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Introduced Oil Spill Response and Assistance Act
May 13, 2010
Today I introduced the Oil Spill Response and Assistance Act with Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), which would dramatically increase the liability of companies responsible for oil spills. I want to make sure that taxpayers do not have to pay the high costs of cleaning up oil spills.
Comments OffHire Louisianans
When BP and the federal agencies are hiring help for the cleanup process, it’s very important that they hire Louisianians who are currently out of work. For example, when I was in Grand Isle a local hotel was virtually empty, yet BP and others had trailers for people to stay. Let’s make sure and support our local businesses.
Louisiana Needs More Boom to Protect Coastline
May 12, 2010
After news that we’ve received more boom to protect La. coastlines, now we’re hearing that most of this boom we received will actually be shipped out of La to other states. This is unacceptable until we have the equitable amount of boom, which would be one mile of boom for every mile of affected coastline. I sent Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen an urgent request today explaining that La. has much more coastline to defend than we have boom available, and we need to get a one to one ratio.
My Amendment to Audit the Fed
May 11, 2010
We’ll be voting on my amendment to Audit the Fed around 11 today. My amendment will require a complete audit of the Federal Reserve. I strongly opposed all the government bailouts and now the American taxpayers who are on the hook for more than $12 trillion in bailouts and loans deserve to know what their money is being spent on. I will continue to fight Washington spending and I appreciate Rep. Ron Paul’s (R-TX) support on my amendment who introduced the bill in the House.
Comments OffSpoke with Coast Guard Commandant
Spoke with Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen this evening about increasing the amount of boom for Louisiana’s coast and I’m confident now that we’ll be getting more soon. We were only getting one mile of boom for every 13 miles of coastline. When I heard from many of our local officials last week that we were running out, I wrote to Admiral Allen and also called to urge him to acquire more boom for Louisiana and get us a 1 to 1 ration. This evening he told me that we should be getting more very soon.
Elmer’s Island
May 10, 2010
Visited Elmer’s Island with Gov. Jindal and Grand Isle Mayor Carmadell where locals are working hard to lay boom. Also met with Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph, Jefferson Parish Council members and Port Fourchon officials. As the oil spill starts shifting west, Jefferson, Lafourche, Terrebonne and St. Mary Parishes are starting to implement their mitigation plans.
Comments OffObama Supreme Court Nominee
While our focus in Louisiana right now is on the westward drift of the oil spill, today President Obama also chose his Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. The Constitution is clear that Supreme Court justices, who are lifetime appointments, must interpret the law and not legislate from the bench. I will be looking very closely at her record as the Senate prepares for her confirmation hearings.
Comments OffAcadiana Shrimp, Crawfish and Crab Processors
Saturday I met with Acadiana shrimp, crawfish and crab processors in Lafayette today todiscuss the oil spill. We need to remind people that Louisiana seafood is safe to eat.
Comments OffPlaquemines Parish
Friday when I was traveling through our coastal parishes and loading boom on to a boat in Empire with Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser, it reminded me that we have some really great leaders in Louisiana. So many of our local officials have tirelessly been working to protect our coastlines and their efforts have made a big difference.
Comments OffLetter to President Obama
May 6, 2010