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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) praised the House passage of H.R. 996, his bill to designate the Post Office located at 3901 MacArthur Blvd. in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the heart of Algiers where the Lombard and Carter families grew up, as the "Dr. Rudy Lombard Post Office." This legislation was supported by the Louisiana House Congressional delegation in a bipartisan effort. 

Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Lombard was born in the Algiers neighborhood in 1939 and is remembered as a New Orleans icon for his work as a Civil Rights Hero, educator, and lifelong community advocate. He grew up witnessing widespread discrimination against Black New Orleanians and his early life experience prompted him to become an activist. As a college student at Xavier University, Rep. Carter’s alma mater, Lombard famously led a sit-in at the McCroy’s Five & Dime store in protest of Jim Crow laws. Joining him in these protests were the “CORE Four,” Lanny Goldfincy, Cecil Carter, Jr., and Oretha Castle. Their case made its way to the Supreme Court in 1963 and, after review, their criminal mischief arrests were tossed out. This was one of several cases that became precedent for striking down segregation laws and practices.

“Today, we are not just bestowing an honor on a distinguished individual. We are cementing a legacy, recognizing a man whose life exemplified leadership by example,” said Rep. Carter.  “Dr. Lombard was not only a standard-bearer; he was a force for positive change, a catalyst for movements that brought people together. I pray this serves as a reminder to future generations that the struggle for justice is real, and the impact of one person's commitment can resonate across the ages.”

Read the fill bill text here.

Watch Rep. Carter’s Floor Speech here.

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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) hosted the panel “Our Kids are NOT Ok, and Neither are We!” at the 52^nd Annual Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference (CBC ALC). This panel brought together health care experts and stakeholders for a discussion about Black youth mental health.

“Youth mental health is a global crisis. Regardless of age, location, education, and economic standing, racism is the biggest barrier to mental health for the Black community,” said Rep. Carter. “I was proud to host this CBC ALC session where we heard from the experts on the ground who are talking to our young people every day. This event was an extraordinary gathering of visionaries, activists, and leaders who are shaping the future of Black community.”

In May, Congressman Carter introduced H.R. 3760, the Mental Health Workforce Act, to create more diversity and increase the number of culturally competent mental health care providers in the United States. Numerous barriers to access mental health care treatment persists in communities of color, including the stigma associated with mental illness, general distrust of healthcare institutions, and lack of health insurance.

In July, Congressman Carter convened the annual “HBCU Cares Mental Health Symposium” to bring together Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) president’s and stakeholders for a discussion about Black student’s mental health. This dialogue focused on themes including reducing isolation, improving campus safety, and increasing access to health care providers.

Panelists for this event included Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Health Officer, Crisis Text Line, Dr. Sabrina N’diaye, Psychologist, Center for Mind-Body Medicine, Brandon Johnson, Bureau Chief, Suicide Prevention Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin (SAMHSA), and Dr. Linda Henderson, Director, Evelance Health. The conversation was moderated by Patrice Webb, Kindness Gangsta and Brandon Coleman, Sole Cole. It was presented by Amazon.

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

“Funding the government is a fundamental responsibility of elected officials. This extension protects Louisiana jobs, safeguards important programs that people rely on, and provides much-needed disaster relief. Republicans were forced to do the right thing because of mounting pressure from Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic Caucus, and most importantly the American people. This is a victory.

“A bipartisan compromise is the only way forward. This short-term solution gives us time to find that compromise.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – With homecoming season fast approaching, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) introduced the Performance, Resources, Inclusion, Matters for Equity (PRIME) Act to improve athletics at Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs) and Junior Colleges (JUCOs). Sports have been an important part of HBCU culture since the beginning. From the first Howard homecoming football game in 1924 to the annual Bayou Classic, these events bring the Black community together from around the country. Despite their reputation as beacons of culture, the success of these teams is often thwarted by a lack of funding.

“Supporting athletic programs at HBCUs would attract talented student-athletes and sports administrators by offering them the best athletic and academic experiences possible,” said Rep. Carter. “In turn, HBCUs would generate more revenue to provide the support and resources that their students deserve. My PRIME Act is the first of many investments that underfunded institutions are severely lacking.”

While programs at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) like Louisiana State University (LSU) have athletic budgets of $192 million annually, right down the road, Southern University reported an $18.5 million budget in 2022. Larger budgets allow universities to fund state-of-the-art training facilities and hire talented coaching staff for their athletes. For example, Texas A&M’s Kyle Field is a $485 million facility, while Morehouse's Forbes Arena is only $8 million. HBCUs cannot compete with these programs given their current budgets. Talented student athletes often opt for PWIs when making their college decisions because of the difference in athletic program offerings.

