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NEW ORLEANS, LA – On Monday, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) embarked on an Agriculture Listening Tour across Louisiana to meet with local farmers, producers, researchers, and other local agricultural leaders to discuss the critical challenges and opportunities facing the state and nation’s agricultural industry.

The tour included stops at the Agriaquaculture Center of Excellence in Harvey, the ADM Grain Terminal in Destrehan, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation office in St. Charles Parish, River Road Farm in Vacherie, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office in Donaldsonville, and the Southern University Agricultural Research and ExtensionCenter.

“I had the honor of conducting an agricultural listening tour across Louisiana, meeting with farmers, ranchers, agricultural stakeholders, and federal, state, and local agency representatives. From row crops to livestock, sugarcane to seafood, the message was unified and urgent: Louisiana agriculture needs action—not delay,” said Rep. Carter.

“In one special moment, I even had the chance to plant a few rows of sweet potatoes—a small but meaningful reminder of the hard work, precision, and care that goes into feeding our nation. It grounded the day’s discussions in something personal, tangible, and humbling. 

“Here’s what I heard across the tour:

• A fully funded Farm Bill is essential to provide certainty for producers, processors, and rural communities.

• FSA—the Farm Service Agency—and USDA grant programs are critical tools that help farmers access credit, recover from disasters, and invest in their operations.

• NRCS—the Natural Resources Conservation Service—and our Soil and Water Conservation Districts are indispensable partners in protecting Louisiana’s soil health, water quality, and long-term sustainability.

• And proposed tariffs threaten Louisiana’s access to export markets, putting our agricultural economy at serious risk.

“These aren’t just numbers in a budget. These are working families—hardworking Louisianans—who rise before sunrise, feed the world, and still need to feed their own families.

“I will continue fighting in Congress to protect the resources that our farmers depend on. These programs don’t just sustain agriculture—they sustain America.”

"Congressman Carter meeting farmers and ranchers where they are is what grassroots leadership is all about. A Farm Bill is way past due, and his support to come here and see those impacts on his home turf is much appreciated. As he heard from our parish leaders - farmers aren’t gathering to push R or D. They gathered with him looking for solutions to trade, conservation, and feeding the world. Rep. Carter's commitment to prioritizing his farming constituents and passing a Farm Bill this year furthers his track record as an invaluable Congressional ally," said Richard Fontenot, Louisiana Farm Bureau President.

View photos from the Agriculture Listening Tour here.

Background:

Agriculture is a significant economic driver in Louisiana, contributing nearly $13 billion annually through farming, forestry, and related industries, according to the LSU AgCenter's 2023 report. Key commodities like sugarcane, soybeans, rice, crawfish, poultry, and timber support tens of thousands of jobs and sustain rural communities across the state. The industry also benefits from Louisiana’s strategic export position, with major ports facilitating the shipment of agricultural goods. Beyond farming, agriculture fuels related sectors like processing, equipment supply, and bioenergy, making it vital to local and statewide economies.

 The Trump Administration recently paused funding for many critical USDA programs, including funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Natural Resource Conservation Service programs and support staff in Louisiana. Many of these programs provide hands-on technical support and guidance to help farmers implement conservation practices that protect and enhance our soil, water, and natural resources.

 Louisiana farmers were expected to receive roughly $363 million from FY25 through FY31 through various USDA programs that would improve efficiency through projects that would improve water quality and retention, reduce soil runoff, and maintain soil health.

In March 2025, the Trump admin canceled a $600,000 research grant awarded to the Southern University Agricultural Center. The grant aimed to develop sustainable feminine hygiene products using natural fibers like regenerative cotton, wool, and hemp, benefiting women and girls in Louisiana.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement on the death of His Holiness Pope Francis

“It is with a heavy heart that I join the global community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A shepherd to billions, a voice for the voiceless, and a living example of Christ’s love in action, Pope Francis led with humility, compassion, and unwavering moral clarity.

“That he should leave us just after Resurrection Sunday is deeply symbolic—a final act of grace from a life lived in complete service to others. From the slums of Buenos Aires to the grandeur of the Vatican, his path was marked not by privilege, but by profound empathy and devotion to the dignity of all people.

