Kennedy on saltwater intrusion in southeast Louisiana: Government dealing with problem

“I am worried about this because about a million of my 4.6 million people in my state depend on this river for drinking water . . . but I want the Senate and I want my people to understand that their local, their state and their federal governments are dealing with this problem.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today addressed the saltwater intrusion into fresh water sources in southeast Louisiana.

Key comments from Kennedy’s remarks include:

“Now, I am an optimist who worries. I am worried about this because about a million of my 4.6 million people in my state depend on this river for drinking water. And we're in the middle of watching the saltwater come up the river and we don't think it's going to stop coming up the river until sometime around, I don't know, the end of October, maybe. We could be wrong, but I want the Senate and I want my people to understand that their local, their state and their federal governments are dealing with this problem.”

. . .

“First, I want to thank President Biden. President Biden declared a disaster declaration, which allows us to get the assistance of FEMA and I'm very, very grateful for that.

“Number two. Our Corps of Engineers is involved. They're very able people. Our Corps of Engineers, below the city of New Orleans, has built an underwater dam.”

. . .

“Number three, the Corps of Engineers and FEMA are both prepared, if necessary, to deliver us fresh water, if we need it, by barge. And if you ever wonder about the might of the federal government, and particularly our Corps of Engineers—again, I can't thank them enough—they can deliver up to 36 million gallons of fresh water a day. So, thank you, Corps of Engineers, and I want my people back home to know that so they won’t be worried.”

Background:

The Mississippi River is experiencing record low water levels. That allows saltwater from the Gulf to creep upriver into the freshwater areas that provide drinking water to parts of southeast Louisiana.

The only long-term solution is for the upper Mississippi River Valley to receive ample rain, which would raise the level of the Mississippi River and push the saltwater back into the Gulf.

Until then, Louisiana, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) are investing in mitigation efforts. The Corps estimates these efforts will last at least three months.

This September, saltwater started seeping over the Mississippi River’s man-made sill, the equivalent of an underwater levee, in Plaquemines Parish.

On Sept. 27, 2023, FEMA declared this a federal emergency. Accordingly, FEMA is authorized to provide assistance for emergency measures for Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes.

Saltwater is expected to reach New Orleans later in October. The Corps is currently raising the underwater sill in Plaquemines Parish by 25 feet in order to slow the progress of saltwater creeping up the Mississippi River.

Fresh water is also being barged into water treatment plants in affected areas.

Kennedy’s full remarks are available here:

Kennedy Efforts To Protect NFIP Blocked

As you may have seen, Sen. Kennedy attempted for second time this month to extend the National Flood Insurance Program by passing his bill on the Senate floor. His effort—which would have prevented the NFIP from lapsing on Sept. 30 by extending the program for three months—was blocked.

Key remarks from Kennedy are below:

 0:00 – 1:06 “I will be the first to concede that America needs a National Flood Insurance Program that looks like we designed it on purpose. What we have now does not look like that. To call it imperfect is an understatement, but only thing worse than having what we have right now is to not have a National Flood Insurance Program at all. The fact of the matter is, that for all practical purposes people who are at risk for flooding cannot buy from the private markets, which means they can’t buy a home, which means their mortgages would be foreclosed upon. That's why we have a National Flood Insurance Program.”

1:16 – 2:27 “I believe the government is going to shut down tomorrow or at least Saturday, rather. I hope not, but I believe it is. And if it does, the National Flood Insurance Program will be shut down. I don’t want to scare people half to death—it doesn't mean that FEMA, which runs the NFIP, will stop paying claims, but it will shut down commerce if nothing else because FEMA can’t issue new policies. And again, I realize it's not perfect, but we are in hurricane season. Let me say that again: We are in hurricane season. Is this important to my state? You bet, but it's not just important to my state. It's important to every single coastal state. And that's why I would like to see us expand this program for a very, very short period of time. My bill is a clean extension. It doesn't make any changes to the program. I wish I had the authority to make changes, but I don't.”

10:15 – 10:55 “The homes in Louisiana that need flood insurance are not mansions. These are the homes of working people. These are modest homes being paid for by people who get up every day, go to work, obey the law, pay their taxes, and try to do the right thing by their kids. I don't know about millionaires that Senator Paul was talking about. Again, maybe they're in Kentucky, but they're not in Louisiana. My coast is a working coast.”

