Introducing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Reform Act

This week, I joined Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) to introduce the bipartisan Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Reform Act, a bill to authorize the Secretary of Energy to more efficiently lease unused storage space in the SPR. The SPR is the largest stockpile of crude oil in the world and an important national security asset, and as shown by the current energy crisis, the SPR plays an important role in managing the supply of oil in times of scarcity and also oversupply.

Mandatory sales of oil would leave approximately 400 million barrels of oil in the SPR later this decade. These drawdowns would leave the SPR with more than 300 million barrels of unutilized storage capacity and would result in the SPR utilizing only 40% of its authorized capacity and 55% of physical storage capacity.

Our bill will authorize the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to lease up to 200 million barrels of unutilized storage space in the SPR.  Click here for more information.

An Update on Economic Impact Payments

The Department of Treasury and the IRS announced they have started to send Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) by prepaid debit card, instead of by paper check or direct deposit, for some individuals. Click here for specific information about the Economic Impact Payment Card. If you haven’t received your payment yet and believe that you are eligible, please visit the IRS website here to check on the status. 

• As of May 26, FEMA, HHS, and the private sector combined have coordinated the delivery of or are currently shipping: 91.5 million N95 respirators, 144.3 million surgical masks, 12.5 million face shields, 31.1 million surgical gowns, and over 1 billion gloves.
  
  
• This week, the Louisiana National Guard began conducting widespread, drive-thru Coronavirus testing on the Northshore. Sites are open from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Any Louisiana resident older than 18 can get a test. You must bring valid Louisiana identification.
  
  
• FEMA will begin distributing non-contact infrared thermometers to support phased reopening of our country’s workplaces and restarting of the American economy. Louisiana will receive 5,775 thermometers to be used in accordance with CDC guidance for businesses and employers and OSHA guidance for preparing workplaces for identifying potentially ill individuals including employees, customers, vendors or other visitors.
  
  
• The Louisiana Department of Education announced that all 1,649 licensed child care providers in Louisiana will receive supplies to ensure the health and safety of staff and children as the state begins reopening.
  
  
• St. Tammany Health System continues to offer COVID-19 antibody testing at its diagnostic centers in Mandeville and Covington. STHS diagnostic centers are the Cordes Pavilion, 16300 Hwy 1085, Covington, open weekdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the Mandeville Diagnostic Center, 201 St. Anne, Suite B, open weekdays 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 985-871-5665 for more information.
  
  
• The USDA is now accepting applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through August 28, 2020. Producers should apply through the Farm Service Agency at their local USDA Service Center.

It is an honor to represent you in Congress. For more information please visit my website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.


God Bless,