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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to the election in Louisiana:
“The failure of the proposed constitutional amendments sends a clear message: the people of Louisiana expect more from their government. Across party lines and parish boundaries, voters stood together to reject measures they felt did not reflect our shared values or serve the common good.
“This outcome is a testament to the strength and clarity of public will—rooted in a deep sense of fairness, compassion, and responsibility. I am proud to stand with those who raised their voices in defense of the most vulnerable among us, and who believe that power in our democracy must be earned, not assumed.
“Let us carry this momentum forward, working together—regardless of politics—to build a stronger, more just Louisiana for all.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order ending collective bargaining rights for many federal workers:
“President Trump’s executive order to dismantle collective bargaining rights for federal employees is a blatant and dangerous assault on working people—and an attack on the very foundation of the labor movement in America.
“Let me be clear: This is not just a policy dispute. It’s an ideological crusade to weaken the voice of workers, undermine unions, and chip away at the progress generations of labor leaders and public servants have fought to achieve.
“Unions are the backbone of the middle class. They built this country. They’ve stood up for fair wages, safe workplaces, and dignity on the job—not just for federal workers, but for all workers. And when you go after unions, you go after every working family that depends on the strength of collective action to fight for a better life.
“I stand in unwavering solidarity with our union brothers and sisters. We will not be silent. We will not stand by. We will fight back—in the courts, in the streets, and in the halls of Congress—because when labor is under attack, democracy is under attack.
“To every union member across this nation: We see you. We value you. And we will stand with you on the right side of history.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after the Supreme Court heard arguments in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that will determine whether the Supreme Court will uphold Louisiana’s Congressional maps that create two majority-minority congressional district next Congress:
“The courts have been clear: Louisiana’s congressional map should reflect the diversity of our state and ensure fair representation for all citizens. Math is Math! Both the Middle District and the Fifth Circuit Court ruled that Louisiana must have two majority-minority districts. The map enacted by the legislature honors that ruling. The idea that this map is unconstitutional ignores the fact that it was drawn as a direct response to previous violations of the Voting Rights Act.
"The creation of the second majority-minority district was not about race. It was about fairness and compliance with federal law. The current map is the product of bipartisan compromise, legislative action, and judicial review. The Supreme Court has a duty to uphold the integrity of the Voting Rights Act and ensure that Black voices are not silenced through manufactured gerrymandering challenges rooted in bad faith.
"The fight for fair representation is about protecting the fundamental right to vote and ensuring that every community has a seat at the table. The current map does just that.”
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced that Hyundai Steel Company will invest $5.8 billion in a new, next generation, state-of-the-art electric arc furnace-based steel production facility in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. This project will create approximately 1,300 direct, high-paying jobs, as well as over four thousand indirect jobs. It is also expected to generate revenues of $4.1 billion annually.
“Today’s announcement from Hyundai Steel is a major milestone in fortifying America's manufacturing future,” said Rep. Carter. “I’m proud to have voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which created the incentives driving manufacturing investment in Louisiana and across the nation. This investment in Louisiana addresses the growing need for a resilient, secure domestic supply chain. As demand for locally produced, high-quality automotive steel continues to rise, this state-of-the-art facility will play a critical role in supporting Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S. production operations and driving economic growth across the region. With 1,300 direct jobs and thousands more in the supply chain, this is a significant leap forward in ensuring the strength and security of U.S. manufacturing for years to come. I look forward to working with Hyundai to ensure that the company addresses community concerns and provides training and career opportunities to our residents.”
The new facility will produce 2.7 million tons of advanced, high quality automotive steel a year for Hyundai and Kia Motor’s U.S. production facilities as well as other automakers in the United States.
Background
Hyundai Steel Company is a global steel producer that is part of the Hyundai Kia Motor Group. It has steel facilities in Greenville, Alabama, and Savannah, Georgia.
Hyundai Steel announced today that it will invest $5.8 billion in a new, next-generation, state-of-the-art electric arc furnace-based steel production facility in the United States. The new facility will be in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, and will create approximately 1,300 direct, high-paying jobs and approximately 4,100 indirect jobs, including construction jobs. The facility will produce steel for Hyundai and Kia Motor’s U.S. production facilities as well as other automakers in the United States.
This year, five electric vehicle models from Hyundai Motor Group, were included in the 25 EV models qualifying for U.S. tax credits in 2025 under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA is designed to grant up to $7,500 in tax credits to buyers of EVs whose final assembly is in North America and where a certain portion of critical minerals and battery components are sourced from the region or its trading partner.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) introduced the bipartisan Open RAN Outreach Act. The bill provides greater Federal support for small telecommunications companies in rural and disadvantaged communities and allows these companies to remove potentially insecure Chinese network hardware.
The bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to provide outreach and technical assistance to small communications network providers about the benefits of transitioning to Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) technologies. NTIA will also inform providers about the Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Grant Program, funded by the CHIPS Act for $1.5 billion, to help these networks switch to Open RAN and replace older Chinese-made equipment.
“This is a pivotal step toward strengthening our nation's telecommunications infrastructure,” said Rep. Carter. “By providing technical assistance and outreach to small telecom providers, especially in rural areas like Louisiana, this bill opens the door to a more secure, diverse, and competitive wireless network landscape. The shift to Open RAN technology not only enhances national security by reducing reliance on foreign-made equipment but also boosts American manufacturing and fosters innovation in 5G. This bill ensures that rural communities are no longer left behind in the race for cutting-edge technology, driving down costs and empowering smaller carriers to build stronger, more resilient networks."
Open RAN technology is an emerging wireless network architecture that has the potential to drive 5G innovation forward for rural communities. It is mainly used by small and rural telecom providers who service areas where major network providers like Verizon and AT&T haven’t built out their networks. In the past, these companies had to use equipment from the Chinese company Huawei to build their networks, which poses national security concerns. Open RAN allows these companies to build out their networks using American-made equipment, making our communications systems more secure, boosting American manufacturing, increasing competition for network equipment, and lowering costs for network providers and their customers.
“By ensuring our small and rural telecom providers have the support needed to deploy technologies, like Open RAN, we can promote innovation and create jobs," said Rep. Hudson. "This legislation paves the way for greater U.S. competition with China and a more secure, resilient wireless network landscape."
Background:
The radio access network (RAN) is the part of a mobile wireless network that connects phones, tablets, watches, and other connected devices to a mobile provider’s internal network. Many carriers today use a closed or proprietary network, meaning they must use one vendor or manufacturer from end to end. This can place a substantial cost burden on smaller carriers to reduce costs, potentially by using cheaper, Chinese-owned alternatives like Huawei. There are only two major non-Chinese companies, Ericsson and Nokia, that produce end-to-end network equipment.
An Open Radio Access Network is an open network infrastructure that allows different components to be produced by different companies, leading to a more diverse and competitive supply chain for carriers. To ensure that smaller carriers have the tools and information they need to deploy Open RAN technology if desired, this legislation calls for technical assistance to be provided to these carriers by the Administration through NTIA.
The Open RAN Outreach Act is cosponsored by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC).
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 in response to the Senate’s vote on a partisan, extreme government funding bill:
“This spending bill is a sham and expands Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s power, doing nothing to help the American people. It will hurt Louisianians by cutting healthcare, nutritional assistance, and veterans’ benefits.
“I proudly voted against this bill in the House and will continue fighting against the tyranny of this administration through legislation, through the courts, and through grassroots advocacy.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to House Republicans’ partisan, extreme government funding bill:
“Tonight, House Republicans have chosen to introduce a dangerous government funding bill that would further embolden the reckless Musk-Trump administration. This bill threatens vital programs and services that Louisiana families rely on. I will not stand idly by while Republicans hand over unchecked power to an unelected billionaire.
“Under this bill, Elon Musk could dismantle essential programs—Medicaid, education and law enforcement initiatives, and slash funding for agencies that protect our skies, fight wildfires, and combat health crises like the bird flu. This is an affront to everyday Americans.
“Republicans control the House, Senate, and White House. If the government shuts down, it will be because Congressional Republicans failed to govern responsibly, negotiate in good faith, and craft a bipartisan funding agreement.
“This bill not only jeopardizes the health and well-being of millions of Americans, but it also betrays our veterans by failing to direct sufficient funding for vital programs that support veterans exposed to toxic substances. Their funding bill makes it abundantly clear that Republicans are more interested in catering to their mega-billionaire donors than in fulfilling their duty to the American people.
“I urge my colleagues to return to the negotiating table and craft a bipartisan solution that works for all Americans—not just the wealthy few. If Republicans are serious about keeping the government open, they must work across the aisle, not continue to push through partisan measures that benefit their friends and donors.
“I will not vote for a bill that gives billionaires a free pass and harms working families, economic stability, and national security.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) issued the following statement on the targeting of Tulane University by the Musk-Trump Administration and their assault on the First Amendment Right to free speech:
“As I previously stated, I remain deeply troubled by the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident who was detained without a warrant—a move that should have no place in a democratic society like the United States. His arrest represents a violation of his personal rights and a broader, dangerous trend of political repression that threatens the very foundation of free speech.
