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111th Congress


  • Boustany Votes Against Tax Increases on American Families and Businesses

    "While this bill is not perfect, I strongly believe that it is critically important that this Congress prevent a massive tax increase of $3.8 trillion on American families and businesses. With unemployment hovering around 10% and the nation still experiencing sluggish economic growth, it would have been irresponsible for us to not act. Passage of this legislation is a fundamental first step to avert sliding back into a recession."
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  • Boustany Applauds the 256th on its Return to Louisiana

    "I am proud to represent so many of these troops, and I welcome them home after their tour of duty in Iraq. Their sacrifice should remind all Americans that freedom is not free."
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  • Boustany Speaks Against Tax Increases on American Families and Businesses

    "American families and businesses have had uncertainty hanging over their heads for months and we've known about the date of the expiration of these tax provisions. It's time for this Congress to act. It's way past due."
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  • Boustany Applauds Judge's Ruling on Unconstitutionality of Health Care Law

    "This ruling clearly demonstrates one of the most significant problems with the legislation, which I will continue to aggressively fight in the upcoming Congress. It is wrong for the federal government to mandate that Americans purchase more expensive Washington-approved coverage. This court decision is a step in the right direction towards repealing Obamacare and replacing it with commonsense, affordable solutions."
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  • Boustany Comments on Decision to Halt Further Energy Production in the Gulf of Mexico

    "This decision not only damages the trust of energy producers across the country, but it comes at a time when we desperately need new jobs to help our economy recover."
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  • USDA Releases Emergency Information for Disaster Designated Parishes

    "The Department of Agriculture declared on November 30 several parishes in Southwest Louisiana disaster areas as a result of a drought beginning on March 23, 2010 and continuing. Farmers in these areas have eight months from the date of this emergency declaration to apply for emergency loan assistance on a case-by-case basis."
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  • Reps. Green, Boustany Lead Meeting with Director Bromwich

    "American energy producers remain committed to safety, but have still not received clear guidelines on the new regulations. Additionally, regional and local administration officials and inspectors are still unable to get answers from Secretary Salazar or Director Bromwich on these rules."
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  • Boustany Applauds FEMA's Efforts to Assist Hurricane Rita Survivors with Long-Term Housing

    "FEMA has worked closely with residents and communities to find new housing for the displaced residents. The plan announced today is the latest effort to ensure that all residents relocated by the storms are able to return to a permanent housing situation."
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  • Boustany Congratulates Rep. John Boehner on His Nomination for Speaker of the House

    "I want to commend Leader Boehner on his selection by fellow Republicans for Speaker of the House. Over the past few years, he has demonstrated his leadership in Congress and has provided a clear voice for Republicans throughout this election cycle. I look forward to working with Speaker Boehner during the next Congress. We have much work to do, and I believe that with his leadership, we will be able to turn the country around again."
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  • Boustany Responds to Lifting of Deepwater Moratorium

    "While the lifting of this moratorium is long overdue, the real proof will be how quickly drilling is allowed to resume."
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  • Boustany Pledges Continued Support to Region after Release of Gulf Coast Report

    "This report is a step toward restoring the Gulf Coast in the wake of the oil spill, but much work remains," Boustany said. "I have been working with Secretary Ray Mabus for several months, and look forward to continuing our discussions on how our state and the region can be revitalized."
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  • Boustany Announces $1.3 Million for Marsh Creation in Black Lake

    "The award is authorized to collect and use sediment dredged from the Calcasieu River and Pass to create over 300 acres of marsh in the northwest corner of Black Lake."
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  • Boustany Remembers Hurricane Rita in House Resolution

    "Category 3 Hurricane Rita came ashore with wind speeds of more than 120 miles per hour and 15 feet of storm surge, causing an estimated $11.3 billion dollars in damages – and making it the third most expensive natural disaster in U.S. history. Rita caused widespread destruction to our communities, fragile working wetlands and critical energy infrastructure in Vermilion, Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes."
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  • Boustany Urges Administration to Move Quicker to Restore Louisiana Way of Life

    "While today's re-opening of the federal fishery area off the Southwest Louisiana coast is welcome, this Administration needs to do more to help the people of the Gulf Coast," said Boustany. "The Administration's continued delay, whether with resources, re-opening federal waters to fishing or lifting the job-killing moratorium, threatens our way of life. Louisiana remains a ‘Sportsman's Paradise' with diverse habitats, and I will continue to work to ensure we maintain this important legacy."
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  • Boustany Urges Secretary Mabus to Hold Meeting in Southwest Louisiana

    "I appreciate Secretary Mabus's commitment to meet with residents along the Gulf Coast to develop a sound plan to restore our vital wetlands, but the people of Southwest Louisiana should have their voices heard too," said Boustany. "The Southwest Louisiana coast is still recovering from hurricanes Rita, Gustav and Ike over the last five years and the oil blowout hurts our recovery further. I urge Secretary Mabus to hold a Town Hall in the Southwest Louisiana coastal parishes to get a better understanding of the work that needs to be done."
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  • Boustany Introduces Bill to Prevent CLASS Act Taxpayer Bailout

    "The CLASS Act is yet another problem in President Obama's 2,000 plus page health care law," said Boustany. "Billed as a long-term care benefit program, Congressional Democrats raided the CLASS Act before if began to pay for other aspects of the trillion dollar new law. Once implemented, the CLASS Act will quickly run deficits, requiring taxpayer funding to bailout the program. The Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act forces Congress to re-evaluate the CLASS Act and reject the program if it fails to achieve fiscal stability."
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  • Boustany- "Andy Griffith Cannot Sugarcoat the Medicare Cuts in President Obama's Massive New Law"

