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Why I Voted Against The Payroll Tax Cut Extension

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:43:00 GMT

Last week, I voted against the payroll tax extension. Although I gave several reasons for voting no, attention has been paid to my objections that Louisiana was singled out to partially pay for the deficit spending included in the bill. These objections are best understood as part of a critique of President Obama’s health care plan.

There is a provision in President Obama’s health care plan (variously called Obamacare, the Affordable Care Act, ACA or PPACA) stating that Louisiana will receive extra money to pay for the state’s Medicaid program. The amount Louisiana is to receive is being cut by $2.5 billion. This money was part of a deal Senator Mary Landrieu negotiated as part of President Obama’s health care plan.

Senate Democrats recently suggested cutting the $2.5 billion from Louisiana. They say that the original legislative language was drafted poorly and Louisiana is receiving more money than it should. Some feel that since the Senate Democrats who pushed this actually sought to cut $3.5 billion, Louisiana is lucky that only $2.5 billion is cut and that this is a necessary correction to a drafting error.

I disagree. My perspective can be summarized as follows: why, with all the false, misleading assumptions in President Obama’s health care law, is only this one singled out? Why aren’t we revisiting the entire bill, rooting out every instance where it was poorly drafted and/or will cost more than it was billed as costing? Why are only Louisiana’s interests sacrificed? After all, from the very beginning, President Obama’s health care law was different than how it was presented to the American people.

When Mr. Obama ran for president in 2008, he claimed that his health reform law would cover all Americans with health insurance, that there would not be an individual mandate and that the average family’s health insurance premium would decrease by $2500.

The first year after President Obama’s health care law passed, the average family’s health insurance premium INCREASED by 9%. The law has an individual mandate forcing Americans to buy insurance whether they wish to or not. And while on paper President Obama’s health care law provides insurance to everyone, it does so principally by greatly expanding Medicaid, a government insurance program for the poor which is run by states and financed jointly by the federal and state governments. That Medicaid is contributing significantly to our debt and deficit and is unsustainable in current form is ignored.

Medicaid is so expensive that “virtually every state” is cutting benefits and programs even before President Obama’s health care law greatly expands the program. In Louisiana, it is predicted that implementation of President’s Obama health care law will cost the Louisiana state general fund $7 BILLION DOLLARS over the 10 years after implementation. This is in our state where university budgets, public employee pensions, infrastructure, and almost every government service is being cut because of tight state finances.

Also, President Obama said that if you like your health care coverage you can keep it but the McKinsey Consulting Group predicts that as many as 60% of businesses will drop health insurance coverage for their employees, forcing these employees onto taxpayer subsidized health insurance. This was predicted to only be 7%. This was minimized during the debate over President Obama’s health care law because the more people on taxpayer subsidized insurance, the higher the taxes will be to pay for the subsidies.

Additionally, President Obama and those supporting his health care law told the American people that it was “paid for” and “lowered costs.” Unfortunately, it was “paid for” with programs such as the Class Act. The Class Act was to collect taxes for 5 years before it began paying benefits. Because the benefits were to be paid in the future, total expenses were not included in the costs but the taxes collected were credited to President Obama’s health care law being “paid for.” The Class Act was so poorly structured and the legislation drafted so poorly, that the administration has said that they cannot implement this. Yet Congressional Democrats oppose repealing the Class Act. To do so would be an admission that President Obama’s health care law was not “paid for.” It is not just the Class Act. A LewinGroup analysis projects that total health care spending will increaseby $265 billion dollars in the first 10 years of implementation.

It is public record that Senators who voted for President Obama’s health care law received special arrangements for their states. At the time, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said something to the effect that if a Senator voting for the bill didn’t get a special deal, they weren’t much of a Senator. Directly saying, “If they [Senators] don’t have something in it important to them then it doesn’t speak well of them.” This was taken to mean that the bill would not have passed if not for these special deals. Yet the embarrassing political circumstances that allowed President Obama’s health care law to pass will not be expiated by targeting the one benefitting Louisiana.

None of the above issues are acknowledged by those who support President Obama’s health care law. Yet it begs the question, why is Louisiana singled out when so much of President Obama’s health care law can be called into question?

There is a better way to reform our health care system. For 22 years I have been treating uninsured and Medicaid patients in Louisiana’s charity hospital system. I have learned that if politicians and bureaucrats have the power, patients lose. If the patient has the power, the patient wins. President Obama’s health care law gives the power to politicians and bureaucrats. These problems will not be fixed by singling out Louisiana.

That none of the above problems are being addressed and that Louisiana is being singled out is but one of the reasons I voted against HR 3630.

Why I Voted No on the Unfunded Extension of the Payroll Tax and SGR

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:08:00 GMT

Social Security and Medicare are greatly threatened by the deficit. The unfunded extension of the Payroll Tax and SGR increase the deficit. Louisiana will disproportionally be impacted by the provision that offsets the spending increase. The issue of Medicare payments to doctors that care for senior citizens is not addressed completely. If we do not fully address this issue, our deficit will continue to increase and senior citizens will have a harder time seeing their doctors.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Coming to Baton Rouge

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:22:00 GMT

Exciting News! New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is coming to Baton Rouge and you're invited to help us welcome him to the Bayou State.

