Alabama legislators urge caution on Amtrak decision
All nine members of the United States congressional delegation from Alabama sent a letter to Cynthia Brown, Chief of the Section of Administration at the Surface Transportation Board, discouraging a decision that would mandate Amtrak service along the Gulf Coast without a needed feasibility study. The study would measure potential consequences for the national rail network and supply chain. The letter also cites a number of infrastructure improvements that would be necessary to mitigate the effects of passenger rail service on the Port of Mobile’s operations and related freight rail traffic. The congressional delegation letter was signed by U.S. Senators Richard Shelby and Tommy Tuberville, along with U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt, Mike Rogers, Mo Brooks, Terri Sewell, Gary Palmer, Jerry Carl, and Barry Moore. According to the Surface Transportation Board, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) filed an application with the Board on March 16, 2021, seeking an order requiring CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT), and Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR) to allow Amtrak to operate additional intercity passenger trains, consisting of two round-trips per day, over the rail lines of CSXT and NSR between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama. The Board announced that it will hold the first phase of a public hearing in this docket on February 15, 2022. Shelby stated on Twitter, “I led the AL delegation in a letter to the STB as it considers mandating passenger service on the Gulf Coast – which without the necessary data & infrastructure improvements, threatens to significantly impact Mobile’s Port & related freight rail traffic.” The letter reads in part, “As proposals to initiate passenger rail service in the Gulf Coast have been discussed, multiple entities have understandably expressed concern about the impact such service would have on commerce in and around Mobile, including federal and state government officials, freight operators, the Alabama State Port Authority, and several of the Port of Mobile’s customers. In response to these concerns, Amtrak, in conjunction with CSX and Norfolk Southern, agreed to conduct a joint feasibility study to determine the impact passenger rail service would have on freight operation in Mobile. … Despite this agreement among all parties, Amtrak announced plans to begin passenger rail service without completing the ongoing study.” The members continued, “As a delegation, we are particularly concerned about the effects of Gulf Coast passenger rail service on the Port of Mobile, which in recent years has experienced tremendous growth. … In sum, a decision by the Board to mandate Amtrak service in this case will have significant consequences for the national rail network and supply chain, as well as set a precedent for expansion of Amtrak service. We urge you to uphold the Board’s long-standing commitment to an efficient and reliable rail network.” The letter also argued that making sure infrastructure improvements would priority to the project. “If the Board mandates service, it should ensure that this unprecedented level of funding is used by Amtrak to pay for the necessary infrastructure improvements to support its proposed service and that shippers and entities who rely on the freight and intermodal rail network are made whole. Our ports and shippers should not have to bear the cost of facilitating Amtrak’s passenger rail service expansion, and the Board should ensure any decision sets a precedent of safeguarding our country’s shippers and ports,” the letter stated.
Barry Moore seeking to improve hurricane insurance protection for farmers
Rep. Barry Moore wrote a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack requesting an update on the Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index Endorsement (HIP-WI) and amending it from an all-or-nothing system to a tiered system. After listening to stories from farmers about the losses they’ve suffered from hurricanes, Moore is asking for a more improved system of administrating hurricane insurance funds. Currently, the full value of a HIP-WI endorsement is only paid if a county or a neighboring county is within the area of sustained hurricane-force winds from a named hurricane based on data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Moore is requesting the system gets changed to a tiered system so that farmers can purchase protection from winds caused by a hurricane, even if the winds are below hurricane force in their county. “I know firsthand the damage that a hurricane can do to a farmer’s crops, and fortunately, in 2020, many counties in the Second Congressional District of Alabama were able to take advantage of the Hurricane Insurance Protection made available to them,” wrote Moore. “However, the counties that were not triggered by this all-or-nothing system still had extreme losses but were not eligible for HIP-WI. If the product was expanded to include a tiered system, farmers could purchase protection from devastating winds caused by a named hurricane, even if the winds are below hurricane-force within their county.” “We appreciate Congressman Moore’s steadfast support of farmers,” stated Mitt Walker, director of the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department of the Alabama Farmers Federation. “He understands so much of what farmers face each growing season is completely out of their control, especially when it comes to weather events such as hurricanes. We appreciate his efforts to ensure farmers have a variety of risk management tools that are effective in their time of need.”
