Higgins Recognized for Principled and Courageous Vote

The following was received in an email sent to the constituents for Rep. Clay Higgins today after his vote earlier this week against H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act. 

This week, I've taken heat from all directions for being the lone "no" vote on H.R. 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act. 

Truth: My stance hasn't wavered since the bill was first introduced back in July. Many highly respected journalists and legal analysts have stepped forward to confirm that my vote was rooted in principle, due process, and the rule of law. I have an obligation to honor my oath to the Constitution. 

As introduced, my friend Thomas Massie's "Epstein Files Bill" failed to adequately protect the identities of victims and witnesses. Further, H.R 4405 abandoned 250 years of Constitutionally-sound criminal justice procedure.

After calm review, many distinguished editorialists agree: 

Wall Street Journal Editorial Board: 

Legal Expert Judge Andrew Napolitano on Newsmax: 

"Even though he is the only person of 535 members of Congress to oppose this, he may very well have a point." 

The News-Gazette Editorial Board:

"You can say one thing about Louisiana Republican U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins: He stands on principle. 'This bill reveals and injures thousands of innocent people - witnesses, people who provided alibis, family members,' he said. "This type of broad reveal of criminal investigative files, released to a rabid media, will absolutely result in innocent people getting hurt.' Higgins is right, of course. But politicians generally allow for such collateral damage when an avalanche is bearing down on them, and that's what happened here." 

Washington Post Editorial Board: 

"The lone congressional objector, Rep. Clay Higgins (R-Louisiana), has a point when he says this indiscriminate release 'abandons 250 years of criminal justice procedure in America' and could 'result in innocent people getting hurt."

Louisiana Farmers Face a Credit Crunch Fueled by Uncertainty in Both Policy and Markets

On a farm in Gilliam, Louisiana, the final harvest is in. Corn, soybeans, cotton, and peanuts have all been cut and loaded. Now, farmer Stephen Logan is spreading cereal rye seed and planning for the next growing season. But this fall, the federal shutdown has left him — and many like him — working without a safety net.

For weeks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s local offices have been closed, cutting off access to conservation payments, short-term crop loans, and critical market data. “All of that is shut down,” Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain told The Advocate, noting that farmers rely on those programs to decide when to sell crops and what to plant next season.

That uncertainty is hitting at a time when Louisiana’s producers are already dealing with high input costs and low crop prices. “We’re resilient,” Logan told The Advocate, “but this is a very tough time in agriculture. The math just doesn’t work.”

Read more: Louisiana Farmers Face a Credit Crunch Fueled by Uncertainty in Both Policy and Markets

Kennedy urges Senate to withhold members’ pay during the shutdown: “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander”

“Tomorrow, I will be bringing two bills before the Senate.”

Watch Kennedy’s comments here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) delivered the following remarks on the U.S. Senate floor:

“Tomorrow, I will be bringing two bills before the Senate. They both have to do with the shutdown and congressional pay.

“The first bill is the No Shutdown Paychecks [to Politicians] Act. The second bill is the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act.

“The first bill would provide that, as long as we’re shut down—and I’ll explain why in a moment—as long as we’re shut down, no member of Congress can be paid. And the money will not be reimbursed at a later date or repaid at a later date.

“The second bill, to address any 27th Amendment concerns, will say, ‘During a shutdown, members of Congress will not receive their pay, but their pay will be escrowed, and they will receive it after the government is opened back up.’

“Look, we’re on day 36. Like you, Mr. President, I’ve heard a lot of rumors about, ‘We’re that close to reaching an agreement.’ We’ve been that close for a week. Frankly, I hope I’m wrong in saying this, but I don’t think we’re really that close. I wish we were, and I hope we are, but I think we’re going to be in the shutdown for a while longer. It doesn’t give me any joy to say that.

“In the meantime, none of our staff are being paid. No federal employees are being paid. I got some numbers in this morning that federal workers have had to borrow $365 million so far during this 36-day shutdown in order to just pay their rent. Our military is only being paid partially. Our air traffic controllers are not being paid. People who receive SNAP payments are only being partially paid. I don’t think anybody wants to see anybody go hungry in America. And that’s not a partisan statement; I think that’s a bipartisan statement.

