Mo Brooks urges Doug Jones to confirm Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State
Alabama’s 5th District U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks said on Monday newly elected Alabama Sen. Doug Jones has the opportunity to keep his campaign promise to be bipartisan s in confirming President Donald Trump’s pick to replace outgoing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson by confirming Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo for the position. Brooks sent a letter to the Senate office of Jones urging him to vote in Pompeo’s favor. “I urge Senator Jones to vote to confirm Mike Pompeo for Secretary of State,” said Brooks. “I personally know Mike Pompeo. He has an impeccable reputation, graduated first in his class at West Point, served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, graduated Harvard Law School (where he made Law Review), and has served capably and honorably as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.” Brooks continued, “With the upcoming vote on Mike Pompeo, Senator Jones has the opportunity to keep his campaign promise to be bipartisan and put the interest of America above the partisan obstructionism that has plagued the Senate for years.” Pompeo’s fate is still not entirely certain with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee set to consider his nomination Monday afternoon. Should the committee give him the green light the full Senate, including Jones, will have the opportunity to vote to confirm him. Brooks believes Pompeo has had no major disqualifying flaw and thus should be quickly confirmed. “Each president of the United States has the right to select his cabinet and, absent some major nominee flaw, it is incumbent upon the Senate to confirm those nominees so that the president can put together the team he needs to properly carry out his duties. Mike Pompeo has no major, disqualifying flaw,” Brooks explained. “As such, I ask and hope Senator Jones will put aside partisanship and defer to the wishes and judgment of President Trump and vote to confirm Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State.” Read Brooks’ full letter below:
Doug Jones supports Donald Trump actions on Syria
Alabama Senator Doug Jones released a statement via Facebook on Saturday, supporting President Donald Trump’s actions against Syria. “Bashar al-Assad‘s repeated use of chemical weapons on innocent civilians – so many of them children – was an atrocity and must be stopped,” said Jones. “I fully support the President’s actions last night to strategically target Assad’s capacity to use chemical weapons, and to do so with the assistance of our allies. It is my hope, as General Mattis stated last night, that Assad gets the message this time and that further action, which should be done with Congressional approval, will not be necessary.” “Finally, I am grateful for the capable service of the Alabama airmen who supported this mission in Syria last night. To them and their families, I share my continued appreciation for their sacrifices on behalf of all of us.” Jones released his statement after the United States, United Kingdom, and France used targeted airstrikes on several targets related to Syria’s chemical weapons program. The strikes came six days after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces used chemical weapons against civilians outside of Damascus. Activists and doctors Syria published images of men, women, and children with foam coming out of their mouths and noses; doctors saying that they were exposed to a nerve agent. The attack killed at least 42 adults and children. Trump tweeted on Saturday that the airstrike was “A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!” A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2018 While most Republican lawmakers applauded the President’s actions, Democratic lawmakers have varying opinions. Virginia-Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine said Trump’s actions were “illegal” because he proceeded with approval from congress. House Minority Leader California-Democrat Nancy Pelosi said that although Assad’s chemical weapons attack was a “brutally inhumane war crime that demands a strong, smart and calculated response.” Trump needs to present a more comprehensive strategy on Syria to Congress and seek lawmakers’ approval in order to move forward.
Doug Jones’ book ‘Bending Toward Justice’ on track for January release
Alabama’s junior Senator Democrat Doug Jones, who bested former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore in a historic upset in December, has a book on track to be released January 2019. St. Martin’s Press told to The Associated Press on Tuesday, Jones’ book will be titled “Bending Toward Justice: The Birmingham Church Bombing that Changed the Course of Civil Rights.” Prior to his being elected Senator, Jones is best known for prosecuting Ku Klux Klansmen responsible for killing four black girls in the 1963 bombing of the 1963 Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham as a U.S. attorney. According to the AP, Jones book will cover that time in his life through his Senate race, which made him Alabama’s first Democrat elected to the Senate in over 20 years. Australian Greg Truman, now a New York-based writer, editor, and story consultant wrote the book with Jones. According to the Australian News, Truman “was beside the former lawyer for the crucial final weeks of the campaign and witnessed his ‘overwhelming’ victory in Birmingham.” An Australian and an Alabamian walk into a bar … pic.twitter.com/W0ri3oeJ1f — Greg Truman (@gregtruman) December 13, 2017
Doug Jones announces $3.6 Million grant for Birmingham bus system
The Birmingham public transit system is getting a much needed financial boost this year, a $3.6 million boost at that. The planned improvements to the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) endeavor to provide easier access to areas of Birmingham for those who use it daily, and those who visit the city. U.S. Senator Doug Jones announced the grant on Thursday. “Safe, reliable public transportation is important for any city, but it’s especially critical for Birmingham as it prepares to host the 2021 World Games. Beyond that event, these grant funds will benefit the citizens of Birmingham who rely on public transit to go about their daily lives,” Jones said in a statement. The U.S. Department of Transportation says the money will be used by the BJCTA to replace the old buses that have outlived their usefulness. The Transit Authority says that the new vehicles will provide improved reliability and will reduce maintenance and other costs. One of the reasons the Transportation Department chose to improve the bus service in Birmingham was because of the city’s upcoming role as the host to the 2021 World Games, an Olympic-style event expected to bring thousands of people to the region. Alabama was one of 139 other beneficiaries, selected from over 50 states and territories to receive the grant funds. The funding will be distributed through the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program. A program that helps communities replace and rehabilitate old buses, and purchase new buses.
