Louisiana: America’s Leader.

In today’s age of 24-hour news cycles and permanent campaigning, the need for leadership is stronger than ever. Not just any leadership but leadership that is sensible, consistently conservative, and focused on results.

Louisiana is a proud state. Our way of life, from food and culture, to politics, to enjoying the great outdoors, is authentic in America. There are a number of wonderful attributes we have the good fortune of enjoying here in the Sportsman’s Paradise. But the best part of our state is its residents. We’re resilient and place a premium on our traditions and rich cultural past. And we’re fully aware it will shape the future of our state.

That’s something we’re all concerned about. When I meet with constituents, concerns arise over the gridlock and partisan bickering. I’ve introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at building consensus, and building upon my pass success to benefit our ports and waterways. The RAMP Act ensures our ports and harbors run at maximum efficiency. That means more goods from Louisiana farmers and manufacturers can be shipped out to the rest of the world. This creates jobs at home and strengthens Louisiana’s position as the 7th largest exporting state in the entire nation.

It’s imperative we stay competitive in this global economy, and in Louisiana, our local seafood industries know exactly how tough that can be. With trade partners of the United States actively skirting the law by illegally subsidizing foreign competitors, Gulf Coast shrimpers must compete against these unfair trade practices. That’s why I introduced the PROTECT Act. This legislation protects American small businesses from unfair trade practices and creates a level playing field by punishing those seeking to circumvent the system.

As a doctor, I’m fully aware many of you are not supportive of the President’s health care law. Neither am I. I’ve written legislation that was signed into law successfully repealing a piece of it named the CLASS Act. This budgetary gimmick was repealed last Congress and has been the most significant piece of the law repealed to date. Recently, I introduced The Jobs and Premium Protection Act aimed at repealing a provision of the health care law known as the health insurance tax. If passed, this legislation will save the average affected family $5000 over the next decade. Coupling these efforts with legislation I introduced to repeal the employer mandate, I’ve sought to fight this health care law every step of the way.

Our state is fortunate to benefit from having a large supply of readily available energy both underneath us and off our coast. The problem is, the federal government continues to stand in the way.

I led the effort to lift the de facto moratorium on Gulf Coast drilling in 2009. I continue to promote both natural gas and petroleum production as ways to shore up national security, create jobs, and change America’s energy policy. The nation has the potential to develop a sound domestic energy plan beginning right here in Louisiana if the federal government doesn’t get in the way. Our workforce is willing and able, our resources are plentiful, and companies have already committed to building the infrastructure needed to expand production. Best of all, this comes at no cost to taxpayers and does not add one single dime to the national debt or deficit. It’s a win-win for all parties involved.

These are the kind of ideas people need to see coming out of Washington. These are achievable solutions for legitimate problems. I continue to be focused on creating jobs by growing our economy and preserving American competitiveness.

I will never compromise my principles and will continue to be guided by my conscience. It’s all I know. Serving in Congress is an honor and privilege, and I look forward to meeting with as many of you as possible in the future.