“There’s precedent for this, Mr. President. Some may say, ‘Well, this violates the 27th Amendment.’ I don’t think it does. That’s why I’m offering two different flavors of bills. But in 2013, President Obama did the same thing that I’m doing now. They were in a shutdown, and President Obama supported legislation that said, ‘If you don’t open the government by this certain date, then you’re going to lose your paychecks.’

“And guess what? Members of Congress had an epiphany, and they found religion. They had a Damascene moment, and they opened up the government. And that’s all this bill will do.

“I’m not trying to grandstand. I wasn’t going to bring this bill. When I got back here Monday, I heard all the rumors, like everybody else, that we were close. And I hope we are close, but we’re not close enough. So, I’ll offer these bills tomorrow, and people can vote yea, or they can vote nay, but what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

Full text of the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act is available here.

Full text of the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act is available here.

Read more about the bills in Fox News Digital here.

Watch Kennedy’s speech here.  

Kennedy introduces critical bills prohibiting lawmakers from receiving a paycheck during government shutdowns

“I don’t see missing paychecks or empty dinner plates as leverage or bargaining chips. My bills ensure Congress feels the same pain as the folks we’re failing to pay – our troops, air traffic controllers, and federal workers. If we can’t do our jobs and fund the government, we don’t deserve a paycheck – plain and simple.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, last week introduced two critical pieces of legislation that ensure Members of Congress do not receive a paycheck until the federal government reopens following a shutdown or lapse in appropriations.

The No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act ensures that Members of Congress do not receive a paycheck during a government shutdown. Members will also not receive back pay.

The Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act (S.3057) mandates that payroll administrators for each House of Congress keep Members of Congress' paychecks in escrow accounts during a government shutdown. The funds are only disbursed at the start of the next Congress.

“I don’t see missing paychecks or empty dinner plates as leverage or bargaining chips. My bills ensure Congress feels the same pain as the folks we’re failing to pay – our troops, air traffic controllers, and federal workers. If we can’t do our jobs and fund the government, we don’t deserve a paycheck – plain and simple,” said Kennedy.

Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI-1), Chairman of the U.S. Committee on House Administration, introduced the companion bill of the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“There is no reason our government should be shut down. Senate Democrats must do the right thing and vote to reopen the government. If service members, men and women of federal law enforcement, and other essential employees are working without pay during the Schumer shutdown, members of Congress should not be paid either,” said Steil.

Full text of the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act is available here.

Full text of the Withhold Member Pay During Shutdowns Act is available here.

Read more about the bills in Fox News Digital here.

President Trump to Investigate European Trade Partners for Not Paying Their Fair Share for American Medicines

Photo source: Breitbart

The following content is sponsored by Americans for Limited Government.

At a White House press conference last month, President Donald Trump announced a breakthrough on lower drug prices and promised he would take action against European countries who haven’t been paying their fair share for the medicines Americans innovate and invent.

“That’s why my administration is also taking historic action to investigate the unfair and discriminatory trade practices of other countries that extort our pharmaceutical makers to shift costs onto the American consumer,” Trump said.

Read more: President Trump to Investigate European Trade Partners for Not Paying Their Fair Share for American Medicines

Governor Jeff Landry Signs Emergency Declaration Due to the Schumer Shutdown

Louisiana will focus on a elderly, disabled, and children SNAP stopgap

Baton Rouge, LA –Today, Governor Jeff Landry signed an Emergency Declaration for Louisiana to help fund SNAP benefits for the elderly, disabled, and children in our State who have been abandoned by Congressional Democrats. Emergency Declaration Attached.

We should not allow our elderly, disabled, or children to go hungry because of the Washington, D.C. Democrats’ failure to reopen the federal government. Our social security net is supposed to help the most vulnerable, and we will try to accomplish this with today’s action. 

