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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Yesterday, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) celebrated two federal awards he championed for public safety investments in Ascension and St. James parishes. Congressman Carter personally selected both the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office and the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office to receive funding as a part of his FY 2024 Community Project Funding (CPF) requests. He was joined at the at two events today by Sheriff Bobby Webre and Sheriff Claude J. Louis Jr.

Through the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement, both parishes will receive money to provide training, resources, and programming to local law enforcement agencies to reduce recidivism. The Louisiana Local Law Enforcement Assistance and Equipment Modernization Program was granted $963,000 from this CPF request. The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office will receive $70,000 and St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office will receive $12,400 of this funding.

“I am excited to announce two critical grants that will allow us to strengthen public safety,” said Rep. Carter. “This funding will support crucial programs that reduce recidivism, provide enhanced training for our officers, and ensure that the highest quality law enforcement services are delivered to Louisiana residents. Public safety is the foundation of any thriving community, and with this investment, our sheriff’s departments will be better equipped to meet the needs of our community. This funding represents a significant step forward to protect every citizen and create an environment where we all feel safe, secure, and supported.”

Learn more about all of Congressman Carter’s FY 2024 Community Project Funding selections here.

Photos and Video from the event can be found here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to a tentative agreement reached by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) to return to work tomorrow, Friday, October 4, 2024:

 “During the pandemic, Longshoremen put themselves at risk to keep ports open. I’m glad this strike was short, and everyone can go back to work. Following recent natural disasters, dockworkers will play an essential role in getting communities the resources they need. I’m hopeful that a final agreement can be reached quickly and glad that these workers will receive the compensation and working conditions they deserve."

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement on the continuing resolution passed in the U.S. House of Representatives to extend the government funding deadline:

“Funding the government is a fundamental responsibility of elected officials. This extension safeguards important programs that people rely on, refills the Disaster Relief Fund, and renews the National Flood Insurance Program. This continuing resolution is now consistent with the spending levels agreed upon in the Bipartisan Fiscal Responsibility Act. I will continue fighting to put people over politics and solve problems for hardworking Louisianians.

“While I am encouraged that the DRF has been replenished in a way that allows long-term recovery projects to restart, I am concerned that we may be right back here in December with projects throughout Louisiana paused. Congress must come back with a comprehensive disaster relief bill to ensure important recovery projects don’t continue being delayed.

“We must find a bipartisan compromise to keep the government open at the end of the year. This short-term solution gives us time to find it.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to racist remarks posted by Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) on Twitter:

“I am appalled by the racist and reprehensible remarks made by Rep. Clay Higgins about the Haitian people. We all owe each other better than this, but as elected officials we should hold ourselves to an even higher standard. We have a solemn responsibility to represent and respect all races of people. Hate-filled rhetoric like this is not just offensive—it is dangerous. It incites division, perpetuates harmful stereotypes, and undermines the core values of our democracy.” 

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WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced $124,319,367 in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance Program to support 13 projectsthroughout LA-02. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Carter helped craft and voted for, greatly increased funding for the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program.

“The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program has been a game-changer for Louisiana, providing critical funding to help communities build resilience against devastating flood disasters,” said Rep. Carter. “With nearly $125 million allocated for 13 projects in my district, including efforts to elevate 132 flood-prone homes in St. John the Baptist Parish, the program is making significant strides in protecting both lives and property. By focusing on disadvantaged communities and targeting localized flood risks, the FMA is not only reducing future flood damage, but also ensuring that vulnerable Louisianians can continue to live where we call home.”

Background

LA-02 will receive nearly $125 million in funding for 13 projects, including:

The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program is a competitive program that provides funding to states, federally recognized Tribal governments, U.S. territories, and local governments. Since the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 was signed into law, FMA funds have been used for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program.

Flood Mitigation Assistance competitive selections focus on reducing or eliminating the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Learn more about Louisiana’s projects here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after the announcement that H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 will receive a vote on the House floor. Congressman Carter is a cosponsor of this legislation:

“WEP and GPO are harmful provisions that slash public servant’s Social Security benefits. I signed the discharge petition to bring the Social Security Fairness Act to the floor and I’m proud we’re acting NOW. Our teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other federal employees should NOT be penalized when it comes to collecting their pension. We must change this antiquated law and give people the benefits they’ve earned!”

Background

Last December, Congressman Carter was the Ranking Member for a Ways and Means Committee field hearing in Baton Rouge, LA focused on the effects of the Windfall Elimination Penalty (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) on everyday Americans, where he heard from Louisianians struggling to make ends meet due to these harmful provisions.

