Press Releases
Cassidy Announces $7.1 Million for Lafayette City-Parish COVID Relief Efforts
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced that the Lafayette City-Parish government is receiving more than $7.1 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds. Lafayette will use the grant funds for normal and extraordinary operating expenses, purchase of rolling stock, and paratransit services. The total amount of the grant is $7,129,789. It was rewarded by the Federal Transit Authority (FTA). "Local government budgets are suffering due to lost revenue and extra costs associated with … Continue Reading
08.10.20
Cassidy, Colleagues Urge DOJ, FBI to Investigate Planned Parenthood for Illegal Trafficking and Sale of Fetal Tissue
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined a coalition of 27 senators in sending a letter calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to provide an update on their investigation into Planned Parenthood's illegal trafficking and sale of fetal tissue as well as wrongfully receiving loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) despite knowing they were ineligible to apply. "As we have seen from invoices from certain Planned Parenthood affiliates,… Continue Reading
08.08.20
Cassidy Issues Statement on Trump COVID Relief Executive Orders
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) issued the following statement in support of President Trump's executive orders to extend COVID-19 relief to Americans. "President Trump is doing what Nancy Pelosi won't do: provide direct aid to Americans who need it. Republicans have repeatedly offered to extend unemployment; she refuses each time, preferring instead to use this lifeline for political leverage to advance liberal special interests. Ms. Pelosi should put politics aside and work for the c… Continue Reading
08.06.20
Cassidy Announces $13.5 Million for COVID Relief in Shreveport
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced that Oschner LSU Health System of North Louisiana based in Shreveport is receiving nearly $18 million in COVID-19 relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "The Shreveport area was among the hardest-hit in the state. Oschner LSU has been a critical lifeline for many in need of care. This federal funding allows the hospital to better serve patients during the pandemic and buy personal protective equipment for its doctors an… Continue Reading
08.06.20
Cassidy: Louisiana Seafood Industry Receives Support from Federal COVID Relief Efforts
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. today announced that the Louisiana seafood industry can expect to benefit from two federal COVID-19 relief measures. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is purchasing $30 million worth of U.S.-produced shrimp to distribute to communities in need. The shrimp will go to federal nutrition aid programs through the Emergency Food Assistance Program. Separate from the USDA's action, $14 million from the CARES Act has been made available for those in Louisiana's… Continue Reading
08.06.20
Cassidy, Smith, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Eliminate COVID Testing Shortages, Allow for State Compacts
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced bipartisan legislation yesterday to provide states with more resources to increase testing, provide faster results, and allow states to enter into interstate compacts to maximize efforts to eliminate the spread of COVID-19. The Suppress COVID-19 Act appropriates $25 billion for states to purchase tests and testing supplies, and it authorizes states to enter into interstate compacts and regional agreements that allow them t… Continue Reading
08.05.20
Cassidy Announces $25 Million for Louisiana Coastal Restoration Projects
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced that Louisiana is receiving more than $25 million for coastal restoration projects in Terrebonne and St. Bernard Parishes. "Louisiana's coastline provides protections against hurricanes and natural habitat for our unique ecosystem. This federal funding restores land lost to the Gulf to make our coastline more resilient for the people who call the coast home," said Dr. Cassidy. Terrebonne Parish will get more than $22.2 million for enginee… Continue Reading
08.05.20
VIDEO: Cassidy Honors Air America Heroes, Urges Full Veteran Status
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate yesterday to praise the bravery and service of the heroes of Air America, particularly during the Vietnam War. Cassidy urged his Senate colleagues to consider the stories of these courageous pilots and work toward providing the recognition they deserve by granting veteran status and the associated benefits. "It's time for the U.S. government to set the record straight about Air America," said Dr. Cassid… Continue Reading
08.04.20
VIDEO: Cassidy Urges Colleagues to Support State/Local Funding in Senate Floor Speech
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate to urge his colleagues to support funding for state and local governments in the next COVID-19 relief package. Specifically, Cassidy supported the SMART Act, a bipartisan bill he authored with U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) to provide $500 billion to state and local governments to replace revenue lost due to the pandemic. The SMART Act would deliver funds to states and local governments in three equal tr… Continue Reading
08.04.20
Cassidy: Senate Confirms Louisiana Native Menezes as Deputy Secretary of Energy
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and chairman of the Senate Energy Subcommittee, today voted to support the confirmation of Louisiana native Mark Wesley Menezes as the next Deputy Secretary of Energy. The Senate confirmed Menezes in a 78-14 vote Tuesday. "Mark Menezes' experience in Congress, the private sector and as Undersecretary of Energy make him an ideal choice for this position. His skill set is invaluable as the United States' energy sector recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. I l… Continue Reading