Barry Moore and Jerry Carl oppose stopgap funding bill
Reps. Jerry Carl and Barry Moore have issued statements regarding their votes against H.R. 6617 – Further Additional Extending Government Funding Act. This resolution is the Democrats’ continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded through March 11, 2022. Rep. Carl expressed disapproval for the funding, arguing that it hurts military readiness. “Today, I voted no on the Democrats’ stop-gap funding bill because this bill does nothing more than kick the can down the road while compromising our military readiness and our national security interests,” Carl commented. “Democrats are celebrating the passage of their stop-gap funding bill as a victory, but the truth is these temporary bills cause our military to fall behind in its readiness to ensure our forces are maintained and equipped to meet the security challenges we are facing across the globe.” Rep. Moore called the resolution a “failure” that only “kicks the can.” “For over four months now, the federal government has been operating through continuing resolutions because of the failure of this Democrat-led Congress to pass timely appropriations bills through regular order,” said Moore. “Last night Speaker Pelosi brought forth yet another continuing resolution which not only kicks the can down the road but funds President Biden’s unconstitutional COVID vaccine mandates. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to ignore the chaos at our border, fuel the inflation crisis with out-of-control spending, and write off the crime epidemic and our supply chain crisis. “It is said that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. I refuse to sit quietly while this Congress oppresses the American people with these mandates, and I cannot condone this way of doing business by voting for this CR.” According to the Congress.gov website, the resolution provides continuing FY2022 appropriations for federal agencies and extends several expiring authorities. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2021 levels with several exceptions that provide funding flexibility or additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR includes provisions that address the President’s authority to draw down defense articles and services to respond to unforeseen emergencies, procurement of the Columbia-class submarine, the Department of Defense’s response to the contamination of drinking water near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Hawaii, and the Department of the Interior’s implementation of enterprise cybersecurity safeguards. The bill also extends several expiring authorities, including the authority for the Department of Health and Human Services to make certain appointments for the National Disaster Medical System, the special assessment under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 on nonindigent people or entities convicted of certain criminal offenses (e.g., sexual abuse and trafficking), the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, and the current Medicaid federal matching rate (also known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage or FMAP) for certain territories.
Barry Moore fights for expanded GI Bill benefits for National Guard members
House Republicans recently voted on Rep. Barry Moore’s bill, H.R. 2047, a bill that aims to expand GI Bill benefits to members of the National Guard who are on Federal Active-Duty orders for missions other than training. Moore serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity for the House Veterans Affairs Committee. “As a former Guardsman, I appreciate my Republican colleagues for trusting me to serve in this leadership position so vital for our veterans and for coming together in an effort to pass my bill,” stated Moore. “I am proud of the work we have done to expand G.I. Bill benefits through legislation that is both fully paid for and will not harm recruitment efforts of our active-duty services.” Republican leadership offered the Moore bill as a substitute amendment to a Democratic bill, H.R. 1836, that would increase the fee for Interest Rate Reduction Refinanced Loans (IRRRL). The Moore bill was defeated by a slim margin of 198-225.
