Alabama executes Casey Allen McWhorter
On Thursday night, the Alabama Department of Corrections executed Casey Allen McWhorter at the William C. Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama, for the brutal 1993 slaying of Ed Williams. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said that he regretted that it took so long for the victim’s family to receive justice. “Casey McWhorter was put to death for the brutal murder and robbery of Edward Lee Williams of Marshall County,” AG Marshall said. “Justice is the value we place on the life that was wronged. I regret that Mr. Williams’s family had to wait for over three decades for this finality. Most of us will never understand the agony that families like the Williams faced, waiting to see if the justice system really is just.” “As you might expect, the usual suspects are claiming that this just punishment is cruel and atrocious,” Marshall said. “I find it contemptible that so-called advocates have neglected to mention the details of Mr. Williams’s murder and the agony that his family has suffered since that terrible day. Edward Williams was shot 11 times, and as he lay on the ground fighting for his life, this murderer shot him in the head to ensure he was dead. In my book, that is cruel and atrocious. I ask the people of Alabama to join me in praying for Edward’s family and friends and that they might at last find peace and closure.” Attorney General Marshall informed the Alabama Department of Corrections shortly after 3:00 p.m. that there were no remaining legal challenges. Casey McWhorter’s officially pronounced time of death was 6:56 p.m. In 1993, Casey McWhorter carried out the plot that he had been conspiring to commit for nearly a month: to rob and murder Ed Williams. Weeks earlier, Lee Williams had asked Casey McWhorter and Daniel Miner to murder his father, Ed Williams. On Thursday, February 18, 1993, McWhorter and Miner were dropped off near Ed Williams’s house. They waited in the empty house for Williams to return home from work. McWhorter had manufactured homemade silencers for two .22-caliber rifles. When Ed Williams arrived home, he spotted Miner and grabbed his rifle away. McWhorter then stepped out of the shadows and shot Williams, wounding him. McWhorter’s rifle jammed, so he picked up Miner’s rifle and continued shooting Williams as the wounded man desperately tried to crawl to a bathroom. McWhorter kicked in the bathroom door, picked back up his rifle, unjammed it, and fired a final shot into Williams’s head, ending the man’s life. McWhorter confessed to the killing. A mountain of evidence was presented at his trial, and he was convicted of capital murder. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tom Holmes running for Congressional District 1
The court-appointed special master that redrew Alabama’s Congressional Districts made the Congressional District 1 (CD1) much more conservative, White, and Republican-friendly in order to make the Second Congressional District (CD2) winnable for minority voters. This redistricting in CD1 has not deterred Mobile Democrat Tom Holmes, who has qualified to run for Congress in the district anyway. Holmes is a licensed lay preacher with the Episcopal Diocese of Central Gulf Coast. He is also a volunteer Board President at The Arc of Mobile County. Tom Holmes is a United States Navy Veteran who served during the Vietnam War era. He attends and is an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church. During his career, Holmes was the Chief of Science and Technology Section for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) from 1996-2001. He was a planning/economic development specialist for ADECA from 1979-1996. He was previously the director of the Area Agency on Aging for the Birmingham Regional Planning Commission from 1975-1979. He also worked for the Mobile County Probate Court as a personnel development specialist for the Anniston and Area Agency on Aging. He is also a former teacher at both Dunbar Junior High School and Murphy High School. Holmes is actively involved in his community, including the Cottage Hill Civitan Club in Mobile, The Arc of Alabama, Boy Scouts of America, Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities, National Eagle Scout Association, and Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. Holmes has a master’s degree in public administration from Jacksonville State University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Mobile. Holmes was the Democratic nominee for Alabama State Board of Education, District 1 in 2020, where he lost to Republican Jackie Zeigler. He was also the Democratic nominee for Alabama State Senate, District 35 in 2018 where he lost to Republican David Sessions. Holmes was the only Democrat to qualify, so he is effectively the Democratic nominee for CD1. He will face the winner of the March 5 Republican primary in the general election on November 5. Incumbent Congressman Jerry Carl (R-AL01) faces Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02) after Alabama’s congressional districts were redrawn by a court-appointed special master. Moore and his native Coffee County were redistricted into CD1. Most of the City of Mobile and the northernmost counties of CD1 were redistricted into CD2. In exchange, CD1 picked up the southern half of the wiregrass, including Enterprise and most of Dothan stretching along the Florida line all the way to the Georgia state line. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama’s Labor Force Participation Rate shows no improvement: unemployment increases slightly
