Martha Roby to bat for Ronda Walker at annual Congressional Women’s Softball Game
U.S. Rep. Martha Roby announced Monday that she will be batting for Montgomery County Commissioner Ronda Walker at the seventh annual Congressional Women’s Softball Game. Walker will attend the game with Roby on June 24 at 6 p.m. (Eastern) at Watkins Recreation Center off the Eastern Market Metro in Washington, D.C. Walker was a district field staffer for Roby for several years before she was appointed by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley to the Montgomery County Commission, and the two have remained close friends since. Ronda has been sharing her journey to fight breast cancer through her blog “Merry Christmas Cancer” and on her Facebook page since announcing her diagnosis just before Christmas. Last week she underwent surgery as part of her 3-step treatment process. “When Ronda told me in December that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, my heart sank,” Roby said. “My first thought was about the difficult road ahead she and her family would face in fighting this terrible disease. But, her openness in sharing her story and her faith with friends and reporters alike has been inspiring. “Ronda is an incredible wife, mother and public servant. Her friendship has always been special and encouraging to me as a wife and mom in public service myself. Now, Ronda is fighting breast cancer, and she is inspiring so many throughout the community to keep their faith no matter what difficult circumstances they face. I am so awed by her strength and grace throughout this battle, and it’s an honor to play for my dear friend in this year’s Congressional Women’s Softball Game.” In the statement released Monday, Walker said, “I’m honored and excited to be a part of this special event. My diagnosis came as a very tough blow, not just for me, but for my husband and children as well. The first thing we did was set our focus on God; then we clung to our senses of humor, and geared up for the toughest experience of our lives. From the beginning, I have been determined to use this difficult time as a ministry to help others who are facing difficulties themselves. I’ve been open and honest about the days I was too sick or depressed to get out of bed as well as the good days that I received positive news or finished a treatment. I hope my transparency has been helpful.” Some background on the game from https://www.congwomensoftball.org/. The Congressional Women’s Softball Game began in 2009 with captains Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). They brought together a team of women Members of Congress to play the female campaign staff from both parties after Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced her own battle with breast cancer. In 2010, the Members asked the women of the Washington, D.C. press corps to join the game as the opponent and a lasting rival was born.The Congressional Women’s Softball Game has raised more than $500,000 for Young Survival Coalition (YSC) each year and become a staple of Capitol Hill summer activities. YSC is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. They offer resources, connections and outreach so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful.Breast cancer is something few young women ever think will happen to them– and certainly not at such an early age. When faced with a diagnosis, they may feel confused, angry and isolated. YSC is a place where women can go to find a circle of support and the best information available to navigate their treatment and their lives.
Martha Roby: Making sense of workplace safety compliance
What if we could help companies comply with workplace safety rules on the front end, rather than impose harmful fines and penalties on the back end? New legislation that I’m proudly co-sponsoring does just that by helping industries voluntarily and proactively come into compliance with workplace safety guidelines. Known as the Voluntary Protection Program, VPP is an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program that has been successful since its creation in 1982. However, it was never authorized into law, making it subject to the whims of the Executive Branch. H.R. 2500 would finally authorize VPP in the law, making it permanent and allowing Congress to oversee and fund it properly through the appropriations process. While OSHA is charged with the important task of enforcing our nation’s workplace safety rules, this federal agency too often takes an aggressive, penalization-first approach when more productive options are available. VPP provides a voluntary, alternative method, with more than 2,200 work sites covering 900,000 employees all focused on proactive safety practices among employees, employers and OSHA. By requiring implementation of comprehensive health and safety protocols, this opt-in program yields fewer injuries and illnesses well below industry averages. What’s more in 2007, a report showed that VPP saved the federal government nearly $300 million, including $59 million by preventing worker injuries. We all want rules to be followed that ensure a safe workplace. But it makes sense to do so by placing more of an emphasis on practical means to protect workers through partnerships instead of penalties. That’s why VPP is a good move for both workers and businesses. I am grateful for the bipartisan efforts of my colleague, Rep. Todd Rokita, a Republican of Indiana, and Rep. Gene Green, a Democrat of Texas, who I have joined to introduce this bill. My goal is helping workers and businesses all across Alabama, and the nation, comply with safety rules in a more positive way. H.R. 2500 has been referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. I will keep you updated as the bill moves through the legislative process. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She is in her third term.