15:34 – 17:13 “When reality calls you shouldn't hang up. And that's what we've done here today. Because this government is going to shut down. I hope I'm wrong—God, I hope I'm wrong, but I think this government is going to shut down midnight Sunday night, and the National Flood Insurance Program is going to shut down right smack dab in the middle of hurricane season. I thought the first role of government—I thought this is what Republicans believe; I thought this is what Libertarians believe—the first role of government is to protect people and property. And all the United States Senate has done today is expose ordinary Americans—not millionaires, ordinary Americans—who live in modest homes, who get up every day—I’m going to say it again—and go to work, and obey the law, and pay their taxes, and try to do the right thing by their kids, and whose home is their biggest asset, and we're going to tell them, ‘It’s okay. Even though you can't buy the flood insurance from a private provider, the government is going to stop you from buying it from the National Flood Insurance Program.’ Right the middle of hurricane season. That’s not what this country is all about.”

Background on Kennedy’s efforts to improve and protect flood insurance for the 500,000 Louisianians who depend on it:

• On Sept. 28, 2023 the Senate blocked Kennedy’s bill to protect flood insurance for three months from passing on the Senate floor. The bill would have extended the NFIP through Dec., 31, 2023.

• On Sept. 13, 2023 the Senate blocked Kennedy’s NFIP Extension Act of 2023 from passing on the Senate floor. The bill would have extended the NFIP through Sept., 30, 2024.

• In July 2023, Kennedy first introduced the NFIP Extension Act of 2023 to ensure that the program would not lapse on its expiration date.

• In June 2023, Kennedy helped introduce the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act to reauthorize the NFIP for five years and cap annual policy premium hikes.

• In 2019, Kennedy’s National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2019 became law.

• In 2018, Kennedy’s first National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act became law.  

• In addition, Kennedy has helped ensure that multiple continuing resolutions to fund the federal government have included an extension of the NFIP.

Kennedy, Republican colleagues demand Schumer restore decorum, Senate dress code

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) joined Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and 44 other Republican senators in demanding that Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) restore the traditional, business dress code for senators on the Senate floor.

“For more than 230 years, the United States Senate has served the American people with honor and dignity. As members of this esteemed body, we understand the seriousness our positions require,” the senators wrote.

“The Senate is a place of honor and tradition, and the Senate floor is where we conduct the business of the American people. It is where we debate the policies which impact every American family and, when necessary, it is where we must make the gravest decision imaginable—whether to send our fellow Americans into battle to defend the freedoms we all hold dear. The world watches us on that floor and we must protect the sanctity of that place at all costs,” they continued.

 “Allowing casual clothing on the Senate floor disrespects the institution we serve and the American families we represent. We the undersigned members of the United States Senate write to express our supreme disappointment and resolute disapproval of your recent decision to abandon the Senate’s longstanding dress code for members, and urge you to immediately reverse this misguided action,” the senators concluded.

 The letter is available here.

Kennedy, Manchin introduce bipartisan resolution urging NATO allies to meet defense spending pledge

“By not meeting their own pledge to spend 2% of GDP on defense, our NATO allies are opening the door to further political instability. Every member of NATO must do its part, just as many countries are already doing, to deter bad actors like Russia from advancing their goals.”

WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced a resolution urging all member nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to spend a minimum of 2% of their gross domestic product on defense.

“Friends tell friends the truth: By not meeting their own pledge to spend 2% of GDP on defense, our NATO allies are opening the door to further political instability. Every member of NATO must do its part, just as many countries are already doing, to deter bad actors like Russia from advancing their goals,” said Kennedy.

“To effectively confront the vast range of security risks we face—from Russia and China to cybersecurity, our NATO allies must fully meet defense spending commitments. Peace and stability do not come without a price and that’s why I am proud to introduce this resolution urging NATO members to strive toward the agreed-upon 2% of GDP defense spending allocation. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this resolution to ensure every NATO state is shouldering the responsibilities of this defense alliance,” said Manchin.

The resolution also commends member countries including Greece, the United Kingdom, Finland, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia for taking strides to either meet or exceed the spending commitment.

Background:

• In 2006, member countries of NATO first agreed to spend 2% of GDP on defense. In 2014, at the NATO Summit in Wales, all member countries once again committed to maintain or move toward meeting the 2% defense spending minimum within 10 years.

• As of 2022, only 11 member countries were meeting the 2% minimum, including the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

• Many member countries issued statements pledging to meet the 2% minimum following the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, yet many member countries are projected to not reach the minimum until as late as 2035.

