Alabama delegation shuffles D.C. office locations during biennial office lottery
Following the November elections, Capitol Hill’s version of “The Hunger Games” began in Washington, D.C., where incumbent and incoming Members of Congress battled it out from prime office real estate in the House of Representatives. The “House Office Lottery” takes place every two years before the each new Congress begins in January. During the lottery, lawmakers vie for office spaces in one of the three House Office Buildings (HOB), Cannon, Longworth and Rayburn, where they’ll stay for the entirety of the two-year Congress. Those who end up with a coveted, large corner office may stay put for their entire Congressional careers; while other less lucky Members who end up in no-man’s land on the dimly lit fifth-floor, where elevators and people are scarce may opt to move the first chance the get during the next lottery. The process is simple, numbered black and white discs are placed into a wooden box. By seniority in Congress, then alphabetical order, each Members pulls disc out of the box. The lower the number on the disc, the better the position in line to choose an office. For some Members who have had a bad draw in the past and have been relegated to an extra small office, the a low number literally feels like winning the lottery. While there are no new Members joining the Alabama delegation this January, all of the incumbents won their re-elections, there will be a shuffle of office spaces among the delegation, with only three of the delegation’s seven Members opting to stay put during the 115th Congress. One of those taking advantage of the option to upgrade and move, is Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. Previously situated near the construction zone of oldest office building, Cannon HOB, Rogers was lucky enough to update to a space known for its large offices and superior views in the newest building, Rayburn HOB. “I have always said my door is open to the people of the Third Congressional District,” Rogers said. “I am excited about our new location in Washington and hope local citizens will continue to come by and visit when they are in our nation’s capital.” Here’s where you can find the Yellowhammer State reps should you visit Washington, D.C. next year: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Staying put Office location: 119 Cannon HOB Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Staying put Office location: 442 Cannon HOB Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Moved Office location: 2184 Rayburn HOB Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Staying put Office location: 235 Cannon HOB Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Moved Office location: 2400 Rayburn HOB Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Moved Office location: 330 Cannon HOB Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Moved Office location: 2201 Rayburn HOB
21st Century Cures Act heads to Barack Obama’s desk
Congress has approved the first major mental health legislation in nearly a decade Wednesday. The 21st Century Cures Act, which overhauls the development of medical treatments and cures, is likely to be one of the final pieces of legislation President Barack Obama will sign into law before he leaves office next month. The Senate voted 94-5 on Wednesday to approve the bill, following the House’s passage (344-77) just last week. The 21st Century Cures Act improves: Discovery: by providing the NIH with fully offset funding to advance the Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into the genetic, lifestyle, and environmental variations of disease; speed up cancer research; and invest in the BRAIN initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s. Development: by turning 21st Century scientific advancement and research into FDA-approved treatments and cures through modernizing clinical trials; putting patients at the center of the regulatory review process; streamlining regulations to foster innovation in health care software and mobile medical apps; incentivizing pediatric drug development and empowering the FDA to be more flexible in reviewing medical devices and technologies; and providing the FDA with $500 million for regulatory modernization and enable the agency to recruit the best scientists, doctors, and engineers. Delivery: by ensuring new drugs and devices are given to the right patients at the right time through ensuring that electronic health record systems seamlessly operate for best patient care; facilitating seniors’ access to the latest medical technology; and improving education for health care providers. Mental Health Care: by coordinating mental health programs across the federal government; establishing the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Lab to drive evidence-based grants to help states combat addiction and abuse; clarifying HIPAA communication rules among providers, families, and patients to improve treatment; and strengthening our nation’s mental health workforce. Here’s how the Alabama delegation voted and what they had to say about the bill: Sen. Richard Shelby: America has long been the world’s leader in medical innovation and it is important that we modernize, personalize, and streamline our health care delivery system to ensure that it meets the demands of today. For the millions of Americans suffering from a serious illness such as cancer or Alzheimer’s, cutting-edge research is the beginning of hope for them and their loved ones. I have always been a strong proponent of ensuring that we appropriately support first-rate medical innovation and research initiatives for the next generation of treatments and cures. The 21st Century Cures Act will not only foster needed changes in our health care infrastructure, but it also takes critical steps to fight our nation’s growing opioid epidemic and strengthen our mental health programs. It is great news for the American people that both the House and Senate have passed this bipartisan legislation. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I think the 21st Century Cures Act may end up being the most important bill passed by Congress over the last few years. In addition to helping boost medical research, the bill also dedicates resources to mental health reform and fighting our nation’s opioid crisis. I outline why I supported this bold legislation in my column this week. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The 21st Century Cures Act fosters innovation in medical technology and research, eliminates regulations that hinder competition, provides resources to combat the growing opioid epidemic, ensures critical support for those struggling with mental health issues, and rightfully reforms Medicare and Medicaid to reduce overpayments and provide reimbursements. The bill improves medical treatment discovery, development, and delivery for those who need it most. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: No comment given at this time. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: No comment given at this time. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: No comment given at this time. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: No comment given at this time. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: From the biomedical research community in Birmingham to my constituents who live with rare diseases and hospitals who serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients, all Alabamians will benefit from implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act. I am particularly pleased that the bill includes critical support for rural health care, regulatory relief for Long-Term Acute Care and Critical Access Hospitals, and increased funding for cutting-edge biomedical research. In addition, the bill provides substantial relief from readmission penalties to Alabama’s hospitals, the majority of which serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients.
