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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement on the Supreme Court ruling in Trump v. United States:

“It is essential to our nation that all individuals, regardless of their status or position, are held accountable for their actions. Today’s decision continues to delay Donald Trump’s day in court. The facts of the January 6, 2021, insurrection lead me to conclude that he should be criminally prosecuted. I believe that our judicial system will ultimately do the right thing.

“I do not and will not accept an argument that any president is above the law.”

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

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

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

 “The United States must prioritize the health and safety of the American people,” said Rep. Higgins. “Currently, billions of pounds of un-inspected foreign seafood continue to enter the country, causing major health concerns. God only knows what’s in the shipments that enter through our ports. This legislation provides the FDA with the authority to destroy illegal seafood imports and ensure they do not reach American markets.”

“Amongst the U.S. aquaculture community that competes against foreign imported seafood it is common knowledge importers will “shop” ports of entry after an initial denial by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,” said Paul Zajicek, Executive Director, National Aquaculture Association.  “We strongly support Congressman Higgins’ and Congressman Carter’s much needed bill, which will provide the agency with commonsense authority to destroy tainted product and, as a long-term outcome, will discourage and prevent an unethical tactic.”

Full bill text can be found here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, voted to pass the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). WRDA is passed by every session of Congress and authorizes and funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s activities for flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration. The legislation now heads to the full House for consideration.

“I proudly voted for this bill to help communities like ours strengthen water resources infrastructure,” said Rep. Carter. “Water is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, public health, and environment. In Louisiana we also know that we must plan comprehensively to safely manage water in our communities. WRDA is the mechanism Congress uses to provide flood protection in south Louisiana and build a stronger, healthier water system for our nation. I am proud to have achieved meaningful successes for Louisiana in this legislation and I look forward to voting for its passage in the House.”

Congressman Carter requested and won the inclusion of specific funding and support for priorities and projects within this entire package that will help improve daily life for his constituents and all Louisiana residents. These include:

Water Resource Development Act Provisions for LA-02:

• Monthly Notification of Deferred Payment Agreement Requests – Congressman Carter and Congressman Garrett Graves (R-LA) co-authored this amendment which requires that the Corps provide the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee with monthly reports regarding the status of requests for deferred payment requests from non-federal partners. Congressman Carter sought this language to expedite the Corps responses to non-federal partners, like the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board, on their renegotiations of their interest payments, which can cost local non-federal project partners millions of dollars while they await renegotiation terms.

• Authorized feasibility study of the New Orleans area saltwater intrusion issue - In 2023, extended drought conditions in the Mississippi River and Ohio River watersheds brought the Mississippi River’s flow in south Louisiana to near historic lows. The lack of flow from the river allowed a saltwater wedge from the Gulf of Mexico to push its way upriver toward the New Orleans metro area. New Orleans and the surrounding parishes and municipalities get their municipal water supply from the river. If the saltwater reached water intakes it would have threatened the ability to provide drinkable water for months. This bill authorizes a Corps feasibility study to explore projects to prevent future saltwater intrusion and positions the region to secure a Corps-approved prevention project.

• Hurricane Storm Disaster Risk Reduction System (HSSDRS) payback clarification - Clarifies that Louisiana has met its payback obligations for the HSDRRS system, the Greater New Orleans area flood control and levee system, through the state’s first two payments to USACE totaling $800 million. This clarification saves the state potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in additional payments and interest.
• Lafourche Parish – Authorized a Corps study to provide recommendations for levees systems constructed to federal standards, but not constructed by the USACE, to become federally recognized levee system. This will help local levee systems, like the South Lafourche Levee District, which constructed much of their levee system without the USACE, to become compliant in the view of the federal government and eligible for future federal support.

• Authorized feasibility study for the Lake Pontchartrain Barrier Project - The Lake Pontchartrain Barrier project is included within Louisiana’s 2023 Coastal Master Plan and has risk reduction benefits across an entire region. The concept would be for USACE to install closure gates and weirs to an elevation of 2 feet across the passes at Chef Menteur, the Rigolets, and other minor passages for storm surge risk reduction within the Lake Pontchartrain Basin.

