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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced new financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for eligible Louisiana farmers who experienced documented discrimination in federal farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Louisiana has 1,265 recipients selected totaling $77,351,490awarded.

These awards were made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) which Congressman Carter proudly helped craft and voted for. Congress allocated $2.2 billion for the DFAP program through the IRA and directed the USDA to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Today, over 43,000 individuals across the nation will receive financial assistance through the program. The assistance will help many of them continue farming or enhance their operations, will allow some to begin farming, or in other cases will help to ease potential lost income.

“This financial assistance is an opportunity to create long-overdue equity for farmers left behind due to decades of discriminatory practices,” said Rep. Carter. “Farming and agriculture in the United States has historically withheld access to communities of color and other marginalized groups. These awards are a significant step to ensure farmers and ranchers can sustain their livelihoods, contribute to the economy, and pursue new agricultural opportunities.”

A claim of discrimination in this program could be based on different treatment applicants experienced because of race, color, national origin or ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, marital status, disability, or reprisal/retaliation for prior civil rights activity. The program covered all aspects of USDA’s farm lending activities. Covered discrimination could include, for example, failure to provide appropriate assistance, delay in processing a loan or loan servicing application, denial of a loan or loan servicing, prevention from applying for a loan or loan servicing, adverse loan terms, or unduly onerous supervision of loan requirements where these were due to the customer’s race, color, national origin or ethnicity, sex, etc.

“Farmers and ranchers work around the clock to put food on our tables and steward our Nation’s land. But for too long, many farmers and ranchers experienced discrimination in farm loan programs and have not had the same access to federal resources and support,” said President Joe Biden. “I promised to address this inequity when I became President. Today that promise has become a reality. My Inflation Reduction Act took a bold step to address the effects of discrimination in farming and ranching, and today’s action will enable more farmers and ranchers to support themselves and their families, help grow the economy, and pursue their dreams.”

“The completion of the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program is an important moment in USDA’s history, and in our journey to becoming a department that truly serves everyone who wants to participate in agriculture. While this financial assistance is not compensation for anyone’s losses or pain endured, it is an acknowledgement. My hope is that this will ensure that many farmers can stay on their farms, contribute to our nation’s food supply, and continue doing what they love,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I am also immensely grateful to USDA’s many partners in this effort, including the organizations who helped spread the word and offer technical assistance to applicants. This process, and the information contained in the applications, will help USDA as we fine tune our efforts to make USDA programs accessible, inclusive and equitable to all.”

Background

Congressman Carter cosponsors the Justice for Black Farmers Act of 2023 introduced by Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC). This bill will establish a brighter future for the under-served by reforming the USDA, providing debt relief and creating a land grant program to encourage a new generation of Black farmers. It seeks to correct persistent injustices and restore the land base that Black farmers have lost.

Learn more about the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program here. View the full list of award distributions announced today here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced new funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Dillard University and the United Way of Southeast Louisiana through the Community Change Grants Program. They will receive $19.94 million to reduce air pollution and strengthen community resilience to natural disasters. This award was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which Congressman Carter proudly helped craft and voted for.

“The Inflation Reduction Act, the largest ever investment in climate action and environmental justice, is a testament to our commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable future,” said Rep. Carter. “Through this federal award, the project will provide up to 300 families with e-bikes, expand bike-sharing programs, install EV chargers, and retrofit public buildings with energy-efficient systems. Dillard University will also spearhead new educational programs in clean energy and climate resilience. These innovative and community-focused solutions will ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”

The Community Change Grants Program was funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, which is the single largest investment in climate action in American history. The grant award will empower Dillard University and the United Way of Southeast Louisiana to address critical environmental challenges and enhance community resilience in Orleans, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes. Key initiatives include reducing pollution and improving transportation access by providing up to 300 families with e-bikes, expanding bike-sharing programs, and installing EV chargers. Additionally, the funding will support retrofitting public buildings with energy-efficient HVAC systems, solar panels, and energy storage, enabling them to lower their greenhouse gas emissions and serve as community resilience hubs during emergencies.