• Kennedy recently commended NATO allies for increasing defense spending on the Senate floor and called on other countries to meet their commitments.

The resolution is available here

Democrats Froth and Seethe After John Kennedy Reads 'Gender Queer' During Senate Hearing

Sen. John Kennedy made waves on Tuesday after he read excerpts from the book Gender Queer, among others, during a hearing.

The book in question is available in various public schools across the country and has become a symbol of the left's attempt to sexualize children. In light of that, parents across the political spectrum have risen up in order to reassert their rights and demand the removal of pornographic materials from classrooms.

In response to Illinois passing a law against “book bans”, @SenJohnKennedy read from the pornographic book Gender Queer.

Illinois Sec. of State responds by saying "those words are disturbing.”

Disturbing for adults but totally ok for kids in IL schools!pic.twitter.com/Nfy8KGaOBs

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 12, 2023

Read more: Democrats Froth and Seethe After John Kennedy Reads 'Gender Queer' During Senate Hearing

Sen. John Kennedy Nails Why Most Americans Wouldn’t Buy Joe Biden Trying to Sell Mask Mandates

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) appeared on Fox News recently and was asked if he found the return of mask mandates concerning. 

Kennedy's response was to get to the heart of the matter on the issue of credibility (or lack thereof) when it comes to the CDC, Dr. Fauci, and Joe Biden himself.

Read more: Sen. John Kennedy Nails Why Most Americans Wouldn’t Buy Joe Biden Trying to Sell Mask Mandates

.@SenJohnKennedy

"Most Americans don't trust Biden to make hamburger helper," let alone force more arbitrary mandates.pic.twitter.com/5Zc5anhISb

— MRCTV (@mrctv) September 7, 2023

John Kennedy Confronts Biden nominee Over Past Radical Statements

ICYMI: Kennedy in the Daily Advertiser: Washington’s broken border policies are costing Louisianians too much

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in the Daily Advertiser explaining how the Biden administration’s broken immigration policies are costing Louisiana taxpayers and leaving them less safe. He urges his colleagues in Congress to join him in working to secure the border and end failed “catch-and-release” policies.

Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:

“Many in Washington like to pretend President Biden’s border crisis is over, but the numbers don’t lie.

“In July alone, U.S. border agents arrested more than 130,000 migrants trying to bypass our legal immigration system and enter the country illegally. That’s more people than the entire population of Lafayette in just one month—and that’s only the migrants we stopped.

“Many more were not caught, and many who were caught were allowed in any way because they claimed to be refugees who feared political persecution in their own country.”

. . .

“Since taking office, President Biden has released 2 million migrants into the United States. We really don’t know these people, which creates concerns about crime and public safety. But someone must also foot the bill for the 2 million more people who must access our roads, schools, jails, fire departments, and other public services, too.

“According to one estimate, [Louisianians] pay an additional $4,613 per migrant—a total of $604 million per year—in state taxes because of illegal immigration. At a time when Louisiana families also must spend an additional $765 per month because of inflation, the $604 million taxpayers are investing in noncitizens who bypassed our legal immigration system could provide a lot of relief to Louisiana families.”

. . .

“Border agents confiscated more than 1,500 pounds of fentanyl in June alone, enough poison to kill the entire country. In Louisiana, we lost 2,352 people to drug overdoses last year. Nearly all of those probably involved fentanyl. In New Orleans, officials found fentanyl in 94 percent of overdose victims. In East Baton Rouge Parish, the drug was present in 88 percent of overdose victims. In St. Tammany Parish, 11 people die from fentanyl overdoses each month.

“Yet, when I tried to increase prison sentences for predators convicted of feeding fentanyl to our children, my Democratic colleagues in Washington blocked my bill.”

. . .

“Why would anyone abide by America’s legal immigration process when they can just walk into the country, skip their court dates, and—in many cases—begin taking advantage of American entitlement programs? I’ve tried to pass a bill that would close the ‘catch-and-release’ loophole, but, again, Democrats blocked it, rubbing salt in the wounds of the good people waiting to enter our country legally. German engineers and Nigerian doctors who are patiently waiting in line in our legal immigration system have dreams, too.

“America is the freest, most prosperous country in the world, but we cannot afford to ignore our lawless border and the suffering it has caused people. I’ll continue to press President Biden and my colleagues in Congress to recognize the mess they made with stupid border policies so we can work together to give the American people the secure border they deserve.”

