Central Louisiana News

Cassidy, Johnson, Senate GOP Demand Biden Reject “Unacceptable” WHO Agreements

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and the entire Senate Republican Conference have demanded the Biden administration to withdraw its support for two international agreements being considered at this month's World Health Assembly (WHA) that would grant greater authority to the dysfunctional World Health Organization (WHO) and potentially weaken United States sovereignty.In a letter, the senators expressed their concerns about the WHO's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and criticized the Biden administration for supporting...

By Central Louisiana News | May 2, 2024

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ICYMI: State Affairs Highlights Cassidy’s Plan to Save Social Security

By Central Louisiana News | May 2, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has proposed a comprehensive plan to rescue Social Security from financial turmoil. In an op-ed published in State Affairs, Dr. Cassidy outlined his "Big Idea" aimed at safeguarding the future of the Social Security program."Our ‘Big Idea’ would repeal the automatic benefits cut, while the investment fund would also offset any borrowing required to pay benefits in the meantime," stated Dr. Cassidy. He emphasized that with some adjustments, the plan could ensure the program's sustainability for generations to come....

Cassidy Leads Colleagues in Urging Commerce, Interior to Back Away from Regulations on Rice’s Whale, Actions to Shutdown Offshore Energy Development

By Central Louisiana News | May 1, 2024

On May 1, 2024, a group of U.S. Senators, including Bill Cassidy, Tommy Tuberville, Katie Boyd Britt, John Kennedy, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Ted Cruz, and Roger Wicker, have come together to voice their concerns over proposed regulations regarding the Rice's whale and its potential impact on offshore energy development and military activities.In a letter addressed to the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Interior, the senators emphasized the need for sound scientific backing before implementing regulations that could have significant consequences. They highlighted the lack of...

Cassidy Named 2024 Fiscal Hero by Fix the Debt

By Central Louisiana News | May 1, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has been honored as a 2024 Fiscal Hero by Fix the Debt, a project of the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Dr. Cassidy expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing his commitment to cutting the debt while safeguarding essential government programs. In his statement, he highlighted his efforts, from passing legislative acts like the Eliminate Government Oil-Paintings (EGO Act) and the MEGABYTE Act to addressing significant challenges such as ensuring the solvency of Social Security. He...

Cassidy Announces $2.2 Million for Louisiana in Hurricanes Laura, Ida Relief

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $2,191,871.24 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Hurricanes Laura and Ida relief. The Calcasieu Parish School Board will receive $1,051,138.34 for building repairs damaged as a result of Hurricane Laura. Lafourche Parish will receive $1,140,732.90 for permanent repairs required as a result of Hurricane Ida. "Despite the devastation left by Hurricanes Laura and Ida, Louisiana is resilient," said Dr. Cassidy. "This funding will help our South Louisiana communities clean...

Cassidy Announces $10.5 Million for Louisiana in Hurricane Ida Relief

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive $10,540,170.55 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Hurricane Ida Relief."Louisiana has shown its resiliency while recovering from Hurricane Ida," said Dr. Cassidy.“This funding will help restore our communities in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes to ensure they are prepared when the next storm hits,” added Dr. Cassidy.

Boil Advisory Lifted for Tulane Ave.

Alexandria, La. (April 30, 2024)—The boil advisory that was issued for the Tulane Ave area has been lifted, as confirmed by authorities. This advisory was put in place due to repairs on a 12-inch water main, which necessitated precautionary measures. Barrett Dezendorf, Superintendent of Water Operations, stated, "The State of Louisiana has tested the water, and the results of the tests are clear."The Alexandria Water Department has officially lifted the boil advisory for businesses and residents located specifically along Tulane Ave. In light of this development, the City...

Cassidy, Warren, Blumenthal Request Answers from Homeland Security on Ransomware Attacks Against U.S. Health Care System

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) have called for answers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) regarding ransomware attacks on the American health care system.In a letter to CISA Director Jen Easterly, the senators highlighted the impact of a ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, the largest processor of medical claims in the U.S. The attack, carried out by the Russian-linked cybercriminal group ALPHV Blackcat on February 21,...

China's Growing Influence in Latin America Sparks US Response

By Central Louisiana News | Apr 29, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) and U.S. Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL-27) and Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13) have collaborated on an op-ed published in Fox News Digital, outlining their proposed Americas Act to address China's expanding influence in Latin America.In their article, the lawmakers emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "U.S. policymakers have always treated our hemisphere as an afterthought." They highlighted China's increasing presence in the region, noting that "China has taken notice and used...