"My Administration has created over 70,000 new job opportunities in Louisiana since I took office. Wages are on the rise, and our economic outlook has never looked better. This is how we move people from dependence to independence.
I urge those who are able bodied to continue to strive to get off SNAP and similar programs. Due to the Democrat’s political games these programs are not reliable. 

I encourage our citizens to seek the thousands of new job opportunities across our State, and free themselves from these social programs that the Left uses as a weaponization tool to win political points,” said Governor Landry. 

Statement from Governor Jeff Landry on Federal Government Shutdown and SNAP Benefits

BATON ROUGE, LA –Today, Governor Jeff Landry issued the follow update on the Federal Government Shutdown and SNAP benefits in Louisiana.

"Notifications from LDH have been sent out stating that, because of Democrat Leader Schumer's Shutdown, SNAP beneficiaries may run out of funds by November 1. I have been in discussions with other governors across the nation, as well as with our legislative leadership. I am making it a top priority to ensure that seniors, individuals with disabilities, and children who rely on food stamps do not go hungry in Louisiana. Democrats’ political games need to end,” said Governor Landry. 

Kennedy, Louisiana Republicans seek answers on alleged October 7 terrorist living in Lafayette, La.

“We appreciate the job you are doing to keep Americans safe here at home and write you as members of the Louisiana congressional delegation to request a briefing regarding how Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi came to reside in Lafayette, Louisiana, after entering the United States in 2024 during the Biden Administration’s dangerous open borders policy.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined a letter led by U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem seeking a briefing on the presence of Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi in Lafayette, La. Al-Muhtadi is a Gazan native who allegedly participated in the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel.

Al-Muhtadi entered the United States under false pretenses on September 12, 2024, according to the Department of Justice.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Reps. Julia Letlow (R-La.) and Clay Higgins (R-La.) also joined the letter.

“We appreciate the job you are doing to keep Americans safe here at home and write you as members of the Louisiana congressional delegation to request a briefing regarding how Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub Al-Muhtadi came to reside in Lafayette, Louisiana, after entering the United States in 2024 during the Biden Administration’s dangerous open borders policy,” the lawmakers began.

“According to public reporting and Department of Justice filings, Al-Muhtadi is alleged to have participated in the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led terrorist attacks against Israel and to have entered the United States the following year after falsely concealing his affiliations on his visa application. He was later located living and working in Lafayette, Louisiana, before being taken into custody by federal authorities,” they continued.

“We would also like to be informed about any additional terrorist threats in our state due to President Biden’s dangerous and deadly immigration policies,” the members of the Louisiana delegation added.

“We appreciate your leadership at the Department and your continued commitment to keeping our communities and our nation safe. We look forward to a briefing from your team to help us understand the circumstances surrounding this individual’s entry and residence in Louisiana,” they concluded.

Read the lawmakers’ letter here.

Read more about the letter in Fox News.

OPINION: Congress Needs to Protect Louisianans in the Crypto Marketplace

President Trump’s pledge to make America the crypto capital of the world underscores the growing urgency for Congress to act. In fact, Congress now has a pivotal opportunity to strengthen America’s leadership in digital assets by advancing clear, responsible rules that promote both innovation and trust. 

In recent Senate floor remarks on the crypto market structure bill, Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) underscored the importance of modernizing markets the right way: “[This bill] is one of the most important pieces of legislation that this body will consider … I hope we’ll move it quickly, but I hope we’ll move deliberately.” His words should guide Congress as it seeks to provide clear rules for digital assets and the trust and confidence necessary for hardworking Louisianians to confidently participate in the next era of the stock market. 

Louisiana stands to benefit from a thoughtful federal framework for digital assets. Our state has long punched above its weight in energy, petrochemicals, shipping and logistics. Similarly, we should aim to lead in financial innovation. State lawmakers voted this past year to assess how cryptocurrency, AI and blockchain can be used in public and commercial sectors. But effective leadership comes only with responsibility. Transparent markets and robust anti-fraud enforcement protect investors from falling prey to fraud, scams and other kinds of financial crimes. It’s not enough to clear the way for technological innovation; we must safeguard the people who place their trust, savings and financial futures in these markets.

Innovation and clarity must move hand in hand with accepted investor safeguards that have proven essential for traditional markets. When digital-asset platforms execute poorly, fail to safeguard customer assets or operate in the shadows, ordinary investors and lifelong savings are exposed. Moreover, if we leave investors behind, today’s innovation will morph into a financial fad. 

For Louisiana, the stakes are clear. We have an opportunity to attract fintech investment, encourage digital asset infrastructure and support job growth in our state. However, we’ll only reap these benefits if lawmakers deliver an investor-first framework that fosters innovation, opportunity and market trust for all Louisianians. 

In Washington’s rush to “win the crypto race,” let’s not lose sight of the people who are participating in that race: retirees, small business owners, teachers and workers here in Louisiana who deserve both opportunity and protection. 

As Congress debates, I join Sen. Kennedy in urging: Let’s move quickly and let’s move deliberately.

DK Willard
Sterlington, LA

OPINION: PBM Reform, Not MFN, Is the Answer!

As a nurse, I see firsthand how fragile access to care can be when Washington gets drug policy wrong. Patients often assume that “price controls” will make medicine more affordable, but experience shows the opposite.

The proposed Most Favored Nation (MFN) model would tie U.S. drug prices to those set by foreign governments with socialized health systems. That might sound good on paper, but in practice it means fewer treatment options, delayed access to new therapies, and more red tape for doctors and pharmacists trying to help their patients. The countries we’d be copying routinely make patients wait months or even years for new medicines that are available here in America.

If the goal is to lower out-of-pocket costs, there’s a better path: PBM reform. Pharmacy Benefit Managers are the middlemen who decide what drugs are covered and how much patients pay. They’ve quietly become one of the biggest cost drivers in our health-care system—negotiating rebates with drugmakers, pocketing the savings, and leaving patients stuck with higher prices at the counter.

Instead of importing Europe’s price caps, Congress should focus on transparency and fairness in the PBM system—so patients, not middlemen, benefit from lower prices.

We can lower costs and protect innovation, but only if reforms reward competition, not control. Patients deserve savings that come from efficiency, not rationing.

Lu Jones, RN

Governor Landry Issues the Call to Convene for a Special Session with the Louisiana Legislature

Baton Rouge, LA— Today, Governor Landry issued the call to convene the Louisiana Legislature into an extraordinary session. The legislature will consider the election code, dates, deadlines, and plans for the 2026 election cycle. The special session will begin on October 23, 2025, and end no later than November 13, 2025. Call attached. 

LOGA Releases Statement on CCUS Moratorium

BATON ROUGE, LA (October 15, 2025) - Today, Governor Jeff Landry issued an Executive Order suspending all new applications for CCUS projects in Louisiana. In response, LOGA President Mike Moncla issued the following statement:

We respectfully disagree with the Governor‘s decision to halt the review of any new CCUS applications.

We are thankful that the Governor didn’t cancel existing CCUS projects, which will continue to prove how safe this technology actually is, and we encourage industry to continue moving forward with the hope that the Governor will lift this moratorium sooner rather than later.

For 75+ years Louisiana’s regulatory arm has safely authorized and governed injection wells. AND for 40+ years through Enhanced Oil Recovery, the Department has safely regulated the injection of CO2. In fact, since 2010, over 47 billion metric tons of CO2 have been safely injected and ultimately stored in Louisiana formations.

Carbon capture is a proven tool that will bring significant economic development and new opportunities to our state and our country, and we remain committed to advancing these benefits for Louisiana.

OPINION: Washington Must Close the Stablecoin Loophole Before It Hurts Louisiana Families

When Congress passed the GENIUS Act earlier this year, lawmakers made their intent clear: payment stablecoins were designed to function as digital payment tools — not as unregulated, interest-bearing deposits. Section 4(a)(11) of the law explicitly prohibits stablecoin issuers from paying any form of interest or yield, whether in cash, tokens, or any other form of compensation, to those who hold them.