Furthermore, Dillard University will launch new non-degree certificate programs in clean energy and climate resilience, equipping the community with essential skills for a sustainable future.

“United Way of Southeast Louisiana is thrilled to partner with Dillard University as we embrace this historic opportunity provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Change Grants Program,” said Michael Williamson, United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s president and CEO. “Last week’s announcement of over $325 million in funding to support disadvantaged communities in addressing environmental and climate justice challenges marks a significant step forward. This initiative will empower our communities by reducing pollution, increasing climate resilience, and building capacity. We are excited to contribute to these transformative efforts and make a lasting impact together.”

"The EPA's selection of Dillard University's Community Change Grant submission, in partnership with the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, is a testament to the value we place on collaboration with our array of stakeholders to transform our community,” said Dr. Monique Guillory, Dillard University Interim President. “As a native New Orleanian, I am distinctly familiar with the environmental injustices that have plagued this region. It is that understanding that makes this award a special honor as I am called to serve the Bleu Devil family as Interim President. This is not just an award for Dillard University, but for our entire New Orleans community. I extend a special note of appreciation to Dillard alum, Mr. Rod Hall with Nelson and Mullins, the Louisiana congressional delegation, and in particular, Dr. Rochelle Ford, and Dr. Charles Prince for their leadership of this effort. We look forward to leveraging this award for substantive impact to the Dillard University community and beyond."

“Our ability to deliver tangible results for communities depends on listening to them and developing innovative solutions through inclusive stakeholder engagement,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, EPA has selected the first cohort of community partnerships to solve emerging and longstanding environmental and climate justice challenges.”

To learn more about the Community Change Grants and Technical Assistance visit EPA’s Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grants Program webpage.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced new funding administered by the Department of Commerce and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for Louisiana through the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge. Awardees in Louisiana will receive $59.8 million for three projects to make the state’s coast more resilient to impacts from the climate crisis, including sea level rise and stronger tropical storms. These awards were made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which Congressman Carter proudly helped craft and voted for.

“I’m excited to announce Louisiana had multiple projects selected in NOAA’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge! Our communities live on frontlines of the climate crisis and witness the growing threats of extreme weather, heat waves, sea level rise, and drought,” said Rep. Carter. “This funding will help us become more resilient to these growing threats and sets up Louisiana to lead by example in sustainable, community-focused climate adaptation. In line with the Justice 40 Initiative, these projects emphasize equity, community engagement, and regional coordination, making sure our most vulnerable are prioritized. This historic investment in building Climate-Ready Coasts, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, will provide Louisiana with resources to implement innovative, inclusive solutions that will benefit our future generations.”

The Climate Resilience Regional Challenge is an unprecedented opportunity to implement transformative, resilience-building initiatives throughout the coastal zone. This initiative is focused on investing in high-impact projects that create climate solutions by storing carbon; building resilience to coastal hazards such as extreme weather events, pollution and marine debris; restoring coastal habitats that help wildlife and humans thrive; building the capacity of underserved communities and supporting community-driven restoration; and providing employment opportunities.

“As part of President Biden’s commitment to combating the climate crisis, we are investing $575 million to help make sure America’s coastal communities are more resilient to the effects of climate change,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “As part of this historic investment in our nation’s climate resilience the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $59.8 million to help underserved communities in Louisiana develop and implement new strategies to protect themselves from flooding, storm surge, and extreme weather events.”

“Equitably and effectively strengthening a community’s ability to address climate change means enabling the leadership of those who have been most affected by climate impacts, and actively working with them to address these impacts,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “This funding provides Louisiana communities with the resources that empower local leaders, building their capacity for coordination and resilience now and into the future.”