Boil Advisory Issued for Tulane Ave in Alexandria, Louisiana

By Central Louisiana News | Apr 29, 2024

A boil water advisory has been issued for Tulane Ave in Alexandria, Louisiana, following repairs to a 12-inch water main, as stated by Barrett Dezendorf, Superintendent Water Operations. The loss of water pressure during the repair process has led to concerns about the compromised water quality in the affected area.The Alexandria Water Department is taking precautionary measures by advising all customers located in the highlighted properties along Tulane Ave to boil their water before consumption. The advisory, effective immediately, will remain in effect until further...

Cassidy, Cramer, Colleagues Highlight NPR Bias, Urge Journalistic Integrity

By Central Louisiana News | Apr 29, 2024

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and their colleagues have raised concerns about NPR's biased reporting and loss of public trust. Dr. Cassidy pointed out, "Taxpayers should not be funding nonstop progressive rants." The senators emphasized the importance of journalistic standards and unbiased reporting in a letter to NPR's CEO, Katherine Maher.The senators expressed their disappointment in NPR's departure from providing impartial coverage, with Dr. Cassidy likening it to the practices of the USSR's Pravda. They highlighted the need for NPR to...

Senators Cassidy and Warren Call on DOJ, DHS to Halt Crypto Use in Child Sexual Abuse Material Trade

By Central Louisiana News | Apr 26, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) have urged Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to take action against the use of cryptocurrency in the illegal trade of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).In a joint statement, Senators Cassidy and Warren emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The pseudonymity provided by cryptocurrency has allowed the payments for CSAM to ‘move quickly into the crypto world,’ and we are committed to ensuring that Congress and the Administration...

Cassidy, Peters Introduce Bill to Better Prepare FEMA Workforce to Respond to Natural Disasters

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Gary Peters (D-MI) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing the preparedness of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workforce to respond to natural disasters.The bill, titled the FEMA Workforce Planning Act, focuses on improving FEMA's recruitment, retention, training, and deployment strategies for its workforce. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing staffing gaps within the agency."FEMA plays a vital role in a community’s recovery after natural disasters, but FEMA’s workforce...

Boil Advisory Issued for Twin Bridges Rd

In Alexandria, Louisiana, residents and businesses along Twin Bridges Rd are facing a boil water advisory following repairs to a 4-inch water main, as stated by Barrett Dezendorf, Superintendent Water Operations. Dezendorf highlighted that the water pressure loss during the repair process has potentially compromised the water in the area.The Alexandria Water Department swiftly responded by issuing a precautionary boil advisory, effective immediately and to remain in place until further notice. The advisory specifically covers all properties highlighted in the attached map...

ICYMI: Cassidy: It’s Time to Refocus on Latin America

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has emphasized the importance of refocusing U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America with the introduction of the Americas Act. In an op-ed for the Ripon Forum, Cassidy highlighted the need for a self-sufficient Western Hemisphere dedicated to economic prosperity, democracy, and the rule of law. "Our legislation makes the U.S. competitive again by creating the only viable alternative to a Latin American ensnared by the CCP—a self-sufficient Western Hemisphere that is dedicated to economic prosperity, democracy, and the...

Lifted Boil Advisory for Twin Bridges Rd.

Alexandria, La. (April 25, 2024)—The boil advisory that was in effect for the Twin Bridges Rd area has been lifted, as announced by the Alexandria Water Department. The advisory, which was issued on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, has now been rescinded following repairs to a 4-inch water main made by COA personnel."The State of Louisiana has tested the water, and the results of the tests are clear," stated Superintendent of Water Operations, Barrett Dezendorf. This testing has confirmed that the water in the Twin Bridges Rd area is now safe for consumption.With the boil...

Cassidy Announces $7.1 Million for Port of New Orleans From His Infrastructure Law

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has revealed that the Port of New Orleans is set to benefit from a significant financial injection of $7,117,567.00. This funding, sourced from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), will be allocated through the Department of Transportation's Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) Grant Program. According to Dr. Cassidy, the funds will be utilized for a variety of purposes aimed at enhancing the port's infrastructure and workforce development.In response to the...

Cassidy Announces $52.7 Million for Pipeline Construction, Natural Gas Infrastructure From His Infrastructure Law

By Central Louisiana News | Apr 24, 2024

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will grant Louisiana $52,727,798.00 in the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Fiscal Year 2023 Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure and Safety Modernization Grants from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)."Pipelines transport the energy required to fuel our daily lives," said Dr. Cassidy. "This funding will enhance the safety and efficiency of our infrastructure for years to come."BackgroundPHMSA’s grant programs...