House passes defense spending bill with Alabama delegation support
On Friday, the annual defense policy bill overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 375 to 34. It now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration next week. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), funds the Pentagon and related military and intelligence operations through the next fiscal year. Specifically, the 2017 NDAA: Contains $619 billion total for national defense Provides $5.8 billion in supplemental funding for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Europe Supplies an additional $3.2 billion for Readiness Stabilization Funding in an effort to stop additional reductions of the military Includes critical funding for Army helicopters $882 million for 52 AH-64 Apache helicopters $755 million for 36 new UH-60M multi-use Black Hawks for the Army and National Guard $126 million for the Improved Turbine Engine Program – a program essential to the development of a next generation engine for Blackhawk and Apache helicopter platforms Supports the Littoral Combat Ship program (LCS) by providing $1.1 million for two new Littoral Combat Ship Provides a 2.1% pay raise for our troops Maintains the current Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), including for dual military families Improves access to health care for our troops and their families Prohibits the transfer of detainees at Guantanamo Bay to the United States, prohibits closure of the facility, and prohibits the transfer of the naval base to Cuba Provides the resources to combat Islamic extremists and to assist foreign security forces, such as the Kurds and Sunnis, to fight ISIS Supports our European allies to counter Russian aggression and funds the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense programs Delivers improved technology to the warfighter faster While most chamber Democrats backed the legislation, despite the $619 billion price tag coming $3.2 billion dollars over White House requests, Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell chose not to vote. Here’s how the delegation voted and what they had to say about the bill: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: This NDAA stops the drawdown of the military and authorizes critical funding for the operation and maintenance of our military. The bill authorizes important funding for training, helps rebuild outdated infrastructure, and ensures our military men and women have the munitions they need for ongoing operations. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The Fiscal Year 2017 NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense so that our service men and women have the tools and resources necessary to do their jobs. I’m pleased that the House took this critical step to support our troops and keep Americans safe. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration early next year to provide additional resources to fully fund unmet procurement needs, ensuring that our military – from the Generals making strategic decisions at the Pentagon to the warfighter on the front lines – have all that they need to defend our nation. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: I am pleased the NDAA passed the House today with my strong support. This is a critical piece of legislation that helps take care of our brave men and women in uniform. This bill will strengthen our military, provide for vital installations like the Anniston Army Depot and authorize the funding needed to keep America safe. It will also give our service members the pay raise they deserve that they have not gotten in the past four years. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: No comment made at this time. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: In recent years, budget cuts have slashed vital funding for training and equipment, creating a readiness crisis. The FY17 NDAA protects programs critical to ensuring our warfighters have the training and weaponry needed to protect America. Specifically, the legislation increases ground and aviation training and replenishes depleted munitions inventories. In addition, the FY17 NDAA fully fund’s Israel’s missile defense requirements and rejects cuts to TRICARE, Housing Allowances, and Commissary benefits for service members and their families. The FY17 NDAA also includes the largest pay raise for our troops in six years. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell:
Alabama leaders react to Jeff Sessions Trump-Administration appointment
