Candidate Profile: Brandy Hambright for Mobile County Circuit Court Judge
Before the June 5 primary, four Republican candidates vied for a seat on the Mobile County Circuit Court in the 13th Judicial Circuit, Place No. 6. Two candidates garnered enough support to throw the race into a runoff election: Brandy Hambright and Harry Satterwhite. Hambright won the runoff with over just over 50 percent of the votes, and now faces Democratic challenger Karlos Finley in the November 6 general election. But who are these candidates, and what do they hope to accomplish? Republican candidate Brandy Hambright: Hambright is a well-rounded attorney with an extensive legal career. Liscenced to practice in both Alabama and Mississippi, she’s practiced in municipal, state and federal courts, she is “strong on Republican values at home and in the courtroom,” according to her campaign website. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Alabama, obtained an M.B.A. from Samford University and graduated from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford in 1999. For the past eighteen years she’s held several positions at multiple law firms, practicing as a public defender, civil and criminal defense attorney, a municipal prosecutor, and many other areas. She’s also been a partner at the Hicks, Matranga & Hambright firm since 2006. On top of her impressive legal career Hambright has also served on several boards and Associations including the Mobile Bar Foundation, serving as a committee member, secretary, and treasurer; the Mobile Volunteer Lawyers program; and the Junior League of Mobile. “My experience in criminal court was ensuring that the justice system works for everybody, and that’s critical,” Hambright told the Lagniappe. “When people’s lives and liberty can be impacted, there needs to be a competent, qualified prosecutor, defense attorney and judge to make sure the jury gets all the information they need to make the right decision. It’s about the Constitution.” You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Jeff Sessions: Judges costing taxpayers with immigration rulings
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions told an audience of hundreds of judges and attorneys on Friday that “erroneous rulings” by federal judges have been costly to taxpayers, and he criticized judges who’ve thwarted some of President Donald Trump‘s immigration policies. Sessions, speaking during a judicial conference in Des Moines, also lambasted what he said was an increasing number of federal appeals courts that have issued nationwide injunctions on federal policy. He cited a case involving Chicago, which filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s sanctuary cities policy, and decisions by judges that repeatedly halted Trump’s travel ban that targeted mostly Muslim countries. “I got to tell you, it’s not the duty of the courts to manage the executive branch or to pass judgment on every policy the executive branch was elected to carry out,” Sessions told the roughly 700 people attending the Eighth Judicial District Conference. “Judges aren’t sent from Olympus. They’re not always correct,” he added. Trump has also panned judges who’ve blocked his immigration policies, including those who ruled against his administration’s effort to end the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals program, or DACA. The program, enacted during President Barack Obama‘s administration, has authorized around 700,000 people brought to the U.S. illegally as children to obtain work permits and driver’s licenses. A federal judge halted a deportation process earlier this month and threatened to hold Sessions in contempt if the mother and daughter weren’t returned to the U.S. During his Friday speech, Sessions was complimentary of Trump’s choices for federal judges — but he didn’t address criticisms levied against him by Trump this week. Trump has openly criticized Sessions for recusing himself from special counsel Robert Mueller‘s investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 campaign. This week, Trump tweeted “if we had a real Attorney General” the investigation would never have been started. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch — appointed to the nation’s highest court by Trump last year — also addressed the conference, which was open to those in the legal profession from seven Midwest states. He discussed among other things the importance of the rule of law and separation of powers. “I think that the right to have an independent judge tell you what the law is, no matter who you are, is one of the great liberties and genius of the constitutional design,” Gorsuch said. “It’s something that’s very real today for the immigrant, the criminal defendant, the unpopular, the minority.” Guy Cook, a trial lawyer from Des Moines, said he thought Sessions was engaging and covered a wide range of topics. But he said he found it remarkable that the attorney general chose a conference of federal judges and lawyers to make remarks critical of federal judge rulings challenging the Trump administration. “He did seem to go out of his way to emphasize the three equal branches of government, and from that made the argument that the judicial branch should not overstep its bounds,” he said. Outside the convention center hosting the event, about 100 people staged a “No Hate In Our State” protest targeting Sessions for his hardline positions on immigration, including support of the Trump administration’s separation of children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. Community organizer Matthew Covington said Sessions has not been kind to any marginalized group and has actively undermined voting rights. “We’re just a variety of groups and individuals who agree that his message of hate shouldn’t be allowed in this state,” Covington said. Republished with permission from the Associated Press.