Alabama remembers Martin Luther King, Jr., 50 years after assassination
Wednesday marks 50 years since the assassination of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and people across the country are taking time to remember his life and legacy. A lot of King’s fight for racial equality took place in Alabama, and Yellowhammer State politicians taking a moment to remember him today. Here’s what they’re saying: Tuscaloosa Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Walt Maddox (via statement): Words are inadequate as we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this the 50th Anniversary of his assassination. For most of us in public service, when it comes to honoring Dr. King, we select one of his many inspirational quotes, and we try to summarize it in a way that is reaffirming and sanitized. While intentions may be honorable, it falls woefully short of honoring an American patriot whose life was cut tragically short. [Click here to read more.] Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (via Facebook): Today, as we remember Dr. King on the 50th anniversary of his death, I want to share one of his speeches that I believe resonates today – on the power of love. As anger and hate drive a wedge between Americans, let’s remember what Dr. King taught us, that it is love that will win our fight for justice. Love for our neighbor, love for our enemy, love correcting everything that stands against love. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (via Facebook): Fifty years after Dr. Martin Luther King’s passing this week, each of us has a responsibility to continue to fight for the American Dream. We must honor Dr. King’s legacy by working to ensure our nation lives up to its creed of dignity, respect, equality and justice. #MLK50 Tuskegee-Democrat State Rep. Pebblin Warren (via Facebook): Today is my birthday and the day Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated on my 16th Birthday. Over the years I have been truly blessed to come from cotton fields in Georgia to the State House in Alabama. I have had my shares of ups and downs but through it all my faith has carried me through. I was born in the house below by a midwife. Back in the day the kitchen was separated from the house. I am so thankful to my mother who had an 8th grade education, but wisdom unmeasurable. My father died when I was 6 and 6 days old. Mama instilled getting an education, strong work habits, strong religious beliefs and to help where ever you can. I am so thankful to my husband, children and grand children for their undying LOVE. My prayer is that God will continue to bless me with good health, mind and soul for many more years to come. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (via Facebook): Today we remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech was his final address before his assassination in 1968. Fifty years later, we continue work to promote equal opportunities for all and keep his dream alive. #MLK50 This article will continue to be updated throughout the day.
Alabama Senate passes resolution condemning Doug Jones’ abortion vote
On Tuesday, the State Senate passed a resolution condemning Alabama’s junior United States Senator Doug Jones for his January vote against legislation banning late term abortions. Commonly known as the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, the legislation would have prohibited abortions after 20 weeks. The bill does provide exceptions for abortions that would be necessary to save the mother’s life or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. It would not allow prosecutors to pursue charges against women who underwent the procedure. Gubernatorial candidates and Mobile-Republican State Sen. Bill Hightower praised the passage of the resolution, SR109, which he sponsored. “Senator Jones owes the people of Alabama an explanation for turning his back on a campaign promise he made just a few short months ago,” said Hightower in a statement. “More importantly, Senator Jones needs to explain why he would turn his back on the basic humanity of an individual’s right to life. At 20 weeks in the womb, it is not about a choice, it is about an innocent little baby’s right to live.” Hightower says the science is clear, “at 20 weeks of pregnancy, a child has a heartbeat, a child feels pain.” He continued, “What Senator Jones voted against was the basic humanity each and every one has a right to. Perhaps these are the values of Senator Jones’ new liberal colleagues, but they are not the values of Alabama. We deserve better from our Senator in Washington. And innocent children deserve better from us all.” During his campaign for U.S. Senate, Jones went on record saying “the law for decades has been that late-term procedures are generally restricted except in the case of medical necessity. That’s what I support.” However, when H.R. 36: The Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act came before the U.S. Senate for a vote to be brought to the floor, Jones voted against it, essentially killing the bill. Hightower’s resolution outlines what he calls Jones’ “hypocrisy in claiming to be pro-life during his campaign for United States Senate, while at the same time accepting campaign contributions from extreme pro-choice interests, and then voting with those pro-choice interests rather than with the voters of Alabama who elected him.”
