Press Releases
Cassidy, Rosen Bill Mends Major Hole in Health Data Privacy Protections
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) reintroduced legislation to prevent data mining of Americans' personal health data stored on wearable personal devices, such as smartwatches. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects all interactions between patients and their doctors. HIPAA does not protect health data recorded on personal devices which puts this data at significant potential risk. The Stop Marketing And Revealing the Wearables And … Continue Reading
02.26.21
Cassidy Announces $33.4 Million for Hurricane Laura Debris Removal and Generation Services, More to Come
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding $33,379,317.52 in federal funds for debris removal and emergency generator services provided following the destruction caused by Hurricane Laura. Today's payments are being made under the standard 75 percent federal and 25 percent state cost share. Due in part to Cassidy's work with Presidents Trump and Biden, FEMA announced this week that Hurricane Laura has been approved for a 90/1… Continue Reading
02.25.21
Cassidy Announces $4.1 Million Investment in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to Boost Broadband Capacity and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Efforts in Louisiana
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $4.1 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to help the state of Louisiana prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. "Broadband internet is essential to economic development. This is true in Acadiana and it is true in the rest of our state," said Dr. Cassidy. "Bringing investment to Farmerville is crucial to create jobs in the region. If… Continue Reading
02.25.21
Cassidy, Schatz Introduce Legislation to Fund Research of Minority Health Disparities
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced the John Lewis National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Endowment Revitalization Act to the U.S. Senate. The legislation would increase investments in schools conducting critical research into minority health disparities. "As a doctor who worked in Louisiana's charity hospital system and now a senator, providing quality health care to underserved communities is a priority," said Dr. Cassidy. … Continue Reading
02.25.21
Cassidy Stands Up for Louisiana Rice, Shrimp Producers During Tai’s Nomination Hearing
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today advocated on behalf of Louisiana rice and shrimp producers during the Senate Finance Committee nomination hearing for Katherine Tai to be United States Trade Representative (USTR). During the hearing, Cassidy requested her assistance in addressing the following: "A couple of issues important to my state," said Dr. Cassidy. "We'd love to sell a lot of Louisiana rice in the UK, turns out they love it. The issue, of course, is 25% countervailing tariffs… Continue Reading
02.25.21
Cassidy Votes Against President Biden’s Secretary of Energy Nominee Jennifer Granholm
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today voted against the confirmation of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to be Secretary of Energy. "The Biden administration has already begun killing oil and gas jobs," said Dr. Cassidy. I voted no to protest the lack of compassion this has for Louisiana workers. This set of policies will increase global greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen our enemies." Cassidy questioned Granholm about the devastating effects of President Biden's recent e… Continue Reading
02.25.21
Cassidy Announces $10.7 Million to Elevate Homes in New Orleans, Erath
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding $10,670,283.60 in federal funds to elevate properties to prevent flood damage in New Orleans and Erath. "Louisiana families should not worry about their homes flooding every time there is a heavy rainfall," said Dr. Cassidy. "This funding helps communities continue to thrive in south Louisiana." FEMA is providing $8,438,022 to elevate 31 historic properties in New Orleans. All of t… Continue Reading
02.24.21
Cassidy, Smith, Marshall Introduce Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Tina Smith (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) today introduced the Ensuring Innovation Act, which will help lower prescription drug prices. The legislation will provide clarity for drug exclusivity to prevent awarding market exclusivity to products that do not represent true innovation and unduly delay cheaper generics from entering the market. Currently, the FDA grants five years of exclusivity to drug products that are determined to be a New Chemical En… Continue Reading
02.23.21
Cassidy, BRF Secure $5 Million to Support Air Force Global Strike Command Headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) secured a $5 million appropriation from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to support the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base (BAFB) in North Louisiana. "Our state is proud to be home to the Air Force Global Strike Command. This funding supports our national security strategy and keeps our nation safe by establishing an innovation hub here in Louisiana," said Dr. Cassidy. Cassidy requested the $5 millio… Continue Reading
02.23.21
Cassidy Questions Qualifications of Biden’s Health and Human Services Secretary Nominee Becerra at HELP Hearing
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today questioned Xavier Becerra at his confirmation hearing in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Cassidy pressed Becerra on relevant issues under the purview of HHS including the 340B program and drug rebate structure where the nominee was unable to demonstrate a firm grasp on important health care policy questions. During the hearing, Cassidy stated t… Continue Reading