    "Medicare remains a critical safety net for seniors throughout Louisiana, but Washington Democrats decided to raid Medicare by $500 billion to pay for the new health care law rather than focusing on lower costs," Boustany said. "More and more information continues to come to light about President Obama's new health law and how the cuts will affect access to care of America's seniors. Even an ad campaign with Andy Griffith cannot sugarcoat the Medicare cuts in President Obama's massive new law. This year, Medicare took in less than it paid out, and without responsible reforms, Medicare will face bankruptcy."
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  • Boustany- "New Bill Raises Taxes on Energy, Will Shut Down American Production"

    "Democrats in Washington continue to propose new taxes that will squeeze family budgets even further, and this attempted energy tax is no different," said Boustany. "We need American produced energy. It creates good paying jobs throughout the Gulf and reduces our dependence on foreign sources of energy. The CLEAR Act raises taxes and threatens to put many small energy companies out of work for good."
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  • Boustany- "Today's rally shows how important energy jobs are to Louisiana"

    "Today's rally shows how important energy jobs are to Louisiana, and I hope the President will listen to the message of those who attended," said Boustany. "The moratorium impacts thousands of jobs and families throughout the Gulf. The people of Louisiana remain committed to cleaning up the coast, but they also want to return to work producing the energy that powers America forward."
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  • Boustany Optimistic About Progress to Stop Oil Leak, but Says Challenges Remain

    "The latest progress reports from the spill site give some hope to thousands of families across the Gulf affected by the spill, but many challenges remain," said Boustany. "Permanently stopping the spill must remain the top priority, but the federal government continues to be responsible for coordinating the clean up and protecting our coastline and marshes. I am also committed to overturning President Obama's moratorium on energy exploration in the Gulf. Arbitrarily shutting down American energy production makes the U.S. more reliant on foreign sources of oil and could eliminate thousands of Gulf Coast jobs."
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  • Boustany Meets with Oilfield Service Workers to Discuss Moratorium's Impact on Southwest Louisiana

    "This moratorium affects a wide range of jobs throughout Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana," said Boustany. "From electricians and welders to helicopter pilots, boat crews and food service providers, the impact of the moratorium will be felt throughout our communities. After two federal court decisions, the President continues to block American energy exploration and production, making us more reliant on foreign energy sources. I appreciate hearing from workers in the oil service sector today. I will continue to work to overturn the ban to help them and thousands of others in similar situations."
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  • Boustany Applauds Second Court Decision to Allow Deepwater Energy Production Again

    "The U.S. Court of Appeals decision shows the Obama Administration and Secretary Salazar acted irrationally," said Boustany. "I urge the Administration to begin reviewing offshore permit applications and after a thorough vetting process to approve those applications that qualify. Unfairly slowing the review process is a de-facto moratorium, which will make America more dependent on foreign energy and cost Louisiana thousands of jobs."
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  • Boustany Urges Spending Cut to IRS Budget, Preventing Enforcement of Individual Insurance Mandate

    "Recently, the Congressional Budget Office and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported health costs for families and for seniors will rise even higher due to the massive, new health law. Today's YouCut vote helps to stop one of the major problems with the new health law, and it could save taxpayers across the country between five and ten billion dollars."
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  • Boustany Applauds Passage of Extension for National Flood Insurance Program in House, Urges Senate to Pass Measure

    "As we enter hurricane season, we continue to be reminded of the potential for devastating storms," Boustany said. "The National Flood Insurance Program provides a critical safeguard for homeowners around the country, especially those in Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana. It's a commonsense program, and I urge the Senate to pass the extension quickly."
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  • Boustany Opposes Administration's Move to Re-Impose Moratorium

    "Sec. Salazar's decision to re-impose the moratorium shows shortsightedness following the federal judge's ruling and the advice of the scientists and engineers that Interior requested," said Boustany. "Thousands of jobs throughout Southwest Louisiana depend on offshore energy production, and America relies on the energy we produce. Sec. Salazar's moratorium makes the U.S. more dependent on foreign energy sources. The moratorium is the wrong way to make offshore energy production safer."
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  • Boustany Applauds Ruling to Allow Deepwater Energy Production Again

    "Today's ruling shows the knee-jerk reaction the Administration decided to take instead of a thoughtful approach," said Boustany. "Thousands of jobs throughout Southwest Louisiana depend on offshore energy production, and America relies on the energy we produce. This moratorium made our country more dependent on foreign sources of oil and gas while threatening thousands of jobs. As the Administration moves forward, they must act responsibly to balance our energy, economic and environmental needs. Today's ruling is only a start to restoring offshore production, but it is an important start."
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  • Boustany Requests Meeting with President to Address Energy Production Moratorium and Loss of Louisiana Jobs

    "As the moratorium continues, thousands of Louisiana workers remain out of work, and they face great uncertainty about their futures," said Boustany. "America needs energy produced from the Gulf Coast region. This moratorium makes us more reliant on foreign sources of energy, which costs us jobs and directly impacts our national security. The President should listen to members of the Louisiana delegation to understand how his policies affect our area."
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  • Boustany Urges Responsible Offshore Energy Production to Continue in Letter to Secretary Salazar and at Committee Hearing

    "As the people of Louisiana struggle to clean up our coast, many families face the loss of income and their jobs because of the deep water drilling moratorium," said Boustany. "Responsible energy production is essential to keep America moving forward and to the economy of the Gulf Coast region. In the days following the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon, safety efforts were expanded on the existing rigs to prevent another disaster. The Administration needs to lift the moratorium and allow Louisiana workers to return to their jobs to produce the energy America needs."
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  • REPS. GENE GREEN AND CHARLES BOUSTANY SEND LETTER URGING SEC. SALAZAR TO AVOID CRIPPLING SHALLOW WATER ENERGY PRODUCTION