On Friday, Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington reported that Alabama’s labor force participation rate remained steady at 57.0% in October, with no improvement from September. The percentage of prime-age workers increased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 78.1% over the month. Prime-age workers is defined as those aged 25-54 years. “We are continuing to see positive growth in our prime-age worker labor force participation rate, with more than three out of every four prime-age Alabamians holding down a job,” said Washington. “One of the main components of the labor force participation rate is the state’s total population, and Alabama has a larger portion of retired workers. We will continue to work to bring in other, more traditionally underutilized segments of the population to ensure that we are maximizing our workforce.” Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted October unemployment rate is 2.3%. That is up slightly from September’s rate of 2.2%, which was up from August’s record low rate of 2.1%. October’s rate is still well below October 2022’s rate of 2.6%. There were 2,030 more unemployed workers in October than in September. The rate represents 52,196 unemployed persons, compared to 50,166 in September, That is still well below the 60,443 in October 2022. On the bright side, however, the number of people counted as employed increased by 38,038 over the year to a new record high of 2,260,806. The civilian labor force also increased to a new record high of 2,313,002, with 29,791 more people joining the labor force over the year. “Our labor force is growing, and more and more people are working,” continued Washington. It is unclear how many of those new workers represent people moving to Alabama to take open positions rather than Alabamians on the sidelines choosing to reenter the labor force. Businesses are paying more to attract and retain workers than ever before. “Additionally, Alabamians are earning more money – this month, we saw our average weekly wages rise to a new record high of $1,027.76,” Washington said. The total private average weekly wage increased in October by $8.10 over the year to a new record high of $1,027.76. Average weekly wages in both the construction and financial activities sectors reached new record highs, with construction wages increasing by $71.63 per week and financial activities wages increasing by $104.68 weekly. Over the year, wage and salary employment increased by 24,700, reaching a new record high of 2,163,400, with gains in the private education and health services sector (+8,700), the government sector (+7,400), and the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (+5,900), among others. Wage and salary employment increased in October by 5,700. Monthly gains were seen in the professional and business services sector (+3,300), the government sector (+3,100), and the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (+1,600), among others. The counties with the lowest unemployment rates are Shelby County at 1.8%, Morgan, Limestone, Cullman, and Chilton Counties at 1.9%, and St. Clair, Marshall, Madison, Elmore, Cleburne, Cherokee, Bullock, and Blount Counties at 2.0%. The counties with the highest unemployment rates are Wilcox County at 7.8%, Dallas County at 5.6%, and Clarke and Perry Counties at 4.6%. The major cities with the lowest unemployment rates are Alabaster, Homewood, and Vestavia Hills at 1.6%, Hoover, Madison, and Trussville at 1.7%, and Athens at 1.8%. The major cities with the highest unemployment rates are Selma at 6.6%, Prichard at 4.8%, and Bessemer at 4.0%. On Thursday, a Legislative committee met to consider what the state can do to improve the workforce participation rate and the skill level of the labor force. Alabama has one of the worst labor force participation rates in the country. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Poarch Band of Creek Indians announces $50 million Resort Hotel expansion at OWA
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced a significant addition to the OWA Parks & Resort destination, with a $50M+ resort-style hotel planned to open in May 2025. Located on the northeast side of the newly opened Tropic Falls waterpark, this expansion will provide guests with another convenient lodging option just steps away from all that OWA has to offer. Architects from Dale Partners of Jackson, Miss., were selected to create the colorful, sleek design and tropical-inspired theme. Rabren General Contractors, one of the largest general contractors in Alabama, has been selected to oversee the construction. “We are very excited to add this tropical-inspired resort hotel to our portfolio,” said Cody Williamson, President/CEO of Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority. “This new hotel will give guests another option to relax in Coastal Alabama, while still enjoying all the fun amenities that OWA has to offer. We continue to focus on these types of investment projects, which enable us to remain a strong economic partner for the local tourism industry and State of Alabama.” Development plans call for tropical-themed guest rooms that include a kitchenette and workspace, along with optional bunk bed spaces for larger families. Other key resort amenities will include an outdoor resort-style pool with a bar and grill, 24-hour fitness center, meeting space, lounge, convenience store, and arcade; along with complimentary valet service, wifi, and breakfast. The new hotel development, combined with the recent $70 million expansion of the Tropic Falls Water Park, the newly opened luxury Tropic Hideaway RV Park, and the continued growth of new businesses in Downtown OWA demonstrates The Tribe’s continued commitment to advance and improve the already top-notch offerings at OWA Parks and Resort. Once completed, the new resort hotel will bring the Poarch Band of Creek Indian’s total investment into the OWA’s project to $414 million.