“As a U.S. Congressman representing Louisiana—a state steeped in Catholic tradition—I have seen firsthand the depth of love and respect our community holds for this extraordinary Pontiff. He challenged us to care more, to judge less, and to walk humbly with our God. He reminded the powerful of their duty to the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten.

“We will miss him terribly. But we are forever grateful for the example he gave us, the healing he brought to the world, and the enduring call he issued for justice, mercy, and peace.

“May his memory be eternal.

“May his soul rest in the peace of Christ.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced the bipartisan Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act, which grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) additional authority to destroy foreign products that fail health inspections at import facilities, ensuring that contaminated, unsafe, and mislabeled seafood imports do not harm American consumers.

"This legislation will protect Louisiana’s health and support our seafood economy,” said Rep. Carter. “By granting the FDA the necessary authority to destroy food products that fail to meet our strict health and safety standards, we are closing a dangerous loophole that has allowed contaminated seafood to enter our markets. This bill protects consumers from potential health risks and upholds the integrity of our food supply chain, while supporting Louisiana fishermen and seafood processors.”

Historically, the FDA has been responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of food, medicine, and medical devices. Currently, any FDA-regulated medical devices and medication can be destroyed if the agency deems the imported item a health risk for public use. However, this authority does not extend to imported food products that are inspected and fail to meet U.S. health and safety standards. Foreign entities routinely violate FDA standards by contaminating seafood imports with harmful chemicals that pose major health risks. These same companies can also “port shop” and utilize other ports of entry if they fail inspection at their initial port of entry.

“Billions of pounds of uninspected seafood continue to enter our country, causing major health concerns,” said Rep. Higgins. “We must prioritize the health and safety of the American people by holding foreign shipments to the same high standards that our U.S. producers face. In my opinion, foreign products don’t even come close to the quality of Louisiana seafood. This legislation provides the FDA with the authority to destroy illegal seafood imports and ensures that contaminated products don’t reach American markets.”

“Imported shrimp and seafood products that are potentially dangerous for consumers need to be destroyed,” said John Williams, executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance. “Giving these products back to the foreign shipper does little to incentivize them to address safety problems before shipping products to this country. We thank Representatives Higgins and Carter for leading a bipartisan effort to get rid of a ridiculous limitation on the FDA’s authority and improve the safety of this country’s food supply.”

Background

In March, Congressman Carter and a bipartisan coalition of Gulf representatives introduced the Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2025. This bill would prohibit federal funds from being made available to International Financial Institutions (IFIs) to finance any activity relating to shrimp farming, shrimp processing, or the export of shrimp from any foreign country to the United States.

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

The Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act is endorsed by the Southern Shrimp Alliance.

Full bill text can be found here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Congressman Cleo Fields (D-LA), Congresswoman Julia Letlow (R-LA), and Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS) have introduced the bipartisan National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Authorization Extension Act which will extend the federal authorization for the NFIP. The bill would extend the program through December 31, 2026, significantly longer than the typical short-term extensions passed by Congress.

“I am proud to introduce this bill to provide the long-overdue stability our communities deserve,” said Rep. Carter. “For too long, homeowners, small businesses, and local economies have lived under the cloud of short-term NFIP extensions, often attached to contentious government funding bills. This clean, multi-year reauthorization brings much-needed certainty to policyholders and ensures uninterrupted access to flood insurance across the country. As flooding becomes more frequent and severe, we must protect families and businesses by keeping this program operating while we work to deliver lasting, comprehensive reforms to strengthen and modernize the program."

“Passing the NFIP Authorization Extension Act is essential to protecting hardworking people across Louisiana. Given our state’s history with extreme weather events, we must ensure that flood insurance remains accessible to all. My colleagues in both the House and Senate will continue to fight for those most affected by flooding throughout the state and across the country,” said Rep. Fields.