Kay Ivey acts to stop sheriffs from pocketing state jail food money
In two memos sent last Month, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Alabama sheriffs may no longer personally profit from a very small portion of jail food funds: those state funds allocated for services in preparing and serving food to people in their jails. “Public funds should be used for public purposes – it’s that simple,” Ivey had said in a statement. Yet, some advocacy groups pointed out the fact that contrary to what many believe, the memos did not yet fully fix the problem of sheriffs personally pocketing these public funds. Which is why on Friday Ivey took additional steps to end the controversial practice. Effective Sept. 1, Alabama county sheriffs must sign an affidavit to receive state funds that will now include and “oath” and stipulate the funds will only be spent on “food for prisoners in the county jail” and “preparing food, serving food and other service incident to the feeding of prisoners.” The previous version of the affidavit failed to include such specific details. “Public funds should be used for public purposes. I issued the memo to the State Comptroller in July to ensure that the public funds available for inmate food and food service are used for only that,” Ivey said Friday in a statement. She continued, “The new affidavit issued by the State Comptroller’s office is the implementation of that memo and makes it clear that sheriffs are to use the funds only in their official capacity.” “Thank you @GovernorKayIvey for telling the sheriffs that public $ is for public services, not personal profit!” tweeted Alabama Appleseed — a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose mission is to work to achieve justice and equity for all Alabamians — who previously pointed out Ivey’s original memo would not correct the issue at hand.
Checking in: What has Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin been up to?
Ever wonder what your mayor been up to each month? Sure you may have helped elect them, but what happens after that? Alabama Today has you covered. Each month we’ll highlight what the Yellowhammer State’s Big 5 mayors have been doing in an effort to hold them accountable and keep things more transparent. In the last month, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has called upon the EPA, penned a letter to Arnold, Pa. Mayor Karen Peconi, and announced the completion of another campaign promise among other things. Here’s what he’s been up to for the last month: July 16 Woodfin sits down in front of a camera to answer frequently asked questions about the 2018 Fresh Start Amnesty Program on Facebook. July 18 Woodfin visits the Ironworks Local 92 training facility; chartered in 1906 “Local 92 helped build the skyline that is Birmingham,” reads the company’s website. “This morning I got the opportunity to tour the Ironworkers Local 92 training facility. Local 92 hands built Sloss Furnace, the Alabama Theater, Tutwiler Hotel and more,” Woodfin posted on Facebook. “Their four-year, $189 program will teach you the trade that built this city.” Woodfin announces the “100 Homes, 100 Days” project, a partnership between the Neighborhood Revitalization Fund and Neighborhood Housing Services to renovate 100 homes in the Birmingham area drastically in need of repair. “Our plan is to bundle our work to transform entire blocks instead of renovating one home on a street surrounded by other blight,” Woodfin said in a press release. “This reaffirms our commitment to giving all 99 neighborhoods a fresh start. As additional economic development projects pay off in Birmingham, resources from those projects will be identified and committed to the fund.” July 20 In an effort to increase transparency, Woodfin launches the Boards and Agencies web portal a complete online directory listing all active boards, agencies and commissions affiliated with the city; the first of its kind for the city of Birmingham. “Making appointments to boards and agencies is one of the most important and influential powers the mayor and city council possess. Ensuring we are appointing people to boards with a clear understanding of their fiduciary role is absolutely vital,” Woodfin said in a press release. “The Mayor’s Office places a clear expectation on understanding our mission of ‘Putting People First’ and our core values of customer service, efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and transparency. We need to have the same expectations for our board members.” July 21 Woodfin attends the 23rd annual Back to school R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Rally hosted by Pastor Green and More Than Conquerors Faith Church. July 24 The Mayor’s office announced the completion of another campaign promise to promote transparency and accountability by introducing the Open Checkbook portal on the city’s website. The Open Checkbook documents Birmingham’s budgeting and expenditures dating back to fiscal year 2009. The portal consists of nearly a million pieces of data per fiscal year. “The Open Checkbook portal is helping us uphold our campaign promise of a transparent government,” Woodfin said. “I encourage everyone to visit the portal and see exactly how we’re directing our resources