This Thursday, Governor Jindal, Congressmen Scalise, Chairman Villere, and I will be in attendance, and I hope you can make it too!

Governor Chris Christie Welcome Rally
Thursday, September 29th
4:30pm (doors open at 3:30)

Louisiana Aircraft Terminal (At the Baton Rouge Airport)
4225 Chuck Yeager Ave.
Baton Rouge

Cassidy Responds to Credit Downgrade

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:08:00 GMT

The real problem of the credit downgrade is that too many Americans are out of work or working for less. If there are more, better paying jobs, the economy, the debt and the S&P rating take care of themselves. This means single-mindedly focusing on the American worker producing goods needed by Americans.

It isn't a mystery where these jobs are. We have the opportunity to build a pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, to drill for oil offshore and to develop more opportunities for hydraulic fracturing.

My hope is that all in Washington see this as a priority

La. delegates follow party lines on debt

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:05:00 GMT

by GERARD SHIELDS, Advocate Washington bureau

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is calling the top eight leaders in Congress to The White House on Sunday to continue talks on the national debt and federal deficit while opposing party positions are visible through the hard stances being taken by the Louisiana congressional delegation.

Republicans representing the state said they will oppose a package that includes any tax increases while state Democrats contend new revenue is necessary.

And Republicans from Louisiana don’t believe in the Treasury’s drop-dead date of Aug. 2 to have a deal, they said.

Obama administrators have said the debt ceiling must be raised by then or the nation will default on its loans for the first time, sending the national and world economies into financial chaos.

“It’s more important to get our fiscal house in order than to be blackmailed by threats of Armageddon,” said U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge.

U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., said Democrats have offered a reasonable plan. The proposal would tax the rich, reduce corporate tax rates and close offshore tax havens for companies, she said.

“It’s very balanced, it basically closes the deficit and debt, 50 percent on the revenue side and 50 percent on the tax cut side,” Landrieu said. “It gets us closer to a balanced budget.”

But Louisiana GOP members decry any bill that would result in raising revenue through what they consider tax increases.

“Everybody I talk to, business owners, middle class families, their concern in Washington is that we’re spending too much money,” U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Metairie, said. “Nobody tells me they’re not paying enough in taxes.”

Creating more revenue, however, will be needed to keep the nation’s three top entitlement programs - Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security - solvent, said U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans.

“If we’re going to reduce the deficit and debt, we need more income, which means more revenue,” Richmond said. “To the extent that we can close loopholes and everybody contributes their fair share, then it gives us the ability to do both at the same time and we’re a country that can do both at the same time.”

Obama is asking Congress to raise the amount of money the nation can borrow above its current record $14.3 trillion. Republicans are holding back their vote until more cuts to the federal budget deficit, now a record $1.4 trillion in the hole, can be achieved.

U.S. Rep. John Fleming, R-Mansfield, doesn’t believe that America will default on its loans and is willing to remain in a stare-down with the Obama administration, he said.

“I’m willing to take the risk to do the right thing,” Fleming said. “The government will pay its obligations; the idea of us defaulting on our loans would not happen under any circumstances.”

Balancing the federal budget should be the top priority, U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La., said

“We can’t put off meaningful cuts for one year or five years or ten years, we need them right now,” Vitter said in a Senate floor speech last week.

That could mean cuts to sacrosanct Republican departments such as defense, which the party has done its best to protect. U.S. Rep. Jeff Landry, R-New Iberia, was elected as one of the renegade freshmen with support from Tea Party activists. Everything needs to be on the table, Landry said.

“Defense is something that is near and dear to me, but it matters not that it’s near and dear to me, it’s prioritizing our needs and wants,” Landry said.

“If you can’t swim and you’re on a boat that is floating, you want a life jacket,” Landry said. “If you can’t swim and it’s sinking, you need a life jacket.”

U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, is concerned about the impact any economic crisis would have on the worth of the dollar, he said. But he opposes any legislation with taxes, he said.

“I just don’t think that we have to do that,” Alexander said. “Everybody in the Congressional Budget Office and everybody else tells us that revenues are not the problem, it’s a spending problem.”

Word leaking out of the talks is that both sides are willing to take steps on an issue that hasn’t occurred in over 20 years: an overhaul of the tax system.

U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette, sits on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee that writes the nation’s tax laws. Boustany won’t vote for a tax increase, and overhauling the tax code is a way to address the problem, he said.

“My position is let us do tax reform and do it correctly,” Boustany said. “We think we can lower rates and really simplify and clean up a lot of these loopholes. I think it’s important to understand, who is benefiting from these things and does it promote economic growth?”

