
“As a Black man, a proud son of New Orleans, and a U.S. Congressman honored to represent Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District — which includes the very 7th Ward neighborhood where our newly selected Pope’s family once lived — I am overwhelmed with joy and pride at this historic moment.
“For many years, I have had the privilege of serving and representing this vibrant, resilient community — a place rich with Creole heritage, deep faith, and a legacy of perseverance. As someone who grew up in the Catholic faith and graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historically Black Catholic university in the world, I know firsthand the profound intersection of faith, identity, and culture that shapes our people.
“The news that the first American Pope has roots here in New Orleans, with ancestral ties to our Creole and Haitian families, is nothing short of extraordinary. It reminds the world that greatness rises from every corner — including communities that history has too often overlooked or underestimated.
“This moment is a testament not just to personal achievement, but to the enduring strength and global reach of New Orleans’ diverse faith community. As we celebrate, I pray that the Holy Father leads with justice, compassion, and a commitment to uplifting the marginalized, reflecting the spirit of the people and places that shaped him.
“We rejoice as one — and we send our love, our prayers, and our pride from the 7th Ward to the Vatican.”
###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) slammed the Musk-Trump Administration for terminating two grants awarded to the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office (OPDA) by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) which support local justice efforts. The unexpected loss of these critical federal investments threatens both long-term historical justice efforts and immediate victim safety in domestic violence cases in New Orleans.
Funding for the Emmett Till Cold Case Investigations and Prosecution Program and the Field Initiated: Encouraging Innovation - Upstream Solution to Domestic Violence: Comprehensive Pretrial Intervention in New Orleans was eliminated.
“I am deeply upset by the termination of these grant programs,” said Rep. Carter. “These awards represented investments not just in prosecution, but in healing. For families still grieving the loss of loved ones in racially motivated killings, and for domestic violence victims looking for alternatives to punitive systems, these programs were lifelines. Their loss is a setback to both justice and community safety. I call on the Musk-Trump Administration to reinstate these crucial funds immediately.”
In fall 2024, OPDA was awarded a $1 million grant under the Emmett Till Cold Case Investigations and Prosecution Program, intended to fund investigations into racially motivated homicides occurring before 1980. While OPDA had already identified more than 175 such cold cases for investigation, the premature termination of the grant halts plans to hire a full-time investigator, provide $200,000 in mental health services to victim families, and fund forensic collaboration with the New Orleans Police Department. These cuts threaten OPDA’s ability to deliver long-overdue justice to families impacted by civil rights-era violence and to ensure their trauma is acknowledged with care and dignity.
Additionally, OPDA has been informed of the termination of funding under the FY23 Field Initiated: Encouraging Innovation grant, in which OPDA was a sub-recipient. Led by local nonprofit Beyond Harm in partnership with Tulane University’s Violence Prevention Institute, the $1 million project aimed to interrupt cycles of domestic violence by diverting low-level cases into intensive pretrial services focused on healing and accountability. To date, 64 individuals have participated in the program and 55 victims have engaged with supportive services. With $650,000 remaining and strong early indicators of success, the project was poised to be a national model.
###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), Chair of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, announced the re-launch of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus in the 119thCongress, alongside Reps. Rich McCormick (R-GA), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Rob Menendez (D-NJ). The 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.
“I am pleased to once again lead the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus this Congress,” said Rep. Carter. “As we embark on a new session, I’m reminded of the late Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who was the Chairman of this Caucus and a dedicated advocate for men’s health issues. In his memory, we remain committed to ensuring that men have access to vital health information and comprehensive quality care. As Chair, I look forward to continuing this important work and encouraging men to take a proactive approach to their health.”
"Men's health is a critical issue that we must address head-on. As a physician and a Marine veteran, I understand the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Through the Men's Health Caucus, we will work tirelessly to raise awareness, promote preventive care, and support legislation that improves the lives of men, boys, and their families across our nation,” said Rep. McCormick.
“I am honored to rejoin the bipartisan House Men’s Health Caucus and reaffirm my commitment to advancing policies that improve health outcomes for men and their families,” said Rep. Lieu. “The disparities in men’s health—whether in life expectancy, disease detection, or mental health—are stark and demand serious attention. I am pleased to join colleagues on both sides of the aisle in promoting greater awareness, encouraging preventative care, and supporting initiatives that empower men to prioritize their health. Men’s health is not just a men’s issue—it’s a family issue, a workforce issue, and a national priority. Together, we can help ensure more men live longer, healthier lives.”
“The Men’s Health Caucus is committed to encouraging men to take proactive steps to protect their health — through prevention, early detection, and seeking support when it’s needed,” said Rep. Menendez.“This caucus will be at the forefront of addressing the health challenges that Americans are facing and I know we can do this important work - together.”
