Louisiana

State Senators:

John Neely Kennedy (R)

Term Start: January 3, 2017

Full Name: John Neely Kennedy
Date of Birth: November 21, 1951
Birthplace: Centreville, Mississippi, U.S.

Early Life and Education: John Neely Kennedy was born in Centreville, Mississippi, and raised in Zachary, Louisiana. He attended Zachary High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics from Vanderbilt University in 1973. Kennedy then attended the University of Virginia School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1977. He furthered his education with a Bachelor of Civil Law degree from Magdalen College, Oxford University, in 1979.

Personal Life: John Kennedy is married to Rebecca “Becky” Kennedy, and they have one son. The family resides in Madisonville, Louisiana. Kennedy is known for his distinctive Southern charm and wit, often using colorful language to make his points on the Senate floor and in media appearances.

Early Career: Before entering politics, Kennedy practiced law at the New Orleans law firm of Chaffe McCall. He also served as an adjunct professor at Louisiana State University’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center, where he taught courses on constitutional law and legal writing. His early career also included a role as special counsel to Governor Buddy Roemer and as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Political Career:

U.S. Senate: In 2016, Kennedy ran for the U.S. Senate and won, succeeding retiring Senator David Vitter. He took office on January 3, 2017. As a senator, Kennedy has built a reputation for his plain-spoken, often humorous approach to politics, as well as his commitment to conservative principles. He was re-elected in 2022.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Committee on the Budget
Committee on the Judiciary

Legislative Achievements:

Fiscal Responsibility: Advocated for reduced government spending and fiscal responsibility, both as State Treasurer and as a U.S. Senator.
Criminal Justice Reform: Supported bipartisan efforts to reform the criminal justice system, including the First Step Act, which aims to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation efforts.
Economic Policy: Supports policies to promote economic growth, including tax cuts and regulatory reform. Advocated for small businesses and entrepreneurship through legislative initiatives.
Disaster Relief: Worked to secure federal disaster relief funds for Louisiana in the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Senator John Kennedy is known for his commitment to fiscal conservatism and economic growth. His background in law and state finance informs his legislative priorities, which include reducing government spending, supporting small businesses, and reforming the criminal justice system. Kennedy’s advocacy for disaster relief has been particularly important for his home state of Louisiana, frequently impacted by natural disasters. He has also been vocal on issues such as immigration, national security, and judicial reform. His legislative efforts often emphasize the importance of government transparency and accountability.

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Development: Committee ensures that the banking system is safe, housing is accessible, urban areas are well-developed, and consumers are protected in financial matters.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee plays a crucial role in advocating for the needs of small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an environment conducive to small business success and economic growth.

Budget: Committee plays a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy, ensuring that government spending and revenue collection are managed responsibly and align with economic priorities.

Judiciary: Committee plays a role in shaping the nation’s legal framework and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Its work impacts a wide range of issues, from the confirmation of judges to the protection of civil liberties and the enforcement of federal laws.

Voting patterns

Senator Moran has established a voting record that reflects his conservative values and priorities.

Key Voting Patterns:

Economic and Fiscal Policies: Kennedy is known for his fiscal conservatism. He often votes against large government spending bills and supports measures aimed at reducing the national debt and government expenditures. For example, he voted against the $1.7 trillion government appropriations package due to concerns over inflation and excessive spending. Kennedy also supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which lowered corporate tax rates and provided tax relief for individuals.
Healthcare: Kennedy opposes the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has voted for its repeal. He supports market-based healthcare solutions to increase competition and reduce costs. Kennedy’s stance on healthcare reflects his broader commitment to limited government intervention in the economy.
Defense and National Security: Kennedy is a strong supporter of national defense and consistently votes for the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAA). He believes in maintaining a robust military and has supported measures to increase defense funding and enhance national security. He voted in favor of legislation aimed at countering threats from adversarial nations and enhancing the capabilities of U.S. armed forces.
Environment: Kennedy has a low score from the League of Conservation Voters, indicating frequent opposition to environmental regulations. He has voted against measures to limit carbon emissions and regulate fossil fuel industries, favoring policies that promote energy independence and economic growth. Kennedy has also supported legislation to expedite the construction of energy infrastructure, such as pipelines.
Social Issues: Kennedy holds conservative views on social issues. He supports the right to bear arms and opposes most gun control measures. He has also voted in favor of legislation restricting access to abortion services. Additionally, Kennedy supports policies that strengthen law enforcement and public safety.
Judiciary: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Kennedy has played a significant role in judicial appointments. He has supported the confirmation of conservative judges and justices, reflecting his commitment to shaping the judiciary with conservative principles. Kennedy’s votes on judicial nominees often align with his party’s stance on maintaining a conservative judicial philosophy

Senator John Kennedy’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, including fiscal responsibility, a strong national defense, limited government intervention in healthcare, and support for traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues aligns with his broader economic policies favoring energy independence and economic growth.