Alabama commission looks at further grocery tax cuts, potential revenue replacement
Alabama commission looks at further grocery tax cuts, potential revenue replacement by Jemma Stephenson, Alabama Reflector November 15, 2023 Members of a state commission looking at the impact of grocery tax repeal looked at the recent cut to the tax, the potential for slower education budget growth, and alternate revenues. Alabama in September cut the state’s 4% tax on groceries to 3%, the first reduction in the tax since it was first implemented in 1939. Prior to the cut, Alabama was one of only three states that fully taxed groceries, driving some local levies as high as 10%. Cuts to the tax have been a long-term goal of anti-poverty groups, which said the tax affected food security and the ability of low-income Alabamians to feed children, as well as conservatives in favor of cutting taxes. “It impacts lower income Alabamians more harshly than it impacts higher income Alabamians,” said commission member Akiesha Anderson, policy and advocacy director of Alabama Arise. The bill froze but did not reduce local taxes on groceries. If the Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget, where proceeds from the tax go, grows by 3.5% next year, the state tax will be cut to 2%. “We’re all excited about that possibility coming sooner rather than later,” said Sen. Andrew Jones, R-Centre. Kirk Fulford, deputy director of the fiscal division of the legislative services agency, said Tuesday that “later” seemed more likely. The director told the committee that he was not predicting growth in the ETF for Fiscal Year 2024. “Just based on the first month, I mean, we’re in negative growth,” said Fulford after the meeting. Publicly available information on the Education Trust Fund shows that income tax returns were lower in October than they were last October, the biggest drop in the Education Trust Fund. The Education Trust Fund is around $74.4 million lower than it was this time last year. About $54.7 million of that decrease is from income tax. Fulford said to reporters after the meeting that there are four parts to the income tax. He said withholding, or taxes withheld from a paycheck, has kept up with Alabama’s low unemployment. “The other components are what, first of all, jumped way up and then last year came right back down,” he said to reporters after the meeting. Fulford said over email before the meeting that October 2022 receipts last year were up by $65 million, so this year could be a return to normalcy after several years of drastic increases. Fulford said cutting local grocery taxes could affect local governments, who sometimes levy higher taxes on groceries than the state. “So there would be a bigger dollar figure impact at the local level if you eliminated all the groceries,” he said. House Ways and Means Education Committee chair Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, said in October that he did not expect to cut the tax further in the next legislative session, which begins in February. Commissioners brought up a number of different ways that revenues could be potentially restored to the Education Trust Fund. Anderson said she thinks that more tax dollars for education means better education. Alabama spends less on average than the national average on per pupil spending. According to the U.S. Census data released in May, Alabama spent $10,683 per student in fiscal year 2021, compared to a national average of $14,347. One idea was taxing services after first being brought up by Anderson. “I will point out that you are absolutely right; the economy and the world that we’re living in as a service economy, the state of Alabama, local governments don’t generally tax services on a broad scale, that may very well be something to look at to consider to investigate,” said Fulford. Fulford and Rosemary Elebash, state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses, said that it had been discussed in the 1990s and later under former Gov. Bob Riley, who was in office from 2003 to 2011. Elebash said there were concerns about that also being a regressive tax. “They went so far as to tax haircuts, vet services, and people are unhappy when you start taxing their dogs and cats,” said Elebash about a previous attempt. Anderson asked if there had been any thought about taxing professional services, such as attorneys, that might avoid the regressive structure. Fulford said that there had been an occupational tax issue in Jefferson County that led to multiple lawsuits. “But there certainly has been an issue,” he said. The Joint Study Commission was formed to study the grocery tax and will file a report in 2026 after annual meetings. “Not to procrastinate, of course, but we got some time to get our homework done,” said Jones. Alabama Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alabama Reflector maintains editorial independence. Follow Alabama Reflector on Facebook and Twitter.
