As a businessman from Metairie and former chair of the Republican Party of Louisiana, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Benton) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Jefferson) to advance the priorities that matter most to Republicans. Under President Donald Trump, we cut through Washington’s red tape, revitalized the economy and prioritized the needs of hardworking American families.
Now, as we move forward, Republicans in Congress must remain focused on advancing Trump’s America First agenda — strengthening our economy and standing up against the Biden administration’s failed policies.
That means rejecting any measures that would undermine conservative values, particularly those that would lead to an even greater expansion of the federal government’s power. The Kids Online Safety Act, or KOSA, is one such bill. While it claims to protect children online, in reality, it threatens parental autonomy by shifting power away from families and into the hands of unelected bureaucrats.
This legislation opens the door for the government to dictate what content is deemed appropriate for children, an issue that should lie solely in the hands of parents — not Washington politicians. These bills create unnecessary regulatory burdens that would stifle free speech and American technological innovation.
It’s imperative that Republicans remain steadfast in opposing policies that expand government control at the expense of individual liberties and parental rights.
The Republican Party made the right decision in leaving KOSA behind in 2024, and we must remain committed to rejecting any efforts to revive it in 2025. While we all agree on the importance of making the internet safer for children, last year’s version of the bill was deeply flawed and opened the door to greater government control over online content. It’s just one example of how well-intended policies can ultimately threaten free speech, privacy and the rights or parents to raise their children without interference.
Roger Villere
Instead of getting sidetracked by legislation like KOSA, House Republicans must stay focused on the real priorities: curbing wasteful government spending, supporting hardworking families and safeguarding our fundamental freedoms. Claims that KOSA will make the internet safer for kids have been disputed by policy experts and conservative leaders alike.
Worse, it is a distraction from the America First priorities that President Trump promised to restore when he reclaimed the White House. KOSA represents an unnecessary legislative hurdle that would only drag the president’s priorities into the mud, slowing the critical progress needed for our great nation to once again work for the American people, a guiding principle that was lost under the Biden administration.
Trump’s vision for America is clear: put the interests of our citizens first, cut unnecessary regulations and hold Washington accountable. That’s what made his first term so successful, and it’s what will keep our movement strong. House Republicans have a critical role to play in advancing this agenda and ensuring that our nation stays on the right track.
This is a defining moment for the American people. We cannot afford to lose focus or allow distractions like KOSA to pull us away from the issues that truly matter.
I urge House Republicans to stand firm, reject unnecessary government overreach and double down on the America First policies that will keep our country strong, secure and prosperous.