But even before the ink dried, large financial and technology companies began testing the limits of that prohibition. They’ve rebranded interest as “rewards,” “rebates,” and “cashback” programs — using marketing language to disguise what are effectively yield payments. These schemes may skirt the letter of the law, but they violate its spirit and threaten to undermine the stability of the U.S. financial system.

If these loopholes remain open, the fallout could be severe. Treasury officials have warned that as much as $6.6 trillion in bank deposits could migrate into unregulated stablecoin markets. That would drain funding from the community banks that keep Louisiana’s economy moving — the same institutions that make loans to small businesses, family farms, and first-time homebuyers. Fewer deposits mean fewer loans, higher interest rates, and tighter credit for working families across the state.

To protect consumers and preserve financial stability, the Department of the Treasury should move quickly to close the loophole. Treasury can do this by:

1. Making clear that the GENIUS Act’s prohibition covers any direct or indirect transfer of value for holding stablecoins, no matter how it’s labeled.

2. Defining “interest” and “yield” broadly to include all economic benefits — from cash and tokens to fee reductions and promotional credits — that function as a return on holding stablecoins.

3. Extending the prohibition to affiliates and third-party partners, ensuring companies cannot bypass the law by routing payments through intermediaries.

Without decisive action, Washington’s well-intentioned law could unintentionally destabilize the banking system, weaken credit markets, and harm the very families and small businesses it was meant to protect.

For conservatives, this is a simple issue of accountability and fairness. Stablecoins may be the future of payments, but they cannot be allowed to operate as unregulated, yield-bearing products that hollow out community banks and reward corporate rule-breaking.

Treasury has the authority to act — and the responsibility to ensure that innovation doesn’t come at the expense of Louisiana’s economic stability.

Governor Landry Joins the News Orleans Saints and LSED to Announce New Superdome Lease

The deal includes a 10-year extension through the 2035 season.

New Orleans, LA— Today, joined by leadership from the New Orleans Saints and the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District Commission (LSED), Governor Landry announced an agreement between the Saints and the Superdome for a 10-year lease. The deal includes the option for four 5-year extensions through 2055.

The Superdome is the icon of the New Orleans skyline and an integral part of the State of Louisiana’s economy. This lease signed today ensures that the legacy and success of the Saints stays right here in New Orleans for years to come. This agreement shows the incredible partnership between the Saints organization and the State of Louisiana, and reflects Gayle Benson’s invaluable dedication and leadership to her community and the City of New Orleans.

“Today is a great day not just for New Orleans, but for our entire State. With this agreement, we are paving the way for more Saints victories, more Super Bowl memories, and more economic growth for Louisiana,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “The Superdome is not just a landmark in the world of sports; it’s a symbol of our state’s resilience and pride. I am proud to know its legacy will keep marching forward with today’s announcement.”

“This extension represents a continued and valued partnership between the New Orleans Saints and the state of Louisiana that demonstrates our intent to be here and fully committed for many decades,” said Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints. “The focus of our financial investment in the Caesars Superdome is at the core for the benefit of our fans, to improve the fan experience and the results have been very positive. The Caesars Superdome stands as a model for sport and stadium leaders on best practices for cutting edge renovations. We are proud of our committed partnership.”

“The Superdome and New Orleans Saints are inextricably tied together.  Therefore, we are thrilled to complete these long-term agreements between the State and the New Orleans Saints, formalizing our commitment to keep the Saints in the Ceasar’s Superdome for many years to come and create memories for the next generation of fans.  To be able to get this done in the Superdome’s 50th anniversary year, makes it even more special,” said Rob Vosbein-Chairman of the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District.

Higgins, Landry Recommend New Orleans as USDA Regional Hub

LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (R-LA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighting the lack of Southern representation in the newly proposed regional hub locations of Raleigh, NC; Kansas City, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Fort Collins, CO; and Salt Lake City, UT. The letter proposes adding New Orleans, LA, as an alternative site. 

