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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement in response to United States Supreme Court ordering Louisiana to hold congressional elections in 2024 using the House map with two majority-minority congressional districts:

“Tonight’s Supreme Court's decision is a pivotal moment for justice in Louisiana and beyond. Reapportionment dictates that our state should have two majority-minority congressional districts. MATH IS MATH! This will help guarantee fair representation for all our communities, support electoral integrity, and acknowledges the need for equitable redistricting and eliminating systemic disenfranchisement. This is the right thing to ensure democratic integrity and equal representation for all Louisianians.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Member of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, and Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, introduced the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Securing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force Act. This legislation will establish a task force within CISA of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dedicated to addressing safety and security challenges posed by AI.

“I’m proud to introduce this bill, a critical step towards managing the impact of AI on our cybersecurity landscape,” said Representatives Carter and Thompson. “This Task Force will enhance the safe and secure design, development, adoption, and deployment of AI across critical sectors by bringing together diverse expertise within CISA. As AI continues to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, this measure highlights our commitment to proactive risk mitigation and preparedness. The CISA Securing AI Task Force Act will strengthen America's cybersecurity framework, safeguarding against emerging threats and ensuring the responsible advancement of AI technologies.”

By establishing this task force and implementing reporting requirements, this legislation will ensure effective coordination and oversight in addressing the evolving challenges posed by AI.

Background

The CISA Securing AI Task Force Act would:

• Establish a Task Force - Within one year of enactment, the Director of CISA shall establish a Task Force comprised of personnel from various offices and divisions to coordinate AI-related directives and activities.
• Address AI Challenges - The Task Force will ensure coordination of efforts to improve the safe and secure design, development, adoption, and deployment of AI. It will assess relevant safety and security initiatives, advise stakeholders on potential cyber risks associated with AI deployment, and identify workforce gaps.
• Increase Accountability - The Task Force shall provide biannual briefings to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on its activities.

Read the full bill text here.

Read a one-page summary of the bill here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) praised the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for granting emergency assistance to Louisiana’s Crawfish Aquaculture Industry through the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP). Crawfish farmers who suffered losses last year due to excessive heat will be eligible for grants.

Excessive drought of D4 or greater occurred in 2023 in Louisiana, including all the parishes where commercial crawfish are grown and harvested. Additionally, all parishes experienced over 40 days of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. In the last 39 years, there were less than 40 days of 100-degree temperatures.

“Crawfish is deeply ingrained in our cultural identity, representing more than just a product – it's a cherished way of life passed down through generations,” said Rep. Carter. “Recent extreme weather events have caused financial setbacks, and our crawfish producers need a helping hand. This industry sustains farmers and a network of processors, restaurants, and small businesses crucial to Louisiana's economy. I’d like to thank Secretary Vilsack for supporting crawfish farmers by providing ELAP grants to help those hurting recover their financial losses.”

In late February, Congressman Carter and Congressman Garrett Graves (R-LA) sent letters to the USDA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) urging them to aid the crawfish aquaculture industry following devastation from extreme weather conditions. This includes a severe drought and a subsequent freeze that has wreaked havoc on Louisiana’s agricultural landscape. Congressman Carter then urged Governor Jeff Landry to issue a statewide disaster declaration which resulted in the SBA granting access to EIDL loans for anyone in the Crawfish Aquaculture Industry suffering from economic hardship.

“Everyone at home felt the effects of last year’s heat on our crawfish – from farm to table,” said Rep. Graves. “We knew that the federal government didn’t need any more authority to do the right thing and provide relief to our crawfishers. While it shouldn’t have taken three months for the Department of Agriculture to act, we appreciate that our farmers will now receive this long-awaited support. We will continue doing everything that we can in Congress to do our crawfishers (and our crawfish) justice.” 

“Louisiana’s crawfish industry has been reeling from the effects of last year’s heat and drought. This is a welcomed announcement from USDA that will really help our farmers and our state. Crawfish is important to our culture and our economy. We appreciate the efforts of Congressmen Graves and Carter, along with the entire Louisiana delegation, in urging USDA to immediately use its authority to provide much-need relief, and for its longstanding support to protect the livelihoods of our crawfish farmers. Louisiana Farm Bureau works best when our members and congressional leaders come together,” said Jim Harper, President of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.

