Katie Britt leads Alabama delegation in letter opposing expanded critical habitat designation for endangered Rice’s whale
On Thursday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) announced that she led members of the Alabama Congressional delegation in sending a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Richard Spinrad expressing the delegation’s concerns that a recent proposal by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to create a new and expanded critical habitat designation for the Rice’s whale would negatively impact the Port of Mobile. “The lack of justification for this proposal is glaring, and the inevitable, devastating consequences it would have on Alabama’s economy and the Gulf fishing industry are undeniable,” said Sen. Britt. “We implore Administrator Spinrad to reject this harmful petition that relies on unproven research and would significantly hinder operations at the Port of Mobile, which hardworking Americans rely on for goods, supplies, and materials each and every day.” “We also have significant concerns with the seriously damaging ideas in the Rice’s whale petition, which NMFS has noticed,” Britt and the Alabama delegation wrote. “The petitioners seek to stop vessel transits at night, require complete reporting of vessel plans to NMFS, and create onerous requirements for vessels to employ and utilize visual observers on all vessels. Severely curtailing operations at the Port of Mobile and strangling the commercial and recreational fishing operations off the Alabama coast, these illogical burdens would cause irreparable harm to the Alabama economy – all while current science does not demonstrate they will save any Rice’s whales.” In the letter, the Members urged NOAA not to finalize the critical habitat designation because there is a lack of scientifically supported data to adequately justify this action. They also requested that NOAA reject the proposals. “While protecting endangered species is a laudable goal, we are concerned at the lack of adequate scientific justification for NMFS’ proposed designation of additional critical habitat for the Rice’s whale,” Sen Britt and the other members of the Alabama delegation wrote. “NMFS has shown only limited studies offering indefinite scientific support to draw conclusions about the population and range of the Rice’s whale. Until sound, scientifically supported data is available, this designation should not move forward.” “As a coastal state, Alabama relies heavily on commercial activity in and out of the Gulf of Mexico,” Britt and the Congress members wrote. “In 2021 alone, the Port of Mobile generated more than $85 billion in total economic activity and more than $2 billion in tax revenue. The Port handles more than 55 million tons of commercial goods each year, reaching every state in the nation and providing clothing, tools, construction materials, automobiles, and parts that Americans rely on each and every day. In addition, Alabama’s commercial fishing operations provide more than $291 million in economic value, and recreational fishing adds another $452 million in economic value to the region. Combined, these activities directly employ more than 330,000 people in Alabama.” The proposed ten-knot speed limit and the inability to traverse the 28,000-square-mile habitat area at night to avoid hitting any whales would mean greater transit times in and out of the Port of Mobile. Thus, commercial traffic would merely move to another route and avoid Mobile. Sen. Britt was joined in sending the letter by Congressmen Jerry Carl (R-AL01), Barry Moore (R-AL02), Mike Rogers (R-AL03), Robert Aderholt (R-AL04), Dale Strong (R-AL05), and Gary Palmer (R-AL06). Although U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) was not a signatory, he has already publicly expressed his opposition to the critical habitat designation for the Rice’s whale and questioned the validity of the science behind these proposals. “Designating a Critical Habitat for the Rice’s whale throughout this expansive area will impose undue burdens and restrictions on all vessel traffic, especially in and out of the Port of Mobile in Mobile, AL,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The Port of Mobile covers over 4,000 acres, generates nearly 313,000 jobs, provides approximately $2 billion in state and local tax impacts, and $85 billion in economic value to Alabama as a whole.” Katie Britt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Reps. Mike Rogers, Barry Moore, and Gary Palmer praise election of Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives finally ended weeks of chaos by electing a new Speaker of the House. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) was the fourth choice of the House Republican Conference. Johnson is the 56th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives in American history. Congressmen Mike Rogers (R-AL03), Barry Moore (R-AL02), and Gary Palmer (R-AL06) released statements praising the choice. Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Johnson is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “The election of Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House sends a strong message to our adversaries,” Rogers said in a statement. “As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has a deep knowledge of the threats facing our nation and has a proven track record in working to counter those threats, particularly from China. Every member of this committee understands how critical the National Defense Authorization Act is for our national security, Mike is no different. The NDAA boosts our national defense, provides for our servicemembers, and deters our adversaries. I look forward to working with Speaker Johnson to advance the National Defense Authorization Act later this year.” Moore served with him on the House Judiciary Committee. “Congratulations to my good friend, Mike Johnson, on becoming the 56th Speaker of the House,” said Moore. “Speaker Johnson is a man of faith and conviction, and it has been a pleasure serving with him on the House Judiciary Committee. I was proud to support him on the House floor. I look forward to working with him as Speaker to secure our border, push back against the Biden administration and the Democrats’ radical agenda, and restore fiscal sanity to Washington.” Rep. Palmer had been a candidate himself but withdrew on Tuesday morning, pledging to support whoever won the Speaker’s gavel. “This is an important day for the country,” said Rep. Palmer. “House Republicans are united behind a principled, unwavering conservative in Speaker Mike Johnson. Mike is a good friend I have worked closely with, and I know he will live out his faith in God by leading the House with honor as we serve the American people. Mike is committed to a plan of action to get our fiscal house in order, address the rampant illegal immigration at our southern border, and fill the void of leadership President Biden has left on the world stage.” Johnson was nominated by the Caucus on Tuesday night after House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minnesota) withdrew from the race after former President Donald Trump denounced Emmer as a “Globalist Rino” on Truth Social. Emmer had been chosen Tuesday from a field of nine candidates that had included Palmer and Johnson. After Emmer withdrew, the House Republican Conference went back into closed session, determined to find a candidate that all House GOP factions could support. The previous nominees, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), both had previously failed to unite the House members. This crisis began when Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-California) was ousted. Palmer added, “Speaker Johnson and the House Republicans are ready to work for the American people.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Senator Tommy Tuberville cosponsors bill to cut funding to UN relief agency
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) joined Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho) and nineteen other colleagues in cosponsoring the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Accountability and Transparency Act which would cut United Nation’s funding over allegations of antisemitism. The legislation comes in the wake of the attacks on the people of Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. The Trump Administration previously pulled U.S. funding from the controversial agency in 2018 over its institutional antisemitism that has included the indoctrination of Palestinian children against Israel and the U.S. and to embrace terrorism, but the Biden State Department restored the funds. “President (Donald) Trump defunded UNRWA because of its ties to antisemites and terrorists,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Joe Biden came in and cut UNRWA a big check for nearly a billion dollars. The contrast couldn’t be clearer. Now our closest ally, Israel, is under attack by Hamas terrorists. It’s time we do what President Trump did and restrict the flow of American tax dollars to UNRWA.” This legislation would cease U.S. contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, a successor entity, or to the U.N. regular budget for the support of UNRWA unless the Secretary of State certifies every 180 days to Congress that UNRWA meets strict accountability and transparency criteria. The Senators assert that the UNRWA has a history of employing individuals affiliated with Hamas, an Iranian-backed, U.S.-designated terrorist organization. Additionally, UNRWA schools have been used to store Hamas weapons and promote anti-Semitic education in their textbooks. The Biden Administration restarted funding and has thus far provided more than $682 million to UNRWA. The UNRWA Accountability and Transparency Act would: · Ensure that UNRWA refugees are true refugees and do not have citizenship in other countries · Require that the U.S. withholds UNRWA contributions unless the Secretary of State certifies every 180 days that the following conditions are met: · No UNRWA employee, consultant, contractor, etc., has ties to a foreign terrorist organization, including Hamas engaged in terrorist activity propagated or disseminated anti-American, anti-Israel, or anti-Semitic material express support for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) · No UNRWA facility has been used by a foreign terrorist organization or as a tunnel for terrorist activities · UNRWA is subject to a comprehensive audit by an independent third party agreed to by the PA and Israel · No UNRWA facility uses textbooks or other educational material that is anti-American, anti-Israel or anti-Semitic · No recipient of UNRWA funds or loans is a member of a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) or engaged in terrorist activities · UNRWA holds no accounts or other affiliation with financial institutions that the US considers to be complicit in money laundering or terrorist financing · Does not allow the US to contribute more money to UNRWA than the highest amount contributed by a member of the League of Arab States or more than the proportion that the US contributes to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) · Requires a report by the Secretary of State on progress made Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) has gone much further, calling for the U.S. to get out of the United Nations altogether and has introduced legislation the that effect. “The UN has repeatedly proven itself to be an utterly useless organization & the WHO lost all credibility when they chose to put public health second to the Chinese Communist Party,” Rogers said. “My legislation would withdraw the U.S. from the UN & WHO.” Tuberville serves as a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees. He was elected to the Senate in 2020. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