“Given the frequent storms and flooding our state endures, I’m a strong advocate for renewing the National Flood Insurance Program and making sure it serves those who depend on it. For many Louisianans, flood insurance is not just a policy—it’s a lifeline. I’m committed to working with my colleagues to strengthen this vital program and ensure our communities get the support they need when disaster strikes,” said Rep. Letlow.

"For far too long, families, businesses, and entire communities along our coast have lived with the uncertainty caused by short-term extensions of the National Flood Insurance Program. The NFIP Authorization Extension Act delivers the stability South Mississippians need and deserve as they continue to face the devastating effects of flooding and natural disasters. By extending the program through the end of 2026, we’re sending a clear message: we are committed to protecting our coastal communities, giving them the tools to recover and rebuild, and working in a bipartisan way to strengthen and modernize the program for the future,” said Rep. Ezell.

The Senate companion NFIP Authorization Extension Act was introduced by Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) in March 2025. Congressmembers Marc Veasey (D-TX), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), and LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) are original cosponsors of the House legislation.

“Rather than experiencing a 33rd short-term extension, NFIP policyholders deserve certainty, and NFIP as a program requires stability. A two-year reauthorization will provide a runway for Congress and stakeholders to hold conversations and hearings around catastrophic insurance and towards highly-demanded comprehensive NFIP reform, like a means-tested benefit for affordability, a third-party review of the Risk Rating 2.0 methodology, and proper incentivization of flood risk mitigation,” said GNO, Inc. President Michael Hecht.

“Extending the National Flood Insurance Program would ensure continuous operations and greater stability for policyholders until a long-term reauthorization is enacted into law – a valuable source of certainty for counties and our residents,” said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Counties thank Representatives Carter, Fields, Letlow, and Ezell for their leadership, and we look forward to working with our bipartisan congressional partners to secure passage of this legislation.”

"There is no bigger challenge facing the people of Louisiana than the insurance crisis which threatens to force us from our homes and businesses.  While property insurance is the primary driver, high premiums for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are also a huge problem in our state. Despite any questions about FEMA’s future, Americans can now count on having flood insurance for the foreseeable future. However, we need real reform so that we stop kicking the can down the road and address shortcomings in the program once and for all," said Andreanecia M. Morris, Executive Director of HousingNOLA. 

Background

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

Over the last decade, Congress has passed 33 short-term NFIP authorization extensions, which have been attached to contentious government funding bills. Had Congress not been able to pass a government funding bill, not only would the government shut down, but the NFIP program's authorization would have also lapsed. A lapse in the program’s authorization means new policies could not be issued, existing policies could not be renewed, and real estate transactions in flood-prone areas may stall, leaving homeowners and businesses vulnerable.

A lapse in authorization also delays claims payments, increases reliance on taxpayer-funded disaster aid, and creates market instability. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a lapse of NFIP could impact 1,360 home sale closings daily, translating to approximately 41,300 affected monthly transactions nationwide. By extending the program through December 31, 2026, this legislation ensures that Americans are not left in limbo and gives Congress the necessary time to work toward bipartisan solutions that strengthen and modernize the program.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, affecting communities in every state. The NFIP is a lifeline for over five million policyholders, helping them recover and rebuild after disasters.

Full bill text can be found here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) introduced the bipartisan Mitigating Automated Internet Networks (MAIN) Event Ticketing Act, which will protect consumers from online scammers and bots in the online ticket marketplace. The MAIN Event Ticketing Act boosts enforcement of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016, a law prohibiting ticket scalpers from using software to purchase high volumes of tickets.

“I am proud to lead this bill, which is a crucial step toward restoring fairness and transparency in the online ticket marketplace,” said Rep. Carter. “In Louisiana, the birthplace of American Music, this is especially important. By cracking down on bots and improving the enforcement of existing laws, this bipartisan legislation prioritizes fans, ensuring they have a fair chance to experience the live events they love without being priced out or misled by deceitful actors. I am honored to stand with Rep. Harshbarger, along with many artists, venues, and industry leaders, to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of live entertainment.”

