Media

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement:

“Today, I am pleased to report that the Trump Administration has heeded our warnings and reversed course on its plan to cut crucial hurricane forecasting satellite data — a decision that would have been disastrous for Louisiana and the entire Gulf Coast.

“As many recall, I sent letters directly to President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem, making clear how reckless this proposal was and the grave harm it would cause to states like Louisiana — where hurricanes don’t just test our levees, but our very livelihoods and lives. Every tool we have to forecast, track, and prepare for these storms is not optional. It is essential.

“The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) provides unique, irreplaceable data, including nighttime and rapid‑intensification monitoring, that helps forecasters “see under the hood” of a storm. Losing this capability — especially at the height of hurricane season — would have put millions of lives and billions in property at greater risk.

“I am proud that our advocacy, alongside meteorologists, local leaders, and federal partners, helped keep this vital data flowing. But the fight does not stop here. I remain equally committed to convincing the Trump Administration to abandon any thoughts of dismantling FEMA — another cornerstone of our nation’s disaster preparedness and response that Louisiana depends on when storms strike.

“This is a victory for science, safety, and the people of Louisiana. I will continue to stand against any reckless cuts to NOAA, the National Weather Service, or FEMA, because protecting our citizens must always come before politics or short‑sighted cost‑cutting."

###

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after the Trump Administration moved to reverse the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) longstanding “endangerment finding,” the scientific finding that climate pollution harms human health and the environment under the Clean Air Act:

“Today, Trump and Administrator Zeldin proposed a plan making climate denial official federal policy. More air pollution means more extreme weather and worse public health. This is our future if the Trump Administration carries out its ‘Climate Chaos Plan.’

“These actions will intensify droughts and floods, prolong heat waves in the summer, and make freak winter storms more common. Increased air pollution will diminish drinking water quality and availability, threaten our food security by hindering agriculture, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations. This ‘Polluters First Agenda’ will cause Americans' health care expenses to soar as health conditions exacerbated by air pollution, such as asthma, heart and respiratory diseases, and birth defects, become more common.

“Americans expect an EPA that lives up to its mission of protecting the environment and public health. The Trump Administration instead continues to undermine those core values and substantially weaken safeguards meant to shield our health and welfare.”

Background:

The Clean Air Act requires the EPA to protect people from “any air pollutant” that the agency deems “causes or contributes to air pollution that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare.”

The 2007 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Massachusetts vs. EPA determined that carbon pollution and other climate-warming pollutants (greenhouse gases) are “air pollutants” as defined by the Clean Air Act. The court directed the EPA to make a final scientific determination whether these pollutants endanger health or welfare.

In 2009, the EPA determined that carbon dioxide, methane, and four other climate pollutants endanger public health. The agency has repeatedly reaffirmed that pollution from power plants, oil and gas operations, and cars, trucks, buses, planes, and other transportation contribute to that danger. The EPA's Endangerment Finding was challenged in court by radical right-wing groups like the Heritage Foundation and Competitive Enterprise Institute, and red-state political figures. The D.C. Circuit of Appeals upheld the finding based on the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting it. The Supreme Court denied additional review.

Later Supreme Court decisions have limited the scope of some EPA climate protections. But none of those decisions undermined the original basis for the Endangerment Finding and the EPA’s duty to act under the law 

###

NEW ORLEANS, LA– Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced $1,500,000 for the Lincoln Beach redevelopment project from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program. The City of New Orleans will use this funding for shoreline protection and beach nourishment measures, which will protect the natural habitats and ecosystems that have taken root at the site while preparing the area for public reopening.

This award was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Congressman Carter helped craft and voted for. Through Community Project Funding requests, Congressman Carter additionally secured $4,116,279 for the Lincoln Bridge Access Project in the FY 2024 spending bills.

“As a proud son of New Orleans, I’m thrilled to announce this additional funding for Lincoln Beach. This is a big step forward for the New Orleans East community and the preservation of local black history,” said Rep. Carter. “This initiative honors the beach’s deep historical legacy while paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. The revitalization of Lincoln Beach will create a sanctuary where nature and community thrive together, reconnecting New Orleans East residents to their heritage and environment.”

