Senate passes Kennedy, Cassidy’s resolution commemorating 100 years of Southeastern Louisiana University
May 09 2025
WASHINGTON – This week, the U.S. Senate passed Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Bill Cassidy’s (R-La.) resolution commemorating 100 years of Southeastern Louisiana University and its impacts on students across Louisiana and the region. Southeastern will continue to celebrate its centennial through December 2025.
“I’ve seen firsthand how a quality education has the power to change lives, and Southeastern Louisiana University has certainly done so by making countless life-changing impacts on our state, its students and the region over the past 100 years. I’m proud to see the Senate pass this resolution honoring its centennial and look forward to seeing this great institution continue to achieve even greater success as we look to the future,” said Kennedy.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
Watch Kennedy’s comments here.
WASHINGTON – The Senate passed Sen. John Kennedy’s (R-La.) joint resolution of disapproval under Congressional Review Act (CRA) procedures to block an Office of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) rule that delays the bank merger approval process by adding more red tape that could lead to consumer uncertainty.
The Biden administration’srule, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, amended the Bank Merger Act of 1960 to make it harder for the OCC to approve healthy bank mergers quickly. Kennedy’s resolution would reverse the Biden administration’s misguided rule so that banks can stay in business and serve hardworking Americans.
Kennedy spoke on the Senate floor ahead of the resolution’s passage. Key excerpts of the speech are below:
“Well, President Biden’s people at the OCC decided that [the rule] wasn’t broken; so they were going to fix it. Again, I don’t hate anybody, but you have got to call it like you see it.
“I think the folks at President Biden’s OCC got up one day and thought there was an award for being stupid. They took this very simple and effective rule and procedure, and they turned it on its head. What they did was tier-one level moronic.”
. . .
“I am going to ask the Senate to reject President Biden’s cumbersome rule. . . . That doesn’t mean that the OCC can’t revisit it at some point, but let me just be blunt: What President Biden’s OCC people did was put together a plan—a new rule—that looks like it was put together by a heroin addict with a socket wrench. I mean, it is the most convoluted thing you have ever seen.
“If we vote yes today—and I hope we do—then we will reject this rule and go back to doing it the old way.”
Background:
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Historically, the OCC assumed that a potential merger passed muster if the agency took no action on a merger application within 15 days. The burden of showing that a merger would harm business and consumers fell on the OCC and bank regulators.
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The Biden administration’s rule shifted the burden of proof to individual banks, making it harder for banks—particularly community banks—to fulfill their obligations by making smart, strategic mergers.
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In Feb. 2025, Kennedy introduced his resolution to undo the Biden administration’s rule.
Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) cosponsored the resolution.
“The Biden OCC rule restricting bank mergers would lead to less competition in the industry and reduce access to credit and important services for Americans. I’m proud to join Senator Kennedy’s effort to overturn this rule and allow the free market to decide how financial institutions can best serve their customers,” said Scott, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.
“The Biden bank merger rule was a solution in search of a problem and embodies the overzealous rulemaking that defined the last Administration. Lacking any basis in sound banking policy, this regulation added more red tape and disproportionally burdened and harmed the competitiveness of small and mid-size banks by deterring beneficial business combinations,” said Daines.
The resolution will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), chairman of the Financial Institutions Subcommittee on the House Financial Services Committee, has introduced the companion resolution.
“With President Trump restoring regulatory sanity in Washington, I’m proud to partner with Senator Kennedy on this effort to overturn the Joe Biden’s OCC’s flawed bank merger rule. This resolution upholds the integrity of our financial system by ensuring that merger applications are evaluated based on clear, consistent standards—not arbitrary political agendas. Community and regional banks deserve a regulatory framework that supports growth, innovation, and expanded access to credit,” said Barr.
The American Bankers Association (ABA) supports Kennedy’s resolution.
“ABA has long believed that bank mergers should be subject to clear and transparent standards, and that regulators should act in a timely and fair manner when considering applications. Unfortunately, the final rule the OCC approved last September created unhelpful and biased new standards—including arbitrary asset thresholds—without providing the clarity and predictability that banks and their customers need. We applaud today’s Senate passage of the Congressional Review Act resolution nullifying the OCC’s merger rule and thank Sen. Kennedy for his leadership on this important issue. We now urge the House to quickly pass the companion resolution introduced by Rep. Andy Barr so regulators can correct this flawed rule and establish a new framework that reflects today's financial services landscape and promotes competition that strengthens our financial system,” said Rob Nichols, President and CEO of the ABA.
Text of the resolution is available here.
Watch Kennedy’s comments here.
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) explained why extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the most important thing Congress can do in the budget reconciliation process to protect the economy in a speech on the U.S. Senate floor.
