FRONTLINE PROBLEMS

DEMAND FRONTLINE SOLUTIONS

From the banks of the Mississippi River to the corners of our overlooked neighborhoods, our communities are on the frontlines of climate crisis, racial injustice, economic instability, and political neglect. We don’t need watered-down reforms or performative politics. We need bold, rooted solutions shaped by the very people who live these realities every day.

This platform is not just a list of policies, it is a roadmap forged from lived experience, community struggle, and the belief that dignity is non-negotiable. Together, we can repair the harm of the past, rebuild what’s been neglected, and restore justice, opportunity, and peace for all who call this place home.

REPAIR

I remain committed to addressing the deep and lasting harm caused by systemic racism, environmental violence, and policies that have long marginalized Black, working-class, and poor communities, especially here in the River Parishes. Repair means acknowledging this truth and taking bold, community-driven action to dismantle these systems. From housing insecurity to environmental devastation and an unjust criminal legal system, the fight continues to ensure every resident has the right to live with dignity, safety, and opportunity.

  • Access to safe and affordable housing remains one of the most urgent crises facing our communities. In Louisiana and especially throughout the River Parishes, too many families are forced to spend an overwhelming share of their income just to keep a roof over their heads — and climate disasters only make things worse. This is a crisis rooted not only in policy failure, but in a system that treats housing as a commodity rather than a human right.

    I remain committed to advancing Housing for All — ensuring every resident has access to a safe, dignified, and affordable place to call home. That means protecting renters, strengthening federal investments in public and subsidized housing, and ensuring our policies serve people — not profits.

    • Renters Bill of Rights: Engage with national organizations who support tenants rights and address rent spikes, evictions, and maintenance of the property.

    • Short Term Rentals (STR): Develop a federal framework for STRs that (1) follows local ordinances (including outright bans), and (2) stopping STR internet platforms from listing illegal units.

    Housing Access for All

    • Ban the Box: Enact federal legislation that prohibits housing providers from excluding people based solely on a criminal conviction;

    • Demand transparency on the criteria a provider uses in housing admission;

    • Stop excessive fees in housing applications;

    • Expand housing voucher programs for low income, veterans, and people with disabilities;

    • Build-out pilot programs that provide housing vouchers for people leaving incarceration.

    • Increase federal funding for non-profit organizations that provide legal services to tenants facing evictions or landlord disputes.

    Preventing Homelessness

    Preventive federal funding to keep people in homes:

    • Emergency Assistance for rent and utilities;

    • Early Interventions offering counseling, financial planning, and job support;

    • Eviction Mediation Programs to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants without resorting to eviction;

    • Transitional Programs for people leaving jails and prisons

    Support the Homes for All Act (H.R. 7191)

    • Federal Land for Housing: Direct federal agencies to identify underutilized properties and land that can be converted into affordable housing developments.

    • Modular Housing Development: Fund research and development in modular housing technologies/ tiny homes and pilot projects in cities with high homelessness rates.

    • Community Land Trusts (CLTs): Support the formation of CLTs with federal grants and tax incentives, allowing communities to own and manage affordable housing developments, keeping them affordable long-term.

    • Enhanced Local Participation: Provide matching funds and technical assistance to local governments that propose unique solutions to housing challenges in their communities.

    Protect the Rights of people experiencing homelessness

    • Anti-Discrimination Protections: Strengthen federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to ensure people experiencing homelessness have access to public services, healthcare, employment, or housing.

    • Right to Essential Services: Oppose criminalization statutes and guarantee the right to access essential services without discrimination, including voting rights, mail services, and emergency medical care.

    • Federal Oversight: Establish a federal oversight committee within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to monitor the implementation of HRDA, compliance with anti-discrimination protections, and the effectiveness of training programs.

    • Public Health Programming: Develop federal funding for community health workers and supportive services addressing mental health and addiction.

  • Louisiana is in the midst of a homeowner’s insurance crisis that’s forcing families to make impossible choices. Premiums have skyrocketed. Companies are pulling out. And with no real federal backstop, our people are left exposed — to rising costs, housing insecurity, and disaster-driven displacement. This isn’t just an insurance issue — it’s a threat to our economy, our neighborhoods, and our future.

    We can’t keep patching a broken, profit-driven system with temporary discounts and deregulated loopholes. We need structural change — and a public solution rooted in stability, equity, and climate resilience.

    • Establish a federal insurance option for homeowners in areas prone to natural disasters. Rather than waiting on FEMA, and hoping for the best, take a proactive approach to connect people with resources when they need them.

    • Mandatory Risk Mitigation Requirements:

      • Federal Building Codes: Implement nationwide codes that require disaster-resistant construction practices specifically tailored to regional risks like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes.

      • Compliance Incentives: Offer federal funding or tax breaks to homeowners and developers to retrofit existing buildings to meet these new standards.

    • Hold insurance companies accountable: on price-hikes or cutting coverage;

      • Exit Fees: Implement substantial fees for insurers that choose to withdraw from a market. These fees would be proportionate to the size and suddenness of the withdrawal.

      • Re-Entry Regulations: Once an insurer exits a market, strict criteria and potential penalties would apply should they choose to return, preventing insurers from fluctuating their presence based on short-term profitability assessments.

      • Transitional Support: Require insurers that withdraw to provide support to affected policyholders, such as helping them find new coverage or offering extended coverage during the transition period

    • Hold Bad-Actor Landlords accountable: federal dollars provided to repair homes need to be monitored, ensuring no renter is left with a tarp on their roof as a landlord pockets the repair money.