The WEP and GPO prevent federal retirees like police, teachers, firefighters, state workers and their spouses who earned pensions from those careers from collecting their full Social Security benefits earned while working outside of government, affecting over two million Americans, including thousands in Louisiana.

WEP dates to 1983 and reduces Social Security benefits for workers who paid into both a civil service pension from their time in government employment and Social Security, in a Social Security covered job outside of government.

GPO dates to 1977 and reduces by two-thirds the retirement or disability pension from a federal, state, or local government for spouses and widows or widowers if the spouse or widow did not pay in themselves.

The Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and has bipartisan, bicameral support.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) commended the passage of his bill H.R. 4403, the Securing the Cities Improvement Act in the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs this week. This legislation would ensure stability within the Securing the Cities (STC) program and partnerships with at-risk cities.

“My bill 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, showing that we're serious about protecting our communities, including New Orleans and surrounding areas, which are vital to our nation's energy and economic security.”

The Securing the Cities Improvement Act would allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) to determine which cities to partner with for the STC program based on the jurisdiction's capability and capacity to prepare for and respond to threats or vulnerabilities against a terrorist attack and other high-consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials. It would also establish performance metrics and milestones for the STC program and monitor expenditures for the program. Furthermore, this legislation would require DHS to provide a report to Congress regarding participation in the STC program, the establishment of metrics and milestones for the program, and plans for any changes to the program.

Background

The STC Initiative was launched by the Department of Homeland Security in Fiscal Year 2007 as a pilot program to support New York City, Jersey City, and Newark in detecting and preventing nuclear or radiological threats. The STC program has now grown and provides 14 local governments with detection equipment, training, exercise support, operational and technical subject matter expertise, and programmatic support. However, the program is limited to “high-risk urban areas” designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program. This linkage 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 considerably from one year to the next.

The Securing the Cities Improvement Act is cosponsored by Reps. Bennie G. Thompson (D-M.S.), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, and Clay Higgins (R-L.A.).

Read the fill bill text here.

Watch Rep. Carter’s House Floor remarks here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) announced $292,714,591 in Battery Materials Processing Grants from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for Element 25 (Louisiana) LLC and Honeywell International Inc. These awards were made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Carter helped craft and voted for.

“I’m excited to celebrate this significant step in our nation’s pursuit of sustainable energy and innovation,” said Rep. Carter. “This funding strengthens the battery materials industry and keeps the U.S. at the forefront of advanced technology manufacturing. With projects from Honeywell and Element 25, Louisiana is leading the nation’s clean energy transition, equipping our workforce with high-tech skills, and driving lasting economic growth. These investments not only boost our economic competitiveness but also lay the foundation for a cleaner, more sustainable future. I’m proud to see Louisiana shaping a self-sufficient energy future for America.”

Element 25 (Louisiana) LLC was awarded $166,128,094 to launch "Project Laver," a state-of-the-art refining facility in the Baton Rouge area to produce high purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM), a critical component in lithium-ion batteries. This facility will be the first of its kind in the United States. Once operational, this plant will create over 140 permanent jobs for Louisiana workers, including those transitioning from the oil and gas industry, as well as 400 construction jobs. The project will also foster long-term community success by creating apprenticeships for 5% of its workforce, providing on-the-job training and opportunities for career growth.

Honeywell International Inc. was awarded $126,586,497 to build a groundbreaking facility in Geismar, Louisiana, to produce Lithium (bis)FluoroSulfonyl Imide (LiFSI), a critical electrolyte salt for lithium batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage. This new facility will be the first of its kind in the United States. This project will create approximately 100 construction jobs and 70 full-time, high-paying, permanent, high-tech positions available once the plant is operational.

Background

The Battery Materials Processing Grants Program is designed to provide grants for battery materials processing to ensure that the United States has a viable battery materials processing industry. Funds can also be used to expand our domestic capabilities in battery manufacturing and enhance processing capacity.

Learn more about Louisiana’s projects here.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement congratulating New Orleans native Ava Dejoie Cates on her appointment as Regional Administrator of Region 6 for the Small Business Administration (SBA):

“I am proud to have recommended Ava Dejoie Cates, an incredibly talented leader, for the role of SBA Region 6 Regional Administrator. This is an outstanding achievement and a well-deserved recognition of her extensive experience and commitment to workforce and business development. Ava’s leadership has already transformed Louisiana’s workforce landscape, and her vision for empowering small businesses will undoubtedly bring transformative growth across the region.

“With over 25 years of public service and a deep-rooted passion for supporting entrepreneurs, Ava brings heart and expertise to this role. Her work ethic will serve her well as she fosters economic resilience and opportunity. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of her leadership as she helps small businesses thrive and continues driving economic progress.

