Dale Strong to serve on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
Congressman Dale Strong was nominated by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for the 118th Congress. “Huntsville, known as the Rocket City, has contributed to the success of America’s space program for over six decades,” Rep. Strong said. “The vital work done at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center plays a crucial role in the Fifth District and helps America continue to lead the space race. I look forward to promoting NASA’s mission through my position on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.” The Committee is responsible for setting the direction of America’s scientific, economic, and technical growth and ensuring that the United States sustains its competitive edge over the rest of the world in science and technology. The Committee maintains oversight of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Science Foundation, and the National Weather Service. Congressman Strong’s position will enable him to directly support the work done in Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The Science, Space, and Technology Committee is chaired by Rep. Frank Lucas. “We’ll be working to ensure a competitive edge over China, strengthen critical industries of the future, preserve American leadership in space, and improve efficiency and accountability at the agencies under our jurisdiction,” Chairman Lucas said. “From quantum information sciences to drones to weather forecasting, the Science Committee has a full agenda ahead. We have a great group of returning members and an exciting freshmen cohort that will bring diverse expertise to the challenges ahead. I’m confident we’ll have a productive year, and I’m eager to get to work.” In total, Congressman Strong has been nominated for three committees: Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Science, Space, and Technology. “Alabama is home to many military equities, but the Fifth District is especially proud to host Redstone Arsenal. From the Army Material Command, aviation and missile programs, and the Missile Defense Agency,” Strong said. “Redstone is critical for America’s national defense. Our country is made safer by the commitment of the men and women of Alabama that faithfully serve the military community.” “I am honored to be nominated to serve on the Committee on Homeland Security, where one of my top priorities is to immediately secure our border and ensure that the Border Patrol has the resources it needs to start enforcing our immigration laws,” said Congressman Strong. “North Alabama is proud to play a role in protecting Americans against threats to the homeland. Intelligence, cyber security, and other crucial operations bring thousands of highly trained professionals to the Fifth Congressional District, and I am proud to be their representative in Washington, D.C.” “I am extremely honored to be asked to serve on committees that are crucial to the work being done in North Alabama,” says Rep. Strong. Rep. Strong won the election in a landslide in November for his first term representing Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District. Strong previously served the people of Madison County as the chairman of the county commission. He is a longtime paramedic. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Terri Sewell appointed to the House Armed Services Committee
On Tuesday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell announced that she has been appointed to serve on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) in the 118th Congress. This is in addition to her previous appointments to the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Administration Committee. “The State of Alabama has long played a central role in advancing U.S. defense capabilities, and as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am excited to do my part to support the brave men and women working to keep our nation safe and secure,” said Rep. Sewell. “We in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District are proud to be home to Maxwell Air Force Base, the 187th Fighter Wing, the 117th Air Refueling Wing, and countless men and women in uniform that profoundly serve our country. I look forward to leveraging my position on the Armed Services Committee to advocate for their needs in this new Congress.” On Twitter, Sewell wrote, “Alabama has long played a central role in advancing U.S. defense capabilities, and as a member of the Armed Services Committee, I’m excited to do my part to support the brave service members working to keep our nation safe and secure!” The Armed Services Committee was created by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, which merged the jurisdictions of the Committee on Military Affairs and the Committee on Naval Affairs. The Committee’s jurisdiction includes defense policy, ongoing military operations, the organization and reform of the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, counter-drug programs, acquisition and industrial base policy, technology transfer and export controls, joint interoperability, the Cooperative Threat Reduction program, Department of Energy nonproliferation programs, and detainee affairs and policy. Congressman Mike Rogers chairs the HASC committee. New Congressman Dale Strong also serves on the House Armed Services Committee. Rep. Adam Smith is the Ranking Democrat on the Committee – Smith chaired the Committee in the 117th Congress when Democrats were in control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Sewell was an attorney for the City of Birmingham prior to her election to represent Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District in 2010. She is a native of Selma and lives in Hoover. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kay Ivey announces plans to open aviation training academy in Selma
