What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to resignation of Jeff Sessions
Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigned from his post Wednesday, at the request of President Donald Trump, less than 24 hours after voters went to the polls in the midterm elections. Politicians from across Alabama are reacting to the news: Sen. Richard Shelby: Thank you to my good friend, Jeff Sessions, for over 40 years of noble service to Alabama and our country. Jeff was a respected colleague of mine in the Senate for two decades and represented our nation with honor as the U.S. Attorney General. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I’ve known Jeff Sessions for almost four decades, and I applaud his dedicated service to Alabama and our country. I wish him and Mary nothing but the best. I’m confident President Trump will nominate an Attorney General who will continue to be strong on illegal immigration and work to enforce the rule of law in our country. 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: I have always known Jeff Sessions to be a man of the highest integrity. I am grateful for his long career in service to the State of Alabama, and I appreciate his remarkable leadership as our country’s Attorney General. I wish him the very best in whatever endeavors follow. 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Having served with Jeff Sessions in Congress, I can honestly say that he has always been someone who is of the utmost character and ability. I know he worked every day to uphold the law in all fairness to everyone. He has done great work enforcing our immigration laws, fighting gangs and opioid abuse and upholding religious liberties. Jeff, and his wife Mary, have been good friends with Caroline and me. We wish them the best in whatever is in store for them in the next chapter of their lives 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Jeff Sessions honorably and ably served as a United States Attorney, Alabama Attorney General, United States Senator, and U.S. Attorney General. Throughout his long career of public service, Jeff’s deep love of country was evident in his unwavering devotion to upholding America’s foundational principles as enshrined in our Constitution. He served with integrity and dignity. I’m proud to have worked alongside him as both a prosecutor in Alabama and member of Congress. I have been fortunate to know Jeff Sessions for a quarter of a century. As an elected official, Jeff Sessions never wavered in his fierce defense of the Rule of Law and America’s sovereign right to defend and secure its own borders. Jeff Sessions has made Alabama proud. I wish him the best as he embarks on his next journey. 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: I have known Jeff Sessions for over three decades. When I met him, he was doing honorable service. In this Administration, his service was nothing less than honorable. I’m grateful for his service and friendship and wish him the best in the future. 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Today’s firing of Attorney General Jeff Sessions is an alarming reminder of the need for checks and balances. Here in Congress, we have a responsibility to protect special counsel Robert Mueller and the investigation into Russia’s interference in our democracy. Our elections were attacked, and the American people deserve all of the facts on what happened. If Attorney General Sessions was fired as a first step towards interfering in the Mueller investigation, then President Trump must be held accountable. Attorney General Steve Marshall: During his time as U.S. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions has been the standard-bearer for upholding the rule of law and fighting every day to make America safer. He has been a vital partner to state attorneys general, and to me personally, in dealing with violent crime and in strengthening our efforts to combat America’s opioid crisis. While his style was to work quietly behind the scenes, he made a powerful positive difference in rebuilding the confidence of prosecutors and law enforcement personnel across the nation—not just as U.S. Attorney General, but also as U.S. Senator and Alabama Attorney General. My staff and I will greatly miss Jeff’s leadership at the Department of Justice and we wish him all the best. Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan: A man of integrity, Jeff Sessions has led the Department of Justice with dignity and a firm commitment to the rule of law. His reputation as a dedicated public servant precedes his many years of honorable service to our nation. From his time as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Alabama Attorney General, U.S. Senator, to the 84th Attorney General of the United States, Alabamians have strongly supported Jeff Sessions. …A true Alabama statesman, Jeff Sessions has been a warrior for President Trump’s conservative agenda. From enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, fighting opioid abuse to strongly supporting members of our law enforcement, Jeff Sessions has consistently made Alabama proud. His service can be most accurately summed up in our state’s motto: ‘We dare defend our rights.’ Unwavering and resolute, our country needs more public servants like Jeff Sessions. We are blessed and are stronger because of his humble sacrifices through his lifetime of service to Alabama and America.