Traditionally both sides go nose to nose before coming up with a deal that has, in some cases, gone down to the last minute, such as passing this year’s budget in April. But former U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston, of Metairie, sees a different climate this year, he said.

An 18-year U.S. House veteran and former Appropriations Committee chairman, Livingston doesn’t see the sides budging.

“My sense is that they would rather have an issue than a settlement,” Livingston said. “I really think both sides are dug in. I’ve not seen it this polarized.”

Transcript from Tele-Town Hall Meeting

Mon, 16 May 2011 20:20:00 GMT

Second Tele-Town Hall Meeting

Residents of Ascension, Assumption, Iberville, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Mary and Terrebonne Parishes, along with other flood-impacted areas

7:45 P.M. CST, Baton Rouge

Participants

Hon. Bill Cassidy, U.S. Representative
Hon. William Clifford Smith, Member, Mississippi River Commission
Hon. Karen St. Germain, State Representative*

* Called in as regular caller

BC:

I want to welcome everyone to this tele-town hall. I am Congressman Bill Cassidy, and I represent the Sixth Congressional District of Louisiana. Everyone on this call lives in my district, Congressman Jeff Landry’s district or Congressman Rodney Alexander’s district. All three of us are deeply concerned about the flooding situation.

I am sponsoring this call to allow folks to give you some information on where you can find information you need and to hear your comments. I will have a member of the Mississippi River Commission joining us.

This is the second call this evening that we’ve done concerning the flooding. I anticipate that people have comments and questions they want answers on. We are inviting you to ask questions.

Additionally, everyone on this call will be in the Sixth Congressional District based on redistricting in the State Legislature, presuming everything is cleared by the Justice Department. I would like to begin representing this area now even though the district lines aren’t confirmed and an election hasn’t yet taken place. It would be an honor to represent you in the next Congress if you choose me to do so.

We are getting information to people most impacted by these events, particularly issues related to flooding, the Morganza opening and the high water level. If you want to track the flood levels in various basins and areas, you can visit http://www.rivergages.com. You can also visit my Facebook page, where there are many helpful links, and you can contact me via Twitter.

The latest news is that they’ve opened two bays in the Morganza spillway. The amount of water right now is 1.5 million cubic feet per second. The levees from Baton Rouge on south were built to handle 1.5 million cubic feet per second. When they opened up the Morganza, they opened it up slowly – two bays yesterday and two today. They are allowing animals to move out. The Corps is stating that water is not moving as quickly south as they anticipated. This may be because there has been no rain in the spillway for two weeks, and the ground is absorbing some of the water. There is an almost northerly wind flowing right now, which will help move water out of the Mississippi River and into the Gulf of Mexico. We can be optimistic so far about the current situation.

The Corps will continue opening up bays in the Morganza at 1.5 million feet per second. They will open up as many bays as necessary.

Our first caller is Christine from Napoleonville. Please ask your question.

Christine:

I live on Highway 4 which is approximately 12 miles from Morgan City, near Lake Palourde and Lake Verret. The water usually comes up in both bank places. I’m wondering if it will come across to my house.

BC:

Her concern is regarding backwater flooding. The time frame is such that it will occur several days from now. It won’t be too bad north of the Intercoastal Canal, and there will be a rise of 1 to 2 feet. There will be some increased levels in backwater.

Christine:

If it comes directly across from Morgan City, I’ll get water, but with the last flood, it came in and flooded between her house and the lake. This occurred in 1973.

BC:

Lake Palourde will take a lot of the volume.

Christine:

We haven’t had rain in two months.

BC:

That will help things.

I want to welcome everyone again to this tele-town hall about the impact of the impending flooding. I want to begin representing people in your area now, and would like to relay information from the Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi River Commission on these issues.

Our second question comes from William from Gonzales.

William:

With the Bonnet Carre opening, will it affect Lake Pontchartrain and back up into Amite?

BC:

The Amite River is a different watershed and has been dry, so there should not be flooding on the east side of the Mississippi River. There are some places in Ascension Parish that historically have seepage. This is a different issue, and the Corps anticipates being able to address that issue.

In the Sunday Advocate, Joe Macaluso had a very good article, wondering if the Bonnet Carre being open for a long time, with silt going into Lake Pontchartrain from the Mississippi River, could cause problems along the northern shore of the lake. We will have to wait and see if this occurs. Currently, water levels and the drainage problem in the Amite are problematic enough that water in Lake Pontchartrain will pose a problem. Macaluso alludes to the flood of 1973. We will post this article on my website.

I want to welcome people again to this town hall. We are talking about the Mississippi River, the Bonnet Carre and the Morganza spillway. This is a good opportunity for people in Pointe Coupee, Iberville, Ascension, Terrebonne, Lafourche and Assumption Parishes to ask questions and bring information to people in these areas.

Our third question is from Doug in Montz.

Doug:

I predicted this flooding back in the winter when they had record snowfall in the north, and record rainfall that occurred in time to melt the snow. Why didn’t the Corps see this coming and open both the Morganza and the Bonnet Carre as river levels started to rise and draw the river down as they drew down the canals in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish before the hurricanes?

