Securing Funding to Deepen Port Fourchon Belle Pass Channel
Yesterday, I announced that I secured $1.5 million in the House Energy and Water bill for deepening the Port Fourchon Belle Pass Channel. This funding will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete environmental compliance and update the overall cost and dredge material disposal plans so the construction phase of the project can begin.
Port Fourchon is a hub of economic activity for our nation, servicing nearly 20 percent of America’s domestically-produced oil and natural gas and generating billions of dollars annually for Louisiana.
Deepening the Port Fourchon Belle Passe Channel will accommodate larger vessels so they can better navigate our waterways and conduct repair work at the port. Once complete, this project will strengthen Louisiana’s position as a leading export state and a top producer of our nation’s oil and natural gas.
Improving the U.S. 190 Bridge in Covington
I was happy to get my request for the U.S. 190 bridge in Covington included in the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) subcommittee bill. The U.S. 190 bridge over the Bogue Falaya River has faced continued congestion as we have seen tremendous growth in the surrounding community in recent years.
On any given day, you will often see long traffic backups on either side of the bridge. Replacement and widening of the bridge will help address many of the congestion and safety issues families in St. Tammany face with the current bridge.
Additionally, because U.S. 190 serves as an important hurricane evacuation route in the area, a new bridge will improve the safe flow of traffic during times of emergency and evacuation. This project is a big priority for the entire community, and I will continue to fight for it as this bill moves through negotiations with the Senate.
Protecting American Telecommunications Networks
This week, I applauded the Energy and Commerce Committee for passing my Secure Equipment Act of 2021, legislation I introduced with Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) last month that prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from reviewing or issuing new equipment licenses to companies on the FCC’s “Covered Equipment or Services List” that pose a national security threat.
This bipartisan legislation strengthens our national security and sends a strong signal to the Chinese Communist Party that America is committed to securing our networks and protecting the privacy and safety of our citizens. I look forward to seeing this bill move to the floor for a vote by the full House.
It is an honor to represent you in Congress. For more information, please visit my website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
