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
Mo Brooks fights for patients’ ‘Right to Try’
On Thursday, Alabama 5th District U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks delivered a house floor speech requesting a vote on S. 204: the Right to Try Act, which gives terminally ill patients the option to try experimental treatments that have not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Often the FDA’s approval of new treatments is a lengthy and complex processes that can takes decades to fully be completed. This bill would allow terminally ill patients to try potentially life-saving experimental treatments and gives patients the right to fight their diseases without having to fight federal bureaucracy. “Patients shouldn’t have to give up their liberty, their freedom, their fight against terminal illness merely because the FDA says so” said Brooks. Brooks was inspired by the story of Steve Mayfield, a beloved football coach at Central High School in Lauderdale County Alabama. Mayfield died in March of 2017 after a long and arduous battle with both Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and the FDA. Like most terminally ill Americans, Mayfield did not have access to investigative treatments due to the FDA’s current policies. “While the Food and Drug Administration grants compassionate use waivers, meant to allow terminal patients access to experimental drugs, only about 1,500 waivers were granted in 2016” said Brooks. “What are other terminally ill Americans to do? Nothing? Just waste away and die without a fight?” Brooks believes the Right to Try Act is the best solution to this problem as it only grants access to treatments that have successfully completed the FDA’s Phase 1 approval requirement. This keeps patients safe from potentially harmful treatment processes while allowing them access to try potentially life changing medical care. “Given the stark contrasts between life and death, between freedom and federal dictates, between hope and hopelessness, the House should take up and pass the Right to Try Act, thereby giving a chance for life to terminally ill patients and their families.” The Senate passed Right to Try legislation last year, and it currently awaits a vote in the House.
Officials react to Alabama Toyota-Mazda plant announcement
It’s now official — Huntsville, Ala. has been selected by Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation as the site of their new $1.6 billion joint-venture auto manufacturing plant. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon from the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery by Governor Kay Ivey, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, and executives from both Toyota and Mazda. The Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, as well as leaders from multiple municipalities, joined the event. The new plant will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles annually, with production split evenly between two lines for each company to produce a new Mazda crossover model that will be introduced to North American markets and the Toyota Corolla. The facility is expected to create 4,000 jobs and production is expected to begin by 2021. Here’s what Alabama officials had to say of the news: Gov. Kay Ivey: The partnership between Toyota and Mazda will expand innovative automotive manufacturing in Alabama. Their decision to locate this new facility in Huntsville is a testament to the talented workforce in our state. We are proud that this partnership puts Alabama on the forefront of technology in this dynamic global industry. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: I am extremely proud that Huntsville was selected by Toyota and Mazda for the joint auto production plant. This facility will create thousands of jobs and strengthen economic growth throughout our state and region. Alabama has a proven track record of creating an environment where world-class manufacturing operations thrive. Today’s announcement speaks volumes about the capabilities and effectiveness of our state’s skilled workforce, highlighting the continued truth that Alabama is open for business. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones: The Toyota and Mazda decision to select Huntsville as the new location for their joint auto plant is both a testament to Northern Alabama’s exceptional advanced manufacturing workforce and further proof that choosing common ground over divisiveness will drive business to our state. Today’s announcement is a tremendous step forward for Alabama’s growing technology sector and our ability to recruit quality businesses in the future. We must build on this momentum, and continue to focus our efforts on issues that affect hard-working Alabamians like creating good-paying jobs and providing students with the tools to attain them. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The news that Toyota and Mazda have chosen Alabama as this new plant’s home highlights once again that our great state is open for business. The decision by these companies is truly a testament to our impressive, skilled workforce and our state’s business-friendly environment. This exciting investment in North Alabama not only comes with 4,000 new direct jobs, but also an economic impact that will be felt across the state for many years to come. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Toyota and Mazda’s decision to locate in Limestone County is great news for Alabama and the Tennessee Valley! I’m thankful Alabama was selected despite fierce competition from other states vying for this plant. Toyota and Mazda’s decision validates what many of us in Alabama already know. Alabama is not only America’s #1 football state, we are also on a path to be America’s #1 automotive production state. That is a strong testament to the quality of the location, resources, people and government leadership that Alabama offers. The Tennessee Valley did not win the Toyota and Mazda competition overnight. Rather, this victory is the culmination of decades of hard work and leadership offered by local, state and federal officials who have consistently worked together to make the Tennessee Valley a great place to live and work, a place that encourages companies like Polaris, Remington, and now Toyota and Mazda, to rank the Tennessee Valley #1 in America. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Toyota and Mazda made a tremendous decision in choosing Alabama for their new, cutting-edge manufacturing plant. I am pleased this new facility will eventually bring 4,000 new jobs and significant economic growth to our state. The fact that Toyota and Mazda picked Alabama is indicative of the hard work and commitment Alabama has made to become the pacesetter in the automobile manufacturing industry. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: I am thrilled to hear that a Toyota-Mazda automobile plant will be finding a home in the great State of Alabama. I’m proud to see Toyota-Mazda investing in our state’s workforce and continued economic development. This joint venture between Toyota and Mazda will eventually produce 300,000 vehicles a year and create as many as 4,000 jobs opportunities for families in our State. Investments in new technologies and facilities like these are imperative to Alabama’s growing economy. As a Member of Congress, I believe we must strive to create a more job-ready workforce to continue to keep Alabama competitive and entice new business development across the State. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle: With this announcement, our world changes overnight. Toyota and Mazda, two of the world’s most innovative automakers, have created a legacy project that will provide jobs for decades to come for Huntsville and Alabama. Limestone County Schools Superintendent Tom Sisk: Because we have been a part of the process from the beginning, our school system has been working diligently behind the scenes to develop a series of plans that will be presented to the school board for consideration. These plans will address contingencies for anticipated growth, and expanded academic offerings for our students and others to prepare to meet the needs of this economic expansion. Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong: Today’s monumental announcement by President Akio Toyoda of the Toyota Corporation and President and CEO Masamichi Kogai of the Mazda Corporation is not a new commitment, but a continued commitment with proven world leaders in automotive ingenuity to the State of Alabama and our people. This project once again demonstrates that our regional, advanced manufacturing workforce is perfectly positioned for today and future generations.
Mo Brooks recovering well from prostatectomy
According to the office of Alabama 5th District U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks , the congressman is recovering after his prostatectomy on Friday. Last Wednesday, Brooks announced he has “high-risk” prostate cancer in an emotional speech on the floor of the House Wednesday morning. According to Brooks’ family, the procedure went well. Results from full pathology tests will be available in the coming weeks, but preliminary lab tests came back clear, indicating that all cancer was removed with the prostate. “Please remember to keep Rep. Mo Brooks in your thoughts and prayers as he undergoes surgery today. Also his wife Martha and their children,” posted Lt. Governor candidate Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh on Facebook Friday ahead of his surgery. Brooks’ colleague, Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer later posted, “Glad to hear my friend Congressman Mo Brooks’ surgery went well. Ann and I send him prayers and well wishes for a speedy recovery!” Brooks is currently scheduled to return home on Saturday to recuperate. He and his wife are very grateful for all of the texts, calls, prayers, and well wishes.
Mo Brooks reveals prostate cancer diagnosis, surgery on Friday
Mo Brooks says one of Roy Moore accusers ‘is clearly a liar’
Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks took a controversial position Tuesday when he said a woman who accused Alabama Senate hopeful Roy Moore of sexually assaulting her, is “clearly a liar.” In an interview with The Dale Jackson Show on Alabama radio, Brooks went on to say accuser Beverly Nelson, whose accusations followed Moore’s original four accusers, forged Moore’s signature in her high school yearbook. “What you have is the mainstream leftwing socialist Democrat news media trying to distort the evidence to cause people to reach the conclusion that Roy Moore engaged in unlawful conduct with a minor and my analysis of the evidence is that is not the case,” Brooks said during the interview. “Most importantly, the media likes to say ‘well, there are nine complainers.’ Seven of them aren’t complainers. In fact, I would be calling seven of those ladies as witnesses on behalf of Roy Moore on the issue of whether he is engaged in any kind of unlawful conduct.” Based on his
Congress passes 2018 budget, moves one step closer to tax reform
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved a Senate version of the 2018 federal budget on Thursday, which included language that would allow a tax reform bill to pass Congress without any Democratic votes. By a vote of 216-212, the entire Alabama delegation voted in favor of the resolution with the exception of lone Democrat Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. Here’s what the delegation has to say about their votes: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: With a budget now passed, we are one step closer to making tax reform a reality. We must follow through on our promise to make our tax code fairer and simpler for American families. Our ultimate goal is to put more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: By passing this budget today, Congress is one step closer to enacting pro-growth tax reform that will offer much-needed relief to American families. Our tax reform plan will grow the economy, create jobs here in the United States, and allow hardworking taxpayers to keep more of their money in their pocket. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to deliver on our promise and give the American people the results they deserve. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Today’s vote is the beginning of the biggest tax overhaul in thirty years. I am hopeful both the House and Senate will take up and pass President Trump’s tax plan as soon as possible. Simplifying the tax code, lowering rates and making small businesses more competitive will improve take-home pay for hard-working American families. I agree with President Trump that our tax system should reward hard work and encourage investment in the private sector. Closing special interest loopholes and simplifying the tax code will save everyone billions of dollars spent on filling out IRS paperwork each year. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Did not release an official statement. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Did not release an official statement. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Did not release an official statement. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: I voted against today’s budget because it trades away critical investments in infrastructure, education, job-training, and health care programs in exchange for short-sighted tax cuts for special interests and the wealthy. As our country faces serious fiscal challenges, we need to make responsible budgeting decisions that build a foundation for job growth, better wages, and improved economic and health outcomes. Instead, today’s budget relies on gimmicks and irresponsible cuts to make way for a special interest tax plan that adds $1.5 trillion to the deficit.
