Alabama, Florida lawmakers urge Congress to act on ailing Apalachicola river basin
U.S. Sens. Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby joined with Florida counterparts Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson urged a Senate budget panel to take on what they called “ongoing mismanagement” of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) and Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa (ACT) River Basins on the part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday. The senators asked the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development to include language related to the ACF in the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget in a letter addressed to the committee. The document already includes language regarding the ACT. “In light of the Corps’ September 30, 2015, release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement” related to the basement, the senators wrote, “Congressional action is needed given the current proposal would continue to severely restrict water flows for downstream users. “The ACF’s water supply is the lifeblood for many Alabama and Florida communities, and supports multiple industrial and domestic uses. For example, both Florida and Alabama rely on the ACF for navigation and the production of hydroelectric power that supplies efficient, low-cost energy for many throughout the region. In addition, Alabama and Florida depend on the ACF for irrigation and agricultural purposes, flood control, and water quality. Without a reliable and consistent freshwater flow from the ACF, entire communities and their respective economies are left to the decisions and priorities of those upstream,” they wrote. They lawmakers said the river accounts for $200 million in economic impact annually on the region, and directly employs some 85 percent of the local workforce there. Recent ecological and water management mishaps have caused severe damage to basin, and to the surrounding economy. “Because of each state’s vital need to ensure that the ACT and ACF River Basins are properly managed with each of their interests appropriately considered, we urge the Subcommittee to include language in any omnibus appropriations vehicle that ensures that management of both of these critical basins are not left to the whims of an unaccountable federal bureaucracy, but instead is properly determined and agreed upon by each state’s governor,” the bipartisan group of senators concluded. See the full text of the letter here, courtesy of Rubio’s congressional office.
Who’s Alabama’s wealthiest member of Congress?
U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby is Alabama’s wealthiest member of Congress, with a net worth of $4.18 million, according to Roll Call‘s annual “Wealth of Congress” report, ranking Shelby 72nd in all of Congress. Not too far behind is U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions coming in 85th. Every year since 1990 reporters from the beltway rag Roll Call scour each member’s financial disclosure forms to create their “Wealth of Congress Index,” which ranks members by wealth. This year’s rankings were derived from forms covering the 2014 calendar year. According to Roll Call, “The disclosure forms are imperfect at best — members are required to report values in broad ranges of minimums, starting at $1 to $1,000 and ending with any asset or liability worth $50 million or more. Our equation for calculating the minimum net worth of each member remains unchanged: Total minimum reported value of assets minus total minimum reported value of liabilities equals total minimum net worth.” The Yellowhammer State’s delegation has a total net worth of at least $10.26 million, averaging $1.14 million per member, with a median of $570,000. In contrast, the median household net worth in the United States stood at $68,828 in 2011, with 69 percent of households holding some form of debt, according to the most recent U.S. Census statistics. Here’s a look at how the Alabama delegation ranks and their net worth: #72 U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby Net worth: $4.18 M How he got there: Collects interest from his Tuscaloosa Title Co., which he founded and has remained chairman of since 1974. He also outright owns the commercial property that houses the company as well as his Tuscaloosa home and Washington townhouse. #85 U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions Net worth: $3.21 million How he got there: Owns 16 pieces of land, dozens of mutual funds, several municipal bonds and money in bank accounts. #85 U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt Net worth: $1.01 million How he got there: Real estate. #222 U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne Net worth: $0.73 million How he got there: Mutual funds. #250 U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers Net worth: $0.57 million How he got there: A 20 percent stake in Capitol Development LLC, through which he owns 200 acres of land in Anniston. #265 U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer Net worth: $0.48 million How he got there: An IRA and has a 20 percent stake in Canaan LLC, through which he owns 105 acres of land in Vernon #350 U.S. Rep. Martha Roby Net worth: $0.13 million How she got there: A 25 percent stake in Hancey Mill Road Farm, LLC. #395 U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks Net worth: $0.03 million How he got there: Bonds as well as a mix of stocks, including Duke Energy, Charles Schwab and Digirad in a tax-deferred account. #442 U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell Net worth: $ – 0.08 million How she got there: Personal loans and credit card debt. Click here for the full list of Roll Call’s Wealth of Congress Index.