On Friday, Governor Kay Ivey announced that Resicum International LLC plans to open an aviation training academy at Craig Field in Selma. The company provides flight training and maintenance support to government, commercial, and general aviation customers. “I am proud to stand before all of y’all to announce Resicum International, a world-renowned woman and veteran-owned small business with a global reach will open an aviation training academy here at Craig Field!” Ivey announced at a public announcement event held in Selma. Resicum plans to invest $1.3 million, creating 70 jobs over three years at its new operational hub at the former Craig Field U.S. Air Force base in Dallas County. The new jobs will pay an average wage of $30 an hour. Resicum has signed a 10-year lease for a 50,000-square-foot hangar on the Craig Field flight line. Renovation work has already begun to prepare the historic facility for its new mission. “We are exceptionally pleased to invest in Craig Field and expand our company in Selma,” said Resicum CEO Jeanine Ziervogel. “The location is ideal for our company’s expansion, and we look forward to ongoing growth of our aviation operations in this storied place.” The Warrenton, Virginia-based company has made the decision to locate its aviation training academy at Craig Field, a facility where thousands of American and British pilots received flight instruction during World War II. “Craig Field has aviation training in its DNA, so it’s great to see Resicum establish a facility in such a historic location that will tap into this rich heritage while also solidifying the future for this Selma landmark,” Ivey said. “This project has significant potential, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.” Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told Alabama Today, “Resicum International‘s partnership with Craig Field will be an asset for Selma and Dallas County. Alabama has a history of leadership in aerospace and aviation. Not only will the training facility enhance Selma’s workforce, the redevelopment of the historic Craig Field will serve as a catalyst to bring other companies to the area.” Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, praised the company. “Craig Field offers growing aviation companies a lot of advantages, particularly when it comes to the preparation of the next generation of aviation professionals,” said Secretary Canfield. “Resicum represents an ideal partner as Craig Field continues to capitalize on these possibilities.” Canfield explained that Craig Field’s long runway, large parking apron, and excellent hangar facility make it a perfect match for Resicum’s project. The groundbreaking of a new remote tower facility and Air Traffic Control Training Academy will further enhance the complex’s flight safety and training opportunities. The Selma & Dallas County Economic Development Authority coordinated meetings with representatives from state agencies, including AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development agency, to assist in the recruitment of the project. AIDT, a division of the Alabama Department of Commerce, will work with Resicum to develop a local workforce training and hiring program. “I am extremely happy that I had a part in bringing more jobs and economic development to Selma and Dallas County,” said EDA Executive Director Wayne Vardaman. “This is a quality company with a great reputation in the aviation community.” “Our company is growing our aviation footprint nationwide and globally, and we look forward to welcoming students from around the U.S. and the world who wish to begin or enhance their aviation careers,” said Robert Baird, Resicum’s chief of operations. Craig Field Airport & Industrial Authority Executive Director Jim Corrigan said that he expects Resicum’s operation to act as a catalyst for growth in the region. “We are extremely happy to help bring Resicum International to Craig Field,” said Corrigan. “Their credibility and growth potential will bring more jobs and economic prosperity to the Selma and Dallas County area.” “It is exciting to have Resicum International expanding into Dallas County and providing such incredible career opportunities to our citizens,” said Judge Jimmy Nunn, chairman of the Dallas County Commission. “I am so grateful for our local leadership making Dallas County such a great place to invest and do business. Thanks to everyone for a job well done.” “Once again, this is great news for Selma,” said Selma Mayor James Perkins. “Our logistics planning strategy starting with aviation is working even better than I predicted. Thank you, Resicum, for choosing Selma. Great job, Team Selma.” Brenda Tuck, Rural Development Manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce, stated, “Aerospace and aviation are key industries for Alabama’s economy, and the contributions of the state’s rural communities are vital to their success. Resicum made a great choice in selecting Selma because all the resources are in place to make this venture a success.” Resicum is a corporate partner for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Special Operations Command. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Joe Biden to end COVID-19 emergencies on May 11