“The Men’s Health Caucus accomplished a great deal in the 118th Congress, and I look forward to continuing that success in the coming years,” said Rep. Dunn. “We are committed to bringing men’s health to the forefront of public health discussions in Washington, and I’m excited to take on a leadership role in the caucus during the 119th Congress.”
The Men’s Health Caucus will focus on topics including mental health care, prostate cancer screening, traumatic brain injury, and urological health issues. The Caucus plans to continue these efforts to educate Congress and the public about important topics in men’s health.
Watch the press conference here.
View photos of the press conference here.
###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN), and Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act. This legislation would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to collect, analyze, compile, and publish accurate, detailed data on disabled roadside vehicle crashes and work zone crashes to develop a strategic plan to stop these incidents.
Three Southern University students and band members were killed on the evening of December 6, 2022, in rural Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, while they were changing a tire on the side of Interstate 49. The driver of an 18-wheeler drifted off the road and struck the left side of the students’ disabled vehicle, killing them all instantly. Being stuck along America’s roadways is incredibly dangerous. Crashes involving disabled or vulnerable passenger vehicles stopped on or near active roadways are a deadly, growing traffic safety problem.
“I’m proud to introduce this bill which addresses an urgent and preventable traffic safety crisis,” said Rep. Carter. “The tragic loss of three Southern University students is a reminder of the lethal dangers faced by anyone stranded along America’s roadways. No one should lose their life while performing something as routine as changing a tire or refueling their car. This legislation protects everyday road users, professionals, and first responders who risk their lives to keep our roads safe. It’s past time for comprehensive action to prevent these avoidable roadside deaths.”
In response to this incident, Congressman Carter began to work with traffic safety professionals and advocates, including Louisiana native and former National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator Dr. Ricardo Martinez, to write a bill to make our roadways safer for passengers of disabled vehicles.
Studies show that accidents involving disabled roadside vehicles are often underreported and likely kill or injure over 15,000 people in America annually. Additionally, almost 100,000 work zone crashes occur annually, leading to over 35,000 injuries and almost 1,000 deaths – including almost 150 construction worker fatalities. Even though work zones may be set up properly according to state requirements, these crashes and related fatalities continue to increase.
“Nobody should have to fear for their lives while tending to an emergency on the side of the road,” said Rep. Titus. “We can and must do better. I am proud to co-lead this legislation to prevent roadside deaths and injuries.”
“Injuries and deaths from crashes involving disabled roadside vehicles and work zones are a tragic and largely preventable problem in our country,” said Rep. Yakym. “I’m proud to partner with Reps. Carter, Bresnahan, and Titus on this commonsense, bipartisan legislation that uses data, collaboration, and existing resources to address a real issue impacting tens of thousands of lives each year. The Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act moves us closer to a shared goal: making safety the standard, not the exception on America’s roads.”
“Work zone and roadside crashes happen far too often, and each incident represents a devastating loss that impacts families, communities, and the essential workers who keep our infrastructure moving,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “The Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act is a critical step forward in protecting those who work and travel along our nation’s roads. By improving data collection, encouraging strategic planning, and leveraging existing federal resources, this legislation will help save lives and make our work zones and roadways safer for everyone.”
“Implementing a Safe System Approach to eliminate serious traffic injuries and fatalities requires policy solutions inclusive of all road users, especially vulnerable road users,” said Mark Chung, Executive Vice President of Safety Leadership and Advocacy for the National Safety Council. “Vulnerable road user deaths remain troubling even as overall motor vehicles fatalities decline. The National Safety Council believes the Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act takes a vital step forward in addressing the crisis on our roads by bringing government stakeholders together to align data and better implement the National Roadway Safety Strategy.”
“Urban League of Louisiana applauds the steadfast efforts of Congressman Carter to author bills that elevate the lived experiences of disinvested communities and which champion tangible outcomes for Louisianans and Americans,” said Judy Reese Morse, Urban League of Louisiana President & CEO. “The Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Death Act is the most recent example of Congressman Carter seeking to use data as a critical tool in crafting a strategic plan to make Americans safer while commuting. This bill is smart, timely, and addresses a less-known threat to Americans making less than the US median income and Black motorist.”
“A motorist repairing a flat tire, a first responder aiding people after a crash, a police officer stopping an impaired driver, and a construction worker repairing a roadway all have one thing in common. They are vulnerable to being struck and killed or injured by passing motor vehicles, a common occurrence that affects 72,000 people every year. We are proud to support the Preventing Roadside Deaths Act, sponsored by Reps. Troy Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), that directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a national strategy to address this deadly problem because all road users should be protected on all parts of our roadways,” said Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.
“The sharp increase in traffic fatalities in the last few years is a public health threat that must be met head-on. AAA believes the Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act is a good first step in that direction and looks forward to working with Congressmembers Carter, Yakym, Titus, and Bresnahan and safety stakeholders to improve safety for anyone stranded or working at the roadside,” said AAA President and CEO Gene Boehm.
“I know all too well the tragedies that can strike families with a disabled roadside vehicle, and I appreciate Congressman Carter’s ‘Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act,” said MADD National Ambassador Michelle Ramsey. “My 4-year-old son Samuel and 6-year-old son Khaiden were killed by a drunk driver who plowed through safety triangles, struck a car that then struck me, then ran off the road and slammed into my sons, my daughter Kaylee and a teenage neighbor who had come outside to help us. Two beautiful lives were stolen on the side of the road that night and three others will never be the same.”
“Every few minutes, healthy Americans are killed or injured in these incidents, and the numbers are rising. People in and around disabled vehicles are sitting ducks, especially on high-speed roads. It’s time to address this deadly issue and implement effective solutions,” said Dr. Ricardo Martinez, former NHTSA Administrator and emergency physician.
“On behalf of the men and women of the American Association of State Troopers, we strongly support our lawmakers and the legislation they propose that attempts to make traveling our nations roadways safer for all!” said Major John J. Bagnardi, Ret. Executive Director American Association of State Troopers.
“Every day, towing and recovery professionals put their lives on the line, working just feet from fast-moving traffic,” said Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) President George Kuntz. “The legislation introduced by Congressman Carter marks a critical advancement in acknowledging and addressing the very real dangers our industry faces. By strengthening data collection, expanding public awareness of Move Over laws, and reinforcing federal safety initiatives, this bill demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting traffic incident responders. TRAA proudly supports this legislation and thanks Congressman Carter for his leadership and continued commitment to the safety of those who keep our roads moving.”
"Asphalt contractors and the roadway safety industry applaud the introduction of the Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act. We applaud that this bill is being introduced to improve worker safety. It is especially timely as this is National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual effort to raise awareness about the dangers workers face building and maintaining our nation's roads and bridges. Roadway workers deliver critical surface transportation infrastructure to ensure all users of all types – pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists – can travel safely around the country. Yet over the last five years, we’ve lost 578 roadway workers in work zone crashes. We greatly appreciate Representatives Carter, Bresnahan, Titus, and Yakym for co-sponsoring this bipartisan bill and for their leadership on the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization package. With these initiatives, together we can work toward bringing the number of lives lost to zero,” said the National Asphalt Pavement Association and American Traffic Safety Services Association in a joint statement.
"When our industries, government and labor unite with bipartisan support, we pave the way for safer work zones, ensuring the ultimate goal of every worker returning home safely each day,” said Travis M. Parsons, Director of Occupational Safety & Health, Laborers' Health & Safety Fund of North America.
This bill is endorsed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), American Automobile Association (AAA), National Safety Council, Urban League of Louisiana, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, American Association of State Troopers, Major County Sheriffs of America, Louisiana Sheriff’s Association, National Asphalt Pavement Association, Towing and Recovery Association of America, American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), American Society of Civil Engineers, National Ready Mix Concrete Association, National Sand Stone and Gravel Association, American Concrete Paving Association, National Utility Contractors Association, Associated General Contractors, Associated Equipment Distributers, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Laborers' International Union of North America, and Laborers' Health & Safety Fund of North America.
Background
According to peer-reviewed research:
- Every 7 minutes, a disabled vehicle is struck by an oncoming driver
- Approximately 72,000 people are affected annually, with over 15,000 people injured or killed
- Nearly 80% of victims of these accidents are from households that are under the U.S. median income, and Black motorists are twice as likely to die in a disabled vehicle crash than the rest of the U.S. population.
- The frequency of “unintended” pedestrians and “Good Samaritans” killed while attending to disabled vehicles has increased by 27% since 2014.
This data is incomplete and most likely under-reported due to inconsistent data capture at the local and state level. The problem grows as roads become more congested, average speeds increase, and drivers are exposed to more distractions.
The Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act will:
- Improve reporting and accountability by requiring the Secretary of Transportation to collect, analyze, and publish detailed data on Disabled Roadside Vehicle Crashes and Work Zone Crashes, as well as encourage local uniform data collection and sharing.
- Create strategic plans to improve roadside and work zone safety from working groups convened by the Department of Transportation and relevant stakeholder groups to combat these dangerous issues.
- Use existing federal funding and authorization by utilizing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (the current Surface Transportation Act), where authorities and funding is already available for states and cities to provide the necessary data and implement programs to prevent these accidents.
- Require FHWA to report to Congress on the use and effectiveness of work zone safety contingency funds created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Read the full text of the bill here.