Read the full op-ed here.

Kennedy speaks with Bayou Region Joint Chamber, visits Houma foodbank

 “Families in Houma and around Louisiana are spending an extra $765 every single month to make ends meet because of the reckless, relentless spending that President Biden and Democrats in Congress are doing. . . . I’m thankful that good people like those at Terrebonne Churches United Foodbank are putting their hearts and elbow grease into caring for this community.”

 HOUMA, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today spoke at the Bayou Region Joint Chamber of Commerce luncheon about his work to defend the energy industry from the Biden administration’s attacks, securing disaster recovery aid and other local issues. Kennedy also toured the Terrebonne Churches United Foodbank and spoke with officials and volunteers about responding to economic hardship.

 “Louisianians in the Bayou have demonstrated their resilience time and again. Two years after Hurricane Ida, Louisiana’s southeast corner is still rebuilding, and I’m thankful to have had a hand in making sure federal resources supported that recovery,” said Kennedy after his visit with the Joint Chamber.

 Kennedy has helped deliver more than $22 billion to Louisiana for disaster recovery across the state, with more than $5 billion of that aid focused on responding to Hurricane Ida, which hit southeast Louisiana incredibly hard. The Hurricane Ida resources have included funding to rebuild communities and homes, finance business loans and cover the cost of emergency response measures.

 The senator also toured the Terrebonne Churches United Foodbank to hear from volunteers and officials about how the facility is meeting local needs as historic inflation takes a toll on the community.

 “Families in Houma and around Louisiana are spending an extra $765 every single month to make ends meet because of the reckless, relentless spending that President Biden and Democrats in Congress are doing. Putting food on the table is harder than ever for too many people around here, and I’m thankful that good people like those at Terrebonne Churches United Foodbank are putting their hearts and elbow grease into caring for this community,” said Kennedy.

 In an effort to stop this historic inflation, Kennedy has voted against numerous spending bills from the Biden administration, including the $1.2 trillion misnamed “infrastructure” package, $1.9 trillion in additional COVID spending, $240 billion in a pet project that funded Big Tech semi-conductors and two massive government funding bills that totaled $3.2 trillion. Kennedy also opposed the misleadingly titled “Inflation Reduction Act” that could prove to have a price tag of $1.2 trillion.

ICYMI: Kennedy in the American Press: Washington’s out-of-control spending is to blame for back-to-school inflation

“I believe my colleagues in Washington could learn a lot by watching families make tough decisions to afford this back-to-school season. Parents know what it means to live within a budget.”

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in the American Press detailing how inflation has stretched Louisiana families thin during back-to-school season. He argues that Washington’s spending habit is to blame for the sky-high prices parents are facing as they try to fill backpacks and lunchboxes this fall.

Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:

“Following two years of national economic mismanagement, the cost of notebooks, pencils, crayons, and other school supplies has increased by 24 percent. The average family expects to spend $597 per student to cover supplies—and that’s just the start of back-to-school spending.”

. . .

“In total, inflation is costing the average Louisiana family an extra $9,180 per year, and Washington’s out-of-control spending habit is to blame.

“At President Biden’s direction, the federal government has grown faster than America’s economy. From 2020 to 2023, federal spending jumped by nearly 33 percent. In just the past 12 months, federal spending increased nine percent—or roughly half a trillion dollars.

“Some of the spending at the start of the pandemic was necessary, but a lot of it was short-sighted and foolish. It has done more to hurt Louisianians than help them. We paid workers to stay home. We paid schools to stay closed. We even paid dead people $1.4 billion in stimulus checks!”

. . .

“All this spending floods our economy with cash, causing prices to float far above what many families can afford. As families tried to keep up with skyrocketing prices, consumer credit card debt hit a record high of $1 trillion. The average personal savings rate approached an all-time low. And nearly two in five families said they cannot afford to cover an unexpected $400 expense. Congress has also saddled our children with more debt than we’ve ever seen before.

“Bidenomics has kneecapped the American Dream, yet some Democrats in Washington are hoping to normalize this high inflation rate to continue their spending spree. This inflation isn’t normal, though, and I won’t let the coastal elites forget that.”

. . .

“I’m sorry that some in the federal government have left Louisianians with soaring debt and inflation. Some of our federal spending is as foolish as it is dangerous, and I’ll continue to work to find new ways to get our spending back under control.

