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Northwest Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is throwing his hat in the ring to be the next Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee. The committee, the largest caucus of conservatives in the House, is influential in crafting and guiding conservative legislative policy. Johnson, who’s been a member since joining Congress in 2017, says he’s a great fit for the job.

Cut 3 (11) “consensus builder”

The 45-year-old committee has been chaired in the past by some of the biggest names in Republican politics, like current Vice President Mike Pence and 1^st district Congressman Steve Scalise.

Johnson says the committee will be hugely relevant in the coming years, and has already made its mark.

Cut 4 (10) “RSC members.”

It’s not a position for the faint of heart. The Committee Chairman is responsible for identifying policy objectives, and then wrangling support to get those ideas off the white board and onto a bill. Johnson says he’s got the background to both build consensus, and champion conservative values.

Cut 5 (07) “those ideas”

The election for RSC chairman will take place in mid-November.

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An approaching cold front is destabilizing the atmosphere, bringing thunderstorm activity for parts of southeast Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the showers could present a potential for danger in some areas.

Cut 6 (07) …always a possibility.”

Keim says the front is expected to stall along the Louisiana coastline, keeping rain chances relatively high through Friday.

Cut 7 (08) “…rest of the work week.”

Keim says the rain is actually good news for the area.

Cut 8 (10) “…dousing of rain.”

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HUD has approved Governor John Bel Edwards’ request to increase reimbursements on RESTORE grants to 100 percent, which means more federal assistance for homeowners who suffered flood damage in 2016. Edwards’ Communications Director Shauna Sanford says the first round of checks are on their way.

Cut 9 (08)  “good news.”

Roughly 10,000 people will benefit from the additional 110 million dollars in new funds.

Sanford says the first people to receive their checks will be those who had already qualified, and received their 50 percent reimbursement. She says that group will have the other 50 percent on its way in the next couple of days, with homeowners who have yet to receive grant money coming after.

Cut 10 (13) “percent level”

And if you’re getting antsy for that recovery money, Sanford says don’t worry, everything has been taken care of at the state level and no further work is needed on your end.

Cut 11 (10) “those checks”