WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, penned this op-ed in the Washington Times arguing that Congress must step up to help the Trump administration hold the International Monetary Fund (IMF) accountable for its dangerous lending practices.
Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:
“Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently argued that the United States must play a bigger role in global multinational organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, not a smaller role. He’s right, and Congress needs to join in this effort.
“For several years, the IMF has acted more like a social justice fan club than a financial institution. It has strayed far from its original mission of promoting global monetary cooperation and economic stability by focusing on gender issues and climate change.
“However, the problems at the IMF extend well beyond a failure to adhere to its mission. By making irresponsible lending decisions, the IMF has actively facilitated global instability by doling out billions of dollars to countries that promote terrorism and genocide.”
. . .
“Given that the U.S. is the IMF’s single largest financial contributor, this allocation was essentially a handout funded by American taxpayers to many countries that hate us. China received a roughly $38.3 billion dividend, Russia collected $16.2 billion, and Iran raked in $4.5 billion.”
. . .
“I introduced the No Dollars for Dictators Act to require congressional approval before a single penny’s worth of funding from the IMF goes to perpetrators of genocide or state sponsors of terrorism. Congress cannot sit on the sidelines while American tax dollars pour into the pockets of terrorists and dictators.
“The Biden administration showed the world what chaos can unfold when the U.S. fails to put its interests first. The Trump administration is right to remind the IMF and organizations like it that America’s interests will not take a back seat to the whims of activists.”
Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here. Full text of the No Dollars for Dictators Act of 2025 is available here.
Kennedy, Cassidy introduce resolution commemorating 100 years of Southeastern Louisiana University
Apr 30 2025
WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) recently introduced a resolution commemorating 100 years of Southeastern Louisiana University and the major impacts the institution has had on the lives of countless students across our state and the region. Southeastern has been celebrating its centennial since September 2024 and will continue to celebrate through December 2025.
“A quality education is key to both Louisiana and America’s future. By that measure, Southeastern Louisiana University ought to be proud of its life-changing impacts over the last 100 years—and its record-breaking graduation rate and enrollment increases this year prove that. I join countless Louisianians in celebrating all that Southeastern has done in the past century to brighten our state’s future,” said Kennedy.
“Southeastern Louisiana University has been training up the next leaders of our great state for 100 years. Their quality of education attracts students from all over, who then stay in Louisiana, raise families, and make our state even better. Keep making Louisiana proud!” said Cassidy.
“Southeastern is proud to have reached this significant milestone in our remarkable 100-year history. From our humble beginnings in 1925 to becoming a dynamic institution with over 150 programs of study, Southeastern’s success stems from the commitment of students, faculty, staff, and the communities that support us. We sincerely thank Senator Kennedy for authoring this proclamation in recognition of our Centennial year and look forward to celebrating with the communities we serve,” said William S. Wainwright, Southeastern Louisiana University President.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today reintroduced the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act to protect livestock and other animals from abuse by strengthening law enforcement’s ability to penalize abusers.
“Far too often, researchers, breeders and dealers who mistreat animals get away with their crimes. I’m proud to help introduce the Better CARE for Animals Act to make sure law enforcement has the authority to rescue innocent creatures from dangerous environments and punish people who have a hand in the mishandling of animals,” said Kennedy.
“Our bipartisan, bicameral measure protects animals from mistreatment and neglect by holding bad actors accountable for their abuse. Civil penalties and suspensions of abusers’ licenses will go a long way in strengthening Animal Welfare Act enforcement and keeping vulnerable animals out of harm’s way,” said Blumenthal.
The Better CARE for Animals Act would:
- Strengthen the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ability to enforce the Animal Welfare Act by clarifying that the DOJ has the same authority that the U.S. Department of Agriculture wields under the Animal Welfare Act, including the ability to seek license suspensions, revocations and civil penalties.
- Expand on the Animal Welfare Act by granting the DOJ forfeiture authority to seize and remove animals experiencing harmful treatment.
Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.) and Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives.
“I’m proud to support the bipartisan and bicameral Better CARE for Animals Act which will hold abusers accountable for their mistreatment of innocent animals. Millions of animals have already suffered, and we must ensure the U.S. Department of Justice has the tools it needs to crack down on those responsible—to protect the welfare of animals and prevent future abuse,” said Malliotakis.
“The Better CARE for Animals Act provides the Justice Department with the necessary authority to combat animal abuse, making them an equal partner to the USDA. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in improving enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act,” said Quigley.
“The Better CARE for Animals Act provides for important animal protections, encourages stronger collaboration between departments, and empowers our law enforcement to combat abusers. As a member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m proud to support this legislation and advocate for the better treatment of innocent animals,” said Reschenthaler.
“No animal should suffer because bad actors know they can get away with it. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure stronger enforcement and greater accountability for those who abuse animals. The Better CARE for Animals Act gives us the tools we need to support more humane treatment across the country,” said Davids.
The Humane World Action Fund supports the Better CARE for Animals Act.
“For too long, derelict dog breeders, subpar research facilities, and roadside zoos that make a mockery of animals have put profits over animals’ care and wellbeing by exploiting holes in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s enforcement of the law. The reintroduction of the Better CARE for Animals Act will give the Department of Justice tools to crack down on scofflaws harming animals and provide USDA better support. No animal deserves to be sacrificed due to a critical lack of enforcement. We call on Congress to pass the bill now to create a new era of better care for animals,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane World Action Fund.
Full text of the bill is available here.
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $7,044,721 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana disaster aid.
“Communities like Lafourche Parish, New Orleans and Dulac continue to deal with the impacts of Hurricane Ida today. This $7 million will help southeast Louisiana cover the costs of repairing key educational and recreational facilities,” said Kennedy.
The FEMA aid will fund the following:
- $4,262,342 to the Terrebonne Parish Recreation District #4 for repairs to the Grand Caillou Recreation Center Building in Dulac, La. resulting from Hurricane Ida damage.
- $1,643,621 to the Academy of the Sacred Heart of New Orleans for repairs to the Mater Campus Education Building resulting from Hurricane Ida damage.
- $1,138,758 to the Lafourche Parish School Board for repairs to South Lafourche High School athletic facilities due to Hurricane Ida damage.
MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in Newsweek highlighting the improvement in Louisiana’s K-12 schools and arguing that the states should have the power to decide education policies.
Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:
“As graduation season approaches, some high school seniors face a sad reality: They never learned to read.
“Graduates throughout the country are filing lawsuits against their schools for failing to teach them basic math and reading skills. One student plaintiff said he couldn't even spell his name. Too many K-12 schools in America have become failure factories.”
. . .
“Looking at these numbers, it is easy to understand why many Republicans have proposed shutting down the Department of Education altogether. American students would be better off if the states handled education—and my home state, Louisiana, provides a perfect example.
“Between 2019 and 2024, Louisiana fourth graders went from ranking dead last in the country for reading proficiency to ranking 16th.”
. . .
“The status quo at the Department of Education isn't working, and the United States cannot afford to keep spending money on departments that don't deliver results for the American people. Louisiana's schools are far from perfect, but it is undeniable that our state is on the right track.”
Read Kennedy’s op-ed here.
MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $4,287,667 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana disaster aid.
“Hurricanes Laura and Ida devastated important infrastructure across south Louisiana. This $4.3 million will help communities like Jefferson and St. John the Baptist Parishes restore education and sewerage facilities, and aid Lake Charles with Hurricane Laura repairs,” said Kennedy.
The FEMA aid will fund the following:
- $1,681,034 to the city of Lake Charles, La. for repairs to communications towers resulting from Hurricane Laura damage.
- $1,598,591 to the Jefferson Parish School System for repairs to the Thomas Jefferson High School for Advanced Studies campus due to Hurricane Ida damage.