The City of New Orleans has employed a design firm to develop a master plan for the area, with a focus on recreational access and integrating the natural resources of the site with social and cultural opportunities. The site will be a beacon for public education, highlighting the cultural significance of the site and providing educational opportunities about the resources of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin to those who previously did not have access to those resources.

Background:

Lincoln Beach is situated on the southeastern shore of Lake Pontchartrain in the New Orleans East community. Historically, the site was an anchor point for the New Orleans East community and Black families across the Greater New Orleans region during the Jim Crow period. The beach provided safe access to Lake Pontchartrain's recreational opportunities, especially for those in disadvantaged communities that would not have access otherwise. Additionally, Lincoln Beach served as a social and cultural hub, with icons such as Fats Domino performing at the beach.

Since its closure in 1965, the residents of New Orleans East have been isolated from one of the only points of access to the natural resources of Lake Pontchartrain. Along the entire Lake Pontchartrain shoreline in New Orleans East, people are separated from the Lake by the Norfolk Southern Railroad and Hurricane Storm Damage Risk Reduction System’s (HSDRRS) levees and floodwalls. However, with limited human intervention, the Lincoln Beach site has opportunistically morphed into a natural oasis with majestic, natural growth live oaks now shading the sandy beach and wooded trails formed by residents exploring the site seeking access to the beach.

###

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement:

“As the U.S. Congressman from Louisiana—where most of these petrochemical facilities are located—I find it appalling that this administration shows so little regard for the health of communities, families, and workers living near these plants.

“I’ve always believed that industry and communities can coexist—but only when the safety and well-being of people come first. No one should have to risk their life or health for a job. Every person deserves clean air and safe water.

“Granting twelve petrochemical companies in Louisiana a two-year exemption from a 2024 rule that aimed to reduce pollution and cancer risk is reckless. That rule was designed to lower emissions of toxic chemicals like ethylene oxide and chloroprene by over 6,200 tons a year and reduce cancer risk by up to 96% for nearby communities.

“Polluters and violators should not get a free pass. We can protect jobs and protect people—but profits should never come at the cost of public health. I am committed to holding these companies—and this administration—accountable.”

You can read the full report here.

###

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement:

“I’m deeply honored to see the cooling-center initiative featured, underscoring a vital commitment to the safety of our community during extreme heat. What started as a seed of an idea has grown—through strong federal backing and local partnership—into a model for the nation.

“This program was first made possible by my federal earmark, delivering an initial $3.9 million—the largest earmarked investment in solar infrastructure—to bring this vision to life. In those early stages, I was proud to collaborate closely with faith and community leaders, including Broadmoor Community Church; First Grace UMC and Cornerstone UMC; Household of Faith; Level Ground Church; the Broadmoor Neighborhood Association; and a host of others. The Mayor and City Council also joined in, adding critical financial support to strengthen and sustain this effort. Together, we turned that federal and local investment into real-world impact—powering cooling centers and resilience hubs that protect our most vulnerable neighbors.

“I’m humbled to have worked side by side with these dedicated partners—to make this project a reality. This initiative stands as proof that community spirit, faith-based leadership, and federal-local collaboration can build sustainable solutions that serve our citizens well into the future.”

Find an updated list of where to access cooling centers this summer in this article.

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE) introduced the bipartisan Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Information Act. This bill directs the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) to include Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on its weekly and monthly reports, consistent with other fuel types that the agency regularly tracks.

SAF is an alternative jet fuel made from renewable and waste feedstocks that can reduce aviation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 94%, depending on the feedstock. SAF is a "drop-in fuel,” so it is compatible with existing engines and fueling infrastructure and can be made from several feedstocks, including agricultural waste, forestry residues, algae, and recycled cooking oils, among other ingredients.