BC:

The Corps says that the whole river is designed to operate as a system. There are triggers that open levee systems and floodways. They have mapped it out. The water level south of the Bonnet Carre is now constant because they’ve opened it and are keeping it at 17 feet above flood stage. The trigger for the Morganza is 1.5 million cubic feet. They won’t set off the trigger unless it hits that level going past the spillway. The people in the spillway who have farms, residences and cattle would be affected. For instance, wheat farmers are trying to bring in their crops a week early. If the Morganza was opened earlier, farm land would have been affected. There are potential effects resulting from the opening of it. For instance, Christine is concerned about backwater flooding. When that area floods, it can produce backwater and impact low-lying areas. There are effects of opening floodways and spillways that the Corps is nervous about and chooses not to do so unless they have to.

Doug:

I predicted these events. If you have a finite volume of water up there that has to come down and has to run through the river and get into the Gulf of Mexico, it has to drain. If you open it as the water level comes down and draw it down as it comes through, you lessen the overall impact by spreading the water volume out over a longer period of time. There is no damage to the levees from water pressure and no flooding. They know that it will flood. The water comes down the Atchafalaya and raises the level in that area. Backwater flooding through Gibson could have been lessened if the level was drawn down earlier. I can’t figure out why they are waiting until the last minute. It makes the overall situation worse than if they opened it earlier and let it run through.

BC:

The Corps seems to think differently. They did reassure me that the pressure on the levees will be negated by the design of the system. Again, the cut-off is 1.5 million cubic feet per second. They anticipate that the levees will hold, and are designed with a certain level of redundancy. Doug’s point is that the reason for flooding is the 1,000% increase in rain in the Ohio Valley. That is what we’re facing, a record rain. Powerpoint slides on this issue from the Corps will be on my Facebook page. They will show where there’s been a drought and record rainfall. You can log in and see the contribution from the Ohio Valley to the flooding down here. There is also a graph where the Atchafalaya and Morganza will be taking off certain portions, as well as the Bonnet Carre, along with the width of those streams of water coming off.

These are valuable links, and a transcript of this town hall will also be posted, so you can see what was talked about. Jeff is our next caller.

Jeff:

In my area, I’m potentially affected by backwater. Everyone is comparing these floods to those in 1973. Are they comparable?

BC:

There is a great article by Joe Macaluso in the Sunday Advocate. He pointed out that a bunch of bays were opened all at once in 1973, which created a wall of water. Livestock and animals moved to high ground, but this effectively cordoned them off on islands and then those were overrun. There was a picture of officials from the State Wildlife and Fisheries Department trying to rescue swimming deer. It will be different this time, as they’ve learned lessons. They have opened two bays yesterday, two today and then two the next day to lessen the flow. It will probably not be as bad as the floods in 1973 due to the drought in south Louisiana the last two weeks. A certain amount of the water will be absorbed by dirt. Wax Lake is also open and it goes through St. Mary Parish. It will take 30% off of the Atchafalaya flow to decrease it. The preparation in advance will likely lessen the backwater problem.

Jeff:

My street was flooded where I lived, and I had to take a boat. How long will the spillway be open?

BC:

The wall of water is moving down the Mississippi River from the Ohio River area, and the crest will not hit for another couple of weeks. The Corps will keep the bays open and continue to open more bays so that the crest is addressed. There is a rain system predicted two weeks from now in the Ohio River that could add to the flooding there which could impact us. Right now, they will keep it open as long as necessary to keep water at one point at a certain amount of cubic feet per second. It will be at least two weeks from now, maybe three.

I want to welcome everyone again to this town hall on flooding issues. I want to remind you that if you have flooding and need to fix something, make sure to keep your receipts so you can submit them to your claim adjuster. If you anticipate filing flood insurance claims, have your policy and inventory of all your contents handy. If you may have to evacuate, take pictures of everything in your house that you will have to leave behind and notate comments about them. Look at today’s paper so you have the date for your comments. If you have questions about the flood insurance program, call 1-866-751-3989. The call center hours have been extended to 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. for seven days a week. You can go to their website at http://www.floodsmart.gov. It is too late to get flood insurance if you don’t have it, but you can logon to this website and find information if you do have it.

Again, I am Congressman Bill Cassidy and I am hosting a town hall in your area to inform you about the flooding situation and the latest news on it. Our next caller is Nadine from Des Allemands.

Nadine:

I have never been flooded. There is backwater in the Lake Des Allemands district. Should I worry about high water?

BC:

In 1973, did you have flooding due to the opening of the Morganza?

Nadine:

I didn’t.

BC:

That is a very good sign. If you have questions about where you live and you believe you can have flooding, you should go to the Army Corps of Engineers website, and there is information on the Mississippi River and the Bonnet Carre areas. You will be brought to those regions through the website. There are inundation maps, which highlight the areas at risk for flooding. Since you don’t have Internet, I will look up your address and have someone call you to inform you about your risk for flooding. You should expect a call soon, and you will be informed of your risk.