“The Greater New Orleans Foundation, Tulane Bywater Institute, and our many partners, with support from NOAA, will have the ability to amplify and extend collaborative, equity-focused work that enhances our region’s capacity to build and maintain resilient green stormwater infrastructure that reduces flooding and subsidence in our most vulnerable neighborhoods, most of which are majority Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC),” said Andy Kopplin, President and CEO, of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “We are working together on a holistic adaptive management approach for these projects so they can also help address extreme heat and other climate risks. And we are especially thrilled that through our resilience competition, The Next 100 Years Challenge, one of our grantees, the United Houma Nation leveraged their grant from us to secure over $56 million dollars in funding from NOAA. This grant is a shining example of the importance of investing in our regional nonprofits to bolster our collective efforts to secure major federal funding. We thank Congressman Troy Carter for his tireless efforts to ensure that our region receives the support needed to create more sustainable, just, and thriving communities for us all.”

Background

Recommended projects and funding amounts in Louisiana include:

Enhancing the United Houma Nation’s Short-, Mid-, and Long-Term Coastal Resilience.  United Houma Nation: $56,573,066

In Southern Louisiana, the United Houma Nation is pursuing a comprehensive approach to addressing impacts from increased storm activity and sea level rise through a project that will bolster resilience through a cultural, environmental, economic and emergency-response lens.

The five phases of the Houma Nation’s resilience plan are 1) enhance central community resilience hub; 2) establish and enhance satellite community resilience hubs; 3) strengthen and expand communications; 4) build capacity for economic development; and 5) community-led migration.

Southwest Louisiana and Central Acadiana Resilient Future. ByWater Institute, Tulane University: $1,998,800

This project uses a multipronged approach for community-based regional planning and governance for addressing storm and sea level rise impacts. The goal is to develop a coordinated vision and sustainable, resilience-focused action plan. Activities include analyzing existing plans; characterizing climate risk; defining best practices; prioritizing potential projects; evaluating policies; and developing engineering reports to move prioritized projects toward implementation.

To meet future needs, the project will set up a regional collaborative to offer continued coordination and sustained knowledge and resource sharing. Additional outputs for this project include filling in technical and data-related information gaps; helping communities identify and use appropriate data and tools; strengthening coordination between all levels of governments, including tribal; assessing the robustness of existing resilience efforts; and evaluating equity impacts.

EMPOWER: Enabling Meaningful Progress for Water Equity and Resilience through the Greater New Orleans Regional Water Plan. New Orleans Community Support Foundation: $1,208,108

This project builds on more than a decade of planning and collaboration across the greater New Orleans region to adopt a holistic, adaptive water management vision centered on the leadership of Black, Indigenous and people of color communities. This vision will enable greater cohesion in selecting community green infrastructure projects and ensure the investments address multiple climate hazards and realize multiple benefits. Outputs include 1) a regional approach to making key water management and climate adaptation data more accessible to the community; 2) a policy manual for holistic, adaptive management of green infrastructure projects; and 3) a public communications campaign that highlights the collaborative’s efforts and findings with media, events, workshops and facilitated conversations about management efforts across the region. The primary climate challenge focus is flooding caused by precipitation, as well as tidal and riverine-sourced flooding.

More information about the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge can be found here.

Read the full NOAA announcement here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after the Israeli Prime Minister gave a joint address to Congress:

“As a member of Congress, it is my responsibility to attend when we meet in joint session, whether I agree with a person’s viewpoint or not. Today I met with Israeli hostage families who are in agony not knowing whether their loved ones are dead or alive. I can’t imagine what that feels like.

“I strongly condemn the far right-wing settler ministers in the Netanyahu government who appear to be standing in the way of a deal to release the hostages and achieve a ceasefire in Gaza for electoral reasons. This is amoral. I continue to call for a bilateral ceasefire in the Middle East with the goal of achieving peace.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding for the City of New Orleans through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program. New Orleans will receive $49,975,589 to support greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures over the next five years, strengthening our commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. This was made possible because of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which Congressman Carter proudly helped craft and voted for.