02.23.21
Cassidy Questions Biden’s Interior Secretary Nominee Haaland at ENR Hearing
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today questioned U.S. Representative Deb Haaland (D-NM-1) at her confirmation hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). Cassidy pressed Haaland on the Keystone XL pipeline, greenhouse gas emissions, and the Biden Administration's prejudice towards fossil fuels. During the hearing, Cassidy stated the following: "Let me close by saying this: it's the future of those famil… Continue Reading
02.23.21
Cassidy Votes to Confirm Louisiana Native Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today voted to confirm Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a Louisiana native and LSU graduate, as United States Ambassador to the United Nations. "Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who is from Baker, Louisiana, served our country well as a member of the State Department. I am confident she will continue to do so as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations," said Dr. Cassidy. "I'm proud she's from Louisiana, but I'm more proud of her service to our country." Thomas-Greenfield w… Continue Reading
02.22.21
Cassidy Announces Nearly $9 Million for Flood Mitigation Projects in Jefferson, Livingston Parishes
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is awarding $8,960,824.68 in federal funds for two flood mitigation projects in Jefferson and Livingston Parishes. "Preventing a flood is always better than picking up the pieces after," said Dr. Cassidy. "This federal funding ensures these communities are protected." FEMA is providing $6,647,466.30 to fund the elevation of 45 flood prone structures in Jefferson Parish. The project includes si… Continue Reading
02.19.21
Cassidy Announces $3.8 Million in HHS Funding for Cancer Biology Research, Pregnancy Care
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is awarding $3,786,388 in federal funding for cancer biology research at Tulane University and pregnancy care for several Healthy Start programs across Louisiana. "All expectant mothers deserve an equal level of treatment and care throughout pregnancy and in the first years of their child's life after birth," said Dr. Cassidy. "This funding also helps researchers make advancements in th… Continue Reading
02.19.21
Cassidy Announces $1.3 Million Terrebonne Parish Drainage Project
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing $1,334,473.78 in federal funding to support a drainage project in Terrebonne Parish to prevent future flooding. "South Louisiana experienced devastating floods in recent years. We must fortify our drainage infrastructure to prevent loss of life and property," said Dr. Cassidy. "This funding protects Terrebonne Parish residents and businesses from future severe weather." St. Louis … Continue Reading
02.18.21
Cassidy Announces Approval of Louisiana Emergency Declaration
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced President Joe Biden has approved a Federal emergency declaration for Louisiana in response to the recent severe winter weather event. "In addition to local response efforts to current winter conditions, federal assistance will now be available," said Dr. Cassidy. "I will continue to make sure Louisiana families have access to the resources they need. To the people of Louisiana, stay safe and vigilant." With this declaration, Louisiana will rec… Continue Reading
02.18.21
Cassidy Announces $2.7 Million in CARES Act Funding for Broadband Access and Infrastructure Development, Wastewater System Improvements
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $2.7 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to help the state of Louisiana prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. "Broadband is important for our rural communities to support local businesses and for children to access virtual learning," said Dr. Cassidy. "This funding for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development wil… Continue Reading
02.18.21
Cassidy Announces Nearly $5 Million for LSU Health Shreveport, LSU and A&M College Baton Rouge
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is awarding $4,617,645 to Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Shreveport and LSU and Agricultural and Mechanical (LSU and A&M) College Baton Rouge under the pharmacology, physiology, and biological chemistry research program. "These federal dollars support cutting-edge research in Louisiana to improve the health of all Americans," said Dr. Cassidy. "I'm proud to announce more th… Continue Reading
02.18.21
Cassidy Presses Federal Bureau of Prisons for Answers, Accountability in Dyslexia Screening
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) about the implementation of dyslexia screening as outlined in the First Step Act of 2018 (FSA). Cassidy championed these provisions to ensure that BOP screen inmates for dyslexia during the intake process and at each periodic risk assessment to improve literacy and reduce recidivism. "[A]fter reviewing the Attorney General's December 2020 First Step Act Section 3634 Annual Report, I was left with more … Continue Reading
02.18.21
Cassidy Secures Tax Relief for Louisiana Hurricane Zeta Victims
Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has granted his request to give Louisiana victims of Hurricane Zeta tax relief, allowing them until March 1, 2021 to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. The IRS will also waive the usual fees and requests for copies of previously filed tax returns for affected taxpayers. Following the recent disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), … Continue Reading