President Joe Biden informed Congress on Monday that he will end the twin national emergencies for addressing COVID-19 on May 11, as most of the world has returned closer to normalcy nearly three years after they were first declared. The move to end the national emergency and public health emergency declarations would formally restructure the federal coronavirus response to treat the virus as an endemic threat to public health that can be managed through agencies’ normal authorities. It comes as lawmakers have already ended elements of the emergencies that kept millions of Americans insured during the pandemic. Combined with the drawdown of most federal COVID-19 relief money, it would also shift the development of vaccines and treatments away from the direct management of the federal government. Biden’s announcement comes in a statement opposing resolutions being brought to the floor this week by House Republicans to bring the emergency to an immediate end. House Republicans are also gearing up to launch investigations on the federal government’s response to COVID-19. Then-President Donald Trump first declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency on March 13, 2020. The emergencies have been repeatedly extended by Biden since he took office in January 2021 and are set to expire in the coming months. The White House said Biden plans to extend them both briefly to end on May 11. “An abrupt end to the emergency declarations would create wide-ranging chaos and uncertainty throughout the health care system — for states, for hospitals and doctors’ offices, and, most importantly, for tens of millions of Americans,” the Office of Management and Budget wrote in a Statement of Administration Policy. More than 1.1 million people in the U.S. have died from COVID-19 since 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including about 3,700 last week. Congress has already blunted the reach of the public health emergency that had the most direct impact on Americans as political calls to end the declaration intensified. Lawmakers have refused for months to fulfill the Biden administration’s request for billions more dollars to extend free COVID vaccines and testing. And the $1.7 trillion spending package passed last year and signed into law by Biden put an end to a rule that barred states from kicking people off Medicaid, a move that is expected to see millions of people lose their coverage after April 1. “In some respects, the Biden administration is catching up to what a lot of people in the country have been experiencing,” said Larry Levitt, the executive vice president for health policy at Kaiser Family Foundation. “That said, hundreds of people a day are still dying from COVID.” Still, some things will change for Americans once the emergency expires, Levitt pointed out. The costs of COVID-19 vaccines are also expected to skyrocket once the government stops buying them, with Pfizer saying it will charge as much as $130 per dose. Only 15% of Americans have received the recommended, updated booster that has been offered since last fall. People with private insurance could have some out-of-pocket costs for vaccines, especially if they go to an out-of-network provider, Levitt said. Free at-home COVID tests will also come to an end. And hospitals will not get extra payments for treating COVID patients. Legislators did extend for another two years telehealth flexibilities that were introduced as COVID-19 hit, leading healthcare systems around the country to regularly deliver care by smartphone or computer. The Biden administration had previously considered ending the emergency last year but held off amid concerns about a potential “winter surge” in cases and to provide adequate time for providers, insurers, and patients to prepare for its end. Officials said the administration would use the next three months to transition the response to conventional methods, warning that an immediate end to the emergency authorities “would sow confusion and chaos into this critical wind-down.” “To be clear, continuation of these emergency declarations until May 11 does not impose any restriction at all on individual conduct with regard to COVID-19,” the administration said. “They do not impose mask mandates or vaccine mandates. They do not restrict school or business operations. They do not require the use of any medicines or tests in response to cases of COVID-19.” Case counts have trended downward