House rejects Jim Jordan for a second time
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted for a second time to reject the Republican Party nominee, House Judiciary Committee Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), for Speaker of the House. Jordan again failed to get the 217 votes necessary to be elected. Jordan Both was still well short of the 217 needed to get the position and actually did worse on the second ballot than he did on the first. Jordan has vowed to run on a third ballot on Thursday. The House Republican Caucus has been bitterly split since Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) led a group of eight disgruntled Republicans that voted with Democrats to remove Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-California). House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) defeated Jordan to become the conference’s first choice, but he withdrew last week when conservatives refused to support him in the House floor vote. It is now GOP centrists and moderates that are opposing Jordan after the far right of the Caucus toppled McCarthy and blocked Scalice. Jordan was the Founding Chairman of the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus. Jordan defeated Austin Scott (R-Georgia) for the GOP nomination in a meeting of the GOP conference Friday after Scalise’s withdrawal. Some members have talked about voting to give the interim Speaker more powers so that the House can continue to function, while the GOP Congress members continue their leadership struggle. Meanwhile, the federal government is racing towards a partial shutdown if Congress does not pass a budget or at least another continuing resolution (C.R.) by November 14. On both of the House floor votes, Jordan had the support of all six Republican congressmen from Alabama. However, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL03) was an outspoken opponent of Jordan becoming the Republican nominee. If Jordan cannot sway 217 GOP congress members to support his candidacy, the Caucus may need to look for a less divisive, more likable candidate to be their nominee. Who that would be, however, at this point, is entirely up in that air. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Reps. Robert Aderholt and Dale Strong endorse Jim Jordan
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) could be the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives as early as Tuesday. A floor event is expected as early as Tuesday afternoon. Jordan is the Republican Party nominee for Speaker of the House, but will 217 Republicans vote for him? All six of Alabama’s Republican Congressmen are supporting Jordan. On Monday, Congressman Dale Strong (R-AL05) announced his support for the sometimes polarizing Jordan. “From day 1, I’ve called for a conservative Speaker who will prioritize fighting Biden’s failed policies,” Strong said on X. “From cutting spending, to securing our border— the American people want Congress to get to work. Jim Jordan is the right man to lead our conference as Speaker of the House.” Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) also publicly announced he is backing Jordan. “I told @Jim_Jordan on Friday that I fully support him to be the 56th Speaker of the House,” Aderholt announced X. Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) made national headlines on Friday when he announced his angry opposition to Jordan’s bid for the Speaker’s gavel. Less than 48 hours later, Rogers flipped his vote from never Jordan to being a supporter. On Monday, former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-California) came out and urged Republicans to get behind Jordan to end this chaos in Congress. “It’s one thing to get elected. It’s another thing to govern,” McCarthy said. “It’s time to get the House out of this tailspin, come together, and get America back on the right track. @Jim_Jordan can do it.” The previous nominee, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana), failed to cobble together the 217 votes needed to win the seat and withdrew rather than being rejected in a floor vote. McCarthy lost 15 floor votes before being selected in June. McCarthy was ultimately toppled when eight disgruntled Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) voted with Democrats to oust McCarthy as Speaker. While Jordan appears to have united the Republican Conference, it only takes a handful of GOP holdouts to undo his bid, given the GOP’s narrow majority in the House. If he wins, it could take multiple rounds of voting for Jordan to win the Speakership. Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02), who has been an outspoken supporter of Jordan, is eager for the House to vote. “I look forward to casting my vote for Jim Jordan as the 56th Speaker of the House tomorrow,” Rep. Moore said on X Monday. “Let’s get this done and get back to work for the American people.” Congressmen Gary Palmer (R-AL06) and Jerry Carl (R-AL01) both are also publicly backing Jordan. Whoever is elected as Speaker will be immediately confronted with enormous problems within a very short period. Congress failed to pass a budget for the 2024 fiscal year, which began on October 1. The federal government is operating on a 45-day continuing resolution (C.R.). Congress has until November 14 to send either a budget or another C.R. to President Joe Biden’s desk that he will sign or face a partial government shutdown in an increasingly shaky economy. This side trip into Washington power politics has also left the armed forces in a lurch. Not only is the military operating without a budget, but both Houses have passed competing versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is stuck in a conference committee while the military faces unprecedented threats from China, Russia, and Iran. In his role as House Judiciary Committee Chairman, Jordan has been focused on investigating Biden’s administration and his son Hunter Biden’s questionable financial dealings. Those investigations and a possible impeachment of the President and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have moved to the background while the Congress has been engulfed in its power struggle. If Jordan is selected as Speaker, his role will change from being the House GOP’s chief prosecutor to its chief negotiator with the Democratic-controlled Senate and President Biden. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jim Jordan nabs key nominations for speaker heading into Tuesday vote
By Casey Harper | The Center Square U.S. House Republican Jim Jordan of Ohio has picked up several key endorsements heading into a scheduled Tuesday vote for the next speaker of the House. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., became the center of controversy over the weekend after news broke that he was reportedly considering working with Democrats to elect Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries given the Republican party’s inability to pick a speaker so far. By Monday morning, Rogers publicly endorsed Jordan. “[Jordan] and I have had two cordial, thoughtful, and productive conversations over the past two days,” Rogers wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We agreed on the need for Congress to pass a strong NDAA, appropriations to fund our government’s vital functions, and other important legislation like the Farm Bill. “Since I was first elected to the House, I have always been a team player and supported what the majority of the Republican Conference agrees to,” he added. Jordan, who sent out a letter to fellow Republicans Monday calling to bring the party together, responded on X, thanking Rogers for the endorsement. “Thank you, Chairman Rogers,” Jordan wrote. “Your leadership is just what our Conference needs right now. We must all keep coming together and get back to work.” That move significantly dampens what some Democrats had hoped for, namely the chance to lead the House even without a majority of members. They have blasted Jordan in particular for his questioning of the 2020 election results in the immediate aftermath of that election leading into the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol. “Jim Jordan’s lack of legislative history and predisposition to burn everything down (i.e. 2013 shutdown, 2018-19 government shutdown, Boehner speakership) makes for a dangerous leader,” Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, wrote on X. “The only path forward is a bipartisan governing coalition.” Another lawmaker, Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Mo., just last week told reporters that she would “absolutely not” vote for Jordan as Speaker. Wagner, at the time, backed Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., who later withdrew after failing to win enough support. On Monday, though, she also released a public endorsement backing Jordan. “Let me be clear, I am not, and will not, work with Democrats as our Republican Conference comes together to elect a conservative Speaker of the House,” Wagner said in a statement Monday, also saying that “we must elect a conservative as the next Speaker” before going on to give Jordan a full endorsement. “Jim Jordan and I spoke at length again this morning, and he has allayed my concerns about keeping the government open with conservative funding, the need for strong border security, our need for consistent international support in times of war and unrest, as well as the need for stronger protections against the scourge of human trafficking and child exploitation,” Wagner said. The closer Jordan gets to the needed 217 votes to become speaker, the harder it will be for holdout Republicans to justify why they are not electing a speaker, especially with another government shutdown coming in mid-November as well as calls for funding for the Ukraine and Israel conflicts. Jordan is reportedly having ongoing meetings with lawmakers who are locking up key endorsements, bringing him closer to the speakership. “Keeping America safe is my top priority in Congress,” Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, wrote on X Monday. “After having a conversation with Jim Jordan about how we must get the House back on a path to achieve our national security and appropriations goals, I will be supporting him for Speaker on the floor. Let’s get to work.” Republished with the permission of The Center Square.