"Despite the Democrat-forced shutdown, my advocacy for Louisiana and access to the White House remain unaffected," said Congressman Higgins. "President Trump and Secretary Rollins are right to decentralize the Department of Agriculture from Washington D.C. bureaucrats. However, I'm concerned that the Deep South and Gulf Coast are underrepresented in the current slate of proposed locations."

In the letter, Congressman Higgins and Governor Landry wrote, "I urge your full and fair consideration for Louisiana to be home to a USDA Regional Hub, specifically New Orleans as it is located on the vital Mississippi River and operates as a world-renowned center of trade. A regional hub in New Orleans would represent commodities not served by any of the other hub locations, especially cotton, sugarcane and rice."

Read the full letter here.

MIGUEZ: It's Time to Take Our Country Back

Here is the latest video from Blake Miguez’s campaign for the United States Senate.

Governor Jeff Landry Issues Strong Video Message: If you come to our country illegally, Louisiana will give you a new address — Louisiana Lockup

Baton Rouge, LA–Governor Jeff Landry released a new video highlighting Louisiana Lockup, also known as Camp 57. Watch video HERE.

In this video, Governor Landry delivers a stark warning, highlighting the infamous Louisiana Lockup—situated along the Mississippi River and surrounded by alligator-filled swamplands—as one of the toughest facilities in the nation. It houses over 400 illegal detainees deemed the “worst of the worst,” including rapists and murderers.

“Gang members, rapists, drug dealers, and human smugglers have no place in this country, and we are no longer giving them a free pass,” said Governor Landry. “If you come to our country illegally and terrorize our people and community, Louisiana will be giving you a new address, Louisiana Lockup.”  

Governor Jeff Landry Proclaims September 24 as Hurricane Rita Remembrance Day

Flags at the State Capitol and all state buildings will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on September 24th

Baton Rouge, LA – Governor Jeff Landry issued an Executive Order proclaiming September 24, 2025, as Hurricane Rita Remembrance Day in Louisiana—marking the twentieth anniversary of one of the most devastating storms in state history. Executive Order attached.

Hurricane Rita made landfall on September 24, 2005, near the Texas-Louisiana border, bringing destructive winds and a powerful storm surge that devastated Cameron Parish, Vermilion Parish, and much of Southwest Louisiana. At its peak, Rita reached Category 5 strength with winds of 180 mph, before making landfall as a Category 3 storm with 120 mph winds. The hurricane displaced countless residents, destroyed homes and businesses, and left lasting scars across Louisiana.

“Louisianians endured extraordinary suffering during Hurricane Rita, but they also showed unmatched courage and resilience,” said Governor Landry. “Twenty years later, we honor those whose lives were forever changed, remember the victims, and honor the spirit of Louisiana that endures through every storm.”

Under the Executive Order:

• September 24, 2025, is officially designated Hurricane Rita Remembrance Day.

• Flags at the State Capitol and all state buildings will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset in honor of the victims and those who contributed to recovery efforts.

• Local governments, schools, and private institutions are encouraged to join in lowering flags.

• Governor Landry and First Lady Sharon Landry are calling on Louisianians of all faiths and traditions to participate in a Day of Prayer to remember the victims and reflect on the resilience of Louisiana’s communities.

U.S. Senate passes Kennedy, Peters, Wyden bill to end government payments to deceased Americans

“It is unconscionable that hardworking Americans are forced to foot the bill for the government’s wasteful payments to dead people. I applaud the U.S. Senate for taking bold action by passing my crucial bill to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse from our federal budget. Now, the U.S. House of Representatives ought to step up and pass this vital reform without delay.”

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Ron Wyden’s (D-Ore.)’s Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, which would save hard-earned taxpayer money by curbing erroneous payments to individuals who have passed away.

Kennedy’s original bipartisan law established key provisions to curb erroneous government payments to deceased individuals for a three-year period, a reform expected to save at least $330 million from 2024 to 2026. The new Kennedy-Peters-Wyden bill would make this temporary halt on such payments permanent.