Barry Moore warns Congress of Chronic Wasting Disease threat, cosponsors CWD legislation
Today, Rep. Barry Moore spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to warn of the threat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) poses to deer populations in Alabama. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced it recently found Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a hunter-harvested deer in northwestern Alabama. This is the first case of CWD detected in Alabama’s deer herd and the first time it has been detected in a state that borders Florida. Moore is a co-sponsor of H.R. 5608, the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act, which passed the House of Representatives last month. According to Congress.gov, the bill “directs USDA to establish a program to research and manage the disease. Under the program, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with state or tribal wildlife agencies and departments of agriculture, institutions of higher education, and research centers to support research on the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of the disease. In addition, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with such agencies and departments to support state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies that address the disease.” Moore stated on the House floor, “Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss an important issue in Alabama and across the nation. Chronic Wasting Disease is a neurological disease that affects deer, moose, and elk and is 100 percent fatal. Unfortunately, there is no known cure. CWD could absolutely devastate deer hunting in Alabama and the revenue it brings in each year.” “I am proud to co-sponsor H.R. 5608, the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act, which passed the House of Representatives last month. This bill will help research and prevent Chronic Wasting Disease from spreading further, protecting Alabama’s deer herds, outdoor economy, and traditions. “Last week, the first case of Chronic Wasting Disease was reported in Alabama. While it is currently only one case, it is important that we do what we can to prevent this terrible disease from spreading even further. I’m hopeful the Senate will answer the call and take up this legislation so important to Alabama and our nation. “I’ll do whatever I can in Washington to help prevent Chronic Wasting Disease from taking hold in Alabama. And with that, I yield back,” Moore concluded. Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), stated, “CWD was first detected in Tennessee and Mississippi in 2018 and has been moving slowly toward Alabama. The Department has implemented multiple proactive regulations to combat the spread into Alabama. Compliance from the public on those measures helped delay the spread into the state for several years.”
Barry Moore joins lawmakers demanding hearing over treatment of January 6 defendants
Rep. Barry Moore, along with 20 colleagues, sent a letter to Chairman Jerry Nadler and Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney asking that House Judiciary and House Oversight & Reform Committees hold hearings on the treatment of January 6 defendants being held at the D.C. Department of Corrections. The letter states that the defendants are being held in solitary confinement and are not being given needed medical treatment. U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth asked the Department of Justice to conduct a civil rights investigation into the conduct of the D.C. jail regarding a patient who needed treatment for non-Hodgkins. Lamberth stated, “It’s clear to me the civil rights of the defendant were violated by the D.C. Department of Corrections.” “Regardless of the charges an incarcerated person faces, correctional authorities should respect and uphold their civil rights and protect their health and safety. In this country, they have the presumption of innocence. They have not faced trial. And even convicted criminals should get adequate medical care and proper food. They are human beings. The reports coming out of the D.C. Department of Corrections are deeply concerning, and Congress should use our oversight authority to investigate,” said Rep. Moore. Moore stated on Twitter, “Regardless of the charges and incarcerated person faces, correctional authorities should respect and uphold their civil rights & protect their health & safety. In this country they have the presumption of innocence.” “There is clear mistreatment of the individuals being held in the D.C. jail for charges related to January 6th,” stated Biggs. “There is NO excuse for keeping them in these abhorrent conditions and continuing to impose solitary confinement – a punishment that even some on the Left have condemned. It’s time for Chairman Nadler and Chairwoman Maloney to set aside any political motivations, do their job, and hold hearings so that we can get to the bottom of this.” Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mary Miller expressed disapproval for Deputy Warden Kathleen Landerkin’s actions. Rep. Greene stated, “The atrocious and inhumane conditions for PRE-TRIAL detainees at the D.C. Gulag are a clear example of the two-tiered justice system in America. BLM / Antifa domestic terrorists are allowed to walk free after burning down our cities with violent riots, but suspected J6 defendants are subjected to worse treatment than convicted terrorists in Gitmo. This situation must be investigated, and the officials responsible must be terminated from their positions, starting with avowed Trump-hater Deputy Warden Kathleen Landerkin.” “Deputy Warden Landerkin is using her position to torture her political opponents in a system where justice is supposed to be blind,” stated Miller. “There is clear mistreatment of the individuals being held in the D.C. jail for charges related to January 6th,” stated Andy Biggs. “There is NO excuse for keeping them in these abhorrent conditions and continuing to impose solitary confinement – a punishment that even some on the Left have condemned. It’s time for Chairman Nadler and Chairwoman Maloney to set aside any political motivations, do their job, and hold hearings so that we can get to the bottom of this.” The letter was also signed by Scott Perry, Jeff Duncan, Lauren Boebert, Andy Biggs, Debbie Lesko, Andy Harris, Randy Weber, Bill Posey, Russ Fulcher, Matthew Rosendale, Sr., Louie Gohmert, Andrew Clyde, Mary Miller, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Jody Hice, Matt Gaetz, Bob Good, Michael Cloud, Ralph Norman, and Clay Higgins.