Donald Trump awards Huntsville Vietnam veteran Gary Rose the Medal of Honor
President Donald Trump on Monday awarded retired Army Capt. Gary “Mike” Rose the Congressional Medal of Honor, the most prestigious military award a service member can receive, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a medic during the Vietnam War. The ceremony comes more than 47 years after the mission, a covert four-day mission in southeastern Laos in 1970, which was known as Operation Tailwind. “For many years, the story of Mike’s heroism has gone untold, but today we gather to tell the world of his valor and present him with the highest military honor our country has to offer,” Trump said. “This will enshrine him into the history of our nation.” Rose, 71, delivered care under fire to nearly 70 wounded soldiers when his unit came under attack by the North Vietnamese Army. He “crawled from one soldier to the next” to provide lifesaving treatment. “Mike, this is serious stuff,” remarked Trump of Rose’s heroic act. He added, “We have a room full of people and a nation that thanks God that you lived.” Congressional action was necessary to allow Rose to receive the Medal of Honor, as it’s been more than the required five years after his heroic actions. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, who represents Huntsville where Rose now lives with his wife Margaret, worked with his Congressional colleagues to insert language into the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act waiving the normal requirement, allowing Rose the prestigious medal. “Captain Rose’s mission was classified until the late 1990s… Operation Tailwind was kept secret for decades, and I am glad these inspirational heroes and their actions are finally receiving the recognition they deserve,” said Brooks, who also attended the ceremony, Rose’s military awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster and “V” device, the Purple Heart with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal with two knots, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign with star, Presidential Unit Citation (MAC SOG), Vietnam Civic Action Honor Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation – with Palm Combat Medical Badge, Special Forces Tab, U.S. Army Parachute Badge, Thai Army Parachute Badge, Vietnam Parachute Badge, and several service ribbons.
Mo Brooks named founding member of newly formed House NASA Caucus
Alabama lawmakers react to Donald Trump tax plan
President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled the most ambitious rewrite of the tax code in 30 years. Calling it a “once in a generation” opportunity to cut taxes, the president said he wants to cut taxes for middle-class families to make the system both simpler and fairer. Trump said his tax plan will “bring back the jobs and the wealth that have left our country.” Members of Alabama’s congressional delegation were quick to weigh in on the proposal. Unsurprisingly, Republicans are praising it and the Yellowhammer State’s lone Democrat is raising concerns. The proposed tax framework would would shrink the current seven brackets into effectively four brackets: 0%, 12%, 25%, and 35%. The plan also calls for the standard deduction to double and a significant increase in the Child Tax Credit. But the details are left to Congress to work out later. Here’s what the Alabama delegation had to say about the plan: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne – SUPPORTS: Under the tax reform plan released today, working families would have more money in their pockets, the economy would be revitalized, and small businesses would be incentivized to grow. Just as important, our plan closes special interest loopholes that only benefit the well-connected in an effort to make the tax code fair and simple for all Americans. This will be a process. As the current framework is finalized and built into actual legislation, I look forward to gaining input from individuals and small businesses in Southwest Alabama. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby – SUPPORTS: I’m ready to get this done. It is time to deliver some meaningful results to the American people. Tax reform presents a tremendous opportunity to move this country ahead, and I’m committed to getting it done. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers – SUPPORTS: I strongly support the tax reform framework outlined today by President Trump and the House Republican Leadership. Tax reform is the single best way to grow our economy. Hard working Americans are due a fairer and simpler tax code. “The tax reform framework is just the first step towards helping families keep more of what they earn, create more good-paying jobs in America and help small businesses. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt — NO RESPONSE. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks — NO RESPONSE. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer — NO RESPONSE. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell – DOES NOT SUPPORT: While the Ryan-McConnell tax outline released today is short on details, it is clear that the plan prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthy over relief for working families and small businesses. Tax reform should be an opportunity to help hardworking Americans and to build a more competitive economy. Instead, the GOP plan cuts taxes for top earners and leaves Congress to balance the budget on the backs of the middle class. The Ryan-McConnell plan eliminates the alternative minimum tax for high-income individuals at an estimated cost of $413 billion over the next decade. The plan also recommends reducing the top tax bracket from 39.6 percent to 35 percent, a benefit helping only those tax filers earning over $470,000. Altogether, the tax giveaway proposed by Speaker Ryan and Majority Leader McConnell would increase the deficit by an estimated $2.2 trillion, leaving future generations with the bill. Just yesterday, I met with President Trump at the White House, where the President promised that his tax plan would not be a tax cut for the wealthy. I plan on holding the President to his word. We cannot miss an opportunity for tax reform that puts working families and small businesses first.