Background

To attract and maintain talent, schools must have equitable funding for their athletic programs. The “PRIME” Act would provide this support in the form of grants to HBCUs and JUCOs with endowments lower than $900 million and an annual operating revenue for athletic programs that is less than $20 million, allowing like institutions to compete against one another for funding. These grants will be awarded by the Department of Education on a competitive basis and may be used to maintain athletic facilities and equipment as long as they are in accordance with NCAA guidelines.

The PRIME Act is cosponsored by Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC), James Clyburn (D-SC), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Donald Davis (D-NC), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), David Scott (D-GA), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) and endorsed by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).

Full bill text for the PRIME Act can be found here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement in response to the potential saltwater contamination in drinking water.

“I have joined with local and federal partners to closely monitor the potential saltwater contamination poised to threaten the Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Jefferson, and Orleans Parishes drinking water. I will work to provide all resources at my disposal in response to this situation.

“Local officials have announced that it will notify residents well in advance of any changes that will be made to their water usage. I want to reassure you that our city’s water is presently safe to drink. Please follow all government safety guidelines and stay informed.”

Sign up to receive NOLA Ready emergency alerts to your phone or email. Text NOLAREADY to 77295 for alerts.

For more information about the Saltwater Wedge from the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers, click here.

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JEFFERSON PARISH, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) joined Senior Advisor to the President, White House Infrastructure Coordinator, and former Mayor of New Orleans Mitch Landrieu where they announced project selections for new climate resilience funding for Louisiana totaling $207M. The selections, through two competitive grant programs, will help communities nationwide enhance resilience to climate change and extreme weather events.

"With this announcement, we celebrate a tremendous step towards securing our nation's future against the ravages of the climate crisis and extreme weather events," said Rep. Carter. "This new climate resilience funding marks a pivotal moment in safeguarding our communities and building a more resilient nation. Millions of Americans bear the brunt of climate change's impact every year, whether through droughts, extreme heat, wildfires, or floods. These funds reflect a recognition of the growing threats posed by climate change and a commitment to addressing them head-on."

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Carter championed, provides FEMA with nearly $7 billion to help communities proactively reduce their vulnerability to flood, hurricanes, drought, wildfires, extreme heat, and other climate-fueled hazards. Since President Biden took office, Democrats have provided record funding to FEMA's annual resilience grant programs, increasing them from $700 million to $3 billion this year. This increased funding allows FEMA to expand its geographic scope in funding selections and protect more of our nation's communities that are most in harm's way from the effects of climate change and extreme weather.

“Millions of Americans in communities big and small feel the effects of climate change each year from more extreme and unpredictable weather, flooding, drought, extreme heat, wildfires and more – and of course in Louisiana, we’re seeing impacts of them all,” said Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda provides the largest investment in resilience in American history, and the funding we’re delivering to Louisiana will be a lifeline for many communities as we build a stronger, more resilient America.”

Background

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

For the BRIC national competition, FEMA selected 124 projects across 115 communities. These are critical mitigation projects and activities to reduce natural hazard risks for states, local communities, tribes, and territories. Projects selected in Louisiana’s Second Congressional District include:

• $19 million to strengthen the electrical grid in Jefferson Parish, including by equipping poles and wires to withstand 150 mph winds. The project should decrease the risk of power outages to residents and critical facilities.

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)

For the Flood Mitigation Assistance program, FEMA selected 149 projects in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)-participating communities in 28 states and the District of Columbia. This funding will go towards flood control and individual property mitigation projects such as elevation, acquisitions and mitigation reconstruction of repetitively flood-damaged buildings insured by the NFIP. Projects selected in Louisiana’s Second Congressional District include:

• $34.8 million for the city of New Orleans to raise 193 flood-prone structures to reduce flooding, prevent future flooding, and addresses flood risk to Revere Repetitive Loss and Repetitive Loss properties.
• $23.18 million for Jefferson Parish to elevate 132 flood-prone structures, install green infrastructure to detain stormwater, and prevent future damage.
• $17.70 million for East Baton Rouge Parish to elevate 84 structures to two feet above the Base Flood Elevation and open green space for the community.
• $9.85 million for St. John the Baptist Parish to raise 52 flood-prone structures to prevent future flooding.
• $3.75 million for The Parish of St. Charles to reduce 39 Severe Repetitive Loss properties from future damage and reduce National Flood Insurance Program paid claims.
• $3 million for the parish of Ascension to elevate 18 Severe Repetitive and Repetitive Loss structures and elevate flood-prone properties and use nature-based solutions to reduce risk.