Again, this is Congressman Bill Cassidy, and I want to welcome you to my town hall on flooding. Our next caller is Barbara from Schriever.

Barbara:

I have a comment. In 1973, I went through this. I lived in another area and got backwater because we were on the northern side of the river track. We got water underneath the carport and needed to use our pirogue. I want to tell people that once the water goes down, you need to have bleach and disinfectant on hand. You will have spiders, snakes, dead fish and various bacteria. You need to protect your family from health problems. Learn from me, as I didn’t think about that or had time to prepare last time.

BC:

Also, you should make sure you have extra food and a generator if you need it. The fact that there has been no rain for two weeks is helping. The spillway is a little dry, and the dirt can absorb water.

Barbara:

It depends on what level you’re at in terms of the water you’ll get. You can’t hold someone else responsible for your own housing choices, you have to check your area and do the best you can.

BC:

I appreciate your comments. I always say that if I can channel the wisdom of the people of my district into Capitol Hill, we will have a much healthier nation.

I want to welcome everyone again to this town hall on the flooding. I am pleased to have Karen St. Germain on the call. Thank you for being on. Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.

KSG:

I am a State Representative, and I appreciate you holding this town hall. I liked you before, and like you more now. I actually participated in a flyover from Morganza to Bayou Chene where they’re putting in barges and sheet piling. It’s giving us a lot of cushion that will slow down backwater when it gets there. When we think about this and contemplate what can happen, the last two days have been giving us hope for less water. We sunk a barge in 1973 without an engineering study. The Corps agreed to this immediately because the science wasn’t there but the example was.

The Bayou Chene is the only tributary that moves water when it backs up on the Atchafalaya River which dumps out past Morgan City, so its south of that in Amelia. We will slow down the current of water coming into Lake Palourde, Lake Verret, Bayou Sorrel and Bayou Pigeon.

BC:

The hope is that it will limit backwater flooding going to Gibson through the Intercoastal Canal and Lake Palourde.

KSG:

I can confirm that. St. Mary, Assumption, Terrebonne and other affected parishes have pulled together. McDermott Shipyard is engineering it. They are driving sheet pilings as we speak.

BC:

At the same location where the barge is sinking?

KSG:

Yes. We hit a high spot of land where it can be shored up better as opposed to the one 38 years ago. We are reaching for two little miracles: one, that it works, and two, that the Corps puts in something permanently to open and close for the future.

BC:

Can you provide us more information on your flyover?

KSG:

The water is moving in slower than were they thought it might be. It is not near I-10 yet, which is good, as more people have time to prepare. The Mississippi River banks were swollen, but the good news is that tomorrow may be the crest of the river. It will stay up for a while, but not in the rest of the basin, but it will stay at the 1.5 million cubic feet per second mark. We may not have to open as many bays in the Morganza spillway.

BC:

So it may not be as bad?

KSG:

Correct.

BC:

That is fantastic.

KSG:

Yes, I’m optimistic at this moment.

BC:

Today in church, my pastor opened his sermon with Psalm 29, which speaks of flooding, and we prayed for those who will be impacted.

KSG:

I would advise that everyone keep listening to the news, don’t panic, talk to people that know more about each individual area and find out what they suggest you do.

BC:

I agree, and everyone should remain calm. I am impressed with the people in south Louisiana, who have the experience with disasters necessary to address them.

KSG:

I remember the floods of 1973 well. I was 18 years old. I’m still here.

BC:

I appreciate your call. Again, this is Karen St. Germain, the State Representative for the Iberville-Assumption area. She lives in Pierre Part. She has a great history of serving the people she represents. How can you be reached?

KSG:

I can be reached under Karen St. Germain via Facebook. Thanks again.

BC:

The hope is to prevent backwater from flowing into the Intercoastal Canal and then going east toward Gibson or north toward Lake Palourde. Also, regarding the flyover that was done in Morganza, it was viewed that the water is not moving as quickly as they thought, and the crest may have peaked or may peak in the next two days. We won’t have to open as many Morganza bays and for not as long. We may still have two to three more weeks of this situation.

Again, I want to welcome everyone to this town hall about the flooding. Our next caller is Debbie from Norco.

Debbie:

I’m on one side of the Bonnet Carre and my daughter is on the other side in Montz. On Friday, the water was coming up to the highway from the Bonnet Carre, and it was very nerve-wracking. Once they opened the Morganza, the water started to come down a little. I believe that the Corps got so ramped up with hurricane protection that they forgot about the river. I believe they need to get to the Bonnet Carre spillway and make the levees higher. I was very concerned.

BC:

According to the Corps, they treat the entire river as a system, and they opened up the spillway in Missouri. They have a place in the Yazoo region north of Vicksburg where the levees are not as high as they usually are. When it gets to a certain point, it spills into backwater. When they open the Bonnet Carre, they know when it gets past 1.5 million cubic feet per second above Baton Rouge, they have to open the Morganza. I believe that you saw the immediate impact of this, knowing that’s the trigger to save things downriver, including the Bonnet Carre.

