A Note From the Desk of Congresswoman Letlow

The government shutdown is now in the rearview mirror, as enough Senate Democrats ended the political games and joined with Republicans to provide certainty for our troops, our veterans, and our Louisiana families reliant on food assistance. With this unnecessary standoff finally behind us, we can return to delivering real results for Louisiana. Just last week, we secured major investments in rural healthcare and flood protection, while advancing efforts to return more control over education to the states. These victories and proposals reflect my continued commitment to practical, people-focused leadership.

Now I'm pushing forward on the issues that impact families across our district. From boosting rural healthcare services to supporting flood mitigation and cutting federal red tape in education, our progress is building a brighter future for Louisiana.

Securing Investments for Louisiana

I'm proud to announce two major investments I secured this week to strengthen both rural healthcare and community safety across Louisiana. First, I secured $2 million for the Upper Amite River Flood Reduction and Restoration Project to support critical flood mitigation efforts in South Louisiana. Flooding remains one of the greatest threats to our Capital Region, and this funding will help stabilize waterways, reduce erosion, and protect families and homes. I remain fully committed to delivering targeted, results-driven support for the people of Louisiana.

I also delivered $4 million in Community Project Funding for the Delhi Hospital Outpatient Therapy and Diabetes Education Center expansion. This project will build a modern outpatient therapy and community health center in Richland Parish, directly addressing the gaps in care our rural families face every day. I will continue using my seat on the Appropriations Committee to ensure communities like Delhi get the resources they deserve.

Returning Education to the States

Big government doesn't define America's education system; it's defined by our students, their families, and the dedicated teachers who support them every day. That's why I support Secretary McMahon's announced plan to downsize the federal Department of Education and return more control to states and families. This approach will ensure that our tax dollars go back to where they can make the greatest impact, including leaders like Louisiana Superintendent Cade Brumley, who is working tirelessly to improve outcomes for our children.

Reforming education is never simple, but cutting unnecessary bureaucracy is always the right move. This proposal doesn't end support for education, but refocuses the federal government’s role on oversight responsibilities like Title I and special education, while giving states and families a greater voice in shaping our children's future. I'm encouraged to see a thoughtful, efficient plan that prioritizes students over red tape.

Supporting Moms and their Newborns

This week I introduced the bipartisan Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act alongside Congresswoman Kim Schrier. This legislation expands critical support for new mothers and their infants by authorizing an existing HHS pilot program to distribute newborn supply kits. These kits provide essentials like diapers, wipes, breastfeeding supplies, and postpartum mental health resources to families in areas of need. As a mom, I know firsthand that motherhood is both a tremendous blessing and the highest calling of my life. In those first days after giving birth, every mother deserves the support and resources necessary to create a nurturing environment for her child, especially in our maternal health deserts and rural communities.

We've already seen tremendous success through partnerships like the one between Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, HHS, and Baby2Baby to distribute these kits in Louisiana. I’m proud to champion this effort and will keep working with private and non-profit partners to ensure new moms receive the care, supplies, and support they deserve.

Watch news coverage of my NEST Act by clicking here.

Please feel free to always reach out to my office directly when you have questions, comments, or concerns. My office is always accessible through our website by clicking here. We are here to serve you!

Sincerely,

Julia Letlow, Ph.D.
Member of Congress

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