Background

ELAP provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybee, and farm-raised fish who suffer losses because of disease, adverse weather, or other conditions. ELAP provides assistance for losses not covered under other Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs established by the 2014 Farm Bill, specifically, Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). The assistance provided under ELAP for farm-raised fish losses include physical loss and feed loss.

Drought has not been considered an eligible loss condition due to water being a fundamental element to raise aquatic species, like soil being required to raise field crops. This policy has been in place for the lifetime of the ELAP program. However, excessive heat is an eligible cause of loss under ELAP. 

The losses Louisiana crawfish producers suffered in 2023, according to aquaculture experts at Louisiana State University, can primarily be attributed to the extreme heat suffered in the area. Therefore, the 2023 adverse weather resulting in 2024 production losses will be considered covered losses by the ELAP Program if each producer meets all other eligibility requirements.

Under the ELAP Program producers must provide a beginning and ending inventory record. But, due to the unique production systems for crawfish producers this is almost impossible to do. FSA has adopted special policy for crawfish producers where other criteria and flexibilities will be allowed to provide the required inventory and production records. These flexibilities should allow all commercial producers to have an opportunity to apply for the program.

Learn more about ELAP here.

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Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. sent a follow-up letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) after being in constant communication with Secretary Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Small following an announcement by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) confirming that the agency will submit a notice of intent to USDA to participate in the Summer EBT program. Congressman Carter has consistently called for this action since February and has worked with Federal, State and local leaders to bring this effort to fruition.

Congressman Carter’s letter requests that, due to late notice from the state, the USDA grant waivers and use the maximum flexibility and expediency possible to implement this critical program and have benefits accessible for families by the anticipated June 4 start date.

“The decision from the DCFS gives our state the outcome we urgently needed to provide $71.1 million from the federal government for food during the summer months to children who need it most. Now, I am working to ensure waivers are granted so that families in our state can access the benefits of the Summer EBT Program at the earliest possible date,” said Congressman Carter. 

“I would like to give special acknowledgment to Rep. Jason Hughes, who never gave up the fight to convince his Louisiana Legislative colleagues to do the right thing. I would also like to thank Senate President Cameron Henry, Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier, House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland, Representative Delisha Boyd, Representative Aimee Freeman, the entire Louisiana Legislature, New Orleans Council President Helena Moreno and the entire News Orleans Council, and, of course, the Landry administration for heeding our call to put children over politics.”

Read the full letter here. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will grant $7,117,567 to the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA). This funding was made possible through the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) grant program, which is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Congressman Carter helped craft and voted for.

“This funding for the Port of New Orleans is a significant investment that will drive substantial reductions in truck emissions, benefiting the environment and public health,” said Rep. Carter. “It showcases a bold approach to modernizing port facilities, aligning with the goals of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to promote sustainability and innovation in transportation infrastructure. By upgrading electrical infrastructure and incorporating all-electric trucks, the Port of New Orleans sets an example for ports nationwide while also fostering workforce development through strategic partnerships with educational institutions.”

This grant will be used to upgrade electrical infrastructure, purchase 14 heavy-duty (HD) all-electric terminal trucks and five light-duty (LD) all-electric pickup trucks, track emissions and energy use, and evaluate new emissions-reducing equipment. Funding will also support workforce development.

“We would like to thank the Biden Administration and our federal delegation for helping the Port of New Orleans honor its commitment to sustainability, environmental justice, equity, and reducing our environmental footprint,” said Port NOLA President & CEO Brandy D. Christian. “We continue to prioritize the utilization of green technologies and infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and helping underserved communities through workforce development initiatives. This funding helps us continue this transformative journey that is aligned with a broader global movement to slow climate change.”

"Ports America Louisiana sincerely appreciates Congressman Troy Carter's support and assistance in securing this vital public-private infrastructure investment in modern and sustainable operations, which will improve air quality in and around our terminals. For over 100 years, Ports America Louisiana has been a proud partner with the Port of New Orleans, investing for the future, ensuring efficient trade, and capitalizing on innovative industry trends, all aiming to leverage the economic benefits of the Lower Mississippi River," said Keith Palmisano, Vice President, and General Manager of Ports America Louisiana.