Debbie:

I feel bad for people in Morganza. I hope that God is with everyone and minimizes the damage.

BC:

The Corps has taken a hit but I believe they’re managing things well.

Debbie:

You learn by your mistakes in life, and I believe they’re trying to get things right. Thank you.

BC:

I want to welcome everyone again to this town hall about flooding. Most of the people on this call aren’t people I currently represent. However, after re-districting is finalized, I will represent everyone on this call, and I want to begin representing you now. I hope that it is my privilege to represent you in the future. This includes people in Morganza and parishes that are immediately impacted by the flooding.

Clifford Smith lives in the Lafourche-Terrebonne area and he is now on the call. He is a member of the Mississippi River Commission. He knows a lot about river spillways and coastal conservation. We may have a tele-town hall with him in the future on coastal conservation. I want to pass it off to him so he can make comments and provide advice.

CS:

This is a historical food. The system that has been developed over 75 years to control flooding of the Mississippi River and the lower Mississippi River valley is being put to the test. I am confident that the system will operate as designed unless there’s a catastrophe or accident along the way. The Corps is watching the levee systems to make sure they perform properly.

BC:

In regard to Debbie’s concern about the high waters in the Bonnet Carre, will they top over the levees there? She thinks they’ve started to come down, although she’s not sure if the two are related.

CS:

They should go down. The river from Baton Rouge to New Orleans should be pretty stable at their flood stage for some time. The Bonnet Carre is not completely open yet, and it takes some time to get it 100% open. This will be done very shortly. The control levees in the Bonnet Carre are stable and should not be a problem.

BC:

There was another woman who asked about backwater in Assumption Parish. As well, Karen St. Germain mentioned that a barge was sunk at Bayou Chene and sheet pilings were put in place. Is there a risk of flooding in this area, along with Des Allemands and other areas north of the Intercoastal Canal.

CS:

I was at the barge and watched it as it was being constructed. This is a temporary facility. It will reduce backwater from the Atchafalaya and into Bayou Boeuf. It will reduce flows. In Morgan City, we’re predicting no more than 2 or 3 feet of backwater, and very minimal backwater further up into Iberville. The advantage we have is that we have a northerly wind which is moving water out of the Atchafalaya basin and into the Gulf of Mexico. We have had a drought and the land is very dry. Any water from flood conditions or rainfall will be absorbed into the ground.

BC:

We have talked about the inundation maps. How much are they changing? Where I’m living, we shouldn’t have a problem, based on predicted flow. Are the maps accurate?

CS:

They are not as accurate as I would prefer. If you look at the inundation maps on the Morganza side, we’re talking about anywhere from 0 to 5 feet. We could have 1-2 feet in Morganza, and down in Morgan City, as high as five. I would like to have seen them be more accurate. If you live above the 5 foot line, you’re basically protected from backwater. Along the main river, levees and floodwalls should protect you.

BC:

Our next caller is Celeste from Thibodaux.

Celeste:

I hear that floodgates will be opened 100% in the Morganza spillway.

CS:

That is not true.

Celeste:

I am concerned that if we had to evacuate, there would be panic. I have family in Morgan City. What kind of flooding should they expect?

CS:

I want to first reiterate that the Morganza Spillway will not be fully opened. We were talking originally about an opening to 50%, and now we’re talking about going down to 20-30% capacity. The flows have come down slightly along the river, and we have reduced the proposed opening in Morganza. It will be opened very slowly, only 4 gates as of this time, not 100,000 cubic feet per second. It is being opened slowly and will probably not open to more than 30%. The crest in the Morganza area is probably not going to happen until next weekend. Water takes about 4 to 5 days to get from Morganza to Morgan City. I predict that at the floodwall, it will be 11 feet and the floodwall is 25 feet. There’s plenty of room at Morgan City. People concerned about the backwater predicted 6 to 8 feet in the Lake Palourde area. It will be a minimal height of 6 feet. We are prepared at Morgan City and Amelia for that action. It will probably not happen, but we’ll know in six to seven days.

Celeste:

I have family near Bayou Vista, how should they prepare for the flooding?

CS:

Bayou Vista is protected by a backwater levee along the Intercoastal Canal. It should suffice for this event.

BC:

This marks the end of this town hall. I am offering the opportunity for people to ask questions via my Facebook account or through my website, http://www.billcassidy.com. Leave a question and we’ll reply. Please include your name, e-mail address, and question. There will also be helpful links on the website. I want to thank Commissioner Smith for his time. Have a great evening.

Louisiana's congressional delegation relieved, grateful for killing of Osama bin Laden

Mon, 02 May 2011 19:37:00 GMT

by Jonathan Tilove, The Times-Picayune - May 2, 2011

WASHINGTON -- Members of the Louisiana congressional delegation reacted with relief and gratitude Monday that justice had at long last been done with the killing of Osama bin Laden.

