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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.), Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-Tx.), Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-Sc.), and Congressman Randy Weber (R-Tx.) have launched the bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus to protect American families, homes, and communities from flood damage.

Extreme flooding ruins homes and property, uproots lives, and leaves a devastating impact on family and government budgets alike. Pre-disaster strategies to educate the public and invest in resilient infrastructure are critical to avert the post-disaster devastation so many communities face.

“My district knows firsthand the danger and destruction that flooding can bring to communities,” said Rep. Carter. “And as the climate changes, more and more communities will also be threatened by extreme flooding. We must take federal action to ensure that our nation is not only prepared to respond to and recover from flooding disasters, but to adapt our systems and infrastructure to be more resilient and better able to weather any storm. I’m proud to be a part of this new caucus and to be a leader in this effort.”

This Caucus will bring members of Congress together with flood resilience experts to represent the millions of Americans living in communities at highest risk of devastating flooding. The Caucus is committed to using proactive strategies and policy tools to protect American families’ homes and livelihoods.

“Along the Texas Gulf Coast, we know all too well the devastating impacts of flooding and disasters,” said Rep. Fletcher. “I am committed to working to protect communities from the impact of flooding and that is why I am glad to launch the Flood Resilience Caucus.  I look forward to working with Representatives Weber, Carter, and Mace as fellow Co-Chairs of the Caucus, as we bring the needs of our coastal communities to the forefront and respond to the threat of flooding.”

"We must be proactive in our efforts to enhance flood resiliency and adaptation in South Carolina in tandem with our Federal partners,” said Rep. Mace. “By investing time and effort in these initiatives, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our communities and protect our states against the effects of future floods. I am eager to begin our important work on this Caucus and applaud the bipartisan nature of tackling these issues. Thank you Rep. Fletcher for your leadership and collaboration!”

“The Texas Gulf Coast is home to millions of people, countless homes and jobs, and numerous refineries,” said Rep. Weber. “Prioritizing and strengthening the resiliency of the Gulf Coast is imperative since it’s a question of when—not if—another big storm barrels up the upper Texas Gulf Coast. I am excited to join the Flood Resilience Caucus to ensure that our coastlines have the necessary investments to help protect against future storms.”

Members of the bipartisan Flood Resilience Caucus recognize the importance of acting now to adapt communities and build resilience in the face of rising sea levels and extreme flooding. Research shows that proactive investments in adaptive measures, such as elevating homes and retrofitting infrastructure, can save taxpayers an average of six dollars for every one dollar of federal spending.

The Flood Resilience Caucus will use proactive strategies and policy tools to protect the more than 40 million Americans who live in communities at high risk of severe flood damage.

The Flood Resilience Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Carter, Fletcher, Mace, and Weber. Other founding members include Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Or.), Greg Murphy (R-Nc.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fl.), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fl.), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Ca.).

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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement after hearing of the passing of New Orleans legend Philip M. Baptiste:

“Today we mourn the loss of Philip Baptiste, a distinguished individual whose contributions have left an enduring mark on New Orleans. His unwavering dedication to service and his unyielding passion for community empowerment was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others will be deeply missed.

“As we mourn him, let us also celebrate Philip’s remarkable achievements and the profound impact he made on our community. May his memory continue to inspire us to strive for excellence, compassion, and social justice in all our endeavors. My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched during this difficult time.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement in response to today’s United States Supreme Court ruling in Allen v. Milligan

“I am relieved that the Supreme Court has acknowledged that the Voting Rights Act still exists in this country. I have always called for a fair redistricting process in Louisiana that protects Black voters and creates a second majority-minority congressional district. This Supreme Court ruling is a win not just for Alabamians but for Louisianans as well. Rarely do we get a second chance to get things right – now Louisiana can.

“Louisiana is a diverse state and 33% Black, yet only has one majority-Black district. We must begin to overcome our tarnished past and move toward fair maps that follow the math and give Black Louisianans their rightful representation in our democratic system. I will continue to fight for equitable representation in voting for our state and around the country.

“I call on the Louisiana legislature to convene and draw fair maps without spending precious resources on feudal litigation. The Supreme Court has spoken. ALL American’s voices deserve to be heard. That starts with fair districts that represent the people who live in them.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement after voting yes on the Bipartisan Budget Agreement.

“I voted for the Bipartisan Budget Agreement because it prevents a devastating default on our debt that would trigger a job-killing recession and raise costs for working families. Additionally, this agreement protects Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, protects veterans’ health care, protects historic infrastructure and climate investments, and protects the 40 million borrowers in President Biden’s student debt relief plan. These are programs that so many Louisianans rely on.