Jefferson County Republicans announce slate of local candidates
On Wednesday, the Jefferson County Republican Party announced their slate of countywide and local candidates. Major party qualifying for the 2024 election cycle ended on Friday. The Jefferson County Republican Party is running a host of candidates in the 2024 election, including: John Amari for Probate Judge, Place 1. For Probate Judge, Place 2 – Joel R. Blankenship For Assistant Treasurer – Delor Baumann For Assistant Tax Collector – Johnny Curry For Board of Education, Place 1 – Phillip Brown For Board of Education, Place 2 – Robert “Glenn” Durough For Constable, District 15 – Rod Honeycutt For Constable, District 15 – Larry Woods For Constable, District 44 – Stephen A. Moseley For Constable, District 45 – Tim Anders Sr. For Constable, District 46 – Keith Hall For Constable, District 47 – Gilbert F. Douglas III For Constable, District 48 – Robert De Buys For Constable, District 51 – Ronnie Dixon For Constable, District 51 – Joe Williams For Constable, District 55 – Ken Gray Sr The Republican primary is on March 5. Since none of these local candidates have primary opponents, they automatically qualify for the November 5 general election. There will be a number of contested races on the Republican primary ticket in Jefferson County, including President of the United States, Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals Place 2, Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2, and President of the Public Service Commission, Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District, Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District, and State Board of Education Place 3. The next Republican Party Executive Committee Meeting is Tuesday, November 21, at the Homewood Library at 6:00 PM. Chris Brown is the Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. While Republicans dominate statewide offices across Alabama, both Houses of the Alabama Legislature, and the last time a Democratic presidential candidate carried Alabama was 1976, the Democratic Party has become the dominant political party in Jefferson County. The Democratic Party has won the last two sheriff’s elections and for district attorney. Jefferson County supported Joe Biden in 2020, Clinton in 2016, Obama in 2012, and Obama in 2008. Even though Republicans carried the state as a whole, Brown says a study of where the growth is happening in Jefferson County (Hoover, Gardendale, Trussville, McCalla, etc.) shows that it is occurring in Republican areas while many Democratic precincts are experiencing long term declines in population. The prospect of turning Jefferson County red is increasingly likely long-term. Will that change occur in 2024, however, remains to be seen. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson promises to limit Tik Tok influence and prevent social media companies from silencing conservative voices
On Thursday, Congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson released a statement promising that she will lead efforts to block the influence of the Chinese-owned TikTok video app and prevent social media conglomerates from silencing conservatives on their platforms if elected to Congress. Dobson, a Montgomery real estate attorney, is a Republican candidate for Alabama’s Second Congressional District seat. “As relations between China and the U.S. continue to erode and every expert agrees that cyber warfare is a real and looming threat, more than 150 million Americans have willingly surrendered their personal information to the Chinese-owned TikTok video app,” Dobson said. “At the same time, those who express opinions contrary to woke ideas and liberal dogma on their social media pages are routinely sent to ‘Facebook jail’ or have their accounts permanently revoked like President [Donald] Trump.” “When social media owners can silence a president and shadow ban all conservative thought with which they disagree, they assume the powers of Third World, Banana Republic dictators,” Dobson continued. “And when the Chinese Communist Party can access the personal information of millions of Americans at any time they wish, we are allowing them to weaponize the internet and placing their fingers upon the trigger.” Dobson promised that she would join the ever-growing number of congressional conservatives who are sponsoring legislation and promoting ideas that will stem the control of social media by the Chinese government and extremist liberal interests. Dobson noted that TikTok is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance Ltd. and is by law obligated under China’s “National Intelligence Law” to turn over any information on its American users that is demanded by the ruling Communist Party. During a congressional hearing held earlier this year, the chief executive officer of TikTok also deflected questions about Community Party ties and influence within the