  • From grandparents on the porch to kids playing in the street, public safety is a shared value — but too often, the solutions offered fail to keep us safe. Louisiana incarcerates more people per capita than any place on Earth, and yet many of us still live in fear. That’s because the real root causes of harm — poverty, mental health crises, trauma, lack of opportunity — are continually ignored in favor of punitive quick fixes.

    We don’t wait until the hurricane makes landfall to prepare. Public safety should be no different. We must shift our priorities: from punishment to prevention, from cages to care.

    I continue to push for a new model of safety — one grounded in investment, healing, and community-based solutions:

    • Community mental health:

      • Restore the federal focus on mental health that the nation has not seen since the Carter Administration’s commission on mental health spawned the Mental Health Systems Act (repealed after Reagan took office). Since that time, jails and prisons have been overwhelmed by people in need of professional treatment.

        • Increase Funding for Mental Health Clinics: Whereas over $110 million was allocated to build a ‘mental health jail’ in New Orleans, with millions in expected annual operations costs for just a few dozen pretrial patient/prisoners… we will prioritize similar, non-carceral, investments that can prevent people from devolving under their diagnoses.

        • Expand Mobile and Telehealth Services: Support the deployment of mobile clinics, community health workers, and expand telehealth services to effectively reach remote or underserved populations.

        • Integrate Services: Foster integration of mental health services with other community services such as schools, homeless outreach, EMT, police departments, and social services to ensure a coordinated approach to mental health.

    • Support Community-led mentorship programs

      • Fund and expand community-led mentorship programs that connect at-risk youth and adults with positive role models, particularly those who can relate to the adverse circumstances our young people face. Focus on career counseling, educational support, and conflict resolution.

      • Develop peer support systems, particularly amongst men impacted by incarceration who are working to restore themselves as positive members of the community.

      • Enhance Educational and Recreational Facilities: Invest in modern, well-equipped schools and community centers that serve as hubs for educational, cultural, and recreational activities.

    • Disrupt the School-to-Prison Pipeline

      • In Louisiana, 17-year olds are “adults” only when arrested, and an arrest is enough to be publicized even when charges are dismissed. Policing in schools, and referrals to court rather than internal discipline, create counter-productive results. Much of school policy is driven by federal funding, such as cops in schools, “zero tolerance” for drugs, special education services, breakfast and lunch programs.

        • Reform Disciplinary Policies: Advocate for federal guidelines that limit the use of suspensions and expulsions and promote alternative disciplinary measures.

        • Invest in Counselors and Social Workers: Shift funding for schools away from police and towards additional counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals.

        • Educational Equity Programs: Develop and fund programs aimed at increasing educational opportunities for marginalized and at-risk youth.

    • Supporting Restorative Justice Practices

      • An overwhelming number of people who have been victims of crime, whether property loss or physical harm, want their perpetrator to learn from their mistakes and grow into a positive member of the community. Restorative justice takes the approach that those who have been harmed, and those who caused harm, can both heal through the accountability process. It focuses on rehabilitation and reconciliation, and where there is no individual person harmed, the reconciliation is with the community at large, and assimilation back into the community is essential.

        • Fund training programs for law enforcement, judiciary, and community organizations to implement mediation and restorative justice programs that can serve as alternatives to traditional punitive measures. These practices are shown to significantly reduce repeat offending by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and helping people reintegrate into society.

    • Incentivize States for Reduced Recidivism Rates

      • Work with directly impacted community groups, BJS experts, law enforcement groups, and other experts to settle on specific metrics for success.

      • Amend the JAG-Byrne (and other) federal funding so that states are rewarded for successfully rehabilitating and assimilating people back into the community.

      • Elevate and fund successful programming that incorporates formerly incarcerated people;

      • Elevate and fund successful alternatives to confinement and probation programs;

      • Work directly with “violence interrupters” who are on the front lines of our most challenging circumstances in the district.

    • End All Mandatory Minimum Sentencing

      • Mandatory minimums remove judicial discretion and lead to disproportionately harsh penalties in many situations. In Congress, I will work with the U.S. Sentencing Commission and others to restore sentencing discretion to judges, ensuring that sentences are fair, proportionate, and conducive to rehabilitation rather than purely punitive.

    • Invest in Reentry Housing and Supportive Initiatives

      • The federal system requires a halfway house as part of the transition from incarceration, yet only impacts less than 10% of people released. The housing ends when the sentence is complete, and much more must be done.

        • Expand Transitional Housing Programs: Increase federal investment in transitional housing facilities and associated supportive services.

        • Comprehensive Reentry Services: Provide funding for comprehensive reentry services, including peer mentorship, that address employment, education, health, and personal development.

        • Partnerships for Employment: Develop partnerships with private and public sector employers to facilitate job opportunities for returning individuals.

    • Reduce Barriers to Assimilation

      • When a sentence is complete, a second chance requires a clean slate to realistically expect someone to climb up from the bottom.

