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WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressmen Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to create an expungement mechanism for low-level violations of federal marijuana law and provide an expedited, orderly process that clears the deck of non-felony marijuana offenses lingering in the federal system. The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act would deliver justice for countless Americans whose lives have been disrupted and deprived because of a misdemeanor Marijuana offense, activity now lawful for either recreational or medical purposes in 38 states.

“I’m proud to introduce The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act, bipartisan legislation that will restore justice to millions of Americans who have suffered inordinate collateral consequences associated with marijuana-related misdemeanors,” said Congressman Troy Carter. “These misdemeanors – even without a conviction – can result in restrictions to peoples’ ability to access educational aid, housing assistance, occupational licensing and even foster parenting. Delivering justice for our citizens who have been impacted by marijuana-related misdemeanors is a key component of comprehensive cannabis reform.”

“Given the number of states, like Illinois, where marijuana has long been legalized for adult-use, we must ensure that our criminal justice system keeps pace so that individuals with low-level misdemeanor violations related to its use does not preclude them from getting jobs and participating in society,” said Congressman Rodney Davis.

Several cannabis reform advocates and activists also shared their support for this legislation to create a federal mechanism to expunge the records of marijuana-related misdemeanors:

“For far too long, millions of Americans have been affected by the lifelong consequences of marijuana-related convictions on their record for simply possessing a small quantity of cannabis,” said Weldon Angelos, President of the Weldon Project. “I want to thank Congressman Troy Carter for introducing this bill, which will be nothing short of lifechanging for so many people and their families. Our country must move toward a post-prohibition approach to federal cannabis law and create a mechanism to expunge low-level violations of federal marijuana law.”

“I want to thank the cosponsors for introducing this important legislation, which offers an approach to marijuana expungement that is coherent, efficient, and just – all without threatening public safety,” said Professor Erik Luna of Arizona State University and founder of the Academy for Justice at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.

“This landmark legislation will allow countless Americans to move forward with their lives, remove an impediment to economic progress and restore the ability to maximize their full potential – both for themselves and their families,” said Roz McCarthy, Founder and CEO of Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana. “Addressing the negative societal & economic effects permeated by marijuana prohibition at both the federal and state level will be critical as we seek to deliver comprehensive cannabis reform in this country. I want to thank Representative Carter for introducing The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act, support expeditious movement through the procedural process and I look forward to working with them to move this bill forward in the weeks to come.”

“The National Cannabis Roundtable and our members are committed to cannabis reforms that right past wrongs and advance social equity. The Marijuana Misdemeanor Expungement Act does just that,” said Saphira Galoob, Executive Director of the National Cannabis Roundtable. “We applaud Representative Carter for his strong leadership on cannabis reform, and we wholeheartedly support this landmark legislation.”

"It is unacceptable that those who have been convicted of low-level marijuana offenses, often disproportionately black and brown people, continue to have the conviction hang over their heads – especially as cannabis legalization, research, and reform efforts are more supported by the American people than ever before,” said Dr. Chanda Macias, CEO of National Holistic Healing Center. “I applaud Congressman Carter for introducing this important piece of legislation that continues to reduce the harm caused by the War on Drugs and pushes towards a more equitable playing field for patients of the plant." 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-La.), Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez (R-Fl.), Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co.), and Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) announced the formation of the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus. This caucus is committed to working across the aisle to advance legislation and policies that provide efficient, equitable relief for disaster survivors and promotes measures that pave the path for impacted communities to make a full recovery. The caucus will also advocate for disaster preparedness measures and programs that help save lives, while readying America’s communities for the disasters ahead.

The co-chairs of this caucus represent regions that experience a wide variety of natural disasters ranging from hurricanes to wildfires to flooding, and have all directly navigated the disaster recovery process for their districts. They are coming together from across the political spectrum and across the country to speak in a united voice for better and improved systems for our disaster preparedness and recovery systems.

“Disasters don’t recognize borders or political party, and neither should our nation’s disaster preparedness or recovery system,” said Congressman Carter. “As extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change, we need to work together to strengthen our systems and save lives. I am proud to join with my fellow co-chairs to launch this bipartisan caucus that is committed to advocating for effective preparedness and recovery measures and programs that best serve the American people and don’t leave anyone behind.”

