La. lawmaker thanks Americans for support

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NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., Saturday thanked Americans for their support in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac.

In the Republican weekly radio address, Scalise called for jobs programs and tax cuts favored by the GOP, The Hill reported.

"Please keep those good thoughts and prayers coming," Scalise said. "Hundreds of thousands still remain without power, and the threat of flooding continues throughout southeast Louisiana. We're not out of the woods just yet, but there is light at the end of the tunnel."

The district Scalise represents is one of the most seriously affected by Isaac.

Scalise said jobs would be generated if a Republican bill were approved that would cut taxes across the board. President Barack Obama and the Democrats are pushing a bill that would preserve current income tax rates on all income under $250,000, but restore higher rates on income over that amount.

Scalise pushed for more oil and gas development, which he said would create jobs for millions of Americans, The (New Orleans) Time Picayune reported.

Democrats charge that Republicans want to gut regulations designed to prevent environmental damage similar to that of the 2010 BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico.