Cleo Fields
DI am proud to announce my endorsement of Jamie Davis for the United States Senate. Jamie is a farmer, businessman, and former member of the Tensas Parish Police Jury, so he is no stranger to hard work. Get out and vote on November 3rd, Louisiana! https://t.co/os1ucQjq8U
Regardless of intent, a remark such as this puts the safety and security of millions of Americans at risk and should not be taken lightly! https://t.co/UJ3P3ju6GW
James Stewart has spent a lifetime serving the people of Caddo Parish as a lawyer, judge, and now, District Attorney. That kind of experience and commitment matters. That’s why I proudly endorse my friend, @stewartforDA, for re-election as Caddo Parish District Attorney. https://t.co/WjDIbmikiH
Some visits just mean a little more. 💛💙 Today, Congress to the Classroom brought me back to my beloved alma mater, Southern University and A&M College, for a special opportunity to engage with some of our state’s brightest young minds! We took a deep dive into the branches of government, the legislative process, and the importance of civic engagement. But the highlight of today’s visit was hearing from the students themselves. I was so proud of their genuine interest in how they can become more engaged. I reminded them that their ability to make a difference starts at the ballot box, and when young people across America become informed, engaged, and involved, they truly hold the power to drive meaningful change.
Yesterday at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference, I had the opportunity to lead an important conversation on Louisiana v. Callais and the future of voting rights in America. I was joined by Rep. Jonathan Jackson, Tara Murray, Janai Nelson, and Rep. Shomari Figures for a timely discussion on the Voting Rights Act, fair representation, and what the Callais case could mean for equal access to the ballot. At a pivotal moment for voting rights, conversations like these are critical as we continue working to protect the right of every American to have their voice heard and their vote represented.
On this 25th anniversary of September 11, we honor the lives lost and the countless families forever changed. Time moves forward, but we will never forget. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/tqFScsn4NP
Voting rights are on the line. Join me and leading voices in the fight for voting rights at #ALC55 for a timely conversation on Louisiana v. Callais, the Voting Rights Act, and what’s at stake for fair representation. https://t.co/Lau8f3yRUG
The other day, I joined Jim Engster with Talk Louisiana to discuss the state of our politics and what’s at stake heading into November. The American people are frustrated, and they’re looking for relief. I believe voters are going to head to the polls this November and vote their conscience. They want better government, stronger leadership, and a Congress that will stand up for them. I’m optimistic about Democrats’ chances of taking back the House and the Senate, but we cannot take anything for granted. We have to organize, show up, and make sure every eligible voter gets to the polls. The work starts now.
Read the full release here: https://t.co/WExSsKx1cw https://t.co/dEIW25OiSJ
NATCHITOCHES, LA — Congressman Cleo Fields (LA-06) today announced that Northwestern State University has been awarded $1.8 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support the university's Innovation Park Equipment Expansion (IPEX) Project. The funding request was submitted in collaboration with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy. The award will allow the university to purchase cutting-edge equipment for Innovation Park, including an AI supercomputer, laser cutters, and advanced 3D printers. “Innovation Park is a cornerstone of STEM education in Northwestern Louisiana,” said Congressman Fields. “This funding will expand research and innovation opportunities, empowering students to deepen their STEM expertise and drive groundbreaking discoveries. It will give students the critical skills they need to lead the next wave of scientific and technological innovation, and give Louisiana employers the workforce they need to grow. I was proud to work alongside Senator Cassidy and Senator Kennedy to bring these resources home to Natchitoches and to ensure Louisiana institutions get their fair share of federal investment in research and workforce development.” The equipment is expected to expand research and innovation opportunities at Innovation Park, provide students with hands-on experience in high-demand fields, strengthen the university's ability to attract and retain top undergraduate and graduate students and faculty, and support Louisiana's broader economic development priorities in advanced technology, industrial engineering, and biomedical research. The award was made under NIST's Congressionally-Identified Projects program (CFDA 11.617). ###
NATCHITOCHES, LA — Congressman Cleo Fields (LA-06) today announced that Northwestern State University has been awarded $1.8 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to support the university's Innovation Park Equipment Expansion (IPEX) Project. The funding request was submitted in collaboration with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy. The award will allow the university to purchase cutting-edge equipment for Innovation Park, including an AI supercomputer, laser cutters, and advanced 3D printers. Read the full release here: https://t.co/rNz29wWaN7
This Friday, I’m heading back into the classroom! 📚 Congress to the Classroom continues in West Baton Rouge Parish on August 28. I’m looking forward to visiting with students, answering their questions, and talking with them about public service and the work we do in Congress. 📍 Port Allen Elementary — 8:40 AM 📍 Cohn Intermediate — 9:30 AM 📍 Brusly Middle School — 10:25 AM See you Friday!
