Dear Friend, 

As we kick of summer and the start of hurricane season, I've continued to work with your best interests in mind in Washington. This month, I announced numerous federal grants to make LA-02 a cleaner, healthier, safer place to live, championed the reintroduction of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and spent time meeting with YOU, my neighbors!

Continue reading below for further updates on my work for you.

Carter in Congress

CISA Securing AI Task Force Act

As artificial intelligence evolves, we must engage potential threats and ensure the responsible advancement of AI technologies. I recently introduced the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Securing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force Act with Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) to do just that.

This bill will establish a task force within CISA of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dedicated to addressing safety and security challenges posed by AI. It's a critical step toward managing the impact of AI on our cybersecurity landscape and will enhance the safe and secure design, development, adoption, and deployment of AI across critical sectors by bringing together diverse expertise within CISA.

Clean School Bus Program

I am proud to announce that LA-02 is receiving $15,280,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program. This funding will put more electric buses on the road, reduce carbon emissions, and improve air quality for Louisianians. When I helped craft and voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, these were the kind of results I was excited to see in our state. Learn more..

RTA Funding

I'm working to make sure Louisiana's public transportation is accessible to everyone. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority has received $5,492,524 through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) All Stations Accessibility Program. This funding will make the St. Charles streetcar line fully wheelchair accessible to ensure that all Louisianians and visitors, including those with disabilities, have equitable access. This is another project made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I championed for our state and will be beneficial for generations to come. Learn more.

Port of New Orleans Funding

I'm pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will grant $7,117,567 to the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA). This funding was made possible through the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) grant program, which is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that I helped craft and voted for. By upgrading electrical infrastructure and incorporating all-electric trucks, the Port of New Orleans sets an example for ports nationwide while also fostering workforce development through strategic partnerships with educational institutions. Learn more.

CSSBMB Mental Health Awareness Hearing

I was privileged to Chair the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys (CSSBMB) hearing where we had a critically important conversation addressing worrying suicide rates and the mental health of Black men and boys. We discussed resources, prevention, legislation, and the importance of making sure no one feels alone.

Solar Investments for Louisiana

I'm also excited to share that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will grant $156,120,000 to the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR). This funding was made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act that I helped craft and voted for. This initiative promises to expand solar energy infrastructure, alleviating the impact of recurring storms like Hurricanes Ida and Laura. By facilitating home upgrades, providing accessible financing, and supporting community resilience hubs, the program aims to uplift at-risk communities while fostering economic growth. Learn more.

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

The unjust and horrific murder of George Floyd brought serious systemic issues within our police system to the forefront. Nothing can compare to the pain of losing a loved one, especially at the hands of those sworn to protect and serve. I joined Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and several other colleagues to reintroduce the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It's past time for Congress to pass this bill which will create accountability for officers so that another mother does not have to bury her child.

Disaster Equity and Building Resilience Caucus

I had an informative conversation at the Disaster Equity and Building Resilience Caucus event with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) about their "Year of Resilience" and new changes including expanded eligibility to their individual assistance program.

RLC Meeting with the Department of Energy

At a recent Regional Leadership Council (RLC) roundtable, I met with Jigar Shah, the Loan Programs Office Director at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). We discussed how his office was expanded to help finance large-scale private clean energy projects. I’m working to make sure these investments assist our region.

Carter in the Community 

Donaldsonville Gas Line Replacement  

When I learned about Donaldsonville’s deteriorating gas lines, I committed to doing everything in my power to help fix this problem in the interest of public safety. In FY2023 I secured $4 million in community project funding to begin the process of replacing these gas lines. In May, I celebrated an additional $20 million investment through the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant program to complete this project. Promises made, promises kept. Learn more.

Louisiana Summer EBT Funding

Since February, I have worked with Federal, State, and local leaders to reverse the decision made by the Louisiana government to refuse summer EBT funding for our state’s most vulnerable children. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services did the right thing for our families and submitted a notice of intent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in the program this year, making $71.1 million available from the federal government for food during the summer months.

Following this action, I wrote a letter to the USDA asking that they grant waivers and use the maximum flexibility and expediency to implement this critical program and have benefits accessible for families by the June start date. I am proud that we were able to put people over politics and do the right thing. Learn more.

Odyssey House Louisiana Behavioral Health Care Campus Renovation

I joined Odyssey House Louisiana to celebrate the grand opening of its primary and behavioral health care Community Health Center. I secured $1,000,000 in federal FY 2023 Community Project Funding for Odyssey House. For fifty years, Odyssey House Louisiana has been a beacon of hope for individuals and families struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, and the many obstacles that often accompany them. This renovation marks a new chapter in their remarkable journey – a chapter that expands their capacity to provide critical primary and behavioral health care services to those who need it most. Learn more.

NEW Action to Help Louisiana Crawfish Farmers

At the beginning of May, the USDA granted emergency assistance to Louisiana’s Crawfish Aquaculture Industry through the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP). Crawfish farmers who suffered losses last year due to excessive heat will be eligible for grants. Recent extreme weather events have caused financial setbacks, and our crawfish producers need a helping hand. This industry sustains farmers and a network of processors, restaurants, and small businesses crucial to Louisiana's economy. Learn more.

Conversations with LA-02 

Throughout May, I've met with several LA-02 groups representing various interest areas. I spoke with Brigadier General Friloux, Brigadier General Greer, and staff from the Louisiana National Guard to discuss legislative priorities, representatives from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to talk about more robust funding for science and space programs, and Louisiana steelworkers to discuss how I can best support them. It is always wonderful to have the people I represent visit me on Capitol Hill.

Acknowledgments

NEW Louisiana Congressional Districts

After a long battle, the Supreme Court ruled that Louisiana hold the 2024 congressional election using the map passed in the state legislature with two majority-minority congressional districts. This is a pivotal moment for justice in Louisiana and will help guarantee fair representation for all our communities. Learn more.

Southern University at New Orleans Commencement

I had the auspicious honor of being the Commencement Speaker at Southern University at New Orleans. This is an outstanding group of graduates and I know they will do great things. I look forward to watching as they achieve great success in the future. God-speed and congratulations to the Class of 2024!

2024 Hurricane Season

Tomorrow is the start of the 2024 Hurricane Season, which will last through November. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to be proactive and plan. Here is a checklist of steps you can take to stay safe. I will provide updated information and resources on my social media accounts @RepTroyCarter.

Being the voice for the people of Louisiana's Second Congressional District is a privilege and I am honored to serve you. For the latest updates on my work, follow my social media accounts at the links below!

Sincerely,

Troy A. Carter, Sr.
Member of Congress