Yeas and Nays – How the Alabama delegation voted this week: 10/30/15
Here’s a look at how the Alabama delegation voted on major issues this week in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate: House votes H.R. 597: the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act. The bill reauthorizes the official export credit agency of the United States for four years; sets new, lower, lending caps; aims to increase accountability and transparency at the bank; and directs the president to initiate negotiations to reduce and eventually eliminate government export subsidies worldwide. Passed the House 313 – 118 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. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Nay: Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) H.R. 1090: the Retail Investor Protection Act. The bill prohibits the Labor Department from implementing a final rule on fiduciary standards for retirement investment advisers until after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) conducts a study and issues a final rule setting standards of conduct for broker-dealers. Passed the House 245 – 186 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) H.R. 1314: Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015: The bill would raise the $18.1 trillion debt limit by $1.5 trillion until March 15, 2017. Would also raise sequester spending caps by $50 billion in fiscal 2016 and $30 billion in 2017 and would make changes to the Social Security disability program. Passed the House 266 -167 Yea: Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Nay: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) H.R. 3762: the Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015. Pertaining to the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), this bill repeals the individual mandate, the employer mandate, the Cadillac tax, the medical device tax, ends auto-enrollment, and ends the public health slush fund. Passed the House 240 – 189 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) Election of Paul Ryan. The House elected Rep. Paul Ryan (WI-1), a Wisconsin Republican, as its speaker, replacing Ohio Republican Rep. John Boehner (OH-8), who resigned from Congress. Elected with 236 votes For: 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) Against: Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) who instead voted for Rep. Nancy Pelosi Senate votes Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015: The bill would raise the $18.1 trillion debt limit by $1.5 trillion until March 15, 2017. Would also raise sequester spending caps by $50 billion in fiscal 2016 and $30 billion in 2017 and would make changes to the Social Security disability program. Passed the Senate 64 -35 Yea: N/A Nay: Sen. Jeff Sessions; Sen. Richard Shelby Confirmation of U.S. District Judge. This vote confirms the nomination of Lawrence Joseph Vilardo to serve as U.S. District Judge for the Western District of New York. Passed the Senate 88 – 0 Yea: Sen. Jeff Sessions; Sen. Richard Shelby Nay: N/A
Alabama Congressional delegation splits on budget deal vote
The Alabama Congressional delegation split votes Wednesday as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a two-year bipartisan budget agreement. It was not your typical split however, as Republican Congressman Mike Rogers (AL-03) joined Democrat Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) in supporting the bill, making him one of only 79 Republicans to support the measure along with 187 Democrats. The rest of the delegation — Reps. Bradley Byrne (AL-01), Martha Roby (AL-02), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Mo Brooks (AL-05) and Gary Palmer (AL-06) — were among 167 representatives, all Republicans, who voted against. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 would raise the $18.1 trillion debt limit by $1.5 trillion until March 15, 2017, after the next President assumes office. The bill also would raise sequester spending caps by $50 billion in fiscal 2016 and $30 billion in 2017 and would make changes to the Social Security disability program. “Our national debt currently exceeds $18 trillion and this budget deal would guarantee it increases,” said Palmer who voted against the bill. “It continues the too familiar trend of spending money now with hopes of finding ways to pay for it in the future. For instance, $35 billion of the pay for’s occur in 2025, which is simply unacceptable. Instead of passing this bill, which pushes us in the wrong direction by increasing spending and raising the debt limit, we should have answered the call of the American people to reduce the national debt and balance our budget.” Rep. Sewell sees things differently. “While this bill is not a perfect one, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 breaks the sequester stronghold that has stifled our domestic and defense spending priorities,” Sewell began. “Alabama was hit hard when the sequester was implemented, and this bill loosens the arbitrary spending caps that hampered critical investments in domestic programs. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the direct effect of the budget agreement will create 340,000 additional new jobs in 2016, and a total of 500,000 jobs by 2017. These jobs are critically important to hardworking Americans who continue to struggle to make ends meet and provide for their families.” The bill now heads to the Senate where it is expected to be taken up quickly. Once there, Alabama Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby have indicated they both would reject the agreement.
