WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered remarks on the U.S. Senate floor this week, emphasizing Louisiana’s critical role in advancing American energy production and restoring energy dominance under President Trump’s leadership.
“President Trump’s America First policies are good for the U.S., good for Louisiana, and good for the world,” Cassidy said in his floor speech. “America has the resources. We have an abundance. Let’s put it to use.”
Cassidy pointed to Louisiana’s significant contributions to U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and energy infrastructure, stating that the state accounted for more than 60% of U.S. energy exports last year. Major LNG export terminals, including Cameron LNG in Hackberry, Cheniere Energy in Cameron Parish, and Venture Global in Plaquemines Parish, were highlighted for their massive export capacities—ranging from 12 to 30 million metric tons annually.
Cassidy argued that Louisiana’s fully integrated pipeline network, deep-draft ports, and workforce give the state a unique advantage in transporting and refining oil and gas products. He also noted that Louisiana is the only state where six major freight railway carriers converge, strengthening its logistical capabilities.
“Louisiana has the infrastructure, the strategic location, and most importantly the workers to put America back on top,” he said.
Cassidy criticized the Biden administration’s pause on LNG export permits, calling it a “war on American jobs” and citing job losses reported by the U.S. Department of Energy. He recounted personal economic hardships faced by families affected by energy sector job cuts and framed the issue as one impacting American families across the nation.
In response to the Biden administration’s policies, Cassidy introduced the LNG Security Act and the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act to reverse the export pause and shift export approval authority from the Department of Energy to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The senator also cited recent investments as proof of renewed energy momentum. He referenced a $17.5 billion investment by Woodside Energy in Calcasieu Parish to build a new LNG facility expected to support 15,000 construction jobs and thousands of permanent roles. Additionally, Hyundai Steel announced a $5.8 billion investment in a next-generation steel facility in Ascension Parish, bringing 1,500 direct jobs and thousands more indirectly.
Cassidy also highlighted the global implications of American energy, noting that U.S. LNG now accounts for 45% of Europe’s imports, up from 27% before the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“The European Union using more U.S. LNG hurts Vladimir Putin’s war machine,” Cassidy said. “We can help them by saying, ‘Don’t buy Putin’s gas to fuel his war, buy OUR gas.’”
Cassidy concluded his speech by reiterating the strategic and economic benefits of energy development.
“Louisiana is ready to help,” he said. “America has the resources. We have an abundance. Let’s put it to use.”