[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 1, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H1182-H1183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               MARDI GRAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Louisiana (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Down in New Orleans where the blues were 
born, it takes a cool cat to blow a horn.
  Down in LaSalle and Rampart Street, it is Mardi Gras combo with a 
mambo beat.
  Today is Mardi Gras, and as a New Orleanian, this is a special time 
for our city and our region. It is a joyous time culminating today in 
the dizzying, colorful explosion that is Mardi Gras Day--Fat Tuesday. 
Everywhere else, it is just a Tuesday, but in Louisiana it is Mardi 
Gras--a time for merriment, a time for joy, a time to party, and 
recognize the culture that makes New Orleans so unique and makes 
Louisiana so special.
  It is a one-of-a-kind experience. Some might call this biased, but 
objectively I think everyone should enjoy and experience Mardi Gras.
  Today, people from all over the world come together, krewes of all 
stripes and backgrounds work to pull off a day like none other.

[[Page H1183]]

  After the challenges of isolation and the pandemic, this year's Mardi 
Gras is a chance for us to reunite, reconnect, and celebrate what truly 
makes New Orleans, New Orleans--the love, the peace, the culture, and 
the energy of its people.
  While I am in D.C. for House business and for the President's State 
of the Union address, my heart is at home as the Zulu float turns on 
Jackson Avenue and the oceans of people scream and yell: Throw me 
something, mister. Our hearts are full of joy.
  My heart is handing out coconuts at the Zulu parade as we speak, 
although I am physically in Washington, D.C.
  People attending balls, costuming, and letting everyone be themselves 
is what Mardi Gras is all about. It is a time of love, a time of 
expression, and a time of cultural explosion.
  Happy Mardi Gras to one, happy Mardi Gras to all, have a safe and 
happy Mardi Gras. Enjoy the beautiful weather.
  For all of you watching, I invite you all to come to Louisiana, have 
a slice, have a piece of Mardi Gras. No matter where you are or where 
you are from, let's show each other some love this season.
  And as we say in Louisiana: Laissez les bon temps rouler.

                          ____________________