Martha Roby: One year later, more improvement needed at VA
An important part of my job in Congress is making sure national Veterans Affairs leaders pay attention to Alabama and remain focused on improving the health care system our veterans depend on. That’s why this week I spoke from the House Floor to mark one year since former VA Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned amid scandal, and to draw attention to the many problems still persisting at the Central Alabama VA. Despite new legal tools and resources, we have not seen sufficient improvement in access to patient care. We haven’t seen it nationally, and we certainly haven’t seen it in Central Alabama. In fact, VA medical centers in Montgomery and Tuskegee were recently identified as worst and second worst in the nation for extended delays in patient appointment completions. A Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System workload report at the end of April showed that more than 6,500 consults over 90 days were still pending, including more than half awaiting approval for non-VA care services. I believe one reason for this lack of progress is that Washington has demonstrated a somewhat short attention span when it comes to fixing these problems. We got their attention last year. Working with whistleblowers and the press, we were able to expose major instances of misconduct, negligence and cover-up within the system. The wait-list manipulation scheme, the missing X-rays, the falsified patient records, the crack house incident – all these major exposures could not be ignored by top VA leaders in Washington. A lot of nice promises were made to improve Central Alabama, but since our problems left the front page, VA’s follow-up has been insufficient. Maybe that’s because we are depending on a broken bureaucracy to fix itself. Maybe it’s because we have been asking for VA leaders to intervene at this troubled system, rather than requiring them to. Maybe it’s time to change that, and I have an idea. When a public school continues to fail to meet basic standards, what happens? The state department of education steps in to takeover and takes charge of turning the place around. The process isn’t pleasant, but everyone from principals and teachers to students and parents understand the consequences of failure to improve. We need a similar mechanism at the VA when medical centers continually fail our veterans. That’s why I am preparing legislation that would compel national VA leaders to step in to take over perpetually failing systems and make the Secretary of Veterans Affairs squarely accountable for making sure troubled systems like Central Alabama get the attention they need. The bill is still in development, and I’ll update you on the latest as we proceed. One way or another, we are going to get their attention again. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She is in her third term.
Alabama delegation supports U.S. House passed fishing reforms, despite Obama veto threat
Disregarding a veto threat from President Barack Obama, the U.S. House of Representatives reauthorized the four-decade-old Magnuson-Stevens Act, the nation’s primary fishing law, on Monday, which sets the policy for fisheries all across the United States. The legislation, H.R. 1335, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act, makes a number of improvements to the MSA in order to ensure a proper balance between the biological needs of fish stocks and the economic needs of fishermen and coastal communities, and includes provisions sponsored by Alabama Rep. Bradley Byrne. Specifically, Congressman Byrne’s provisions would repeal the inflexible quotas for the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery, extend state water boundaries for each Gulf state to nine nautical miles, and remove data collection and stock assessments from federal control. “Tonight was a big win for red snapper fishermen in the Gulf and fishermen all across the country,” Byrne said in a news release Monday. “These provisions were designed to give the Gulf states control over the science and data collection as it relates to red snapper, and I believe that with better data and more flexibility for fisheries managers, we can get back to having a real red snapper season in the Gulf.” The Alabama delegation joined Byrne in his support of the bill, with the exception of Rep. Robert Aderholt who did not vote, and Rep. Terri Sewell who voted no. Fellow U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer also celebrated the passage of the fishing reforms, saying, “Fishing is important in Alabama, both for commerce and for recreation. This bill will provide for more opportunities for Alabamians to have a stronger voice in the process of deciding how our fisheries are managed by replacing the current one-size-fits-all approach to a state managed approach that requires state and local data in decision-making.” U.S. Rep. Martha Roby reiterated the importance of the bill to Alabama. “Fishing is not only a large recreational attraction in Alabama, it’s also an important facet of our state’s economy. The bill … works to increase transparency, empower local experts who have a greater knowledge of regional needs, give states more of a say in decisions affecting them and support job growth- all with no increase in federal spending. “ The measure now goes to the Senate, and is facing a veto threat from the White House should it pass. In a May 19 statement Obama said the House bill would “undermine the use of science-based actions to end and prevent overfishing” and would “interfere with the tremendous success achieved in rebuilding over-fished fisheries by setting rebuilding targets that are not based on sound, credible science, and that unnecessarily extend the time to rebuild fisheries.” Byrne however, is optimistic. “I started working on this issue as soon as I got to Washington last year, and this vote is a big step forward. I will now get to work with my Gulf Coast colleagues in the Senate, including Senators Shelby and Sessions, to keep this legislation moving.”