“I'm excited to announce this grant, which is a monumental step for environmental and climate resilience efforts. It will enable New Orleans to implement critical greenhouse gas reduction measures, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of all Louisianians,” said Rep. Carter. “It will also help significantly reduce the city's carbon footprint, promote economic and green job growth, and create a healthier environment. The planned projects, including reforesting underserved neighborhoods to combat urban ‘heat islands,’ expanding the Blue Bikes bike-sharing program, enhancing energy efficiency in municipal buildings, and providing residents with subsidies to install solar on their homes, demonstrate a comprehensive approach to achieving substantial GHG reductions and improving the quality of life in New Orleans.”

This grant will fund seven key projects focused on high-impact, climate pollution reduction initiatives, helping New Orleans to achieve its climate goals while enhancing the quality of life for Louisianians. The initiatives include:

• Blue Bikes Expansion: Increasing the bike share fleet from 800 to 2000 and extending services to historically underserved areas.
• Commercial Building Benchmarking Program: Implementing personnel and software to manage energy benchmarking for commercial buildings.
• E-Bike Rebates Program: Offering 3000 point-of-sale e-bike rebates over five years, with additional subsidies for low-to-moderate-income (LMI) residents.
• Municipal Building Decarbonization: Upgrading energy efficiency in 41 city buildings and installing rooftop solar panels on 14 municipal properties.
• Protected Bikeways: Constructing six miles of protected bikeways adjacent to downtown New Orleans.
• Reforestation Plan: Planting 7500 trees in underserved neighborhoods over five years.
• Solar for All (SFA) Local Subsidies: Providing subsidies for 1400 solar installations for LMI households, supplementing state SFA funding.

“President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy. Thanks to his leadership, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program will deliver unprecedented resources to states, local governments, and Tribes to fund the solutions that work best in their communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Selected recipients have put forward ambitious plans to advance sustainable agriculture, deploy clean industrial technologies, cut emissions and energy costs in homes and commercial buildings, and provide cost- and energy-efficient heating and cooling to communities, creating economic and workforce development opportunities along the way.”

“As New Orleans works to reduce our emissions contributing to climate change, this substantial funding will fuel seven pivotal greenhouse gas reduction measures that align with a cross section of goals from the City’s Climate Action Plan and the Southeastern Louisiana Priority Climate Action Plan (SELA PCAP),” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This grant represents a significant investment in the health and resilience of our city and reaffirms our commitment to environmental stewardship and social equity. We are excited to lead the way in advancing our climate goals, improving the quality of life for our residents, and setting a powerful example for other cities to follow. Thank you to the EPA and our partners for their unwavering dedication to making New Orleans a more sustainable city."

Background

The EPA selected 25 applications to fund a diverse range of projects in 30 states at the state, local, and Tribal levels. These selections are an important milestone for the CPRG program, accelerating ambitious climate pollution reduction measures designed by state, local, and Tribal governments to achieve significant GHG reductions by 2030 and beyond.

More information about the CPRG program and the official funding announcement for New Orleans can be found here.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement after the announcement that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) passed away:

“The United States Congress has lost a true stateswoman, and Texas, along with our entire country, has lost a fierce defender of justice, fairness, and our democracy.

“Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee will be sorely missed by her immediate family, her Congressional Black Caucus family, her Democratic Caucus family, all the citizens of Texas, and countless others she touched around the world. Her unwavering commitment to her principles and her tireless advocacy for the underrepresented has left an indelible mark on our nation.

“On a personal note, Sheila was not just a colleague but also a cherished friend and mentor to me and many others. Her wisdom, compassion, and strength have guided us through many challenges. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all to strive for a better, more just world.

“Rest in peace, my dear sister. Job well done!”

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after a shooting at former President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania:

“Violence has no place in political discourse, regardless of our vehement philosophical differences. We must stand united against such actions and uphold the principles of democracy and respect.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), Chair of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, announced the introduction of a bipartisan House Resolution in recognition of National Men’s Health Month. This resolution will encourage men to set an example for their families by engaging in preventative health care. 

