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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-L.A.) encouraged Louisiana residents to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness during the goodwill exception period. This Small Business Administration program has provided critical relief for thousands of small businesses. The deadline to apply is March 3, 2024.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Paycheck Protection Program was a lifeline for struggling businesses and families across Louisiana. These funds have gone a long way toward helping business owners get back on their feet. We must ensure that they all receive the full benefits they are entitled to,” said Rep. Carter.

Learn more about Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) sent letters to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) urging them to aid the crawfish aquaculture industry following devastation from extreme weather conditions. This includes both a severe drought and a subsequent freeze that has wreaked havoc on Louisiana’s agricultural landscape.

“Crawfish aquaculture is more than just a product in Louisiana; it is a way of life. Generations of farmers have dedicated themselves to this time-honored tradition, and the recent events have resulted in financial setbacks and dealt a blow to the cultural fabric of our state. The crawfish industry is intertwined with our identity, and its preservation is crucial for the sustenance of our unique way of life. That way of life is at risk due to this year’s losses,” Congressman Carter wrote.

Read the full letters here.

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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-L.A.) announced that STEM NOLA Fellows Naya Ellis and Jayden Marion Hall have been selected as Champions of the National STEM Challenge. Naya is a 9^th grader at John F. Kennedy High School and Jayden is a 12^th grader at Brother Martin High School.

“Naya and Jayden’s groundbreaking projects address pressing societal needs and demonstrate the transformative impact of STEM education in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” said Rep. Carter. “Their attendance at the upcoming National STEM Festival promises to inspire countless other Louisiana students to pursue their passions in the STEM field. Congratulations Naya and Jayden, I am so proud of you!”

“I am thrilled to witness the incredible achievements of our STEM NOLA Fellows, Naya Ellis and Jayden Hall, as they emerge as Champions in the National STEM Challenge,” said Dr. Calvin Mackie, Founder/CEO of STEM NOLA. “Their innovative projects exemplify the transformative power of STEM education. These young minds not only showcase exceptional creativity but also embody the spirit of problem-solving that is crucial for the future. I look forward to witnessing the impact of their groundbreaking projects at the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C.”

Background

In a nationwide push to find the next generation of innovators, the National STEM Challenge invited students in grades 6-12 from across the United States and its territories to conceive and submit STEM innovations, inventions, and research across six categories: Environmental Stewardship, Future Food, Health and Medicine, Powering the Planet, Space Innovation, and Tech for Good.

2,549 student entries from across 50 states and U.S. territories were submitted. Ultimately 126 stand-out students were selected as National STEM Champions and will have the opportunity to showcase their projects at the National STEM Festival. All student Champions, along with a caregiver, will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to facilitate their attendance. Additionally, all champions will receive free access to EXPLR’s educational streaming video and curriculum for a teacher of their choice.

STEM Fellows is a STEM NOLA initiative that aims to inspire children in grades 9-12 to develop a curated interest in the STEM field by participating in activities and courses to meet their educational, networking, and professional needs. Fellows engage in immersive experiences through eight-month long mini-courses, designed to address real-world challenges in different STEM fields. Currently, there are over 200 STEM Fellows actively engaged in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.

The first-ever National STEM Festival will take place April 11-13, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Produced in partnership between EXPLR and the United States Department of Education, the National STEM Festival will showcase the work of top-scoring student STEM Champions from EXPLR’s National STEM Challenge, as well as top-scoring projects from national competitions.

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New Orleans, L.A. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-L.A.) released a statement following the announcement that Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen will accept Summer Electronic Benefits Program (EBT) funding. Louisiana has until February 15, 2024 to reverse course and apply.

“Governor Landry, it’s not too late to reverse course and do the right thing for Louisiana’s children. Nebraska showed the way and Louisiana can too!”

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New Orleans, L.A. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-L.A.) released a statement following the announcement that Louisiana will not participate in the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program. This program would have given Louisiana families living at or under 185% of the federal poverty line $40 per month, per child during the summer — a total of $120 per child. About 594,000 children would have benefited, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

“The Governor’s decision to turn down federal resources to feed children is unconscionable and it is ridiculous to assert that denying them food will somehow break the cycle of poverty. This decision will hurt our most vulnerable children and should be reversed immediately.”

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

“I am saddened to learn of the death of my dear friend, the Honorable Eddie Sapir. As a former State Representative, Municipal Court Judge, and City Council President, he truly loved our city and its people! New Orleans has lost one of its greats. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his son JP and the rest of the family!” 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-L.A.) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 7217:

“Instead of working on a comprehensive approach to our national security priorities, House Republicans are once again playing political games. This partisan bill provides no funding for Ukraine to defend itself against Putin and Russia, humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians, or border security. For these reasons, I cannot support this sham measure that fails to fund ALL our national security objectives.

“Israel has the absolute right to defend itself from terrorists. As the only democracy in the Middle East and America’s ally, they don’t deserve to have their security threatened by actions like the ones Republicans are taking today.

“We must focus our efforts on getting desperately needed humanitarian relief to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, many of whom are women and children, who are in harm’s way through no fault of their own. Congress should pass comprehensive funding legislation that provides support for Israel, Ukraine, and our other democratic allies throughout the world, as well as the resources needed to deliver humanitarian assistance to civilians who are suffering.