        • Strengthen the Federal Trade Commission’s enforcement of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Digital databases are the basis for perpetual background checks. These are often inaccurate, conflate individuals, include arrests that did not lead to convictions, and fail to remove expungements or exonerations;

        • Require consumer transparency in background checks: Job and housing applicants, IF facing a background check, should be made aware of the specific lookback period and criminal history that will result in denial;

        • Exclude people only where there is a rational relationship between a criminal history and an occupation;

        • Create an inalienable federal right to vote for American citizens

  • Southern Louisiana is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. In some neighborhoods, we’re just inches above sea level. In others, it’s levee walls and sandbags that keep families dry. Decades of oil and gas drilling have hollowed out our wetlands — the very protection we once had from rising tides and stronger storms. And the consequences are no longer future threats — they’re here now.

    This isn’t just about climate. It’s about survival. It’s about justice.

    Our communities — especially Black, Indigenous, and poor communities across Cancer Alley — have borne the brunt of environmental exploitation while being shut out of the benefits. That must change.

    I'm committed to advancing climate justice through:

    • 21st Century Marshall Plan for Equitable Redevelopment

      • Modeled after the post-World War II Marshall Plan, our district must rebuild infrastructure, enhance public health facilities, and promote sustainable local businesses within low-income communities of our industrial corridor.

        • Infrastructure Overhaul: Upgrade and modernize infrastructure to enhance resilience against climate impacts, including improved drainage systems, flood barriers, roads, rail, bridges, and green buildings.

        • Community Involvement: Ensure democratic participation through local councils, groups, and public meetings.

        • Health and Environmental Remediation: Invest in public health infrastructure improvements and environmental cleanup projects to address legacy pollution issues.

        • Economic Development Initiatives: Establish grants and incentives for local businesses that prioritize sustainable practices and provide substantial employment opportunities to local residents.

        • Solar for All: Build upon federal tax incentives and grants to allow every resident the capacity to create whole-home power, or neighborhood micro-grids, also capable of charging EV vehicles.

    • Just Transition for Fossil Fuel Workers

      • Recognizing the shift towards a carbon-neutral economy, this policy focuses on supporting fossil fuel workers through educational programs, retraining initiatives, and financial assistance. The transition plan includes partnerships with local industries and educational institutions to provide new career opportunities in emerging fields such as renewable energy, coastal restoration, and sustainable manufacturing.

        • Job Training and Education: Offer retraining programs that provide new skills related to renewable energy, environmental management, and other sustainable industries.

        • Economic Assistance: Provide financial assistance during transition periods, including unemployment benefits, job placement services, and relocation grants if necessary.

        • Alternative Employment Opportunities: Develop and promote employment in emerging industries, particularly within the renewable energy sector, to absorb displaced workers.

    • Innovative Approaches to Coastal Restoration

      • Research and deploy global cutting-edge techniques and technologies for coastal restoration to protect and enhance Louisiana's vulnerable coastlines.

        • Advanced Research and Implementation: Support innovative coastal restoration projects such as barrier island restoration, mangrove reforestation, and the creation of artificial reefs.

        • Community and Ecosystem Focus: Ensure that restoration projects benefit both local communities and ecological systems, enhancing resilience and biodiversity.

        • Sustainable Practices: Use environmentally sustainable materials and methods in all coastal restoration efforts to prevent further ecological disruption.

    • National Transition to a 100% Carbon-Neutral Grid and Transit Network by 2040

      • Establish a nationwide mandate to achieve complete carbon neutrality in all electric power generation and public transportation systems across the United States by 2040, leveraging renewable energy, advanced grid modernization, and comprehensive electrification of transit systems.

        • National Renewable Energy Initiatives: Direct substantial federal investments towards scaling up renewable energy projects nationwide. This includes offering tax incentives, competitive grants, and technical support to accelerate the deployment of large-scale solar arrays, wind farms, and sustainable bioenergy.

        • Advanced Grid Modernization Programs: Launch a national initiative to upgrade the U.S. electrical grid, making it smarter, more resilient, and capable of integrating high levels of renewable sources. Investments will focus on enhancing grid storage capabilities, deploying smart grid technologies, and improving grid management systems to handle variability and ensure consistent energy supply.

        • Nationwide Electrification of Public Transit: Implement a comprehensive program to replace fossil fuel-based public transit vehicles with electric alternatives and expand electric transit solutions across urban and rural areas. This will include significant funding for the development of necessary charging infrastructure, including solar-powered commuter rail.

    • Reparations for Cancer Alley communities

      • The petrochemical industrial corridor along the river parishes is known as “Cancer Alley” for obvious reasons. Over the past century, historically Black sharecropping communities have had toxin-producing companies built amongst their homes, churches, and schools. The state and federal government facilitated those developments without any programs designed to mitigate the negative health impacts.

        • Healthcare and Compensation Fund: Expand Medicaid coverage to provide comprehensive healthcare services and Social Security Disability Insurance to individuals and families who have lived in Cancer Alley and suffered from health conditions linked to toxic pollution.

        • Environmental Restoration and Monitoring: Launch a large-scale environmental clean-up initiative to remove toxic substances from soil, water, and air. Implement continuous monitoring of air and water quality to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.

        • Establish and Expand Public Health Research: Investigate social determinants of health, including educational outcomes, mental health, addiction and incarceration data through long-term studies and community-driven research.

        • Community Development: Invest in the economic revitalization of Cancer Alley through grants and loans supporting local businesses, infrastructure projects, educational programs, and workforce development that prioritize sustainability and public health.

  • Since 1973, the War on Drugs has funneled trillions of dollars into policing, prosecution, and incarceration — devastating Black, brown, and poor communities in the process. Under the false premise that punishment could end addiction, this policy era tore families apart, fueled intergenerational trauma, and criminalized public health issues rather than addressing them with compassion and evidence-based solutions.