“National Men’s Health Month encourages men to take proactive steps towards their health, setting a positive example for their families,” said Rep. Carter. “This effort plays a vital role in addressing the alarming statistic that men lead in nine of the top ten causes of death and have a lifespan nearly six years shorter than women. By highlighting the significance of routine medical check-ups and early disease detection, this initiative serves not only to improve men's health outcomes but also to support the well-being of the women who care for them and the employers who depend on their productivity.”

"As life expectancy for men in the United States is at its lowest point since 1996, it is important to bring attention to the issue of men’s health and look for ways we can help people live longer, healthier lives,” said Rep. Grothman (R-WI). “I appreciate that the Men’s Health Caucus is taking steps to address problems and raise awareness in a bipartisan manner."

“June is National Men’s Mental Health Month! As Vice Chair of the Men’s Health Caucus, I join my colleagues in raising awareness on issues impacting men’s health,” said Rep. Lieu (D-CA). “This month, I am thinking of our late colleague Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., who was the Chairman of the Men’s Health Caucus and a tireless advocate for men’s health issues. In his memory, we remain committed to ensuring men across the country have access to health information and quality comprehensive care. I am no stranger to health concerns—in 2019, I had a partial blockage in a heart vessel and, thanks to the excellent medical care I received, I have fully recovered. National Men’s Health Month is a critical reminder that all men should have the same opportunities to heed early warning signs of health issues and seek the care that they need.” 

“It’s on each and every one of us to break the stigma around men’s health and encourage our friends, family, and neighbors to take their health and wellness seriously,” said Rep. Menendez (D-NJ). “As Vice Chair of the Men’s Health Caucus, I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues in raising this important issue in Congress and am committed to doing what I can to increase access to quality, affordable healthcare and preventive screenings for all Americans.”

The full text of the resolution is below, and you can read it here.

“Supporting the designation of the month of June 2024, as ‘‘National Men’s Health Month’’.

Whereas despite advances in medical technology and re- search, American men now live an average of nearly 6 years less than women, and American Indian/Alaska Native and African American men have the lowest life expectancy;

Whereas heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases, chronic liver dis- ease and cirrhosis, influenza and pneumonia, and Parkin- son’s disease according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead to death in men at a higher age-adjusted rate than women;

Whereas the Lifespan Gender Gap grew through most of the 20th Century from less than 2 years to 7.7 years before peaking in 1979 and then declining to 4.7 years in 2010 (a reduction of three full years) before increasing to 5.8 years in the most recent reports (an increase of more than one full year);

Whereas the rise, fall and rise again of the Lifespan Gender Gap show that the gap does respond to public policy and public education and that there is nothing inevitable or inexorable about the premature death of men;

Whereas suicide is among the top 10 causes of death for men, with an overall rate nearly 4 times higher than the rate for women and ranks as the second highest cause of death for men in 2 age groups, from ages 1 through 19 and ages 20 through 44;

Whereas men on average experience a heart attack 7 years earlier than women; 

Whereas testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men between the ages of 15 and 34, and when detected early, has a 95-percent survival rate; 

Whereas according to the American Cancer Society, the number of colorectal cancer cases among men is expected to be over 80,000 in 2024, and over 28,320 men are expected to die from it;

Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 out of every 100 American men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime;

Whereas according to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 299,010 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2024, and an estimated 35,250 of them will die from the disease;

Whereas African-American men in the United States have the highest incidence of prostate cancer;

Whereas African-American men are 1.76 times more likely to be diagnosed with, and 2.20 times more likely to die from, prostate cancer compared to White men;

Whereas significant numbers of predominantly male-related health problems, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, infertility, and colon cancer, could be detected and treated in the early stages if men were more widely aware of the many early detection and screening tools and preventive measures currently available;

Whereas educating both the public and health care providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems will result in reducing rates of mortality for these diseases;