Club for Growth PAC endorses Rep. Barry Moore for re-election
Club for Growth PAC has announced they are endorsing Rep. Barry Moore for reelection in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. Club for Growth PAC supports conservatives in key elections across the country. In 2020, the PAC won more than 80% of its races. It is a political arm of the Club for Growth. The Club for Growth focuses on conservative economic policy and does not take positions on social issues or the immigration/borders debate. “In his first year in the House, Rep. Barry Moore has proven to be a true economic conservative who has fought against the Establishment to support lower taxes, fewer regulations, and term limits,” said Club for Growth PAC President David McIntosh. “We look forward to supporting his winning reelection campaign.” On Twitter, Club for Growth stated, “Rep. Moore has proven to be a true economic conservative who has fought against the Establishment to support lower taxes, fewer regulations, and term limits.” Moore released a statement on Wednesday, expressing appreciation for the endorsement, Yellowhammer News reported. “Since being sworn in almost twelve months ago, I’ve worked night and day for the people of the Wiregrass, keeping the promises I made to be transparent, put their interests first, and fight the Washington establishment that always wants to spend more hard-earned taxpayer dollars and erode our God-given rights,” Moore stated. “Washington needs more public servants with callouses on their hands, and it’s an honor to bring to Washington our Alabama values and the work ethic I learned growing up on my family farm, serving in the National Guard, and making a living as a small business owner,” he added. I appreciate Club for Growth for their endorsement and for recognizing that I am already doing the job the people I serve elected me to do.” The Coffee County native was also endorsed by Club for Growth PAC in 2020. Moore is a veteran, a small business owner, and a former member of the Alabama State House. Barry and his wife, Heather, have four children.
Members of Congress respond to bipartisan Defense Authorization Act
With bipartisan approval, the House has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. The NDAA sets policy for the nation’s defense and is critical to national security. The bipartisan agreement authorized $768 billion for national security spending, which is $25 billion more than the Biden administration requested. The House passed the bill Tuesday night by a vote of 363-70 and sent it to the Senate. Rep. Mike Rogers, Lead Republican of the House Armed Services Committee, helped eliminate parts of the Act that the GOP disagreed with, including removing the provisions that would restrict the 2nd Amendment rights of servicemembers and require young women to register for the draft. During a House rules committee hearing, Rogers emphasized the need to pass the legislation, remarking, “Neither side got everything they wanted in this process,” but Rogers called it “a good bill.” “I am grateful for the work by my colleagues in the House and the Senate to craft a bipartisan and bicameral NDAA that bolsters our national security and supports our troops. This bill will prepare our military to face the ever-growing threat of China by banning them from our American supply chain and modernizing our weapon systems. In addition, this bill blocks the left’s attempt to push their social agenda through Congress by eliminating the provisions that would restrict the 2nd Amendment rights of servicemembers and require young women to register for the draft,” Rogers commented. “It also prohibits the DOD from dishonorably discharging servicemembers who choose not to take the COVID-19 vaccine, requires strong accountability measures for the Biden Administration’s debacle in Afghanistan, and provides a 2.7% pay increase for our brave servicemembers. “The FY22 NDAA is critical for Alabama’s proud defense industrial base that employs thousands. I am especially pleased to see funding for the Anniston Army Depot and increased funding for shipbuilding. “Congress has no greater responsibility than to provide for our defense and to make sure the brave Americans who wear the uniform have the best equipment and training to defend our liberty and freedom. I am proud of the role this bill plays in that vital effort,” Rogers concluded. Rep. Terri Sewell voted in favor of the NDAA. “Ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform have the resources they need to defend our nation is one of my most solemn responsibilities as a Member of Congress and one that I do not take lightly,” said Rep. Sewell. “This defense bill not only meets the needs of our servicemembers but also invests in HBCUs, combats sexual assault in the military, promotes climate resiliency, and strengthens our national security.” Barry Moore issued the following statement after voting for the NDAA. “I am thrilled Congressional leaders were able to set aside partisan politics and put forward a true national defense bill that I could proudly support,” said Moore. “As a former Guardsman, I understand the absolute necessity of supporting of our servicemembers, and while imperfect, this bipartisan bill meets that challenge. I thank Ranking Member Rogers, as well as Armed Services Committee members Brooks and Carl, for their countless hours of hard work on this legislation. “Fighting to support our men and women in uniform is my highest priority, and they will always have my unwavering support.” Gary Palmer voted in favor of the Act because some of the provisions the GOP disagreed with were eliminated. “It is critical that we continue to fund and strengthen our military, especially at this crucial time when China and Russia are ever-growing