Alabama’s junior senator, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions has been offered the attorney general job by Donald Trump. A member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sessions was an early supporter and endorser of Trump, and over the past several months has become a close and trusted adviser. In a statement released Thursday, the Trump transition team hinted at Sessions’ appointment: “[T]he President-elect has been unbelievably impressed with Senator Sessions and his phenomenal record as Alabama’s Attorney General and U.S. Attorney. It is no wonder the people of Alabama re-elected him without opposition.” Sessions served as the Alabama AG from from 1995 – 1997, when he entered the United States Senate. Here’s what Alabama leaders have to say about his appointment: Gov. Robert Bentley: I wish to congratulate Senator Sessions on his appointment as United States Attorney General. I look forward to having conservative leadership in our Justice Department. Alabama enjoys strong representation in Congress and I want to ensure that continues upon the confirmation of Senator Sessions. He has served our state and our people with dignity and has been a bright example for conservative values. Sen. Richard Shelby: President-elect Trump has made an outstanding decision in selecting my friend and colleague Senator Jeff Sessions to serve as our next U.S. Attorney General. Jeff is a man of integrity who has been a trusted and valued partner of mine in the Senate as well as an unwavering voice for Alabamians in Congress. With decades of experience in the legal field and an impressive tenure on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Jeff will bring expertise to President-elect Trump’s cabinet and the Department of Justice. I am confident that Jeff will continue to stand up for the American people, our Constitution, and the rule of law in this new role. My wife Annette and I wish him, his wife Mary, and his family the very best during this exciting time. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I have known Jeff Sessions for almost 40 years, and he has always been a person of the highest level of integrity. As a U.S. Attorney in Mobile, Senator Sessions led the charge to clean up corruption in our local government. He earned respect from everyone in our community by always conducting himself in a professional and fair way. In the Senate, Senator Sessions has a clear track record of defending the law and advocating for a smaller, less invasive federal government. Just as important, he has always been willing to partner with other members of our Congressional delegation to support Alabama projects and priorities. The people of Alabama will miss the service and leadership of Jeff Sessions, but I have no doubt he will be an excellent Attorney General for the United States. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: There is no one more capable and qualified to serve our country as Attorney General than Senator Jeff Sessions. President-elect Trump has selected a leader with remarkable depth of knowledge and experience who cares about Americans and will fight for what’s right. I am very proud for Senator Sessions on this achievement. He has been a kind mentor to me, and I have valued his guidance and leadership over the last six years. Although I hate to see him leave the Legislative Branch, I am confident this new role will enhance Senator Sessions’ ability to change our nation’s course for the better. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Jeff Sessions is a man of the greatest integrity and character. He will do an outstanding job as the Attorney General of the United States. He has served Alabama with the utmost distinction, boundless vigor and endless determination. He will bring those same qualities and more to the Department of Justice to enforce the law. Alabama has every right to be extremely proud. I also want to congratulate President-elect Trump on this exceptional choice. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Today President-elect Trump made an excellent choice for United States Attorney General by nominating Senator Jeff Sessions to serve our nation in his Administration. As a former U.S. Attorney in Mobile and Alabama’s Attorney General, as well as a United States Senator, Senator Sessions defended the Constitution and held firm to our founding principles. Over the past 20 years, Senator Sessions has proven himself to be an intelligent, trustworthy conservative in the Senate becoming a voice for millions of Americans who felt ignored by Washington. His track record of success and sound decisions make him the best possible candidate for the job. I truly believe that Senator Sessions is the right man to restore the public’s confidence in our justice system. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange: Today I want to congratulate Jeff Sessions on his nomination to be our nation’s Attorney General. Senator Sessions is a credit to our state and to our nation, and I know that he will make us all proud in his new role where he will be a champion for the rule of law. From the day Jeff Sessions stepped foot on the floor of the United States Senate, he has never forgotten where he came from or who he represents. He has worked tirelessly for the people of Alabama, fighting to bring home jobs and economic development, to secure our borders, and to ensure that our military men and women receive all the support they need to succeed—whether on the battlefield, in a veterans’ hospital, or in their civilian lives. He leaves very big shoes to fill. There will be a time to decide who will try to fill those shoes, but that is for another day. Today is about Jeff Sessions, the legacy he leaves behind, and the good work for our country we know he is yet to achieve. In his new role, I join all Alabamians in wishing him good luck and Godspeed. Senator Sessions, you make us proud.