Whereas appropriate use of tests such as prostate-specific antigen exams and blood pressure and cholesterol screens, in conjunction with clinical examination and self- testing for problems such as testicular cancer, can result in the detection of many of these problems in their early stages and proper treatment can nearly eliminate the risk of death from prostate cancer and testicular cancer;

Whereas according to the most widely cited study, the Cleveland Clinic MENtion It Survey, two-thirds (65 percent) of men tend to wait as long as possible to see their doctor if they have any health symptoms or an injury, and among men surveyed, men ages 35 to 54 are more likely to agree they tend to tough it out as long as possible be- fore going to the doctor (72 percent), compared to men 55 and up (59 percent);

Whereas women are nearly twice as likely as men to have visited the doctor in the past year;

Whereas men are less likely than women to visit their health center or physician for regular screening examinations of male-related problems for a variety of reasons, including fear of learning or confirming health status or condition, embarrassment, lack of health insurance, lack of information, and high out-of-pockets costs;

Whereas ‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’ was established by Congress and first celebrated in 1994 and urges men and their families to engage in appropriate health behaviors, and the resulting increased awareness has improved health-related education and helped prevent illness;

Whereas the Governors of all 50 States have issued proclamations declaring Men’s Health Week in their States, as have mayors of over 350 cities;

Whereas since 1994, ‘‘National Men’s Health Week’’ has been celebrated each June by hundreds of States, cities, localities, public health departments, health care entities, churches, and community organizations throughout the Nation that promote health awareness events focused on men and families;

Whereas men who are educated about the value that preventive health care can play in prolonging their lifespan and their role as productive family members will be more likely to participate in health screenings;

Whereas men and their families are encouraged to increase their awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and medical checkups; and

Whereas, June 2024, is ‘‘National Men’s Health Month’’, which has the purpose of heightening the awareness of preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys: Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

(1) supports the annual ‘‘National Men’s Health Month’’; and

(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States and interested groups to observe ‘‘National Men’s Health Month’’ with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman David G. Valadao (R-CA) introduced the bipartisan Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act. The legislation establishes an annual certification program under the Blue Campaign at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to incentivize employers to complete human trafficking awareness training.

“New Orleans is a hub for tourism, and as a result increased rates of human trafficking,” said Rep. Carter. “This bipartisan bill recognizes employers who are trained to identify and respond to signs of human trafficking, harnessing the power of industries such as entertainment, hospitality, and transportation, where staff are often the first to spot potential trafficking scenarios. This initiative honors the commitment of businesses actively working to combat these crimes and encourages more companies to join the cause. We must do everything in our power to prevent the sale and transportation of human lives.”

“California has the highest number of reported human trafficking cases of any state in the country, and it’s impacting communities right here in the Central Valley,” said Rep. Valadao. “Employees in the entertainment, hospitality, and transportation industries are often the first line of defense in detecting human trafficking, and it’s critical they have the necessary training to spot indicators of this crime and save lives. We must continue working together at the local, state, and federal level to raise awareness and bring an end to this growing and disturbing crime.”

The Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act is supported by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) and the American Gaming Association (AGA). 

“Businesses across hospitality, entertainment and transportation have a responsibility to bolster the front lines in the fight against human trafficking and the gaming industry is wholly committed to this imperative,” said AGA president and CEO Bill Miller. “The AGA thanks Reps. Valadao and Carter for their commitment to combating this detestable crime and for recognizing businesses that share this commitment.”

Background

The Blue Campaign, housed within the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT), aims to equip the public, law enforcement, and the private sector with awareness trainings and resources to reduce human trafficking crimes nationwide. While the Blue Campaign offers tools to help combat trafficking, it lacks an initiative for recognizing businesses that have trained their employees to recognize and respond to suspected human trafficking.

The Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act of 2024:

• Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a Blue Campaign Certification Program to incentivize employers in covered industries to encourage employees to complete human trafficking awareness training. The Blue Campaign would provide eligible employers with a certificate of completion to display for one year.