    We now know what the data has always shown: the War on Drugs has had no real impact on drug use or overdose rates — but it has deeply damaged millions of lives.

    I continue to fight for a complete departure from this failed model and toward one rooted in healing and dignity:

    • Declare Addiction a Public Health Crisis: Cancer, HIV, polio, and COVID-19 were addressed through the public health system, not law enforcement. We must reorient the federal government to invest in solutions that fit the problem. Many of us have family and friends struggling with drug usage, who seek interventions that do not exist, as our governments have sought to temporarily “lock up” the problem rather than treat it.

      • Demand equity amongst communities and substances: The criminal legal system has long struggled to be consistent across race and ethnicity. We must hold accountable those who take a punitive approach to one group while encouraging treatment for another.

      • Support the Orleans Parish Sheriff, District Attorney, Judiciary, and NOPD: New Orleans is our largest city, and feels the greatest impacts of addiction in urban areas. This agencies need the partnerships, tools, interventions, and treatment facilities to transform the frontline of addiction away from a “War” on our residents. This includes federally funded crisis-intervention teams of mental health and addiction specialists, along with Medication Assisted Treatement (MAT) such as naltrexone available for all.

    • End Prohibition of Cannabis

      • The experts who convened to develop the Controlled Substances Act did not recommend cannabis to be classified as a “Schedule I” drug. They were ignored by politicians, however, and this drug became a gateway to arresting millions of people, incarcerating them, including violating probation or parole sentences to this day. In May 2024, the Department of Justice took steps towards moving the drug to Schedule III, allowing for federal medical use and widespread research.

        • Federally legalize the recreational and medical use: Establish a regulatory framework similar to alcohol. Account for industry development of agriculture, distribution, finance, and sales that encourage and support small businesses.

        • Targeted Tax Revenue: Allocate federal cannabis taxes towards community reinvestment, public education, and healthcare initiatives.

        • Equity Programs: Develop programs to ensure that minorities and residents from communities historically harmed by drug policies have access to business opportunities in the cannabis industry.

        • Support FIP entrepreneurs: Develop a federal initiative to support formerly incarcerated persons (FIPs) in the legalized cannabis industry.

          • Business Training and Education: Offer courses and workshops on business management, regulatory compliance, and industry-specific skills.

          • Access to Capital: Provide low-interest loans, business incubators, and grants to help FIPs start cannabis businesses.

    • Expungement of non violent drug offenses

      • Implement a nationwide program to automatically expunge all non-violent drug offenses from individuals’ records, facilitating reintegration into society.

      • Incentivize states through grants and technical assistance to implement similar programs.

  • Gun violence continues to claim lives across Louisiana and the nation — and we must confront it with both courage and clarity. I support the Second Amendment. But I also believe that with rights come responsibilities. Louisiana’s current policy of permitless carry in crowded urban environments — like New Orleans, a city that hosts over 20 million visitors a year — creates conditions ripe for tragedy, especially where alcohol, large crowds, and tension collide.

    We regulate cars, alcohol, and dangerous chemicals. We should treat firearms — particularly weapons of war and high-capacity modifications — with the same level of care.

    I remain committed to advancing community safety and sensible gun policy through:

    • Prohibit High-Capacity Ammunition Magazines

      • Enact federal legislation to limit the sale and possession of high-capacity ammunition magazines to reduce the potential for mass shootings and limit the lethality of gun violence.

    • Ban and/or Regulate Firearm Kits and 3-D Printing of Firearms

      • Prohibit the unregulated creation and possession of 3D-printed firearms, which are often undetectable by standard security systems and lack serial numbers, making them invisible to background check systems.

        • Legislation to Ban Production and Possession: Enact federal laws to ban the production, sale, distribution, and possession of 3D-printed guns.

        • Regulate Blueprints Online: Implement strict regulations to control the distribution of digital blueprints for 3D-printed firearms.

        • Enforcement and Monitoring: Develop and deploy technology to monitor and enforce compliance, particularly on platforms that could distribute blueprints.

        • Comprehensive Registration Requirement: Require that all firearm kits include traceable parts with registered serial numbers.

        • Enhanced Monitoring and Compliance: Increase monitoring of online sales and shipments of gun kits.

    • Create a Federal Hotline to Report Shooting Concerns

      • Mass shooters often exhibit prior indicators, including violent ruminations and gun ownership. Connect the hotline with local social services and law enforcement to enable interventions

    • Support Universal Background Checks

      • Implement a federal mandate requiring universal background checks for all firearm purchases and transfers, including private sales and gun shows, to ensure that firearms do not fall into the hands of those legally prohibited from owning them.

REBUILD

Rebuilding isn’t just about roads and bridges, it’s about restoring dignity, opportunity, and care in the places we call home. For too long, disinvestment and neglect have left entire neighborhoods behind. But a better future is possible — one rooted in justice, sustainability, and collective prosperity.

I’m committed to helping drive deep and lasting reinvestment in the heart of our communities, especially those historically excluded from public wealth and opportunity. That means strengthening public education, fighting for universal healthcare, supporting working families with livable wages and care infrastructure, defending immigrant rights, and ensuring our physical infrastructure is rebuilt for resilience, access, and equity.

  • I firmly believe that access to quality public education is not just a service — it's a fundamental right and the cornerstone of any just society. Yet across our communities, we've seen that right eroded by charter schools lacking oversight, underpaid and overburdened teachers, uncredentialed educators, and a growing profit motive that places education “consultants” above students.

