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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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Rep. Carter Meets with Department of Commerce

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) and members of the Regional Leadership Council (RLC) held a meeting with Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs Jed Kolko to discuss the Department of Commerce's Regional Economic Research Initiative. The Regional Initiative will help identify the unique strengths and weaknesses of various regional economies, uncover new opportunities for growth, provide insights into local economic needs, and maximize the impact of regional investments. The meeting focused on how the RLC can work with the Commerce officials leading this initiative to help communities in every corner of the country realize their potential for economic prosperity and competition.

“As the Representative for Region 7, I am prioritizing equity in our federal investments,” said Rep. Carter. “I want to thank the Under Secretary of Commerce for meeting with us to discuss how each of our regional economies are special and come with their distinctive benefits and challenges. I will continue to guarantee that Region 7 has a voice at the table.”

"I was pleased to meet with my colleagues on the Regional Leadership Council and Under Secretary Kolko today to discuss the Department of Commerce's Regional Economic Research Initiative," said Chair Hoyer. "As we continue our work to deliver on the promises made through the transformative laws we enacted last Congress, the RLC is committed to ensuring that no community or region is overlooked.  All Americans – no matter where they live – deserve to feel the positive impact of these policies and the opportunities they create. The Regional Economic Research Initiative uses vital tools and strategies that will help the RLC identify the needs of local communities as well as the best solutions to help them thrive.  I look forward to continuing to work with Under Secretary Kolko, the Department of Commerce, and the rest of the Biden-Harris Administration to help American workers, families, and businesses get ahead in every corner of the country."

"I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the Regional Economic Research Initiative with my House colleagues," said Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs Jed Kolko. "People deserve to have economic opportunity where they live. The Regional Economic Research Initiative will give us a better understanding of how federal investments combat geographic inequality and boost regional competitiveness.”

Background

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries created the Regional Leadership Council in January 2023.  The council consists of twelve Members who each represent one of the United States' twelve regions. The council is working to ensure that Americans in every corner of the country and in every zip code can access the opportunities created by the historic policies that Democrats secured in the 117th Congress, including the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the Honoring Our PACT Act, and many others.

To learn more about the RLC and its work, CLICK HERE.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) announced that he will be joining the New Democrat Coalition Health Care, Substance Use, and Mental Health and Climate Change and Clean Energy Policy Task Forces.

“I’m joining two New Democrat Coalition policy task forces where I strongly believe we can find bipartisan solutions,” said Rep. Carter. “The NDC is the “Can Do Caucus” in Congress. Our work on these policy task forces will center around roundtables with experts and administration officials, endorsing legislation and recommendations for executive actions, and working across the aisle to find bipartisan legislative solutions.”

The Health Care, Substance Use, and Mental Health Task Force will work to increase access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans and address the mental health and substance use disorder crises.

The mental health and substance use disorder crises are affecting all communities across the nation – including families in LA-02. There is room for bipartisan agreement on substantive health care solutions, and Rep. Carter will lead the path forward as a member of this policy task force.

The Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force will develop and advance policy solutions to combat climate change, build up and expand our nation’s clean energy options, and ensure strong implementation of the climate provisions included in the Inflation Reduction Act, which Rep. Carter passed into law last Congress.

The climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our time, but it’s also an opportunity for us to build a clean and green economy, lower energy costs, and expand options for consumers through smart policies.

“The New Democrat Coalition is the ‘Can-Do Caucus,’ and our Members are the true policy entrepreneurs in Congress,” said NDC Chair Annie Kuster. “We know that a closely divided Congress presents a real opportunity for bipartisan progress. That’s why each of these nine policy task forces reflects areas where we can work across the aisle to deliver legislative wins for our constituents, including on the issues of workforce development, housing, mental health care, and more. Last Congress, Democrats had the same slim margin Republicans hold now – and just as we did last year, New Dems will advocate for smart policies to generate new ideas and create new opportunities for hardworking Americans. We’re excited for the work to come.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-Sc.) reintroduced the bipartisan Veterans Affairs (V.A.) Flood Preparedness Act. This bill would empower the VA to work directly with local governments on flood mitigation projects that secure safe and reliable access to critical care facilities for veterans and provide Congress with a better understanding of the flood risk facing these essential public health assets.

"In southeast Louisiana we know the power and disruption that storms and floods can bring all too well," said Rep. Carter. "After Hurricane Katrina, the V.A. Center in New Orleans flooded badly, shutting down operations at this critical site. This bill will help position V.A. centers across the country so that they can better partner with local authorities on flooding studies to better identify the shortcomings of the past and shore up facilities to serve veterans for generations to come."

“For years, veterans have been significantly impeded from accessing the Ralph H. Johnson V.A. Medical Center in Charleston due to constant flooding on the adjacent street and in the parking lot. This is in a very vulnerable area for flooding and the city is limited in what they can do to mitigate the problems because the facility is federal,” said Rep. Mace. “This bill will increase collaboration between local authorities and the V.A. so the V.A. can participate in and make certain contributions to local authorities to mitigate the risk of flooding on roads adjacent to their facilities.”

Full bill text can be found here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) led fifteen of his colleagues in sending a letter to Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and House Committee on Education and Workforce leadership calling for the expansion of access to the federal Pell Grant program for students enrolled in short-term credential programs. Specifically, the members asked that funding for the new short-term Pell Grant program created in H.R. 793, the Jumpstart Our Business by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act be available to students at all high-quality institutions.

“Not all students want to or can enroll in traditional higher education programs, and Congress should support changes to the Higher Education Act that provide students an opportunity to earn short-term credentials that will help them succeed in the workforce,” the Members wrote. “Any expansion of Pell Grant eligibility should include numerous safeguards to ensure that low- performing programs are excluded. Such safeguards could include linking program eligibility to student outcomes or requiring states and employers to play a role in the vetting process. With these safeguards in place, preventing students at all proprietary institutions from participating in short-term Pell will limit valuable opportunities for low-income and minority students. We believe Congress should support access to all high-quality programs, including those offered at proprietary institutions, which currently serve nearly one million students in the United States.”

Additional signers of the letter include Reps. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Jim Costa (D-CA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Darren Soto (D-FL), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Jared Golden (D-ME), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Susan Wild (D-PA), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), and Eric Swalwell (D-CA).

Read the full letter here.

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