to make Birmingham stronger.” July 26 Woodfin penned a letter to Arnold, Pa. Mayor Karen Peconi expressing his concerns over what he called her “deliberate misrepresentation” of the 1963 civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham. Peconi came under fire after her controversial Facebook post during the public protests in Pittsburgh following the death of Antwon Rose — a 17 year-old African-American man shot and killed by a police officer in Pittsburgh in June. The officer has since been charged with criminal homicide and awaits trial. After learning of Peconi’s comments, Woodfin wrote an open letter her in an effort to encourage “constructive reflection,” on her part. “I am writing as the mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, because you posted and commented on a photograph taken during the civil rights demonstrations that took place in our city in 1963, in a way that completely misrepresented the purpose and meaning of those historic events,” Woodfin wrote. “Today, we in Birmingham take tremendous pride in our city’s role in advancing the causes of justice and equality for all Americans. And, even as we recognize the distance our nation, more than a half-century later, still has to travel along that road, we take pride in Birmingham’s progress and our ongoing emergence as a city of growth and opportunity for all. We honor our past and proudly and actively commemorate the history that was made in our streets — but our eyes and our actions are fixed firmly on the future.” July 27 Joined by former boxer and four-time heavyweight champion, Evander Holyfield, Woodfin visited with senior citizens at the Shepherd Center in Birmingham. “I’m very familiar with the importance to staying active at any age. When I was younger, my grandmother stayed with my family the last nine years of her life. It was a rewarding time for me,’’ Woodfin said in a press release. “I encourage every resident to seek out and experience the wisdom and talent our seniors have to offer.’’ On this day, Woodfin also presented Birmingham’s new Police Chief Patrick Smith with his badge during his official swearing-in ceremony. “I am proud to present our Chief of Police Patrick Smith with his badge during the official swearing-in. Thank you for your leadership chief,” Woodfin posted on Facebook. August 4 Woodfin spoke on a panel, and provided the closing keynote’s speech for the Netroots Nation national event. Drawing over 3,000 participants from across the nation, the Netroots Nation is the largest annual conference for progressives. Online and grassroots activists attend panels, training sessions, keynotes speeches, social events and more. “Today I’m speaking on a panel at Netroots Nation about Safeguarding Internet Freedom. This is a conversation about access. ISPs should not be the gatekeepers of what our citizens can and cannot access on the internet. The internet is the public library of the 21st century. We can not allow that free and open internet to be compromised,” Woodfin posted on his Facebook page. August 6 Woodfin hops around Birmingham, welcoming children to their first day of school at Hemphill Elementary, attending and speaking at Google’s free workshops at the Birmingham
Lawsuit against Roy Moore won’t move counties says Alabama Supreme Court
A defamation lawsuit filed against former Alabama Chief Justice and Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore by one of his accusers will remain in a Montgomery County court, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled Friday. Leigh Corfman, the woman who said Moore sexually assaulted her when she was 14, filed the suit in the Montgomery County Circuit Court back in January. Corfman specifically said she was only 14 years old when Moore, then 32, approached her outside a courtroom in Etowah County, Ala. According to the report, he ultimately drove her to his home in the woods,told her she was pretty and kissed her, and then undressed her. Moore has vehemently denied Corfman’s allegations of abuse, calling them “politically motivated,” “completely false” and “malicious.” She asserts those words are defamatory in the suit. On Friday, the Alabama Supreme Court denied Moore’s request to have the case heard in Etowah County, where both he and Corfman live, instead of Montgomery County where she filed the suit. “Because I have denied Leigh Corfman’s allegations of sexual misconduct, I will now be forced to try this case in a county where the supposed event did not occur, where she does not live, and where there exists no evidence or witnesses to prove anything. This is ridiculous!” Moore said Friday of the state high court’s decision. He continued, “The Court itself admits venue is proper in either county. Should not the case be tried in the county where we both live and where her reputation and character are well known? She herself has said: “There is no one here [Gadsden] that doesn’t know that I’m not an angel.” “Corfman based her defense of venue in Montgomery County on two statements. One was made by a nonparty and thus was irrelevant to the case, and the other was made in a court case where the statement was privileged. Yet the Supreme Court refused to consider these facts in making its decision,” Moore concluded.