###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement in response to the Musk-Trump Administration suspending AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) operations, significantly reducing staff by 85%, and terminating over 1,000 active FY24 grants nationwide.
After hearing concerns from Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Congressman Carter and Congressman Cleo Fields (D-LA) sent a letter to President Trump and Jennifer Bastress Tahmasebi, Interim Agency Head of AmeriCorps, urging the Administration to immediately halt further implementation of these terminations, reinstate suspended grants where feasible, and fully restore AmeriCorps NCCC and other essential service functions. He also requested a full accounting of the legal basis and decision-making process behind these actions, including documentation of any cost analysis and compliance with statutory requirements for grant termination.
“The abrupt termination of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, NCCC operations, and staff reduction is more than a bureaucratic budget cut — it is a betrayal of service, community, and compassion. These cuts will devastate the very fabric of support that helps lift underserved communities in New Orleans, across Louisiana, and throughout our nation,” said Rep. Carter.
“In Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, AmeriCorps VISTA members have worked tirelessly and humbly, often behind the scenes, providing vital services that our cities rely on — from disaster response and community outreach to data evaluation and child care assistance. These are not abstract programs; these are real people doing real work for real families — many of whom now face an uncertain future.
“It is ironic, and deeply disheartening, that the very workers who answered the call to serve are now being cast aside in the name of ‘efficiency.’ There is nothing efficient about abandoning communities in need. There is nothing fiscally responsible about dismantling programs that yield tenfold returns in civic trust, resilience, and recovery.
“New Orleans, a city all too familiar with the challenges of natural disasters and economic hardship, cannot afford to lose these invaluable hands and hearts. And neither can America.
“I join Mayor Cantrell and even Senator Cassidy in expressing bipartisan disappointment with this decision. But more than that, I pledge to fight for the restoration of these programs and to protect those who serve our country in its most vulnerable moments. Let us not forget — a great nation doesn’t retreat from service; it invests in it.
“To the VISTA members impacted: your service matters. Your sacrifice matters. And your community stands with you,” finished Rep. Carter.
“The communities of Louisiana—and indeed the nation—rely on AmeriCorps to strengthen civic engagement, reduce poverty, and respond to disasters. Now more than ever, we cannot afford to abandon this mission or the thousands of members who have pledged to serve,” said Rep. Fields.
Background:
VISTA is a federal grant program that supports New Orleans local government by expanding its ability to offer resources to under-resourced and disproportionately impacted communities. Members of the program handled everything from research and data evaluation to community engagement and outreach, serving full time 40 hours a week.
New Orleans has hired 51 people through the AmeriCorps VISTA program since October 2020, with 21 continuing to work across 13 different city departments. AmeriCorps placed most staff members across the nation on administrative leave in mid-April amid cuts to the federal workforce and services by the Musk-Trump Administration.
Read Congressman Carter’s full letter here.
###
BASILE, LA – Yesterday, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) visited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Facilities in Jena and Basile Louisiana with a bicameral congressional delegation. Joining him were Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), and Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA).
As part of their visits, they met Wendy Brito, an asylum-seeker from El Salvador and New Orleans-area resident who never returned from a regular check-in last month with ICE. They also met with Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk, two students who have been unlawfully detained by ICE and transported to Louisiana from their homes in retaliation for their protected speech.
“No one should be snatched away from their family without due process,” said Rep. Carter. “The Musk-Trump Administration is doing this intentionally to demonstrate cruelty and instill fear in our friends and neighbors. Meeting with Wendy, Mahmoud, and Rümeysa today was heart breaking and eye opening. Wendy is a mother of three who didn’t even get the opportunity to say goodbye to her children. Mahmoud missed the birth of his first child this week. Rümeysa was not even told why she was detained. These are the actions of a weak, misguided egomaniac whose only goal is to sow fear.
“On this trip, we met Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and Columbia grad student detained after peaceful pro-Palestinian advocacy. ICE denied his request to attend his son’s birth on April 21. We also met Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts PhD student detained after co-authoring an op-ed, and Wendy Brito, an asylum-seeking mother of three from my district detained after a routine ICE check-in. All appeared physically well, but their detentions raise serious concerns about due process and First Amendment rights.
“We will continue to monitor these cases and advocate for the protection of civil liberties and the rule of law.”
“In the United States of America, no one should be arrested or deported simply for exercising their right to free speech. Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk should not be in federal custody right now for peacefully speaking out,” added Ranking Member Thompson. “Our job in Congress is to ensure there is robust oversight of the administration – and ensure they are following the law. That is why we went to Louisiana yesterday. Those in the care in the Federal government must receive not only due process, but also healthcare and humane living conditions. The administration still has a lot to answer for and I intend to hold it accountable. I thank Congressman Carter for having us in his home state for this delegation.”
View photos from this visit here.
###