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of Rep. Melancon.
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U.S. Congressman Charlie Melancon has been serving the people of Louisiana's Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 2005. The district covers much of south Louisiana, stretching from St. Bernard Parish in the east, going through the river parishes and along the coast, and extending all the way through Iberia and St. Martin parishes in the west.
Born and raised in south Louisiana, Congressman Melancon serves as a voice for Louisianians in Washington, representing their values and priorities in Congress. Congressman Melancon is pro-life and pro-Second Amendment rights, and has earned an "A" rating from the NRA.
Congressman Melancon is also working to create jobs and economic opportunities for Louisiana and lower taxes on middle class families and small businesses. A fiscal conservative, Congressman Melancon has been a leader in the Blue Dog Coalition, fighting for responsible budgets and to reduce the national debt.
Congressman Melancon believes in putting Louisiana first, and has partnered with members of both parties to strengthen our national security, support our men and women in uniform and our veterans, lower the cost of healthcare, and provide our children the education they need to succeed.
After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita tore through his coastal district in 2005, Rep. Melancon worked across party lines to get people the resources they needed to rebuild. He fought to bring much-needed federal disaster recovery money to Louisiana, and introduced legislation to solve problems with insurance, rebuild schools, hold FEMA accountable, and help rebuild affordable housing. Since the storms, Rep. Melancon has fought for hurricane protection for all of south Louisiana and to restore the disappearing coastal wetlands.
As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Melancon has an impact on a broad range of issues affecting Louisiana, including the oil and gas industry, health care, and telecommunications. He serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment and the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet. Congressman Melancon is also a member of the Committee on Budget.
Congressman Melancon grew up in the rural community of Napoleonville, Louisiana, where his grandfather was a sugarcane farmer and his father managed a sugar mill. After graduating with a degree in agribusiness from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), Congressman Melancon returned home to Assumption Parish.
During the 1970's, Congressman Melancon served as Executive Director of South Central Planning and Development Commission, where he worked to build infrastructure and lay the groundwork for important economic development initiatives like Port Fourchon and the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP). He then became a successful small businessman, owning an insurance agency and opening several Baskin Robbins ice cream stores.
From 1987 to 1993 Congressman Melancon served in the Louisiana legislature as a State Representative. After leaving the legislature, Congressman Melancon worked to protect and grow Louisiana's sugar industry as president and general manager of the American Sugar League. After 11 years with the League, Congressman Melancon returned to public service and has represented Louisiana's Third Congressional District in Congress since January 2005.
Congressman Melancon and his wife of over 37 years, Peachy, still live in his childhood hometown of Napoleonville. They have two adult children and one grandchild, who live in south Louisiana as well.
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