Mike Rogers flips support to Jim Jordan
Fox News is reporting that Congressman Mike Rogers (R-ALL03) has flipped from being the most outspoken “Never Jordan” member of the House of Representatives to being a supporter. Rogers’ flip makes it much more likely that Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) can win over enough moderate Republicans that he can be the next Speaker of the House. After Jordan won the Republican nomination for Speaker of the House, Rogers vowed to reporters that he would “never support” Jordan. There were even reports of Rogers negotiating with Democrats to form some sort of unity government to prevent Jordan from being elected as Speaker. That changed on Monday when Rogers went to the social media site X to announce he would support Jordan’s speakership bid. “@Jim Jordan and I have had two cordial, thoughtful, and productive conversations over the past two days,” Rogers said on X Monday. “We agreed on the need for Congress to pass a strong NDAA, appropriations to fund our government’s vital functions, and other important legislation like the Farm Bill.” “As a result, I have decided to support Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House on the floor,” Rogers followed up. “Since I was first elected to the House, I have always been a team player and supported what the majority of the Republican Conference agrees to,” Rogers added. “Together, our Republican majority will be stronger to fight Joe Biden’s reckless agenda for America.” Jordan thanked Rogers for his support. Jordan stated, “Your leadership is just what our Conference needs right now. We must all keep coming together and get back to work.” Just last week, Rogers had said that “there was nothing that Jordan could do to get his support as Speaker of the House.” Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Jordan is the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. A key point of disagreement between Republicans is whether or not to continue supporting massive amounts of military aid for Ukraine. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) and a group of eight disgruntled Houe members used the Ukraine issue as a pretext for voting with Democrats to oust Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-California). Jordan secured the Republican party’s speaker nomination on Friday, defeating Georgia Congressman Austin Scott. Jordan had lost to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) in a prior vote, but Scalise was unable to win over conservatives. Jordan Defeated Scott by a vote of 124 to 81. Jordan has been negotiating with GOP moderates like Jordan over the weekend in order to get to the 217 votes needed to secure the position of Speaker in a floor vote that could come as early as Tuesday. Congressmen Barry Moore, Gary Palmer, and Jerry Carl have all already publicly announced their support for Jordan. If Jordan cannot get the 217 votes necessary to win the Speakership, the Republican conference would likely have to nominate someone else. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jim Jordan receives House Republican nomination to be Speaker of the House
On Friday, the House Republican Caucus nominated House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) to be the next Speaker of the House. This was only hours after House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) told his fellow Republicans that he was withdrawing his nomination after failing to secure the 217 votes needed for election. Jordan received 124 votes on Friday – a marked improvement over the 100 votes he received when he finished second to Scalise earlier this week. Congressman Austin Scott (R-Georgia) was the second-place finisher. This fight has bitterly divided the caucus and even the Alabama congressional delegation. Jim Jordan is supported by both Congressmen Barry Moore (R-AL02) and Gary Palmer (R-AL06). On Friday, Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) told reporters that there is nothing that Jordan can say to make him change his mind on opposing Jordan. Rogers Chairs the powerful House Armed Services Committee. This drama became necessary after eight disgruntled GOP Caucus members led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) joined with Democrats to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California). To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Rep. Mike Rogers says U.S. must deter two near-peer nuclear adversaries
A recent report was published called the Bipartisan Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States. The 160 page report discussed “the strategic posture of the United States, including nuclear weapons policy, strategy, and force structure” because of the “troubling and increasingly aggressive behaviors of Russia and China over the pastdecade.” After receiving the report, U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL03) said, “The United States must deter two near-peer nuclear adversaries,” referring to China and Russia. Rogers is the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Chairman Rogers also thanked the Commission for their hard work. “For the first time in history, the United States must deter two near-peer nuclear adversaries at the same time,” Rogers said in a statement on Thursday. “The goal of the Strategic Posture Commission was to examine the long-term