"If there's one thing that can bring us all together, it's music and entertainment,” said Rep. Harshbarger.“This is especially true for East Tennessee, as we're home to music legends like Dolly Parton and Morgan Wallen. Whether it's attending a concert or a stand-up show, we all love spending time with friends and family to enjoy live entertainment. What no one loves is trying to buy a ticket to see your favorite performer—only to find that scalpers have scooped up most of the tickets and are reselling them at exorbitant prices."

The companion MAIN Event Ticketing Act was introduced by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in February 2025.

Background

The MAIN Event Ticketing Act:

• Establishes reporting requirements for online ticket sellers to notify of successful bot attacks to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC);
• Creates a complaint database so consumers can share their experiences with the FTC, which must then share that information with state attorneys general;
• Enacts data security requirements for online ticket sellers and mandates information sharing between the FTC and law enforcement; and
• Requires a report to Congress on BOTs enforcement.

This legislation is endorsed by the Recording Academy, Recording Industry Association of America, Live Nation Entertainment, and the National Independent Venue Association.

Full bill text can be found here.

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

“My fellow Americans,

“Let me be abundantly clear: the so-called SAVE Act is not about security. It is not about election integrity. It is about suppression — pure and simple. This bill is a modern-day poll tax cloaked in patriotic rhetoric, and it represents one of the most dangerous assaults on the right to vote in a generation.

“As we sit on the House floor debating this bill — which attempts to make it more difficult for Americans to vote — I am reminded of the generations before us who bled, marched, and died to secure the right to the ballot. And now, in the year 2025, we are being asked to consider legislation that would undo that progress.

“This legislation is not only unnecessary — it is un-American. It demands burdensome documentation under the false pretense of preventing a problem that does not exist. What it will actually do is disenfranchise millions of eligible voters — particularly the poor, the elderly, students, and communities of color.

“One of the most outrageous elements of this bill is the requirement that eligible voters, who cannot readily produce certain forms of ID, may be forced to obtain a U.S. passport — at a cost of at least $130 — just to cast their ballot. Let that sink in: a $130 price tag to participate in democracy. That’s not security. That’s a poll tax. And we’ve seen it before.

“Let’s not mince words: this is the return of Jim Crow in a tailored suit.

“We have seen these tactics before. Literacy tests. Grandfather clauses. Intimidation at the ballot box. And now, voter ID mandates so stringent and convoluted that they effectively lock the ballot box for countless Americans. The SAVE Act is not saving anything. It is silencing voices.

“This bill does not protect democracy — it perverts it. It weaponizes bureaucracy to block access to the most fundamental right in a free society: the right to vote.

“Every American — regardless of party, race, or region — should rise up against this legislation. We must call it what it is: a blatant attempt to resurrect the discriminatory practices of our past and to roll back the hard-fought progress we’ve made.

“I urge my colleagues in Congress to reject this legislation with the urgency it demands. I call on the American people to remain vigilant — to speak out, organize, and vote against those who would take us backward.

“The right to vote is not a privilege for the few. It is a right for all. And we must defend it — not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.

“This is not just a policy debate. This is a moral fight. And we cannot — we must not — lose it.”

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New Orleans, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter proudly stood with more than 2,000 residents of Louisiana’s Second Congressional District as part of the national Hands Off mobilization—an inspiring, peaceful demonstration led by a coalition of passionate community organizations committed to protecting democracy, civil rights, and the rule of law.

“I was honored to stand among so many engaged, courageous citizens and to lend my voice to this powerful call for justice and accountability,” said Congressman Carter. “This movement was led by incredible grassroots organizations, and I was proud to be one of the speakers amplifying the voices of the people.”

The Hands Off mobilization, which took place simultaneously in cities across the country, was a response to rising concerns about attacks on American democracy, the judiciary, and fundamental freedoms.

“The people have spoken—loudly and clearly,” Congressman Carter continued. “We will not allow an unelected billionaire and an out-of-touch president to tear down what generations have worked so hard to build. This is our democracy, and we’re going to fight for it. Peacefully. Powerfully. Together.”