“In the meantime, I believe my colleagues in Washington could learn a lot by watching families make tough decisions to afford this back-to-school season. Parents know what it means to live within a budget. They stretch each dollar to its fullest potential every day. Think how much stronger our country could be if Congress stuck to its budget, too.”

Read the full op-ed here.

Kennedy in The Advocate: Washington’s soft-on-crime policies hurt Louisiana’s small businesses

“If we let rampant crime suffocate these businesses, the economies and charisma of Louisiana neighborhoods will wither, too.”

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in The Advocate describing how the soft-on-crime policies and anti-cop rhetoric coming out of Washington have harmed Louisiana’s small businesses. He argues that liberal policymakers, including President Joe Biden, must do more to address rising crime by securing the border and respecting law enforcement.

Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:

“Starting a business is one of the riskiest decisions one can make. Entrepreneurs embrace that risk because they love what they do, the people they work with, and the customers they serve.

“But today, many Louisiana business owners face risks far beyond their comfort levels. Violent crime has made it untenable for many business owners to keep their doors open. The threat to their employees and customers is just too great.”

. . .

“Louisiana isn’t alone. Crime-related business closures have increased nationwide. This crime wave is ravaging local economies, and Washington’s anti-cop rhetoric and soft-on-crime policies are to blame.

“For years, the loon wing of the Democratic Party has worked to tear down the entire law enforcement community. Rather than working for commonsense reforms, these activists called cops ‘pigs’ and urged lawmakers to defund local police departments.

“Where these activists failed to defund most police departments, they succeeded in demoralizing all of them. Today, police officer shortages plague communities everywhere. The New Orleans Police Department is on pace to have the fewest officers in 75 years. Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and the Louisiana State Police are facing massive officer shortages, too.”

. . .

“Many in Washington also embraced soft-on-crime policies that shortened federal prison sentences. I opposed these criminal reforms, including the First Step Act, because I believed it would lead to more families and businesses becoming victims of preventable crimes. Unfortunately, my fears were correct. Eleven percent of convicts released under the First Step Act reoffended—so far.

“At the border, cartels exploit our broken catch-and-release policies to flood Louisiana communities with poisonous fentanyl. Yet when I tried to increase prison sentences for fentanyl dealers earlier this year, Senate Democrats blocked my bill, apparently because they hate the idea of keeping poison dealers in prison.

“This cocktail of bone-deep, down-to-the-marrow stupid policies has fueled crime nationwide. Now, those who promoted these foolish ideas want Americans to think they’re imagining crime, rather than experiencing it.”

. . .

“If we let rampant crime suffocate these businesses, the economies and charisma of Louisiana neighborhoods will wither, too.

“Crime and the destruction that follows it are not inevitable. With fair policies, well-trained and supported police officers, and leaders dedicated to enforcing the law, we can reduce crime and make Louisiana a safe place to invest. I’ll continue to push lawmakers and officials to embrace policies that protect businesses, our people, and their livelihoods.”

Read the full op-ed here.

Senate passes Kennedy-backed bipartisan resolution reaffirming U.S. support for Israel

“The rise in antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments from members of Congress is disgraceful. Israel is a friend to America, and I am glad to see that so many lawmakers agree that there is no room for bigotry against Israelis or Jewish-Americans in the United States or our government.”

 ­WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today applauded the Senate’s passage of S. Con. Res. 14, a resolution to reaffirm the U.S.’s support for Israel.

 “The rise in antisemitic and anti-Israel sentiments from members of Congress is disgraceful. Israel is a friend to America, and I am glad to see that so many lawmakers agree that there is no room for bigotry against Israelis or Jewish-Americans in the United States or our government,” said Kennedy.

 Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) led the resolution.

 “I’m pleased that a bipartisan group of my colleagues supported this resolution upholding that Israel is not a racist state, that Congress rejects any form of antisemitism, and that America will always be a staunch supporter of Israel. It is unfortunate that Democrat attacks on Israel necessitated Congress passing this legislation,” said Cotton.

 The Senate resolved that:

•  The State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state.

• Congress rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia.

• The U.S. will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel.

 Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) also cosigned this resolution.

 Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) led this resolution in the House of Representatives.

