CAPITOL HILL: Lebanese American Congressman Charles Boustany Sworn-in Today for Third Term in US House of Representatives, Washington, DC

Councilman John Akouri pictured with Congressman Charles Boustany

Boustany Sworn-in for Third Term, Looks to Provide Solutions for Southwest Louisiana

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., R-Southwest Louisiana, today was sworn-in today for his third term in Congress. Following the swearing-in, Boustany looked ahead to the 111th Congress.

“Our region faces many challenges – coastal restoration and healthcare – to name two pressing ones, which must be met,” Boustany said. “I look forward to building on the success we have had, but dealing with these issues will take broad, bi-partisan solutions. Working together, we can accomplish much more for Southwest Louisiana.” Congressman Boustany, a cardiovascular surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, was first elected to Congress in December 2004. Serving his second term in office, Boustany represents Louisiana’s Seventh Congressional District, which covers Acadiana and Southwest Louisiana. Boustany has championed healthcare reform, sound energy policy and hurricane recovery with time-proven solutions for all Americans.

As a physician, Congressman Boustany understands the importance of healthcare and is at the forefront of healthcare policy in Congress. He believes the patient-doctor relationship is the most important part of healthcare and has worked to implement patient-centered healthcare solutions. Increased access to tax-free health savings accounts (HSAs) represent one opportunity for patients to strengthen their control over their healthcare decisions, and Boustany introduced legislation allowing seniors and veterans to participate. Much of America’s energy flows through Southwest Louisiana, and Congressman Boustany promotes responsible American energy production to help the American economy prosper. Agri-based energy alternatives and American ingenuity are a critical part of fulfilling the nation’s energy demands. Boustany is a member of three House Committees- Transportation and Infrastructure, Education and Labor and Agriculture.

Through these Committees, Boustany directed legislation critical to Southwest Louisiana’s recovery effort, including the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that authorized more than $1.7 billion for Louisiana infrastructure projects. In addition, Congressman Boustany continues to work towards a new Farm Bill to provide stability for Louisiana’s farmers and ranchers. He also served on the Head Start Reauthorization Conference Committee to mediate differences between the House and Senate on priorities for the early education program. Congressman Boustany was raised in Lafayette and graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans in 1982. He returned to Lafayette in 1990 and began a successful medical practice. For fourteen years, he ran a small business and committed to helping others by providing the highest quality healthcare to his patients and the community. In Congress, Congressman Boustany is committed to serving the people of Southwest Louisiana with the same dedication and care that he provided as a physician and community leader. Charles and his wife Bridget reside in Lafayette and have two adult children.