“Israel’s security should not be manipulated for political means. I renew my call for a bilateral ceasefire and the release of all hostages in the ongoing Middle East conflict and pray for peace in the region. Too many innocent lives have already been lost.”

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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) issued the following statement on the detainment of Samaher Esmail:

“I am deeply concerned by the detainment of Samaher Esmail, an American citizen and LA-02 resident, in Palestine. I am in contact with the American Embassy and the State Department to get to the bottom of why she is being held and will continue to gather facts about this ongoing situation. I am praying for her safety.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-L.A.) and Congressman Clay Higgins (R-L.A.) introduced the bipartisan TWIC Efficiency (TWICE) Act. This legislation will improve access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program by supporting those currently in Federal, State, or local prisons by helping them apply in advance or get ready to apply for TWIC cards and assisting individuals who are appealing or requesting exceptions if they are initially deemed ineligible for the program.

“I am passionate about making sure our criminal justice system is fair and that returning citizens have every possible opportunity for success when they come home,” said Rep. Carter.“So many jobs in the United States require a TWIC card just to work behind a secure facility’s gate. Louisiana’s industry is begging for this workforce. This bill will help make reentry more successful and ensure that workforce training can improve people’s lives.”

The TWICE Act would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to:

• Develop guidelines to improve returning citizens' access to the TWIC program.
• Develop guidelines to assist individuals in custody to pre-apply for TWIC cards and to assist those requesting an appeal or waiver after issuance of a “Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility.”
• Provide a briefing to Congress within a year on improvements to access to the TWIC program.

“I’ve often observed, in the course of my life, that a man’s character shouldn’t be measured by how he falls, it should be measured by how he stands back up. Americans are loving and compassionate, we believe in second chances, and this bill will help men that want to help themselves,” said Rep. Higgins. “I’m thankful to my Louisiana Brother Congressman Troy Carter for his leadership on TWICE, and I’m prayerful that my colleagues in the House and Senate will agree that every child of God deserves a chance to work, to earn an honest living.”

“The TWICE Act not only increases economic mobility for citizens, it also improves the movement of goods across the country,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc. “More Louisianians will now be able to play meaningful roles in fueling and feeding the world due to the state’s established leadership in energy, advanced manufacturing, trade, and logistics.  These efficiencies equally benefit American workers and employers by increasing access for a qualified, yet underutilized talent pool to good jobs within Greater New Orleans, and at over 3,000 facilities across the nation. We thank Congressmen Carter and Higgins, as well as the TSA for their collaborative work to improve administration of this critical credential.”

Background

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program was created by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002 as a response to September 11th and extenuating concern over national security. TWIC remains critical to national security by regulating access to maritime facilities and vessels. Across the country, there are 13,825 vessels and 3,270 facilities under MTSA’s jurisdiction. These facilities are often major employment hubs – ports, terminals, factories, refineries, power plants, and more.

TWIC assists in controlling workers access, like those involved in the surface transportation of containers in or out of ports or those involved in the construction, maintenance, or operation of adjacent facilities and their associated infrastructure. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) manages TWIC card applications. In total, 2.3 million Americans have TWIC cards, and about 500,000 Americans enroll per year.

TWIC cards are often required for employment in high-demand professions for which labor is in low supply. Facilities within MTSA’s jurisdiction are critical to the supply chain yet are egregiously affected by labor shortages. Nationally, as of October 2023 there is a 2-million-person gap between job openings and unemployed workers, and the labor participation rate has fallen from 67% in 2000 to 62% today.

Before issuing a TWIC card, TSA will conduct a security threat assessment to determine a person’s eligibility. Applicants with criminal records, depending on the offense, will be temporarily or permanently disqualified from the TWIC program. According to TSA, individuals in the custody of Federal, State, and local prisons are not eligible until after they are released from custody. After, they will receive a “Preliminary Determination of Illegibility” for one-year post-release, regardless of offense. Applicants may appeal preliminary determination and go through a redress process; TSA may issue a waiver in certain circumstances.

Based on a TSA-verified sample, approximately 98% of applicants are issued a TWIC card, including redress cases. However, approximately 62% of applicants do not respond to redress notifications. Only 0.1% of those requesting redress are denied due to TSA standards. The redress process is burdensome, and often takes months for TSA to review conviction details, circumstances, and proof of rehabilitation. Assisting applicants with the redress process – and minimizing the number of applicants going through this process – can accelerate hiring, increase the labor pool, and reduce TSA’s administrative burden.

Nearly 30% of American adults have a criminal record, yet adult incarceration nationally has declined by 30% in the past decade. Just in Louisiana, about 13,000 formerly incarcerated persons are released back into communities each year.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-L.A.) released a statement following his vote to pass bipartisan tax legislation that delivers critical wins to hardworking families and businesses in LA-02. The legislation passed by a vote of 357-70 on the House floor.

“Last night, I joined colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a bipartisan tax package that will make meaningful changes to the tax code to empower hardworking families and small businesses to achieve their financial goals.

“The package includes several pro-growth, pro-family tax priorities I’ve been fighting to deliver, most notably an expansion of the Child Tax Credit. It also expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, incentivizing research and development, and supports small businesses.

“This package is an important step that will put money back in Louisianians pockets. It’s estimated that 16 million children will benefit from this package in the next year, including 56,000 children in LA-02.

“Despite Republican dysfunction, this bipartisan bill demonstrates the progress we can make when Congress works together to find common ground.”

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