Dear Friend,

We’ve had a busy summer, both in Congress and across Louisiana’s Second Congressional District. Even with the  “Big Ugly Law," which threatens critical programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and environmental protections, we’re fighting back. 

From demanding transparency at FEMA to protecting environmental justice funding, from securing millions for Lincoln Beach to safeguarding hurricane forecasting data, I’ve been working hard to address the issues that matter most to our community.

Additionally, I've been on the ground hosting roundtables and town halls across the district to hear directly from you. Keep reading below for highlights of what we’ve accomplished together.

Finally, I want to take a moment to recognize the somber anniversary of 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall. You can watch my remarks here.

Carter in Congress

Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus

As we marked 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall, I have reformed the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus for the 119th Congress. Joining me as co-chairs are Reps. Joe Neguse (D-CO), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).

The caucus will work across the aisle to advance legislation and policies that provide efficient, equitable relief for disaster survivors and promote measures that pave the path for impacted communities to make a full recovery. We will also advocate for disaster preparedness measures and programs that help save lives, while readying America’s communities for the disasters ahead. Read more.

Holding FEMA Accountable

Risk Rating 2.0 has turned flood insurance into a massive financial burden for families and businesses in Louisiana and across the country. That’s why I called on the Homeland Security Committee to subpoena the officials in charge of flood insurance at FEMA and demand the transparency Americans deserve. We need answers—and accountability—on how this system really works.

Thanking Col. Hodges

At a Homeland Security Committee hearing, I had the opportunity to personally thank Col. Hodges for the quick and brave response by the Louisiana State Police and the New Orleans Police Department during the horrific New Year’s Day attack. We also discussed strategies to prevent and deter future attacks at large-scale events, ensuring the safety of our communities.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Information Act

Without coordinated action between government and industry, greenhouse gas emissions will continue to rise. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Information Act with Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE). SAF is a game-changing green fuel that’s already creating jobs in Louisiana, and this bill ensures America is on track to meet the growing demand for cleaner transportation and healthier communities. Read more.

House Passage of the Open RAN Outreach Act

I am proud that the House unanimously passed my bipartisan bill H.R. 2037, the Open RAN Outreach Act. This legislation boosts federal support for small telecom companies in rural and underserved communities—helping them remove potentially insecure Chinese network hardware and expand safe, reliable service across the country. Read more.

Securing Funding for the Lower Mississippi River

I joined Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS) in leading a bipartisan letter requesting at least $7.5 million for the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study (LMRCMS). Launched in 2023, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers mega-study was recently paused due to funding cuts by the Trump administration. We’re pushing to restart this critical work that addresses navigation, flood risk, water quality, and ecosystem restoration along the Mississippi. Read the letter.

Saving Defense Meteorological Satellite Program

As soon as I learned that the Trump Administration was trying to dismantle FEMA and cut funding for critical hurricane forecasting data, I took immediate action. I sent letters directly to President Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, making it clear just how reckless this proposal was and the grave harm it would cause to states like Louisiana—where hurricanes don’t just test our infrastructure, but our lives. I’m pleased to report that they ultimately heeded my warning, but the fight to protect our preparedness resources continues. Read more.

Fighting for Solar Energy Grants in Louisiana

I’m deeply disappointed and outraged to learn that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is planning to cancel $7 billion in solar energy grants meant to help low- and middle-income families get access to clean, affordable energy. These Solar for All grants were designed to bring rooftop solar panels and battery systems to communities that need them most—especially those hit hardest by high energy costs, pollution, and climate change. I strongly urge the EPA to reverse course. Congress made this program the law. It must be respected—and the communities I represent will not be silenced. Read more.

Carter in the Community

Celebrating Mardi Gras Service Line 

It was an honor to join Amtrak in launching the Mardi Gras Service Line! I’m proud to have helped craft and pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with President Biden that made this possible. This is a major step forward for Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Let’s ride!

Environmental Justice Roundtable 

In August, I convened an Environmental Justice Roundtable to address some deeply troubling decisions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—namely, the termination of federal awards and the rollback of critical environmental regulations. 

These actions jeopardize environmental justice progress, especially under the current Trump Administration. I was joined by Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), who are actively litigating against the EPA on behalf of community organizations that have had nearly $3 billion in EJ grants unlawfully terminated. Thirteen of those canceled awards—totaling more than $60 million—were designated for Louisiana, including over $38 million in funding for organizations in Louisiana’s Second Congressional District. Read more. 