“Without coordinated action between government and industry, greenhouse gas emissions will continue to increase as more people and goods fly through our skies. Sustainable aviation fuel is an exciting, new green fuel that’s creating jobs in Louisiana,” said Rep. Carter. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure America is on track to meet the growing demand for cleaner transportation and healthier communities.”

“Nebraska remains a national leader in biofuel production and is a driving global leader in advancing the bioeconomy,” said Rep. Flood. “SAF represents just one of many promising ways to grow the biofuels sector and boost our rural communities. Our straightforward, commonsense bill requires the EIA to include SAF in its published data, giving industry leaders and stakeholders better insight into production trends. I’m grateful to my colleague for partnering with me once again to support the growth of the SAF industry.”

“Farmers are always seeking expanded market opportunities for our commodities through food, fiber, or fuel. We see the prospect of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a great opportunity for Louisiana farmers to contribute to our domestic fuel supply through crop production,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot. “We produce an abundance of safe and sustainable food, and complementing that with demand for domestic fuel is a win-win for farmers and the economy. Congressman Carter's proactive legislation to get SAF on the right track, in terms of accurate and unbiased data reporting, should help further build out framework for this rapidly developing technology and the market it can offer. This would not only benefit our farmers, but all of Louisiana through job growth here in Louisiana. We appreciate he and Congressman Flood’s work on this issue both for farmers and consumers.”

“The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Information Act is a tactful, practical solution that aligns with our commitment to growing our state’s all-of-the-above energy portfolio,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of GNO, Inc. “With promising Sustainable Aviation Fuel projects already underway in the Greater New Orleans region, this bill helps to ensure that our energy and aviation industries remain competitive on the global stage. We applaud Congressman Carter for his leadership and commitment to innovation and transparency.”

“SAF may offer a great opportunity for Louisiana sugarcane farmers.  Our farmers have been growing their own fuel for decades now and are anxious to find new uses for the excess biofuel (bagasse) that we currently produce. The American Sugar Cane League appreciates Congressman Carter’s bipartisan effort to gain accurate data on SAF in EIA reports – data that will track how production is actually developing and provide transparency as to whether SAF production includes products like bagasse, the fibrous byproduct of recovering sugar from the sugarcane plant,” said Jack Pettus, VP of Government Relations for the American Sugar Cane League.

“As we work to speed up the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), real-time production and supply updates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration will offer crucial insights. These updates will play a key role in effectively scaling up SAF across the country,” said Alison Graab, Executive Director for the SAF Coalition.

“Transparent and timely market data are critically important to help the nascent SAF industry get off the ground. This legislation would ensure SAF producers and users have the information they need to make informed decisions and smart investments. The Renewable Fuels Association thanks Reps. Flood and Carter for their leadership on this issue and we strongly support their legislation,” said Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO.

“Building a strong and reliable SAF industry that supports U.S. farmers starts with access to clear, consistent market data. This bill takes an important step toward giving stakeholders the tools they need to plan, invest, and grow with confidence. The National Oilseed Processors Association appreciates Representatives Flood and Carter for recognizing this need and championing a data-driven approach to SAF development,” said Devin Mogler, President and CEO of National Oilseed Producers Association.

“The Advanced Biofuels Association is proud to endorse the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act and to play an important part in our nation’s energy dominance agenda. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), also known as synthetic aviation fuel, is an in-demand U.S. energy export that is the latest in a long tradition of American renewable fuel innovations. This legislation will improve data streams from the U.S. Energy Information Administration that help our domestic farmers and biorefiners make informed decisions to increase SAF production levels,” said Michael McAdams, President of the Advanced Biofuels Association.

Background

The growth of SAF production and use is a major opportunity for lowering the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. Worldwide, aviation accounts for 2% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and 12% of all CO2 emissions from transportation. The international aviation industry has set an aspirational goal to reach net-zero carbon by 2050. SAF presents the best near-term opportunity to meet these goals.

This straightforward, bipartisan bill would provide stakeholders with important information relating to SAF production, imports, and feedstock.