“The creation of the new Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus will serve as a phenomenal tool in crafting legislation to better protect our communities prone to natural disasters,” said Congressman Gimenez. “South Florida remains a high-risk area for flooding and storm damage. Advocating for crucial funding and programs through the caucus will fortify our ability to keeping South Florida the greatest place to live, work, and raise a family.”

“In launching the bipartisan Disaster Recovery Caucus, we are affirming our commitment to policies that provide real relief for disaster survivors and promote measures that pave the path for impacted communities to make a full recovery. With wildfires on the rise in Colorado and across the West, it is clear that these catastrophic events are not going away any time soon and we must be prepared to do all we can to prepare our communities.” said Congressman Neguse.

“In a coastal district like mine, natural disasters are an inevitable part of life. As coastal areas face increased risks from flooding and sea level rise, we must take preemptive steps to prepare and protect our most vulnerable communities,” said Congresswoman Mace. “This caucus will serve as an important bipartisan platform to ensure our nation is prepared for and able to recover from natural disasters whenever and wherever they strike.”

Several organizations have also voiced their support for the creation of this caucus.

“Main Street America applauds the formation of the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus. Each community impacted by climate disasters faces a challenging recovery for residents, small businesses, and overall quality of life. Providing increased Congressional attention and visibility to help communities large and small prepare for and recover from natural disasters is vitally important to the physical and economic health of communities.” – Hannah White, Interim President and CEO, Main Street America

“We at LISC understand the unique challenges and opportunities to provide the resources needed to rebuild, expand resilience capabilities, and strengthen post-disaster opportunities in rural and urban communities,” said Matt Josephs, Senior Vice President of Policy at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). “That is why we applaud the creation of the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus and thank Representatives Carter, Gimenez, Neguse, and Mace for their commitment to enhancing disaster recovery, resiliency, and preparedness across the nation.”

“From rampant wildfires, to increasingly frequent storm and flooding events, to extreme heat waves – climate-fueled disasters touch the lives of more people with each passing year, and show no near-term signs of abating” said Jessie Ritter, senior director of water resources and coastal policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “The Disaster Recovery Caucus will provide a critical forum for discussion and pursuit of solutions that help our nation prepare for and respond to disasters in a way that is smarter, and more equitable and sustainable.”

"The climate crisis is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and other natural hazards, from deadly heat waves to destructive floods" said Joel Scata, senior attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "Frontline communities disproportionately bear the brunt of these events, but decisions made at all levels of government can lessen these harms—or make them worse. The work of this caucus can be essential to ensuring government minimizes the harms climate change is having on the nation."

"When a disaster of any kind strikes a community the impact on the local and regional economy can be catastrophic, often requiring significant investments spanning years in order to rebuild. Beyond critical first-response needs following disasters, individuals and businesses experiencing significant hardships need longer-term, targeted assistance to ensure a complete and equitable recovery.  IEDC applauds Congressmen Carter and Gimenez for introducing this important legislation that recognizes the vital role that the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays in local economic recovery. Creating an Office of Disaster Response at EDA keeps a dedicated focus on recovering communities and provides the agency with commonsense flexibility and resources to respond, while also removing the prohibitive match requirements which will ensure that the most underserved communities receive the necessary resources to rebuild. IEDC further welcomes the establishment of the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus and thanks Congressmen Carter and Gimenez for their vision and leadership in creating this new voice supporting economic recovery." Nathan Ohle, President & CEO, International Economic Development Council

To correspond with the announcement of the Bipartisan Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus, Congressman Carter and other co-chairs also introduced two bipartisan disaster recovery bills today.

• “The Delivering Equity and Justice for Disaster Survivors Act of 2022” would establish a Disaster Equity and Justice Subcommittee within FEMA to help amplify the voices, needs, and experiences of disaster survivors. This legislation was also endorsed by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

• “The Office of Disaster Recovery Act” directs the Secretary of Commerce to create an Office of Disaster Recovery to support and coordinate economic recuperation for communities after a natural disaster. This legislation was endorsed by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a funding bill that included Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr.’s amendment urging Congress to allocate $3 billion for the state of Louisiana’s Hurricane Ida recovery efforts.

“Natural disasters and extreme weather know no boundary, especially in the era of climate change,” said Congressman Carter. “We must rally together to help all communities recover, heal, and build back stronger after a disaster. Last year, Louisiana was hit by the Category 4 Hurricane Ida, leaving in its wake immense destruction. Congress saw the devastation of the storm and made an immediate down payment to kickstart recovery efforts in Louisiana as we assessed the incredible damage. Implied in that payment was a commitment to come back once our state had determined its final, full level of need. I am grateful that my colleagues stood with me, and the people of Louisiana, by passing my amendment outlining Congressional intent to provide $3 billion more in funds for our state’s recovery from Hurricane Ida.”