Martha Roby: A recap from the road
Each year, members of Congress take the month of August to spend time on the ground in their respective districts meeting with constituents and local leaders, visiting businesses and industries, and ultimately listening to the concerns of people at home. Having this opportunity to hear firsthand from the people in Alabama’s Second District is very important, and I believe it enables me to be a better representative of our priorities in Washington. It has been a busy month, and I wanted to take this opportunity to share an update on my travels in our district during this district work period. So far, I have spent time in Montgomery, Ozark, Hartford, Geneva, Millbrook, Troy, Dothan, and Fort Rucker. I met with Elmore County Commissioner Troy Stubbs in my Montgomery office to hear about some exciting projects happening in his community. I also had a productive meeting with David McCurdy, the Alabama Farm Service Agency Director. While in Ozark, I visited the recently-opened Wayne Farms feed mill. I had the opportunity to visit with leadership and employees to learn more about their operation. Wayne Farms is the sixth largest vertically integrated poultry producer in the country, with over $1.9 billion in annual sales. I am grateful for the economic impact they provide in our district. One afternoon, I visited Hartford where I enjoyed lunch downtown at Ketchum’s Restaurant. I also had the chance to drop by the Hartford Civic Club meeting with my friends State Representative Donnie Chesteen and Mayor Jeff Sorrells. Afterwards, I met with constituents at the Wiregrass Electric Cooperative to receive an update on their rural broadband project that they hope will deliver expanded highspeed broadband internet to rural communities in the Wiregrass. In Geneva, I enjoyed touring the newly-completed Geneva Career Tech Center, also known as G-Tech. I was very impressed by the students I met at this outstanding new facility. As I told the group there, I will always support measures to strengthen and improve the career tech programs throughout our district, state, and nation. I also had the opportunity to visit the Gift of Life Foundation’s office in Montgomery to meet with leadership and tour their facility. The Gift of Life’s work to strengthen and improve our local community is truly invaluable. I deeply appreciate the hardworking people, like those at Gift of Life, who strive to make a difference in the lives of others. In Millbrook, I spoke to the Millbrook-Coosada Kiwanis Club during their weekly meeting. I was glad to have this opportunity to give an update on the work we’re doing in Congress to make life better for all Americans. Even more importantly, I had the chance to hear firsthand from my constituents about the issues they’re facing. Afterwards, I stopped by the MOOseum at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association where I was given a tour and an update on the cattle industry in our state. During another trip to the Wiregrass, I visited Troy Cable to learn more about their upcoming projects and some of the issues they’ve recently been facing in their work. In Dothan, I spoke to the Wiregrass Chapter of the Associated General Contractors at their luncheon. We had a great discussion about efforts in Congress to revitalize our nation’s badly aging infrastructure. Last, but certainly not least, I stopped by Fort Rucker to tour the aeromedical research laboratory. I talked with many employees there about the importance of Army Aviation to our national security and the innovation happening on post here in the Second District. It’s been an exciting and informative August district work period so far. I deeply appreciate everyone who has taken the time to meet with me and share their ideas and concerns. I am looking forward to continuing my travels throughout Alabama’s Second District this month, and you can rest assured I will take everything I learn on the road back to Washington to better serve you. ••• Martha Roby represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama, with her husband Riley and their two children.