Martha Roby: Next generation of military leaders
One of my favorite parts of serving in Congress is the honor and responsibility I have to nominate young men and women for an appointment to our nation’s military academies. Each year, my office conducts a rigorous process by which applicants are reviewed and interviewed by an independent panel of service academy alumni. Our service academies are some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Appointments are highly sought after and require high academic, character and leadership standards. Those appointed must commit to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Once the panel has made its selections, I have the privilege of calling the students to personally inform them of their nomination to a U.S. military academy. It is an honor to be the first to thank these courageous students for their willingness to serve their country and to wish them the best on this exciting endeavor. Below are students who were nominated through my office and have received appointments to U.S. military academies for 2015. I join their families, teachers and friends in congratulating them on such a momentous accomplishment. Matthew Dunlap, Enterprise: U.S. Air Force Academy. Son of William J. Dunlap, student at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School. Alvaro Nicholas Flores, Ozark: West Point. Son of Alvaro and Kimberly Flores, student at Carroll High School Hunter Rowan Godwin, Dothan: West Point. Son of Joseph and Patricia Godwin, student at Providence Christian School. Jesse Cornelius Anthony Haggerty, IV, Eufaula: U.S. Air Force Academy. Son of Jesse and Angela Haggerty, student at the Lakeside School. Baxter J. Hodge, Montgomery: West Point. Son of Ray and Deana Hodge, student at Eastwood Christian School. Shawn N. Paris, Jr., Fort Rucker: U.S. Naval Academy. Son of Shawn and Jennifer Paris, student at Carroll High School. Leo Alfred Petters, Montgomery: U.S. Naval Academy. Son of Brian and Vicki Petters, student at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. Pearce Anthony Phinney, Prattville: U.S. Naval Academy. Son of Col. Todd and Sharon Phinney, student at Prattville Christian Academy. Jesse Ariel Ramire, Daleville: West Point. Son of Berny and Peta Ramirez, student at the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile. Again, I want to congratulate these students on this special achievement. If you or a someone you know is interested in knowing more about seeking a nomination to a military academy, please visit my website at https://roby.house.gov/serving-you/military-academy-nominations. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She is in her third term.
Martha Roby: Honoring America’s “Aces”
More than 60,000 fighter pilots have served in the U.S. armed forces through the years. Among them, only 1,447 have earned the designation of “Fighter Ace,” a merit given to those who downed five or more enemy aircraft in combat. Only 77 remain alive today, and one of them, Lt. Gen. Charles “Chick” Cleveland, lives here in Central Alabama. Gen. Cleveland, who lives in Montgomery, actually serves as president of the American Fighter Aces. It was my distinct honor this past week to visit with him and his son, Chris, who were in Washington, D.C., for the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony. Gen. Cleveland and his fellow aces received the medal for their extraordinary acts of bravery on behalf of our country. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow, awarded to Americans who have made special contributions to the United States. None are more deserving recipients than those who have so valiantly fought for our nation. Before the ceremony, Gen. Cleveland was kind enough to sit down with my staff and me to visit and share his stories about how he earned the title “Ace” during the Korean War. It was awe-inspiring to hear his stories, including what it was like to dogfight with enemy jets in the dangerous region known as “MiG Alley.” After Korea, Gen. Cleveland went on to a distinguished and decorated career as an aviator and combat instructor. He later served as a commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base from 1980-1984. Gen. Cleveland then retired to Montgomery but remained active in Air Force affairs, both nationally and locally at Maxwell. In all, about three dozen of the surviving Fighter Aces were on hand for the ceremony where Gen. Cleveland accepted the award on the group’s behalf. These men have been the “tip of the spear” for our Armed Forces, using their unique skill and dauntless courage to take the fight to the enemy, shorten wars and save lives. The general is an American hero, but he’s also Montgomery’s hero. His command at Maxwell and continued support over the years make him an important part of our community, and I was proud to join in celebrating this moment with him and his son. Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She is in her third term.
Know a vet getting the government run around?