• Upper Barataria Basin and Morganza to the Gulf project tie-in - The 7-mile gap between the Morganza to the Gulf and Upper Barataria Basin projects is the only area without planned structural hurricane protection from Terrebonne Parish to the New Orleans HSDRRS System. This bill requires that the Corps evaluate measures to close this gap, aiming to provide continuous risk reduction for most coastal southeastern Louisiana residents.

• Extension of Authorization for West Bank Vicinity Project to 2033 - In 2014, the Corps was authorized to lift levees that have settled below the design grade. This authority, set to expire in 2028, is now extended to 2033 allowing the Corps to continue to maintain the West Bank levee system at 100-year storm protections.

• Continuation of Non-Federal Implementation Pilot Program (Section 1043) to 2030 - The Non-Federal Project Implementation Pilot Program allows local Corps project partners, like the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, to execute and construct Corps authorized projects. Given local interest in utilizing this program for major flood protection projects, this program is extended though 2030.

Read the full WRDA here.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after hearing of the passing of Algiers native Jackie Clarkson:

“Jackie Clarkson was a proud daughter of Algiers, an outspoken supporter of our nation’s armed forces and veterans, and a Louisiana political legend. She was a trailblazer during her service as one of the first women on the New Orleans City Council and Louisiana House of Representatives, and continued her activism even after she left office by supporting the National World War II Museum and the New Orleans Opera. I was proud to work with her on many issues for our community, including preserving the Algiers Ferry, protecting the French Quarter, and expanding access to NORD for children. Jackie was also a loving mother, wife, and a dear friend. I am honored to have known her and my prayers are with her family. May she rest in peace.”

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) joined the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) to announce a $4,000,000 grant to create an Indoor Swimming Facility that will offer year-round water safety instructions, water aerobics for adults and seniors, and recreational swimming. This facility will be only 1 of 2 public swimming facilities located on the Westbank of New Orleans.

“As someone who grew up in this vibrant and resilient neighborhood, I am thrilled to announce this federal funding,” said Rep. Carter. “The Algiers Indoor Covered Swimming Facility is not just another building project; it symbolizes hope and progress for the residents of the Cut Off. Our community, which has long needed such amenities, will now have a space dedicated to year-round water safety instruction, water aerobics for adults and seniors, and recreational swimming for all ages. I am immensely grateful for the support we have received and excited about the positive impact this project will have.”

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.

 "The $4 million funding provided by Congressman Troy Carter for the construction of an indoor pool at the Cut Off Playground is a game-changer for the Cut Off neighborhood and the entire Westbank of New Orleans,” said Larry Barabino, Jr. CEO of NORD Commission. “This investment not only enhances our recreational facilities but also promotes health, water safety, and well-being. We are excited to see the transformative impact this project will have on our residents in lower Algiers by providing year-round access to vital aquatics programming." 

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.) voted against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“No one knows the importance of a strong national defense more than I do. The current version of the NDAA has been overtaken by extreme MAGA Republican poison pill amendments that will hurt our readiness and our troops. I cannot in good conscience vote for a bill that makes it impossible for women in uniform to get access to the reproductive health care they need and attacks the rights of LGBTQI+ service members and their families.

“The original bipartisan NDAA that passed out of the Armed Services committee was a good bill. Instead, Republicans chose to move forward with an amendments process that advances a hateful culture war.

“I greatly respect the American armed forces and am proud the spouse of a U.S. Army Brigadier General. However, voting yes for this bill would be a disservice to all members of the military and to Louisianans. I will keep fighting back against extremism that undermines our values and hurts our national security. I hope to vote for a bill that protects our country and uplifts our troops when it comes back from the Senate.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced $806,000 for Together New Orleans through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Electricity (OE) Energy Storage for Social Equity (ES4SE) Program. ES4SE funding will enable Together New Orleans to break ground on seven additional Community Lighthouses, community institutions with solar power and back-up battery capacity that serve as resiliency hubs during power outages and natural disasters. The goal of ES4SE is to promote an equitable clean energy transition, advance more affordable and reliable electricity, and support Justice40 goals.