Alabama unemployment rate unchanged in July
Alabama’s unemployment rate is unchanged from last month. State officials said Friday the July jobless rate was 4.1 percent, the same as it was in June. That rate is also the same as it was in July of last year. It is higher than the national unemployment rate of 3.9 percent. However, the Alabama Department of Labor says the number of people working is at a record high. More than 2.1 million people are now working in the state. Shelby County in metro Birmingham has the state’s lowest unemployment rate at 3.1 percent, followed by Cullman County at 3.5 percent. Wilcox County had the highest unemployment rate at 11.2 percent. Clarke County followed at 9.1 percent. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Personnel note: Philip Bryan departing Pro Tem’s office for private sector opportunities
Alabama State Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh‘s longtime Chief of Staff, Philip Bryan, announced on Wednesday he will be leaving his post on August 31 to pursue private sector opportunities. Bryan has served as Chief of Staff since 2011. “Working under President Pro Tem Marsh and interacting with the members of the Alabama State Senate on a daily basis has been a highpoint of my career, and I will always value the experience, memories, and friendships that resulted from my service,” Bryan said. “I leave the Pro Tem’s office with pride in the job we have done and deep appreciation for the opportunity that Sen. Marsh provided me.” Marsh thanked Bryan for his service to the State Senate and wished him well in his future employment. “Philip has been an outstanding chief of staff and developed good and trusting relationships with senators on both sides of the aisle,” Marsh said. “His service helped us make Alabama an even better place to live, work, and raise children. While we will greatly miss his counsel, I know that he will bring enormous value to any position that he holds in the future.” Bryan’s first began his political career as communications director at the Alabama Republican Party. He worked there for nearly four years before jumping over to the State Senate after helping the Republican Party capture the majorities in the Alabama House and Senate for the first time in 136 years back in 2010. He is a 1999 graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Communications, and is is married to the former Brittany Woodham of Montgomery, Ala. They have one son.
Personnel Note: Alabama Power’s John Hudson, Jeff Peoples taking leadership roles at Southern Company Gas
Two long-standing Alabama Power executives have been named to new roles of increased responsibility within the Southern Company system. John Hudson [Photo Credit: Alabama Newscenter] John Hudson has been named executive vice president and chief external and public affairs officer at Southern Company Gas. In his new role, Hudson will be responsible for External Affairs, Corporate Communication, Marketing, Community Relations, Economic Development and Environmental Affairs. He also will serve as president of the Southern Company Gas Foundation and will be responsible for the company’s and its subsidiaries’ philanthropy and volunteerism efforts. Jeff Peoples [Photo Credit: Alabama Newscenter] In addition to leading Alabama Power’s Human Resources organization, Jeff Peoples has been named executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Southern Company Gas. In his expanded role, Peoples will be responsible for Human Resources, Labor Relations, Environmental Health and Safety, Technical Training and Corporate Services for all Southern Company Gas businesses. He also will serve as president of AGL Services Company, providing a single point of contact for the organizations that are directed by Southern Company Services – specifically the Technology Organization, Supply Chain, Fleet, Facilities and Compensation and Benefits. He will retain responsibilities for Human Resources, Labor and Safety at Alabama Power, as well as his recently announced system HR role in which he has responsibility for external labor. Hudson and Peoples will begin their new roles Sept. 1. “John has made great contributions to not only Alabama Power, but throughout the entire state, and I am certain he will have continued success at Southern Company Gas,” said Mark Crosswhite. “Jeff is recognized nationally as a leader in building and sustaining positive external labor relations and this expanded role will allow him to bring his expertise to additional business units within Southern Company. The leadership they will provide in these roles is a positive move forward for the entire system.” Southern Company Gas is based in Atlanta. [Photo Credit: file/Alabama Newscenter) Hudson currently serves as senior vice president of Marketing and Business Development at Alabama Power. He joined Alabama Power in 1996 and was elected vice president of Public Relations in 2010 and later took on additional responsibilities over Charitable Giving. He also served as president of the Alabama Power Foundation. Hudson previously served as senior vice president of Corporate Diversity and Public Affairs for Regions Financial Corporation. A licensed attorney, Hudson practiced law at the Hudson Law Firm. Prior to practicing law, he served Alabama Power as an area manager in the Birmingham Division and as assistant to the president. He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Alabama A&M University and is a cum laude graduate of Miles College School of Law. He completed the Executive Accounting and Finance program at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Business School. Peoples currently serves as senior vice president of Employee Services and Labor Relations for Alabama Power and as vice president for Operation Services for Southern Company. He began his career with Southern Company in 1984 as a chemical technician at Alabama Power’s Plant Miller. Over the years Peoples has progressed through positions of increasing responsibility in Human Resources, Training and Workforce Development. Peoples holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biological Science from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. He serves on the board of directors of the Alabama Power Foundation, Southeast LAMPAC, the National Utility Industry Training Fund and the Center for Construction Research and Training. Republished with the permission of the Alabama Newscenter.