Bradley Byrne wins re-election over Robert Kennedy Jr. in Alabama’s 1st District
Incumbent Bradley Byrne has won re-election over challenger Robert Kennedy Jr. in the race for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Fairhope Republican defeated the Pritchard Democrat 63.3 to 36.7 percent with 100 percent of precincts reporting. Following his victory Byrne said he is honored to continue to serve the district. “I am honored by the faith the residents of Southwest Alabama have put in me to continue to serve as their voice in Congress. We had so many great supporters throughout this campaign, and Rebecca and I truly appreciate all the hard work that went into the victory,” Byrne said in a statement. “Following the Senate special election in 2017, some thought Democrats had the opportunity to win throughout our state. What we saw on Tuesday night was pretty clear: Alabamians support commonsense, conservative candidates who stand up for the values and priorities of Alabama. We must continue to elect those kind of individuals to represent our great state.” Located in southwestern Alabama, the district includes Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Monroe and Washington counties and a part of Clarke County.
Alabama incumbents sweep Congressional elections
Incumbents carried the midterm elections in Alabama on Tuesday, with six contested races resulting in all six Members of Congress winning their re-election bids. The Associated Press has called all races for the U.S. House of Representatives. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks and 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer, all incumbents, all Republicans, handily won their given races. Incumbent and lone Congressional Democrat, 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell ran unopposed.
A look at the voting history of Alabama’s 1st Congressional District
For the past decade Alabama’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives has been a solidly red district for over 20 years. Located in southwestern Alabama, the district includes Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Monroe and Washington counties and a part of Clarke County. Currently Rep. Bradley Byrne, a former member of the Alabama State Senate, fills the seat. He was first elected during a special election in December 2013 after 10-year incumbent Jo Bonner announced his retirement to become vice chancellor for the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Byrne has since been re-elected twice, in 2014 and 2016. In the 2018 General Election Byrne faces political newcomer, Democrat Robert Kennedy Jr., a military veteran and and business executive. FiveThirtyEight, a statistics-driven news-and-analysis site, anticipates that Byrne will coast to victory on Election Day, giving Kennedy Jr. only a 0.1 percent chance of winning the seat. Here’s a look at the voting history of the District: U.S. House, Alabama District 1 General Election 2016 Bradley Byrne (R) 96.4 percent 208,083 votes Write-in 3.6 percent 7,810 votes 215,893 total votes General Election 2014 Bradley Byrne (R) 68.2 percent 103,758 votes Burton LeFlore (D) 31.7 percent 48,278 votes Write-in 0.1 percent 198 votes 152,234 total votes General Election 2012 Jo Bonner (R) 97.9 percent 196,374 votes Write-in 2.1 percent 4,302 votes 200,676 total votes General Election 2010 Jo Bonner (R) 83 percent 129,063 votes David Walter (C) 17 percent 26,357 votes 155,420 total votes General Election 2008 Jo Bonner (R) 98.3 percent 210,660 votes Write-in 1.7 percent 3,707 votes 214,367 total votes
Bradley Byrne: Our farmers are our future
This past week, I had the pleasure of visiting many fine farmers and foresters throughout Southwest Alabama to learn more about the incredible work they do on a daily basis. This was part of my annual “Ag Matters” agricultural tour, which brings me to farms and forests in each of the six counties that make up Alabama’s First Congressional District. Forestry in Alabama first began in Clarke County, and that is where I began my tour. I was pleased to learn more about how the people at Canfor Southern Pine carry on the forestry tradition to this day. Not only are they the largest employer in Jackson, Canfor produces high-quality lumber products that are used all throughout the Eastern United States. At this mill alone, they produce around 110 million board feet per year in lumber products. To produce this much material, they rely on the sustainable harvesting of private timberlands throughout our region. I had a chance to tour some of these private timberlands and learn more about ways owners are working with the Fish and Wildlife Service to protect endangered and threatened species. It is important that we find solutions that work for both our environment and for those trying to make a living through sustainable practices. Animals such as the gopher tortoise and the black pine snake are threatened in certain areas of Alabama. Timberland owners and workers want to protect our environment, as a healthy environment is critical to their future. But, they should not be unduly limited by the government in the work they do. I was able to talk with several foresters from all around Southwest Alabama at a forestry roundtable hosted at a local branch of Alabama Ag Credit. The people at Ag Credit also know that our farmers and foresters are our future and believe in providing them with sound financial options through responsible lending and thorough financial counseling. As I continued my tour, I saw some excellent examples of topiary management at a garden nursery in Mobile, learned about the bumper crop of cotton this year at farms in Escambia and Baldwin counties, and was informed of the status of this year’s peanut