    "Shallow water oil and gas production differs greatly from deep water production," said Boustany. "Secretary Salazar must not cripple the 5,000-plus jobs that rely on shallow water production, which would happen if the permitting process halts those in shallow water."
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  • Boustany- "Nonpartisan CMS confirms President's health care law cuts Medicare by $500 billion to fund new programs"

    "Millions of seniors across Louisiana depend on Medicare to help with their rising health care costs, and the CMS report confirms the disturbing $500 billion raid on Medicare in the President's new health care law to pay for new programs," Boustany said.
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  • Boustany Votes Against Senate Health Overhaul

    "As a doctor, I know Americans struggle with health costs, and Congress could act to help lower their premiums and overall costs," said Boustany. "Unfortunately, Congressional Democrats and the President decided to ram through a deeply-flawed overhaul that will cause premiums for families to rise even faster. The American people rejected the Democrats' bill and their heavy-handed approach. I will work to fix the unintended consequences as we move forward."
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  • Boustany Questions Taxpayer Advocate on IRS's New Role in Health Care

    "Under the Senate's individual mandate, the IRS would be in charge of verifying that every American taxpayer has obtained acceptable health coverage for every month of the year. If the IRS determines that a taxpayer lacks acceptable insurance for even a single month, then the IRS would have the power to impose a new tax on that taxpayer, even auditing the taxpayer and assessing interest and penalties on top of the tax. This is an unprecedented new role for the IRS – one that will inject the IRS even further into the personal lives of American families."
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  • Boustany Encourages Louisiana Taxpayers to Consider E-Filing, Many Qualify for Free Filing

    "E-filing is a smart and safe way to submit federal tax returns," Boustany said. "The IRS continues to improve ways for taxpayers to file, and with one month before the April 15 deadline, now is the best time to start. I will continue to push the IRS to simplify filing, so families and businesses can spend less time with confusing paperwork."
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  • Boustany Encourages Louisiana Taxpayers to Consider E-Filing, Many Qualify for Free Filing

    "E-filing is a smart and safe way to submit federal tax returns," Boustany said. "The IRS continues to improve ways for taxpayers to file, and with one month before the April 15 deadline, now is the best time to start. I will continue to push the IRS to simplify filing, so families and businesses can spend less time with confusing paperwork."
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  • Boustany Urges President and Congressional Leaders to Start Over on Health Reforms

    "The President's new proposals still add up to more than $1 trillion in new spending, $500 billion in new taxes and nearly a half trillion raid of Medicare, which the American people continue to reject," said Boustany. "We need a commonsense approach, but these 2,000 plus page bills simply aren't the way to lower health care costs or put patients in control. Congressional leaders and the President need to scrap these overhaul proposals, and begin with bipartisan approaches from the start."
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  • Boustany- "These bills focus where we disagree"

    "Most Democrats, Independents and Republicans do agree on 80 percent of the solutions to bring down health care costs, but these bills focus where we disagree," said Boustany. "Rather, we should scrap these bills, like the American people want us to, and focus on bringing down health costs. As a doctor, I know people want to buy insurance across state lines, pool together to get a better price and limit frivolous lawsuits - all of these will lower costs, and they can be done in a simple way. Unfortunately, Democrats' 2,000+ page bills complicate health care instead of lowering costs when families struggle to make ends meet."
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  • Boustany to Attend President's Health Care Summit to Provide Republican Solutions to Lowering Health Costs

    "As a doctor, I saw firsthand the difficulties patients face in our health care system, and I continue to work with my colleagues to address the most pressing problem, which is lowering health care costs for all Americans," said Boustany. "I am hopeful the President will listen to the bipartisan solutions we advocate. Health care is too important to simply rush through a glossy, 2,000 plus page bill. We need to scrap the current bills and start with commonsense solutions to lower health care costs."
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  • Boustany Accepting Applications for Summer Internships, Deadline March 1, 2010

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  • Boustany Congratulates Saints on Winning Super Bowl

    "For the Saints, their fans, and the city of New Orleans, winning the Super Bowl was about more than hoisting a trophy," said Boustany. "It showed the real character of the people of Louisiana--resilient, determined, fun-loving and loyal. The guys on the field won the prize, but the people of New Orleans and Louisiana are basking in the glow. The Saints finally went marching into a Super Bowl...and left dancing out! Congratulations!"
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  • Boustany to Host 4th Annual Farm Day Forum to Discuss Changes for Rural Communities

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  • Boustany- "President Obama signaled his intent to pursue a costly health care overhaul, which the American people don't support"

    "I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to put forth bipartisan solutions, but the President's State of the Union ignored what voters in Massachusetts expressed just one week ago. The American people want focused solutions to deal with the problems we face. We can get our economy going and create jobs again, and we can lower health care costs for families. The President's rhetoric and actions simply fail to put us on that path."
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  • Moving forward on health care

    If congressional Democrats are serious about reaching a bipartisan consensus, they should scrap the current House and Senate measures and work toward common-sense solutions.
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  • Boustany Welcomes Louisiana Students to Washington for March for Life Rally

    "All human life is precious, and those who came to Washington this week demonstrated that in a very real way," Boustany said. "The health care debate reminds us of the importance of giving a voice to those who have none. As a doctor, I saw the value of each life and bring those experiences to Congress. I appreciate those across Louisiana who work to improve the lives of pregnant women and their unborn children during the March for Life and throughout the year."
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  • Boustany Announces 2010 Farm Day Forum in Welsh