strategic posture of the United States. The results of their report detailed the gravity of the situation we face and emphasized that the current trajectory of the US nuclear deterrent is insufficient to deter the looming Chinese and Russian threat. I want to thank the commission for producing a clear-eyed, sobering consensus report. The details of this report should serve as a wakeup call for our strategic posture – we need to rapidly make changes now if we want to deter tomorrow.” Rogers shared several key takeaways from the report: · “The nuclear force modernization program of record (POR) is absolutely essential, although not sufficient to meet the new threats posed by Russia and China.” · “The current modernization program should be supplemented to ensure U.S. nuclear strategy remains effective in a two-nuclear-peer environment.” · “A number of commissioners believe it is inevitable that the size of the U.S. nuclear stockpile and the number of delivery systems should increase.” · “The size and composition of the nuclear force must account for the possibility of combined aggression from Russia and China. U.S. strategy should no longer treat China’s nuclear forces as a ‘lesser included’ threat. The United States needs a nuclear posture capable of simultaneously deterring both countries.” · “The U.S. theater nuclear force posture should be urgently modified to: Provide the President a range of militarily effective nuclear response options to deter or counter Russian or Chinese limited nuclear use in theater. Address the need for U.S. theater nuclear forces deployed or based in the Asia-Pacific theater.” · “The Commission recommends Congress fund an overhaul and expansion of the capacity of the U.S. nuclear weapons defense industrial base and the DOE/NNSA nuclear security enterprise, including weapons science, design, and production infrastructure. Specifically:` Congress should fund the full range of NNSA’s recapitalization efforts, such as pit production and all operations related to critical materials.” · “The United States develop and field homeland IAMD that can deter and defeat coercive attacks by Russia and China, and determine the capabilities needed to stay ahead of the North Korean threat.” · “The Commission’s assessment is that the United States must consider the possibility that Iran will become a nuclear state during the 2027-2035 timeframe.” · Auctioning the 3.1-3.45GHz band (of spectrum) risks impacting “various types of shipborne, land-based, and aeronautical mobile radar systems [used] for national defense purposes…We have many radars [in the 3.1-3.45 GHz segment] that are critical for our service members to train on before they deploy into harm’s way overseas, and also to protect our homeland . . . it would take us two decades and hundreds of billions of dollars to be able to refactor and move those radars out of there.” · The commission recommends that “the United States urgently deploy a more resilient space architecture and adopt a strategy that includes both offensive and defensive elements to ensure U.S. access to and operations in space.” According to the report, “In the context of a strategic posture deploying both conventional and nuclear capability, the traditional role of nuclear weapons in U.S. defense strategy remains valid and of continuing importance: deterrence of adversaries; assurance of Allies; achieving U.S. objectives should deterrence fail; and hedging against adverse events.” According to the report, “The aggressive foreign policies of China and Russia, the extent of their nuclear modernization, and the possibility of conflict with China and Russia were not foreseen.” Current U.S. strategic force requirements were set more than a decade ago in a world where the threats were “significantly more benign” than they are now. “In the emerging environment, the United States must maintain a resilient nuclear force that can absorb a first strike and respond effectively with enough forces to cause unacceptable damage to the aggressor while still posing a credible threat to the other nuclear power,” the report states. “The current multi-program, multi-decade U.S. nuclear modernization program is necessary, but not sufficient to enable the nuclear strategy recommended by the Commission to address an unprecedented two-nuclear-peer threat environment. To avoid additional risk and meet emerging challenges, the United States must act now to pursue additional measures and programs,” the report continued. “Additional measures beyond the planned modernization of strategic delivery vehicles and warheads may include either or both qualitative and quantitative adjustments in the U.S. strategic posture.” Rogers is in his eleventh term representing Alabama’s Third Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jared Norrell: A solution for Alabama’s biggest challenge