harvest. This past year, I was one of the leading advocates to get cotton back in Title I of the Disaster Package to provide further assistance and recovery options for farmers adversely affected by unforeseen natural circumstances. One of the biggest takeaways from my tour this year was just how fortunate we are that we were not more directly impacted by Hurricane Michael. I’m dedicated to working with Representative Martha Roby on continued recovery efforts for farmers in the Wiregrass and throughout South Alabama. We need to make sure they receive the necessary federal and state assistance they deserve to get through these unexpected and difficult times. One thing is certain: as we enter the final legislative session of this year, we must reauthorize the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill will provide greater protections for the cotton and peanut growers in our area and for other farmers and foresters throughout Alabama and the nation. Without the tireless efforts of producers all across the nation, life as we know it would not exist. From providing the food we eat, to the raw materials for the clothes we wear, to the foundational building elements all around us, our farmers and foresters impact our daily lives in truly tangible ways. We owe it to them to fight for more protections to help create a stronger future for all of Alabama, and we must always remember that our farmers are our future. ••• Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Alabama politicians react to bombs sent to Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, CNN
The New York Times is reporting that two bombs have been discovered in mail sent to former secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former president Barack Obama. An additional bomb was also sent to the Time Warner building in New York City where CNN is located. Here’s what Alabama politicians are saying: 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Violence, and encouraging violence, is never OK. Not against Republicans, not against Democrats, not against journalists, not against anyone. As a country, we have to be better than that. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Deeply troubled by reports of suspicious devices sent to various locations around the country. As we await more information, my prayers are with those impacted and the first responders. Those responsible should be held accountable to the full extent of the law. Former State Rep. Jack Williams: Sending a bomb in the mail is a terrorist act – no matter your political persuasion. No clue who is behind sending these to the Clintons, Obamas, Soroses or CNN but I hope they go to jail for life. This is why calls for violence, harassment and incivility are so dangerous. Unstable and/or evil people seize on the opportunity to do wrong things. Hopefully those responsible will be caught and we can turn the page on this time of absolute insanity in our country. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (via AL.com) I can tell you that there was a bomb that exploded in Birmingham in 1963 that killed four girls because (former public safety commissioner) Bull Connor and (former Governor) George Wallace said things that empowered them… We don’t need to encourage people and say great things about congressional people who beat up or slap a reporter or encourage someone to rough somebody up. People in today’s world in social media can just take things the wrong way and take things too far. I think we, as public officials, need to be very conscious of that.
Bradley Byrne highlights importance of agriculture, hosts ‘Ag Matters’ Tour in Southwest Alabama
In an effort to draw attention to the important impact agriculture has on Alabama’s economy and highlight some of the major issues facing Alabama’s farmers and foresters, 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne will host his fourth annual “Ag Matters” Tour this week. On Tuesday and Wednesday he will visit farms and timberland throughout the First Congressional District. The “Ag Matters” Tour will kick off in Jackson on Tuesday morning. From there, Byrne will tour private timberland in Chatom, visit a garden nursery in Mobile, host a forestry roundtable in Monroeville, and tour farms in Fairhope and Atmore. Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture John McMillan, Commissioner Elect of Agriculture Rick Pate, and representatives from the Alabama Farmers Federation and the Alabama Forestry Association will join Byrne on the tour. Some of the stops include: What: Canfor Southern Pine When: Tuesday, October 23rd, at 10:00 AM Where: 4170 Industrial Road, Jackson What: Washington County Forestry Visit When: Tuesday, October 23rd, at 1:00 PM Where: 492 Ellis Jordan Sawmill Road, Chatom What: Forestry Roundtable Discussion When: Wednesday, October 24th, at 1:00 PM Where: Alabama Ag Credit, 87 North Mount Pleasant Avenue, Monroeville Byrne is documenting tour on his official Twitter account. “I’m kicking off my 4th annual #AgMatters tour today to highlight the vital role for agriculture and forestry on Alabama’s economy. We have stops today in Clarke, Washington, and Mobile counties. Follow along!” he posted Tuesday morning. I’m kicking off my 4th annual #AgMatters tour today to highlight the vital role for agriculture and forestry on Alabama’s economy. We have stops today in Clarke, Washington, and Mobile counties. Follow along! pic.twitter.com/U7mlWH2acx — Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) October 23, 2018 On the road to Clarke County right now for the first stop on my #AgMatters tour! On the road to Clarke County right now for the first stop on my #AgMatters tour! https://t.co/MmzGDuvHOd — Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) October 23, 2018