GE Aviation announces $200 million investment, 300 new Alabama jobs
GE Aviation announced Tuesday its plans to invest $200 million in the Yellowhammer State to create adjacent factories on 100 acres in Huntsville. The plan will create up to 300 jobs when the factories are operational later this decade. The announcement was made at the Alabama State Capital in Montgomery by GE Aviation’s Vice President of the CMC Programs, Sanjay Correa. He was was joined by Gov. Robert Bentley and members of the Alabama delegation. One plant will be the first of its kind in the United States and will produce silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic fiber. The other factory will use the SiC ceramic fiber to produce the unidirectional ceramic matrix composite component (CMC) tape necessary to fabricate CMC components for jet engines and land-based gas turbines. It represents GE Aviation’s second significant factory investment in Alabama in recent years. Since 2013, GE Aviation has invested more than $100 million in a 300,000-square-foot factory in Auburn, where the company is engaged in jet engine component manufacturing as well as establishing the world’s highest-volume additive manufacturing center. Here’s what the Alabama government officials have to say about the announcement: Gov. Robert Bentley: We are honored that GE Aviation has chosen Huntsville for an advanced technology manufacturing operation to produce silicon carbide materials for commercial and military engines. Today’s announcement is important because Alabama is expanding our partnership with a global aviation leader. We have prioritized advanced manufacturing in aerospace and aviation, and I appreciate the investment by GE Aviation in this new Huntsville operation. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: GE Aviation’s decision to open two adjacent factories in Huntsville is great news for the region and our state. This announcement is a testament to the exceptional workforce in Huntsville and highlights that Alabama is open for business. I look forward to the jobs and economic growth that this investment will bring to Huntsville. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions: GE Aviation’s decision to build two new world-class factories in North Alabama is a vote of confidence in the strength and talent of Alabama and its workers. It continues Huntsville’s strong tradition of supporting our men and women in uniform. This $200 million investment will expand the footprint and impact of GE Aviation in the area while providing new opportunities for hundreds of workers. The cutting-edge technology employed in Huntsville demonstrates GE Aviation’s continued leadership in this industry. A strong manufacturing base is essential for a robust economy, and I am pleased that Alabama and GE Aviation have been leaders by investing in high-paying manufacturing jobs. U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05): North Alabama prides itself on manufacturing excellence, and its high-technology workforce, making it a perfect match for global aviation leaders like GE Aviation. This investment will bolster Alabama’s pivotal role in the development of GE Aviation’s world-class engines and the future of aerospace engineering. We are grateful for this commitment to Huntsville and the additional growth it will inspire across the state. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04): This is wonderful news for North Alabama. GE has been committed to this area for decades, and I’m glad to know that dedication continues with even more well paying jobs for 300 people. Job creation continues to be the number one priority for Alabama. As Ronald Reagan once said, ‘the best social program is a job.’ This investment from GE is a clear sign that Alabama is open for business. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle: GE is an innovation company. Huntsville is an innovation city. This announcement by GE is the latest chapter in that history of innovation. The products that will be manufactured here represent the future of aerospace. We are proud that Huntsville will help GE change the way we travel through the skies.
Campaign finance reports offer indication of easy path to reelection for Alabama delegation
If the latest round of campaign finance reports are any indication, the incumbent Alabama delegation will be smooth sailing toward victory next November. While most of the races in the Yellowhammer remain unchallenged, a federal reporting deadline Thursday night shows Alabama politicians’ campaign coffers are filling up and they’re faring well on the fundraising front in their reelection efforts. Officially filed with the Federal Election Commission the reports disclose funds raised during third fundraising quarter, which ran from July 1 through September 30. Here’s how the Alabama delegation stacks up: U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions: won re-election in 2014. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: not yet filed at the time this was published. Challenger: Ron Crumpton (D) Cash on hand: $39 U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01) cash on hand: $449,621. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02) cash on hand: $733,545. Challenger: Becky Gerritson (R) Challenger: Robert E. John, Jr (I) U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) cash on hand: $466,022. U.S. Robert Aderholt (AL-04): not yet filed at the time this was published. Challenger: Phillip Norris (R) Cash on hand: $95 U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) cash on hand: $976,718. Challenger: Willie Boyd, Jr. (D) Cash on hand: $819 U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) cash on hand: $711,196. Challenger: David Putnam (D) Cash on hand: $4,753 Debt: $5,325 U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) cash on hand: $476,588
Deadlines approach for military service academy nominations
Yellowhammer students are running out of time to submit an application for a nomination to one of our nation’s military service academies. The state’s congressional delegation is currently accepting applications from Alabama students who want to secure a congressional nomination to one of the United States Military Academies. Those wishing to attend these schools — United States Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis Md.; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY — need mandatory letters of recommendation from members of Congress, and the deadlines to apply for a nomination are quickly approaching. The deadlines are as follows: Sen. Jeff Sessions: December 31, 2015. Sen. Richard Shelby: December 4, 2015. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01): December 1, 2015. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02): October 30, 2015. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03): December 15, 2015. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04): Mid October, 2015. Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05): November 9, 2015. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06): Mid October, 2015. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07): November 9, 2015. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Students applying must be between the ages of 17-23, be unmarried, be a legal resident of their respective representative’s district and believe they have what it takes to succeed at one of the United States Service Academies. Only a limited number of Alabamians will be nominated, and a nomination does not guarantee acceptance into an academy. Interested students should contact one of the senators or their respective representative by clicking the appropriate linked name above.