company. Dobson pointed to an internal company post by a senior Facebook engineer as evidence of the almost universal liberal domination of the popular social media platform and the contempt that conservative beliefs generate. The post, which was reported by the New York Times, read: “We are a political monoculture that’s intolerant of different views. We claim to welcome all perspectives but are quick to attack — often in mobs — anyone who presents a view that appears to be in opposition to left-leaning ideology.” Dobson has a bachelor’s degree from Harvard and a law degree from the Baylor School of Law. She is married and has two children. She serves on the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Southeast Livestock Exposition and is a member of the Birmingham Chapter of the Federalist Society. Dobson grew up on a cattle farm in Alabama and excelled in high school rodeo. Congressional District 2 has been heavily redrawn ahead of this election. Previously, CD2 was 28% Black. The court-appointed special master redrew Congressional District 2 so that it is now 48.7% Black. It includes all of Montgomery County, the eastern half of the Blackbelt, the northern half of the Wiregrass, and part of Alabama southwest, including most of the City of Mobile. According to data prepared by the special master, there is over a 94% likelihood that a Democrat will win the district. The special master redistricted Second Congressional District incumbent Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) and all of Coffee County out of Congressional District 2 and into Congressional District 1. Moore is challenging incumbent Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) in the First District, so Congressional District 2 is a rare open seat. State Senator Greg Albritton of Atmore, former State Senator Dick Brewbaker, real estate broker attorney Hampton Harris, former Congressional staffer and restauranteur Karla M. DuPriest, football star Wallace Gilberry, Stacey T. Shepperson, and Belinda Thomas are all also running in the Republican primary. The major party primaries are on March 5. If necessary. There will be a Republican primary runoff election on April 16. Thirteen Democrats are running in the Democratic primary. The Republican and Democratic nominees will face off on the November 5 presidential election ballot. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Mississippi marijuana dispensary owner sues state over advertising ban
By Steve Wilson | The Center Square A Mississippi medical marijuana dispensary owner is suing the state over its prohibition on advertising for his business and others like it. Clarence Cocroft, the owner of Tru Source Medical Cannabis in Olive Branch, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday with the help of the nonprofit Institute for Justice in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. Cocroft’s complaint says state law and regulations approved by the Mississippi Board of Health, manager of the medical marijuana program, prohibit him from advertising his business, which is a violation of his First Amendment rights. The medical marijuana program was created by Senate Bill 2095 and signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves in 2022 after the entire ballot initiative process was thrown out by the state Supreme Court. This decision struck down a ballot initiative that would’ve created a medical marijuana program much like in Oklahoma. The law puts restrictions “on the advertising, signage, and display of medical cannabis,” which the lawsuit says the state Department of Health enhanced with its regulations that prohibit advertising in any media, be it TV, newspapers, online via pop-up ads, or social media. The lawsuit says Cocroft is penalized because he had to change the location of his business in Olive Branch from a high-traffic area (due to a ban on a dispensary being 1,000 feet from a school, church, or daycare) to one without substantial vehicle or foot traffic in an industrial park. Cocroft says the original location wasn’t in violation of this requirement, but that the Health Department ruled against him. He also says in the lawsuit he budgeted $300,000 for advertising and bought four billboards in a highly trafficked area near casinos, but now has to rent them to other businesses due to the ban. A decision in the case could have consequences for other states as well. Bordering states with medical marijuana programs, such as Arkansas and Louisiana, have similar prohibitions for dispensaries. “The state government cannot simultaneously authorize the legal sale of a product or service, while forbidding the truthful advertising of said product,” attorney Katrin Marquez of the Institute for Justice said in a news release. “All Clarence wants to do is advise people that they might be eligible to legally purchase marijuana for the medical conditions they’re struggling with, so he can help his business succeed.” The lawsuit is seeking a judgment that would override the advertising ban and attorney fees. Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Wee hours U.S. Senate drama: GOP colleagues on the floor battle Tommy Tuberville blockade