Soon our nation will be celebrating Memorial Day. More than a three-day weekend marking the beginning of summer, Memorial Day is time to pay tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It’s also a time to say thank you to our nation’s many vets and our current service members who are still manning the front lines to protect this great nation. Often times our nation’s veterans and military have issues with the federal government and need help. Did you know that you your Congressman and Senators are often your best resource when you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly. For those currently in the military, or their families, experiencing difficulties with the U.S. Department of Defense and/or any of its military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the U.S. Merchant Marines), TRICARE, or the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) a Congressional office can often intervene and help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem. For veterans, a Congressional office can assist efforts to obtain military records and medals, in answering questions they have concerning eligibility for benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or those who might be having difficulties with the VA Health Care System or the VA claims and appeals process. Offices are also available to assist with a myriad of other constituent services areas that include, but are not limited to: Citizenship and Immigration Services: dealing with USCIS — relating to the process of becoming a U.S. Citizen, how to renew a Permanent Resident (Green) Card Consumer Complaints: complaints about a product or business General Financial and Emergency Assistance: facing financial difficulties and looking for temporary financial assistance Internal Revenue Service: federal tax-related problems, tax-fraud Medicare: problems with Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D Prescription Coverage, a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C) or CMS Passports: figuring out where you should submit your application, figuring out which application to use, and deciding when you need to submit application to ensure that you get your Passport prior to your travel date Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud: provide information about steps that individuals may take to as a way to proactively protect themselves from identity theft and what can be done to protect your credit information from use in fraudulent ways Small Business Administration: provide information on any available government financing, counseling, and training programs to individuals who are interested in starting or expanding Alabama-based business Social Security Administration: difficulties with the Social Security Administration with obtaining disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), retirement or other Social Security-related benefits, or if you simply need some help in obtaining documents If you’re facing an issue with the federal government, don’t hesitate to reach out to your respective Representative or one the Senators for assistance. Alabama’s 1st Congressional District: Rep. Bradley Byrne Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District: Rep. Martha Roby Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District: Rep. Mike Rogers Alabama’s 4th Congressional District: Rep. Robert Aderholt Alabama’s 5th Congressional District: Rep. Mo Brooks Alabama’s 6th Congressional District: Rep. Gary Palmer Alabama’s 7th Congressional District: Rep. Terri Sewell Statewide: Sen. Jeff Sessions State-wide: Sen. Richard Shelby Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? You can use this easy service to find out.
Martha Roby: Blocking Harmful, Nonsense Regulations
Did you know that federal water regulators have been trying to greatly expand their reach into private lands by seeking to make small ponds, puddles and ditches subject to strict federal regulations? If you’re a farmer or a forester, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about. But, many Americans might not be aware of this federal government scheme to erode property rights and encroach private lands. Since its enactment in the 1970s, the Clean Water Act’s scope of authority to regulate waterways has been limited to “navigable waters,” which are labeled “Waters of the United States.” Smaller, non-navigable, more remote waters have always been the jurisdiction of state and local governments. But now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers have proposed a new rule redefining “Waters of the United States” to include all manner of small areas where water collects, or could collect, such as ditches, puddles and even decorative ponds. Obviously, we all want to ensure rules are followed to keep our waters clean. And, farmers naturally want to maintain a clean environment in order to continue being good stewards of their land. But, this new rule could require many Alabama landowners to obtain a federal permit for everyday farming operations, forcing them to spend thousands to come into compliance with aggressive regulations – all when the waters on or near their land aren’t navigable and the public water supply is not remotely threatened. Not surprisingly, this proposal has been met with strong opposition from Republicans and Democrats alike. This past week, the House passed H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, which blocks the proposed rule from going into effect. The bill instructs the EPA and the Corps to abandon their current proposed rule and start the rule making process over, seeking input from those who would be affected: state and local governments, farmers and private landowners, among others. The Senate is expected to consider similar legislation as well, and the support there is also bi-partisan. This is good news for Alabama farmers, foresters and really property rights in general. I’ve heard from countless individuals in Alabama who are under threat of being aggressively and unnecessarily penalized by federal water regulators under this rule. Trying to expand the definition of navigable waters to include puddles and ditches has never made sense. It reeks of a radical environmental agenda being forced on Americans, and Congress is right to take steps to stop it. ### Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She is currently serving her third term.