New poll gives Roy Moore nearly 20-point runoff lead over Luther Strange
New polling released this weekend gives former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore a nearly 20-point lead over sitting Sen. Luther Strange in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate. If the election were held today, 51 percent of respondents support Moore; 32 percent would vote for Strange. Another 17 percent said they were undecided. The poll, conducted by JMC Analytics, suggests three things: – Moore is surging into an early lead, bolstered by a large number of voters who did not support either runoff contender in the Aug. 15 primary. – Evangelical support is fueling Moore’s initial runoff lead. – Endorsements from both President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are not helping Strange with voters. Moore is leading throughout most Alabama media markets, except Mobile. Much of that support came from voters who cast a ballot for one of the other primary candidates. Those who supported the “also-rans” went for Moore 51-26 percent, as well as many of those in the Huntsville area who initially supported Congressman Mo Brooks. In the poll, Moore now has a 52-29 percent lead in Huntsville. As for self-described evangelical Christians, Moore leads Strange 58-28 percent, while among non-evangelicals, Strange narrowly leads 42-39 percent. While Trump and McConnell have spent a considerable amount of political capital – as well as millions of dollars – supporting Strange, those efforts appear to have a limited effect. Trump’s endorsement only benefited Strange 25-23 percent (51 percent of respondents said it made little or no difference). McConnell’s support had the opposite effect, with many respondents – by a 45-10 percent margin – saying that it made them less likely to support strange The poll, conducted Aug. 17 and 19, used an automated landline sample of 515 likely primary voters (based on recent electoral participation) from the list of Alabama registered voters. The margin of error was +/- 4.3 percent, with a 95 percent confidence level. According to the polling memo, demographic breakdown respondents was 94 to 5 percent white/black, with the geographic breakdown: 42 percent from Birmingham, 6 percent from Dothan, 24 percent from Huntsville, 15 percent from Mobile, and 13 percent from Montgomery. The winner of the Sept. 26 runoff between Moore and Strange will face Democratic nominee Doug Jones in a December election to determine who will serve the remainder of Attorney General Jeff Sessions‘ Senate term.
Mo Brooks blames Donald Trump robocall for special election loss
Republican U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks gave onlookers a window into his election autopsy via text after falling short in the Tuesday primary for Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Senate seat. Brooks earned a little under 20 percent in the special primary, which put him in third place behind former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore and sitting Sen. Luther Strange, who will face off in a Sept. 26 runoff election ahead of the Dec. 12 general. The House Freedom Caucus member texted journalists, lawmakers and GOP officials Wednesday with claims that his internal poll numbers showed him surging in front of Strange, who was appointed to the seat earlier this year by disgraced former Gov. Robert Bentley. He said President Donald Trump’s endorsement gave the former Alabama Attorney General a boost, but heading into the weekend before Election Day Strange’s lead had diminished to 2 or 3 points in his and other polls. He credits a robocall featuring a recording of Trump for turning the tide in the final 48 hours. “Over the weekend we caught back up. Then, on Monday and Tuesday, voters started getting a personal robocall from the President urging them to support LS. You can imagine the impact on a rural or elderly voter to hear PDJT calling! That final phone call caused LS to surge past us,” he wrote. Of course, Brooks said attack ads against him played a role, but maybe not in the way the Mitch McConnell-backed Senate Leadership Fund hoped. “Also, the nonstop LS/[Mitch McConnell] attack ads pushed anti-LS voters from me to [Roy Moore]. Hence, the final result. In the 5th Congressional District, we won 42 percent to 29 percent RM to 28 percent LS,” he added. McConnell’s political committee had spent more than $3.5 million on the race by the end of July, with much of that money being poured into ads attacking Brooks for not being supportive enough of Trump, who enjoys an 85 percent approval rating among Yellowhammer State Republicans. “An interesting note,” Brooks wrote in closing. “68% of Alabama GOP Primary voters rejected PDJT’s endorsement and voted against LS. Not yet sure what the national implications of that might be but we will find out.” Whis his Senate hopes dashed, Brooks announced that he will seek a fifth term in CD 5 next year. He has so far declined to endorse Moore or Strange in the Senate race.