Housing Roundtable 

We are currently experiencing an affordable housing crisis. Period. However, instead of making it easier for families to afford a home, Republicans are proposing cuts to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other critical lifelines. I hosted a roundtable discussion to highlight how these cuts and Trump’s "Big Ugly Law" are impacting housing in Louisiana. Every person deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.

Higher Education Roundtable 

I also hosted a roundtable conversation on higher education with Presidents, Chancellors, and senior leaders from Louisiana universities, community colleges, and key organizations across LA-02. We discussed how the Trump Administration’s harmful policies are impacting our students and institutions — and how we can work to protect access to quality, affordable education.

Coffee and Tariffs Convo

Trump’s tariffs are driving up the cost of everyday goods for all Americans—even making it more expensive to import coffee beans. I visited Baldwin Books & Company in New Orleans with local coffee shop owners to highlight how these decisions hurt real people and real businesses.

Watch our full conversation:

Nuclear Facility Visit

I had the opportunity to visit Entergy’s Waterford Team for a town hall discussion and a tour of the nuclear facility. As your Congressman, I’m continuing the fight for clean energy, safe communities, and lower utility rates for families across Louisiana. Our energy future must be sustainable, affordable, and rooted in the needs of the people we serve. 

$1.5 Million for Lincoln Beach

As a proud son of New Orleans, I’m thrilled to announce an additional $1.5 million in federal funding for the revitalization of Lincoln Beach. This is a big step forward for New Orleans East and for preserving our local Black history. The beach’s restoration will honor its deep cultural legacy while creating a space where nature and community thrive together. Read more.

Federal Support for Cooling Centers

This summer brought dangerous heat to LA-02—and when the temperature rises, so must we. I’m proud to have partnered with local and federal leaders to bring cooling centers to Louisiana. What began as a simple idea has grown into a life-saving initiative, now serving as a model for the nation. These centers represent a commitment to protect our people during the harshest conditions. Read more.

Fighting back against Republicans' Attacks on Health Care

Across Louisiana, from our biggest hospitals to our smallest rural clinics, health care leaders are sounding the alarm. After Republicans passed the “Big Ugly Law,” I hosted a Health Care Town Hall at Xavier University alongside House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Steering and Policy Committee Members. We were also joined by Louisianians directly impacted by Medicaid cuts and the broader assault on essential care. This isn’t about politics. It’s about people. And I will never stop fighting for their right to quality, affordable health care. Watch here.

Maintaining New Orleans Levee Inspections

In August, I sent a letter to President Trump regarding the recent decision to suspend regular U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inspections of New Orleans’ levee system. Levee safety is not optional and the cost of prevention is far less than the cost—in lives and dollars — of another catastrophic failure. The inspections have been reinstated—for now. I won't be satisfied until the Trump Administration guarantees annual inspections are permanently funded. Read the letter. 

Acknowledgements 

Casework Highlight — Working for YOU!

Recently, a LA-02 resident reached out to me after mail delivery on her street had stopped, leaving her and many elderly neighbors without reliable service. My office stepped in, worked directly with the postmaster, and got delivery restored for residents and letter carriers alike. I'm so glad to have played a small part in resolving this. If you’re having trouble with a federal agency, we're here to help. Contact us at (504) 288-3777.

Celebrating Southern University’s Excellence

It was an honor to deliver the hooding address at Southern University’s Summer Executive Ph.D. in Public Policy Hooding Ceremony. When this great institution welcomed me into its legacy with an honorary doctorate, I felt deep pride. Standing before a new generation of leaders, I felt that same sense of honor and gratitude—bound together by the university’s history and enduring spirit of excellence.

"What Makes America Tick?" — Feat. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)

Episode 4 of my podcast, "What Makes America Tick?" is out now! I had an in depth conversation with Senator Cory Booker who is literally breaking records in the fight for our democracy. To watch this episode or future episodes, subscribe to my YouTube channel. You can listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube. Watch below:

20 Years since Hurricane Katrina 

On August 29th, we marked 20 years since Hurricane Katrina devastated our communities. This isn’t just history, it’s personal. While we remember the pain and loss, we also draw strength from the courage of the survivors who built their lives and our communities against all odds. Read my MSNBC op-ed here and watch my full statement below:

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 @RepTroyCarter or with the links below!  

Sincerely,

Troy A. Carter, Sr.
Member of Congress