after a slight bump over the winter holidays and are significantly below levels seen over the last two winters — though the number of tests performed for the virus and reported to public health officials has sharply decreased. On Monday, the World Health Organization said the coronavirus remains a global health emergency, even as a key advisory panel for the group found the pandemic may be nearing an “inflexion point” where higher levels of immunity can lower virus-related deaths. China, for example, reported an unprecedented surge in December after lifting most of its COVID-19 restrictions. Moments before the White House’s announcement, Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., accused the president of unnecessarily extending the public health emergency to take action on issues like forgiving some federal student loan debts. “The country has largely returned to normal,” Cole said Monday, introducing a Republican-backed bill calling for an end to the health emergency. “Everyday Americans have returned to work and to school with no restrictions on their activities. It is time that the government acknowledges this reality: the pandemic is over.” Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Florida House Speaker Paul Renner unveils constitutional carry legislation
Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, held a news conference in Tallahassee Monday to discuss a measure that would remove Florida requirements for a firearms permit and training to carry a concealed firearm. Renner was joined by state Rep. Chuck Brannan, R-Lake City, state Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis —who is the president of the Florida Sheriffs Association — and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. Law enforcement and the Legislature want law-abiding citizens to be able to exercise their rights to bear arms, and House Bill 543 expands this. The bill will also end “gun-free zones” and, if passed, Florida will become the 26th constitutional carry state. “Central to the idea of freedom is the right that we can defend ourselves against physical attack as well as defend those that we love,” Renner said. “The Constitution did not give us those rights, our creator gave us those rights, but it does put it down on paper in the Second Amendment, and the courts have interpreted that to mean an individual right to keep and bear arms for self-defense.” Renner further added that these rights should be available to everyone, despite color, creed, or political affiliation, and that the Legislature will be removing the “government permission slip” that prevents people from exercising their rights. Hernando County Sheriff and Florida Sheriffs Association president Al Nienhuis said that criminals don’t bother with getting permits for their firearms before they commit crimes, so law-abiding citizens should not have to have one either. “We can use the premise that, just like people who are accused of crime, are innocent until proven guilty,” Nienhuis said. “I think we can assume that our citizens are going to do the right thing when it comes to carrying and bearing arms.” Nienhuis also added that the actions of criminals should have no bearing on the rights of individuals. “When somebody does commit a violent crime… they’ll be held accountable but not at the expense of the freedoms of those individuals who want to protect themselves,” Nienhuis said. Ivey added that the move towards constitutional carry shows that Florida is the “Freedom State” and thanked Governor Ron DeSantis, Speaker Renner, and the Legislature for making it happen. “Our citizens have the right to protect themselves at all times,” Ivey said. Brannan said he applauds the joint efforts with lawmakers and law enforcement to make this bill come to fruition. “The bill that I will file later today continues to advance Second Amendment freedoms through legislation known as constitutional carry,” Brannan said. “I believe Floridians have the right to bear arms to protect themselves, their families, and their property without government interference,” Brannan said. Brannan added that those citizens who are already prohibited from having a firearm will continue to be prohibited under this bill. Citizens will also still be able to apply for concealed carry permits, particularly for those who travel out of state with their firearms. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Coast Guard, Border Patrol make apprehensions off Florida’s coast