“It’s tragic that this measure could cost Louisiana $119 million in highway funding and over $150 million in other projects slated to be funded. Unfortunately, my Republican friends wrote a bill that will cost Louisiana things we really need. I am grateful it appears that the additional work requirements for SNAP and TANF will NOT impact our state.

“I know that this is a compromise agreement. Neither Republicans nor Democrats got everything they wanted in this deal. To prevent a default on our debt, I voted yes on this legislation.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement on welcoming the LSU Women’s Basketball team to Washington, D.C.

“I was proud to welcome the LSU Lady Tigers to our Nation’s Capital! They had an all-star season, which included bringing LSU’s first basketball national title home to Louisiana and achieving the highest scoring championship game in women’s NCAA history. ​This LSU Women’s Basketball team exemplifies the true Louisiana spirit of resilience. They never counted themselves out or listened to naysayers, they worked hard, and they triumphed. Their teamwork, unity, and drive are remarkable.

“I’m glad they are being exclusively honored in Washington, D.C. this week and receiving the recognition they deserve.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) issued the following statement after the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed H.R. 1796, the Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023. Congressman Carter led this bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nv.) and Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.).

“Disasters don’t recognize borders or political party, and neither should our nation’s disaster preparedness or recovery systems,” said Rep. Carter. “We filed this bill last congress in the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Ida, a storm that ravaged my district and so many others along the Gulf Coast and the Northeast. Our current disaster recovery system needs serious reform. With this bill I am once again committing to advocate for effective preparedness and recovery measure programs that best serve Americans and don’t leave anyone behind.”

Background

The Disaster Survivors Fairness Act, which passed the U.S. House last session, includes a series of reforms to improve disaster assistance programs and survivor outcomes by: 

• Creating a universal application for federal disaster assistance and enabling federal agencies to share relevant disaster assistance information with each other;
• Giving FEMA new authorities that significantly expand the Agency’s ability to fund mitigation projects that make disaster damaged homes more resilient;
• Expanding the types of repairs FEMA may approve for disaster damaged homes and authorizes FEMA to provide direct repair assistance to homeowners; 
• Authorizing FEMA to reimburse states that implement their own innovative post-disaster housing solutions;
• Requiring FEMA to develop new post-disaster solutions for renters and share them with Congress; 
• Supporting efforts to shelter working emergency response personnel immediately following a disaster; and 
• Requiring FEMA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a series of reports and studies that would identify additional challenges regarding the administration of post-disaster assistance for survivors and boost transparency. 

In addition to Reps. Carter, Titus, and Graves, this bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Marcus Molinaro (R-Ny.) and Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico Jenniffer A. González Colón (R-Pr.) and was endorsed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), BuildStrong Coalition, Disaster Recovery Coalition of America (DRCA), International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), National Association of Counties (NACo), and SBP USA.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) hosted Dennis “Maliq” Barnes in our nation’s Capital. Barnes is the widely publicized International High School student from New Orleans, Louisiana who was awarded over ten million dollars in scholarships from colleges and universities across the United States. Barnes is also enrolled at Southern University where he has earned 27 credit hours.

Congressman Carter arranged several informative activities and an East Wing White House Tour with key White House Staff before hosting Barnes in his Capitol Hill Office. Barnes was joined by his parents, high school counselor, and others from New Orleans during this visit. The Congressman was very impressed with Barnes and offered him an internship in his Washington, D.C. office to further explore the intersection of public policy and computer science.

“I was honored to host Maliq and his family at The U.S. Capitol,” said Rep. Carter. “This young man has shattered glass ceilings and I am so excited that he will do great things at Cornell University and beyond. Always remember your New Orleans roots and know that I am cheering for you!”

Rep. Carter’s social media posts about Maliq’s can be found here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) issued the following statement after HB40 failed in committee today in the Louisiana State Legislature:

“Thirty years ago tomorrow, I sponsored a signature piece of legislation to prohibit the discrimination of our LGBTQ+ neighbors and friends in the workplace. No one should be denied employment because of who they love.

“I am proud of my dear sister Representative Delisha Boyd for taking up the mantle and sponsoring HB40 today. I am disappointed that the State Legislature failed to advance this critically important legislation.

“Our work is not done. I will continue the fight for every Louisianan to truly be equal: at home, at school, at work, and everywhere else.”

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Reps. Carter, Mace Introduce Bill to Support Veterans and V.A. Systems

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-Sc.) introduced the bipartisan Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC) Act to support veterans and V.A. systems around the country. This bill will raise awareness of and bring improvements to the Warrior Training Advancement Course of the Veterans Benefit Administration (WARTAC). This program within the Department of Veteran’s Affairs helps veterans re-enter the civilian workforce into meaningful roles.