    A well-educated public is the foundation of a strong democracy, a safe community, and a thriving economy. If we want our children to inherit a future they deserve, we must fully invest in our schools, respect our educators as professionals, and ensure every child — no matter their ZIP code — has access to a world-class education.

    • Universal Pre-K and Kindergarten

      • Implement a nationwide program to provide universal access to pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, ensuring that all children, regardless of their family's income level, have access to early childhood education.

        • Federal Funding and Grants: Provide substantial federal grants to states and localities to develop and expand Pre-K and kindergarten programs.

        • Quality Standards: Establish and enforce national quality standards for early childhood education to ensure that all programs provide valuable educational experiences.

        • Access and Inclusion: Ensure that programs are accessible to children with disabilities and provide resources in multiple languages to accommodate a diverse student population.

    • Universal School Meals: End hunger as a barrier to learning with nutritious meals each day in school.

    • Support Teacher Unionization: Elevate the profession, which can self-govern towards excellence and advocate for optimal classroom conditions and compensation

    • Tuition Free Public College: Advocate for legislation to fund colleges and universities that provide free tuition for American students

      • Work with Louisiana’s TOPS program, the private sector, and non-profit foundations to expand statewide scholarship support with federal funds

    • Student Loan Forgiveness: Interest payments on six-figure school loans often double the cost of a loan, making school more expensive than a home. The current crisis of crippling debt is erasing the American middle-class, and impeding the lives of those who dream of owning a home and starting a family. By forgiving all existing student loans, the policy would provide immediate financial relief to millions of Americans, creating an economic stimulus, reducing generational anxiety, and increasing individual financial stability.

      • Comprehensive Forgiveness Program: Work with the Biden Administration and Dept. of Education to develop and implement a program that automatically cancels all outstanding federal student loan debt.

      • Private Loan Solutions: Explore options for relief for those with significant private student loan debts, including potential negotiation of lower interest rates and principal forgiveness.

    • Holding predatory lenders accountable

      • Enforce stricter regulations and penalties on predatory lending practices in the education sector, particularly targeting deceptive loan practices and unfair loan terms offered to students.

    • Expansion of Community Colleges and Vocational Schools

      • Increase federal funding and support for the expansion of community colleges and vocational schools to provide more accessible, affordable, and practical educational opportunities across diverse fields.

      • Work with the federal Pell Grant program, which extends to incarcerated learners (and other federal agencies) to develop funding models for group learning in prisons, jails, and youth facilities.

    • Rebuild our public schools

      • Launch a nationwide initiative to repair, renovate, and modernize public school buildings, ensuring that all students have access to safe, state-of-the-art learning environments.

        • Federal Grants for School Infrastructure: Establish a grant program specifically designed for the physical rebuilding of public school facilities.

        • Green Building Practices: Encourage the use of sustainable and energy-efficient building practices in the renovation and construction of school buildings.

        • Technology Upgrades: Fund the integration of modern technology into classrooms, including high-speed internet, digital tools, and interactive learning platforms.

  • American workers are not pawns in a political game — they are the backbone of our economy and deserve to be treated with dignity, not disposability. While corporate profits soar, wages remain stagnant, benefits are slashed, and jobs are increasingly replaced by automation with no safety net in place.

    Championing economic rights means fighting for livable wages, stable employment, and safe working conditions. It means protecting workers’ right to organize and pushing back against corporate greed that prioritizes profit over people. At a time when worker protections are under attack, we need bold leadership willing to stand unapologetically with the working class and ensure that the future of labor is rooted in justice and equity.

    • Protecting The right to organize in the workplace

      • Strengthen federal laws to protect and enhance workers' rights to organize and join unions without interference or retaliation from employers.

        • Enhance Legal Protections: Strengthen the legal framework to protect union organizers and members from employer retaliation.

        • Facilitate Unionization Efforts: Simplify the unionization process to make it more accessible and less bureaucratic.

        • Increase Penalties for Violations: Implement stricter penalties for employers who unlawfully interfere with workers' rights to organize.

        • Oppose “Right to Work” laws that are deceptive in their title and undermine the rights of workers

    • Federal Jobs Guarantee to ensure full employment by providing jobs in public works, caregiving, and environmental conservation, among others. This program would not only provide economic security for all but also contribute to significant public sector improvements and environmental sustainability.

    • Paid Family Leave is essential for supporting working families, allowing them to take necessary time off for family care without financial hardship. This policy would set a federal standard of at least 12 weeks of paid leave, funded through a small payroll tax shared between employers and employees.

    • OSHA extended to incarcerated workers: Incarcerated individuals often work in hazardous conditions without proper safety measures. Extending OSHA protections would guarantee that incarcerated workers have safe working conditions and access to proper safety equipment and training

    • Cost of Living Minimum Wage: The federal minimum wage is not a working wage. A reset is long overdue, and annual increases should be tied to the regional cost of living.

    • Tax relief for the working class and making Wall Street and wealthiest amongst us pay their fair share

      • The current tax system disproportionately benefits wealthy individuals and corporations who need not resort to the all-too-common gimmicks of hiding their income. The burden to fund our society, including a military that nearly matches the entire world combined, falls on working-class families.