Ashley Murray, Arizona Mirror WASHINGTON — After a marathon day and late-night vote to avert a Thanksgiving government shutdown, four U.S. Senate Republicans held the floor until the wee hours Thursday, urging their Alabama colleague to lift his months-long objections to hundreds of U.S. military nominations. Sens. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Todd Young of Indiana, Joni Ernst of Iowa, and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina asked for unanimous consent on two stalled nominees and spoke on the matter until nearly 4 a.m. Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah objected to both on behalf of GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, speaking at length in defense of the minority party’s right to block nominations as leverage and about his own opposition to the Pentagon’s abortion policy that Tuberville is protesting. Lee’s objections meant the nominations remained stalled. This was the second time Tuberville’s Republican colleagues brought nominees to the floor to challenge the Alabama senator’s tactic, showing how frustration has bubbled to the surface in his own party. Pentagon officials warn that Tuberville’s freeze on promotions is disrupting the military’s chain of command. Until Nov. 1, only Democratic senators had asserted opposition on the floor. Tuberville has objected to unanimous voice vote approval of military generals and flag officer promotions since early 2023, and now Senate Republicans are on the defense against a Democratic-led resolution that could allow the chamber to hold roll call votes on the nominees en masse, potentially saving weeks to months of precious Senate floor time. Here’s what the senators had to say early Thursday morning: Sullivan Prior to speaking out against Tuberville on the floor this month, the Alaska senator joined him in collecting cloture petition signatures to bring top generals, including the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to the floor for successful votes. But Sullivan, a colonel in the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve, said Thursday that he and fellow GOP lawmakers who are now protesting Tuberville’s strategy have “received hundreds of text messages, emails from military families saying, ‘Thank you for having our back. Somebody has our back.’” “So we told them, we’re gonna do that, as we’re moving into Thanksgiving, my colleagues and I, we’re gonna keep our word to our military.” “During the last two weeks, we’ve all worked hard together. Sen. Tuberville is here, Sen. Lee’s on the floor. We’re all working hard trying to resolve this. We have ideas … But the backlog grows. Right now, when the Armed Services (Committee) reports out the next batch of military (nominees), it will be 450 one-, two-, three- and four-star generals.” The latest figures from the Pentagon state 359 nominees are stalled, and the list could grow to between 650 and 850 by year’s end if Tuberville continues his blockade. “This is a huge readiness challenge and a huge moral challenge,” Sullivan said. Tuberville was present at times but did not speak on the floor during the nearly four-hour period. Ernst The Iowa senator said Thursday morning she “led on the effort to overturn this (Biden administration) policy.” Ernst, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, twice attempted but failed to insert language into this year’s annual defense authorization bill to ban the Pentagon’s recent abortion policy. “So, again, I am pro-military and pro-life,” she said. “I also do not relish that I am standing on the floor this (morning) as we try to bring these nominations forward, but I understand the national security risks that are out there and the detriment to readiness as we continue to hold over 450 of the finest men and women that have served their nation honorably under the flag of our nation and our uniform.” “So I will go through one by one. I have a binder full of nominees, and I do hope our colleague from Alabama will allow us to bring them up one by one for a voice vote.” Graham Graham suggested a legal strategy against the Biden administration as a way for Tuberville to change course and smooth out the military’s chain of command this year. “How do you right wrongs? You don’t create another wrong. I want to right the wrong of having abortion paid for by public taxpayer dollars from the defense coffers. I think it not only violates the Hyde Amendment, it’s just bad policy. Count me in, Coach (Tuberville), I’m with you on that, Mike (Lee). You say it’s illegal. I tend to agree with you. Go to court.” “One way you right a wrong in