As U.S. Coast Guard crews continue to make a record number of apprehensions off Florida’s coast, so are U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector agents. On Saturday, 20 Cubans, including 16 men and four women, were apprehended and taken into Border Patrol custody after making landfall on a rustic vessel in the Marquesas Keys. The islands are uninhabited and located west of Key West. On January 24, Customs and Border Patrol Air and Marine Operations crew agents rescued 18 people on an overloaded rustic vessel south of the Florida Keys. Miami Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent Walter Slosar posted a compilation of videos on social media about the types of vessels people are arriving on, warning how dangerous the journey is. Illegal maritime voyages onboard overloaded or homemade vessels are extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. We urge individuals to use safe and legal pathways available to travel to the U.S. and to not take to the sea.#DontTakeToTheSea #alert #VIDEOS #reelsinstagram #Florida pic.twitter.com/EblxoNwkjD— Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar (@USBPChiefMIP) January 24, 2023 “Illegal maritime voyages onboard overloaded or homemade vessels are extremely dangerous and potentially fatal,” he said. “We urge individuals to use safe and legal pathways available to travel to the U.S. and to not take to the sea.” The Miami Border Patrol Sector has reported a significant increase in apprehensions over the past few months after reporting a 500% increase in apprehensions in fiscal 2022. From September 1, 2021, to October 31, 2022, Miami Sector Border Patrol agents apprehended 2,350 foreign nationals attempting to illegally enter Florida by sea. The majority were Cubans. They also interdicted 131 maritime smuggling events, a 330% increase from fiscal 2021, Slosar said last month. In December, Miami Sector agents apprehended a record 1,664 illegal foreign nationals and reported that 107 evaded capture by law enforcement, according to preliminary data obtained by The Center Square from a Border Patrol agent. In January so far, these numbers include 1,399 apprehensions and 40 gotaways, according to preliminary data obtained by The Center Square. This is in addition to U.S. Coast Guard crew in the first three months of fiscal 2023 apprehending 1,766 Haitians and 5,183 Cubans. In fiscal 2022, they apprehended a record 7,175 Haitians and 6,182 Cubans. By comparison, they apprehended 49 Cubans in fiscal 2020. Responsible for patrolling 1,200 miles of coastal border in Florida, Miami Sector Border Patrol agents regularly work with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, which has jurisdiction over the Florida Keys. Earlier this month, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency after roughly 500 people were apprehended in one weekend attempting to enter Florida illegally, placing a burden on local and state resources. Roughly two weeks later, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas issued a statement saying, “Cubans and Haitians who take to the sea and land on U.S. soil will be ineligible for the parole process and will be placed in removal proceedings.” In addition to apprehending people, Border Patrol agents also continue to seize drugs. Last weekend, “Good Samaritans discovered suspicious packages that washed up in the Florida Keys,” Slosar said. The packages contained 146 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $2.3 million. Since October, Miami Sector Border Patrol agents have seized more than 70 pounds of cocaine and 20 pounds of marijuana that washed up on Florida shores in St. Lucie County alone. These drugs had an estimated street value of roughly $940,000, Slosar said. Also, in the first three months of fiscal 2023, CBP Air and Marine agents confiscated nearly 20 tons of narcotics. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Bids are due next week on State Lands timber sale
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) reminded timber buyers on Monday that bids are due next week on an estimated 646 hundred acres of timber on two tracts in Tuscaloosa and Cherokee Counties that the Department is selling to foresters for harvest. “Reminder that bids for the ADCNR State Lands Division Ed Lewis #2 Tract timber sale in Tuscaloosa County are due by 1:30 P.M., Tuesday, February 7, 2023, and bids for the Little River WMA Tract timber sale in Cherokee County are due by 1:45 P.M., Tuesday, February 7, 2023,” ADNCR wrote in a statement. The forested Little River Wildlife Management Area tract in Cherokee County is 391 acres. ADCNR estimates that the tract will yield 12,761 tons of pine pulpwood, 2,374 tons of pine canterwood, 3,261 tons of pine chip-N-saw wood, 8360 tons of pine sawed timber, and 723 tons of hardwood pulpwood. The forested Ed Lewis #2 tract in Tuscaloosa County is 255 acres which is to be clear cut. ADCNR estimates that the tract will yield 14,964 tons of pine pulpwood, 5,215 tons of pine chip-N-saw wood, 2,611 tons of pine sawed timber, 2,111 tons of hardwood pulpwood, 417 tons of hardwood tie logs, and 391 tons of hardwood sawed timber. The buyer may not harvest any trees that are beside any stream. They also may not operate or park their skidders, loaders, and other equipment on open areas maintained for wildlife. The contractor must follow all of Alabama’s Best Forest Management Practices. The logging operations may be halted any time the ground is saturated to avoid rutting, puddling, or soil compaction. A $10,000 cashiers or certified down payment check must accompany any bids to be considered. The losing bidders will receive their deposit checks back. ADCNR reserves the right to reject any and all bids. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages thousands of acres of state lands through its State Lands Division. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
