Senator Bill Cassidy says sanctions imposed by the US and other countries are beginning to cripple Russia financially as they continue to invade Ukraine. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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A lawmaker wants to change the state’s term-limit law, giving legislators the ability to serve four four-year terms, instead of three. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”
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As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Senator Bill Cassidy says sanctions are beginning to cripple Russia financially and the U-S should still not commit troops, via air, sea, or ground to assist because Ukraine is not an article five-country with NATO.
Cut 3 (10) “…prepare for war.”
Cassidy believes however that the US should add troops in the NATO countries of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to deter Putin from invading them in the future.
Cut 4 (10) “…NATO country.”
Cassidy says the US is supporting Ukraine in the same manner other European nations are with weapons and sanctions.
Cut 5 (12) “…like Poland.”
In addition to US sanctions, Cassidy applauds the cumulative efforts of private companies and individuals for crimping Russia’s economy. For example tech companies canceling contracts to individuals boycotting Russian products.
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As the backlash against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine continues, there have been calls for boycotts of Russian products, including vodka. Michael Fruge, founder, and owner of Acadiana Parish-based JT Meleck Distillers says consumers are typically loyal to the brands they like but a worldwide push could quickly gain momentum.
Cut 6 (06) “…things definitely.”
At least three states have already implemented bans on Russian-made vodka, and more might be on the way. Fruge sees an opportunity to reach new consumers and his distillery is looking to take advantage of a market that may be ready to move away from its traditional tastes and towards his rice-based vodka.
Cut 7 (09) “…one of them.”
JT Meleck is one of the few producers of rice vodka not based in Asia. With bars, restaurants, and retailers removing Russian-made vodkas from the shelves, the ground is fertile for American-based companies to claim a bigger stake in sales of the best-selling spirit in the U-S. Fruge is excited about the future of his uniquely-Louisiana company.
Cut 8 (12) “…at the distillery.”
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A state lawmaker wants to change the term limit law, giving legislators the ability to serve four terms in one House, instead of the current three. Lafayette Representative Stuart Bishop says too much experience is being lost, giving staff and lobbyists more institutional knowledge…
Cut 9 (11) “…the Legislature”
A constitutional amendment went into effect in 2007 limiting legislators to three full-consecutive terms in one House, which is 12 years. Bishop says that’s not enough time to know all of the inner workings of law-making. He says a business would not limit a person’s occupation to 12 years…
Cut 10 (10) “.fire you”
Bishop serves as House Ways and Means Chairman. That committee writes tax laws and develops the state’s construction budget. He says it takes years of experience to fully grasp the job of a legislator…
Cut 11 (11 ) “…this anymore.”
This is Bishop’s last term in office and says he does not plan on running for a Senate seat, so this legislation would not personally benefit him.
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Louisiana’s Republican Congressional Delegation are disappointed with President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address. Senator John Kennedy says the President has mismanaged the economy, mismanaged Covid, and has forfeited America’s energy independence and Mr’s Biden plan is to stay the course
Cut 12 (08) “…doing it”
But Democrat and New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says the President laid out a clear vision to lowering costs for American families.
Kennedy says the President’s plan for inflation is to spend and borrow more and he says the White House doesn’t have a plan on securing the southern border
cut 13 (11) “…rage on.”
Mr. Biden says new technology has been installed at the southern border to detect drug smuggling and joint patrols have been set with Mexico and Guatemala to stop human trafficking.
President Biden told Americans that getting prices under control is his top priority. Mr. Biden believes the production of more American goods, lower prescription drug prices, and reducing the cost of child care can cure inflation ills. But 5th District Congresswoman Julia Letlow didn’t hear a good plan to counter the highest inflation rates in four decades…
Cut 14 (12) “…excessive checks”