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act is endorsed by the Advanced Biofuels Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, American Sugar Cane League, Greater New Orleans Inc., Growth Energy, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, National Oilseed Producers Association, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, Nebraska Soybean Association, Renewable Fuels Association, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, and the SAF Coalition.

Read the full text of the bill here.

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) moved that the House Homeland Security Committee subpoena Elizabeth Asche, Assistant Administrator of the Federal Insurance Directorate at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide the Committee with the details the agency has been withholding from Congress related to the National Flood Insurance Program’s premium methodology, known as Risk Rating 2.0.

Since implementing Risk Rating 2.0 in 2021, FEMA has refused to release the underlying data or assumptions used to justify the steep premium increases that are impacting families and businesses in Louisiana and across the nation.

Below is a transcript of Rep. Carter’s remarks as prepared:

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wholeheartedly support all of my Democratic colleagues’ efforts today to demand information and accountability about the cruel and profoundly un-American mass deportation agenda being undertaken by Donald Trump and his allies, as well as the administration’s dereliction of duty in federal disaster response amid hurricane season.

“However, I would like to take a few minutes to highlight a critical financial issue affecting families and businesses in Louisiana and across the country—flood insurance.

“Flood risk is not just a coastal issue—it affects us all. Since 1996, flood events have occurred in all 50 states and 99% of U.S. counties. That means nearly every single American community has experienced the economic, environmental, or emotional toll of flooding. With climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of major storms, the need for accessible, affordable, and transparent flood insurance has never been more urgent.

“Unfortunately, FEMA’s implementation of Risk Rating 2.0—the new methodology for calculating National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premiums—has created serious affordability problems for our constituents.

“Let me be very clear: Congress did not pass legislation to mandate Risk Rating 2.0, nor did we have any meaningful input in its development. FEMA claims that this overhaul falls under its administrative authority; however, FEMA bypassed a formal rulemaking process, conducted no economic impact analysis, and declined to brief Congress before implementing one of the most sweeping changes to the NFIP in its history.

“In fact, FEMA has continuously refused to release its full Risk Rating 2.0 methodology. Policyholders do not have access to their property-level rating factor inputs, except for the few listed on their declaration pages, which are made available only after coverage is purchased.

“This lack of transparency is unacceptable.

“In my district, the consequences are real and deeply concerning. Premiums are rising dramatically, and in some cases, unpredictably, exacerbating our ongoing housing affordability crisis. Louisiana is not alone in this issue.

“There are over 1.5 million policyholders in Florida and approximately 700,000 in Texas, among others. On average, under Risk Rating 2.0, an NFIP policy will cost $1,808, representing a 103.6% increase over legacy rates. There are 17 states with higher average rates than Louisiana. Rates will increase by over 50% in 41 states. Some of the states with the highest average full-risk rates include Maine at a 183% rate increase, West Virginia at 171%, Mississippi at 149%, Florida at 131%, and New York at 85%. Among metropolitan areas, my district in New Orleans has the second-highest average insurance coverage, behind only Miami.

“For working families already struggling to keep up with mortgage payments, higher insurance costs could mean having to choose between flood protection and other essential needs. Many have opted out of the NFIP altogether, leaving them—and entire communities—vulnerable and uninsured in the face of disaster. Within just two years of implementing Risk Rating 2.0, NFIP lost over 215,000 policyholders, or nearly 5%. States that saw the biggest decline in policyholders were West Virginia, losing nearly 20% of policies, Oklahoma at about 18%, and Texas with a 15% decline. Not far behind, over one in ten policyholders in Louisiana have opted out.

“This is not a partisan issue, I have been highly critical of Risk Rating 2.0 throughout the Biden administration, when even former DHS Secretary Mayorkas acknowledged that Risk Rating 2.0 is flawed. Yet, during both Biden and Trump administrations, FEMA continued to push forward without correcting course, listening to Congress, or properly engaging the people most affected by these changes.

“The bottom line is this: we need a flood insurance system that protects, not penalizes, American families. It should be grounded in science, equity, and economic reality—but also in accountability and transparency. Congress must have a role in shaping the future of the NFIP, and our constituents deserve to know how decisions impacting their homes and livelihoods are being made.