Full Name: William Morgan Cassidy
Date of Birth: September 28, 1957
Birthplace: Highland Park, Illinois, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Bill Cassidy was born in Highland Park, Illinois, and moved with his family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, during his youth. He graduated from Tara High School in Baton Rouge and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1979. He continued his education at LSU School of Medicine, earning his M.D. in 1983.

Personal Life: Bill Cassidy is married to Laura Layden, also a physician, and they have three children. The family resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Cassidy is known for his commitment to public service, both in his medical career and his political work, aiming to improve the lives of his constituents through thoughtful and effective legislation.

Early Career: After completing his medical degree, Cassidy worked as a gastroenterologist and hepatologist. He served at the Earl K. Long Medical Center, Louisiana’s charity hospital system, where he focused on treating the uninsured and underprivileged. Cassidy also co-founded the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic, which provides free dental and health care to the working uninsured. Additionally, he taught at LSU Health Sciences Center.

Bill Cassidy (R)

Term Start:

Political Career:

Louisiana State Senate: Cassidy began his political career in the Louisiana State Senate, where he served from 2006 to 2009. During his tenure, he focused on healthcare, education, and fiscal issues, advocating for reforms to improve state services and efficiency.
U.S. House of Representatives: In 2008, Cassidy was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Louisiana’s 6th congressional district. He served three terms from 2009 to 2015. In the House, he continued to prioritize healthcare reform and fiscal responsibility, serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee and working on issues related to energy policy and public health.
U.S. Senate: In 2014, Cassidy ran for the U.S. Senate and defeated incumbent Democrat Mary Landrieu. He took office on January 3, 2015, and was re-elected in 2020. As a senator, Cassidy has focused on healthcare reform, energy policy, and fiscal issues. He played a significant role in the 2017 effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and has been involved in various bipartisan initiatives.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on Finance
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, Pensions (Ranking)
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Legislative Achievements:

Healthcare: Co-authored the Cassidy-Graham healthcare bill, an attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Advocates for increasing access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services and substance abuse treatment.
Energy: Supports energy independence and has worked on legislation to promote the use of natural gas and renewable energy sources.
Education: Advocates for education reform, including increased funding for early childhood education and support for STEM programs.
Veterans’ Affairs: Works to improve healthcare and services for veterans, including measures to reduce veteran homelessness and increase access to mental health care.

Senator Cassidy is a physician-turned-politician with a focus on healthcare, energy, education, and veterans’ affairs. His medical background and experience serving the uninsured have influenced his legislative priorities, particularly in healthcare reform to increase accessibility and reduce costs. As a U.S. Senator, Cassidy advocates for policies that promote energy independence, improve education, and support veterans. Additionally, Cassidy focuses on education, veterans’ affairs, and disaster response, reflecting the needs and priorities of his Louisiana constituents.

Committees

Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Finance: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the economic direction of a country or region by influencing fiscal and monetary policies that impact individuals, businesses, and governments.

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP): Committee addresses issues related to health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.

Veterans’ Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.

Voting patterns

Senator Cassidy has voting patterns that reflect his conservative values and focus on healthcare, fiscal responsibility, and energy policy. Here are some key aspects of his recent voting record:

Key Voting Patterns:

Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: Cassidy voted against the “Right to IVF Act” and the “Right to Contraception Act,” which aimed to expand access to fertility treatments and contraception, aligning with his conservative stance on reproductive health issues.
Environmental and Energy Policy: Cassidy has consistently voted against stringent environmental regulations. For instance, he supported a resolution disapproving an EPA rule related to energy conservation standards for consumer furnaces (S.J.Res.58) and another disapproving a Department of Energy rule on energy conservation (S.J.Res.57). He often votes in favor of legislation that supports the energy industry and reduces regulatory burdens on it.
Economic and Fiscal Policies: Cassidy advocates for fiscal conservatism. He voted in favor of resolutions disapproving of rules by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Treasury, aiming to minimize federal oversight and control over financial and fiscal matters (H.J.Res.109 and S.J.Res.57).
National Security and Immigration: He voted for the “Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act,” which aims to enhance U.S. intelligence and national security capabilities (H.R.7888). His votes often reflect a strong stance on national security and a conservative approach to immigration policy.
Labor and Employment: Cassidy has supported measures for congressional disapproval of rules by the National Labor Relations Board, indicating his preference for less federal intervention in labor markets and more state-level control over employment regulations (H.J.Res.98).

Senator Bill Cassidy’s voting record demonstrates his commitment to conservative principles, including fiscal responsibility, market-based healthcare reforms, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues aligns with his broader economic policies favoring energy independence and growth. Cassidy’s influence on the judiciary further underscores his conservative legislative agenda.