• Requires a report to be submitted to the appropriate committees within two years after the enactment of this bill.

• Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 by requiring the Blue Campaign to increase coordination with experts from the private sector, academic institutions, and other covered industries for the development of the Blue Campaign.

Read a one-page summary of the bill here.

Read the full text of the bill here.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) joined the Urban League of Louisiana to announce a $1,200,000 grant for apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships through the Career Pathways Program.

“Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs have a critical role in bridging the skills gap and fostering economic growth,” said Rep. Carter. “Urban League of Louisiana’s Career Pathways Program offers hands-on training and real-world experience, equipping individuals with the expertise needed for high-demand industries. By investing in apprenticeships, we create pathways to well-paying jobs, reduce unemployment, and support local businesses with a skilled workforce. This funding ensures that all individuals, including underserved communities, have the opportunity to prepare for valuable career opportunities, promoting inclusivity and economic resilience. This is an investment in Louisiana’s future.”

This funding was made possible by federal appropriations Community Project Funding that Congressman Carter previously secured for Louisiana’s Second Congressional District. These community projects were selected after conducting comprehensive outreach to local groups and stakeholders. This initiative is coupled with stringent eligibility, ethics, and transparency requirements.

“Thank you, Congressman Carter, for your unwavering support and securing a $1.2 million appropriation for the Urban League of Louisiana. This is a substantial investment in the future of our communities. It demonstrates a powerful commitment to addressing workforce development needs and ensuring that all Louisianans have access to the tools and training necessary to succeed in today's economy,” said Urban League of Louisiana President & CEO Judy Reese Morse. “Our apprenticeship programs exemplify how we live our mission to help African American and other underserved communities achieve economic self-reliance and upward mobility. Since 2023, the Urban League successfully implemented Apprenticeship Programs for careers including Automobile Service Technician, Construction, and Cybersecurity.  With this new funding, we can expand these efforts significantly.”

Watch Congressman Carter’s remarks here.

Read more about all of Congressman Carter’s Community Project Funding for 2023 here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) introduced bipartisan legislation to create an expungement mechanism for low-level violations of federal marijuana law and provide an expedited, orderly process that clears the deck of non-felony marijuana offenses lingering in the federal system. The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act would deliver justice for countless Americans whose lives have been disrupted and deprived because of a misdemeanor Marijuana offense.

Thirty-eight states, three territories, and the District of Columbia currently allow the use of cannabis products, including for medical or recreational use.

“No one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. This bipartisan bill will restore justice to millions of Americans who have suffered excessive secondary consequences associated with marijuana-related misdemeanors,” said Rep. Carter. “These misdemeanors, even without a conviction, can restrict the ability to access educational aid, housing assistance, occupational licensing, and even foster parenting. Delivering justice for people who have been impacted by marijuana-related misdemeanors is a vital part of comprehensive cannabis reform.”

The October 6, 2022, presidential pardon (Proclamation 10467) is estimated to impact at least 6,500 people with federal convictions related to simple possession of marijuana, attempted simple possession of marijuana, or use of marijuana, and will restore the civil rights lost when an individual commits certain crimes, including the right to vote, sit on a jury, and hold elected office. However, clemency acts do not expunge criminal records or remove them from public view.

In May, President Biden took steps to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug under federal law. This came after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) studied the drug's medical use, abuse, and dependency potential and recommended rescheduling, concluding reclassification would remove barriers to critical research.

“Records matter and carrying a low-level non-criminal petty offense on a record could heavily impact a person’s way of life from sustaining employment to applying to new opportunities,” said Rep. Armstrong. “The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act gives a second chance to non-violent petty marijuana offenders after the sentence is complete and removes barriers to reentry while upholding the rule of law and supporting a more equitable society.”