In FY 2023 Congressman Carter secured $3.8 million to help fund Community Lighthouses - the single largest community project funding in the nation for a solar-related project. The Community Lighthouse project is being funded through public-private partnerships and philanthropic efforts, which Congressman has championed since its inception.

“This investment in Together New Orleans is a transformative step towards community resilience,” said Rep. Carter. “By funding the construction of seven additional community lighthouses, this initiative ensures that vulnerable neighborhoods in our community have access to vital resources like charging stations, cooling centers, and emergency supplies during power outages. This project not only enhances energy security but also highlights the power of community-driven solutions in achieving equitable clean energy transitions.”

The Community Lighthouse project aims to provide commercial-scale solar power and back-up battery capacity to 86 congregations and community institutions across Louisiana. During extended power outages the lighthouses will immediately assess need and aid their surrounding communities. They will provide charging stations, food distribution, cooling and heating stations, oxygen exchange, light medical equipment, and more.

“We know storms are getting worse and power outages will happen, and this funding will help us be prepared to continue serving people when they need it most,” said Rev. Gregory T. Manning, a clergy leader of Together New Orleans and pastor of Broadmoor Community Church — the site of one of Louisiana’s first lighthouses. “We are especially grateful to our federal partners, including Congressman Troy Carter, for helping advance the expansion of Community Lighthouses throughout our community.”

Background

New Orleans and communities across Louisiana are on the front lines of the climate crisis, suffering the effects of more frequent and destructive weather events. The extended power outages they cause leave residents vulnerable to extreme temperatures and without critical medical supplies and necessities. As a solution, Together New Orleans put forward a vision to build the nation's largest network of solar + storage resilience hubs at churches and community centers across Southeast Louisiana.

Congressman Carter has championed legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that are investing in community resiliency, clean energy, and sustainability.

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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) issued the following statement after the announcement that Marian Robinson passed away:

“My heartfelt condolences to Michelle Obama and her family on the loss of her beloved mother. Mrs. Robinson's legacy of love, strength, and resilience will live on through all who knew her.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) announced new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) LA-02 award recipients of the Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. Four LA-02 school districts will receive a combined total of $15,280,000. These rebates will help school districts purchase clean school buses to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles and produce cleaner air in and around schools and communities.

“I’m excited to announce this funding which will put more electric buses on the road and reduce carbon emissions in Louisiana,” said Rep. Carter. “These awards will improve air quality for our students, school employees, and their communities. Investments like these are why I championed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Let’s get moving, LA-02!”

The EPA selected approximately 530 school districts spanning nearly every state, Washington, D.C., and several Tribes and U.S. territories to receive nearly $900 million in funds to replace older, diesel fueled school buses that have been linked to asthma and other conditions that harm the health of students and surrounding communities.

Background

LA-02 grant recipients include:

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced $5,492,524 through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA). This funding will be used to make stops along the historic St. Charles streetcar fully wheelchair accessible and was made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) which Rep. Carter helped craft and voted for.

“I’m thrilled to announce this funding which will ensure that all Louisianians and visitors, including those with disabilities, have equitable access to essential transportation services,” said Rep. Carter. “By incorporating accessibility improvements that respect the area's history, the project promises to modernize infrastructure while preserving our unique cultural heritage, benefiting both current and future generations.”

“This is the definition of mission-critical funding as part of our mission to make equitable transit that is accessible for people with disabilities, as reaffirmed in our recently updated Strategic Mobility Plan. We want to thank our federal partners, including the Federal Transit Administration and U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy and U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, for their support in helping us move this vital work forward,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, RTA CEO.

“The RTA Board of Commissioners remains committed to ensuring equitable transit for all passengers. This federal grant underscores the RTA's enduring commitment to this work as evidenced by the implementation of six wheelchair accessible stops in 2020. Today once again shows the RTA leadership's persistence in identifying resources to make sure the historic St. Charles Streetcar line is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act," said Mark Raymond, Jr., Chair, RTA Board of Commissioners.

