Press Releases
Cassidy, Senators Call for Removal of Trade Program’s Rice Tariff Barriers
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and other members of the U.S. Senate are urging the Trump Administration to reform our largest and oldest trade preference program to level the playing field for American rice producers. The program in question-the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)-provides duty-free treatment to goods from developing countries to promote economic growth in those nations. In recent years, highly-subsidized rice growing competitors have taken advantage of this progra… Continue Reading
09.21.20
Cassidy Announces Nearly $7 Million for Vernon Parish Schools
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the Department of Defense is awarding $6.8 million to the Louisiana Department of Economic Development (LED) to construct technology-enriched laboratory and learning spaces at several schools in Vernon Parish that support military families at Fort Polk. "Our military families deserve exceptional educational opportunities for their children," said Dr. Cassidy. "This federal funding invests in their future and improves the quality of life of … Continue Reading
09.21.20
Cassidy Announces $30.7 Million for State Criminal Justice System Improvements
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the Department of Justice (DOJ) is awarding more than $30 million in federal funds for nine state programs to improve crime victim services, support criminal and juvenile justice system enhancements and combat violent crimes in Louisiana. "It is our priority to ensure the criminal justice system in Louisiana is fair and protects victims of all types of crime," said Dr. Cassidy. "This funding promotes victim safety and supports initiatives t… Continue Reading
09.18.20
Cassidy Comments on Justice Ginsburg’s Passing
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today released the following statement on the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: "Justice Ginsburg's death adds to the tragedies of 2020. While Americans mourn, we can also celebrate her pursuit of justice, her service to country and the gracious resilience with which she lived," said Dr. Cassidy. ###… Continue Reading
09.17.20
Cassidy, Kennedy Work to Provide Tax Relief for Louisiana Hurricane Laura Victims
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) are continuing their efforts to provide support for the people of Louisiana impacted by the Hurricane Laura. Yesterday, the Louisiana senators introduced a bipartisan bill with Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to provide tax relief to the individuals, families, and small businesses in Presidentially declared disaster areas, including those impacted by Hurricane Laura, the wildfires in Ca… Continue Reading
09.17.20
Cassidy Announces $1.5 Million for New Orleans BioTech Industry
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced that the New Orleans Bioinnovation Center is receiving $1.5 million from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to create jobs and produce research in the biotechnology industry. "Biotechnology can provide health care workers new and better methods to treat disease. This grant creates Louisiana jobs in a cutting-edge field. I appreciate the EDA for investing in Louisiana," said Dr. Cassidy. This EDA investment funds the Louisiana Bi… Continue Reading
09.16.20
Cassidy to Senate: Don’t Forget About Hurricane Laura
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) yesyerday spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate to tell the story of Hurricane Laura and what is needed to fully recover. "The sentiment by many at home is that the nation has already forgotten about Hurricane Laura. The fear is that the recovery efforts will be stall and we'll be ignored while other news…takes over. I'm here to be the voice for the people of Louisiana and share our story with you so that you may know what we are facing," Dr. Cassid… Continue Reading
09.11.20
Sens. Cassidy, Coons, & Reps. Price, Matsui announce resolution to recognize 9/11 as a national day of service
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Chris Coons (D-DE) and U.S. Representatives David Price (D-NC) and Doris Matsui (D-CA), all members of the National Service Congressional Caucus, today announced a resolution recognizing September 11 as a national day of service and encouraging the American public to engage in a charitable service of their choosing on or around 9/11. In 2009 following calls by families of those killed in the attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress established that dat… Continue Reading
09.10.20
Cassidy, Collins, Hyde-Smith Call for Swift Passage of Legislation to Provide $500 Billion to Local Governments Amid COVID-19 Crisis
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) filed the State and Municipal Assistance for Recovery and Transition (SMART) Act as an amendment to the Senate COVID-19 relief package today. Consideration of the relief package received the support of a majority of Senators by a vote of 52-47, but it failed to reach 60 votes required to advance. Senators Cassidy, Collins, and Hyde-Smith emphasized the urgent need to advance the SMART Act which they in… Continue Reading
09.10.20
Cassidy Resolution Recognizes September as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today introduced a resolution recognizing September as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Month. "While much progress has been made in the fight to cure sickle cell disease, more education, research and treatments for this disorder are needed," said Dr. Cassidy. "This designation encourages those advancements." SCD is a genetic disorder that affects approximately 100,000 Americans, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. About 80 infa… Continue Reading
09.10.20
Cassidy Announces $10 Million for Lafayette Road Construction Project
