On the recordApril 14, 2021
Madam Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to stand here today as the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Louisiana. Representing the people of the Fifth Congressional District is a great responsibility, and I pledge to work hard for you in Congress. My district is blessed with some of the best resources in the Nation, and no one knew that better than my husband, Luke, who was elected to this very seat but who we lost to COVID just days before he was set to take office. Luke and I were a team with a goal to better our State and our country. I want to thank him for paving the way for me. I am here today to carry that torch forward, to be a voice for our farmers, to champion education, to help bring broadband to our rural communities, and to ensure our economy is thriving again. The last year has not been easy for our country. Too many families, like mine, have experienced tragedy because of this pandemic. To those families, I see you, I hear you, and most importantly, I pray with you. I want to thank my family, both the Letlows and the Barnhills, for being the rock-solid, godly people you are in my life. I also cannot thank my staff, the Louisiana delegation, and my congressional colleagues enough for guiding me and welcoming me so fully. And I thank everyone who has reached out and prayed for my family these past few months. Today, as I start my journey in Congress, I choose hope.…