Congressman Carter reaffirmed his commitment to standing with the people of Louisiana and the nation to defend democratic values and ensure that liberty, justice, and opportunity remain within reach for all.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Cleo Fields (D-LA) sent a letter to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Cameron Hamilton opposing the Musk-Trump Administration’s dismantling of FEMA. Louisianians know better than anyone that a robust federal disaster response agency is essential to ensure rapid response, coordinated resource distribution, financial and logistical support, equitable assistance, and long-term mitigation as natural disasters increase in frequency and severity.

“FEMA is far from perfect, but the Musk-Trump Administration’s proposed gutting of FEMA is not just reckless—it’s dangerous,” said Rep. Carter. “Louisiana has seen firsthand the devastation that disasters leave behind, and we know that recovery doesn’t stop when the flood waters recede. FEMA has been a lifeline for our communities, providing critical relief and long-term support to help families rebuild their homes and support communities to protect themselves from future events. Stripping away these essential programs would leave millions of Americans vulnerable and unprotected as natural disasters become more dangerous and frequent. I will fight tooth and nail to ensure that FEMA remains strong, well-funded, and fully equipped to respond to the increasing threats of the climate crisis. Our communities cannot afford to be abandoned in their time of greatest need.”

“FEMA is on the ground for every hurricane in Louisiana. Cuts to the organization would devastate the most vulnerable people in our state during some of the worse moments in their life. Congress, across party lines, needs to do everything in our power to protect FEMA funding,” said Rep. Fields.

Read the full letter here.

Background

Louisiana has been a major recipient of FEMA assistance, with nearly 500,000 combined households applying for FEMA funds since 2021. Since FEMA was overhauled in 2003, no state has received more funding than Louisiana, which has received nearly $47 billion over 28 disaster incidents, serving approximately 3.5 million households and nearly 43,000 public assistance projects. However, Louisiana is far from the only recipient of this critical aid and assistance. In 2024, FEMA responded to over 100 disasters, including two catastrophic hurricanes—Helene and Milton—that struck within two weeks, causing widespread destruction. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported 27 weather and climate disaster events in the U.S. last year with losses exceeding $1 billion.

President Trump's proposal to overhaul FEMA involves significantly reducing its role by shifting disaster response responsibilities to individual states, limiting FEMA's involvement to immediate disaster relief and eliminating its long-term rebuilding grants and disaster preparedness programs. This plan aligns with recommendations from Project 2025, which advocates for privatizing FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and decreasing federal cost-sharing in disaster recovery efforts. These efforts could disproportionately affect states with limited resources, particularly those frequently impacted by natural disasters, by increasing their financial and logistical burdens. Additionally, reducing federal coordination and support may hinder efficient disaster response and recovery, potentially leading to increased casualties and prolonged economic hardship in disaster-stricken areas. ​

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

“In Louisiana’s Second Congressional District, we know the value of hard work—and we know when we’re being taken for granted. From New Orleans to Baton Rouge, from the River Parishes to the West Bank, families and small businesses will be paying more for everyday goods. And while some call it inflation, let’s be honest: this is the Trump Tax.

“When Donald Trump imposes tariffs, he isn’t taxing foreign governments—he’s taxing us. Prices will go up on goods we rely on: clothing, food, appliances, and construction materials. Our port workers, truck drivers, shipbuilders, and small business owners will all feel the sting of these costs passed down from Washington.

“The Trump Tax will hit our district hard. We are home to major shipping corridors, import/export businesses, manufacturing plants, and a vibrant hospitality industry—all sectors impacted by increased costs under Trump’s tariff policies. When the price of goods goes up, it doesn’t just hurt the consumer—it hurts the economy of the entire district.

“Trump is raising taxes on working people in the 2nd District while giving billionaires and big corporations massive tax breaks. That’s not leadership—that’s a betrayal of the people who keep this country running.

“I will continue to fight for economic justice, to lower costs, and to hold those accountable who are raising taxes on working families while calling it something else. In Louisiana’s Second District, we know a bad deal when we see one. And the Trump Tax is a bad deal for all of us.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced the bipartisan Freedom in School Cafeterias and Lunches (FISCAL) Act which requires schools to provide fluid milk substitutes in school cafeterias. This takes the onus off schoolchildren to request plant-based milk and instead places it on schools to give kids a real-time choice while they are in line to pick up food.