      • I will fight to rebalance the tax code by implementing progressive taxation measures that require the wealthy to pay their fair share. By closing loopholes, implementing higher marginal tax rates on top earners, and taxing capital gains at the same rates as ordinary income, we can generate revenue to fund essential public services and infrastructure projects while reducing income inequality.

        • Corporate Tax Reform: Implement policies to ensure that corporations pay their fair share of taxes, including ending offshore tax havens and taxing corporate profits at a higher rat.

    • Credit Score Reform

      • The current credit scoring system often penalizes individuals with low incomes or limited credit histories, having no relation to their financial trustworthiness, making it difficult for them to access affordable credit and financial services. In congress, I will advocate for reforms to the credit scoring system to reduce reliance on factors such as income, race, and zip code, which can perpetuate economic disparities. By adopting more inclusive and equitable scoring models, the government can promote financial inclusion and economic opportunity for all.

        • Alternative Credit Scoring Models: Encourage the development and adoption of alternative credit scoring models that take into account non-traditional factors such as rental payments, utility bills, and employment history.

        • Regulation of Credit Reporting Agencies: Strengthen regulations on credit reporting agencies to ensure accuracy, fairness, and transparency in credit scoring practices.

  • My ancestors were kidnapped and brought to this country in chains. The Indigenous peoples who first called this land home were violently forced from it. Today, many of the loudest anti-immigrant voices are the descendants of immigrants themselves — revealing a dangerous hypocrisy rooted in fear, not justice.

    I am committed to upholding and expanding immigrant rights, because the truth is simple: immigrants are essential to the fabric of our communities and economy. From running small businesses, to working in our fishing industry, to helping rebuild Louisiana after hurricanes, immigrant families have long stood on the frontlines of our recovery and resilience. We must treat them with the dignity they deserve, protect them from exploitation, and create pathways to citizenship rooted in fairness and humanity.

    • Streamline the Citizenship Process

      • In Congress, I will advocate for a more accessible American Dream by streamlining the citizenship process. This will include cutting bureaucratic red tape, reducing processing times, and enhancing transparency about application statuses.

        • Launch an efficient online processing platform.

        • Eliminate excessive fees and introduce waivers for low-income applicants.

        • Expand access to resources like civics and language classes at no cost.

    • Raise Intake of Refugees

      • I will work to significantly increase the number of refugees the U.S. accepts annually, affirming our nation's commitment to global humanitarian principles and providing safe haven to those in greatest need.

        • Raise the annual refugee admission limits.

        • Work with communities actively trying to halt population decline

        • Bolster support services for refugees, including essential housing, education, and job training programs.

        • Foster stronger community and nonprofit partnerships for effective refugee integration.

    • Reinstate and Expand DACA

      • In Congress, I will push for the reinstatement and expansion of DACA, ensuring that Dreamers are protected from deportation and provided a clear path to citizenship. This effort will affirm their right to remain in the only home many of them have ever known.

    • Dismantle Inhumane Detention and End Family Separation

      • I am committed to work with ICE and Congress to develop clear guidelines that preemptively allow people awaiting hearings to do so freely in the community, rather than being placed in jails. Pre-hearing detention will be reserved for circumstances where a clear risk of violence is demonstrated;

      • Create specialized detention conditions for immigrants who are not charged with any state or federal criminal offense;

      • Shut down detention centers and/or end detention contracts with facilities that do not meet humane standards, fail to provide health care or communications access, and keeping families together

    • Increase and Enhance Ports of Entry

      • Recognizing the need for efficient and humane processing of immigrants and refugees, I will advocate for the expansion and enhancement of ports of entry along our borders. This will facilitate smoother entries without sacrificing service quality.

        • Construct additional ports of entry and upgrade existing ones.

        • Boost staffing levels to improve processing speed and efficiency.

        • Supply ports with the necessary resources to manage large volumes effectively.

  • I am unequivocally committed to ensuring that healthcare is treated as a fundamental human right — not a privilege reserved for the wealthy or well-connected. Every person, regardless of income, background, or ZIP code, deserves access to quality, affordable care.

    We must build a health system centered on people, not profits — one where doctors and providers can thrive without being beholden to corporate greed, and where patients receive care based on need, not insurance status. A truly just healthcare system doesn’t ration care; it invests in prevention, mental health, maternal care, and long-term well-being. Our communities deserve nothing less.

    • Medicare for All

      • In Congress, I will champion the implementation of Medicare for All, ensuring that every individual has access to comprehensive, no-cost healthcare coverage. This isn't just about insurance—it's about a fundamental shift towards a system that includes medical, mental, and reproductive health services for everyone.

        • Include essential services such as mental health, addiction treatment, and reproductive care at no additional cost.

        • Eliminate the need for private health insurance and out-of-pocket expenses.

    • Expansion of Community Health Centers

      • Increase federal funding for the construction and operation of low-barrier community health centers across our district. This initiative will ensure that quality healthcare services are within reach of every community member, particularly those in underserved areas.

    • Reproductive Care as a Right

      • I will fight for strong federal solutions to overcome the unjust Dobbs decision and Louisiana’s full ban on abortion access;

      • Stand up to Louisiana politicians who seek medical records, travel itineraries, and other attempts to force unwanted pregnancies upon girls and women;

      • Stand up to Louisiana politicians who selectively re-classify drugs inconsistent with the federal drug schedule;

      • Protect healthcare workers who base decisions on the health of their patient.

      • Support and fund organizations that provide reproductive health services, including contraception and abortion care.