“The Port of New Orleans is a vital gateway to the world’s supply chain, and an economic engine for Louisiana and the nation. We realize the importance of reducing emissions, increasing efficiency, and modernizing our infrastructure for the future,” said Kristopher Calkins, New Orleans Terminal, LLC CEO. “We thank Port NOLA, and the federal government for their help in prioritizing our collective sustainability initiatives.”

“Entergy New Orleans is proud to support this project, and grateful to Rep. Carter for helping secure grant approval,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “As more and more of our customers make the transition to electric fleets, we stand ready to collaborate with them on finding ways to implement the kind of improvements that will lead us to a brighter, greener future.”

“The Urban League of Louisiana is grateful to Congressman Carter for continuing to be a champion of our work to strengthen the workforce and prepare marginalized communities to take advantage of careers that provide pathways to generational wealth,” said Judy Reese Morse, President and CEO of Urban League of Louisiana. “We are excited to partner with Port NOLA and believe this collaboration and investment will prove to be significant in the growth of our workforce and region.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will grant $156,120,000 to the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR). This funding was made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act that Congressman Carter helped craft and voted for.

“I’m proud to announce this funding, a pivotal investment in enhancing energy resilience for low-income and disadvantaged communities. This initiative promises to expand solar energy infrastructure, alleviating the impact of recurring storms like Hurricanes Ida and Laura,” said Rep. Carter. “By facilitating home upgrades, providing accessible financing, and supporting community resilience hubs, the program aims to uplift at-risk communities while fostering economic growth. This is a significant step towards a resilient and equitable energy future in Louisiana.”

This funding will initiate a statewide “Solar for Y’all” program, providing grants and loans for low-income and disadvantaged residents and communities to build solar energy infrastructure to improve energy resilience. The program will focus on resiliency through enabling upgrades on single-family and multi-family homes to prepare them for solar energy equipment; developing coordinated low-cost and easy-to-access financing options for those who could not access solar otherwise; creating new equitable loan programs for community resilience hubs, resilient schools, and disadvantaged businesses; providing long-term support to projects successfully deployed; and growing a strong workforce to support new resilience-related business opportunities.

Background

During Fiscal Year 2023, Congressman Carter secured $3.8 million for community lighthouses – the single largest community project funding in the nation that cycle for a solar-related project. It aims to provide commercial-scale solar power and back-up battery capacity to 86 congregations and community institutions across the city. 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.

In October 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced nearly $250,000,000 for the State of Louisiana Hubs for Energy Resilient Operations (HERO) project to further expand the community resilience hubs model across the state. That funding was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congressman Carter helped craft and voted for.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) joined Odyssey House Louisiana to celebrate the grand opening of its primary and behavioral health care Community Health Center. Congressman Carter secured $1,000,000 in federal FY 2023 Community Project Funding for Odyssey House.

“For fifty years, Odyssey House Louisiana has been a beacon of hope for individuals and families struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, and the many obstacles that often accompany them,” said Rep. Carter. “Today, we mark a new chapter in their remarkable journey – a chapter that expands their capacity to provide critical primary and behavioral health care services to those who need it most. I’m proud to have secured a $1 million federal grant that will be used in the next phase to renovate and expand Odyssey House's historic facility in the Tremé-Lafitte neighborhood and enhance their Federally Qualified Health Center. I will continue to advocate for policies and resources that expand access to health care, combat substance-use disorders, and address the underlying social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities in our communities.”

Congressman Carter secured $1,000,000 of Congressionally Directed Spending for Construction Projects in the FY 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Acts for Odyssey House Louisiana. This will be used to increase accessibility and add 48 more beds to Odyssey House Louisiana’s (OHL) historic facility in the Tremé-Lafitte neighborhood, increasing their capacity to provide residential, long-term recovery addiction treatment services to the people of New Orleans. The first phase of funding for this project allowed OHL to renovate and expand its onsite Federally Qualified Health Center, which provides health care to underserved populations in New Orleans, including such services as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, primary care services to the community at large, and screening and treatment for infectious diseases.