threats,” Palmer stated. “China is determined to supplant the United States as the world’s only superpower, and Russia is projecting power that threatens our Eastern European allies as a test of our resolve. I think our military must be ready to meet emerging threats. A strong military is vital to our national security and to the security of our allies. This legislation has fortunately gone through necessary changes since it was first introduced and no longer contains provisions which would infringe on our service members’ right to keep and bear arms, or would force our nation’s daughters to register for the draft. I commend the Republican Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Committee, Mike Rogers (AL-03), for succeeding on removing these and other onerous provisions from the original bill. As it now stands, the bill will provide necessary resources and stability for our military.” Congressman Robert Aderholt praised the bill and the 5% increase to the budget. “I’m pleased to see and support the revised NDAA before the House that both increases our defense funding and reverses the cuts that the Biden Administration proposed in the previous version,” Aderholt said. “It’s our job in Congress to ensure that our military is not only well funded but continues to maintain the highest standards in strength and capability.” “I would like to thank Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03), Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Committee, for his leadership in the effort to maintain those standards. From Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville to the military shipbuilders in Mobile, our national defense will always be one of my top priorities. “The revised NDAA boosts the defense topline by $25 billion, a 5% increase over FY2021. It authorizes a 2.7% pay increase and benefits for servicemembers, reverses cuts to shipbuilding and aircraft procurement, includes all-time high investments into research and development, prohibits the Department of Defense from dishonorably discharging servicemembers that refuse the COVID-19 vaccine, mandates accountability on the Afghanistan withdrawal by demanding that the DoD recover all U.S. aircraft, and prohibits any financial support to the Taliban. I am also pleased that this final bill removed the requirement for women to register for the Selective Service.” Mo Brooks initially voted no on the Act arguing that the bill “hastens America’s suffering a debilitating insolvency and bankruptcy.” Brooks voted yes after concessions were made. “On the whole, the Conference Committee’s NDAA version strengthens national security by modernizing the resources our warfighters need to be successful when duty calls while minimizing the policy damage Socialist Democrats hoped to
Members of Congress vote no on bill to keep government temporarily open
Reps. Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, and Mo Brooks have voted against H.R. 6119, a short-term spending bill extending current government spending levels through February 18, 2022. The bill passed the House and now goes to the Senate for consideration. Rep. Moore previously opposed continuing resolutions (CRs), arguing that they damage the military’s critical long-term planning ability and fail to address evolving issues addressing the nation. The government is currently being funded by a CR passed by Congress in September. Moore stated in a press release, “Democrats have been so focused on sticking the American people with their radical tax-and-spend agenda that they have once again neglected to perform the basic role of government. Not only does this spending bill represent another fundamental failure by this Democrat-led Congress to do its job, but it allows the Biden administration’s reckless and dangerous vaccine mandates to be funded. Instead of forcing her radical agenda on America through constant manufactured financial cliff brinksmanship, Speaker Pelosi needs to address the multiple real crises facing American families, like rising crime, increasing inflation, our broken supply chain, and the worsening border fiasco.” Rep. Rogers released a statement defending his vote against the bill, stating, “Today, I voted against the Continuing Resolution that just kicks the can further down the road. One thing I hear from leaders across all Services is that multiple CRs are actively damaging military readiness. Continuing our current levels of Defense funding until February 18 is inexcusable in the face of threats from China and other enemies, especially after the Biden Administration has proven they are unwilling to fully fund our military. House Democrats chose to spend the past year bickering over their socialist spending spree instead of performing one of our most basic constitutional duties. This CR is another example of Democrats’ inability to govern.” Brooks also voted against the bill and believes CRs hurt the military. “Continuing Resolutions, by their very nature, hurt national security, NASA, and countless private sector contractors and businesses. Temporary funding deprives agencies and contractors of the ability to plan long-term, make sound financial decisions, and hire new employees,” Brooks stated in a press release. “Under a continuing resolution, agencies cannot begin new programs, thus trapping research and development in the past and hindering government agencies’ use of the latest technological innovations. Congress should fund the government through annual appropriations bills that give departments certainty of funding so that they can operate as efficiently as possible.” H.R. 6119 continues appropriations at current levels until February 18, 2022, with limited exceptions. The legislation also provides $7 billion to assist in the resettlement of Afghan refugees.
