A Busy Week in Washington
Congresswoman Julia Letlow returned to Washington after travel delays caused by severe weather, jumping into a shortened but active week. She met with Louisiana leaders, including Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis, to discuss infrastructure needs. Letlow also welcomed visitors from home, including the Shreveport Chamber and students from St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Baton Rouge.
She said those visits matter. They keep her grounded and focused on delivering results for Louisiana. Letlow also emphasized the value of bipartisan relationships in Congress, noting that real work often happens beyond the political noise seen on TV.
DHS Shutdown Raises Security Concerns
Letlow addressed the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding standoff. She warned that unpaid TSA workers and long airport lines signal a larger issue.
She called the situation a national security risk and urged lawmakers to reach an agreement quickly. According to Letlow, negotiations continue, but she believes action must happen soon to restore stability and protect travelers.
Breaking Down the SAVE Act
Letlow strongly supports the SAVE America Act, calling it a “common sense” measure focused on election integrity. The bill would require proof of citizenship and photo identification for federal elections.
She pointed out that Louisiana already has voter ID requirements, but not all states follow the same standards. Letlow argues the bill would create consistency and strengthen public trust in elections.
The legislation has passed the House multiple times and now sits in the Senate. Letlow urged lawmakers to move it forward, citing broad public support.
Federal vs. State Election Authority
One key concern is whether the federal government should set election rules. Letlow acknowledged the debate but said the bill applies only to federal elections.
She believes states would likely adopt similar standards to stay aligned. Her focus remains on restoring confidence in election systems after what she described as confusion during the COVID-era election changes.