“OHL is honored to have received the support of Congressman Carter through Congressionally Directed Spending to benefit our 1125 N. Tonti Master Plan project. This project will double OHL’s service capacity for both long-term treatment care and primary care services. Investing in substance use disorder treatment yields long-term dividends, as clients in recovery are able to obtain jobs, become taxpayers rather than recipients of state and federal services and supports, and otherwise contribute financially and socially to the fabric of the New Orleans community at large. We thank Congressman Carter for understanding the importance of investing in treatment and the client that we serve,” said Edward Carlson, Odyssey House Louisiana Chief Executive Officer.

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

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congresswoman Michelle Steel (R-CA) announced the launch of the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus (BOYC) for the 118th Congress. The first-of-its-kind caucus will serve to prioritize federal policies that support young people aged 16-24 who are disconnected from school and work or are at-risk of experiencing disconnection – also known as “Opportunity Youth” (OY). This caucus will allow Members of Congress to discuss policies that will help constituents have successful careers and positive educational outcomes.

“No two people have the same background or path in life. It's our responsibility to ensure everyone has access to the opportunities and the resources to achieve their dreams,” said Rep. Carter. “Some young people are disconnected from work or school, and they need help. I want all our youth not just to survive but thrive. That’s why I’m excited to see what we can accomplish with the new Opportunity Youth Caucus. I especially want to thank my fellow co-chair, Rep. Steel, for joining me in this effort.”

“Education and work are essential elements of achieving the American Dream, and the skyrocketing numbers of Opportunity Youth in the days since the pandemic are cause for concern,” said Rep. Steel. “The good news is that there are lots of proposals working their way through Congress that will preserve existing critical programs and create new tools to reconnect youth to education and employment. I’m proud to partner with Rep. Carter to launch this Caucus so we can better advance those priorities in Congress.”

“LOYC would like to thank Rep. Troy Carter for his tremendous leadership in forming the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus. His demonstrated commitment to opportunity youth is vital to ensuring federal programs and policies are responsive to the unique needs of today’s youth. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to working with BOYC in support of opportunity youth in Louisiana and the nation. The Louisiana Opportunity Youth Coalition (LOYC) is a network of direct service providers and advocacy organizations that focuses on creating a stronger connective fabric to support all young people as they transition from school to workforce,” said R. Danielle Barringer-Payton, Director of Louisiana's Opportunity Youth Coalition.

“We commend Representatives Steel and Carter for their leadership in co-chairing the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus, which will convene youth, workforce and education stakeholders, and policymakers to develop solutions for the barriers that opportunity youth face. Young people need a seat at the table to ensure that legislative decisions are made with and for them. We look forward to partnering with Representatives Steel and Carter to recruit more members to the Caucus and help drive policy solutions to support our nation’s young people,” said Dr. Mary Ann Haley, Executive Director of National Youth Employment Coalition.

“All young people deserve resources and support to help them thrive,” said Lauri Collier, Director of the California Opportunity Youth Network (COYN). “Thanks to Representative Steel and her visionary leadership, a bipartisan opportunity youth caucus will highlight the critical importance of reconnecting young people with education and employment creating paths to self-sufficiency."

Background

The BOYC is the first congressional caucus focused on the unique issues of youth disconnection and will highlight the importance of re-engaging youth with work, school, and support systems as they transition into adulthood. Previously referred to as “disconnected” or “at-risk” youth, the term “Opportunity Youth” emerged to emphasize the societal and economic potential of re-engaging these young people.

Youth disconnection knows no political boundaries, with rural areas facing youth disconnection rates of 17.3%, compared with 11.2% in urban centers and 9.9% in suburbs. During the transition period to adulthood, Opportunity Youth are especially vulnerable to the negative, long-term effects of disconnection, with 62% of out-of-work youth not holding certifications beyond a high school diploma. They also have the least work experience, the highest rates of parenthood, and are the least prepared to find and keep jobs.

Although youth disconnection has been an issue in the U.S. for many years, the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and recession are making life even more difficult for young people. At the height of the pandemic, one in four youth were disconnected and according to the latest research, the national youth disconnection rate remains at 12.1%, or 4.7 million. Even now, jobless rates for young people are nearly triple (8.5%) the national average and overall youth disconnection rates have increased since the late 1990s.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after voting to pass the national security supplemental funding bills in the House of Representatives.