Steve Flowers: 2022 elections six months away
Believe it or not, we are six months away from the 2022 elections. All statewide offices will be decided in the May 24, 2022, Republican Primary. Winning the Republican Primary is tantamount to election in the Heart of Dixie. Therefore, garnering the endorsement of the most conservative group in the state is vitally important towards an election. That group is the Alabama Farmers Federation or commonly known as Alfa. The Farm PAC Alfa endorsement is the gold standard for conservatism, and it is the ticket to election in Alabama. The Alabama Farmers Federation is governed by county federation leaders in each of the state’s 67 counties, and the word leaders should be emphasized. The leaders of each county federation are respected men who have been born and raised in their community. Many have owned farmland for generations, are respected agribusinessmen, deacons in their churches, and board members of their local banks. In other words, they are centers of influence, and their words and recommendations extend well beyond their agricultural base. To win the Alfa endorsement, statewide candidates have to go see each of the county federation members in all 67 counties. There are over 100,000 actual farmers in the state that vote the Alfa endorsed ballot right down the line. There are also affiliated agribusiness groups that toe the Alfa line. In addition, there are over 100,000 insurance policyholders throughout the state who have their car and homeowners’ insurance with Alfa, and they see the Farm PAC endorsement and usually follow it because they have contributed to Farm PAC. Additionally, a good many Alabamians will see their friends and neighbors with an Alfa ballot and ask them who Alfa has endorsed in certain races. Then they will vote that way because they know Alfa has vetted the candidates and chosen the most conservative ones. The Alfa endorsements for the May 24, 2022 elections were decided on September 28, 2021. These endorsements will be decisive. Katie Britt won the endorsement for the open U.S. Senate race, which will be the marquee race next year. She got it the old-fashioned way. She worked for it. She got out and visited and got to know almost every farmers federation member in the state. This endorsement will probably propel her to victory. Governor Kay Ivey received the endorsement. She has been the darling of Alfa her entire career. The Farm PAC endorsement was critical in allowing her to win the governorship without a runoff four years ago. They have been with her from the get-go when she was State Treasurer two terms and Lt. Governor two terms. Will Ainsworth received the Alfa endorsement for reelection as Lt. Governor. This endorsement is the reason he upset Twinkle Cavanaugh in their race four years ago. Alfa was the reason he won that race and has made his political career. Incumbent Attorney General Steve Marshall has been endorsed by Alfa because he has proven to be a real conservative. Rick Pate has won the Alfa endorsement for a second term as Agriculture Commissioner. He had the endorsement four years ago, and it helped him win. Folks are really interested in who Alfa endorses for Agriculture Commissioner. Incumbent PSC Commissioners Chip Beeker and Jeremy Oden received the coveted Alfa nod. One of the most critical endorsements Alfa made was selecting Greg Cook for the Alabama Supreme Court seat of retiring Judge Mike Bolin. This endorsement of Greg Cook is pivotal. It proves that he is the conservative pro-business candidate for the Supreme Court. It will probably assure his victory. Popular incumbent Supreme Court Justice Kelli Wise got the endorsement even though she may be unopposed. Three candidates for secondary constitutional offices received the endorsement of Alfa and will be instrumental in their elections are Wes Allen for Secretary of State, Young Boozer for State Treasurer, and Rusty Glover for State Auditor. Glover’s getting the endorsement is that race is pivotal, as is Wes Allen’s in the Secretary of State. Alfa has endorsed all of the incumbent Republican Congressmen, including Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, and Gary Palmer. They have endorsed Dale Strong in the open 5th district congressional race. He appears to be the favorite. All of Alfa’s statewide endorsements are Republicans. That makes sense because every statewide officeholder in the state is a Republican. If you made me bet, I would wager that all of the above-mentioned Alfa endorsed candidates will win next year. We will see in about six months. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
Mo Brooks and Barry Moore vote “No” on Build Back Better ‘monstrosity’