Steve Bannon blames GOP for Roy Moore’s defeat in Alabama
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is blaming the Republican establishment for Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore’s defeat, saying GOP leaders pushed pedophilia accusations against him. Bannon says Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was too quick to back away from Moore, who faced charges of sexually abusing underage girls. Moore, whom Bannon supported, lost in December to Doug Jones, giving Democrats a U.S. Senate seat from Alabama for the first time in a generation. Bannon gave a wide-ranging interview Thursday at the Financial Times’ “Future of News” event. The conservative provocateur defended his recent admiring comments about Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, saying the fascist was “evil” but “fascinating.” When asked if the world’s institutions needed to be “blown up,” Bannon responded, “A few of them, certainly.” Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Here’s how the Alabama delegation voted for the $1.3 trillion government funding bill
Shortly after midnight, the U.S. Senate passed a $1.3 trillion spending package that will keep the government funded through the end of September. The move avoided a government shutdown. The measure strengthens America’s national defense by making the largest investment in our Armed Forces since the beginning of the War on Terror. It provides a pay raise for the troops, funds new weapon systems, and invests heavily in measures designed to counter threats from ISIL and North Korea. Additionally, the legislation cares for our veterans by providing record level VA funding. The bill also provides $4.6 billion to combat the opioid crisis, which will be spread across agencies for the purpose of opioid prevention, treatment, and enforcement. To renew America’s aging infrastructure, the legislation includes more than $21.2 billion in new infrastructure funding to ensure public safety, create efficiencies, and promote economic growth. This includes investment in rural infrastructure, including a new initiative for areas without broadband access. Further, the bill secures the homeland with adequate funding to fight terrorism, enhance criminal law enforcement, and secure U.S. borders – dedicating $1.57 billion toward physical barriers on the southern border, in addition to added funding for immigration enforcement. The legislation also safeguards America’s students by providing more than $2 billion in mental health, training, and school safety efforts to keep our kids and schools safe. It also contains the STOP School Violence Act to help ensure lifesaving resources are available to states and schools to stop violence before it happens. The stopgap spending measure passed the Senate by a vote of 65-32, after advancing in the House of Representatives hours earlier by a vote of 256-167. The measure will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Here’s how the Alabama delegation voted and what they have to say about the legislation: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: This measure will deliver the resources and certainty that the American military deserves, specifically the largest year-to-year increase in defense funding in 15 years. After a lack of investment to our nation’s Armed Services, Congress is working to strengthen our national defense. The legislation also contains a host of important victories on behalf of the American people, such as fighting the opioid epidemic, rebuilding America’s aging infrastructure, protecting the American people by securing the homeland, and safeguarding our students. I am proud that the Senate has passed this strong bill. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones: No statement made. Voted in favor of the bill. Ala. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: With today’s vote, we are finally getting the resources to our military men and women they need to keep our nation safe… Very important to me, this bill funds the construction of three Littoral Combat Ships and one Expeditionary Fast Transport. It also supports the various other military programs and installations across Alabama. The bill paves the way for new road projects, like the I-10 Bridge, while also ensuring resources for improvements to the Port of Mobile, other road projects, and expansion of rural broadband initiatives. It includes strong funding levels for vital coastal ecosystem programs and makes critical investments for Alabama’s farmers and foresters. At the end of the day, I am confident Alabama is a big winner in this funding bill. Ala. 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: No statement made. Voted in favor of the bill. Ala. 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: No statement made. Voted in favor of the bill. Ala. 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: No statement made. Voted in favor of the bill. Ala. 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: No statement made. Voted against the bill. Ala. 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: While I strongly support the increased funding for our military, I could not in good conscience vote for the Omnibus that costs almost $1.3 trillion. The military threats to our national security are real and serious, but so is the fiscal threat to our national security. As a result of years of deficit spending, trillions have been added to our national debt, which recently reached $21 trillion for the first time. Eventually the bill will come due with major consequences for our nation. Ala. 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Today’s vote to keep the government open for the rest of the fiscal year and fund critical public services is an important step forward and a testament to effective, bipartisan cooperation. On issues ranging from healthcare to infrastructure to education, this bill takes a commonsense approach to addressing some of the biggest challenges my constituents and many Americans face.
Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg: ‘significant number’ of fake news attempts in Ala. special election
During an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, said the popular platform worked to shut down “fake news” during Alabama’s contentious special election in December between Republican Roy Moore and Democrat Doug Jones. Zuckerberg explained a number of Macedonian accounts attempted to the influence the outcome of the race. “In last year, in 2017 with the special election in Alabama, we deployed some new (artificial intelligence) tools to identify fake accounts and false news, and we found a significant number of Macedonian accounts that were trying to spread false news, and were able to eliminate those,” Zuckerberg said to The Times. “And that, actually, is something I haven’t talked about publicly before, so you’re the first people I’m telling about that.” Ultimately, Jones bested Moore in the race and went on to become Alabama’s junior U.S. Senator replacing Jeff Sessions who vacated the seat to become the U.S. Attorney General under President Donald Trump. Kayla Moore, Moore’s wife, posted on Facebook Thursday that they did not know about the Macedonian efforts. The were “news to us” she said. “The entire world was watching the race so there’s no telling what went on, but we were simply trying to run an Alabama campaign with the help of conservatives all across the state and the nation,” said Kayla.
Doug Jones uses first floor speech to urge colleagues to take on gun violence
Alabama Sen. Doug Jones took to the Senate floor on Wednesday to give his first floor speech since being sworn in to the U.S. Senate in January. During the speech, Jones called on his colleagues to take up the issue of gun violence. “Today, I gave my first floor speech on an issue that has divided so many Americans, and is a complicated one for me, too. But as leaders, we have to reject the “us versus them” mentality. At the end of the day, we’re all Americans who are united by a bond of shared values and love of country. Let’s work together to find common ground where it exists, and begin to make our country a safer place,” Jones posted on Facebook. Watch Jones’ speech below:
Complaint filed against key PAC in Alabama Senate race
A complaint alleging federal campaign finance law violations has been filed against a super PAC that spent heavily to support Sen. Doug Jones in Alabama’s U.S. Senate election, but did not disclose donors until after the election. The nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center on Monday filed the complaint against Highway 31 super PAC with the Federal Election Commission. The complaint alleges Highway 31 failed to report donors by using a scheme where the PAC received credit from vendors. Highway 31 spent $4 million in the 2017 Senate election. Many of its spots and mailers focused on accusations against sexual misconduct allegations against Moore. It was disclosed after Jones’ victory that the PAC received much of its money from the Senate Majority Pac, which works to elect Democrats. Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Alabama’s Congressional Democrats ready for gun control action, Republicans mum
Americans across the country are once again calling on Congress to take action on gun control following last week’s massacre in Parkland, Fla. that left 17 people dead at a high school. While Congress has yet to take action, President Donald Trump helped move the conversation forward on Monday when he offered support for a limited strengthening of federal background checks on gun purchases. “While discussions are ongoing and revisions are being considered, the president is supportive of efforts to improve the federal background check system,” confirmed White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Trump’s is referring to the Fix NICS Act. Introduced last year by Texas-Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the bill is aimed to “fix” the way in which existing background checks can prevent firearm purchases by those who present possible red flags to state and local authorities. The legislation would ensure that federal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The bill also penalizes federal agencies that fail to properly report relevant records and incentivizes states to improve their overall reporting and directs more federal funding to the accurate reporting of domestic violence records. Within the Alabama delegation, Democrats U.S. Sen. Doug Jones and 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri A. Sewell are glad to see Trump’s support for policy change and are ready to see Congress take action. “I absolutely support strengthening our background check system, and I’m glad the President agrees,” said Jones. “We need better data reported to the database, we need to close the gun show loophole, and we need to look at ways we can improve school safety. These won’t fix the problem overnight, but they are common sense first steps that we can take immediately.” Sewell agrees the Fix NICS Act is a step in the right direction. “I strongly agree that the Congress must take bipartisan action to strengthen background checks and address the epidemic of gun violence that has claimed so many lives,” remarked Sewell. “The Fix NICS Act is a step in the right direction, but alone, it is not enough to address the tragic reality of gun violence in America that has struck communities from Parkland to Las Vegas to Newtown.” But Sewell doesn’t believe the bill, which is backed by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation, goes far enough on its own. “This bill does not close the gun show loophole or prevent the reckless sale of bump stocks, both of which deserve legislative solutions,” Sewell added. “I believe the President’s support for Sen. Cornyn’s bill is proof of the growing public demand for action among both Republicans and Democrats. I have always been a strong proponent of the Second Amendment, but Congress can no longer settle for symbolic gestures when gun violence kills more Americans every day.” Meanwhile Republicans have remained mostly mum offering only their thoughts and prayers to the victims’ families. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne being the only exception. When Alabama Today asked all members of the Alabama delegation whether or not they supported improving the federal background check system, Byrne’s was the only Republican office to respond. “Congressman Byrne is open to evaluating any proposal from the Trump Administration regarding potential changes to the background check system. He will wait to review the proposals before weighing in,” said Byrne spokesperson Seth Morrow.