    Please join me for my fourth annual Farm Day Forum being held in Welsh, Louisiana. These forums have given me the opportunity to hear directly from you about the challenges facing our farming community. I remain committed to supporting our farmers and ranchers while helping to foster a vibrant rural community.
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  • Boustany Announces Joe Hill as Southwest Louisiana Field Representative

    "My staff continues to help people across our area as they interact with federal government departments and agencies," Boustany said. "Joe will serve on my behalf when I am in Washington. Ensuring constituents receive assistance as they struggle with bureaucratic red tape is one of my top priorities, and Joe's experience will be critical to solving many of the problems we face. In addition to his time in my office in Lake Charles, Joe will make regular visits around our area."
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  • Boustany Supports C-Span, Urges President and Congressional Democrats to Open Health Care Negotiations

    "Writing a massive, trillion-dollar health-care bill in the dark, as Congressional Democrats and this Administration are doing, leads to unintended consequences, favored special interests and continues a broken system in Washington," Boustany said. "The President needs to make good on his promise to make these negotiations public. If Congressional Democrats have nothing to hide in this massive health-care overhaul, C-Span should be allowed to televise the process for the American public. The President made a promise to allow C-Span to broadcast the negotiations, and he should keep his word to the American people."
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  • Boustany- "What's at Stake for Seniors?"

    "Many seniors will probably see their benefits cut or higher premiums, including more than 140,000 seniors in my home state of Louisiana, who depend on Medicare. The Senate bill cuts more than $135 billion from hospitals serving seniors. It cuts $40 billion from home health agencies, $15 billion from nursing homes and nearly $8 billion from Hospices – all important services our seniors depend on."
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  • Boustany Supports Troop Increase in Afghanistan to Achieve Viable, Long-term Security

    "We must never forget Afghanistan was the base for Al Qaeda's attacks on September 11, 2001," said Boustany. "Achieving viable, long-term security in Afghanistan remains critical to U.S. national security, and I support the President's decision to increase the American troop level. To accomplish our mission there, additional troops are required for security, but they must be accompanied by sustainable development. We can achieve our goals in Afghanistan. However, an arbitrary timeline will serve only to embolden Al Qaeda and other terrorists in the region."
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  • Boustany Announces $217,782 Grant for Coastal Restoration in Vermilion Parish

    "Rebuilding our coast throughout Southwest Louisiana is a monumental project, but we are making progress," Boustany said. "With the end of the official hurricane season yesterday, we are reminded of the importance of working quickly to restore our coast. This grant is an example of American energy production helping to rebuild our wetlands and strengthen our coast."
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  • Boustany Urges Louisiana Senators to Vote Against Democrats' Massive Health Care Overhaul

    "Senators can stop this massive health care overhaul proposed by Sen. Reid by voting against the motion to proceed on this bad piece of legislation," Boustany said. "The bill Sen. Reid put out will raise health care costs for families and businesses in Louisiana, raise taxes on millions and cut health care for our seniors by almost half a trillion dollars. That's not commonsense reform, so why would anyone vote to proceed to debate? Instead, Senators Landrieu and Vitter should oppose this bill and work to achieve a bi-partisan, broadly supported bill to actually lower health care costs."
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  • Boustany Raises Concerns about New Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations

    "Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women," said Boustany. "The USPSTF admits that screening below the recommended age of 50 still saves lives. As federally funded comparative-effective research such as this becomes more widely available, patient safeguards are needed to ensure that government-run programs don't misuse this data to deprive individuals of medically-necessary care due to cost. Medical decisions need to be made by patients and their doctors. Today's announcement highlights the need to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship for women and all Americans."
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  • Boustany Praises FDA Reversal on Gulf Oyster Ban

    "I am pleased with the FDA's decision to reverse their proposal to ban the summer harvesting of oysters along the Gulf Coast," said Boustany. "This ruling will protect a half-billion dollar industry responsible for 3,500 jobs along the Gulf Coast. Continued education and awareness regarding the consumption of raw oysters is the responsible thing to do."
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  • Boustany Votes Against House Democrats' Massive Health Care Overhaul

    "H.R. 3962, House Democrats' government-run health care overhaul, will increase health care costs for millions of Americans, tax Americans struggling with a tough economy and cut health care benefits to millions of seniors," Boustany said.
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  • Boustany Meets with SWLA Tea Party Activists

    "Throughout the summer and fall, a majority of Americans have repeatedly expressed outrage over the attempts of Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats to ram a massive health care bill through Congress," Boustany said. "We can achieve meaningful health care reform to bring down the cost of health care, but the House Democrats' proposal, H.R. 3962 isn't the right way. I appreciate hearing from and seeing people from Southwest Louisiana in Washington as this debate continues."
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  • Boustany Urges Vote on House Republican Health Care Solutions

    "House Republicans believe we can lower health care costs for families and small businesses, and these solutions are a critical first step," Boustany said.
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  • Boustany- "This Bill Will Hike Health Care Costs, Hurt Doctor-Patient Relationship"

    "Democratic leaders in the House propose a plan that would significantly increase health care costs for millions of Americans and prevent millions from keeping their current insurance if they like it," Boustany said.
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  • Boustany Urges Safeguards to Prevent Fraud in First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

    "If Congress decides to extend the homebuyer tax credit, both Chairman Lewis and I believe Congress should consider reasonable proposals to reduce fraud and improve the IRS's ability to administer the credit," said Boustany. "In addition, given the worsening fiscal crisis our government faces, I believe any extension of the homebuyer credit should be paid for by reducing wasteful spending elsewhere in the budget, such as cancelling ineffective stimulus funding that hasn't yet been spent."
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  • Boustany Announces $1.05 Million Grant for Chennault Airport