Kennedy encourages Louisianians to claim tax refunds in wake of historic inflation

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today argued that the lasting inflation driven by President Biden’s “Bidenomics” is a “cancer” on the people of Louisiana during a speech on the Senate floor. Kennedy noted that the average Louisiana family pays an additional $757 each month—$9,084 per year—because of inflation. 

“Bidenomics, to most fair-minded Americans, is bigger government. Bidenomics is higher taxes. Bidenomics is more regulation. Bidenomics is more spending. Bidenomics is more debt,” Kennedy said. 

“Bidenomics is also inflation. Let me say that again: First and foremost, Bidenomics is inflation. President Biden's inflation—history, I believe, will demonstrate this—is a cancer on the American dream,” he continued.

To offer some relief, Kennedy urged people in Louisiana to check on whether they have unclaimed tax refunds due to them.  Kennedy noted that the Louisiana Department of Revenue is sitting on $11,574,249 in unclaimed tax refunds. The department recently sent letters to more than 15,000 Louisianians who are owed refunds. He urged those who received a letter to visit the Department of Revenue’s website to get the money they are owed.

Kennedy also encouraged Louisianians to confirm that they received their federal tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service, too, by visiting IRS.gov/refunds.

“A lot of people—not just Louisianians, all across America—forget to claim their state income tax refund and/or their federal income tax refund,” Kennedy said.

“So, I hope you'll take advantage of this information—not just in Louisiana, but all across America—and go claim your tax refunds if you’re owed them,” Kennedy concluded.

Kennedy’s full remarks are available here:

Kennedy: GOMESA cap unfairly targets Louisiana

“We've proven we can use the money well, and we put our own money up, and it is patently unfair that other states get a larger share—much larger share—than Louisiana.”

Watch Kennedy’s full exchange:

 WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today raised questions about the fairness of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act’s (GOMESA) limits on revenue that Louisiana can receive.

 Kennedy and Louisiana’s Gov. John Bel Edwards, a witness at the hearing, agreed on the necessity of passing the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies & Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which would reform GOMESA to lift the current revenue cap that unfairly penalizes Louisiana.

 “Do you think it's fair [that] we get 37.5 percent of offshore oil royalties under GOMESA? New Mexico gets 50 percent share from the federal government . . . Wyoming gets 50 percent, North Dakota gets 50 percent. We get 37.5 percent, and we’ve got to share it with four other states,” said Kennedy.

 “And it's capped at $375 million . . . ” replied Edwards.

 “All we're asking is to be treated like everybody else, aren't we . . . and we have a solution, don't we?” Kennedy continued.

 “We do,” Edwards confirmed, commending the RISEE Act, the “wonderful piece of legislation” that Kennedy helped introduce and has long advocated for.

 “I appreciate your work on that,” Edwards added.

 “Well, to be blunt: We've proven we can use the money well, and we put our own money up, and it is patently unfair that other states get a larger share—much larger share—than Louisiana, and I think the RISEE Act—which will also help our wind industry, as Sen. Whitehouse knows, we're working together on it—is long overdue, and I appreciate you coming up here to talk about that bill,” said Kennedy.

 Background:

 Under GOMESA, federal revenues from the offshore energy production of Gulf states are divided into three portions. The federal government returns 37.5 percent of this revenue to Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama. The Land and Water Conservation Fund receives 12.5 percent of offshore revenue and directs most of that money to landlocked states. The final 50 percent of Gulf oil and gas revenue goes to the U.S. Treasury.

 The GOMESA cap limits the dollar value of Gulf states’ 37.5 percent revenue share to $375 million each year, meaning the states receive no benefit when the energy sector peaks and revenues surpass the cap. Conversely, the Mineral Leasing Act ensures that states with onshore drilling operations receive 50 percent of their revenues, while there is no cap on how much money that share includes.

 States with onshore energy production typically aren’t required to spend that money on environmental priorities. Louisiana constitutionally dedicates revenues from offshore energy production to pay for its coastal conservation and restoration projects.

Kennedy in the Washington Examiner: Insulin price caps will save taxpayer dollars

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) wrote this op-ed in the Washington Examiner urging his colleagues in Washington to join his effort to reduce federal spending on health care by capping the price of insulin. Kennedy explains how making insulin affordable will improve the overall health of Americans with diabetes. This care helps them avoid the costly hospital visits and health complications that often fall to the taxpayer to cover.

Earlier this year, Sen. Kennedy joined Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) in introducing the Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023, a bill which would ensure that all Americans, including those without insurance, have access to insulin that costs $35 per month or less.

Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:

“More than one in 10 Americans live with diabetes, and many of them cannot afford the insulin they need to stay out of the emergency room.

“For years now, Congress has nibbled around the edges of insulin affordability rather than addressing the issue directly. This failure to act results in needless suffering and financial stress for families living with diabetes, and it saddles the American taxpayer with billions of dollars in related healthcare spending.”

. . .

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Americans spend $327 billion annually to cover healthcare expenses and lost wages related to diabetic care. Louisiana alone spends an estimated $5.7 billion on care related to diabetes each year.”

. . .

“This bill would ensure that all Americans, including those without insurance, have access to a 30-day supply of insulin that costs no more than $35.

“This plan isn’t one of Washington’s out-of-control spending policies. Any costs associated with capping insulin prices will be fully offset by cutting spending elsewhere in our $6 trillion annual federal budget. More importantly, improving access to affordable insulin can lower federal healthcare spending overall. That means we’re taking a big burden off both diabetics and taxpayers.”

. . .

“We cap the price of insulin at $35 per month today, and we can save thousands of dollars—if not tens of thousands of dollars—per patient in avoided hospital expenses. You don’t need to work on Wall Street to appreciate this return on investment.

“Without adding a penny to the federal budget, Congress can make it affordable for every American to get the insulin they need to stay healthy, go to work, care for their children, contribute to the economy and their community, and avoid costly emergency room visits that end up costing American taxpayers.”

Read the full op-ed here.

Kennedy amendment condemning racists attacks against Justice Clarence Thomas passes Judiciary Committee unanimously

 ­“If you think the things that have been said about Clarence Thomas are racist to the marrow and you condemn them, then vote for this amendment.”

Watch Kennedy’s full remarks here.

 WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced an amendment to the Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2023 to condemn the recent racist attacks made against Justice Clarence Thomas. After a long discussion, the committee adopted the amendment by a vote of 21-0.

 “I don’t understand the reluctance to accept the fact that Justice Clarence Thomas, who happens to be a black man, has been the butt of a lot of racist statements. And I don't understand the reluctance to condemn those,” Kennedy said after Democratic members of the committee proposed amendments to his proposal. “I don’t want to water it down. I don't want to bubble-wrap it. I don't want to sugarcoat it. I want it to say, as big as Dallas, the United States Senate condemns all these racist things that have been said about Justice Clarence Thomas.”

 Kennedy noted that Justice Thomas had recently been compared to a house slave in a racist statement made by Minnesota Attorney General and former U.S. Representative Keith Ellison.

“You don’t have to be a senior at Cal Tech to figure it out. [The amendment] says [that] all of this stuff about Clarence Thomas, calling him a house slave and other racist, disgusting statements, we condemn. Now, you either condemn it or you don't, and that's all this amendment does,” Kennedy said.

 “If you support the racist things that have been said about Clarence Thomas, then vote against this amendment,” Kennedy later added. “If you think the things that have been said about Clarence Thomas are racist to the marrow and you condemn them, then vote for this amendment.”

 Kennedy’s full remarks are available here.

Senate Small Business Committee passes Kennedy bill to help homeowners, small business owners rebuild after disaster strikes

“The Small Business Committee understands the significant need to help small business and home owners access loans when they need them the most—after a disaster strikes. Now, the Senate must pass this bill so that Louisianians and all Americans can actually recover and rebuild in the wake of tragedy.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) Small Business Disaster Damage Fairness Act of 2023 today passed the Senate Small Business Committee, and now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

 “The Small Business Committee understands the significant need to help small business and home owners access loans when they need them the most—after a disaster strikes. Now, the Senate must pass this bill so that Louisianians and all Americans can actually recover and rebuild in the wake of tragedy,” said Kennedy.

 Kennedy’s legislation would indefinitely extend an increase to the Recovery Improvements for Small Entities After Disaster Act’s initial loan limit of $14,000 to $25,000. The increase would not require borrowers to pledge collateral.  

 Physical disaster loans help businesses, homeowners and others rebuild damaged property in declared disaster areas.

 Background:

• In March, Kennedy introduced the Small Business Disaster Damage Fairness Act of 2023.

• In August 2019, Kennedy introduced the Rebuilding Small Businesses After Disasters Act to extend the Recovery Improvements for Small Entities After Disaster Act of 2015, which became law but expired in November of 2022. 