“Mr. Chair, I’d like to enter into the record this research from the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance, which lays out more details on this issue, as well as a letter from the entire Louisiana delegation in 2022 demanding information on how public mitigation projects have impacted rates in Louisiana.

“I urge my colleagues to support bipartisan common sense legislative efforts that will bring oversight, affordability, and fairness back to the National Flood Insurance Program—because flood risk isn’t going away, and neither should our responsibility to address it.

“However, for Congress to act on this issue, we need details and data to determine the impact of Risk Rating 2.0, the affordability burden on the NFIP, and the optimal design of an affordability program. But FEMA continues to deny years of congressional requests for its Risk Rating 2.0 methodology.

“Mr. Chair, pursuant to clause 2(k)(6) of rule 11, I move that the Committee subpoena Elizabeth Asche, Assistant Administrator of the Federal Insurance Directorate at FEMA to provide this committee with the details the agency has been withholding from Congress.”

Click here to watch the Homeland Security Committee Hearing

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Mike Ezell (R-MS) led a letter with four other Members of Congress to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development asking them to provide at least $7.5 million for the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study (LMRCMS) in the next fiscal year. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) mega study, launched in 2023, was recently paused due to a lack of funding from the Trump Administration. The study aims to provide recommendations for a range of issues related to navigation, flood risk management, water quality, recreation, and ecosystem restoration needs within the Mississippi River and Tributaries system.

“For nearly a century, the management of the Mississippi River has remained mostly unchanged despite evolving commerce and environmental issues. This study is a pivotal opportunity to align navigation efficiency and safety, flood control systems, and restoration efforts to foster a healthier, safer river system that benefits all stakeholders and river communities,” the Members wrote.

The USACE sought to complete the $25 million study in five years to provide updated recommendations to Congress and the government by December 2027. Recent extreme high and low water events are creating stressors on the system. This study will propose solutions for the future dynamic operation of structures within the system for successful flood risk management, navigational security, and ecosystem protection. Delays in completing this study can lead to obsolete analysis and cost overruns. Resources are now urgently needed to restart and advance this work.

The study addresses specific Louisiana issues of concern, including saltwater intrusion, which threatened the drinking water supplies of the New Orleans metro region in 2023, operations of the river control structures like the Bonnet Carre Spillway and Old River Control Structure, and shipping concerns along America’s most important maritime transportation lanes. Other regional issues of concern include addressing agricultural run-off that has led to a 5,500 square mile “dead zone” in the Gulf.

"Funding for the remainder of this study is critical to improving water quality and the long-term health of fisheries and wildlife in the lower Mississippi River Basin," said Chris Macaluso, director of fisheries and the Mississippi River Program at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The Corps has been working closely with anglers and hunters throughout this process and our concerns about water and habitat management are being taken seriously. We cannot afford to lose the progress that's already been made.”

“This study can provide us with the opportunity to revitalize and reimagine how we manage the Lower Mississippi River to better serve both people and nature. After 85 years of largely unchanged management, the study will provide recommendations that can modernize flood control, navigation, recreation and restoration,” said Elizabeth Crow, director of government relations for the Mississippi River Basin at the Nature Conservancy. “These solutions will strengthen local economies while also making the lower river safer, healthier and more resilient. Congress needs to fulfill its obligation under the 2020 Water Resources Development Act and restart funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the study. It’s time for the lower river’s management to evolve and meet the needs of today.”

Background

The letter was signed by 6 Members of Congress, including Reps. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA), Mike Ezell (R-MS), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Steve Cohen (D-TN), and André Carson (D-IN).

Read Congressman Carter’s full letter here.

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) praised the unanimous passage of his bipartisan bill H.R. 2037, the Open RAN Outreach Act, by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would provide greater Federal support for small telecommunications companies in rural and disadvantaged communities and allows these companies to remove potentially insecure Chinese network hardware. 

The bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to provide outreach and technical assistance to small communications network providers about the benefits of transitioning to Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) technologies. It’s imperative that telecommunications providers of all sizes are aware and have access to cutting-edge technologies. 

“This is a pivotal step toward strengthening our nation's telecommunications infrastructure,” said Rep. Carter. “By providing technical assistance and outreach to small telecom providers, especially in rural areas like Louisiana, this bill opens the door to a more secure, diverse, and competitive wireless network landscape. The shift to Open RAN technology not only enhances national security by reducing reliance on foreign-made equipment but also boosts American manufacturing and fosters innovation in 5G and 6G. This bill ensures that rural communities are no longer left behind in the race for cutting-edge technology, driving down costs and empowering smaller carriers to build stronger, more resilient networks." 

Open RAN technology is an emerging wireless network architecture that has the potential to drive 5G and 6G innovation forward for rural communities. It is mainly used by small and rural telecom providers who service areas where major network providers like Verizon and AT&T haven’t built out their networks. In the past, these companies had to use equipment from the Chinese company Huawei to build their networks, which poses national security concerns. Open RAN allows these companies to build out their networks using American-made equipment, making our communications systems more secure, boosting American manufacturing, increasing competition for network equipment, and lowering costs for network providers and their customers.

Background:

The radio access network (RAN) is the part of a mobile wireless network that connects phones, tablets, watches, and other connected devices to a mobile provider’s internal network. Many carriers today use a closed or proprietary network, meaning they must use one vendor or manufacturer from end to end. This can place a substantial cost burden on smaller carriers to reduce costs, potentially by using cheaper, Chinese-owned alternatives like Huawei. There are only two major non-Chinese companies, Ericsson and Nokia, that produce end-to-end network equipment. 

An Open Radio Access Network is an open network infrastructure that allows different components to be produced by different companies, leading to a more diverse and competitive supply chain for carriers. To ensure that smaller carriers have the tools and information they need to deploy Open RAN technology if desired, this legislation calls for technical assistance to be provided to these carriers by the Administration through NTIA. 

The Open RAN Outreach Act is cosponsored by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC). 

Watch Congressman Carter’s floor remarks here. 

Read the full bill text here. 

###

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Tonight, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) convened a Health Care Town Hall discussion at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana. Congressman Carter and Leader Jeffries were joined by Steering and Policy Committee Co-Chairs Reps. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Nanette Barragán (D-CA). Speakers also included Louisianians directly impacted by Republican’s budget cuts to Medicaid and other vital health care services.

“Across Louisiana—from our biggest hospitals to our smallest rural clinics—healthcare leaders are sounding the alarm,” said Rep. Carter. “Not because of politics. But because of people. Because they know what these Medicaid cuts will mean for the folks they serve every single day—our children, our seniors, people with disabilities, and working families just trying to stay afloat. Hospitals from Baton Rouge to Bunkie, from New Orleans to Natchitoches, are united in one voice: this is the largest and most devastating cut to Louisiana’s health care system in our history. I was proud to bring my Democratic colleagues to Louisiana and speak with my constituents who will be directly harmed by this Big UGLY Bill. We won’t stop fighting for you.”

“Donald Trump’s Big Ugly Law will rob 17 million Americans of their healthcare and steal nutritional assistance from seniors, children and veterans in order to provide tax cuts for billionaires,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “Tonight’s town hall was my first stop as House Democrats set the record straight about the pain Republicans are inflicting on everyday Americans. We are going to do everything we can, no matter how long it takes, to reverse the damage being done to the American people.”

"Last week, Republicans danced and applauded as they stole healthcare from 17 million Americans, including their own constituents, to give a $5 trillion tax break to their wealthy friends and donors," said Rep. Kelly. "My colleagues and I came to Louisiana to host a town hall because people are scared, frustrated, and angry about their healthcare. We answered their questions and let them know that there are Members of Congress representing them in DC -- not special interests."