Home to the civil rights movement, the Crimson Tide, a robust agriculture industry, and much more, Alabama has left an indelible mark on the history and future trajectory of the United States. While we are deeply proud of our leadership and contributions to America here in the Yellowhammer State, our public health is lagging. Only three states have a higher disease frequency and mortality rate than Alabama, and just two states have a lower life expectancy. We also suffer from extremely high rates of heart disease and opioid abuse. Moreover, we have one of the worst healthcare systems in the nation, and we spend less on healthcare per resident than any other state in the country. Altogether, this makes Alabama particularly vulnerable to public health emergencies like COVID-19 and the opioid epidemic, which overwhelmed our healthcare providers and wreaked havoc on thousands of our families. While I am concerned about our state’s capacity to adequately respond to future public health emergencies, I am optimistic we can be prepared if we take advantage of the new resources at our disposal. Philips and the Department of Defense (DoD) have successfully harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to develop an algorithm that can detect COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses days before symptoms arise. The Rapid Analysis of Threat Exposure (RATE) algorithm has already been commercialized into conveniently worn devices like off-the-shelf wearables, with more products being developed as we speak. Through RATE, countless individuals can finally be proactive as opposed to reactive against extremely dangerous and unpredictable viruses. Imagine being able to quarantine before you have had the opportunity to spread the virus to your loved ones. RATE’s benefits are so profound that the United States Military is already relying on it to detect and suppress the spread of infections across personnel. In addition, RATE has been instrumental in informing troop readiness for deployments, helping officers further understand the health and preparedness of personnel before making tactical deployment decisions. These factors have contributed to Congress’ recent announcement of an additional ten million dollars for Philips and DoD to continue expanding RATE’s capabilities. This is a welcome first step, but more is needed, and we have one of the best Representatives in Congress to build on this momentum. For 20 years, we have been represented by Congressman Mike Rogers, a consistent force who has delivered for this community time after time. Congressman Rogers has been a great friend of Southern Preparatory Academy, the official military school for the state of Alabama, which I was proud to lead for so many years. As Chair of the Armed Services Committee and former Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, you will not find a member of Congress more dedicated to public safety and bolstering our military than Congressman Rogers. I am confident he will use his platform in D.C. to ensure innovative programs like RATE and others that support the military and our public health receive the support they need to reach their full potential. Alabamians are resilient, a trait we have demonstrated over a deep history of leadership and perseverance. Improving our state’s public health is the next great challenge at our doorstep, and I know we can overcome it, achieve a healthier state, and provide another reason we are the greatest state in the nation. Jared Norrell is a retired Lt. Colonel from the United States Army and the former President of Southern Preparatory Military Academy in Camp Hill, Alabama.
Gary Palmer says Republicans must come together and choose a leader who can unify the party
On Tuesday, Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) led a successful effort to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-California) as the Speaker of the House. All of Alabama’s Republican congressional delegation supported McCarthy, but under the rules of the House, McCarthy’s ouster had enough votes to succeed given the razer-thin GOP majority in the Congress. Following the removal and McCarty’s telling the Republican Caucus that he would not run again, U.S. Representative Gary Palmer (R-AL06) released a statement. “What we just experienced has never occurred in the history of our nation,” said Rep. Palmer. “For the first time, a Speaker of the House has been removed. This action is reflective of how divided our nation is, including among Republican members of the House. While I am deeply disappointed about where we are, we still must find a way to govern.” McCarthy’s ouster comes at a critical time with the 12 spending bills still not having passed either House of Congress and the federal government having to operate under a 45-day continuing resolution that McCarthy negotiated on Saturday. “Our country faces a $33 trillion debt crisis threatening the future of all Americans – those living and those yet to be born,” said Rep. Palmer. “Our border is not secure, threatening not only our economy but also our national security. As Republicans, we must find a way to come together and choose a leader who can unify our party and has the ability to address these issues head on. We have a job to do for the American people, and they deserve a unified majority focused on what’s best for the nation.” The last GOP Speaker battle was an intense affair that required 15 votes of the House before McCarthy was finally elected as the 55th Speaker. At one point, it appeared as if Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) had to be restrained from attacking Gaetz after Gaetz’s faction thwarted the 14th vote to elect McCarthy as the Speaker of the House. His tenure lasted less than nine months. The Speaker Pro Tempore – Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina), has assumed the daily duties of Speaker in the wake of McCarthy’s ouster and ahead of the GOP choosing a new leader. Palmer is in the leadership in the House as the head of the House Republican Policy Committee. He represents Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District and has already announced that he is running for re-election next year. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: It’s Official – Alabama will have new Congressional Districts