Alabama politicians react to Donald Trump’s stunning victory
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump scored a shocking and historic upset victory in the early hours of Wednesday morning, defeating Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Trump maintained an Electoral College count lead over Clinton throughout the early evening, and as the votes were counted overnight, Trump’s lead widened until he secured the necessary 270-plus electoral votes around 2:45 a.m. ET. Here’s what Alabama politicians have to say about Trump’s victory: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (via statement): Last night the American people roundly rejected the failed Obama-Clinton policies that aren’t working for our country. We now have the opportunity to come together to champion conservative causes and reverse the damage that has been done from big government policies like Obamacare and Dodd-Frank. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump and my conservative colleagues in Congress on commonsense solutions that will ensure a brighter future for all Americans. Alabama 1st District Rep. Bradley Byrne (via Facebook): Congratulations to President-elect Donald J. Trump and his entire team on tonight’s historic victory! It is time for new leadership in Washington. Now is the time for unity, and I look forward to seeing the positive change that will come from a unified Republican government. Alabama 2nd District Rep. Martha Roby (via statement): I offer my sincere congratulations to Donald Trump upon his impressive and decisive victory. There is much to do to get this country back on track, and I’m eager to get to work. As someone who has spent the last six years in Congress playing defense against the Obama Administration, I am eager to play offense to advance conservative priorities and to protect Alabama’s interests. No matter what, I will continue to fight on behalf of the people I represent and focus on the issues that matter to them. Alabama 3rd District Rep. Mike Rogers (via statement): As I have said before, Donald Trump was the only option for Americans to vote for as president. The people have spoken for real change and I congratulate Mr. Trump on his tremendous victory. For Republicans in Congress, we will now have a champion in the White House for our conservative agenda, to repeal and replace Obamacare, rebuild our national defense, and restore Constitutional rule. I look forward to working with the new Trump Administration to make America great again. Let’s get to work. Alabama 6th District Rep. Gary Palmer (via Twitter): Congratulations @realDonaldTrump – I look forward to working with you. This article will updated as additional comments are available.
This week in the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate: Sept. 19-23, 2016
The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate are moving full steam ahead working to finalize negotiations surrounding a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government running beyond the end of September and into December, through the November election. Many lawmakers are hopeful to strike a deal early, which would allow them to recess ahead of schedule and head back to the campaign trail for the pre-election recess that is scheduled to begin Oct. 1. U.S. House of Representatives On Monday, the House meets in pro forma session. On Tuesday, the House is in session and will consider several bills under Suspension of the Rules. A full list of bills can be found here. On Wednesday, the House will consider several more suspensions as well as H.R. 3438: the Require Evaluation before Implementing Executive Wishlists (REVIEW) Act. The bill would delay the effective date of “high-impact” regulations, or those costing more than $1 billion annually, until all court challenges to the regulation have been settled. Alabama co-sponsor(s): Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) For the balance of the week, the House is expected to consider the following: H.R. 5461: the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act. The bill requires the Treasury secretary to compile and submit to Congress a report detailing the known assets of Iran’s top political and military leaders, how those assets were acquired, and for what purposes the assets were used. Alabama co-sponsor(s): None H.R. 5931: the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act. The bill states that it is the policy of the U.S. government not to pay ransom or release prisoners for the purpose of securing the release of U.S. citizens taken hostage abroad, and it generally prohibits the U.S. government from providing to the government of Iran, either directly or indirectly, any cash or other promissory note. It requires the administration to obtain a Treasury foreign assets license before settling any pending financial claims with Iran, and to publicly disclose each such transaction and payment. Alabama co-sponsor(s): None H.R. 5719: the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act. The bill would allow employee stockholders in startup ventures to defer taxes for seven years on stock options in their companies. To qualify, the stock options would have to be offered to at least 80 percent of a company’s workforce, and the benefit would not be available to majority owners, corporate officers, or the highest-paid executives. Alabama co-sponsor(s): None The House may also consider H.R. 1309: the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act. The bill would eliminate a $50 billion asset threshold, set by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul, that deems banks of that size or larger to be systemically important financial institutions (SIFI). The SIFI designation brings enhanced federal oversight as well as requirements to maintain certain levels of capital and other assets. Instead, the bill authorizes the Financial Stability Oversight Council to decide whether banks should be subject to enhanced supervision and standards because of financial distress at the bank, or because the nature, scope, size, scale, concentration, interconnectedness or mix of its activities could threaten the financial stability of the United States. Alabama co-sponsor(s): Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy has indicated additional legislative items are also possible this week. U.S. Senate The Senate is in session and may consider a 10-week continuing resolution (CR) as early as Monday. Congress must pass a CR or other funding legislation before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30 in order avert a government shutdown. The pending CR is expected to fund the government through Dec. 9, one week before Congress is currently scheduled to adjourn for the December holidays. Additional legislation is also possible in the Senate this week.
