Press Releases
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
07.24.20
Cassidy Announces $5.3 Million for New Orleans Passenger Ferry Repairs
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is receiving $5.3 million from the Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration to revamp its passenger ferry terminal and marine maintenance facility. "This federal funding will enhance the passenger ferry experience for Louisiana residents. Reliable ferry service is vital for some workers and we should support this unique travel service whenever possible," said Dr. Cassidy… Continue Reading
07.23.20
Cassidy Votes to Support Louisiana Military Bases
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today supported the men and women in America's armed forces voting in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill includes millions in funding for Louisiana military bases. "Louisiana is the proud home of major military bases that play critical roles in our national defense. The NDAA includes authorization for $73 million for enhancements at Barksdale Air Force Base and Fort Polk. This is important funding for the future of these bases and th… Continue Reading
07.23.20
VIDEO: Cassidy Speaks on Urgent Need to Lower Drug Costs
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., delivered a speech on the Senate floor yesterday to call on Congress to pass legislation to lower prescription drug costs. "The high price of drugs is not a new problem, but it is a problem that has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Millions of households have seen their income suffer due to economic lockdowns aimed at containing the virus. Americans simply do not need the added burden of expensive drugs, particularly right now," Dr. Cassidy said. … Continue Reading
07.17.20
Cassidy Announces Nearly $224 Million in COVID-19 Funding for Louisiana Hospitals
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced that Louisiana hospitals are receiving nearly $224 million in federal funding to continue their fight against COVID-19. The funding is part of $10 billion that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing in a second round of payments to high-impact areas. Louisiana is receiving $223,580,330 to be disbursed to 47 facilities. The individual recipients have not been released. "COVID-19 is on the rise, meaning that more pat… Continue Reading
07.16.20
Cassidy Applauds Private-Sector COVID-19 Anti-Fraudulent Goods Campaign in Louisiana
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today applauded a private-sector initiative's launch in Louisiana to raise awareness of the trade in fraudulent personal protective equipment amid the COVID-19 crisis and spotlight the resources available to combat the trade in these goods. The advertising campaign, which began on July 13 and will run for two months across the U.S., is led by Philip Morris International (PMI) and supported by other private industry brand integrity leaders and organization… Continue Reading
07.15.20
Cassidy Announces $141 Million for Louisiana Rural, Safety Net Hospitals
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today announced that rural specialty hospitals and safety net hospitals are receiving $141 million in coronavirus relief payments from the Department of Health and Hospitals (HHS). Safety nets are receiving $88 million, and rural specialty hospitals are receiving $53 million. The combined total is the second-highest amount any state is receiving. The funding is part of a $4 billion relief package released this week by HHS. "Rural and safety net hospitals … Continue Reading
07.14.20
Cassidy Issues Statement on Pence Visit to Baton Rouge
BATON ROUGE - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spent today with Vice President Mike Pence during his visit to Baton Rouge. He released the following statement on the visit: "Vice President Pence and I both want universities and schools to reopen safely. Students are losing invaluable learning time, which can never be recovered. Today's discussion is an important step forward to developing and implementing strategies to resume educations while protecting health," said Dr. Cassidy. ###… Continue Reading
07.09.20
Cassidy, Durbin: Amazon Right to List Seller Info, More Action Needed
U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today offered the following statements on Amazon's decision to add more seller information for goods sold on their website. Beginning in September, Amazon will display business names and addresses of sellers in the U.S. marketplace. "Consumers are safer when they know from where and from whom they are shopping. While Amazon's decision is a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to crack down on the sale of illicit, count… Continue Reading
07.02.20
Cassidy, Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Benefits for Near Retirees Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the Protecting Benefits for Retirees Act, legislation that would protect the annual retirement benefits of those set to receive Social Security in a few years. The Social Security Administration uses the Average Wage Index (AWI) in the year the worker turns 60 to adjust past earnings and calculate a worker's retirement benefits. The AWI is meant to account for wage growth over time; however, due to a flaw in how the f… Continue Reading
07.02.20
Cassidy, Smith Lead Bipartisan Effort Calling on Nation’s Health Agencies to Continue Expanded Telehealth Services After Pandemic
Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) continued their bipartisan work on health care by leading over 35 of their Senate colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Congress with a written plan and timeline about any potential changes to Medicare rules governing telehealth.Through the coronavirus relief package, Congress provided HHS with the authority … Continue Reading