    "Today's grant will help the Chennault Airport continue to grow, which is critical for job creation in Southwest Louisiana," Boustany said. "As we recover from hurricanes Rita, Gustav and Ike, we must rebuild and improve our infrastructure including the airport to help our businesses expand and hire new workers."
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  • Boustany Urges President to Visit Cameron Parish during Trip to Gulf Coast

    "The people who live and work in Cameron Parish demonstrate each and every day the perseverance critical to continuing our way of life on the coast," Boustany said. "After Hurricane Rita struck in 2005, many quickly forgot and overlooked this devastating storm which caused $10 billion in damage, making it the third most costly natural disaster in U.S. history at the time. I will continue to help the people of Cameron rebuild, and the President would do a great service to draw attention to our area as well."
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  • Boustany Applauds IRS Decision to Cut ACORN Ties

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  • Boustany Agrees to Meet with House Majority Leader to Discuss Solutions to Lower Health Care Costs for Americans

    "As a heart surgeon with close to 20 years experience, I've seen the problems with rising health care costs firsthand, and Republicans, Democrats and Independents agree on many significant reforms that would lower health care costs for Americans," Boustany said. "I appreciate the Majority Leader's desire to talk about the broad solutions I outlined following the President's remarks to Congress week before last, and I look forward to meeting with him soon to discuss patient-centered alternatives to H.R. 3200."
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  • Boustany Calls for Hearing to Investigate ACORN Tax Filing Assistance following Disturbing Undercover Video

    "In light of the apparent flagrant and willful attempts to suborn tax fraud, I ask you to schedule a hearing of the Oversight Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee as soon as practicable to investigate ACORN's activities in providing tax advice and tax preparation services, as well as whether ACORN has conducted activities inconsistent with the requirements for retaining tax-exempt status under Code section 501(c)(3)," Boustany said. "These serious allegations involve the administration and enforcement of our Federal tax laws, which fall directly under the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee on Oversight."
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  • Boustany Delivers Republican Address Following President's Remarks to a Joint Session of Congress

    "This Congress can pass meaningful reform soon to reduce some of the fear and anxiety families are feeling in these very difficult times. Working together in a bipartisan way, we can truly lower the cost of health care while improving quality for the American people.
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  • Boustany to Deliver National Republican Health Care Address following the President's Remarks to a Joint Session of Congress

    "As a doctor, I know we must lower costs and improve care, which we can accomplish by focusing on strengthening the doctor-patient relationship and working in a bipartisan way," said Boustany. "Health care is a kitchen table issue that affects all Americans, and I believe we need an honest discussion about how we come together to fix what's broken, while building on what works. That's why I'm pleased the President will speak to Congress tomorrow night, and I look forward to presenting commonsense reforms that Republicans and all Americans can stand behind."
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  • Boustany Works to Lower Health Costs, Urges House Democrats to Reject Current House Health Overhaul

    "Health care reform remains critical to getting our economy back on the right track," Boustany said. "The President and House Democratic leadership continue to promote a flawed health overhaul bill that will cost patients and taxpayers more, without improving access for Americans to a doctor. We must make sure the way we go about lowering the costs and increasing access doesn't make the problem worse. As a doctor for more than 14 years, I saw firsthand the problems we face, and I know we can fix them. However, we need to work together to accomplish those results."
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  • Boustany Urges House to Pass Real Spending Reforms, Votes Against Weak "PAYGO" Attempt

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  • Boustany Votes Against Democrats' Health Overhaul in Committee

    "This 1,000-plus page bill became public less than 24 hours ago, and the American people deserve a thorough review," Boustany said. "As a doctor, I saw firsthand the problems we have in health care, and I believe we can lower the cost of health care to make it more affordable for millions of Americans. This bill fails to do that. Democratic leadership in Washington wrote this bill quickly, without concern for the long-term costs for patients, doctors or taxpayers."
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  • Boustany Urges House Democrats to Avoid 50% Increase in Premium Costs for Seniors

    "Democratic leaders in the House propose a plan that would significantly increase monthly premiums for seniors by as much as 50 percent according to a CBO report," Boustany said. "The American people deserve an honest answer about what programs they will cut to pay for a new, government-run bureaucracy. A $500 billion cut to Medicare could be devastating for millions of seniors who depend on Medicare for quality health care."
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  • Boustany Statement on $1.5 Trillion Bill for House Democrats' Health Care Plan

    "Today's CBO announcement demonstrates the enormous cost that a new, government-run bureaucracy will create, and cutting Medicare funding by $500 billion to pay for a new, government program will limit treatment options for thousands of patients," Boustany said. "We need to work together to develop responsible health care solutions, rather than simply creating a new government plan, which fails to ensure access to a doctor for millions."
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  • Boustany Votes Against Dramatic, New Energy Tax

    "We need a responsible energy plan for the Gulf Coast and America," Boustany said. "Thousands of good-paying jobs along the Gulf Coast depend on American energy production. This bill, crafted by the liberal Democratic leadership, will kill thousands of those jobs, spiking unemployment. I urge Senators to take a long look at the impact this would have on jobs and kill this bill."
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  • Boustany Urges Colleagues to Oppose Dramatic, New Energy Tax

    "Responsible energy production in the Gulf of Mexico provides thousands of good-paying jobs," Boustany said. "This so-called ‘Cap and Trade' bill is simply a new, dramatically-higher energy tax. As the price at the pump starts to rise across the country, Congress should be working to increase American production to reduce our dependence on foreign oil."
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  • Boustany- "This Plan Could Devastate Health Quality in America"