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) brought together USDA-RD State Director Deidre Deculus Robert, Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) Executive Director Joshua G. Hollins, local elected officials, and community partners to convene three Partnership for Housing roundtables across Louisiana. These conversations focused on the latest updates in federal housing, affordability, and insurance.

“I believe that housing is a basic human right and should be accessible to every Louisiana resident,” said Rep. Carter. “Our state has always faced unique challenges, and affordable housing and insurance resonate deeply in our hearts and homes. I understand that access to safe and affordable housing isn’t just a fundamental right, but the foundation for families to build their dreams. Louisiana’s vulnerability to natural disasters highlights insurance's essential role in safeguarding our homes and livelihoods. With recent memories of hurricanes and flooding, we recognize the urgency of finding comprehensive solutions that provide the protection we need and deserve. I was proud to partner with the Louisiana Housing Corporation, the Louisiana Department of Insurance, and USDA Rural Development to host today’s important conversations.”

“Homeownership remains a big piece of the American dream for many families. Connecting families to resources that provide them with a pathway to affordable homeownership is one of the flagship programs we offer at USDA Rural Development,” said State Deidre Deculus Robert, Esq., Louisiana State Director at USDA Rural Development. “The Biden-Harris Administration, USDA, and Congressman Carter share that commitment. Joining Congressman Carter is his passion for affordable housing, we stand ready to provide information, resources, and homeowner workshops in any community in Louisiana. My office started conducting workshops recognizing that our citizens were not aware of our low interest loans, home repair products and other affordable housing opportunities. These workshops aid in understanding our programs and the application process.”

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(New Orleans, Louisiana) - Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Congressman Troy Carter for a tour at The First 72+, a nonprofit that provides formerly incarcerated people in Louisiana with resources and support so that they are given the greatest opportunity to grow and thrive.
  
“It was an honor to join Congressman Troy Carter, a champion in Congress for criminal justice reform, on this informative tour of The First 72+,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “The work that this organization is doing is critical to reducing rates of recidivism and breaking the cycle of incarceration that is tearing so many communities and families apart. It was inspiring to hear about their successes in the New Orleans area and learn about how we can continue to partner with them at the federal level. In 2018, I was proud to be the lead Democratic sponsor of the First Step Act which helped stand up an infrastructure so that formerly incarcerated individuals can successfully transition back into society and become productive citizens. I’m grateful to Congressman Carter and The First 72+ for their tremendous leadership in providing individuals with housing, job support and more so that they can return to their communities and pursue their God-given potential.”
 
“I am truly honored to have Leader Hakeem Jeffries join me in visiting The First 72+,” said Congressman Troy Carter. “The First 72+ is a non-profit based on returning those incarcerated and returning them to mainstream life. Leader Jeffries and I both believe that once the debt is paid to society, they must have a fair chance to live a respectable and normal life. This auspicious organization assists with housing, employment, health care and a host of other programs that aid in returning citizens to the community where they can thrive.”

Learn more about the First 72+ 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 longtime Jefferson DA John Mamoulides.

“My prayers are with the family of Jefferson Parish legend John Mamoulides. He was a tireless advocate for public safety in our community. There were no conversations about the future of Louisiana that did not include John. His memory will forever impact our state. This includes his reputation for hiring women and Black Americans as prosecutors, giving many an opportunity where none had existed before. May he rest in peace,” said Rep. Carter.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement on the indictment of Donald Trump:

“The charges brought against the former President are a serious matter that must be addressed through a thorough and impartial legal process. Our democracy is built upon the rule of law, and it’s essential that all individuals, regardless of their status or position, are held accountable for their actions. I hope that this process will continue to be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, allowing the truth to emerge and justice to prevail.

“I have said it before, and I will say it again – no one is above the law.”

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OAK BLUFF, M.A. - Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) convened the annual “HBCU Cares Mental Health Symposium” to bring together Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) presidents and stakeholders for a discussion about Black students’ mental health. This dialogue focused on themes including reducing isolation, improving campus safety, and increasing access to health care providers.

“I was honored to host this important discussion about the mental health of our students in HBCUs. This event took a significant step forward in promoting mental well-being in our communities,” said Rep. Carter. “HBCUs have long been at the forefront of empowering generations of Black Americans, providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to excel. However, we cannot ignore the fact that the mental health challenges faced by our students and faculty within these institutions demand our immediate attention and collective action. I am confident that the discussions held will result in transformative change, not only within our HBCUs but also within the broader mental health landscape.”

