Issues
Access to Affordable Housing
For too many families, the rising cost of housing is a significant impediment to upward mobility. Access to quality, affordable housing is critical for low and middle-income families in Louisiana and throughout the country to make ends meet.
Advocating for Coastal Restoration
Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s (CPRA) $50 billion Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast (Master Plan) calls for spending between $700 million and $1.3 billion per year on coastal restoration projects.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Women are heads of household, community leaders, and entrepreneurs, and are entitled to the same protections under the law that men enjoy. I am committed to promoting policies that ensure equality and opportunity for all women.
Flood and Hurricane Protection
As a region, we have seen first-hand the destruction that can come when our communities are not properly protected or prepared for a natural disaster. That’s why I am committed to ensuring that our communities receive the protection and risk reduction systems that they deserve.
Maritime
Louisiana’s maritime industry has always played the vital role of connecting people, goods and information worldwide. Every day, the industry facilitates trade and commerce, creates jobs, helps secure our borders, provides energy resources, supports our military and serves as a steward of coastal resources.
Road Home
We have come a long way since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ravaged the Gulf Coast and forced hundreds of thousands of Louisianans from their homes. However, much work remains to be done. HUD, in collaboration with the State of Louisiana’s Office of Community Development, has developed a plan to better help homeowners return to their homes.
Keeping America Safe
As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, I strongly believe that keeping America and the people of the 2nd District safe is our primary responsibility in Congress.
Supporting Small Businesses
Small businesses form the backbone of Louisiana’s economy. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers numerous programs that help those who want to start a small business. I will continue to promote these programs so that anyone with an innovative idea has access to the capital needed to start his or her business and grow the economy.
Reforming Our Criminal Justice System
I am committed to reforming our broken prison system to save taxpayers money and give individuals who have paid their debt to society a second chance. In conjunction with my leadership on criminal justice matters, I have focused on producing legislation which invests in education, economic growth, and jobs.
Investing in Our Waterways
The Mississippi River is the most important waterway in the United States. 30 states and 3 Canadian provinces are connected to the Mississippi River or its tributaries and depend upon the River to access foreign markets.
Advocating for Comprehensive Health Care Reform
In March 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, implementing measures that have prioritized health care like never before.
Educating Our Youth
Education is the key to success. It is the surest pathway out of poverty and the best way to strengthen our communities. That is why we must make sure that all of our children receive a quality education that prepares them to succeed in life.