It’s official and final. Alabama will elect our seven-member congressional delegation under new lines next year. The federal court has spoken. The special master drawing the lines has acted, and the final omnipotent power, the U.S. Supreme Court, has concurred and confirmed the decision. It is over. The result that the plaintiffs desired has been decreed by the courts. There will be a new second majority Black Congressional district. This accomplishment has been sought for decades. Now the question becomes, can the Democrats succeed in electing a Black Democrat to this new opportunity district? It is not a slam dunk. The new district is 50% Black and 50% White. It favors a Montgomery candidate. The bulk of the population and the geographic center of the new district is Montgomery County. Montgomerians are like the rest of the state. They adhere to the well-known predilection known as “friends and neighbors” politics. That means they prefer to vote for someone from their neck of the woods, especially their county. My early prediction is that Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed will be the Democratic nominee and the favorite to win the new seat. The special master that drew the new lines attached an index to his maps that revealed that if there were a congressional race within this new district that this district would have voted for the Democrat in 15 out of 17 of the last 17 elections. Therefore, the court’s desire to make a second minority Democratic district where a Democrat has a good opportunity to win has been accomplished. The entire basis of this high-profile federal case has been centered around the fact that Alabama has one Black Democratic Congressperson, Terri Sewell, and six White Republicans. One Black Democrat constitutes 14% of the state’s population. The plaintiff’s argument is that the state’s Black population is 27%. Therefore, there should be two Black Democratic congressional seats in the Heart of Dixie. The courts bought that argument and hung their hat on the 1965 Voting Rights Act, and having one seat rather than two violates and dilutes Black voters in Alabama’s voting rights. The question now becomes, what are the down-home political implications and results of these court-mandated new congressional lines? All of you who live in middle and north Alabama, which is most of you, are unaffected. The majority of the people in Alabama who live in Birmingham north are not affected. In fact, everyone north of Montgomery is unaffected. All of the commotion and redrawing has occurred in Montgomery, the Black Belt, the Wiregrass, and Mobile. Our three powerful Republican congressmen are left with basically their same districts. Republicans Robert Aderholt, Mike Rogers, and Gary Palmer, who are our centers of power in the House, have their same, if not enhanced, GOP districts. Huntsville’s freshman congressman, Dale Strong’s district is unchanged. Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s Democratic district has been favored in the drawings. She has a perfectly drawn district that pretty much mirrors her current Birmingham-based seat. She will probably be spared a Republican challenge. However, State Senator Bobby Singleton, who hails from the Black Belt, may challenge her in a Democratic primary out of spite. He wanted a district that favored him but lost to Sewell in the legislative battles over the drawing of the new Black district. The real rubber meets the road within the Republican ranks in the Wiregrass, and Mobile and Baldwin counties. The five Wiregrass counties of Covington, Dale, Geneva, Houston, and Coffee are sent to Baldwin and Mobile. Therefore, new Congressmen Jerry Carl from Mobile and Barry Moore from Enterprise/Coffee are in the same district. Moore is the odd man out in this dilemma. The majority of votes in this new district are in Baldwin and Mobile counties. Carl will be the prohibitive favorite against Moore or any other Republican. It will be a very conservative Republican district. Therefore, six of our seven seats will be in safe reelection journeys for our incumbent congressmen. Jerry Carl in the first, Mike Rogers in the third, Robert Aderholt in the fourth, Dale Strong in the fifth, Gary Palmer in the sixth, and Terri Sewell in the seventh are very safe bets for reelection in 2024. Therefore, all of the turmoil and court intervention only affects one area of the state. All the brouhaha and action will be in the newly drawn second district. It is Montgomery Democratic Mayor Steven Reed’s race to lose. He will be the favorite to win and change Alabama’s delegation in Washington from six Republicans and one Democrat to five Republicans and two Democrats. However, I would handicap that race as a 50/50 toss-up. There will be a lot of Republican dollars from Washington showered upon the Republican nominee. It will be interesting. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