“Our veterans give so much to us, we owe it to them to make sure we do all we can to help them live healthy, productive, and meaningful lives after their service,” said Rep. Carter. “I’m proud to introduce legislation to improve job opportunities and services for our veterans as they re-enter civilian life. We know that many veterans struggle with mental health, housing, and employment after their military service. By connecting returning service members with critical jobs in the V.A., the WARTAC Act is a win-win for veterans and their communities.”

Every year, over 200,000 brave service members transition out of the Armed Forces and back into civilian life. Due to the unique nature of life in the military, this transition can be daunting and difficult. As servicemembers make this transition back into the workforce it is imperative that they are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to ensure they’re properly supported.

Background

While the V.A. and its partners have worked hard to bring the veteran unemployment rate down, there are still over 220,000 unemployed veterans nationwide. With the Veteran’s Benefit Administration (VBA) dealing with a severe backlog in cases, it’s in dire need of qualified Veteran Service Representatives and Rating Veteran Service Representatives to process these claims.

This bipartisan legislation will direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to report to the bicameral Committees on Veterans Affairs annually on the Warrior Training Advancement Course of the Veterans Benefit Administration, create a structural opportunity to process feedback, and analyze the program for effectiveness and opportunities to grow and improve.

The WARTAC Act would:

• Include recommendations for best practices and data sets on the number of eligible participants, enrolled participants, participants who successfully complete the program, information on how the Secretary provides the training, and other information deemed relevant.

• Require that the Secretary report on hiring information and the cost savings of the program including the determination of the Secretary whether other federal agencies may also save money by establishing a program like WARTAC.

• Help veterans receive their benefits more efficiently by increasing the VBA’s hiring capacity.

Full bill text can be found here.

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Rep. Carter Votes Against Default on America Act

Bill Will Devastate Everyday Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) voted against the Default on America Act. This legislation presents Americans with a terrible choice: either House Republicans will wreck our economy or inflict cruel cuts that hurt everyday people.

“Congress MUST pay our bills and prevent a devastating default on our debt. But House Republicans are threatening to wreck our economy unless they can force cruel cuts that hurt families in LA-02,” said Rep. Carter. “Democrats are ready to act NOW to prevent a default on our debt, continue our historic deficit reduction, and responsibly invest in America to lower costs and create better paying jobs. It is time to STOP the political games and save our economy.”

House Democrats have already cut the deficit by historic levels and President Biden’s budget reduces deficits by $3 trillion more over the next 10 years while investing in America – lowering costs by making childcare, health care, and housing more affordable, supporting better schools, and strengthening our infrastructure.

Background

By refusing to act now to prevent a default, House Republicans are threatening an economic disaster that will hurt everyday Americans. In LA-02, a default on our debt would:

• Kill 6,700 jobs as unemployment doubles;
• Threaten the retirement savings of 99,100 people near retirement;
• Put Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs health benefits at risk for 388,000 people; and
• Jeopardize Social Security payments for 91,000 seniors.

But the Default on America Act is no alternative. In Louisiana, the extreme House Republican scheme would: 

• Put 287,000 people at risk of losing Medicaid coverage;
• Threaten access to food assistance for 17,000 people aged 50-55;
• Eliminate preschool and childcare for at least 6,400 children;
• Increase housing costs for at least 12,800 people; and
• Make college more expensive for at least 108,800 students.

Data Provided By The Joint Economic Committee, White House, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Third Way, Climate Power, and Moody's Analytics.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) issued the following statement on Israel’s 75^th Anniversary:

“As Israel marks its 75th birthday, I want to recognize the enduring strength of the United States - Israel relationship and am proud to stand with our friend and ally Israel in Congress. I will continue working for an enduring partnership that advances democratic values for generations to come.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) released the following statement on his trip with the Democratic Members of the Committee on Homeland Security to the Southwest Border. The visit included a discussion of border security and immigration issues with local officials and tours of the DHS border facilities and technologies in Brownsville and McAllen, Texas. Members heard from Custom and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations, U.S Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and CBP Air and Marine Operations.

“​Most migrants coming to our border have no other legal pathway to U.S. citizenship and are here seeking asylum – which is their legal right. However, our system was not set up for the kind of volume we are experiencing, and it is unsustainable.

“We need comprehensive immigration reform to fix our broken system and save lives. I was grateful for the opportunity to visit Texas and learn first-hand from professionals who are in the thick of this crisis.

“Immigrant rights are human rights! Let’s deliver them a pathway to citizenship.”

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