    "Health care in America needs help, because far too many people are left out of the system, but this Democrat-leadership plan, written in secret, could devastate health quality in America," Boustany said.
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  • Boustany Praises Announcement of Calcasieu River Dredging Level

    "The Port of Lake Charles is critical to our economy in Southwest Louisiana, and today's report on the operability of the river should boost commerce," said Boustany.
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  • Boustany Statement on House Democrats' Health Care Plan

    "The Democrats' health plan with massive government bureaucracy fails to put patients and their doctors at the center of American health care," Boustany said.
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  • Boustany Meets with Students from Jennings and Cameron

    "It is very important for students to be involved and give back to their communities," said Boustany. "By attending this tour in Washington, these students have the opportunity to become better informed about the government process. It is an honor for them to be selected, and I wish them the best during the duration of the tour."
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  • Boustany Announces Grants Awarded to Two Southwest Louisiana Head Start Programs Totaling $494,746

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  • Boustany Helps Announce House Republican Health Care Plan to Ensure Doctor-Patient Relationship

    "The doctor-patient relationship is the most important part of health care in America," Boustany said. "The plan announced today by House Republicans puts patients and their doctors in control of health decisions."
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  • Boustany Meets With Rayne High School FFA Students

    "I will always continue to support agricultural education," said Boustany. "These young people represent the future of Southwest Louisiana. I am glad they chose to become involved in FFA and their community and wish them the best during the national conference."
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  • Boustany Announces New Office Location in Lake Charles

    "Ensuring constituents receive assistance as they struggle with bureaucratic red tape is one of my top priorities.," Boustany said. "My new office in Lake Charles, in addition to my office in Lafayette, serve as a great resource for everyone in Southwest Louisiana. If my staff or I can be of help, please do not hesitate to stop by or call."
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  • Boustany Meets With Chennault International Airport Authority to Discuss Potential Development of New Jobs, Facility Additions

    "Chennault provides the Lake Charles area a tremendous advantage for economic growth," Boustany said. "Creating new jobs in Southwest Louisiana is critical to helping our region keep our best and brightest young people. These leaders recognize the effort that is going to be required to achieve this goal."
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  • Reps. Blumenauer and Boustany Introduce Medicare Transition Act of 2009

    Bill Creates a New Benefit to Support Medicare Patients in Transition from Hospitals to Homes
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  • Boustany Announces $209,800 Grant for Coastal Restoration in Vermilion Parish

    "This grant will conserve a large piece of the shoreline while providing a significant amount of protection to the area located north of Cheniere au Tigre," Boustany said. "I remain committed to strengthening coastal defenses to protect our way of life in Southwest Louisiana. The start of hurricane season is an important reminder of the work we have left to do."
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  • Boustany Announces $1.8 million Grant for the Southwest Louisiana Center for Health Services

    "It is crucial that primary care facilities like the SWLA Center for Health Services receive the funding necessary to expand and improve access to its services," Boustany said. "These grants will allow the center to continue to provide primary care services to people across Southwest Louisiana who may not otherwise afford it."
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  • Boustany- "As President Tries to Cut Energy Emissions, He Jeopardizes Good-Paying American Energy Jobs"

    "Thousands of families along the Gulf Coast depend on American energy production for their livelihood," Boustany said. "As the President is promising to cut energy emissions with a national energy tax hike, he's jeopardizing good-paying American energy jobs. Our economy depends on oil and gas, and the President's policies will only increase our demand for foreign sources of fuel."
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  • Boustany Urges Commonsense Solutions for Healthcare in National Republican Address

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  • Boustany Reinforces Need to Make Social Security and Medicare Sustainable, Following Trustees Report

    "Social Security and Medicare serve important functions for millions of Americans and countless residents of Southwest Louisiana," Boustany said. "We need to make sure these safety nets are both effective and sustainable. We must sit down and find a way to continue these programs, while not bankrupting our children and grandchildren."
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  • Boustany Announces a $285,000 Grant for the Lafayette Regional Airport

    "The Lafayette Airport plays an integral role in the economy of Southwest Louisiana and it is important that the airport remain competitive in its offerings for both travel and larger business ventures." Boustany said. "This grant will allow the airport to make much needed improvements to better serve customers and make the airport more attractive to potential business opportunities in the state and region."
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  • Boustany Supports President's Call to Reduce Spending, Urges Him to Go Further

    "Over the past few months, Congress and the President spent at astronomical levels, so I appreciate the President's commitment today to make significant cuts," Boustany said. "However, this cannot be simple rhetoric. We face a tremendous challenge in how to pay for federal spending. The President's call today must be a start, not the end."
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  • Boustany Again Questions Geithner on Job Loss Due to Energy Taxes in President's Budget

    "I would specifically like to know: How many current jobs do you anticipate will be eliminated or moved overseas by the President's tax increase on domestic energy producers," Boustany asked. "Has the Administration performed any specific analysis related to job loss? If not, why? If so, what analysis has been done of energy support jobs that would be lost?"
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  • Boustany Votes against Budget that Provides Backdoor for Energy Taxes, Healthcare Overhaul

    "Over the past month, I continually heard from people across Southwest Louisiana that this budget could cost jobs in our area and fails to address the problems we face in a commonsense way," Boustany said.
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  • Boustany Disappointed in President's First 100 Days

    "When he was inaugurated, I committed to working with the President when he acted in the interest of Southwest Louisiana, but in his first 100 days, I am disappointed with the direction of the Administration," Boustany said.
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  • Boustany- "This Budget is Simply a Tax Hike on Working Families"