Louisiana, now is the time to check your voter registration status! Don’t wait. Make sure your information is current, and take care of any necessary updates NOW! Visit https://t.co/NxTZ8jwnhO today, because your voice matters. Make sure you’re ready to use it! https://t.co/uMUmBJFvNX
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Cleo Fields released the following statement regarding his decision about the upcoming congressional election: “After a great deal of prayer and reflection, I have decided not to seek re-election to Congress, in the 6th District or any other district in Louisiana. Instead, I will be running to fill the unexpired term for the State Senate in the 14th District. I feel my calling to serve the people is better put to use back home than here in D.C., and I intend to answer that call.” Congressman Fields will be holding a press conference this Friday at 10 am in Baton Rouge, LA, location to be announced, with more details on his decision. For any questions, comments, or inquiries, please reach out to [email protected], or (202) 843-2045.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Cleo Fields released the following statement after a 26-year-old man was shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Biddeford, Maine, the second fatal shooting involving ICE officers in less than a week: "This morning, ICE agents shot and killed a 26-year-old man in Biddeford, Maine. He was authorized to work in this country. He had a Social Security number. He was somebody's son, somebody's neighbor. And now he's gone. Just last week, it was Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, shot and killed on his way to work. He wasn't even the man those agents were looking for. Two shootings in one week. Two lives taken, and neither man was the target of an immigration enforcement operation. I'll say it plainly: although neither victim was in this country illegally, an immigration violation is not a death sentence. It never has been, and it never should be. But when federal agents can shoot people in our streets with no body cameras, no accountability, and no answers, that's not law enforcement. That's lawlessness. The families of these men deserve answers. The American people deserve a full, independent investigation into both killings. And Congress needs to demand that this administration get control of an agency that clearly has none. I'm praying for these families, and for every community that now looks at their own government and feels afraid."
BATON ROUGE, L.A. – Congressman Cleo Fields released the following statement mourning the passing of Louisiana State Senator Larry Selders, who passed away Tuesday evening. Senator Selders represented Louisiana's 14th Senate District and served in the Louisiana Legislature since 2021: "Larry Selders was my friend, and Louisiana was better for every day he served it. I knew Larry a long time. I watched him come up, and I watched him become one of the most genuine leaders our state has produced. He was a Southern University man, like me, and he carried everything that institution stands for into every room he walked into. He never forgot where he came from, and he never stopped working for the people who sent him to the Legislature. When I was elected to Congress, I left behind the state Senate seat I had held for much of my career, a seat that means a great deal to me and to the people of Baton Rouge. There was never a question in my mind about who should carry it forward. I supported Larry because I knew his heart. He didn't see public office as a title; he saw it as a responsibility. And he proved me right every single day he held it. Larry was a social worker at heart, in his profession and in his politics. He spent his life caring for people struggling with mental health and addiction, and then he went to the State Capitol and wrote that care into law. He expanded mental health services, protected survivors of domestic violence, fought for working families, and opened doors for young people all across our state. He never asked for credit, because credit was never the point, people were. But if you asked Larry what he was proudest of, he wouldn't have said any of that. He would have told you about Kendra, LJ, and Luke. Anyone who knew him knew that his family came first, always. Kendra, the boys, and everyone who loved Larry remain in my prayers. Baton Rouge lost a champion, and I lost a brother in service. Rest well, my friend." ###
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Cleo Fields, along with Representatives Troy Carter, Mike Ezell, and Rob Bresnahan, introduced H.R. 9511, the NFIP Premium Transparency Act, legislation that would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to give the more than 400,000 Louisiana policy holders enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program a full, clear picture of what is driving their premiums and what they can do to bring those costs down: "Louisiana families pay more flood insurance premiums than almost anyone in the United States, and for too long they've been handed a bill with no explanation. They deserve to know why their rates went up, when they'll go up again, and what they can do about it. This bill does exactly that,” said Representative Fields. Louisiana has the most NFIP policies per capita of any other state in the country. Despite