Bradley Byrne looks to fund Trump’s border wall through budget reconciliation process
Alabama 1st District U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne announced Monday he has introduced legislation that would help President Donald Trump secure the necessary funding to build the border wall with Mexico. Byrne’s bill, H.R. 7073, better known as the 50 Votes for the Wall Act, would use the budget reconciliation process secure the necessary $25 billion needed to build the wall, which would side-step a threatened filibuster by Senate Democrats. Budget reconciliation allows bills to pass out of the Senate with only 50 votes, while almost all other Senate bills require 60 votes. Budget reconciliation was the same process used to pass tax reform last year. The bill would also fully fund the border wall, eliminating the possibility that Democrats could bottle up funding in future appropriations bills, and direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to finalize construction before the beginning of President Trump’s second term. “Border security is national security, and we cannot allow Democrats to continue to block our efforts to build a wall along our southern border,” explained Byrne. “That is why I am introducing the 50 Votes for the Wall Act, which creates a process to overcome the Democrat obstruction and move forward with plans to construct President Donald Trump’s border wall. He continued, “Sixty-three million Americans voted for President Trump with the promise of building a wall because they want us to finally secure our borders. With the 50 Votes for the Wall Act, we can make the wall a reality and ensure the safety of the American people.” The bill would create Border Wall and Security Trust Fund, allowing it to be filled with up to $25 billion “out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as the Secretary of Homeland Security may request of the Secretary of Treasury on or after October 1, 2018,” reads the bill’s text. The authority for the trust fund will be terminated on September 30, 2028. The unobligated balance of any amounts fund on such date will be returned to the general fund of the Treasury. Byrne’s bill has earned the support of Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), a leading immigration reform organization. “Even though President Trump and Congressional Republicans have a clear mandate from the American people, Democrat obstructionists have repeatedly blocked border wall funding and are once again threatening to do so in December,” said AIR Government Relations Director RJ Hauman. “This is why it is important to pursue other avenues to ensure that the border wall is funded once and for all. One such avenue is Congressman Bradley Byrne’s Fifty Votes for the Wall Act – which provides a unique and filibuster-proof funding mechanism for the border wall. FAIR applauds Congressman Byrne for introducing this legislation, and recognizing that Democrat obstruction poses a significant national security risk.” Congressman Byrne’s bill is sponsored by fifteen of his Republican colleagues, including two fellow members of the Alabama delegation: 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks and 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. Other sponsors include U.S. Reps. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Francis Rooney (R-FL), Brian Babin (R-TX), Jim Banks (R-IN), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Bill Posey (R-FL), Alex Mooney (R-WV), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), and Lamar Smith (R-TX).
Bradley Byrne: Conservative policies are working
Rarely in today’s world of instant communication and “the loudest voice wins” politics do we hear positive stories in the news cycle. Now, though, I would like to draw attention to a story that has proven to be good news, but has, for the most part, not received the coverage it deserves: conservative policies are working. In the past two years, the Republican-controlled Congress has passed over 1,000 bills out of the House of Representatives, and almost 250 of them were signed into law by President Donald Trump. That’s roughly 28 percent more bills that have passed out of the House than in years past. With the bills that have been signed into law, we have funded around 75 percent of the government on time for the first time in a decade. About 80% of the bills passed have been through bipartisan efforts, and 100% of the bills are pro-growth, pro-defense, and pro-America legislation. Part of our pro-America agenda has focused on preparing our students to enter the workforce with the necessary skills they need to thrive in today’s job market. One of the most prevalent myths in society today is that students must have a four-year degree to succeed. That’s just not true. Thanks to bipartisan reforms to our career/technical education programs, we can give students a stepping stool directly into jobs after graduation or into post-secondary education programs centered around tangible skills and real-world careers. Thanks to legislation like last year’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we are seeing confidence in our economy soar to record levels. Small business satisfaction and job openings are both at all-time highs, and our unemployment rate has dropped to the lowest level in nearly 50 years. Right here in Alabama, we are experiencing record low unemployment and more Alabamians are working than at any point in our state’s history. We have fully funded the military to help rebuild our forces after cuts under President Barack Obama. Our servicemen and women will receive the largest pay raise in nine years, better taking care of those who protect us. And, these funds will equip them with