"I am proud of our men and women in uniform for this enormous achievement," said Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La. "This is a tremendous step forward in the war on terror, and our nation owes a debt of gratitude to those who carried it out. I am relieved that the cause of justice has been served and that the victims of 9-11 can rest assured knowing the man behind the attacks has been killed and caught."

"Osama bin Laden's death is a major success and a significant victory for America and our allies in the war against terrorism," said Sen. David Vitter, R-La. "We've waited a long time to bring justice to the man who inflicted so much terror on innocent people around the world and I'm glad that day has finally arrived. This victory is all about our brave men and women in uniform and our intelligence community and we need to build on this significant success."

"Bin Laden was the face of Al-Qaeda, and while his death sends a strong message, unfortunately there are more terrorists out there trying to destroy our way of life and our fight must continue," said Vitter.

"The confirmation that Osama bin Laden has been killed is a great victory for our military troops who have been in and around Iraq and Afghanistan fighting to defend the freedoms that we hold dear," said Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson. "While there are still those around the world who wish to do us harm, this news marks a critical and victorious milestone in the ongoing war on terror."

"The killing of Osama bin Laden closes an important chapter in the war on terror, and while we celebrate the heroic efforts of our men and women in uniform, we also remember the brave souls who gave their lives to get us to this point," said Scalise. "We will never forget the horrific events of September 11, 2001, and we will continue fighting to preserve our freedoms and protect America from those who wish to do us harm."

"Almost a decade after the malicious attack on our homeland and on our countrymen, the mastermind of that attack, Osama bin Laden, has met justice. This is a historic moment in the world's repudiation of terrorism and moves us towards a more peaceful and just world," said Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans. "At this time, my thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones during 9/11. This announcement brings us back to that fall day in 2001."

"I applaud President Obama, our intelligence agents, and CIA Director (Leon) Panetta. I also applaud the men and women in the armed services," said Richmond. "From all backgrounds, they all came together for this shared sacrifice and this common mission. This day of justice is a result of their dogged determination and courage. All of America is grateful. It is their continued perseverance and strategy that will continue to root out terrorism and keep America safe."

"For the last 10 years, the brave men and women of our military forces and intelligence services have been determined in their effort to bring justice to those responsible for killing nearly 3,000 people on September 11, 2011. Due to their hard work, sacrifice, and commitment -- Osama bin Laden is dead," said Rep. Jeff Landry, R-New Iberia. "This is not only a victory for America in our continued fight against terror, but also a clear message that America will not stand down and will pursue to the very end those who wish to harm us. May God bless all those in uniform who fight to protect our security and freedom. And may God continue to bless America."

"Osama bin Laden's death is a significant milestone in combating Al-Qaeda. The mastermind of the attacks of September 11, 2001, has been eliminated," said Rep. Charles Boustany, R-Lafayette. "This is a testament to the dedicated work of our service men and women and our intelligence capabilities. More work remains for our armed forces, intelligence community and diplomatic leaders to eliminate terrorist influences and their threat to America. I ask you to join me in expressing my deepest gratitude to our men and women in uniform for their tireless efforts to protect our nation over the past decade. May God continue to bless America."

"I commend President Obama, our national security team, and our men and women in uniform for bringing Osama bin Laden to justice," said Rep. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge. "The death of bin Laden is a major victory against terror and those who wish harm against peace-loving people around the world. I offer my sincere gratitude to the members of our armed forces and our intelligence community for the sacrifices they have made and will continue to make on behalf of our freedom. This is truly a story of good triumphing over evil and a great day for the American people."

"I want to convey my gratefulness to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces and national security community for their perseverance and unyielding efforts to bring Osama bin Laden to justice," said Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman. "Evil has met his maker. This is a welcomed victory for liberty around the globe."

MSNBC Interview

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:23:00 GMT

Here's some footage from my interview yesterday with Alex Witt on MSNBC.

Redistricting Map for Louisiana

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:20:00 GMT

Conversation with Cassidy - April 12, 2011

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:21:00 GMT

Help Me Repeal Obamacare

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:27:00 GMT

A year ago today, Obama signed into law one of the most radical pieces of legislation in American history. Over the protests of the people, Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama imposed their radical government-run health care bill on America.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Thankfully, the American people responded last November by sending a resounding message to Washington. Now, Republicans have a real opportunity to fight Obamacare, but we have an uphill battle. Democrats – in the White House and the Senate – are doing everything they can to protect their radical agenda. The left is already mobilizing their special interest groups to stop our work.

Please help me continue to fight Obamacare by making a gift of $25, $50, $100 or more right now that will ensure that I have the resources to defeat the Democrat’s special interest money machine.

We have a unique opportunity to not only repeal a bad bill but also replace it with real reforms. As a doctor who has spent over 20 years treating the uninsured, I care deeply about replacing Obamacare with a fiscally responsible bill. I have fought to direct the dialogue towards a patient focused approach, which would improve access to care and lower your costs. I believe a professional and practical plan is needed to truly impart lasting solutions to the rising costs of healthcare in this country.