that, members of communities throughout the state routinely receive renewal notices with little to no explanation of what factors are driving their costs or how long they can expect their premiums to reach their full risk-based potential. For working families in flood-prone areas, many of whom are already living on tight margins, that lack of information can mean the difference between staying in their home and being priced out of it. “Since FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 program went into effect, Louisiana families have opened their flood insurance bills with more questions than answers: why their premium jumped and what discounts they're missing,” said Representative Carter. “Louisiana has more riding on this than almost any state in the country. This legislation gives homeowners the information they've always deserved: a clear breakdown of their rates, real savings from mitigation, and a roadmap to full-risk pricing. This isn't a partisan issue. It's about giving working families the tools to protect their homes, their budgets, and their futures.” The NFIP Premium Transparency Act addresses this issue directly. Within 12 months of enactment, every NFIP policy declaration page must clearly show the policyholder's current premium, all applicable discounts, the full set of rating factors behind their rate, their claim history, available mitigation options and the savings associated with each, and an estimate of how many years remain before their premium reaches its full risk-based level. If any of that information cannot be provided, FEMA must explain why in writing, on the policy itself, eliminating blank walls and guesswork. “Too many families in Northeastern Pennsylvania struggle with the impact flooding can have on their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Flood insurance continues to go up, making it harder for families to sell and first-time homeowners to buy,” said Representative Bresnahan. “For many homeowners in our region, the NFIP is the only realistic option for protecting their property, but rising premiums are making that coverage increasingly difficult to afford. This legislation ensures that our families, small businesses, and non-profits are not priced out of the peace of mind that flood insurance brings.” Within 36 months, FEMA must build a publicly accessible online tool that allows homeowners, prospective buyers, and community leaders to look up any NFIP-covered property and model how improvements like elevating a home would reduce both flood risk and insurance costs. That interactive capability matters. Right now, many constituents know their premiums are high but have no way of knowing whether investing in mitigation would actually move the needle. This tool gives them that answer before they spend a dollar. The tool must also account for factors critical to Louisiana specifically, including coastal land loss, coastal restoration projects, and levee reliability. With the state's coastline constantly changing, the families living through that reality deserve a flood insurance system that reflects it. “Families deserve to know exactly how their flood insurance premiums are determined and what steps they can take to lower their costs,” said Representative Ezell. “The NFIP Premium Transparency Act gives homeowners greater access to the information they need to make informed decisions, invest in mitigation, and better protect their property. For coastal communities like those in South Mississippi, improving transparency within the National Flood Insurance Program is a common-sense step that will help strengthen resilience while making the program more accountable to the people it serves.” The legislation also directs FEMA to publish aggregate flood insurance data by state, county, and ZIP code annually, bringing long-overdue transparency to a program that affects millions of Americans. It also directs the Government Accountability Office to study whether the tool can be expanded to give prospective homebuyers access to a property's full flood history before they close, so families are never blindsided after the fact. This bill costs taxpayers nothing beyond what FEMA already does, it simply requires the government to share information it already has. Louisiana families have carried the weight of living in a flood-prone state for generations, and the least Congress can do is make sure they have the information they need to protect their homes, plan their finances, and make informed decisions about their future.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, Congressman Cleo Fields released the following statement after the Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment in Trump v. Barbara: “The Constitution won today. For over 150 years, the 14th Amendment has guaranteed that every child born on American soil is an American citizen with no exceptions. The Supreme Court was right to reject this administration’s attempt to rewrite that guarantee by executive order. This was never just a legal question. It was about whether a child born in Baton Rouge or Lafayette or anywhere else in our country has to wonder if their citizenship is secure. Today they got their answer. I’m grateful the Court held the line, and I’ll keep working to make sure every Louisianan’s constitutional rights are protected, not just on paper, but in practice.”