Submitted by United States Representative Clay Higgins of the 3rd District in Louisiana.
Advocating for Louisiana’s Economic Prosperity Every two years, Congress works on the Water Resources Development Act to provide updated policy guidance for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. South Louisiana’s economic success is heavily dependent on the strength of our ports and waterways. Recently, I testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, advocating for improvements to the Calcasieu Ship Channel and coastal resiliency projects. My office is working to protect Louisiana priorities in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024.
Read the letter here.
Fighting for Louisiana’s Crawfish Industry The crawfish industry in Louisiana is a huge economic driver for the state. From unfair competition to the recent drought and freeze, our crawfish production faces major devastation. Recently, I sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting relief for our crawfish industry by including drought as an eligible cause of loss for the crawfish aquaculture industry in the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). In 2021, I successfully secured assistance for the crawfish industry through the ELAP program after the 2021 freeze. Its implementation took place in May of 2021. You can read more about that here.
Forward Progress for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Since coming to Congress, my office has worked closely with local and state leaders to advance the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. Securing federal funding and ensuring its replacement has been a top infrastructure priority. The recent vote in the State Legislature to advance Governor Landry’s proposal marks a significant milestone for our efforts. We are moving forward to construct a new bridge in Lake Charles, and my office will continue to assist the State in securing additional funding and support any application for federal resources.
See a timeline of Congressman Higgins’ efforts for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge here.
Meeting with South Louisiana Citizens Another year, another Washington D.C. Mardi Gras. During that time, my office met with local and state officials, businesses, industry, and community leaders to discuss ways that we can help provide for the people of Louisiana and, by extension, all of America.
Standing Firm on the Impeachment of Mayorkas The crisis at our southern border is an unmitigated disaster. Secretary Mayorkas willfully and systemically refused to comply with federal immigration laws. House Republicans are working diligently to hold Mayorkas and the Biden administration accountable for the crisis at our border. I voted to impeach Secretary Mayorkas for the generational trauma he has brought upon our country. Should the Senate conduct an impeachment trial, I will have an active role as an impeachment manager in the Senate proceedings.
Watch Congressman Higgins’ Floor speech on the impeachment of DHS Secretary Mayorkas here. Read the resolution authorizing impeachment managers here. Read the impeachment resolution of Mayorkas here.
Introducing Legislation Presidential Ballot Integrity Act: Prevents the electoral slate of any state blocks an official nominee of a major political party from the Presidential ballot. National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization (NFIP-RE) Act of 2023: This legislation would reauthorize the program for five years and implement a series of sweeping reforms to reduce cost, invest in flood mitigation, and establish a fairer claims process for policyholders. Transparent Automated Governance Act: Directs federal agencies to be transparent when using Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems when interacting with the public or making critical decisions. Families Rights and Responsibilities Act: Affirms parents the fundamental right to control the upbringing of their child. [co-sponsor]
Delivering Resources for South Louisiana My office remains committed to providing additional infrastructure, recovery, and mitigation resources for South Louisiana. To date, we have delivered almost $4.3 billion in hurricane recovery relief and will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners. For the most up-to-date information on our hurricane recovery efforts, visit my website here.
How Higgins Voted
Yes to impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Yes to reversing President Biden’s indefinite permitting pause on American LNG exports.
Yes to prevent discrimination in healthcare based on age or chronic condition.