Key excerpts of the speech are below:
“So, the first goal of reconciliation is to try to reduce these prices, to try to kill inflation dead. But there is a second equally—some would say more—important reason, as you well know, Mr. President. In 2017, this Congress, during President Trump’s first term, passed the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We cut taxes by $4.3 trillion. And, boy, did it work. The economy took off like a SpaceX rocket ship.”
. . .
“The bad news is that those tax cuts expire at the end of this year. So, we are going to try to extend them and make them permanent in our reconciliation bill. And if we don’t, then we are going to have a $4.3 trillion tax increase on the American people.
“I want you to think about that, Mr. President, when some of our colleagues try to throw up roadblocks to our reconciliation bill. In effect, what they are saying is, they want to raise taxes on the American people by $4.3 trillion.
“That is the most important thing we want to do in our reconciliation bill. It is not the only important thing, as I mentioned, but it is clearly the most important thing. If we raise taxes right now, $4.3 trillion on the American people, this economy will begin a journey to the center of the Earth. We cannot let it happen.”
Watch Kennedy’s speech here.
Watch Kennedy’s comments in the Senate Budget Committee here.
WASHINGTON – Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) today introduced the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025, which would protect Americans’ ability to opt out of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) facial recognition screenings at airports and prevent abuse of passenger data obtained through these scans.
“The TSA subjects countless law-abiding Americans to excessive facial recognition screenings as they travel, invading passengers’ privacy without even making it clear that they can opt out of the screening. The Traveler Privacy Protection Act would protect Americans’ ability to say ‘no’ to these facial scans and safeguard the personal data that the TSA collects,” said Kennedy.
“Folks don’t want a national surveillance state, but that’s exactly what the TSA’s unchecked expansion of facial recognition technology is leading us to. Americans have the right to opt out of using TSA’s facial recognition at the airport, and we need to protect that right. Our Traveler Privacy Protection Act safeguards the freedoms and privacy of all Americans by making sure no one is required to have their face scanned to travel,” said Merkley.
“Privacy is one of America’s most sacred liberties, and we must protect it. In no universe should the federal government collect biometric data from Americans without their full, informed consent. The Traveler Privacy Protection Act strengthens safeguards around this sensitive data and brings transparency for travelers. I’m proud to work with Senators Kennedy, Merkley, and Markey to champion this effort,” said Marshall.
“Passengers should not have to choose between safety and privacy when they travel. Yet, the TSA has consistently ignored our calls to halt the unacceptable use of facial recognition tools and protect passenger privacy. Instead, the agency rapidly expanded the use of the technology nationwide. I am glad to partner with Senators Merkley and Kennedy on the Traveler Privacy Protection Act to ensure travelers are able to exercise their right to privacy and be able to check TSA’s invasive practices at the door,” said Markey.
While the TSA calls its plan to implement facial scans voluntary, passengers are largely unaware of their ability to opt out. Moreover, TSA does not effectively display notices at its check points to inform travelers that they have such an option.
The Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025 would:
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Require the TSA to give each passenger the option to have their identity verified without the use of facial recognition and make sure that the TSA notifies passengers about this option.
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Ban the TSA from subjecting travelers who opt out of facial recognition to worse treatment.
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Protect traveler data obtained through facial recognition from being stored indefinitely.
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Stop the TSA from using facial recognition for purposes other than identity verification at security checkpoints.
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Prohibit the TSA from using facial recognition to profile, target or discriminate against individuals solely for exercising their constitutional rights, or to enable wide-scale monitoring, surveillance or tracking.
Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) also cosponsored the bill.
Full text of the Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2025 is available here.
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today reintroduced the Crawfish Recovery Assistance from Weather Disasters and Droughts (CRAWDAD) Act. The bill would support Louisiana crawfish jobs when severe weather puts strain on the industry.
“Come rain, shine, sleet or snow, Louisiana’s mudbug farmers always work hard to deliver quality food to crawfish lovers. My CRAWDAD Act would make sure crawfish producers have access to the emergency support they need when droughts and other severe weather strike,” said Kennedy.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) cosponsored the CRAWDAD Act.
“When you think Louisiana, you think crawfish. Crawfish farmers work hard to provide Louisiana and the world with the tastiest crawdads possible. Let’s support them as they do so, rain or shine,” said Cassidy.
Background:
- The Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) provides producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish access to federal financial assistance when they face adverse weather, disease or loss conditions.
- In 2021, the Secretary of Agriculture temporarily expanded the ELAP to include crawfish producers when the industry suffered losses.
The CRAWDAD Act would make crawfish producers eligible for ELAP funding on a permanent basis, ensuring that they have access to the emergency support they need without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
Kennedy’s bill would also classify a drought as a weather event that the Secretary of Agriculture could declare as an emergency.
The Louisiana Farm Bureau supports the CRAWDAD Act.
