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:
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.
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.
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.
LAGOP: A STATEMENT ON THE ASSASSINATION OF CHARLIE KIRK
It is with profound grief and righteous anger that we mourn the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. America has lost a bold truth-teller, a courageous leader, and a patriot who never shied away from defending the values that built this nation.
Charlie’s voice resonated with millions because he spoke with conviction about the eternal truths of God, liberty, and personal responsibility. He reminded us that the foundation of our Republic rests not on the shifting sands of cultural fads, but on the unchanging, God-fearing principles of our Founding Fathers.
To the young men and women whom Charlie inspired: his mission is now yours. The enemies of truth may have silenced his voice, but they cannot extinguish the fire he lit in your hearts. In this dark hour, I urge you to rise up, carry forward the torch of faith and freedom, and show this nation that Charlie Kirk’s legacy will not be buried with him. It will live on in you.
As Scripture reminds us: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Charlie carried that light into a world desperate for truth. Now it is our responsibility to ensure that light shines even brighter through our actions, courage, and faith.
And let us be clear: this kind of evil must be condemned by all Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike. Violence has no place in our political discourse or in our communities. We may disagree on policy, but we must stand united in affirming the value of every human life and the sacred right of free speech.
We honor Charlie’s life best not by mourning alone, but by taking action. Stand boldly in your schools, your communities, and your careers as champions of truth. Defend freedom, faith, and family against every attack. Refuse to let evil intimidate you into silence.
May God comfort Charlie’s family, friends, and the countless Americans he influenced. And may He raise up a new generation of leaders who will take this tragic loss and turn it into a movement that reclaims our country and secures the blessings of liberty for generations to come.
Chairman Derek Babcock
LA Freedom Caucus Chair Wins Best Floor Speech of the Year
Baton Rouge, LA — Louisiana Freedom Caucus Chairwoman Beryl Amedee was honored at the 2025 State Freedom Caucus Summit with the award for best floor speech of the year. Amedee’s remarks were delivered on the House floor during a contentious debate on DEI. She emphasized in her remarks that there is only one race: the human race.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from my Freedom Caucus colleagues,” said Rep. Amedee. “The words I shared in Louisiana’s Capitol were meant to remind us of an enduring truth: that our shared humanity binds us together, even as cultural and political forces attempt to divide us. It is my hope that this message continues to resonate beyond the chamber walls.”
Rep. Amedee also praised the work of the State Freedom Caucus Network. “There are 50 states with 50 swamps, each just as destructive as the swamp in Washington, D.C. The work of State Freedom Caucus legislators is vital to holding the line against federal overreach and to deliver results at home where the American people live, work and raise their families,” she said.
The 2025 State Freedom Caucus Summit convened lawmakers and leaders from across the nation in Dallas, Tx on September 5-6 to highlight legislative achievements, strengthen collaboration and share best practices for taking the fight to the swamp.
French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission Holds First Meeting
Baton Rouge, LA—Today, the French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission held their first meeting in New Orleans, LA.
The Commission was created to facilitate the creation of a permanent memorial to honor the victims of the tragic terrorist attack that occurred on January 1, 2025, in New Orleans. The commission will ensure that the memory of those lost and impacted is preserved and honored.
“Our goal is to create a space to honor the victims of this attack, and create a permanent space in New Orleans to honor, cherish, and respect the memories of those lost,” said Patty Giovingo, the Governor’s Senior Coordinator of Victims Advocacy. “We want this space to serve as a place of comfort, strength, peace, hope, and blessings.”
The French Quarter Terrorism Attack Memorial Commission is housed within the Office of the Governor and is comprised of:
Five victims or family members of victims (other victims or victims’ families will serve as ex-officio members).
Michelle Beche (Mother of Tiger Bech)
Bill DiMaio (Father of Billy DiMaio)
Brent Gauthreaux (Father of Hubert Gauthreaux)
Adam Coste (Injured Victim)
Brittany Francois (Injured Victim)
The First Lady of Louisiana, or her designee
Genee Champagne, Designee
The Senior Coordinator for Victims Advocacy in the Office of the Governor (Chair)
Patty Giovingo, Office of the Governor
The Lieutenant Governor, or his designee
Joey Diffata, Designee
The President of the Louisiana State Senate, or designee
Mrs. Gayle Benson, Owner, New Orleans Saints, Designee
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, or designee
The Honorable Alonzo Knox, State Representative, Designee
The Mayor of New Orleans, or her designee
Mayor LaToya Cantrell
The New Orleans City Council President, or her designee
Mark Cave, Designee
A resident of the French Quarter
(To be determined.)
A business owner in the French Quarter
Karla Rivera, Greater New Orleans Foundation
A law enforcement officer
Adam Sauter, New Orleans Police Department
*See Pictures Below
OPINION: Reform Pharmacy Benefit Managers
As an independent pharmacist in Monroe, I see every day how patients struggle to access the medications they need. But the biggest barriers often aren’t supply or cost—it’s bureaucracy, and it’s Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).