District work week roundup: what’s your representative up to?
The Alabama Congressional delegation was back in the Yellowhammer State this week, and Members have taken to social media to share the stories of those they have encountered while working within their districts. Here’s what your representative has been up to this week: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Thanks to all the folks in #Childersburg who came out today for our “Congress on Your Corner” event! #AL03 #TalladegaCo A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 3, 2018 at 10:46am PDT Thank you to the law enforcement officers in #Childersburg for all you do to keep folks safe! #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 6, 2018 at 7:07am PDT We had a nice roundtable discussion in #Woodland last week! #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 6, 2018 at 7:23am PDT Was great to be with Michael and Lee in #Sylacauga at #RadioAlabama! Thanks for letting me stop by the station to see the exciting things y’all are doing! #TalladegaCo #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 6, 2018 at 9:33am PDT Thank you, Tammy, for the tour of The Mill Two-Eighty in #AlexCity! #TallapoosaCo #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 6, 2018 at 9:52am PDT A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 6, 2018 at 10:36am PDT Thank you, Mayor Nabors, for taking time out of your day to let me stop by! #TallapoosaCo #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 6, 2018 at 11:39am PDT It was an honor to spend time with this wonderful group of #Alabama #Veterans. #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 8, 2018 at 7:16am PDT Enjoyed my visit to the #Opelika Fire Department today! Thank each of you for all you do to keep the city safe! #AL03 #LeeCo A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 8, 2018 at 1:16pm PDT Thanks, #Google, for inviting me to the Grow with Google tour stop in #Opelika! #AL03 #LeeCo A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 8, 2018 at 1:30pm PDT Thank you for the tour, Golden State Foods! #Opelika #AL03 #LeeCo A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 9, 2018 at 6:25am PDT Great start to the week with the ALFA meeting this morning in #ChambersCo! #AL03 #Ag A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 13, 2018 at 4:32pm PDT It was wonderful to be in #Anniston today to speak to Rotary! It was also an honor to present a Congressional Record statement recognizing the organization’s 100th Anniversary! #AL03 #CalhounCo A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 14, 2018 at 1:47pm PDT Listening to “Amazing Grace” this morning at the ceremony. I definitely felt blessed to hear one of my favorite hymns. #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 15, 2018 at 2:14pm PDT Glad to be in #Moody today to discuss issues important to folks in #StClairCo! #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 16, 2018 at 12:48pm PDT Enjoyed my visit at Red Diamond today! Thanks for having me! #Moody #StClairCo #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:17pm PDT Alabama 4th District U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt: Good morning Oakman! A post shared by Congressman Robert Aderholt (@robert_aderholt) on Aug 17, 2018 at 7:11am PDT I’m so glad that my friend and former colleague, Jim Bridenstine, who is now the administrator of NASA, was able to visit Huntsville and the Marshall Space Flight Center today. A post shared by Congressman Robert Aderholt (@robert_aderholt) on Aug 15, 2018 at 2:49pm PDT Alabama 5th District U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks: Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell:
Richard Shelby: Senate works to rebuild America’s military in third appropriations minibus
Alabama U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, on Thursday delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding the consideration of H.R. 6157. This bill packages two Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations measures – Department of Defense; and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies – which are the eighth and ninth funding bills to be processed by the full Senate this year. Both of the measures included in the appropriations package were passed by the full committee with near-unanimous support. “The package before the Senate makes essential investments to accelerate the rebuilding of America’s military and provides our men and women in uniform with the largest pay increase they have seen in nearly a decade. Further, it supports increased funding to advance medical research and fight the opioid epidemic,” said Shelby. “I am proud to present this legislation to my colleagues and urge their strong support. With the continued cooperation of my colleagues, I am confident that we will continue to get our work done in a deliberate and timely manner.” Watch Shelby’s floor speech below: Senator Shelby’s full remarks, as prepared, are as follows: Today the Senate begins debate on an appropriations package that is absolutely essential to the strength and security of this nation. The package before the Senate marries the two largest fiscal year 2019 appropriations bills: Defense and Labor-HHS-Education. Each of these bills carries the near unanimous support of the Appropriations Committee. The