“Mahmoud’s arrest comes at a time when 60 institutions, including Tulane University in New Orleans, have been targeted by the Department of Education under accusations of failing to protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment. Make no mistake, I will not tolerate the abuse or harassment of any students. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the Musk-Trump Administration. Many of the targeted schools are striving to protect students’ rights to free speech and foster open dialogue.
“Tulane University, where many students engage in debate and peaceful protests, has been accused of not taking sufficient action by this administration. Let me be clear—antisemitic, anti-Black, or any remark disparaging creed, color, or faith in any form is never acceptable, but it is also essential that we protect the fundamental right of every student to express their beliefs freely. It is imperative that the government does not use the guise of protecting one group to undermine the rights of another.
“I stand firmly against the misuse of federal power to suppress free speech. I am committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and will continue to push back against any effort that undermines the Constitution. The Department of Education’s actions against universities like Tulane must not be allowed to set future precedent. We must defend the rights of all students to express their beliefs and participate in political discourse, free from the threat of government retaliation.
“Our focus should be on protecting students from harassment, whether antisemitic, anti-Black, anti-Arab, or any other form of hate. I call on the Musk-Trump Administration to do the job you were supposedly elected to do, to address the economic concerns of the American people. Egg prices are still skyrocketing and the stock market is crashing. Do better.”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) praised the passage of his bipartisan bill H.R. 1374, the Securing the Cities Improvement Act, by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would enhance the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Securing the Cities (STC) program, which seeks to reduce the risk of terrorist attacks in high-risk urban areas, including New Orleans.
“My bill, which was just passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, will help cities build and maintain their security capabilities against nuclear, radiological, chemical, and biological threats, offering a more targeted and effective approach to national security preparedness and response,” said Rep. Carter. “This legislation is critical for sustaining our preparedness and ensuring the safety of our nation against terrorism. It demonstrates our commitment to protecting our communities, including New Orleans and the surrounding areas, which are vital to our nation's energy and economic security. Following the tragedy that took place on Bourbon Street on New Year’s Day, this measure is more important than ever. I look forward to Senate passage and having this bill signed into law by the President.”
The Securing the Cities Improvement Act would enable the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) to identify which cities to partner with for the STC program based on the jurisdiction's capability and capacity to prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events involving nuclear or other radiological materials. It would also establish performance metrics and milestones for the STC program and mandate DHS to report to Congress on program participation and any plans for changes to the program.
“H.R. 1374 will play a crucial role in ensuring that our cities maintain the ability to detect and respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats,” said Committee on Homeland Security Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson. “Without programs like Securing the Cities, efforts to combat these dangers could be hindered or discontinued, putting the safety and security of communities at risk. I thank Congressman Carter for introducing this bipartisan legislation and for leading on this issue.”
“Louisiana provides our nation with critical energy production and industry,” said Rep. Higgins. “It is imperative that we continue to push forward programs and legislation that maintain security capabilities in the event of a terrorist threat. My work with Congressman Carter on this legislation reflects our shared dedication to Louisiana, and I thank him for his leadership.”
Background:
The Department of Homeland Security launched the STC Initiative in Fiscal Year 2007 as a pilot program to assist New York City, Jersey City, and Newark in detecting and preventing nuclear or radiological threats. The STC program has expanded and currently provides 14 local governments with detection equipment, training, exercise support, operational and technical expertise, and programmatic assistance. However, the program is restricted to “high-risk urban areas” designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program. This connection between STC and UASI can create uncertainty for local governments participating in the program, as the composition of jurisdictions in the UASI program can vary significantly each year.
The Securing the Cities Improvement Act is cosponsored by Reps. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and Clay Higgins (R-LA).
Watch Congressman Carter’s floor remarks here.
Read the full bill text here.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Last night, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) held an informative Medicaid Town Hall at Dillard University where he made a clear commitment to protect Medicaid from harmful Republican cuts. The event filled up a packed auditorium of approximately 200 attendees including community leaders and local elected officials. There was thoughtful, engaging discussion led by Rep. Carter and supported by Louisiana health care experts, including Rebekah E. Gee, M.D., Founder and CEO, NEST Health, Clinical Associate Professor, LSU Schools of Public Health and Medicine, Dr. Shondra Williams, President and CEO InclusivCare, and Jennifer L. Avegno M.D., Director of the New Orleans Health Department.