The Carter amendment received bipartisan support and was included and passed as a part of a larger congressional appropriations bill referred to as the minibus. Congressman Carter spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of his amendment, the video of his speech is available here.

This funding measure now heads to the United States Senate for consideration.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. and House Republican Whip Steve Scalise introduced bipartisan legislation that puts Louisiana first by updating the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) to increase coastal states' share of oil and natural gas revenue. The Budgeting for Renewable Electrical Energy Zone Earnings (BREEZE) Act equalizes the percentage of revenue sharing to match those of onshore states, improves South Louisiana's resiliency against hurricanes, provides hundreds of millions more dollars to restore our coast, and sets the stage to invest and collect revenue from offshore wind energy.

“Louisiana’s coastline is facing an existential threat, and our state needs and deserves a sufficient and reliable funding stream to protect against erosion and more intense hurricanes due to climate change,” said Congressman Carter. “After long being shortchanged in our state’s share of energy revenues, the BREEZE Act would help level the playing field for Louisiana while building a framework to bring home more funds for coastal restoration from the growing sector of offshore wind. The scale of this challenge is enormous, and I’m glad to collaborate on this problem-solving bill with Congressman Scalise to protect the people, environment, and economy of Louisiana.”

“Offshore energy production provides crucial dollars for our state to use to restore our coast, which is the first line of defense against powerful Gulf storms. For years, I have fought to increase the share of oil and gas revenue that Louisiana receives from GOMESA to 50 percent, leveling out the playing field with interior states. The BREEZE Act not only achieves that goal but goes even further by allowing Louisiana to collect revenue from future offshore wind development in the Gulf of Mexico, which our state can use to continue to make major investments in coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects that protect Louisiana families from storms. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Carter to improve our state’s resiliency against Gulf storms and further support our coastal communities,” said Whip Scalise.

Louisiana leaders and stakeholders also praised the introduction of the BREEZE Act:

“Parishes Advocating for Coastal Endurance (PACE) is a proud supporter of the BREEZE Act. GOMESA funding is vitally important to our working coast and parishes as we use these funds for restoration and hurricane protection. Establishing another revenue sharing opportunity for our coastal parishes for wind lease sales would be another opportunity to protect, restore and create a more resilient coast,” said Matthew Jewell, President, St. Charles Parish, President, Parishes Advocating for Coastal Endurance.

“The BREEZE Act makes the long needed legislative changes to give a greater portion of OCS hydrocarbon revenue to the coastal states and makes similar allotments for future revenue from offshore wind projects on the OCS. Most importantly, it includes a mandate that the funds be spent on coastal resiliency / restoration, wildlife preservation, or improved infrastructure projects,” said Joseph Orgeron, Ph.D., Executive Director, Restore Or Retreat.

“This critical funding stream allows us to continue making historic investments in restoration and hurricane protection while benefiting Louisiana for years to come. The Gulf of Mexico has great potential for offshore wind lease sales starting next year, and we are directly investing in Louisiana’s future by securing revenue sharing from offshore wind. The BREEZE Act makes the necessary amendments to GOMESA to better serve coastal Louisiana and aligns us with other states with energy and mineral development on federal land that face no cap and share 50% of the revenues produced. We are appreciative of Congressman Steve Scalise and Congressmen Troy Carter for authoring this bipartisan bill and prioritizing the restoration of our coast,” said Chip Kline, Chairman, Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.

“The BREEZE Act enables coastal economies to invest in, and protect, themselves. The BREEZE Act is a win for both industry and communities, while fairly funding ecological restoration. As nearly 50 percent of refining and 15 percent of production domestically occurs along the Gulf Coast, investing in coastal restoration not only serves Gulf states, but further doubles as an investment in stabilizing energy prices nationwide. Moreover, the BREEZE Act captures the crosswinds of the energy sector by establishing revenue-sharing provisions for offshore wind, facilitating a future for clean industrial hydrogen,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO, GNO, Inc.