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced that Lafayette is receiving $10 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) to finish construction of the University Avenue corridor. DoT Secretary Elaine Chao notified Cassidy this morning about the grant. "Anytime we get federal funds for Louisiana roads, it's a good thing. This project allows traffic to flow more smoothly while creating jobs. I appreciate Sec. Chao and the Trump administration for investing in Lafayette," sa… Continue Reading
09.10.20
Cassidy Votes for Senate COVID Stimulus Package; Democrats Block Aid to American Families
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today voted in favor of a COVID-19 relief package offered by Senate Republicans. The bill failed to reach the 60 votes needed to proceed after every Democratic senator voted against it. "Democrats blocked extended unemployment benefits, another stimulus check, $100 billion for schools, and money for more testing. Republicans have repeatedly tried to negotiate, and each time the other side refuses. Democrats are playing politics while lives are being lost, … Continue Reading
09.03.20
Cassidy Announces $2.1 Million for Shreveport Airport
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced today that the Shreveport Regional Airport is receiving more than $2.1 million in federal funding to make security enhancements and to rehabilitate a taxiway. "The Shreveport airport is a critical transportation hub for northwestern Louisiana and the surrounding area. This funding makes needed improvements to make the airport safer for travelers," said Dr. Cassidy. The airport is receiving about $1.75 million (including about $175,000 in CARES A… Continue Reading
09.02.20
Cassidy Announces $9.4 Million for Lafayette Airport Improvements
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced that Lafayette Regional Airport is receiving $9.4 million in federal funding from the Department of Transportation to construct new apron pavement. "Airports are the gateway to a city. It is the first impression for employers coming to a city, making decisions as to where to invest. Lafayette taxpayers are supporting this renovation through local taxes and Americans are supporting through federal taxes. It is an investment for the future of… Continue Reading
08.31.20
Cassidy Recovers from COVID-19
BATON ROUGE - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced he will begin normal congressional activity following his recovery from COVID-19. According to CDC guidelines, someone who tests positive for Coronavirus should isolate for 10 days and not have any symptoms for 24 hours before leaving isolation. This is the case with Dr. Cassidy. "I thank everyone for their concern and prayers. I was lucky and blessed," said Dr. Cassidy. "Now the focus is Hurricane Laura recovery and relief a… Continue Reading
08.20.20
Cassidy Tests Positive for COVID-19
- Upon being notified last night that he'd been exposed to an individual with coronavirus, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) was tested today for COVID-19. That test was positive. Cassidy contacted his physician and is strictly adhering to all CDC recommendations, including quarantining for 14 days and notifying those with whom he may have come into contact. "I am strictly following the direction of our medical experts and strongly encourage others to do the same," said Dr. Cassidy. ###… Continue Reading
08.13.20
Cassidy Applauds Senate Confirmation of Louisiana's Christian Weiler to US Tax Court
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today celebrated the confirmation of Christian Weiler from New Orleans as judge on the United States Tax Court. The U.S. Senate confirmed Weiler by voice vote. Weiler's term runs for 15 years. "Christian Weiler's experience in tax law makes him an exceptional choice to be on the Tax Court," said Dr. Cassidy. "I applaud the Senate for confirming him today as judge and am confident he will serve our nation faithfully. To my knowledge, he is the first from Lo… Continue Reading
08.13.20
Cassidy Announces $32.5 Million for New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette Airports
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced that the Baton Rouge and Lafayette airports are receiving more than $25.5 million in combined federal funding to improve their facilities. Cassidy supported the cities' requests for funding, and the grants were rewarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). "Airports keep commerce flowing. It is important that Louisiana's airports are in the best shape possible to further support the economy and provide for better passenger experien… Continue Reading
08.12.20
Cassidy Announces $3.2 Million in COVID Relief Funding for Economic Development Organizations across Louisiana
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced today that eight regional economic development organizations across Louisiana are receiving a combined $3.2 million in federal COVID relief funds authorized by the CARES Act. Each of the eight entities is receiving $400,000 grants from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support redevelopment and revitalization to diversify and strengthen their respective regions. "The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for work… Continue Reading
08.12.20
Cassidy Highlights Veterans Mental Health Bill in Floor Speech
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today spoke on the floor of the United States Senate to highlight the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, a bill that provides broad reforms to improve veterans' access to mental health services. The Senate passed the bill on Aug. 5. It included three provisions authored by Cassidy, who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. In his speech, Cassidy called on the House to pass the bill so it can be signed by Pre… Continue Reading