newer and improved systems so they can better execute the mission of keeping Americans safe both at home and abroad. We have passed legislation to take better care of our veterans as well. Service to our nation doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, and our veterans deserve to have the benefits they earned. Improvements to the Veterans Choice Program will allow veterans to better access the health care they need at a convenience they deserve. Additionally, changes to the GI Bill will allow education benefits to better work for both veterans and their families. We have also made progress on improving our nation’s infrastructure. Landmark legislation will make it easier to improve our waterways, ports, and airports. Right here at home, we are closer than ever before to building the I-10 Bridge and completing improvements to the Port of Mobile. Even with all the above accomplishments, there is still much work to be done. For example, securing our border for the future is a must to ensure American safety and protect our assets here at home. That’s why I have proposed the 50 Votes for the Wall Act, an innovative solution to fund the border wall and overcome Democrat obstruction in the Senate. While there are still challenges ahead, there is no doubt that with conservative policies the American people are better off now and getting stronger for tomorrow. As long as I serve in Washington, I will always support policies that put Americans first and work for a stronger future for all of Alabama. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Bradley Byrne: Water infrastructure vital to Alabama’s economy
There are very few places in the United States that can boast the sort of diverse infrastructure we have here in Alabama. There are 11 interstates, over 3,000 miles of freight rail, 5 commercial airports, and more than 132,000 miles of rivers and stream channels in our state. One of our state’s most important pieces of infrastructure is the Port of Mobile, the 10th largest port and fastest growing container terminal in the United States. With 41 berths, 5 million square feet of warehouses and yards, and covering 4,000 total acres, it has an economic impact of around 135,000 jobs in Southwest Alabama and generates more than $22 billion per year in economic value. Recent expansions and developments at the Port will only further grow the economic impact of the Port on not only Southwest Alabama but our entire state. For example, the recent announcement about a new roll-on/roll-off vehicle processing facility at the Port will help our state’s automotive manufacturing industry continue to grow. Even with these impressive facts, it has been clear that our infrastructure throughout the country is in need of updates, repairs, and overhauls to ensure that we are at the cutting edge of transportation and innovation in order to compete economically on the world stage. Last week, in a major bipartisan effort, Congress sent a piece of legislation to President Trump’s desk that will help to unlock the full economic potential of our region and state. America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 passed the Senate last week, after passing out of the House a few weeks back. This bill authorizes funding for waterway projects, port improvement projects, and other important water infrastructure projects in all 50 states. Not only will this allow for much-needed infrastructure improvements, but the bill reinstates a “Buy America” provision for federally funded projects, meaning a boost for American steel producers. Commonsense legislation like this will create jobs, incentivize the use of American-made products, and build our nation’s capabilities to produce, package, and transport goods all around the globe. It will also make our drinking water safer, improve our wastewater systems, combat algae blooms, and restore our nation’s beaches through grant programs. The Army Corps of Engineers can move forward on improving our dams, locks, reservoirs, and shipping channels. We have a major Army Corps project that needs attention right here in Southwest Alabama. The project to deepen and widen the Mobile Bay Ship Channel has the ability to fundamentally alter the economic potential of the Port and create more jobs in our state. Senator Richard Shelby has long been a champion for this project, and I am committed to working with him to make it a reality. Our shipyards, airports, and rail yards will all see an impact from waterway projects like this, and I am thankful to the members of the Senate and my colleagues in the House for passing this water infrastructure legislation to help propel Alabama even further into the 21st Century. The future of Alabama rests upon our ability to look beyond the short term and into what will set us up for success for years to come. Focusing locally on important infrastructure projects will spur economic growth through business investment and job creation, and it will open up opportunities we don’t even know exist yet. Investing in our infrastructure today will lead to a stronger tomorrow. I applaud the work of my colleagues in both the House and the Senate in making a better economic future possible through this vital water infrastructure legislation. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Alabama Congressmen to Jeff Sessions: protect American election integrity