This bill will require schools to place plant-based milk alternatives that meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans alongside cow’s milk options in the cafeteria, allowing kids to select the nutritious beverage of their choice. That broader set of product offerings will perform like the marketplace, where plant-based milk options are readily available and a routine choice for consumers, our students, resulting in less waste.

In Congressman Carter’s home state, a 6-year-old lactose intolerant Black girl from Zachary, LA, was recently forced to consume dairy milk at school breakfast, became sick from it, and had to clean up her accident in class. The girl, despite documented medical records of lactose intolerance and perhaps dairy allergies, was still served cow’s milk. She soon became ill and requested bathroom breaks but was told by her teacher to stay in class. The child then defecated in her clothing and was forced to clean up the mess herself.

“It is abundantly clear that the current milk substitute system that USDA employs is delivering detrimental impacts on students,” said Rep. Carter. “Too many children who cannot safely or comfortably consume dairy are being forced to accept containers of cow’s milk on their lunch trays. My wife and children are all lactose intolerant, so I know just how uncomfortable consuming dairy milk can be for someone who cannot process it. The recent incident at Rollins Place Elementary School in Zachary is unacceptable and a glaring example of why we need immediate reforms in our schools to ensure all children have safe and appropriate dietary options. My bill ensures the health and nutritional needs of all our nation’s students are met. America needs to embrace its diversity at the lunch counter.”

There is a lack of understanding that cow’s milk makes many children ill, especially minority children. Studies show that a large percentage of Black, Latino, Native American, and Asian Americans have a degree of lactose intolerance, including roughly three-quarters of Black people. These children experience adverse health effects simply because, in practice, dairy is the only type of milk currently offered in schools.

Many children forgo drinking dairy milk they are served due to the adverse health symptoms they incur after consuming it. This has led to massive waste in our school systems.

“The federal government is wasting $400 million of our tax dollars a year by mandating that every school kid getting nutrition assistance has a carton of cow’s milk on the tray even though millions of them don’t want it and get sick from it,” said Rep. Mace. “Thirty percent of kids throw the milk away in the carton, and hundreds of millions of tax dollars wasted is not spilled milk. Kids should have a healthy choice in lunchrooms.”

“Upwards of 40 percent of kids participating in the National School Lunch Program are lactose intolerant, yet federal law requires that kids are served cow’s milk even if it makes them sick,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy.  “There should be nothing controversial about Congressman Troy Carter’s bipartisan bill to give kids a healthy beverage option and to unwind a program that makes kids sick and causes a third of kids to throw unopened milk cartons in the trash.”

Background

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requires public schools to serve cow’s milk with breakfast or lunch meals to kids who qualify for food assistance. The school must serve this milk, or reimbursement for the cost of the entire meal will be denied. The annual outlay for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reimbursements to local school districts is roughly $1 billion yearly just for the milk.

Although the NSLP allows milk substitutes, the law’s substitution requirements are burdensome, and delivering the substitute to kids is now unworkable and impractical. Unlike the policy for cow’s milk, USDA doesn’t reimburse schools for the substitute.

Based on the ethnic and racial backgrounds of the participants, perhaps half of the 30 million kids in the NSLP are lactose intolerant. The lack of availability of a milk substitute and the burdensome requirement for a substitute produce adverse outcomes. Millions of lactose-intolerant kids and others with an aversion to milk throw away the beverage, squandering $400 million (40% of milk is discarded), or they consume a product that makes them sick, making real-time learning in the classroom more difficult.

The FISCAL Act:

• Requires schools to offer kids cow’s milk and plant-based milk for breakfast and lunch. There will be no doctor’s note or other special request requirements.
• Ensures that any plant-based offering that is provided to children meets or exceeds nutritional standards contained in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans or as established by the Secretary of Agriculture.
• Reimburses schools for plant-based milks, just as it reimburses schools for cow’s milk.
• Only requires schools to stock enough plant-based milk to meet demand for it.

The FISCAL Act is endorsed by Animal Wellness Action, National Urban League, the National Rural Education Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team, and the Coalition for Healthy School Food.