Chairman of the Labor-HHS Subcommittee, Senator Blunt, and his Ranking Member, Senator Murray, worked together to produce a strong bipartisan bill that balances many competing priorities. I commend these senators for their hard work and thank them for their continued efforts. Soon, Senators Blunt and Murray will come to the floor to discuss the particulars of the Labor-HHS division of this package, so I’m not going to get into the details of that bill. But, as Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I want to provide my colleagues with an overview of the funding it contains for America’s military. Secretary Mattis – a decorated general who commands deep respect on both sides of the aisle – has warned that ‘failure to modernize our military risks leaving us with a force that could dominate the last war, but be irrelevant to tomorrow’s security.’ We cannot allow that to happen. We must rebuild America’s military. We have to defend this nation. Mr. President, I am pleased to report that this bill takes a big step in that direction. This package contains $607 billion in base defense funding. It also provides an additional $67.9 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations. The fiscal year 2018 Defense Appropriations bill, enacted earlier this year, contained the largest increase in military spending in 15 years. The bill now before the Senate does even better by providing an additional $16 billion above the fiscal year 2018 level. This funding sustains U.S. force structure and improves military readiness. It also provides critical resources for a wide range of priorities that are essential to maintaining our technological superiority in an increasingly complex and competitive national security environment. The bill includes substantial investments in the areas of basic research, hypersonics, directed energy, artificial intelligence, microelectronics, missile defense, cybersecurity, and our test and evaluation infrastructure – among many other priorities. Just as important, the package before the Senate provides our men and women in uniform with the largest pay increase they have seen in nearly a decade, and they certainly deserve it. As we debate this bill over the coming days, the sacrifices of these brave men and women should be top of mind for each of us. In light of their sacrifices, it is our duty to ensure they are the best prepared and the best equipped military in the world. The American military is the most feared fighting force the world has ever known. This bill ensures that continues to be true. That is how we defend this nation. I want to thank the Vice Chairman of the Defense Subcommittee, Senator Durbin, for his valuable input in crafting this bill. Together, I believe we have produced a balanced bill that meets the Pentagon’s objectives and includes the contributions of Senators from both sides of the aisle. I am proud to present this legislation to my colleagues and urge their strong support. In closing, I want to recognize the Vice Chairman of the full Appropriations Committee, Senator Leahy, and the Leaders on both sides, Senators McConnell and Schumer. At the outset of this appropriations cycle, the four of us met and agreed to work together in an effort to return the Senate to regular order. Since that time, the Appropriations Committee passed all 12 bills before the July 4th recess, all with strong bipartisan margins. The first time that’s been done in 30 years. The first minibus contained three bills and passed the Senate by a vote of 86 – 5. It is now in conference with the House. The second minibus contained four bills, two of which had not seen the light of day on the Senate floor in many years – Interior and FSGG. That package passed by a vote of 92 – 6. Hopefully it will soon be in conference as well. By August, the Senate had passed more appropriations bills than the House. That had not happened in 20 years. None of this would have been possible without the partnership of Vice Chairman Leahy and the leadership of Senators McConnell and Schumer. I thank each of them once again. But our work continues. We now have an opportunity to extend the success we have generated. It has been more than a decade since the Senate passed a Labor-HHS appropriations bill. And it has been a dozen years since the President was able to sign a Defense appropriations bill into law before the end of the fiscal year. These two records must be broken. We must not only provide the resources necessary to rebuild our military,
Former US security leaders blast Donald Trump for yanking clearance