From my travels around Louisiana I have heard the numerous concerns over rising medical costs and the Democrat’s government-run healthcare law. My appointment to the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health has enabled me to voice these concerns and work towards real change at the national level. That is why your donation of $25, $50, or even $100 is so crucial in continuing my efforts to advocate on behalf of Louisiana. Please follow this link to contribute online today.

By making a secure online gift today, you'll be directly supporting my efforts to repeal government-run health care and replace it with fiscally responsible legislation.

It is an honor to serve you and the state of Louisiana.

Best Wishes,

Congressman Bill Cassidy M.D.

P.S. Democrats are desperate to silence the voices of fiscal responsibility. They know the American people don’t want their health care bill and are willing to spend whatever it takes to protect their bill. Please help me stop them by making a campaign contribution of $25, $50, $100 or more today. Thank you.

Victory Party Pictures

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:58:00 GMT

"Here, Sir, The People Govern"

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:53:00 GMT

In a message thanking supporters, Bill discusses the election results.

Tonight, the people of the Sixth Congressional District stood up and strongly reinforced the message we're hearing across America: that the principles that made this nation great - limited government, free enterprise, and individual opportunity - are the principles that will carry our nation forward into prosperity and security for future generations.

Laura and I are deeply honored to have the support and confidence of so many friends and supporters. We could not have done it without your help. You are the reason for our success. Thank you for being part of our team.

As we watched the election returns come in tonight, I was reminded of a woman who came to our town hall meeting in Walker this summer. About half way through, she stood up, and explained that she'd sat in traffic for an hour to be there. She didn't mind the traffic, and even though she'd never been involved in politics before, she said she needed to be there to make her voice heard.

She stood up, and delivered the sort of wisdom that is common in Louisiana, but all too rare in Washington. She explained that entrepreneurs create jobs, that doctors and nurses provide health care, that families rear children, and that spending leads to debt.

It is because of people like her in Louisiana and all across this country that I am hopeful and optimistic for our future. I keep on my desk an Alexander Hamilton quote that reads, "Here sir, the People govern." Tonight, we are witnessing the American people govern.

Sincerely,
Bill Cassidy

In the final days before the election, Bill works to turn out as many voters as possible to advance our vision for limited government, free enterprise, and individual opportunity.

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 18:07:00 GMT

Bill Explains Our Vision For Limited Government And Job Creation On 89.3 WRKF

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 18:28:00 GMT

“I've learned that oftentimes people in Washington DC think that they know what is best for your life. In reality though, I've also learned that the values and the wisdom of the people of the Sixth Congressional District are actually what is best for Washington DC, our state, and our district: lower taxes, more domestic energy production, individual liberty and responsibility, and smaller government.”

Click here to listen: http://www.wrkf.org/multimedia/index.php?id=272

TRANSCRIPT:

This is Bill Cassidy. It is my privilege to represent and work for the people of the Sixth Congressional District of Louisiana in the United States Congress.

Our country faces incredible challenges. The economy, loss of jobs here and overseas, the national debt, just to name a few. But we've had challenges before, and the American people have responded. I ran for office two years ago to partner with the people of the Sixth Congressional District in meeting these challenges.

And I've often thought and said that if I could channel the wisdom and values of the people of Louisiana to the floor of the House of Representatives, our district, our state, and our country would be better off. And the last two years I've done this.

In health care, using my experience as a doctor treating the uninsured at Earl K. Long and setting up free clinics for the working uninsured, to work and argue against the bureaucratic, top-down health care plan that passed and for a patient-centered approach that puts you, the patient, in charge of your health and your health care dollar.

I've argued and worked against the cap and trade bill, which if it passes, it is estimated that it will destroy 40 percent of the petrochemical jobs in Louisiana and the United States over the next 15 years while minimally benefiting our environment.

I've argued and worked on behalf of the workers in oilfields, pipelines, and in ship yards in asking the president to end his moratorium on outer continental shelf drilling. A moratorium the administration's own engineering review board says doesn't make sense.

And I've argued for the preservation of our liberty. Our First and Second Amendment rights, our right to be free of government meddling in our lives, and our right to keep our own money that we earn, and on behalf of lower taxes.

I've learned that oftentimes people in Washington DC think that they know what is best for your life. In reality though, I've also learned that the values and the wisdom of the people of the Sixth Congressional District are actually what is best for Washington DC, our state, and our district: lower taxes, more domestic energy production, individual liberty and responsibility, and smaller government.

If reelected, I will continue to represent these values, as you and I, as we, address the challenges that lie before our country. With these values, I'm confident that America will succeed as it never has done before.

I ask that on November 2nd that you vote for Bill Cassidy so that together we can work for a better United States of America, a better Louisiana, and a better future. Thank you very much.

Link to WRKF site: http://www.wrkf.org/batonrouge&newsID=538