In May, Congressman Carter introduced H.R. 3760, the Mental Health Workforce Act, to create more diversity and increase the number of culturally competent mental health care providers in the United States. Numerous barriers to access mental health care treatment persists in communities of color, including the stigma associated with mental illness, general distrust of healthcare institutions, and lack of health insurance. This bill incentivizes students at HBCUs to pursue careers as mental health care practitioners by offering student loan forgiveness in exchange for a commitment to serving communities of color as mental health practitioners for five years after graduation.

"HBCU CARES' Executive Director Anita Jarman had the privilege of moderating a timely conversation with Congressman Troy Carter that emphasized the vital importance of mental health resources on HBCC and HBCU campuses,” said HBCU CARES' Executive Director Anita Jarman. “The discussion also highlighted the significance of the Mental Health Workforce Act H.R. 3760, which aims to encourage HBCU students to pursue careers as mental health practitioners. Our time in Oak Bluffs at The Black Joy House was well served, especially as we approach a new academic year. It is very important to note that this is a united front, with 15 HBCUs at the helm convening toward measurable, sustainable solutions that will positively impact our students' wellbeing."

“This gathering to reflect on mental well-being, especially pertaining to students in our colleges, is a necessary step to define the policies and practices towards amelioration and wellness," said Reynold Verret, President and Second Lay Leader of Xavier University of Louisiana.

"Congressn Carter's mental health summit with HBCU presidents and leaders emphasized the need to address the needs of our faculty and staff and of our students. I appreciate the legislation he has proposed and his interest in strengthening the pipeline of future mental health providers," said Rochelle L. Ford, Ph.D., APR, President of Dillard University. "Dillard is committed to providing ethical and innovative leadership in advancing healthy communities which will enhance our public safety. We must normalize proactive measures to enhance mental health and wellness. Families, students, staff and faculty must collaborate and support each other."

"I thoroughly appreciated the discussion as it had implications for our work at SUNO and for me personally. The transparency and authenticity of all who spoke, resulted in powerful insight," said Dr. Eurmon Hervey, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Southern University at New Orleans. 

Special thanks to the curators of joy and peace at the Black Joy House for opening up their space to us.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) and Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.), members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, along with Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced the bipartisan Economic Empowerment Through Predevelopment Act. This bill would authorize the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to make grants or cooperative agreements available for planning and predevelopment of infrastructure projects to support communities across the country.

"The Public Works and Economic Development Act has been a significant catalyst in aiding communities to enhance their economic development and support struggling businesses during challenging periods,” said Rep. Carter. “Many good ideas never move forward because they face barriers in the pre-development stage. To address this, the Economic Empowerment Through Predevelopment Act aims to help communities kickstart their projects by covering essential pre-development expenses, like inclusive community engagement and feasibility studies. This bill will speed up the implementation of more economic development projects, moving them efficiently from the drawing board to reality.”

Predevelopment activities are projects that must be completed prior to construction to advance infrastructure and development projects from concept to reality. This includes tasks such as planning and design, community asset mapping, training, technical assistance, feasibility and environmental studies, demonstration projects, and organizational capacity building. This legislation would create a predevelopment grant program at EDA to support local communities that otherwise may not have the ability to complete early-stage project development activities, which are often prerequisites to being eligible for larger state and federal grants.

“Despite having the greatest need, underserved, low-income, and rural communities continue to face financial and technical barriers in accessing federal grants,” said Sen. Padilla. “This disparity unnecessarily delays and often prevents critical infrastructure development projects from moving forward. We must focus on inclusive economic growth by ensuring that all of our communities are equipped to sustain and grow investments and participate in today’s economy.”

“When the federal government sets aside money to help local communities, it should be simple to access,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We have to give local officials the resources to bring in experts to help them get that funding as quickly as possible.”

“In some cases, our small cities and towns in the greatest need of economic development investment find themselves in the Catch-22 of not having the resources to develop grant proposals. Our bill attempts to address this impediment and help improve access to economic development opportunities. I appreciate the opportunity to work with Congressman Carter on this legislation again this Congress,” said Rep. Graves.

Background

The bill amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act to create predevelopment grants for eligible recipients for:

• planning and community asset mapping;
• training;
• technical assistance and organizational development;
• feasibility and market studies;
• demonstration projects;
• organizational capacity building;
• organizing and facilitating convenings; and
• other predevelopment activities determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.

The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 established the Economic Development Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce to provide grants to economically distressed communities to support employment and industrial and commercial growth and requires reauthorization by Congress.

Full bill text is available here.

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