Committee Assignments, Whip Appointment Advance Louisiana Priorities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Cassidy (R–Baton Rouge) was named to the Republican Whip Team as an Assistant Whip, in addition to being appointed to serve on the House Committees on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Education and Labor.

“Serving on the Natural Resources and Education and Labor Committees gives Bill a seat at the table where some of Louisiana’s most important legislative priorities are concerned,” said Republican Leader John Boehner (OH).  “Energy security and education reform are important components of our strategy for economic growth, and I look forward to working with him on these issues.”

On the Whip Team, Cassidy will work with Republican Leadership to develop and move legislation through the House.

“I am pleased that Bill joined the Republican Whip Team, the team that will act as the cornerstone of House Republican efforts to preserve, protect and create a better tomorrow for working families,” said Republican Whip Eric Cantor (VA).

With his appointment to the Natural Resources Committee, which has broad jurisdiction over energy resources, water and power, public lands, and coastal management, Cassidy is positioned to advance Louisiana’s extensive energy agenda.

According to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (LDNR), Louisiana is the largest crude oil producing state in the United States and ranks second in natural gas production.

“Our long term energy security depends on the responsible use of America’s vast energy resources,” said Cassidy.  “Energy production in Louisiana is critically important to economic growth and job creation.”

“Serving on the Natural Resources Committee will help us restore Louisiana’s coasts and protect coastal Louisiana from hurricanes and erosion.”

Louisiana lost roughly 24 square miles of land per year between 1990 and 2000 to coastal erosion, according to a report from LDNR.  Over the next 50 years, the state is expected to lose another 500 square miles of land.

On the Committee on Education and Labor, which oversees all federal education and workforce initiatives, Cassidy will work to reform public education policy, provide students with affordable access to college, and protect worker rights, like the secret ballot in unionizing elections.

“Education is the key to economic security in today’s global economy,” said Cassidy.  “I have three children in public schools, and will work to ensure that they and all children receive the quality education they need to succeed.  As a physician, I am also interested in tackling the challenge of childhood obesity, which is particularly important for their health.”

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