A Note From the Desk of Congresswoman Letlow

We’ve had a busy month kicking off the year and focusing on what issues are impacting your family and our communities the most. It is clear that tackling the border crisis, combating inflation, and supporting Israel remain some of your top concerns and priorities. I share these priorities with you and wasted no time this month working on legislation that addresses these issues.

I supported a resolution that strongly condemns President Biden’s open border policies that are endangering our country and American citizens. I will continue to call on his administration to reverse their policies that are creating chaos at the southern border. I also joined a resolution with over 150+ colleagues on both sides of the aisle condemning Hamas’ use of rape and sexual violence as an act of war. I will always stand with our ally Israel.

As we embark on the new year, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with your priorities, questions, and concerns. Our team is always accessible through this newsletter and our website. We are here to serve you!

Continue reading for more on my travel through the Fifth and work in D.C. for Lousianans.

Sincerely,

Julia Letlow, Ph.D.
Member of Congress

We celebrated National School Choice Week this month. In rural districts like mine, school choice is proven to be extremely beneficial. In fact, it increases opportunity and provides parents more options when deciding where they want to send their child to school. For example, charter schools are public schools that provide unique education opportunities tailored for each child.

School choice provides children with wonderful educational opportunities that they otherwise would not have, and I am a proud champion of it.

During my time in Congress, it has been one of my missions to be a voice for the voiceless. I have stood up against the pro-abortion agenda of the Biden administration and voted consistently to defend the lives of the unborn. Every life is so important, and I will fight for each and every one.

Neville High School

Students from an AP Government class at Neville High School in Monroe, La. came to D.C. to get a close up look at our democracy and see what the day-to-day looks like for Members of Congress. It was a true pleasure to meet them, and I know these students are receiving an outstanding education.

St. Francis Radiology Department

At the beginning of this month, I toured the radiology department at St. Francis Medical Center. It’s imperative we provide doctors and healthcare professionals with the tools they need to continue advanced technology and development of new imaging services and capabilities.

Last year, I was able to secure $2 million in community project funding for two new generators for the hospital’s new central energy plant so they can continue helping our community.

USALCO

Did you know the Fifth District is home to a company that is dedicated to creating clean drinking water for our communities? USALCO prioritizes water infrastructure and utilizes cutting edge practices to provide reliable water to residents in our district. This is so important and is vital to our everyday lives.

Drax Power Plant

The Drax power plant in Bastrop, La. creates good jobs in the community and sustains our forestry industry by manufacturing wood pellets that are used for heating. Their facility in Bastrop is filled with wonderful people who are dedicated to seeing our district thrive.

Washington Mardi Gras

Who doesn’t love Washington Mardi Gras! Fun aside, this annual event is a time for us to showcase the very best of Louisiana and celebrate the history and traditions that make our state unique. This year we had a melting pot of small-business owners, local leaders, educators, medical professionals, State Representatives, for the opportunity to meet with stakeholders from across the state in our nation’s capital to build relationships and have important conversations about Louisiana’s future.

January Legislative Update:

Floor & Committee Activity:

• I supported H.R. 6914, the Pregnant Student Rights’ Act, which would ensure all college students who are pregnant or may become pregnant know their rights and protections to carry a pregnancy to term, like modified class schedules, excused absences, etc.
• I supported H.R. 6918, the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, which would prohibit the Secretary of Health & Human Services from restricting funding for pregnancy centers.
• I supported H.Res. 957, a resolution condemning the national security crisis at our southern border and urging President Biden to reverse his harmful open border policies.
• I supported S.J. Res. 38, a joint resolution to overturn the Biden Administration’s rule that would harm American industry by waiving Buy America requirements for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. This resolution is a step toward protecting American industry and promoting domestic manufacturing.
• I supported H.R. 788, the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2023, which would prohibit the Department of Justice (DOJ) from allowing defendants to make donations to third-party groups in exchange for reduced fines and tax deductions, ensuring settlement funds go only to the victims, injured parties in the dispute, or the U.S. Treasury.
• I supported H.R. 5585, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, which introduces federal penalties for illegal migrants and smugglers engaging in high-speed chases with Customs and Border Protection or local law enforcement. Named in honor of a fallen Border Patrol agent, the act aims to make failure to yield to law enforcement a federal crime, with potential life sentences for smugglers if a chase results in death.
• I supported H.R. 6678, the Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act, making illegal immigrants convicted of or admitting to Social Security and identification document fraud both inadmissible to and removable from the United States.
• I supported H.R. 6679, the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act, which bars any illegal immigrant involved in attacks by Hamas against Israel from October 7, 2023, from citizenship eligibility and any relief under immigration law.
• I supported H.R. 6976, the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, which would make driving while intoxicated or impaired a grounds for denying admission or deporting an illegal immigrant from the United States.

Notable Letters and Bills:

• I introduced H.Res. 977, a bipartisan resolution that recognizes and celebrates the invaluable contributions of National Board-Certified Teachers. In addition, the resolution encourages administrators, school districts, and states to promote the growth of National Board Certified Teachers by providing incentives and support.
• I cosponsored H.Res. 966, a resolution condemning rape and sexual violence committed against women by Hamas in its war against Israel. As an American, a mother, and a Member of Congress, I firmly stand with our ally, Israel, and vehemently denounce Hamas’ reprehensible actions.
• I cosponsored H.Res. 974, a resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of January 21 through January 27, 2024, as “National School Choice Week.” This resolution is a testament to our commitment to educational excellence and the importance of providing families with diverse educational options that best suit their children's needs.
• I cosponsored H.R. 7035, the Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the death tax, which imposes an unfair and costly tax on the transfer of assets from a deceased family member to heirs of family farms and small businesses.

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