Southwest Louisiana

  • Southwest Louisiana

    Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana, the heart of Cajun Country, is a beautiful part of the country with wonderful people, scenic habitats, diverse wildlife and a story to tell.


    In 2005, much of Southwest Louisiana was slammed by Hurricane Rita.  The storm was one of the most powerful to ever enter the Gulf of Mexico, and many communities in the area continue to rebuild.  The determination and spirit of the people in my district is evidenced everyday as schools, government buildings and homes are repaired or reconstructed often with the aid of neighbors.

     

    Wildlife and our diverse habitats bring thousands of visitors to Southwest Louisiana annually.  Crocodiles, crawfish, redfish all provide both a reminder of our Cajun roots and a challenge to sportsmen around the region.

    Louisiana is a national leader in energy production.  Approximately one-third of all U.S. oil and gas travels through Louisiana, and the state ranks fifth for both crude oil and natural gas production.  Twenty-five percent of the nation’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) will run through Louisiana’s Seventh District by the year 2015.

    For the latest news from Southwest Louisiana, please click here to visit my news room.

     

Office Locations

  • Office Location

    Washington, DC Office
    1117 Longworth House Office Bldg
    Washington, DC 20515-1807
    Phone: (202) 225-2031
    Fax: (202) 225-5724
    View Map

    Lafayette Office
    800 Lafayette Street, Suite 1400
    Lafayette, LA 70501
    Phone: (337) 235-6322
    Fax: (337) 235-6072
    View Map

    Lake Charles Office
    Capital One Tower
    One Lakeshore Drive, Suite 1775
    Lake Charles, LA 70629
    Phone: (337) 433-1747
    Fax: (337) 433-0974
    View Map

     

Southwest Louisiana

Search A Bill

E-Newsletter

  • E-Newsletter

    *By submitting, you are subscribing to my newsletter.

Students' Corner

Contact Boustany

Ways and Means Committee

From supporting the agricultural backbone of Louisiana farmland to promoting trade in Southwest Louisiana ports like the Port of Lake Charles, the distinguished House Ways and Means Committee tackles many issues that are important to Louisiana and all Americans. The committee’s jurisdiction includes tax, trade, healthcare, social security, income and family support and other revenue measures.

Since its inception on July 24, 1789, many famous Americans have served on the Committee.  The long and distinguished list includes 8 Presidents of the United States from George H.W. Bush to James Madison, 8 Vice Presidents, 4 Supreme Court Justices, 34 Cabinet members, and quite notably, 21 Speakers of the House of Representatives.  The last figure represents nearly one-half of the 52 Speakers who have served since 1789 through the end of the 110th Congress.

The committee decides how best to raise the revenue required to finance the Federal Government through income, excise and other taxes and oversees the debt of the United States, which totals more than $10 trillion.

In addition, the committee handles commercial matters that include trade agreements, customs and ports of entry, revenue measures and the transportation of dutiable goods.  The committee is responsible for all tariffs, import trade and trade negotiations.

The committee also oversees many social security programs including Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, welfare and a variety of other social services.

Through its jurisdiction, the committee plays a significant role in drafting and passing bills like highway reauthorizations, farm bills and other important legislation.

Charles Boustany is a ranking member of the Oversight subcommittee which serves as a check and balance on certain actions of the Executive Branch of the government, including the functions of the IRS.

Visit the Ways and Means Committee's website here.