“It is unconscionable that hardworking Americans are forced to foot the bill for the government’s wasteful payments to dead people. I applaud the U.S. Senate for taking bold action by passing my crucial bill to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse from our federal budget. Now, the U.S. House of Representatives ought to step up and pass this vital reform without delay,” said Kennedy.

“This bill will help save millions of taxpayer dollars by ensuring that the Social Security Administration can permanently share important data with the Treasury’s Do Not Pay system, preventing wrongful payments to deceased individuals. I have long supported this legislation because I believe it is a vital step in safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring the integrity of our payment systems,” said Peters.

“This bipartisan bill fixes our federal government’s payment systems so that millions of taxpayer dollars are saved every year. As Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, I am committed to ensuring that Americans’ hard earned benefits are protected. That’s why I’m supporting this bill to ensure Americans’ personal data and earned benefits from Social Security are protected,” said Wyden.

In January 2025, the Treasury Department announced that it recovered $31 million in fraud and improper payments during the first five months of the implementation of Kennedy’s Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, in which the U.S. Social Security Administration shared its Death Master File with the Treasury Department to temporarily avoid erroneous payments.

The Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act would permanently amend the Social Security Act to allow the Social Security Administration to share the Death Master File—a record of deceased individuals—with the Treasury Department’s Do Not Pay system. This change would rein in the government’s ability to make improper payments to deceased people in the future.

This bill would also allow the Treasury’s Do Not Pay working system to compare death information from the Social Security Administration with personal information from other federal entities and to share this information with any paying or administering agency that is authorized to use the Do Not Pay system.

Sens. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) also cosponsored the bill.

“Government by and for the people should run as efficiently as possible, and we owe it to the people to cut waste. I’m proud to cosponsor the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, which has now passed out of the Senate, that permanently codifies coordination between the Department of Treasury and Social Security Administration to eliminate payments to dead people,” said Moody.

“I’m glad to see this important legislation to save taxpayer money pass through the Senate. This is the kind of strategic approach we should be taking to improve government efficiency — a measured and bipartisan legislative fix to ensure federal funds are being appropriately spent. I hope this targeted fix is soon signed into law,” said Warner.

Background:

Kennedy has long championed the cause of saving billions of dollars in taxpayer money by ending improper payments to deceased Americans:

• In July 2025, the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously advanced Kennedy’s Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, sending it to the Senate floor.

• In December 2024, Kennedy urged his colleagues to save hardworking taxpayer dollars by supporting the Ending Improper Payments to Deceased Americans Act on the U.S. Senate floor.

• In May 2024, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee unanimously passed Kennedy’s Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People’s Act.

• Kennedy’s Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act became law in December 2020. This bill mandated the sharing of the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File with the Department of the Treasury’s Do Not Pay working system within three years after enactment. The three-year exchange period runs from December 27, 2023, to December 27, 2025.

• In 2021, Kennedy wrote this op-ed sounding the alarm on the government’s sending more than $1 billion to deceased Americans.

• In 2019, Kennedy questioned U.S. Government Accountability Office Comptroller General Hon. Gene L. Dodaro about improper payments sent to deceased Americans.

Full bill text is available here.

Kennedy statement marking 24 years since September 11 attacks

“To the thousands of families who are marking their 24th year without the loved ones they lost on September 11th, America has not forgotten your pain. I have not forgotten your pain. Becky has not forgotten your pain.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today released the following statement marking the 24th year since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks:

“The anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks—those attacks, that day, it will live in infamy, and the anniversary of it is a somber day. But it’s also a time to reflect on the amazing courage of the American people, our first responders, the brave souls on Flight 93 and the thousands of young Americans who responded to the attacks by enlisting to serve their country.

“Even on the darkest day—and September 11th was a dark day—Americans demonstrated unimaginable bravery. We will never forget them.

“To the thousands of families who are marking their 24th year without the loved ones they lost on September 11th, America has not forgotten your pain. I have not forgotten your pain. Becky has not forgotten your pain.

“We continue to pray for your families and all the courageous first responders who saved lives that day.”

View Kennedy’s full statement here.