08.04.20
Cassidy: Shreveport, Baton Rouge to Receive $1 Million to Support Victims of Human Trafficking
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced that centers in Shreveport and Baton Rouge are receiving a combined $1 million in federal funding to help victims of human trafficking. The funding provides up to two years of transitional housing and other support services for victims. "Victims of human trafficking endure indescribable torment. They deserve our support. These funds make a real difference in the lives of victims and help them recover from their trauma," said Dr. Cassidy. … Continue Reading
08.04.20
Cassidy Announces $2.4 Million in COVID Relief Funds for Tangipahoa Parish
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced today that Tangipahoa Parish is receiving $2.4 million in federal COVID relief funds to help the parish recover from the pandemic. The funds were awarded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The money will be used to support operating, planning, training, capital, and bus support activities during the COVID-19 public health emergency. "Local governments have seen their tax bases disappear or suffer significant losses. Cities and states c… Continue Reading
08.03.20
Cassidy Applauds Trump Rural Health Care Order
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today applauded President Trump's executive order to improve access to rural health care, particularly through telehealth expansion, which has been a top priority for Cassidy during the COVID pandemic and beyond. "Telehealth expansions granted under the CARES Act prove that technology lessens the gap between rural patients and their access to high-quality health care. By making these permanent, patients keep benefiting. I look forward to working with Presi… Continue Reading
08.03.20
Cassidy Announces $508,037 for Freshwater Bayou Canal Shoreline Protection Project
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the Department of the Treasury's Office of Gulf Coast Restoration is awarding $508,037 in federal funds for the Freshwater Bayou Canal Shoreline Protection Project in Vermillion Parish. "Louisiana's coastline faces a critical need for protection against coastal erosion. This federal funding invests in the future of our state's coastal businesses and communities. This is a big win for southwest Louisiana," said Dr. Cassidy. The purpose of … Continue Reading
07.31.20
Cassidy, Wyden, Bicameral Coalition Request FTC Investigate Advertisers Tracking Americans at Places of Worship and Protests
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) led a bipartisan group of 10 members today calling for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the online ad economy, particularly the tracking of Americans at places of worship and protests and then selling that information to advertisers, hedge funds and the government. Cassidy, Wyden and other members asked the FTC to investigate how personal data, including location information, collected from Americans' phones to deliv… Continue Reading
07.31.20
Cassidy Announces COVID Funding for UL-Lafayette, Southern
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced today that the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Southern University in Baton Rouge are each receiving $300,000 in federal funding to assist with the response to COVID-19. The money comes from the CARES Act, which Cassidy supported. "College students' educations and careers are on hold while they cannot attend classes. It is critically important for them that universities reopen safely. This federal funding helps these universities prepare… Continue Reading
07.30.20
Cassidy, Daines, Romney, Rubio call for Family-Focused Economic Impact Payments in Coronavirus Relief Legislation
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Mitt Romney (R-UT), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced legislation today calling for equal Economic Impact Payments to all Americans regardless of age or dependent status. The Coronavirus Assistance for American Families Act would provide payments of $1,000 for adults and children with Social Security numbers (SSNs). A family of four would receive an additional $600 more than under the CARES Act. "Much of the burden of the pandemic … Continue Reading
07.30.20
Cassidy, Kaine, Young, Reed Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Health Care Professionals’ Mental Health Amid COVID-19
. - Yesterday, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Todd Young (R-IN), and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, legislation that aims to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, and mental and behavioral health conditions among health care professionals. Health care professionals have long experienced high levels of stress and burnout, and COVID-19 has only exacerbated the problem. While helping their patients fight for their live… Continue Reading
07.29.20
Cassidy, Smith Call for Study to Examine, Improve Rural Health Care Access
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislation today calling for a study on rural health care delivery. The goal of the study is to learn what is working efficiently and what could be improved to boost health outcomes in rural communities, including which emergency COVID telehealth provisions should be made permanent. "Rural hospitals and health centers are essential medical facilities. They are especially important now. This study will assess if federal … Continue Reading
07.27.20
Cassidy: Louisiana Benefits from $454 Million in COVID-19 FEMA Funding
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced today that Louisiana has received more than $454 million in funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This money was appropriated by Congress through relief measures Cassidy supported. "The federal funding secured for Louisiana's COVID-19 response has saved lives and protected the health of frontline workers. As Congress debates a new coronavirus response bill, the health and safety of the people… Continue Reading