Mike Rogers: Moving around East Alabama
Recently, I had the chance to make my way across East Alabama during the Congressional district work period. I always enjoy taking a break from Washington to visit with folks and spend time back in our great state. During this work period, I had the opportunity to tour several facilities in the Third District, including DaVita Dialysis in Opelika and General Electric in Auburn. These companies are both great examples of growing areas of the economy: health care and aviation. I also was pleased to tour the new Weaver Community Center and visit with some seniors in their new senior center. This community center is important to maintaining community ties in the small, but vital towns in our area. I held a meeting of my Third Congressional District Veterans Advisory Committee to hear what was on the minds of our veterans, and we got to learn about the Veterans Upward Bound Program that aids veterans in their pursuit of higher education. Anniston Middle School allowed me speak to their students and present a flag to the school. While in Calhoun County, I also toured the impressive Oxford Career Technical Center at Oxford High School. It was great to see students get the chance to train in these technical fields. Farmers from across East Alabama gathered to discuss what agriculture issues were on the forefront for our state, which is always helpful for me to hear firsthand. At Auburn University, I toured the Auburn Canine Breeding Facility and enjoyed seeing the great things Auburn is doing with that program. I had the distinct honor of attending the Anniston Army Depot’s 75th Anniversary celebration and presented a Congressional Record statement recognizing this exciting time for that important facility. Besides these scheduled events, I attended my church, went to the grocery store, and held meetings in the Anniston District Office. Just being out and about gave me the chance to hear from many of you. For those of you I didn’t get to see or talk to, please contact my office with any concerns or thoughts you may have, or take advantage of my Mobile Office Hours in your county each month. For more information, visit my website at mikerogers.house.gov. • • • Mike Rogers is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District.
Alabama U.S. House members sit on six-figure warchests with little competition
Second quarter campaign finance reports are in, and each of Alabama’s seven incumbent U.S. House members are sitting on six-figure campaign accounts with little competition. Third term Republican Rep. Mo Brooks has the biggest war chest of the bunch with more than $1.1 million in cash-on-hand as of June 30. Brooks didn’t face a Republican primary challenger this cycle, so he is set to cruise into another term over with his only opposition coming from Democrat Willie Boyd, who had just $1,772 in his campaign account through the end of the quarter. Though Brooks has the most on-hand cash of the Alabama delegation, the Congressional District 5 representative only brought in about $130,000 for the quarter — far less than most of his colleagues. Rep. Terri Sewell, Alabama’s lone Democratic member of Congress, showed $921,028 in the bank through the end of the second quarter. Her report includes $323,258 in contributions, $113,000 of which came from individuals, and about $180,000 in expenditures. CD 6 Rep. Gary Palmer finished the three-month reporting period with about $840,000 on hand after raising $140,000 and spending about $80,000 between April 1 and June 30. His lone challenger, Democrat David Putnam, finished the quarter $21 in the red. Alabama’s other four House members are hovering around the $400,000 mark in cash-on-hand. CD 3 Rep. Mike Rogers finished the quarter with $452,000 in the bank after raising $165,000 and spending about $86,000, followed by CD 1 Rep. Bradley Byrne, who raised $134,000 and spent $124,000 to finish Q2 with an on-hand total of about $446,000. CD 4 Rep. Robert Aderholt put up a similar performance with $120,000 raised and $37,000 spent to finish with about $397,000 in the bank. All three candidates are set to return to the House with little to no opposition, as is the case for CD 2 Rep. Martha Roby, though the incumbent has spent $215,000 since she won the Republican primary for her fourth term. Roby offsets the expenditures with just $56,000 in contributions to finish the quarter with a little over $396,000 in her campaign account.
