Dear John,

While Republicans were taking a 43-day vacation, I never stopped working for you. From day one of the shutdown, I've been in Congress fighting to lower healthcare costs, extend ACA subsidies and reinstate SNAP benefits.

From meeting constituents to hear your personal shutdown stories to hosting daily Instagram Lives giving shutdown updates, I've been working tirelessly to fight for your needs in Congress.

I've also made sure to connect with Louisianans in person during the shutdown - from visiting hospitals, participating in food drives, and hosting events that seek to strengthen our communities even in these times of hardship.

I'll never stop fighting for the interests of Louisianans and working families everywhere who are suffering from expiring healthcare subsidies and reckless SNAP cuts. Keep reading below for highlights of what we've accomplished together:

Watch a video recap here!

Standing Up For Voting Rights

Recently, the Supreme Court has heard oral arguments in Louisiana v Callais, a blatant attack on the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and on people of color who continue to face discrimination and suppression at the ballot box.

This case threatens to cut the VRA, take away Black Louisianians' right to choose their elected official, and could determine if one-third of Louisiana's population will continue to have fair and equitable elections.

I released a statement condemning the Supreme Court Case and published an op-ed in the New York Times along with my distinguished colleague, Rep. Cleo Fields (D-LA). I won't stop fighting to protect voters from race-based gerrymandering and to ensure free and fair elections.

Hearing Your Stories

I was grateful to connect with one of my constituents, Katy, and hear how the shutdown was affecting her personally. Katy is living with a disability and experienced delays and reductions in her SNAP benefits, leaving her questioning if she could afford groceries. Katy's story paints a picture of the failed policies of the Trump administration, from the government shutdown, to SNAP benefits denial, to expiring healthcare subsidies, to tariffs that negatively impact citizens, farmers, grocery stores, and our overall economy. As your Congressman, it's important to remember the people I'm fighting for and bring justice, care, and attention to your powerful stories. Watch the rest here.

Daily Updates During the Shutdown

For the duration of the Republican shutdown, I hosted a daily Instagram Live to give updates on what was happening inside Congress and keep LA-02 residents informed. I was honored to be joined by several guests, including Little Lobbyists, former Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young, Small Business Majority, and my constituents impacted by ACA tax credit cuts. Watch more.

Second Harvest Food Bank Serve Day

With SNAP benefits under threat, supporting organizations like Second Harvest is vital. While no food bank can replace the critical lifeline SNAP provides to millions of Americans - including over 800,000 Louisianians who rely on SNAP benefits each month to afford groceries - Second Harvest serves as a beacon for our community and a reminder of our duty of care to ensure everyone can put food on the table. I was proud to spend my time packing meals for families struggling with food insecurity, and will take that fight back with me to Congress. Read more.

Visiting New Orleans East Hospital

I visited New Orleans East Hospital to hear directly from doctors, nurses, administrators, and patients about the growing crisis in health care caused by Republicans' reckless Medicaid cuts and the expiring ACA tax credits. With so many in our community relying on these lifesaving programs, it's more important than ever to ensure that Congress acts swiftly to protect access to affordable and equitable care. 

Providing Lunch to TSA Employees

During the government shutdown, I visited our TSA workers at Louis Armstrong International Airport and provided lunch while they were working without pay. These public servants continued to show up every day, with or without pay, to protect this nation's transportation systems by keeping travelers and airports safe and secure. The least I could do is buy them some lunch. Read more.

 Hosting the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice Summit

I was honored to join the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) National Racial Equity Initiative (NREI) for a Social Justice Summit at SUNO. Founded five years ago, the NREI has dedicated itself to bringing together the public, policymakers, and community stakeholders nationwide to advance equality and drive lasting change. I hosted fireside chats alongside CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery, which centered on critically important issues such as criminal justice, education, and advancing justice and equity in New Orleans. Read more.

Speaking Up Against Domestic Violence

I was grateful for the opportunity to speak at Dillard University's annual Speak Up! Domestic Violence Awareness Conference, which seeks to raise awareness of the fight against domestic violence in New Orleans. I listened to survivors sharing their powerful stories and engaged in honest, thoughtful dialogue that is so often the foundation of lasting policy change. See more.

Celebrating Tulane Graduates

Last month, I spoke at Tulane's annual John Lewis Public Administration Program Residency Panel. This year's theme was Good Trouble: Advancing Positive Impact in Public Service. I spoke to students getting their Master's of Public Administration and was inspired by how much the younger generation embodies Congressman Lewis' spirit - through a passion for public service, a dedication to social justice, and the vision necessary to "make good trouble."

Algiers Ferry Terminal Signage Celebration

I was excited to join the Algiers Economic Development Foundation to celebrate the Algiers Ferry Terminal Signage. This event celebrated the vital new ferry terminals that connect New Orleans and Algiers Point. These terminals serve as a testament to transportation, economic progress, and partnership between New Orleans and Algiers Point. See more. 

Celebrated Xavier University Centennial

It was a joy to attend Xavier University's centennial celebration as both an alumnus and as the Congressman representing the University. Xavier University stands as a beacon of excellence, dedication, and equality in our community, offering students the tools they need to not only succeed but thrive.

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