Background on the BREEZE Act:

• Increases states' share of revenue from oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico from 37.5 percent to 50 percent and eliminates the annual cap on funds received by Gulf states under GOMESA. Interior states get 50 percent of revenues from their energy leases, without being subject to an annual cap like Louisiana is.

• The BREEZE Act corrects this disparity by increasing Gulf states’ share of oil and gas revenues to 50 percent – matching the interior states’ share – and removes the annual cap. This increase will ensure more funding goes towards our coastline so we can continue to make the major investments in coastal restoration and hurricane protection that our state needs and Louisiana families deserve.

• Establishes a revenue sharing structure for coastal states for wind lease sales and production on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). All qualified OCS revenue shall be distributed as follows:
  • 12.5 percent to the U.S. Treasury.
  • 37.5 percent to the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund.
  • 50 percent to each eligible state.

• Authorizes the funds received under the bill to be used for:
  • Projects and activities for the purposes of coastal protection and resiliency, including conservation, coastal restoration, estuary management, beach nourishment, hurricane and flood protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetland losses.
  • Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources, including through fisheries science and research.
  • Implementation of a federally approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan.
  • Mitigation of the impact of outer Continental Shelf activities through the funding of onshore infrastructure projects.
  • Planning assistance and the administrative costs of complying with this section.

Groups Supporting the BREEZE Act:

• American Clean Power Association
• Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
• Ducks Unlimited
• National Audubon Society
• National Ocean Industries Association
• National Wildlife Federation
• Bayou Industrial Group
• Coast Builders Coalition
• GNO, Inc.
• Greater Lafourche Port Commission
• Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce
• Jefferson Chamber of Commerce
• LA-1 Coalition
• Lafourche Parish Government
• Morganza Action Coalition
• Parishes Advocating for Coastal Endurance
• Pontchartrain Conservancy
• Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce
• Tangipahoa Parish Government
• South Central Industrial Association
• St. Bernard Parish Government 
• St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to continued right-wing threats to Louisianians personal liberties, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. today voted to enshrine marriage equality into federal law. The Respect for Marriage Act will officially repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a defunct and discriminatory statute excluding same-sex couples from marriage under federal law. This legislation will also codify new protections ensuring that no married couple can be denied protections and benefits under federal law based on sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.

Congressman Carter has been a longstanding supporter the rights of minorities and the LGBTQ community. In 1993 as a State Representative he sponsored legislation to ban discrimination of people based on their sexual orientation, and he has continued to be a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Today, I proudly voted to protect marriage equality in Louisiana and across the country,” said Congressman Carter. “With its decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court’s Republican-appointed supermajority tossed out nearly 50 years of legal precedent and severely weakened the Constitutional right to privacy. Now, right-wing extremists are leading a cruel assault on even more of American most cherished and hard-won freedoms – including the right to marry the person they love. The bipartisan, bicameral Respect for Marriage Act will enshrine marriage equality into federal law and prohibit state officials from discriminating against same-sex and interracial couples.”

Following the Supreme Court’s heart-wrenching decision overturning Roe v. Wade, right-wing extremists have set their sights on other rulings upholding basic rights and freedoms.  In his concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas explicitly called for the Court to consider overturning other landmark rulings, including the Obergefell v. Hodges decision recognizing the Constitutional right to marriage equality. 

The Respect for Marriage Act will take several steps to combat this assault on our freedoms:

• Enshrining Marriage Equality into Federal Law: This legislation will require the federal government to fully recognize any marriage considered valid in the state where it was performed – providing same-sex and interracial couples additional certainty that they will continue to receive equal treatment under federal law.
• Repealing the Defense of Marriage Act: While the Supreme Court has effectively voided the Defense of Marriage Act, this unconstitutional and discriminatory federal law remains on the books.  The Respect for Marriage Act would repeal this statute once and for all.
• Barring Discrimination by State Officials: This legislation prohibits state officials from denying recognition of an out-of-state marriage on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity or national origin.

“This legislation is a key step forward in House Democrats’ fight against the right-wing assault on freedom,” continued Congressman Carter. “I have been working to protect the rights of minorities and the LGBTQ+ community for decades, and I won’t stop now. I remain fully committed to preserving the rights and dignities of every person, everywhere.”

The Respect for Marriage Act is strongly supported by leading advocacy organizations, including the ACLU, Center for American Progress, Equality Federation, Family Equality, Freedom for All Americans, GLAD, Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, National Black Justice Coalition, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Women’s Law Center and PFLAG.

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