Full bill text can be found here.

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

“At this very moment, I’m sitting on the Senate floor in full support of my dear brother, Senator Cory Booker, as he approaches his 21st consecutive hour of powerful, principled debate.

“This is more than a moment—it is a movement. Senator Booker is shining a light on the dangerous and unconstitutional actions of the Musk-Trump administration. He is speaking not just for himself, but for millions whose voices are too often ignored or silenced. With unwavering resolve, he is standing up for our democracy, our Constitution, and the sacred promise of liberty and justice for all.

“His endurance is not just physical—it is moral, spiritual, and patriotic. I’m honored to stand with him, shoulder to shoulder, in defense of what is right and what is just.

“Let it be known: we will not sit quietly while democracy is dismantled. We rise, we speak, and we act—with unity, with love, and with unshakable resolve.”
 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) led a coalition of Members of Congress in a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Attorney General Pam Bondi. They expressed concern over the federal government's decision to dismiss the EPA lawsuit against Denka Performance Elastomer LLC (Denka) related to its neoprene manufacturing facility in Louisiana that emits chloroprene, a likely human carcinogen. The decision represents a significant setback in the ongoing fight for environmental justice for historically disadvantaged communities, who bear the disproportionate burden of industrial pollution.

“Dropping the lawsuit against Denka is a devastating blow to residents in my district that have suffered from decades of industrial pollution from bad actors like Denka who have knowingly poisoned our communities,” said Rep. Carter. “The EPA’s own data confirms the dangers of chloroprene exposure, yet this action signals a retreat from the Musk-Trump Administration’s responsibility to protect public health. Louisianians deserve real accountability, not regulatory abandonment. I urge the EPA and the Department of Justice to reverse course and stand with the families whose health is on the line. Environmental justice is not optional."

“The dismissal of this lawsuit is a grave injustice to the people of St. John the Baptist Parish and beyond,” said Rep. Fields. “Families deserve clean air and a safe place to live. That’s all there is to it. Not to be ignored while big corporations get a free pass. Denka has put people’s health at risk for far too long and dropping this lawsuit sends the wrong message.”

Considering the EPA’s own well-documented evidence of potential harm from chloroprene, the decision to abandon legal action against Denka is alarming and signals a troubling disregard for the health and well-being of vulnerable communities for the remainder of the Musk-Trump administration.

“The health of Americans should not be sacrificed in favor of corporate interests. Our constituents, and particularly impacted fenceline communities, deserve more than inaction and regulatory rollbacks—they deserve meaningful protection and accountability. We urge both the EPA and the Department of Justice to reconsider this decision and to take decisive steps to reduce pollution exposure for the people who need it most,” the Members wrote.

This letter was signed by 24 additional Members of Congress, including Reps. Cleo Fields (D-LA), Nikema Willims (D-GA), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Jesús G. "Chuy" García (D-IL), Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Adam Smith (D-WA), Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Valerie P. Foushee (D-NC), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-IL), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA).

Read the full letter here.

Background

Chloroprene was identified by the EPA’s Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) in 2010 as a likely human carcinogen. The IRIS assessment provided a unit risk estimate (URE), establishing the upper-bound excess lifetime cancer risk associated with continuous exposure to chloroprene at a concentration of 1 microgram per cubic meter (μg/m3) in air. This URE was used in the 2011 National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA), reinforcing the serious risks posed by chloroprene emissions to nearby residents. EPA determined that chloroprene levels in the air near the Denka facility far exceed what is considered safe—many times higher than the EPA’s recommended safety threshold of 0.2 μg/m³-- raising urgent concerns about the long-term health effects on residents, including increased cancer risks. The elevated chemical emissions are especially concerning since the Denka facility is located near an elementary school.

In February 2023, EPA filed a lawsuit against Denka for violating the Clean Air Act by emitting dangerous levels of chloroprene. The lawsuit was brought under Section 303 of the Clean Air Act, which allows the EPA to take legal action when pollution presents an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health. EPA‘s suit compelled Denka to immediately reduce emissions and protect public health.

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