    • Hold Pharmaceutical Companies Accountable and Lower Drug Costs

      • Mandate the federal government use our massive buying power to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies.

      • Require discounts on medicines developed under federally-funded research.

      • Ensure universal access to generic alternatives when patents expire, and hold accountable health care providers (and pharmacists) who unethically steer people to higher cost versions.

    • Nationwide Investment in Mental Health and Drug Addiction Treatment

      • Consistent with addressing root causes of crime, along with support for workers and families, this care of our invisibilized crisis must be provided at scale.

    • Eliminate Medical Debt

      • Medical expenses are the leading cause of bankruptcy in America. Facing this, many people do not seek life-affirming procedures and some resist health care altogether, impacting their spouses, children, and grandchildren.

        • In lieu of a fully-funded health care system, I will work to eliminate medical debts, which typically spiral far beyond the actual costs of health services.

        • Overhaul billing practices that are too-often manipulated by bad actors, lead to fraudulent practices, and drive up costs.

        • Protect patients from predatory debt collections

  • I’m committed to transforming our region’s infrastructure — not just to fix what’s broken, but to build a foundation that supports all of us, now and for generations to come. In too many communities, basic needs like clean drinking water or access to high-speed internet remain out of reach. No one should have to boil water to stay safe or struggle to connect to school or work online.

    We need bold investment in public infrastructure that puts people first — water systems that are safe, internet that is accessible to all, and transportation and energy systems that are climate-resilient and community-centered. This is about equity, opportunity, and creating a future where everyone has what they need to thrive.

    • High-Speed and sustainable rail: Louisiana’s seven cities and America’s greatness need to follow the lead of global adaptation in rail service. Commuter rail from New Orleans to Baton Rouge is long overdue. Alternative forms of transit could transport us quicker, cheaper, and cleaner than cars;

    • Bridges and roads: Our district needs to work in conjunction with water, and we can’t ignore its challenging impact. Maintenance is critical, as well as using the best quality materials under the circumstance. Federal dollars need proper oversight to ensure effectiveness.

    • Equitable construction: When a highway splits a community, for example, there must be a plan to ameliorate the impact and the plan must be executed. Or when an industrial plant is sited, I will work directly with community to help determine the long-lasting impacts.

RESTORE

I remain committed to restoring the fundamental rights, trust, and dignity that every person deserves. In a time when faith in public institutions is at historic lows, rebuilding that trust is more than a policy goal, it’s a moral obligation. The wounds left by injustice, exclusion, and indifference require bold healing, not empty promises.

Restoration means fighting for a democracy that works for all of us — where voting rights are protected and expanded, where LGBTQIA+ people are celebrated in their full humanity, where veterans and seniors are cared for with dignity, and where our global relationships are guided by peace, diplomacy, and shared humanity over profit and war. It’s about reclaiming the values that make justice real in policy, in practice, and in everyday life.

  • I am committed to reshaping our foreign policy around a core principle: peace through justice, not dominance. True leadership on the global stage means choosing diplomacy over destruction, cultural exchange over coercion, and solidarity over militarism. The U.S. can be a force for good — but only when it acts with integrity, not hypocrisy.

    Bringing Our Troops Home
    With nearly 1,000 military bases across 75 countries — many long past any strategic necessity — it’s time to rethink our footprint. We can dramatically reduce our global military presence without compromising national security. By closing unnecessary bases and reducing overseas deployments, we free up billions in taxpayer dollars that could be invested in housing, healthcare, education, and climate resilience here at home. The strongest nations are not those with the most weapons, but those with the most well-being.

    Supporting Workers Worldwide
    Peace is not just the absence of war — it’s the presence of justice. That includes standing up for workers around the globe. Trade agreements must center human dignity, not just corporate profit. When we fight for fair wages, labor protections, and environmental responsibility across borders, we not only uplift others — we raise standards for working families in the U.S. as well.

    Ceasefire Now
    Peace also demands moral courage. I support an immediate ceasefire in conflict zones like Gaza and call for accountability in how the U.S. funds and arms foreign governments. This includes applying strict conditions to military aid to Israel and advocating for Palestinian self-determination, including full UN membership. We cannot claim to stand for human rights while turning a blind eye to occupation, displacement, and mass civilian casualties. True peace requires standing firm in our values — even when it’s politically inconvenient.

  • The right to vote is the cornerstone of any democracy — and in Louisiana, as across the nation, that right is under constant threat. From racial gerrymandering to mass incarceration, the systems designed to silence our voices are deeply embedded. I believe in a democracy where every voice is heard and every vote counts — no exceptions.

    Restore Preclearance Protections
    The gutting of the Voting Rights Act in Shelby v. Holder opened the door to widespread voter suppression. We must restore federal “preclearance,” requiring states with histories of discrimination to seek approval before changing voting laws. It's time to return to a standard of proactive protection — not reactive litigation.

    End Partisan and Prison-Based Gerrymandering
    District lines should represent people, not politicians. That means ending partisan gerrymandering and eliminating the practice of counting incarcerated people in districts where they can’t vote. True representation means districts reflect communities — not prisons or political ambitions.

    Modernize and Expand Access
    Voting should be simple, accessible, and encouraged. That includes:

    • Making Election Day a federal and state holiday.

    • Automatically registering every eligible citizen to vote.

    • Lowering the voting age to 17 — if young people are treated as adults in the criminal system, they should be heard in our democracy.

    • Enacting campaign finance reforms to limit the influence of corporations and billionaires.