Former U.S. security officials issued scathing rebukes to President Donald Trump on Thursday, admonishing him for yanking a top former spy chief’s security clearance in what they cast as an act of political vengeance. Trump said he’d had to do “something” about the “rigged” federal probe of Russian election interference. Trump’s admission that he acted out of frustration about the Russia probe underscored his willingness to use his executive power to fight back against an investigation he sees as a threat to his presidency. Legal experts said the dispute may add to the evidence being reviewed by special counsel Robert Mueller. In an opinion piece in The New York Times, former CIA Director John Brennan said Trump’s decision, announced Wednesday, to deny him access to classified information was a desperate attempt to end Mueller’s investigation. Brennan, who served under President Barack Obama and has become a vocal Trump critic, called Trump’s claims that he did not collude with Russia “hogwash.” The only question remaining is whether the collusion amounts to a “constituted criminally liable conspiracy,” Brennan wrote. Later Thursday, the retired Navy admiral who oversaw the raid that killed Osama bin Laden called Trump’s moves “McCarthy-era tactics.” Writing in The Washington Post, William H. McRaven said he would “consider it an honor” if Trump would revoke his clearance, as well. “Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation,” McRaven wrote. That was followed late Thursday by a joint letter from 13 former senior intelligence officials calling Trump’s action “ill-considered and unprecedented.” They said it “has nothing to do with who should and should not hold security clearances — and everything to do with an attempt to stifle free speech.” The signees included seven former CIA directors, five former CIA deputy directors and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Two of the signees — Clapper and former CIA Director Michael Hayden — have appeared on a White House list of people who may also have their security clearances revoked. Trump on Wednesday openly tied his decision to strip Brennan of his clearance — and threaten nearly a dozen other former and current officials — to the ongoing investigation into Russian election meddling and possible collusion with his campaign. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump again called the probe a “rigged witch hunt” and said “these people led it!” “So I think it’s something that had to be done,” he said. The president’s comments were a swift departure from the official explanation given by the White House earlier Wednesday that cited the “the risks” posed by Brennan’s alleged “erratic conduct and behavior.” It marked the latest example of the president contradicting a story his aides had put forward to explain his motivations. Attorneys said the revocation appeared to be within the president’s authority. But they noted the power play also could be used to reinforce a case alleging obstruction of justice, following the president’s firing of former FBI Director James Comey and his repeated tweets calling for the investigation to end. Patrick Cotter, a former assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of New York and a longtime white-collar defense attorney, said that while a prosecutor could argue that Trump’s targeting of clearances was intended as a warning that “if you contribute to, participate in, support the Russia probe and I find out about it, I’m going to punish you,” it is likely not obstruction in itself. But, he said the move would be a “powerful piece of evidence” for prosecutors as part of a pattern to demonstrate an intent to use presidential power in connection with the probe. Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor agreed. “What it shows is that the president is fixated on the Russia investigation, he’s angry about it, and he wants to do everything he can to discourage or slow down the investigation,” he said. Special Counsel Mueller and his team have been looking at Trump’s public statements and tweets as they investigate whether the president could be guilty of obstruction. “I don’t think it advances the criminal obstruction case, but I think it’s factually relevant,” said Mark Zaid, a national security attorney. “I think it shows the state of mind and intent to interfere or impede any unfavorable discussion of his potential connection to Russia.” Former CIA directors and other top national security officials are typically allowed to keep their clearances, at least for some period. But Trump said Wednesday he is reviewing the clearances of several other former top intelligence and law enforcement officials, including former FBI Director Comey and current senior Justice Department official Bruce Ohr. All are critics of the president or are people who Trump appears to believe are against him. The initial White House statement about Brennan’s clearance made no reference to the Russia investigation. Instead, the president said he was fulfilling his “constitutional responsibility to protect the nation’s classified information,” even though he made no suggestion that Brennan was improperly exposing the nation’s secrets. “Mr. Brennan’s lying and recent conduct characterized by increasingly frenzied commentary is wholly inconsistent with access to the nations’ most closely held secrets,” Trump said. Just hours later, his explanation had changed. “You look at any of them and you see the things they’ve done,” Trump told the Journal. “In some cases, they’ve lied before Congress. The Hillary Clinton whole investigation was a total sham.” “I don’t trust many of those people on that list,” he said. “I think that they’re very duplicitous. I think they’re not good people.” The episode was reminiscent of Trump’s shifting explanations for firing Comey and the evolving descriptions of the Trump Tower meeting between top campaign aides and a Kremlin-connected lawyer — both topics of interest to Mueller. And it underscores why the president’s lawyers are fearful of allowing Trump to sit down for an interview with Mueller’s team, as Trump has repeatedly said he