“As you know, Medicaid plays a crucial role in providing support for millions of Louisianians and it is essential that we continue to support and strengthen this vital program. Republicans want to cut Medicaid by at least $880 billion, resulting in millions of Americans losing their health care, hospital and nursing home closures, and much worse for our children, the disabled, and the elderly who rely on these services. We cannot, we will not sit idly by,” said Rep. Carter.
Watch a recording of the event on Rep. Carter’s Facebook page here.
View photos from the event here.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration seeking to cancel the leases for 34 National Park Service buildings, including visitor centers, law enforcement offices, and museums that house millions of artifacts:
“The National Park Service (NPS) is more than just a caretaker of beautiful landscapes—it is the guardian of our nation’s history, culture, and identity. The reckless decision to terminate long-standing leases threatens not only conservation but also the cultural institutions and historic sites that bring our shared story to life.
“From civil rights landmarks to Native American heritage sites, from battlefields that shaped our democracy to cultural hubs that celebrate our nation’s diversity—these places belong to the American people. They are not commodities to be auctioned off to the highest bidder or manipulated for political gain.
“These reckless moves put at risk the very spaces where generations have come to learn, reflect, and connect with their heritage. They jeopardize the preservation of African American history, Indigenous traditions, and immigrant contributions that define the rich tapestry of our nation.
“This is an attack on history. It is an attack on culture. It is an attack on the fundamental promise that our national parks and historic sites are for EVERYONE. I will not stand by while our shared legacy is dismantled.
“Let’s be clear: Public lands and cultural sites are not for sale. Hands off our national parks!
“As a member of Congress representing these amazing cultural jewels, I will do everything in my power to stop the madness created by an unelected billionaire and this misguided administration!”
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) will be joined by Chanté Powell as his guest to Donald Trump’s Address to a Joint Session of Congress. Ms. Powell was fired from the USDA National Finance Center (USDA-NFC) in New Orleans by the Musk-Trump Administration that has directly harmed federal employees like her across the country.
Chante Powell’s career took an unexpected turn when, after securing an auditor position with the USDA-NFC in her hometown of New Orleans, she was laid off on Valentine’s Day, a devastating blow to her and her family. She was hired to be a watchdog for waste, fraud, and abuse, the very thing Musk and Trump “allegedly” want to root out of government. Their actions are in conflict.
After taking office on January 20, Donald Trump immediately handed the keys of our federal government to Elon Musk. Now, Trump is coming to address a Joint Session of Congress so he can demand the Republican Majority push through his extreme budget proposal to cut Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and critical programs American families count on.
“I am proud to take Chanté Powell to the Joint Address to Congress to share her story—one of resilience, hard work, and dedication to public service,” said Rep. Carter. “Unfortunately, under the Musk-Trump Administration, many federal employees, like Chanté, have faced unjust hardships. Their decisions have caused widespread instability in the workforce, leading to cruel layoffs and uncertainty for hardworking Americans who contribute to their communities via public service. Democrats are prioritizing policies that protect and uplift federal workers, ensuring they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. Clearly, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are not.”
Background:
Chanté Powell, an Algiers, Louisiana native born on November 11, 1986, has overcome significant challenges to build a remarkable career dedicated to public service and education. After moving frequently as a child due to her mother's marriage to a Navy officer, Chanté returned to New Orleans to live with her father and graduated as an honor student from Warren Easton Fundamental High School. She pursued higher education at the University of New Orleans, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business administration, followed by an MBA from Florida A&M University.
Chante’s professional journey spans various levels of government, where she has held roles including Accountant, HR Specialist, Auditor, Management Advisor, and Chief Auditor. Her public service efforts include serving on the Board of Trustees under two New Orleans mayors, advocating for city employee raises, and volunteering with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also worked on public safety initiatives and served on the Parent Advisory Council for the New Orleans Public School Board’s Superintendent. As a Healthcare Regulatory Compliance & Privacy Professional at Ochsner Health, she contributed to one of the largest healthcare providers in the Southeast.
In 2024, Chante joined the Office of Inspector General – General Services Administration as a Performance Auditor, marking a significant achievement in her career, especially given the rarity of such federal opportunities in her hometown. Despite facing adversity, including being unexpectedly laid off from a GS-13 position at USDA-NFC in New Orleans, Chante remains committed to her community, focusing on inspiring young people, advocating for workforce stability, and continuing her personal journey of growth and resilience. Through her experiences, Chante has become a strong advocate for the American Dream, emphasizing the importance of education and career opportunities for all.
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