    • Regulating digital campaigning to prevent manipulation and protect the integrity of our elections.

    Universal Voting Rights — For All
    Voting is not a privilege. It is a right. And that right should never be taken away — not by incarceration, not by bureaucracy, not by fear. I believe in full enfranchisement, including for those currently incarcerated. A democracy that excludes its most impacted citizens cannot call itself just.

    We don’t just need to protect democracy — we need to expand it. That starts with ensuring every single person, in every single community, has the power to shape their future.

  • As a proud son of New Orleans — a city where culture, resistance, and identity pulse through every beat — I carry with me an unshakable commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community. In an era where our most vulnerable neighbors, especially transgender and non-binary people, are under relentless attack, we need more than allyship — we need unwavering advocacy.

    Ban Conversion Therapy Nationwide
    This abusive, discredited practice has no place in any caring society. We must ban it completely and work to promote acceptance, healing, and affirmation instead of shame and harm.

    End LGBTQIA+ Youth Homelessness
    Too many young people are forced from their homes simply for being who they are. I support national and local programs that center LGBTQIA+ youth in homelessness prevention, supportive housing, and trauma-informed care.

    Protect the Right to Live and Learn in Dignity
    Every person deserves freedom from discrimination. That includes:

    • Enacting the Equality Act to ensure protections in housing, healthcare, employment, and education.

    • Passing the Safe Schools Improvement Act and Student Non-Discrimination Act to ensure our classrooms are free from bullying, violence, and systemic exclusion.

    • Protecting LGBTQIA+ students and teachers from censorship and erasure in the name of political agendas.

    Affirming Gender Diversity
    Federal recognition of non-binary and gender-expansive identities is long overdue. Legal documents and government services must respect and reflect the full spectrum of who people are — because dignity starts with being seen.

    Protect Trans Lives
    The surge of violence against trans people — especially Black trans women — is a crisis of hate and silence. We must ensure that targeted violence against transgender people is prosecuted as a hate crime and that law enforcement is held accountable to protect, not persecute.

    This is about more than policy. It’s about a culture of care, rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to live freely, love openly, and be protected by the systems that so often exclude us. I stand not just in support of LGBTQIA+ rights — I stand for LGBTQIA+ liberation.

  • I am wholeheartedly committed to championing the rights, well-being, and wisdom of our senior citizens. Growing up, I was raised by and among elders whose stories, love, and strength helped shape the best of who I am. I believe our society is judged by how it treats its oldest generations — and we have work to do.

    Strengthen and Expand Social Security and Medicaid
    Our elders deserve to retire with dignity, not fear. I stand firmly in support of preserving and expanding Social Security and Medicaid — vital programs that ensure our aging neighbors have access to healthcare and financial stability after a lifetime of contribution.

    Invest in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research
    Far too many families are watching their loved ones slip away due to Alzheimer’s and other cognitive diseases. It’s time we matched this crisis with the national investment it deserves — in treatment, early detection, caregiver support, and cutting-edge research.

    Affordable, Supportive Housing for Seniors
    Too many seniors are pushed into disreputable nursing homes or left behind in substandard living conditions. I support investing in affordable, community-based housing options that allow seniors to age safely and comfortably — with dignity, independence, and wraparound care.

    Protect Seniors and Disabled Residents from Housing Abuse
    We must hold slumlords and unethical housing providers accountable. I support stricter oversight and enforcement from HUD and HHS to ensure that no elder or disabled resident is left to live in squalor, in fear, or without basic accommodations.

    Reform the Assisted Living Industry
    America’s assisted living industry is in urgent need of transformation. I support immediate federal investigations into facilities with repeated records of abuse or neglect — and the swift closure of those that put residents at risk. But reform means more than accountability. We must reimagine assisted living to nurture health, autonomy, and human connection.
    Too often, these institutions strip elders of their freedom and isolate them from meaningful engagement, accelerating decline instead of supporting life. I envision a future where assisted living centers are vibrant, wellness-focused environments — where aging is not just endured, but enriched.

  • Our courageous young people who enlist to serve this country deserve more than praise — they deserve protection, respect, and lifelong care. From gunfire and explosives to toxic chemical exposure and emotional trauma, the risks they endure are immense. Our duty to them does not end when their service does — in fact, that’s where it begins.

    Risking Lives Must Be a Last Resort
    War should never be a political convenience. Congress is constitutionally tasked with declaring war, and I will not rubber-stamp military incursions based on flimsy intelligence or political maneuvering. We owe it to our service members to ensure that risking their lives is a last resort, not a first option.

    Be Mindful of Our Allies
    Foreign alliances shape our future. I will work to ensure our international partnerships are rooted in diplomacy, mutual accountability, and peacekeeping — not brinksmanship. Allies must be held to the same standards we expect of ourselves, and “Most Favored Nation” status should not be a blank check.

    Strengthen the VA and Expand Veteran Care
    The Veterans Administration should be the gold standard of care in America. That means fully funding the VA and expanding access to alternative and holistic treatments, including medical marijuana and therapy for PTSD, depression, chronic pain, and addiction — conditions too often borne from their sacrifice.

    A New G.I. Bill for Social Services
    The overrepresentation of veterans among our unhoused and incarcerated populations is a national failure. I support a new, fully funded G.I. Bill for Social Services that includes housing support, mental health services, job training, and a streamlined path to civilian employment and care. After 20 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, it's time to reinvest in the very people we sent to fight them.