“Louisiana crawfish farmers hope to never see another drought like they did in 2023. Louisiana Farm Bureau appreciates Senator Kennedy in the reintroduction of the CRAWDAD Act to provide additional support for this vital Louisiana industry,” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot.
Full text of the CRAWDAD Act is available here.
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today introduced the Same Care, Lower Cost Act. The bill would fix a part of Medicare’s billing structure that allows hospital systems to charge patients for outpatient care at more expensive hospital rates—even when the medical procedures could be done safely at non-hospital settings.
“Patients should only pay for the care they receive, not for the sign on the door or where they get treated. My Same Care, Lower Cost Act is a common-sense reform that expands patients’ health care options, creates greater transparency and reduces taxpayer burden,” said Kennedy.
This unfair billing practice occurs due to a provision in the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act. That law established “site-neutral” payments under Medicare, but only for certain newly-constructed facilities. This left most hospitals exempt from the policy. The Same Care, Lower Cost Act would close that loophole, cutting health care costs for many patients.
In a June 2023 report, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recommended that 66 Medicare billing codes, also known as ambulatory payment classifications (APCs), be made eligible for site-neutral payment reform.
The Same Care, Lower Cost Act would:
- Direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to finally make the 66 APCs identified in MedPAC’s report eligible for site-neutral payments.
- Give the Secretary the authority to add additional APCs for site neutrality consideration.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, implementing site-neutral payments for hospital outpatient departments could save the Medicare program and taxpayers roughly $157 billion over 10 years.
Some estimates also suggest that this reform could save Medicare recipients anywhere from $94 to $134 billion in lower premiums and cost sharing over 10 years.
Better Solutions for Healthcare, AMAC Action, Free2Care, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Americans for Prosperity, the Libre Initiative and Concerned Veterans for America support the bill.
“High healthcare costs driven by dishonest hospital billing practices leave patients and employers with unsustainable financial burden. This legislation would put a check and balance on hospital pricing, and its introduction reflects the American public's concern with how corporate hospital systems conduct business,” said Connie Partoyan, Executive Director, Better Solutions for Healthcare.
“The Same Care, Lower Cost Act equalizes Medicare payment rates across health care provider locations which would result in significant savings for the Medicare program. This legislation would also drive down wasteful spending within the program while reducing premiums, cost-sharing, and other out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare beneficiaries. AMAC Action has long advocated for site neutrality legislation to reduce health care costs for seniors and we are pleased to support this bill on behalf of AMAC’s 2-million-plus members,” said Andy Mangione, Senior Vice President, AMAC Action.
"The Same Care, Lower Cost Act will usher in reduced Medicare spending, decreased cost-sharing for seniors, and greater transparency in healthcare pricing. For the patients we represent, this means lower premiums and fewer out-of-pocket surprises. For physicians, it means a more level playing field and greater independence from hospital system acquisition pressures driven by payment disparities, not clinical necessity," said Josie Gallagher, Executive Director, Free2Care.
"Site-neutral payments simply make sense. Medicare should pay the same price for the same service regardless of whether the service is provided in a physicians’ office or in a hospital outpatient department. We are happy to see a new site-neutral bill introduced by Senator Kennedy that would require the same rates at both on- and off-campus hospital outpatient departments. In a time of high and rising debt and deficits, it makes perfect sense to reduce deficits and save money for both taxpayers and Medicare beneficiaries,” said Maya MacGuineas, President, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
“We applaud Senator Kennedy and his colleagues on introducing a sensible reform that will give patients more options and make health care more affordable, not just for seniors but for all Americans. For too long, Medicare’s archaic payment policies have enabled hospital corporations to get away with overcharging for care, an error that is fueling harmful local market consolidation and needlessly driving up costs for patients and taxpayers alike. This important legislation fixes a major flaw in our health care system, and our thousands of activists across the country will be working hard to enact it, this year,” said Dean Clancy, Senior Health Care Policy Advisor, Americans for Prosperity.
“Site neutrality ensures patients are treated based on the care they receive, not where they receive it. For Latino families and other minorities, who often rely on community-based providers and outpatient centers, site neutrality means lower costs, more choices, and better access to care close to home,” said Sandra Benitez, Executive Director, The LIBRE Initiative.
“Veterans, service members, and military families live all across our country, in settings from urban to deeply rural. Like our civilian neighbors, we deserve access to high quality, affordable health care of our choice. Site neutral payment reform for both TRICARE and VA community care providers would promote greater health care competition, expand treatment options and lower costs for taxpayers. In this way, Sen. Kennedy's bill will enhance military and veterans’ health care, while creating a model the rest of America can emulate and expand access to quality affordable care for underserved patients everywhere,” said John Vick, Executive Director, Concerned Veterans for America.
Full text of the Same Care, Lower Cost Act is available here.
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.
