Press Releases

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), and U.S. Representative Garret Graves (R-LA-06) today applauded President Trump's decision to invite Cajun Navy founder Jon Bridgers to attend this year's State of the Union address on Tuesday.

"Louisiana's Cajun Navy shows us what's possible when people from varied backgrounds come together, pool their talents and resources and work as one to serve their neighbors, friends and families in need. Their efforts and ongoing commitment to hurting communities in Louisiana and Texas represent the best of all us, and I'm hopeful this recognition will help remind us all that our bond as Americans first is stronger than any of the differences that often separate," said Rep. Graves.

"The Cajun Navy honored the biblical command to ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you,'" said Dr. Cassidy. "When floodwaters overwhelmed Louisiana in 2016 and Texas after Hurricane Harvey, the Cajun Navy, using their own boats and supplies, rescued fellow Americans in danger. I thank President Trump for recognizing these heroes."

The Louisiana-based Cajun Navy is an unofficial, volunteer network of civilian boat owners who assist in search and rescue efforts following severe flood events, including in 2016 in Louisiana. The group formed during the recovery efforts of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and also played a major part in rescue efforts in Texas after Hurricane Harvey in 2017. They continue to help collect resources and donations for those who lost their homes during these storms.