    "This budget will cost Southwest Louisiana and the Gulf Coast jobs," Boustany said. "It's that plain and simple. Dramatically hiking taxes on America's energy producers will force jobs overseas and some companies to close. That's an irresponsible budget in the face of a slowing national economy and a coast that continues to recover. What's worse, the budget will allow Washington Democrats to implement changes in our healthcare system without any of the normal checks and balances. This is a tax hike on working families and terrible policy."
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  • Boustany Urges Congress and the Administration to Help Businesses Hire Workers Again

    "It's no secret that the best way to get Americans back to work is through job creation," Boustany said.
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  • Boustany Announces Winner of Congressional Art Competition

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  • Boustany Announces Arts Competition Award Ceremony and Open House in Crowley

    "This is a great opportunity to recognize these students for their outstanding artwork" Boustany said. "I encourage the public to attend this event to see what these talented young people have created. The arts are an important part of a student's education, and I am proud to support them through this competition."
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  • Boustany Meets with Port of Lake Charles Officials, highlights New Jobs

    "The Port of Lake Charles and the Calcasieu Ship Channel are tremendous assets for our area," Boustany said. "The energy production which the port helps promote provides quality jobs for Southwest Louisiana and helps to keep jobs here at home."
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  • Boustany Recognizes Service Academy Appointments from Southwest Louisiana

    "Service to our nation is a high calling, and I am extremely proud to have nominated such fine young men to our nation's Service Academies," Boustany said. "Anthony, Mitchell and Donald each exhibit the leadership and academic traits our Armed Forces need as they strive to defend our freedoms. These young men have bright futures ahead, and I wish them the best of luck and my thanks."
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  • Boustany Recognizes Three Calcasieu "Louisiana Principals of the Year"

    "These three principals continue to work diligently to ensure our students across Southwestern Louisiana receive the best education possible," Boustany said. "I commend Jill, Bobby Jack and Barbara for helping lead our children in a positive direction. A quality education is critical to prepare our young people in Calcasieu and Southwest, LA for higher education and the workplace."
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  • Boustany Announces $1 Million Grant for Ike Recovery in Cameron Parish

    "The people of Cameron Parish continue to rebuild, and this grant will help that ongoing process," Boustany said. "Clearing out damaged buildings allows people to rebuild their homes, return to Cameron permanently and get on with life here on the coast."
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  • Boustany Urges President to Protect Coastal Jobs At-Risk from New Energy Taxes

    "Tonight, the President will again try to justify the enormous tax hike he proposes on American-made energy and all Americans, but his plan will cost the Gulf Coast a significant number of jobs as firms go overseas or simply downsize." Boustany said. "As proposed by the President, this budget picks winners and losers. Let's take politics off the table and focus on getting our national economy going again."
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  • Boustany Questions Experts on Whether President's Tax & Trade Program Would Cost Gulf Coast Jobs

    "Along the Gulf Coast, thousands of jobs depend on American energy production, and the President's current energy tax proposal could put thousands out of work," Boustany said. "There are responsible ways to improve the environment. I stand ready to work with the President to develop a sensible energy policy, but his current plan that would add an additional $1.27 per gallon tax on gas alone is irresponsible."
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  • Boustany Questions Whether Americans Can Keep Their Existing Health Coverage under Potential Obama Plan

    "As Americans struggle with a slowing economy, we, as a nation, must work together to address rising healthcare costs," Boustany said. "First and foremost, if a family likes their healthcare coverage, they should be able to keep it. The Commonwealth Fund's proposal would push 119 million Americans from their current coverage to a government-run program according to a nonpartisan research group. We should make meaningful changes that would lower healthcare costs for all Americans and increase access for people currently without health insurance."
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  • Boustany questions Geithner

    "At risk are tens of thousands of high-paying – mostly blue collar – jobs that provide better than average benefits," Boustany said. "These are small, independent businesses across the energy spectrum – producers, distributors, service providers, helicopter operators, and the list goes on. This budget raises energy taxes on every American and send jobs overseas, so how many Gulf Coast energy jobs will your budget kill?
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  • Boustany to Question Sec. Geithner on Energy Taxes, Job Loss in President's Budget

    "As the American economy struggles, it's irresponsible to dramatically raise taxes on every American who uses gas or heating oil or other energy," Boustany said. "I look forward to hearing from Sec. Geithner how this massive tax increase won't force good-paying jobs in Louisiana to go overseas."
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  • Boustany- "We can care for our environment and create jobs, but these proposals fail to accomplish this."

    "We can care for our environment and create jobs, but the proposals suggested at today's hearing fail to accomplish this," Boustany said. "As the nation faces a recession, any legislation that would cut American jobs or hike taxes is irresponsible and would make American workers less competitive. Let's work together to bridge the gap between our current oil and gas economy and new fuels in a constructive way that would create American jobs."
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  • Boustany Urges Obama to Protect Doctor-Patient Relationship after President's Address

    "I appreciate President Obama's commitment to improving healthcare in America, and I think we can work together to achieve many of our common goals," Boustany said. "However, during my time as a doctor and now in Congress, many similar proposals fell short of their goal because they failed to keep the doctor-patient relationship at the center of our healthcare system. This relationship, the most basic in our healthcare system, must remain a priority. If a doctor and patient are unable to make informed medical decisions, quality suffers and often costs increase."
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  • Boustany, Scalise, Cao Meet with FEMA to Discuss Delays, New Leadership

    "I remain committed to working with FEMA to improve their efforts, and today's meeting is another important step," Boustany said. "When government acts, it must be effective. As we know all too well on the Gulf Coast, this is not always the case. Working together, we can make the system better."
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  • Boustany to Speak to Green T. Linden Elementary School about Presidents' Day

    U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., R-Southwest Louisiana, will speak with elementary school students about the role of the President and Congress on Presidents' Day.
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  • Boustany to Host 3rd Annual Farm Day Forum to Explore New Markets for Louisiana Ag Products

    U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., R-Southwest Louisiana, will host the 3rd annual Farm Day Forum. This year's forum will be held on Wednesday, February 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CDT at the Abbeville Recreational Center. Boustany will discuss implementation of the 2008 Farm Bill, potential markets for Louisiana agricultural products and a number of other issues related to the farming and ranching community.
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  • Boustany- "This bill will not help children who truly need access to a doctor."