PBMs dictate what drugs are covered, how much patients pay, and how much pharmacies are reimbursed. They steer patients away from local pharmacies like mine and toward their own affiliated outlets. It’s anti-competitive, and it hurts rural and small-town access.
At the same time, Washington is considering price-setting policies like the “Most Favored Nation” rule that would peg U.S. drug prices to those in foreign countries. That may seem like a shortcut to savings, but it could reduce access to new treatments and hurt small pharmacies already struggling with tight margins and unfair reimbursement.
If Congress really wants to help patients and lower drug prices, they should start by bringing transparency to the PBM system and protecting community pharmacies that serve as frontline healthcare providers.
I urge Senator Cassidy, Speaker Johnson, Representative Scalise, and Representative Letlow to oppose short-sighted price control policies and focus on reforming the real middlemen—PBMs.
Katherine Willard, Monroe, LA
OPINION: Rail Merger Delivers Trump’s “Made in America” Vision
President Donald Trump made it clear: America must reclaim its supply chains, rebuild its industrial base, and ensure that what we buy, build, and ship is Made in America. The newly announced merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern—the first coast-to-coast rail network in U.S. history—represents a bold step toward making that vision a reality.
This $85 billion deal will unite 50,000 miles of track across 43 states and connect 100 ports, forming a $250 billion enterprise designed to strengthen America’s backbone: manufacturing and freight. With an expected $2.75 billion in efficiencies, this merger will streamline how American goods move from factory floors to markets across the nation.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick endorsed the principle behind the deal, underscoring the importance of improved rail freight transportation. “Whether that should be through a merger or any other way, I’ll leave that to the regulators and overseers,” Lutnick told CNBC this week. “But the concept of making it more efficient to get across the country is obviously something that we applaud.” His comments signal that the Trump administration’s pro-industrial, pro-Made-in-America agenda sees this merger as a tool for national competitiveness.
Instead of relying on foreign competitors or overburdened highways, America will now have a seamless coast-to-coast rail system capable of moving steel, timber, petrochemicals, and grain with greater speed and lower cost. This is how you rebuild an industrial economy—by connecting producers directly to customers across the country, without bottlenecks or foreign interference. Rail executives say single-line movement will cut days off delivery times—one to two in most cases, and up to six days in some corridors.
Louisiana stands to be one of the biggest winners. Our state’s ports—New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, South Louisiana—will gain stronger access to both coasts. Farmers, timber producers, and petrochemical exporters will benefit from faster, more reliable service.
Most importantly, Union Pacific will directly serve the new Hyundai Steel Mill in Ascension—a project announced at the White House alongside President Trump, Governor Jeff Landry, and Louisiana leaders. That plant, a $2 billion investment, is not just an industrial project; it is a symbol of what the “New Industrial South” means. With direct rail service, Louisiana’s steel will flow into American auto plants, construction sites, and factories—keeping jobs and value right here at home.
The merger is more than corporate news; it is the physical infrastructure for Trump’s Made in America policy. For decades, global supply chains hollowed out U.S. industry while foreign railroads and shipping competitors gained ground. Now, America is taking back control.
By ensuring every rail job is protected, by investing in efficient and cleaner freight movement, and by linking rural communities to national markets, this merger embodies the promise that American workers and communities—not Wall Street or Beijing—will benefit.
Of course, there are detractors. Thousands of shippers worry about reduced rail competition, and some unions have raised concerns about job losses. Those debates will play out before regulators as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern file the full details of their deal early next year. But what’s undeniable is that this merger represents a turning point in how America moves freight—and who benefits from it.
This merger doesn’t just connect the coasts—it connects American producers to American consumers. It ties together Louisiana’s industrial might with the manufacturing resurgence underway across the country. And it sends a clear message: America is serious about building, shipping, and buying American again.
Governor Landry has said, “There is a new industrial South, there is a new economy that is happening in this part of the country.” The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger proves it. Louisiana is not just a pass-through state anymore—it is becoming the hub of America’s new industrial era.
The Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger is a perfect example of Made in America policy at work—delivering real results for workers, families, and communities instead of Wall Street. It doesn’t just connect the coasts, it puts Louisiana at the center of our nation’s industrial future. This is exactly what President Trump envisioned when he promised to bring back American industry—and now that vision is becoming reality.
Alton Phillips
Governor Jeff Landry Issues Video Message: Highlights Incredible Progress Louisiana Has Made Under His Leadership
Baton Rouge, LA — Governor Jeff Landry released an inspiring video message today celebrating Louisiana’s progress under his administration. In the video, Governor Landry reflects on his administration’s mission to put Louisiana first, and the results speak for themselves.
Louisiana has brought in over $70 billion in the first 18 months of the Landry Administration; Louisiana achieved its highest education ranking ever in Pre-K through 12th-grade; New Orleans murder rate is the lowest it’s been in 5o years; and Louisiana now has one of the lowest income tax rates in the South.
