Garret Graves

On December 6, 2014, Garret Graves was elected to the United States House of Representatives for Louisiana's 6th congressional district. This marked the beginning of his career as a U.S. Congressman. Before entering Congress, Graves had served as the chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana. His election followed a runoff contest in which he defeated former Governor Edwin Edwards. Graves campaigned on issues such as coastal restoration, health care reforms, and educational improvements.

In February 2016, Congressman Garret Graves was involved in forming the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel. This task force was established to assess and improve measures to prevent terrorist travel and foreign fighter movement. The task force brought together members from various committees to address security vulnerabilities and offer solutions. Garret Graves participated in these discussions to enhance national security against potential terrorist threats, with a focus on border security, intelligence sharing, and international cooperation.

In August 2016, Garret Graves rose to national prominence for his role in responding to the catastrophic flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The floods caused extensive damage, affecting thousands of homes and businesses. Graves worked tirelessly to secure federal disaster aid and improve emergency response mechanisms. He advocated for long-term infrastructure improvements to prevent future flooding. His efforts were instrumental in facilitating recovery in the region, showcasing his commitment to his constituents' welfare.

In December 2018, U.S. Congressman Garret Graves played a crucial role in negotiating energy policy benefiting the Gulf Coast. Graves was instrumental in discussions about the future of oil and gas revenue sharing along the Gulf of Mexico. He worked to secure equitable distribution of revenue to support coastal restoration and economic activities crucial to Louisiana's environment and energy sector. His negotiation skills ensured that the interests of Gulf Coast states were adequately represented at the federal level.

In March 2019, Garret Graves was appointed as the Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Aviation. This position enabled him to have significant influence over aviation policy and legislation. As ranking member, Graves focused on modernizing aviation infrastructure, enhancing safety measures, and supporting innovative technologies in the aviation industry. His leadership was pivotal in discussions about funding airport improvements and responding to the challenges faced by the aviation sector.

In January 2020, Congressman Garret Graves introduced the "Promoting Resilient Infrastructure in America" bill. The legislation aimed to improve the country's infrastructure resilience to natural disasters. Graves emphasized the need for modernizing infrastructure to withstand hurricanes, floods, and other extreme weather events. The bill sought to incorporate new engineering and design standards into infrastructure projects to ensure sustainability and reduce the costs associated with disasters.

On June 5, 2020, Garret Graves co-sponsored the Greater Spillway Control Act, aiming to improve the management and operation of the Bonnet Carré Spillway. This bill addressed concerns about the impact of frequent artificial opening of the spillway on the local communities and the environment. Graves was particularly concerned about the negative effects on the fishing industry and the coastal ecosystem. The proposed legislation sought to enhance the decision-making process regarding spillway operations and ensure consideration of environmental and economic factors.

On March 11, 2021, Garret Graves, along with other House Republicans, voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package aimed to provide financial support to individuals, businesses, and local governments. Graves voiced concerns about the size of the package and its impact on the national debt. He argued for more targeted measures to support those affected by the pandemic, stating that the bill involved excessive spending that would burden future generations.

In July 2022, Garret Graves testified before Congress regarding federal climate adaptation programs. As a member of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, he discussed the importance of climate resilience initiatives. Graves highlighted the need for effective resource allocation to projects that mitigate climate change impacts. He advocated for programs that address coastal erosion and promote sustainable infrastructure development. His testimony emphasized the role of federal policy in combating climate change and protecting vulnerable communities.

In May 2023, Garret Graves played a significant role in the negotiations over raising the United States debt ceiling. As a senior member of the House Republican leadership, his involvement was pivotal in discussions around budgetary discipline and fiscal responsibility. Graves pushed for restrained government spending as part of the negotiation strategy. The outcome of the negotiations had major implications for federal fiscal policy, preventing a government shutdown and ensuring continued government operations without defaulting on debts.