Alabama 5th District U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks was joined by 22 of his House colleagues on Tuesday, including Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne and 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions urging him to devote more resources to protect American election integrity from foreigners who illegally interfere in American elections by illegally voting in them. “Every single illegal vote by a foreigner in American elections dilutes and cancels the votes of American citizens and rightful voters!” exclaimed Brooks. “All Americans, whether Democrat or Republican, should agree that foreigners should not be influencing U.S. elections. Unfortunately, too many partisans single out Russian involvement in America’s 2016 election (even though there is no evidence the Russians successfully tricked a single voter into casting a bad vote) while turning a blind eye to the greatest provable foreign influence on American elections: illegal foreigner voting.” According to research by the Public Interest Legal Foundation, 3,120 foreigners were registered to vote and/or removed between 2006 and 2018 in just 13 sanctuary jurisdictions. Meanwhile, there are thousands of voting jurisdictions across the country. “My colleagues and I strongly urge Attorney General Sessions to devote the necessary resources to investigate and prosecute voting fraud by foreigners. After all, we are the United States, not the United Nations,” Brooks continued. The letter specifically asks Sessions to “thoroughly investigate all instances of forge in nationals, visa holders, refugees, and other noncitizen that are either included in voter databases or have been found to cast ballots in any election and prosecute those violations fully.” Click HERE for a PDF of the letter. Letter signers are: Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-01) Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) Congressman Dave Brat (VA-07) Congressman Paul Cook (CA-08) Congressman Warren Davidson (OH-08) Congressman Jeff Duncan (SC-03) Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) Congressman Louie Gohmert (TX-01) Congressman Paul Gosar (AZ-04) Congressman Jody Hice (GA-10) Congressman Walter Jones (NC-03) Congressman Tom McClintock (CA-04) Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05) Congressman Scott Perry (PA-04) Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) Congressman Daniel Webster (FL-11) Congressman Ted Yoho (FL-03)
Bradley Byrne: SUPPORT in times of crisis
One of the things we pride ourselves on as Alabamians is taking care of each other. Not only should this mean we take care of those we know or our next-door neighbors, it should also mean taking care of all those throughout our region, especially those experiencing hardships. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anywhere from 115 to nearly 200 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Last year alone, roughly 72,000 people died from this public health crisis. No community or group is exempt from the crisis. This is not a political issue. The opioid epidemic has been going on for far too long, and it is time that something be done about it. It became clear early in the opioid epidemic, as we were just beginning to understand the problem, that treating the opioid crisis would require assistance from every level of government, but also from the private sector. This is more than a single statewide issue, or even a regional issue. The entirety of our country is being affected: every death is another loved one, friend, or neighbor that won’t see their loved ones again. In Congress, we knew we needed to start looking for ways to support those in need in our own backyard, all across the nation. When it comes to a drug crisis like this, prevention comes down to early detection within the community, proper medical treatments, and patient support programs. Last month, the House passed landmark legislation to address the opioid epidemic. Last Wednesday, the Senate passed that bill, known as the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, and it will now be signed into law by President Donald Trump. SUPPORT stands for Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment. This multi-pronged solution will be able to better detect, treat, and provide recovery opportunity for those at risk or suffering from opioid abuse or overdose in our communities. Our bipartisan bill will both establish and expand upon early-detection programs to better spot those who may be struggling with opioid addiction. It will also increase health care providers’ ability to treat patients with effective solutions, and it will establish drug management programs for at-risk beneficiaries under Medicaid. This legislation is the most significant congressional action against a single drug crisis in our nation’s history: it is bipartisan, bicameral, and it is a plan that will provide assistance to those who need it most. This legislation comes on top of efforts over the last two years to increase funding for grant programs that help states deal with the opioid crisis. Top-down, government-knows-best solutions rarely work, so I support giving greater resources to allow states and local communities to develop programs that best meet the needs of their residents. Oftentimes we can become wrapped up in our own world of heading to and from work, catching the game, and making sure the kids get to school on time. Rarely do we think of those who may be suffering through the struggles of addiction. But, we are all part of a community, and we cannot fail anyone in our community by not acting. I am proud to say that Congress has done the right thing, and I will continue to support our medical providers, first responders, police officers, and recovery program managers here in Alabama. They need our constant support. I will also keep all those throughout the country who struggle through the awful grips of addiction in my prayers and will continue to look for greater ways we as a community can come together and provide for all our neighbors. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