    "I proudly support S-CHIP, so we must ensure our children are getting the quality healthcare they need," Boustany said. "A massive increase of S-CHIP further neglects those children who already slipped through the cracks. These children need to see a doctor to receive care. Seeing a doctor and developing a doctor-patient relationship allows children to get better care at a cheaper cost rather than simply going to an emergency room."
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  • Boustany Announces $10.6 Million Grant for Grand Lake Shoreline Protection

    "This grant allows the Corps to rebuild a significant piece of coastline at Grand Lake, which will help stop the erosion plaguing Cameron Parish," Boustany said. "This is an exciting grant, and it demonstrates the importance of royalties from offshore oil and gas production."
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  • Boustany Announces 2009 District Outreach Calendar

    "My staff continues to help people across our area as they interact with federal government departments and agencies," Boustany said. "Ensuring constituents receive assistance as they struggle with bureaucratic red tape is one of my top priorities. In addition to my offices in Lafayette and Lake Charles, staff members make regular visits across our area. If you have a problem with a Federal Government agency or program, please stop by and see if we can help."
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  • Boustany- "Most importantly, we must look for solutions which produce results."

    U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., R-Lafayette, today expressed his concerns over the proposed House Democrat $825 billion economic stimulus citing the need for long-term job creation. Boustany made the comments following a meeting with President Obama earlier in the day.
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  • Boustany Accepting Applications for Summer Internships, Deadline February 13, 2009

    "Internships provide an opportunity for young people to learn about our government and the political process from the inside," Boustany said. "Many of Louisiana's best and brightest have worked for me for a summer or semester in our nation's Capitol, and I greatly appreciate their efforts."
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  • Boustany Announces $93,777 in Grants to Rebuild Levees and Improve Coastal Infrastructure in Vermilion Parish

    "I remain committed to strengthening coastal defenses to protect our way of life in Southwest Louisiana, and today's grants will help maintain levees to provide security and prevent saltwater intrusion," Boustany said. "Saltwater quickly destroys our farmland forcing farmers along the coast to abandon their farms or pay dramatic cleanup costs."
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  • Boustany Urges Obama to Support Life, Welcomes Louisiana Students to Washington for March for Life Rally

    "All human life is precious, and those who came to Washington today demonstrated that in a very real way," Boustany said. "The annual March for Life is a show of support for some of the neediest members of our society. I appreciate those across Louisiana who work to improve the lives of pregnant women and their unborn children."
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  • Boustany Votes to Deny Additional $350 Billion TARP Funds

    "Treasury officials failed to implement a workable program to hold financial institutions accountable and protect taxpayers," Boustany said. "It is unacceptable for banks that received funds to refuse to disclose how those funds were spent. TARP was designed to help Americans access needed credit to help with home and car loans in addition to home repair for families recovering from hurricanes Gustav and Ike. I do not support releasing the money and will work with my colleagues to deny the Administration's request."
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  • Boustany statement on Inauguration

    "Today is a historic day, and I congratulate President Obama and his family on his Inauguration," Boustany said. "It is great to have so many people from our region in Washington, D.C. this week. I look forward to working with the President when he acts in the interest of Southwest Louisiana, and I will oppose him when he does not. The nation faces many difficult challenges – rising healthcare costs, a struggling economy, global terrorists bent on harming Americans – and we need bi-partisan solutions to meet them."
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  • Boustany Urges States to Report S-CHIP Success Rates to Ensure Access for Neediest Children

    "I proudly support S-CHIP, so we must ensure our children are getting the quality healthcare they need," Boustany said. "S-CHIP, or LaCHIP in Louisiana, offers important healthcare access for children whose parents are working but are unable to afford ever increasing health insurance costs. My amendment simply urges states to report on their success getting children on S-CHIP to see a doctor. Seeing a doctor and developing a doctor-patient relationship allows children to get better care at a cheaper cost rather than simply going to an emergency room."
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  • Boustany Statement on Gaza

    "The events of the past week are a horrific reminder of a conflict which has claimed the lives of too many innocent civilians – both Palestinian and Israeli," Boustany said. "Unfortunately, elements of Hamas and their proxies continue to use terror tactics against innocent civilians in order to spur violence. The continuation of this conflict has severe implications on U.S. national security in the region. Therefore, we must work diligently with the international community to bring abut a reliable ceasefire to stop the unnecessary bloodshed on both sides, prevent continued weapons smuggling, and address the severe humanitarian crisis within Gaza."
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  • Boustany Named to Prestigious Ways and Means Committee

    "The Ways and Means Committee will oversee many of the most pressing issues impacting Louisiana and our country as a new Administration begins," Boustany said. "We must make America competitive again, which requires low tax burdens and solutions to rising healthcare costs. In addition, new markets must be sought for U.S. produced goods. Opportunities exist to help businesses and their employees prosper, and I look forward to helping America achieve its potential."
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  • Boustany Sworn-in for Third Term, Looks to Provide Solutions for Southwest Louisiana

    "Our region faces many challenges – coastal restoration and healthcare – to name two pressing ones, which must be met," Boustany said.
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