“With cannabis programs established in 38 states, it is beyond unjust that individuals with minor marijuana charges continue to be punished for these previous offenses for what is now legal activity in a majority of the country,” said Saphira Galoob, Executive Director of the National Cannabis Roundtable. “Cannabis-related criminal justice reform efforts must remain at the forefront of federal reform efforts to begin to address the harms caused by decades of the misguided War on Drugs. The National Cannabis Roundtable applauds the leadership of Reps. Carter and Armstrong in doing just that with the introduction of the Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act in the 118th Congress to break down barriers caused by prior cannabis-related convictions when individuals are seeking educational, housing, and employment opportunities.”

“While thousands of individuals with federal simple marijuana possession charges were pardoned by President Biden in 2022, the unfortunate reality is that those records still follow them even after that historic act of clemency. But Congress has the authority to provide the expungements necessary to wipe the slate clean and provide a true second chance,” said Weldon Angelos, President of the Weldon Project. “Our federal marijuana and criminal justice policies must be reformed to recognize the fact that cannabis is now legal in 38 states as we continue to move towards ending prohibition. I want to thank Congressman Carter and Congressman Armstrong for introducing this bill creating a mechanism to expunge low-level violations of federal marijuana law, which will be nothing short of lifechanging for countless families impacted by the War on Drugs.”

“The bill is synthetic by design, drawing upon current federal law, previous congressional bills, and various secondary works,” said Professor Erik Luna of Arizona State University and founder of the Academy for Justice at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. “The goal is to create a method for expunging marijuana-related misdemeanors and other low-level offenses that is comprehensive, coherent, efficient, and just, all without threatening public safety. Along the way, the scheme seeks to capture whatever lessons can be drawn for future efforts, such as relief for federal marijuana-related felonies and federal offenses for other controlled substances, for instance, and the possibility of automatic record-clearing and general expungement provisions. The bill thereby offers a national symbol of reform that also sets the stage for further informed congressional relief.”

Background

Congressman Troy Carter is the lead sponsor of the Marijuana Misdemeanor and Expungement Act and the Capital Lending and Investment for Marijuana Businesses (CLIMB) Act. He has also cosponsored several other cannabis reform bills and is a member of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, which seeks to find commonsense solutions around cannabis use and the growing cannabis industry, as well as harmonize federal laws with state laws that permit medical and recreational cannabis.

Full bill text can be found here.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) reiterated his strong support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their commitment to reduce emissions from chemical plants. This follows an announcement that the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) granted the Denka Performance Elastomer (DPA) a two-year extension to comply with EPA’s rule to reduce toxic air pollution.

“Louisianians deserve to breathe clean air and drink clean water without fear for their health,” said Rep. Carter. “My district has the highest cancer risk of any place in the United States – that is unacceptable. We must pursue proper regulations. We must listen to the people who are impacted at home, who undoubtedly have suffered the cost of being near petrochemical plants — but not just chemical plants, chemical plants that don’t follow the rules. I am not anti-industry; I am anti-violator. When people and communities come first, we can achieve coexistence.”

In April, Congressman Carter joined EPA Administrator Michael Regan to announce a final rule that will reduce toxic air pollution from chemical plants, including ethylene oxide (EtO) and chloroprene. This action will significantly reduce emissions of pollutants both in Louisiana and nationally, including reducing chloroprene from the Denka Performance Elastomer (DPE) facility in LaPlace, Louisiana, the largest source of these toxic emissions in the country. The DPE facility is within the Mississippi River Chemical Corridor. Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit refused to block this new federal rule. This ruling requires Denka to reduce its emissions of chloroprene by October 15, 2024.

“Over the last eight years, Louisiana and LDEQ have extended permission after permission for the Denka chemical plant to harm our community,” said Robert Taylor, Executive Director of Concerned Citizens of St. John the Baptist Parish. “They would rather believe Denka’s science over the EPA’s and expose us to toxic emissions. Governor Landry has no respect for our people or the federal government. They think they’re above the law and it is outrageous. It’s time for the madness to end.”

“End run around EPA authority to protect the health of Louisiana residents,” said LTG Russel Honoré, Retired, Leader of the GreenARMY, whose mission is to find solutions for pollution.

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