Martha Roby blasts Robert McDonald, President Obama over VA missteps
U.S. Rep. Martha Roby said Thursday that Veterans’ Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald and the Obama administration “need to spend less time on political posturing and more time correcting the ongoing mismanagement of VA health care systems.” Roby, a Republican who represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, in a news release cited a recent memo Jan R. Frye reported in The Washington Post that portrayed an atmosphere of “lawlessness and chaos” surrounding the VA. Frye wrote in a memo addressed to McDonald that about $6 billion of taxpayer money was lost to what Roby called on Thursday “waste, fraud and abuse.” Roby also teed off on what her office called “independently refuted” accusations from President Barack Obama that recent problems with the Veterans’ Administration — a problem especially acute in parts of Roby’s district, which includes the Wiregrass region as well as parts of metropolitan Montgomery — stemmed from budget cuts pushed by the GOP-led House of Representatives in her statement, below: “While Secretary McDonald was falsely accusing House Republicans of cutting funding for VA healthcare, his department was responsible for billions in waste, fraud and abuse. “While President Obama was threatening to veto our appropriations bill over $1.4 billion in funding, the VA was blowing through four times that annually in misspent funds. “I have been told by senior VA officials in no uncertain terms that problems at systems like the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System are ‘not about money.’ Today’s report further demonstrates that the rhetoric from the White House and Secretary McDonald was absurd, insulting and shameless. “They need to spend less time on political posturing and more time correcting the ongoing mismanagement of VA health care systems that is preventing our veterans from receiving timely, quality care.” Roby said in a news release she is preparing to advance legislation that would compel the VA Secretary to take over VA systems that perennially fail to meet certain standards.
U.S. House passes bill to limit late-term abortions
After a long political struggle that began shortly after Republicans took back the House from Democrats and Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2010, the GOP-led chamber Wednesday passed 242-184, along party lines, a significant new restriction on abortion access during the final trimester of pregnancy. The impetus for Wednesday’s action was the anniversary of a controversial abortion doctor, Kermit Gosnell. On this day two years ago, Gosnell was found guilty of killing Baby A, Baby C and Baby D, as they are known in court records, by snipping their necks in a gruesome late-term procedure still legal in the United States. He was also convicted on hundreds of lesser charges ranging from infanticide to running a corrupt organization. Alabama’s delegation was decidedly in favor of Wednesday’s action, also along party lines. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby spoke out emphatically in favor of the bill earlier Wednesday on the House floor. “This is such an important measure on behalf of those who don’t have a voice and can feel pain,” Roby said. “And it’s a shame that such a humane and compassionate measure has opposition at all. Especially since great care has been taken to protect women and babies in this bill. If we won’t stop abortions at five months when unborn babies feel pain, when will we stop it?” “There have to be limits. And even those of us who want to end abortion altogether, in any form, we support this restriction. You know why? Because it protects babies, it saves babies, it protects women, and it assigns a greater value to human life.” U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne was also a strong “yes” vote for the bill. He told Alabama Today that the continued existence of late-term abortions is barbaric. “The United States is one of only seven countries, along with the likes of North Korea and China, who still allow abortions after 20 weeks,” Byrne said Wednesday evening. “Scientific studies show that at 20 weeks babies can feel pain, and it is unconscionable that those kinds of procedures are allowed right here in the United States. It is time we change that. Today, I voted in favor of a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks and ensure that both the mother and the baby receive the care they deserve.” The Alabama delegation was not unanimous: Democratic U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, a well-known pro-choice advocate, voted “no” along with the vast majority of her caucus. Alabama’s Rep. Gary Palmer said in a prepared statement, after voting in favor of the bill, “The right to life is central to everything I believe. Abortions that occur more than halfway through pregnancy are particularly abhorrent, which is when science informs us the unborn child can feel pain. There is widespread agreement that abortions after 20 weeks should be prohibited. “America was horrified by the crimes of Dr. Kermit Gosnell … Whether the child is killed inside or outside of the womb makes little difference, and I am proud to support this measure as well as others to protect the unborn and move our society in a direction of one that respects life.”