Congressmen Mo Brooks and Barry Moore have announced they will vote “No” on H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better bill. In a press release, Brooks argued that Build Back Better bill was a “monstrosity” that raises “taxes, increases welfare, grants amnesty for illegal aliens, and authorizes a federal takeover of local public schools.” He also argued that the bill has been pushed through the House without proper review. Congressman Brooks said, “Socialist Democrats display their true colors and arrogance by pushing a massive unpaid-for multi-trillion-dollar spending bill that raises taxes, increases welfare, grants amnesty for illegal aliens, and authorizes even more federal takeover of local public schools, among other terrible policy provisions. The only thing Socialist Democrats are for is spend, spend, spend— grow government, takeover local control, order the American people around— until a formerly-great America is broke and discarded to the dustbin of history.” Brooks continued, “Inflation is at a 30-year high, and Socialist Democrats care not one twit. They ignore the economic reality of massive government spending and welfare give-a-way programs that encourage welfare recipients to mooch off the hard work of others and cause inflation that ravages working American citizen pocketbooks. The economics are simple: when you print money out of thin air that money becomes less valuable. Socialist Democrats are ignorant and clueless of basic economics.” Congressman Moore argued that the bill will threaten America’s prosperity. Moore stated in a press release, “The most serious threat to our representative democracy is the betrayal of the values that empowered us to become the freest, most prosperous nation in the history of the free world. The dangerous bill advanced by House Democrats today would bring our nation alarmingly closer to the repressive socialist utopia envisioned by power hungry globalists who abhor American exceptionalism and the rights of all individuals. This transformative legislation seeks to elevate government to the all-powerful role of provider of our livelihoods and our liberties, not the protector of our God-given rights that our brilliant Founders created. This battle now goes to the Senate, and I pray that freedom and reason prevail.”
Congressional leaders send letter to OSHA opposing vaccine mandate
Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) and several colleagues sent a letter to Doug Parker, the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, to oppose a federal vaccine mandate on businesses across the country. Alabama congressmen Mo Brooks and Barry Moore also signed the letter. The letter states, “OSHA has said the spread of COVID-19 presents a grave danger to employees. However, this is not the case. Many employees have either been vaccinated or have achieved immunity naturally, and thus are not in grave danger. Many workplaces are also not in environments where the spread of COVID-19 is a concern, including employees who work from home or who work in outside settings.” The letter also urges the Secretary to make a religious exemption. “While we do not agree that you should finalize this mandate, we urge you to provide a religious exemption to the requirement should you forge ahead and request that you make that commitment in writing.” “Unfortunately, this Administration must be reminded that religious rights and other freedoms are not forfeited during a pandemic,” Palmer stated in a press release. Palmer questioned the legality of the vaccine mandate arguing that religious and other conscience exemptions are the heart of the Constitution. “The employer-employee relationship does not need intervention from a third federal party. Employees need their individual rights to be protected, not trampled upon by the government. I firmly believe this mandate is unconstitutional, and at the very least, we need to defend the rights of individuals who, for whatever deeply held beliefs, decide to refuse it. No one should be forced to choose between providing for their families and violating their conscience. Religious and other conscience exemptions are at the heart of the Constitution, which this Administration and every Member of Congress swore an oath to uphold and defend. This letter from my colleagues and me insists that at the least, individuals’ freedoms must be respected and maintained when regulations on the mandate are finalized and published.” Originally tweeted by Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) on November 1, 2021. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. Their mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