"Republicans stole healthcare from 17 million Americans, with two million from my home state of Florida alone — all just to shovel trillions in tax breaks to the wealthiest among us," said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. "But what I heard at this Louisiana town hall is how families need more access to quality, affordable healthcare, not less. So that will remain our focus, to expand maternal, reproductive and home care, not close hospitals and swipe coverage from millions like Republicans just voted to do.”

“Trump’s Big Ugly Law will have devastating impacts on the health and care of hardworking Americans — and the stories we heard at tonight’s town hall in New Orleans made clear how devastating this law will be for communities across this country. We heard from local health care professionals on how the largest cuts to Medicaid and health care in our country’s history will close hospitals, shut down nursing homes, and prevent local health clinics from serving their communities,” said Rep. Barragán (CA-44). 

“House Democrats used every tool at our disposal to fight this bill — but Republicans in Congress chose to prioritize tax breaks for their billionaire buddies over the health of our American families and passed this bill. But we are not done. House Democrats will continue to fight back by traveling across the country, meeting Americans where they are, and hearing directly from them how they are being harmed by Trump’s policies — because we believe health care is a right, not just a privilege for the wealthy few.”

Watch the event livestream here.

###

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement:

“As the U.S. Congressman for New Orleans—and as Co-Chair of the Congressional Disaster Recovery Caucus—I feel a deep and urgent responsibility to speak clearly.

“The deadly flooding in Texas is a sobering reminder of what happens when preparation isignored and prevention is undercut. Dozens of lives have been lost. Families are grieving. And across the Gulf South, communities are bracing for what could come next.

“This devastation is not just about rising waters—it’s about failed leadership. Under the current administration, we’ve seen dangerous cuts to FEMA, NOAA, and the National Weather Service. Satellite systems that once gave us precious hours of warning have been dismantled. These are not harmless bureaucratic changes—they are life-threatening decisions.

“And now, in the middle of hurricane season, my home state of Louisiana—and others like it—are more exposed than ever before.

“It is unacceptable for President Trump to deflect responsibility while families suffer the consequences. We need accountability. We need action.

“I respectfully call on President Trump and Secretary Noem to:

“This is not about partisanship—it’s about protection. It’s about preparation. And most of all, it’s about people.

“As U.S. Congressman for Louisiana’s 2nd District and Co-Chair of the Congressional Disaster Recovery Caucus, I will continue to fight for the resources, technology, and readiness our communities need and deserve.

“Because we cannot afford to wait for the next disaster to remind us of what we failed to do.”

###

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) released the following statement after voting NO on H.R. 1, Trump’s “Big Ugly Bill:”

“Let me be clear: this bill is not just ugly—it’s catastrophic and down right cruel. Now that Republican majorities in both chambers have passed this legislation, the devastating consequences for Louisianians and Americans across the country will become real in the months ahead.

“H.R. 1 represents the largest cuts to health care and nutrition assistance in American history. It rips away coverage from 17 million Americans, slashes $1 trillion from health care—with $900 billion from Medicaid alone—and drives up out-of-pocket costs for millions more. It strips support from our hospitals and nursing homes, threatening to close 1 in 4 long-term care facilities, and it puts SNAP at risk for 40 million people—including children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities.

“On top of that, this bill increases energy costs by $400 per household, cedes hundreds of billions in clean energy investments and jobs to countries like China, and undermines our ability to compete in a global economy.

“And for what? To hand $1.3 trillion in tax breaks to people making over $500,000—a staggering wealth transfer from working families to billionaires like Elon Musk and Republican megadonors.

“Republicans are calling this a win for the American people. That’s a lie. This is a full-blown assault on veterans, students, workers, the elderly, and every family that relies on a fair shot to get ahead. It’s a betrayal of our values and a dark day for economic justice.

“Families in Louisiana and across the country will feel the real harm of these extreme cuts. I will continue fighting to protect our communities from the fallout of this bill and working to restore the critical programs it dismantles. Our focus now must be on holding those who supported this legislation accountable and standing up for the everyday Americans this “Big Ugly Bill” leaves behind.”

###