Congressman Charles W. Boustany Jr., M.D., a cardiovascular surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, was first elected to Congress in December 2004. Serving his second term in office, Boustany represents Louisiana’s Seventh Congressional District, which covers Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana. Boustany has championed healthcare reform, sound energy policy and hurricane recovery with time-proven solutions for all Americans.
As a physician, Congressman Boustany understands the importance of healthcare and is at the forefront of healthcare policy in Congress. He believes the patient-doctor relationship is the most important part of healthcare and has worked to implement patient-centered healthcare solutions. Increased access to tax-free health savings accounts (HSAs) represent one opportunity for patients to strengthen their control over their healthcare decisions, and Boustany introduced legislation allowing seniors and veterans to participate.
Much of America’s energy flows through Southwest Louisiana, and Congressman Boustany promotes responsible American energy production to help the American economy prosper. Agri-based energy alternatives and American ingenuity are a critical part of fulfilling the nation’s energy demands.
Boustany is a member of three House Committees- Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Labor and Agriculture.
Through these Committees, Boustany directed legislation critical to Southwest Louisiana’s recovery effort, including the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that authorized more than $1.7 billion for Louisiana infrastructure projects. In addition, Congressman Boustany continues to work towards a new Farm Bill to provide stability for Louisiana’s farmers and ranchers. He also served on the Head Start Reauthorization Conference Committee to mediate differences between the House and Senate on priorities for the early education program.
Congressman Boustany was raised in Lafayette and graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans in 1982. He returned to Lafayette in 1990 and began a successful medical practice. For fourteen years, he ran a small business and committed to helping others by providing the highest quality healthcare to his patients and the community. In Congress, Congressman Boustany is committed to serving the people of Southwest Louisiana with the same dedication and care that he provided as a physician and community leader.
Charles and his wife Bridget reside in Lafayette and have two adult children.
Expressing the Sense Of the House Of Representatives That Public Servants Should Be Commended For Their Dedication and Continued Service To the Nation During Public Service Recognition Week, May 4 Through 10, 2009, and Throughout the Year (On Motion To Suspend the Rules and Agree)