Alabama congressional delegation largely supportive of Benghazi Select Committee
In the wake of recent news that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has agreed to testify before a U.S. House Select Committee investigating the 2012 attacks on an American compound in Benghazi, some Republican members of Congress are licking their chops at the prospect of getting a good crack at the 2016 Democratic presidential frontrunner over an issue that remains on the front burner for conservatives. Among them is U.S. Rep. Martha Roby of Alabama’s Wiregrass and Montgomery-based 2nd Congressional District. Roby is one of seven Republican members chosen for the committee. “It doesn’t surprise me that the Clinton lawyers want to limit her testimony,” Roby told Alabama Today on Tuesday, responding to corollary news that Clinton has refused to testify twice as requested by the committee, conceding to only one hotly anticipated appearance. “But, remember, it was her decision, not ours, to set up a secret email system in a calculated attempt to flout government transparency requirements. And there are many legitimate questions that remain unanswered.” She expressed her enthusiasm that South Carolina U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy — who has been vocal in his criticisms of Clinton over Benghazi — may get to oversee a panel devoted to extracting answers from the former New York senator in light of her use of a private email address while serving on President Barack Obama‘s Cabinet. “I know that Chairman Gowdy is taking this offer into consideration and we will see what happens going forward. Chairman Gowdy has been a deliberate, effective leader of this Select Committee and we are behind him 100 percent,” Roby said. U.S. Reps. Bradley Byrne, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt and Mo Brooks — Republicans all — each voted “yea” and co-sponsored the federal legislation that created the committee. Democrat Terri Sewell, for her part, voted against it. Rep. Gary Palmer wasn’t yet elected when the House created the Select Committee. He did tell Birmingham talk radio host Matt Murphy in March he thinks “we should subpoena the server and see what’s on it.” Palmer also told the Birmingham Morning News, “I have zero confidence that this Justice Department will do anything under Obama [concerning Clinton’s emails].”
Alabama’s 2015 Congressional Art Competition winners selected
Each spring, high school students from across the state submit their artwork to the annual Congressional Art Competition for a chance to represent their congressional district in the U.S. Capitol with their artistic talents. Sponsored by the Congressional Institute to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district, more than 650,000 high school students have participated since it began in 1982. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol. Alabama’s 1st Congressional District Winner: Siobhan Johnson Piece: “Brotherhood’s Past” High School: St. Paul’s Episcopal in Mobile, senior “The Congressional Art Competition is a fantastic way to highlight the artistic talents and achievements of our nation’s students,” said U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne. “I am especially proud to sponsor the 1st Congressional District Art Competition, and I am always so impressed by the high quality art that our local students are producing.” Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District Winner: Kaitlyn Tarver Piece: “America” High School: Booker T. Washington Magnet School in Montgomery, senior “I’m proud to celebrate the artistic abilities of students throughout Alabama, and in particular Kaitlyn and Ashton,” U.S. Rep. Martha Roby said. “These young women have displayed impressive talent, and it’s an honor to join their families and friends in commemorating this momentous occasion. I want to also express my sincerest gratitude to Kaitlyn’s and Ashton’s art teachers, Emily Thomas at Booker T. Washington and Anna Beasley at Houston Academy. Their commitment to helping their students experience the arts truly makes a difference, and I am grateful for their efforts.” Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District Winner: Heather Caldwell Piece: “Love At First Sight” High School: Handley High School “Every year, I look forward to being a part of the 3rd Congressional District Art Contest,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. “We have some really artistic young men and women in East Alabama, and this event is a great way to showcase their talents. I appreciate all the students who participated and the hard work they put in to creating their artwork.” Alabama’s 4th Congressional District Winner: Cadley Jackson Piece: “Reflections on my Childhood” High School: Guntersville High School, senior “This is a great event where we get to recognize art students in our district for their great accomplishments,” U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt said. “Sometimes it is not always well publicized but we hope this brings attention to the great artists who are among us here in our own congressional district.” Alabama’s 5th Congressional District Winner: Julie Davidson Piece: “Waiting for a Cue” High School: James Clemens High School, senior U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks said, “I’m so thankful for the support of our community, particularly the Huntsville Museum of Art, and their work to facilitate the Congressional Art Competition each year. A panel of judges juried the 243 pieces of artwork submitted and selected the winner, Ms. Julie Davidson of James Clemens High School. It was a pleasure to recognize Ms. Davidson’s achievements — I look forward to seeing her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol throughout the next year representing Alabama’s 5th District. Additionally, I was proud to commend the honorable mentions and thank the art educators who empower these students to succeed. Congratulations to Julie and to all of the honorable mentions, I hope you will continue to excel in your artistic pursuits.” Alabama’s 6th Congressional District Winner: Aaron Squires Piece: “I Am Free Now” High School: Pelham High School, junior “I am proud to support education and the young artists that are participating in this competition,” said U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer. “The Birmingham area has a thriving arts community and these young people already are part of it. They will continue to make important contributions in the years to come.” Alabama’s 7th Congressional District Winner: Samantha Bearden Piece: “Discovering Happiness” High School: Minor High School “Each year, this competition reflects the extraordinary talent of the students of the 7th Congressional District and I am proud to support them in exploring their artistic talents,” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said.
