A Note From the Desk of Congresswoman Letlow

We’ve had a busy season in Washington focusing on important legislation and priorities to move our communities forward. While I was at home I had the opportunity to travel throughout our parishes and meet with the local leaders and businesses that are the true backbone of our communities. During the Chamber events, roundtables, speaking with new Eagle Scouts, and attending the Louisiana Tech investiture ceremony for Dr. Henderson, it was heartwarming and inspiring to hear all of the good things happening for us and collaborate on what’s ahead.

In Washington, we’re focusing on accountability and we hit the ground running this month during hearings with the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure they are using your taxpayer dollars in a way that represents your needs and priorities.

With our allies abroad, we are continuing to show our solidarity with the Jewish community, especially Jewish students, in our country and around the world as they continue to be the targets of attack and pure hate. These actions are unacceptable and the Biden Administration must take a stronger stance to help protect and defend the Jewish community.

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

Sincerely,

Julia Letlow, Ph.D.
Member of Congress

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

Scalise oil rig trip

I had an incredible opportunity to join Leader Steve Scalise’s annual offshore energy tour where we visited one of our Gulf Coast oil rigs and saw the impressive capabilities of the facility and its staff. With Louisiana being such an energy prominent state, I wanted to see firsthand the work that goes into our leading oil and natural gas sector. While we were on the rig, we talked to the hard-working individuals who are the backbone of the industry, and brains of the operation at the site. It was special to hear them speak about the importance of oil and gas and talk about how imperative it is to continue increasing domestic energy production. We must continue to do everything we can to support our domestic energy industry and the vital role it plays in the daily lives of all Americans.

Questioning U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm

In an effort to advocate for Louisiana’s oil and natural gas sector, I questioned U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm during a House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee Hearing about the Biden administration’s pause on consideration of new LNG projects. This pause greatly affects our state, as we have a large LNG project that was up for consideration. The most recent pause is “pending a review of climate and price concerns.” I asked her to pledge that this review by the DOE will be completed by this calendar year, and will continue to press them on this issue until we are given an answer.

Read more about what she had to say HERE.

I recently questioned the U.S. Department of Education Secretary Cardona about the mishandling of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) rollout.

While his department was busy canceling $144 billion in student loans, FAFSA was pushed to the side leading to a disastrous rollout. This has created significant challenges for higher education institutions as they are preparing financial aid award letters, and will ultimately end up having a negative impact on our future workforce.

Following this hearing, I wrote a letter alongside Senator Joni Ernst to the Office of the Inspector General insisting that the Education Department call for a deeper dive into this issue. Americans who do not have student loan debt should not be forced to repay the loans of others.

Read more about the letter HERE.

Watch the full hearing with Secretary Cardona below:

Questioning U.S. Department of Agriculture Officials

In March, I asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary if he would use his authority and include drought as adverse weather under ELAP to provide relief for the crawfish industry. At the end of April, I had the chance to also question the USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator about the status of the assistance that I requested. He said the USDA is very close to a solution, and I look forward to hearing the next steps in the process.

Listen to his full answer below:

As usual, I had the pleasure of meeting with so many constituent groups in Washington D.C. during April. We discussed a wide array of topics, but each meeting was centered around making our communities better. From the Louisiana Fire Chiefs to the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, each of you play such an important role in our state. I so enjoyed each of the meetings, and I look forward to seeing them the next time they make the trip up and we collaborate on ideas to move our communities forward.

Monroe Chamber Event

I had the opportunity to address the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and the amazing individuals that make up the community.

I am honored to have been able to play a role in securing over $37 million in the last fiscal year for the District. This included $6 million for infrastructure improvements, $1 million for economic opportunity, and almost $4 million for education all for Monroe - just to name a few. That is why I am in Congress - to represent you and your priorities so I can help our communities grow and thrive. You can always count on me to work each and every day for you.

Amite Chamber Event

I had a blast with all of you who attended the Amite Chamber of Commerce luncheon! We talked about the work we’re doing to move us toward the repeal of WEP and GPO, as well as the infrastructure and development projects that I am supporting. Thank you to all who came out!

#LA05 New Eagle Scouts

Congratulations to the new Eagle Scouts! What an incredible achievement it is to earn that coveted title. I was so glad I was able to speak to some of the impressive young men who have earned their stripes and put in countless hours of work to become an Eagle Scout. It was an added bonus to speak alongside my dad who is also a proud Eagle Scout himself. These young men are sure to be the leaders of the next generation.

April Legislative Update:

Floor Activity:

• I supported H.R.4639, the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act which prevents federal government agencies from purchasing the online data of American citizens that would otherwise require a warrant to obtain.
• I supported H.R. 8034, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 which provides critical funding for Israel to defend itself against Iran and its proxies.
• I supported H.R. 8036, the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 which continues efforts to counter communist China and works to ensure peace in the region.
• I opposed H.R. 8035, the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 which fails to include concrete measures to increase transparency and oversight and continues to contribute to a conflict without a defined goal.
• I supported H.R. 8038, the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act which includes the most comprehensive sanctions on Iran passed by Congress in years. It also declares international fentanyl trafficking a national emergency and directs the Treasury Department to target, sanction, and block the assets of transnational criminal organizations and key members of drug cartels involved in the international fentanyl trade.
• I supported H.Res.883, a resolution recognizing that the slogan, "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is anti-Semitic and its use must be condemned.
• I supported H.R. 529, the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act which increases the enforcement zones for Customs and Border Patrol to 24 nautical miles and allows CBP to intercept smuggling and human trafficking operations further from the coast.
• I supported H.R. 615, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act which prevents the Department of Agriculture and Department of Interior from banning the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands.

Notable Bills and Letters:

• I cosponsored H.R.7932, the Save Our Shrimpers Act which would prevent U.S. tax dollars from being made available to International Financial Institutions for any activity related to financing shrimp producers in foreign countries.
• I cosponsored H.R. 7873, the Firearm Due Process Protection Act would provide an avenue for Americans to legally challenge decisions by the federal government that deny them their Second Amendment rights.
• I cosponsored H.R.7581, the Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act which provides resources to law enforcement to better understand the circumstances leading to and involving ambush attacks on law enforcement.
• I wrote a letter along with Senator Ernst to Inspector General Sandra Bruce calling for a deeper dive into the botched FAFSA rollout and an investigation of the usage of federal funds to cancel student loans. Fiscally responsible taxpayers should not be forced to pay the student loans of others.
• I signed a letter demanding Education Secretary Cardona explain his decision to further the Biden Administration’s free college agenda by adding Federal Family Education Loans to the Direct Loan program.
  
  

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