Background

The RTA is the public transportation provider for the City of New Orleans. As the largest public transportation provider in the New Orleans-Metairie, Louisiana Metropolitan Statistical Area, the RTA operates 34 bus routes, five streetcar routes, two ferry routes, and ADA paratransit service. Bus and streetcar service include six routes with peak-service frequencies of 15 minutes or better, as well as 12 routes that operate 24 hours/day. RTA's service area is relatively dense, covering more than 450,000 people and 200,000 jobs over a land area of about 185 square miles.

Operating since 1835, the St. Charles streetcar is the oldest continuously operated urban railway in the United States. While there have been several improvements and changes to the line over the decades, the vehicles are generally of the original 1920’s vintage, and the stops and route have not changed since 1973. Stops are typically a narrow strip of pavement only four feet wide and adjacent to the street. In 2020, four heritage-style modern streetcars with wheelchair accessible lifts were repainted to match the vintage St. Charles cars and six of the fifty-four total stops along the route were adapted to be ADA compliant.

Learn more about the FTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program here.

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DONALDSONVILLE, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) announced funding for the City of Donaldsonville’s natural gas system improvements through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Donaldsonville has been awarded $20,000,000 through the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program. This funding was made possible through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) which Congressman Carter helped craft and voted for. He also secured $4,000,000 for the city to replace the pipes through Fiscal Year 2023 community project funding.

“When I learned about Donaldsonville’s deteriorating gas lines, I committed to doing everything in my power to help fix this problem in the interest of public safety,” said Rep. Carter. “I was thrilled to secure $4 million in FY 2023 community project funding to begin the process of replacing these gas lines. Today, we celebrate an additional $20 million investment through the NGDISM grant program to complete this project. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, we’re helping our communities move into the future.”

“This first-of-its-kind infrastructure grant program helps modernize older, higher risk, leaky pipes--improving safety, reducing environmental impacts, and saving consumers money on their energy bills,” said PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown. “These new investments from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will also help create hundreds of good-paying pipeline jobs.”

Background

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) program aims to reduce the risk profile of existing pipeline systems with pipe prone to leakage of methane, create related good-paying jobs, promote economic growth, and benefit disadvantaged rural communities with the safe provision of natural gas.

The NGDISM program provides funding to repair, rehabilitate, or replace natural gas distribution pipeline systems or portions thereof, or to acquire equipment to either reduce incidents and fatalities or avoid economic losses (or both).

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL) introduced Auto Bailout Accident Victims Recovery Act (AVRA) of 2024 which corrects the injustice brought upon hundreds of accident victims in nearly every state dealt by the federal government from the 2009 Auto Bailout.

“The AVRA corrects a longstanding injustice inflicted upon hundreds of accident victims across the nation during the 2009 Auto Bailout,” said Rep. Carter. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation which is a vital step to restore faith in our system by rectifying the decision that denied accident victims their rightful claims during a time of national crisis, reinforcing the principles of fairness and justice for everyone.”

This bill would amend the statute of limitations for a Fifth Amendment class action takings case brought on behalf of the auto accident victims in a case filed in the United States Court of Federal Claims. The federal government unfairly singled out accident victims’ claims for elimination in the 2009 Auto Bailout, while other impacted parties (vendors, auto dealers, suppliers, unions, executives, etc.) were all made whole.

"The victims of General Motors' manufacturing defects should not have to go without compensation just because the government decided to pick winners and losers," said Rep. Moore. "This legislation makes sure that families who have been waiting for the better part of a decade finally receive the compensation they deserve."

Background

Recent congressional action to amend the statute of limitations for constitutional and other claims by Americans has advanced for victims of contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. Congress also amended the statute of limitations in a previous appropriations act in 1998 (captioned Pigford v. Glickman) in which Black farmers filed against the government alleging discrimination by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in connection with various loan and economic support programs. Recognizing the injustice of barring these farmers from asserting older claims, Congress resolved the problem by waiving the applicable two-year statute of limitations for these cases.

Read the full bill text here.

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