“I have consistently called for federal funding that supports our allies Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and delivers vital humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Today, following months of House Republicans playing political games and blocking the Senate-passed national security package, we finally had the opportunity to vote on bipartisan legislation that provides crucial aid to our partners in their battles against terrorist threats and Putin’s war of aggression.

“The House has acted to support our allies and protect innocent lives for the sake of global democracy and freedom as well as our national security. I continue to call for a bilateral ceasefire in the Middle East with the goal of de-escalating the situation and achieving peace. America is always at its strongest when we stand with our friends – not when we turn our backs on them.”

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement regarding Iran’s attacks on Israel:

“This weekend, Iran launched hundreds of lethal drones and missiles against our Democratic ally Israel. Despite this horrific overreach, our commitment to Israel's security remains unbreakable. The United States will not accept this level of aggression, and Iran will not succeed in its destabilizing actions. I thank President Biden for his continued efforts to de-escalate the situation and achieve peace, as this unnecessary threat jeopardizes regional stability and poses a risk to global peace.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) led 13 Members of Congress in sending a letter to President Biden, reiterating their support for humanitarian aid during the crisis in the Middle East.

Rep. Carter was joined in sending the letter by Representatives James E. Clyburn (D-SC), Sanford D. Bishop (D-GA), Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Nikema Williams (D-GA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), Valerie P. Foushee (D-NC), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), and Hank C. Johnson (D-GA). 

The full letter is available here and below:

Dear President Biden,

Thank you for your leadership during the current humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza. Israel is an essential ally in the Middle East and has the right to defend itself against the terrorist organization Hamas. Hamas committed crimes against humanity on October 7, 2023, and this cannot be forgotten. As we renew our call for a bilateral ceasefire, we understand that Israel cannot unilaterally end the conflict while Hamas continues to hold hostages, including American citizens, and commit other acts of violence.

However, nations have a responsibility to civilians, aid workers, and other noncombatants during military operations. These responsibilities go beyond the laws of war to basic human morality and decency. Today in Gaza, children are starving and being deprived of basic necessities like clean drinking water and electricity. The conditions are intolerable, and the Israeli government is responsible for addressing this humanitarian crisis, on par with the government’s duty to self-defense.

The people of Israel and Gaza deserve better than the recent actions of the Netanyahu government. It is past time to provide adequate nutrition, clean drinking water, electricity, and safety to innocent Palestinians. As the authority in control of Gaza, this is the Netanyahu government’s clear responsibility.

As Congress considers the national security supplemental, we will closely monitor the Prime Minister’s government and their actions to address the unfolding humanitarian crisis. Foreign military aid generally should only be conditional under extreme circumstances. We are watching such extreme circumstances unfold and look forward to working with you to ensure any aid provided will not further deepen the crisis in Gaza.

Sincerely,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) praised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement of 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 facility in LaPlace, Louisiana, the largest source of these toxic emissions in the country.

“This announcement is a monumental step towards safeguarding public health and the environment. By slashing over 6,200 tons of toxic air pollutants annually and implementing fenceline monitoring, this addresses health risks in surrounding communities and promotes environmental justice in states like Louisiana,” said Rep. Carter. “With a substantial reduction of nearly 80 percent in emissions from covered sources, this is a significant stride towards protecting current and future generations from the harmful effects of these carcinogenic chemicals and demonstrates a path forward for communities and industry to coexist.”

This action promotes a commitment to environmental justice by slashing more than 6,200 tons of toxic air pollution each year, dramatically reducing the number of people with elevated health risks due to toxic air pollution in communities surrounding plants covered by the rule. Many of these plants have historically been located near communities of color and low-income communities. Once implemented, the rule will reduce both EtO and chloroprene emissions from covered processes and equipment by nearly 80 percent and reduce nearby cancer rates by 96%. A requirement for these facilities to conduct fenceline monitoring for key toxic chemicals is included, and EPA will make the data publicly available to better inform and safeguard communities like Louisiana’s Second Congressional District.

Learn more about the final rule here.

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