America if you think a law is broken, you actually bring a lawsuit, and I think we found a way talking to (attorney) Jay Sekulow to bring a lawsuit challenging the defense policy of President Biden using taxpayer dollars to pay for transportation costs from DoD funds to perform abortions,” Graham said. Sekulow is chief counsel of the Christian-based American Center for Law and Justice, and specializes in religious liberty and anti-abortion litigation, according to his website. The Biden administration and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin maintain the policy is legal, and the Department of Justice in 2022 delivered an opinion concluding the policy does not violate the Hyde Amendment. The policy, announced in February, grants service members time off and travel reimbursement when seeking an abortion in states where it remains unrestricted. The Pentagon policy was authorized after last year’s landmark Supreme Court ruling. Roughly 80,000 active-duty female service members are stationed in states where legislatures enacted full or partial bans, according to RAND. Young The Indiana senator asked to take up and confirm by unanimous consent two nominees Thursday morning, Capt. Kurtis A. Mole to rise to a rear admiral of the Navy, and Capt. Thomas J. Dickinson also for a promotion to rear admiral. Lee objected both times. “There are now tens, tens of Americans watching us on C-SPAN 2, captivated I know by the presentation this (morning),” Young said. “I think they’re perhaps divided. Some may look upon these proceedings and think what
House Ethics panel says George Santos likely committed fraud
By Christian Wade | The Center Square contributor Embattled New York Congressman George Santos likely committed campaign fraud and other ethical violations, according to a scathing report by a House Ethics subcommittee. The panel issued a statement on Thursday saying its investigation has determined that there is “substantial evidence” that the Republican filed “false or incomplete reports” with the Federal Election Commission, used campaign funds for personal purposes and engaged in fraudulent conduct violating House rules. “Representative Santos sought to fraudulently exploit every aspect of his House candidacy for his own personal financial profit,” the subcommittee said in its report to the full House Ethics Committee, released Thursday morning. It added that Santos’ conduct “warrants public condemnation, is beneath the dignity of the office, and has brought severe discredit upon the House.” The committee unanimously voted to refer the evidence of Santos’ alleged violations to the Justice Department, the statement said. However, it did not make recommendations about punishment for Santos. Despite that, the report is expected to add to calls to remove Santos from Congress and possibly sway fellow Republicans reluctant to support his expulsion. So far, he has survived two previous expulsion votes led by fellow New York Republicans. “As expected, this report confirms what we knew: George Santos is a fraud, committed fraud & should not serve in the House of Representatives,” Rep. Mark Molinaro, R-N.Y., said in a statement on social media on Thursday. “This is why I called for his resignation, voted for his expulsion & believe he needs to be removed from Congress.” The House ethics probe follows Santos’ federal indictment on 23 counts of fraud, including money laundering and identity theft. Federal prosecutors in New York allege that Santos and his former campaign treasurer, Nancy Marks, submitted false financial reports to the Federal Election Commission, inflating his fundraising numbers. They also allege he fraudulently collected over $24,000 in unemployment insurance benefits. A previous indictment filed in May against Santos charged him with embezzling money from his campaign and lying to Congress about his income, among other allegations. He has admitted to faking his resume and lying about his educational background but argues that he hasn’t broken the law or crossed any ethical lines. Santos also faces a Federal Elections Commission complaint alleging his campaign engaged in a “straw donor scheme” to conceal the sources of a $705,000 personal loan to his campaign. In a rambling statement, Santos criticized the ethics report and accused the subcommittee’s members of going to “extraordinary lengths to smear myself and my legal team” during its investigation. He also said he won’t seek reelection next year. “It is a disgusting politicized smear that shows the depths of how low our federal government has sunk,” he posted on X. “Everyone who participated in this grave miscarriage of Justice should all be ashamed of themselves.” Santos ended his statement by saying he will not seek reelection in 2024, saying his family “deserves better than to be under the gun from the press all the time.” Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