“Ava, your commitment to innovation, collaboration, and economic development will surely benefit communities and entrepreneurs. Congratulations!”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) praised eight bills that he either introduced or cosponsored that passed in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure this week.

Congressman Carter is the lead sponsor of H.R. 9037, the Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act, bipartisan legislation that requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to submit a plan to Congress every three years that includes specific retention, recruitment, and deployment goals for its workforce.

“In Louisiana, we’ve seen how storms are increasingly more dangerous and unpredictable. My FEMA Workforce Planning Act is a critical step toward ensuring FEMA is better equipped to respond to disasters by creating clear goals for employee recruitment, retention, and training,” said Rep. Carter. “By requiring regular updates and audits, the bill promotes accountability and ensures that FEMA's staffing plans are aligned with the evolving needs of disaster response. This bipartisan legislation is a smart move toward filling gaps in FEMA's workforce, which in turn will help communities receive the support they need in times of crisis.”

In 2023, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report called “FEMA Disaster Workforce: Actions Needed to Improve Hiring Data and Address Staffing Gaps.” The report said that FEMA faced challenges deploying staff with the right skills and training to meet the needs of communities impacted by federally declared disasters. It also said that FEMA is short 6,200 workers, which means the agency is 35% short of the staff it needs. At the height of FEMA workforce deployments in October 2017, GAO found that 54 percent of staff were serving in a capacity in which they were not formally certified according to FEMA’s qualification system standards.

Congressman Carter is also a cosponsor on several bills that will strengthen benefits for disaster victims and communities working to recover:

H.R.6083, the Duplications of Benefits Victims Relief Act, clarifies that a post-disaster loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) is not considered disqualifying for receiving other federal recovery funding. During past disasters in Louisiana, most notably the floods of 2016, recovery funds promised to victims were reduced or eliminated if a homeowner had qualified for a federal disaster recovery loan from the SBA. Because the homeowner was already approved for federal relief, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stated it would be a “duplication of benefits” for them also to receive a federal recovery grant from the Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. While SBA loans are required to be repaid to the federal government, CDBG-DR grants are one-time payments to victims and do not require repayment.

H.R. 5623, the Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act, improves the federal Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program by allowing FEMA to provide services for substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Studies show that after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, alcohol consumption increased by about 185% from before the storm, and the annual hospitalization rate for substance use disorders increased by approximately 30%.

H.R. 2672, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act amends the Stafford Act to reimburse local governments and electric cooperatives for the interest on loans used for disaster recovery efforts. Many of these entities, particularly smaller and rural municipalities, need immediate funds for recovery and infrastructure repairs, but FEMA reimbursements often take time, leaving them with high-interest loan payments. This bill relieves them of that financial burden, allowing them to focus on recovery rather than loan costs.

Background

In total, Congressman Carter is a cosponsor of or introduced the following bills that passed in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure today:

• H.R. 9037, the Federal Emergency Mobilization Accountability (FEMA) Workforce Planning Act (Introduced)
• H.R. 2672, the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act
• H.R. 8530, the Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024
• ANS to H.R. 9135, the Ensuring Airline Resiliency to Reduce Delays and Cancellations Act
• ANS to H.R. 8505, the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act
• H.R. 6083, the Duplications of Benefits Victims Relief Act
• ANS to H.R. 5623, the Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act
• H.R. 8995, the Baby Changing on Board Act

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to House Republican’s partisan, extreme continuing resolution proposal to extend government funding for six months:

“Tonight, House Republicans have once again put party interests above the needs of the American people. Their dead-on-arrival proposal fails to protect Louisiana families recovering from natural disasters in the middle of Hurricane Season, harms our veterans, and puts America’s national security at risk.

“Extreme MAGA Republicans are threatening to shut down the government unless they can impose some of the most radical pieces of Trump’s Project 2025. Instead of playing political games, they should come to the table with a bipartisan government funding package that’s free of poison pills so we can keep the government open.”

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement on Hurricane Francine receiving a Major Disaster Declaration:

“In response to the Louisiana Delegation’s letter to President Biden, we have good news! Late last night, a major disaster declaration was issued, opening the door for critical individual assistance in Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes. President Biden also declared public assistance for Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes for debris removal and emergency protective measures.

“I am extremely grateful to President Joe Biden for issuing this additional declaration, which will provide much-needed recovery assistance to these hardest-hit parishes. This aid is vital for helping our communities rebuild and move forward.”

People in these parishes should visit disasterassistance.gov to apply for assistance. More parishes could be added as damage is assessed.

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