“From day one, we set out to put Louisiana first — and today, we’re seeing the results. This progress belongs to the people of Louisiana,” Governor Landry said. “Louisiana is finally winning.”
Watch full video HERE.
Kennedy statement marking 20 years since Hurricane Katrina’s landfall
“To the families who are facing their 20th year of missing a loved one that they lost in the storm, Becky and I are praying for you. All of Louisiana is sending its love.”
MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today released the following statement marking the 20th year since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana and honoring the Louisiana families impacted by the disaster:
“It seems like yesterday. It’s very hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Louisiana. I do, I remember like it was yesterday.
“For many Louisiana families, today marks 20 years since their worlds were turned upside down. More than 1,800 lives lost, 200,000 homes destroyed and $108 [billion] in damage. It was devastating.
“I was serving as Treasurer of Louisiana during Hurricane Katrina. I remember fielding calls from credit-rating agencies and other financial institutions. They wanted to write Louisiana off. They thought we were finished, done. They didn’t know Louisianians. They doubted our ability to come back from Katrina’s destruction.
“But they didn’t know Louisiana like I do, and they didn’t know the people of Louisiana like I do. They didn’t understand the grit and the resilience of Louisiana’s families.
“They didn’t realize that hard times only make us stronger. They didn’t believe we could come back swinging and rebuild from this storm—and it was a mighty storm—and the major storms that have followed in the 20 years since that fateful day.
“It wasn’t easy. It was far from easy, but Louisianians pulled through the destruction. We didn’t let it break us. We might have been bowed a few times, but we never broke.
“On this 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I am proud to be a Louisianian.
“To the families who are facing their 20th year of missing a loved one that they lost in the storm, Becky and I are praying for you. All of Louisiana is sending its love.”
View Kennedy’s full statement here.
OPINION: Headline: FDA Needs to Get the Facts Straight
For decades, we’ve been told that nicotine itself is the problem. But new research confirms what many have long suspected: it’s not nicotine that kills — it’s the smoke.
A new white paper, Getting Smart on Reduced Harm, shows just how widespread the confusion is among doctors and nurses. Nearly half of medical providers in America wrongly think nicotine causes cancer. Even worse, that figure rises to almost 60% among those who treat the most smokers. That means the very people best positioned to help adults quit cigarettes don’t have the facts straight.
The result? Millions of Americans who could switch to better, FDA-authorized alternatives — products already shown to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals — aren’t being told the truth. Instead, they’re left with cigarettes, the most dangerous way to use nicotine.
This isn’t about letting Big Government push people around. It’s about allowing adults who smoke to make informed choices. If you’re 21 or older and choose to keep using nicotine, you deserve to know that there are products out there that are far less harmful than continuing to light up.
Even former HHS Secretary Tom Price said it clearly: “Science ought to be dictating our policy. And sadly, from a health standpoint, science hasn’t dictated policy in the area of tobacco consumption, especially with [authorized] smoke-free products.”
The FDA’s job is simple: cut the red tape, share the facts, and let adults make their own choices. Quitting entirely will always be the best option, but for the millions of Americans who won’t quit, better alternatives exist — and it’s time Washington stopped standing in the way.
Alton Phillips
Consumer Advocate: Dick Durbin, Roger Marshall Looking to Take Away Your Credit Card Rewards
Richard Hunt, the executive chairman of the Electronic Payments Coalition (EPC), said at a Breitbart News policy event last week that Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) are trying to take away your credit card rewards with their credit card legislation.
Hunt explained that the EPC represents a diverse group of organizations, including credit unions, community banks, large banks, and unions. He warned that two senators, Durbin and Marshall, are moving to take away credit card rewards, which many Americans use for cashback or even to pay for travel for vacation.
Marshall and Durbin have been pushing the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) for years. Hunt dubbed it the “Credit Card Cancellation Act,” noting that some large retailers have backed the bill.
Read more: Consumer Advocate: Dick Durbin, Roger Marshall Looking to Take Away Your Credit Card Rewards
OPINION: Speaker Johnson, Please Help Give Kids a Chance
As a retired nurse, I’ve cared for families facing the unimaginable: a child with a rare disease and no treatment options. Half of all rare disease patients are children, and 95% of these conditions still don’t have an FDA-approved therapy.
The Give Kids a Chance Act is a bipartisan, no-cost solution to change that. It builds on a proven program that has already delivered breakthrough treatments—like one for pediatric high-risk neuroblastoma—that otherwise might not exist. It also strengthens incentives for researchers to focus on kids who are often overlooked because their conditions are so rare.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about giving families hope. Speaker Johnson has always been a strong advocate for life and for Louisiana families, and I know he understands how urgent this is. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Julia Letlow for cosponsoring the bill and standing up for children who need it most. We already have one North Louisiana champion supporting these kids; now we need Speaker Johnson to do the same.
I respectfully urge Speaker Johnson and Congress to include the Give Kids a Chance Act in the September funding package. Families facing the rarest and toughest diagnoses shouldn’t have to wait for hope.
– Lu Jones, RN