• A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study showed that Kennedy’s 2019 bill reduced government spending and saved taxpayer dollars. According to the study, the GAO “reviewed more than 20 years of loan data and found that the loans approved before the change in collateral requirements had higher default rates than the loans approved after the change.”

Kennedy introduces bill to extend National Flood Insurance Program through 2024

“No one knows the feeling of having their home or business destroyed by bad weather like Louisianians. I am introducing this bill to make sure every homeowner in my state can sleep peacefully knowing that the NFIP won’t end in the middle of hurricane season.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Extension Act of 2023 to prevent the NFIP from expiring on September 30, 2023. 

 The legislation would extend the NFIP for one year, until September 30, 2024.

“No one knows the feeling of having their home or business destroyed by bad weather like Louisianians. I am introducing this bill to make sure every homeowner in my state can sleep peacefully knowing that the NFIP won’t end in the middle of hurricane season,” said Kennedy.

Of the 5 million Americans nationwide who rely on the NFIP, roughly 500,000 are Louisianians who need the program to protect their businesses and homes.  

Text of the NFIP Extension Act of 2023 is available here.

Kennedy: We can lower cost of insulin without adding to federal budget

“We need to be smart enough to figure this out. And the cost? I think it can be done for $250 million a year, and I'm not talking about taking out a reverse mortgage on Alaska and borrowing more money. I'm talking about finding it in our budget.”

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today questioned witnesses in the Senate Appropriations Committee on the bipartisan Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023, which he and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) introduced this March. Their bill would cap the price of insulin for all patients, including those who are uninsured, at $35 for a 30-day supply.

Key moments from the committee exchange include:

“We need to stop nibbling around the edges. We need to be smart enough to figure this out. And the cost? I think it can be done for $250 million a year, and I'm not talking about taking out a reverse mortgage on Alaska and borrowing more money. I'm talking about finding it in our budget,” said Kennedy.

 “The federal budget is 6,000 billion dollars every year—and we can’t find $250 million to cap the price of insulin? Let's do it right,” Kennedy concluded.

 Background on the Affordable Insulin Now Act:

 More than 14 percent of Louisiana’s adult population has been diagnosed with diabetes, and more than 30 percent of adult Louisianians are pre-diabetic.

 Louisiana alone spends an estimated $5.7 billion a year on direct medical expenses for those who are diagnosed with diabetes. By ensuring that insulin is affordable, the long-term cost of care for patients will decrease over time as more Americans are able to prevent complications including heart disease, kidney disease, strokes and other diagnoses.

 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, medical costs and lost work and wages for people with diagnosed diabetes total $327 billion yearly, and the American Diabetes Association has asserted that diabetics account for $1 of every $4 spent on health care in the U.S.

 A national study projected that improving access to insulin for uninsured patients could help avoid complications of diabetes and deaths related to the disease. As a result, the health care system could save substantial amounts of money on providing care to uninsured diabetes patients.

 The Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023 would:

•  Require private group or individual plans to cover one of each insulin dosage form (i.e., vial, pen) and insulin type (i.e., rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting) for no more than $35 per month.

•  Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program to reimburse qualifying entities for covering any costs that exceed $35 for providing a 30-day supply of insulin to uninsured patients.

• Be fully paid for by an offset and not add to the federal deficit.

Kennedy’s efforts to save taxpayer money by defraying insulin costs include:

• In August 2022, Kennedy introduced an amendment to President Biden’s inflation reduction Act to cap insulin costs.

• In June 2022, Kennedy penned an op-ed outlining the benefits of making insulin affordable for diabetic Louisianians.

• In September 2021, Kennedy introduced the Seniors Saving on Insulin Act and the Vital Medication Affordability Act in an effort to make insulin and epinephrine more affordable.

• In August 2021, Kennedy introduced the Ending Pricey Insulin Act to address skyrocketing insulin prices.   

Kennedy announces $10 million to Ascension, St. Charles Parishes for flood protection

“I am thankful for this $10 million, which will help protect Louisianians’ properties in St. Charles and Ascension Parishes from flood damage.”

MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $10,032,981 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana flood mitigation efforts.

“I am thankful for this $10 million, which will help protect Louisianians’ properties in St. Charles and Ascension Parishes from flood damage,” said Kennedy.

The FEMA aid will fund the following:

• $7,046,627 to Ascension Parish to elevate 37 structures.

• $2,986,354 to St. Charles Parish to elevate 16