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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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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. secured several critical priorities in the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. This legislation will strengthen U.S. national security by supporting the development of new technologies, coordinate with America’s global network of allies and partners, and uplift service members and their families, who form the foundation for America’s defense.

The bill included an amendment by Congressman Carter that would extend the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Program. This program provides business development support and assistance to eligible small, disadvantaged businesses (SDBs) seeking to participate in federal contracting. This amendment would allow the minority, veteran and women-owned business owners that participate one more year to utilize the program.

“Today’s House passage of the NDAA proves our commitment to those who serve our country in uniform is stronger than ever,” said Congressman Carter. “This year’s defense bill includes bold initiatives to support a diverse and talented military and civilian workforce, provides historic funding for research activities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), supports pay raises for service members and civilians, and deepens our alliances and partnerships during a critical moment for democracies worldwide. I am also proud that this legislation includes a $15 an hour minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts as well as my amendment to add an additional year to the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program. This extension of one year will help more, small, historically-disadvantaged business owners greater utilize the business development supports and resources that this program provides.”

The 8(a) Program is currently a nine-year program within the Small Business Administration that offers business development and assistance to eligible small, disadvantaged businesses seeking to participate in federal contracting. A major benefit of the program is that participants have access to training, technical assistance, and contracting opportunities in the form of set asides or sole-source opportunities. The Congressman’s amendment would add an additional year for businesses to participate in the program.

The House version of FY23 NDAA includes a range of key national security priorities for Louisianians and Americans, including:

• Vital benefits for service members and their families, including a 4.6% pay raise for service members and civilian personnel, 2.4% inflation bonuses for service members earning less than $45,000/year and a $15/hour minimum wage for workers on federal service and construction contracts.

• Over $4 million in funds to update, green, and bring resiliency to military bases and buildings in Louisiana, including the Louisiana National Guard Munitions Administrative Facility Base in Belle Chase, the Abbeville Readiness Center in Abbeville, and Camp Beauregard in Pineville.

• Support for HBCUs and other minority serving institutions, allocating over $111 million for research activities at HBCUS and establishing a pilot program to increase research capacity at minority serving institutions.

• Civilian harm mitigation measures, including the establishment of a Commission on Civilian Harm and a Center for Excellence in Civilian Harm Mitigation at the Department of Defense.

• New investments in science and technology competitiveness, including $275 million in additional funding for next-generation capabilities in hypersonics, electronic warfare, directed energy, artificial intelligence, and software.

• Supply chain security, including an assessment of dual-use technology and improving risk management in DoD supply chains involving pharmaceutical products.

• Resources for U.S. allies and partners, including $1 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) and funding for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) and Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI).

• Fighting for Safety in Haiti, As a member of the Congressional Haitian Caucus Congressman Carter supported measures to require Commerce and the AG to submit a report on arms trafficking in Haiti as well as a resolution asserting the importance of the Haiti-US relationship and that the nation’s recovery from these recent crises to be democratic and driven by the Haitian people.

A summary of the provisions in the FY23 NDAA is available here.

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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr introduced legislation to study and protect the culture and integrity of Louis Armstrong Park within the former New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park for future generations. A park at the heart of the New Orleans community, Congressman Carter’s bill The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Study Act of 2022 would authorize a study with meaningful community input to assess the suitability and feasibility of re-establishing an area of Louis Armstrong Park as the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park with federal status under the Department of the Interior.

“The rich culture of New Orleans is deeply rooted in the places, people, and history of our community, and it must be valued, uplifted and protected for generations to come,” said Congressman Carter. “The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Study Act of 2022 would bring together the community, government, and stakeholders to collectively study and determine a path forward for this park that protects the integrity of this true treasure of the Crescent City.”

Congressman Carter continued, “The Tremé is a historically Black and culturally significant neighborhood in the city. We must have the impacted community members not just at the table, but meaningfully involved in these conversations on the future of Louis Armstrong Park to help best preserve the culture and history of this cultural landmark and the city we love.”

The study will analyze the assemblage of historic and cultural resources and their best use of management through partnerships among public and private entities that reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the story of the United States and Louisiana.

It will fully develop a conceptual plan that outlines the roles of all participants and stakeholders in the park, including the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service.

This study for the future of the park will be done in consultation with the Sec. of Interior, State Historic Preservation Officers, State Historical Societies, State Tourism Offices along with local residents, community advocates, organizers, business interests, nonprofit organizations, and State and local governments that—are involved in the planning of the park.

The study must also provide a conceptual boundary map that has demonstrated support by the public for the designation of the park.

The full text of the bill as introduced is here.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $5.2 million in funding from the recently-passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR). The airport will use the money to replace two passenger boarding bridges, bringing reliability, energy efficiency, improved customer experience, and enhanced access for people with disabilities to the airport.

“I am so proud to share that the Infrastructure Law is bringing home $5.2 million to improve accessibility and reliability at the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport,” said Congressman Carter. “Safe and efficient airports are essential to the economic well-being of Louisiana. As our entryways to the world, we must ensure our airports put our best foot forward and are as accessible, dependable, and as energy efficient as possible. The Infrastructure Law will help make this a reality here in Louisiana and across the country.”

“Americans deserve modern airports that meet the needs of their families and growing passenger demand,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “Funded through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, today’s grants will improve airport terminals while also creating good jobs in communities across the country.”

Today’s funding is from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal grants.

BTR is one of 90 airports to receive a grant from the fund, two of which are in Louisiana. Lake Charles Regional Airport is also a recipient, receiving $2.5 million from the grant for similar improvements. These updates in addition to the update of MSY last October make for three Louisiana airport renewals in the past eight months, all funded by federal grants.

The President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, makes a historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness. It will rebuild America’s roads, bridges and rails, upgrade and expand public transit, modernize the nation’s ports and airports, improve safety, tackle the climate crisis, advance environmental justice and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. It will drive the creation of good-paying union jobs and grow the economy sustainably and equitably to help everyone get ahead for decades to come.

As a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Carter worked on, advocated and voted for this transformative legislation. Despite the Infrastructure Law bringing home over $7 billion to Louisiana, he was the only member of the state’s House Delegation to vote in support.

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NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. released the following statement after the Supreme Court released a shadow docket ruling reinstating Louisiana's GOP-drawn, unrepresentative congressional maps.

“Wars were fought, movements were launched, and constitutional amendments were passed to give every American of every race and gender full citizenship and the right to vote.

“Today, the Supreme Court released a shadow docket ruling that sends Louisiana back to our tarnished history of diminishing and silencing the voices of African Americans.

“It is shameful that the court refused to let the process here in Louisiana play out to draw maps that fairly represent the population of Louisiana.

“We need maps that follow the math and give Black Louisianians their rightful representation in our democratic system. There should be no political gamesmanship when it comes to our representative democracy.

“This Supreme Court is out of control in so many ways, but this and other recent rulings make one thing is clear: It will stop at nothing to silence the voice of Black and Brown voters in the South and across the country.

“Today shows that many of these justices are partisan hacks, loyal not to the Constitution, but to a far-right political agenda.

“We must speak in one voice against the age-old pattern of silencing and diluting Black votes and voices in our democratic system.

“While the forces of injustice may have won this battle we, as we have before, will win the war.”

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