Alabama 2016 Independence Day messages
Today Alabama families gather with friends and neighbors, march in parades, fire up grills and enjoy fireworks displays at night. , and join citizens across the Yellowhammer State and country in raising their American flags to honor the patriots who, 240 years ago, risked it all and declared their independence in hopes of creating a nation of liberty, freedom, and endless opportunity for all. Here are some Independence Day messages from elected officials in Alabama: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Independence Day. May we remember the men and women in uniform who fight for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I hope you and your family have a fun and safe 4th of July! I hope you will be sure to take time this weekend to reflect on what exactly it means to be an American. I recorded this short video message to share my thoughts on this important occasion. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: On this #FourthofJuly, 240 years since our county’s founding, may we remember the words of those founders who “mutually pledge[d] to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor” to start a new way of life based on self-determination. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. “Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government…” Happy Independence Day! Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Happy Fourth of July! Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: This 4th of July I hope that you take time to celebrate our freedom and remember that it truly is not free. And as these great drone videos show, there is no better place to celebrate this holiday weekend than right here in Alabama’s 4th Congressional District. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: The celebration of the #FourthofJuly looks different across our great nation, yet we unify under the principle of liberty. This Independence Day, I look forward to spending time with my wife, children, and grandchildren. I hope that you enjoy time with your loved ones as we remember the sacrifices of those who work so hard to preserve this hard-earned liberty. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Happy Fourth of July! I hope you and your family have a great time celebrating Independence Day and may God bless America. Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey: Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Fourth of July! Thank you to our men and women in the Armed Forces for their sacrifice to protect and preserve our freedoms. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange: Have a happy and safe Independence Day weekend. I’m proud to call Alabama home, and I know we’re all proud to call America home. Have a great weekend!
Yeas and Nays – How Alabama delegation voted this week: 6/24/16
Here’s a look at how the Alabama delegation voted on major issues in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate this week: House votes Much of the U.S. House of Representative’s legislative schedule was postponed due to the House Democrats’ “sit-in” protest. A vote on overriding the president’s veto of H. J. Res. 88, a resolution that disapproves the rule issued by the Labor Department on April 8, 2016, commonly known as the fiduciary rule on retirement investment advice, which subjects broker-dealers who oversee retirement investments to the fiduciary standard under which they must provide investment advice that is in the best interest of the investor “without regard to the financial or other interests” of the financial institution, adviser or other party. A two-thirds vote of both chambers is needed to override a veto; the House originally passed the measure by a 234-183 vote, while the Senate originally cleared it by a 56-41 vote. The president vetoed the measure June 8. Passed House 239-180, but the vote failed to override a presidential veto. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) Nay: Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Conference Report to H.R.2577, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2017. The conference report would provide $82.5 billion in discretionary funding in fiscal 2017 for the Veterans Affairs Department, military construction and military housing. It also would provide $1.1 billion in funding to combat the Zika virus, with roughly $750 million in offsets. Passed House 239-171. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) Nay: Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Next week the House is in recess and will be back in session on Tuesday, July 5. Senate votes The Senate only voted on amendments this week and passed no legislation. The Senate is scheduled to be in session next week.
Alabama politicians react to U.S. Supreme Court immigration ruling
Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 4-4 tied ruling in the case of United States v. Texas, which effectively blocks President Barack Obama’s proposed immigration plan that sought to shield millions living in the U.S. illegally from deportation. The single-sentence opinion effectively kills the plan for the duration of Obama’s presidency. Obama expressed disappointment Thursday in the deadlocked ruling, saying the decision “takes us further from the country that we aspire to be.” “For more than two decades now our immigration system, everybody acknowledges, has been broken,” Obama continued. “And the fact that the Supreme Court wasn’t able to issue a decision today doesn’t just set the system back even further, it takes us further from the country that we aspire to be.” Here are reactions from elected officials and political groups in Alabama. We will be updating this post as they come in: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: Today’s Supreme Court decision, which effectively blocks President Obama’s immigration executive actions, is a victory for our system of checks and balances. Time and again, the Obama Administration has attempted to circumvent Congress and push its agenda on the American people through executive fiat. While I am pleased that the Supreme Court has halted this unprecedented power grab for now, today’s decision underscores the importance of electing a president in November who will put a conservative on the Court to defend our Constitution. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions: Today’s decision in United States v. Texas is not just a victory for Texas, Alabama, and a majority of the States in this great nation who challenged the lawless actions of the Obama Administration, but a victory for the American people and for the rule of law. Read his full statement here. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Once again, the Obama Administration has suffered defeat due to their failure to follow the Constitution and the laws of our country. This decision is a major victory for the rule of law and our opposition to illegal executive amnesty. Instead of continuing to encourage amnesty, the executive branch should enforce the immigration laws already on the books and finally secure our borders. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The Supreme Court’s decision affirms the separation of powers, one of the most fundamental governing principles in our Constitution. The president cannot legislate or rule like a king. I believe this decision sends a strong message to President Obama and future presidents that constitutional order and the rule of law must prevail in this country. Our illegal immigration problem is very real. President Obama’s amnesty orders only served to exacerbate the problem by inviting even more illegal immigrants to cross our border and by poisoning any progress Congress could make toward meaningful solutions. Amnesty won’t solve our immigration problems. We have to secure the border and enact better polices that discourage illegal entry, punish lawbreakers and promote America’s economic interests. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Today’s decision to halt President Obama’s executive amnesty is an important victory for the rule of law and Constitutional government. I was proud to sign on to amicus briefs throughout this case and to give the House an official voice in the Supreme Court by voting for H. Res. 639 in March. I firmly believe the President’s unilateral act to grant legal status to millions of illegal immigrants clearly undermines the power of Congress and the Constitution’s system of checks and balances. Congress must move forward with legislation to secure our borders and create real consequences for people who openly flaunt our immigration laws. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Today the Supreme Court put the power back in the hands the American people, not President Obama’s,” said Palmer. “Their 4-4 tied decision thwarts the President’s attempt to unconstitutionally overrule current immigration laws. Laws are made by the people through their elected representative, not through executive action. We must work together to enforce our current immigration laws and secure our borders, but today we celebrate this victory for the American people. Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange: This is a strong victory for the Constitution, the rule of law and for the conservative Attorneys General who took this important case all the way to the highest court in the land and prevailed,” said Attorney General Strange. Today’s Supreme Court 4-4 tie vote effectively blocks President Obama’s illegal executive amnesty program, allowing the lower federal court ruling against the immigration program to stand. Alabama was one of more than two dozen states joined in a legal challenge of President Obama’s plan to grant amnesty to millions of illegal aliens. Today’s decision should send a strong signal to the President and his administration that they cannot continue to ignore the Constitution, Congress and the rule of law.
Mike Rogers: Agriculture and East Alabama
As most folks across East Alabama know, the agriculture industry is a money maker and job creator in our state. The agriculture industry boasts over 500,000 jobs and brings in more than $70 billion total a year to Alabama. Because of this, I know firsthand how important agriculture is to all of us. As a senior member on the House Agriculture Committee, I make it a priority each year to hear back from folks across the state so I can best represent them in Congress. Since I was first elected, I have held meetings with the Third Congressional District Agriculture Advisory Committee, which is made up of farmers and producers from each of the 13 counties that make up the district. When I am in Washington, I meet regularly with agriculture groups from Alabama about issues important to them. Just in the past few months, I have met with Golden Flake Snack Foods and George Atwood, an egg producer from Alexandria, Alabama, about GMO labeling standards. I met with representatives from the Southern Crop Production Association on issues important to their organization. I also met with the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association regarding the overreaching EPA and trade issues important to them as well as the American Association of Crop Insurers about President Obama’s dangerous proposed cuts to crop insurance in his budget. In May, I attended an Agriculture Full Committee Hearing titled, “Past, Present and Future of SNAP: The Retailer Perspective.” Opelika’s own Jimmy Wright, owner of Wright’s Market, testified at that hearing. This year I supported H.Res. 591, which commends cooperative owners and employees of the Farm Credit System, which was signed into law through the Farm Loan Act of 1916, for their continued service in meeting the credit and financial services needs of rural communities and agriculture. Today, the Farm Credit System plays a vital role in the success of rural communities in all 50 states and provides over $237 billion in loans to more than 500,000 customers. I also signed onto to letters that are important to our state’s agriculture industry. One was a letter to House Leadership opposing a Senate Resolution of disapproval of the Catfish Rule. The catfish inspection rule provides important oversight for American consumers when they buy catfish. It guarantees they are buying American-raised, properly inspected catfish. Another was sent to the secretary of the USDA, Tom Vilsack, to express concern regarding the Food and Nutrition Service’s (FNS) recently proposed rule to modify retailer eligibility requirements in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These are just a few examples of what is going on in Washington when it comes to Alabama’s agriculture industry. I will continue to fight for our hard-working farmers and all individuals in that industry. • • • Mike Rogers is a member of the U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District.