- $1,008,042 to St. John the Baptist Parish for repairs to sewer lift stations due to Hurricane Ida damage.
MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $14,287,394 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana disaster aid.
“South Louisiana communities are built tough, and have worked hard to rebuild key infrastructure in the wake of devastating storms. This $14.3 million will help Louisianians cover the costs of restoring their schools, churches and medical buildings,” said Kennedy.
The FEMA aid will fund the following:
- $11,270,163 to the Terrebonne Parish School Board to restore damaged school contents due to Hurricane Ida damage.
- $1,778,027 to the Society of the Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of Lake Charles for repairs to the Christ the King Parish hall, office building and church in Lake Charles, La due to Hurricane Laura damage.
- $1,239,204 to the Ochsner Clinic Foundation for repairs to the Kenner Ochsner Medical Office Building due to Hurricane Ida damage.
MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $8,091,480 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for Louisiana disaster aid.
“Storms like Laura and Ida ravaged key education and transportation infrastructure in Louisiana. This $8.1 million will help Calcasieu Parish cover the cost of repairing school facilities and aid the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport with Hurricane Ida repairs,” said Kennedy.
The FEMA aid will fund the following:
- $7,071,039 to the Calcasieu Parish School Board for repairs to Barbe High School facilities resulting from Hurricane Laura damage.
- $1,020,441 to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to repair Hurricane Ida damage.
Kennedy announces $5.7 million for generators in Vermilion, St. Helena, St. John the Baptist Parishes
Apr 11 2025
MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $5,658,060 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants for generators in Vermilion, St. Helena and St. John the Baptist Parishes.
“Louisianians work hard to make their communities more resilient and prepare for the next storm. This $5.7 million will make sure Vermilion, St. Helena and St. John the Baptist Parishes are equipped with back-up power to better withstand severe weather,” said Kennedy.
The FEMA aid will fund the following:
- $2,330,986 to Vermilion Parish for the installation of five permanent natural gas generators.
- $1,725,750 to St. John the Baptist Parish for the installation of two permanent industrial generators.
- $1,315,800 to St. Helena Parish for the installation of 11 permanent industrial generators.
- $116,549 to Vermilion Parish for management costs associated with generator purchase and installation.
- $95,875 to St. John the Baptist Parish for management costs associated with generator purchase and installation.
- $73,100 to St. Helena Parish for management costs associated with generator purchase and installation.
WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) today reintroduced the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Animal Trafficking (FIGHT) Act to enhance national animal fighting laws by providing more tools to law enforcement and citizens to curtail cockfighting and dogfighting.
“Those engaging in dog and cock fights are abusive, organized and dangerous—and their heinous behavior must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. It’s illegal to abuse God’s creatures for sport, and this bill would give law enforcement crucial tools to end this cruel practice,” said Kennedy.
"Animal fighting is cruel, illegal, and unacceptable. It’s time we take stronger action to stop these heinous abuses against animals and protect them from being exploited for entertainment and profit. This bill will tighten enforcement to put a stop to illegal animal fighting,” said Booker.
Despite being criminalized, cockfighting and dogfighting are still common across the country. Cockfights can become hubs of violence because of the illegal activity that often accompanies them.
Cockfighting may also pose a danger to public health during the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, as people who handle bloodied birds risk becoming infected by them.
The FIGHT Act would amend Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act to strengthen and enhance enforcement against animal fighting. This bill would:
- Ban simulcasting and gambling on animal fights in the U.S., no matter where the broadcast signals for dogfights and cockfights originate.
- Halt shipments of mature roosters (chickens only) shipped through U.S. mail. This legislation does not address shipments of baby chicks, which are used in accepted agricultural operations. Shipping dogs through the mail is already illegal.
- Creates a citizen suit provision allowing private right of action against illegal animal fighters and ease the resource burden on federal agencies.
- Enhances forfeiture provisions to include real property used in the commission of an animal fighting crime.
The full bill text of the FIGHT Act is available here.