August Recess: What your Member of Congress has been up to
It’s August, and that means the Alabama Delegation has been back home in the Yellowhammer state for August Recess, and will pick up business in Washington, D.C. after Labor Day. But don’t let the name fool you, the “recess” is designed to give members of Congress an opportunity to reconnect with the constituents they represent. Here’s a quick peek at what the Alabama Delegation has been up to during August Recess: U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions: Sen. Sessions stopped by to meet with workers at the Honda plant in Lincoln. Sen. Sessions visited the Army Reserve Building in Gordo. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: Joined Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox and HUD Secretary Julián Castro on a tour of recovery sites in Tuscaloosa impacted by the 2011 tornado. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01): Ag Matters tour with a stop in Brewton to visit with some local foresters. Organized the Women’s Forum in downtown Mobile. 100 women attended. Held an Education and the Workforce Committee field hearing to discuss the National Labor Relations Board’s interpretation of a “joint employer.” Visited the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station Pensacola to learn more about our nation’s airmen and the important work they do. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02): Visited with the honors junior and senior classes at Ariton High School. Visited the Pike County Economic Development Corporation. Visited Barbour County. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03): “Congress on Your Corner” event in Ashland. “Congress on Your Corner” event in Wedowee. “Congress on Your Corner” event at the Russell County Courthouse in Phenix City. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04): Visited Corinth West Methodist Church in Cullman County for their annual singing. Got the chance to drive the car around the track at the Talladega Superspeedway. U.S. Mo Brooks (AL-05): Visited with the Jackson County chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) in Scottsboro. Town Hall meeting in Decatur. Met with the Athens Limestone Association of Realtors. U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06): Visited the State Farm Insurance Birmingham Operations Center. Visited the Home Depot store in Pelham. Joined the people of the Pelham Police Department and the Pelham Fire Department for lunch. Spoke at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07): Met with Rep. Aderholt, Bryan Kindred the CEO of DCH and Keith Parrott. Welcomed the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for a tour of the 7th Congressional District. Toured the Selma site of the Innovative Readiness Training Healthcare Clinic. Spoke to Educators at Choctaw County School system.
Richard Shelby, Gary Palmer petitioning FDA on behalf of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient
Two members of Alabama’s congressional delegation – Sen. Richard Shelby and Rep. Gary Palmer – have written the federal Food & Drug Administration on behalf of a Montgomery family whose son has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a rare degenerative disease. The pair of lawmakers hopes to amplify the voice of Scott and Tracy Griffin, whose son Gabe Griffin suffers from Duchenne as well as terrible side effects from a class of drugs call corticosteroids, which helps delay the worst muscular effects of the disease, but does not address the ailment’s causes. Shelby and Palmer are asking for a meeting with an FDA Commissioner with the Griffins in Washington, D.C. “Sadly, Gabe’s muscles will continue to deteriorate until he can’t walk, breathe or eat by himself,” Shelby wrote in a missive co-authored by Palmer. “Without access to new treatment, these devastating effects of Duchenne will impact Gabe well before he turns twenty years old.” “Gabe is currently prescribed FDA-approved steroids with side effects of stunted growth, extreme sensitivity to light, postponed puberty, and brittle bones. However these drugs do nothing to target the underlying problem, a missing protein, which causes Duchenne.” Towards the end of getting patient feedback directly to the agency about refining available drugs, Palmer said, a meeting is in order. Griffin is the eponym of the “Gabe Griffin Right to Try Act” signed into law by Gov. Robert Bentley in June, which removes restrictions on the prescription of experimental drugs if willing patients sign a waiver which releases the state from liability. The Griffin family responded to an FDA public comment invitation earlier this summer, where according to a release from their foundation Hope for Gabe, they submitted remarks that reflect a range of views which include: Opposition to randomized placebo-controlled trials for Duchenne patients, with a reminder that the FDA’s own website states that ‘a child should not be deprived of a treatment in a clinical trial that is necessary for the child’s health;” A request for the FDA to use its authority to approve [experimental drugs] Eteplirsen and Drisapersen and accelerate the approval of subsequent and follow-on drugs using the same underlying approach; A request for the FDA to encourage an effort to collect and publish data regarding the size of different subgroups of patients within the Duchenne and related dystrophinopathy communities; and Support for the FDA’s authority to use “fewer, smaller, or shorter clinical trials for the intended patient population or targeted subpopulation without compromising or altering the high standards of the FDA for the approval of drugs.” Palmer formally requested a meeting for the Griffins with an FDA agent “at a mutually convenient time in the future.”
Richard Shelby, GOP senators blast Planned Parenthood in wake of video
Sen. Richard Shelby co-wrote an open letter to Health & Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell castigating the reproductive rights group Planned Parenthood after the release of a video that purports to show representatives discussing the illicit sale of fetal tissue or “baby parts,” as many are calling it. The letter co-signed by Alabama’s senior U.S. senator raised pointed questions about whether Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest single provider of abortion procedures, is violating federal laws prohibiting so-called “partial birth” or late-term pregnancy terminations and the “harvesting” of fetal organs. Shelby, joined by 49 of his Republican Senate colleagues, went further than that. “We believe the footage prompts important policy questions surrounding the issue of abortions permitted so late in pregnancy — sometimes later than 5 months — that an unborn baby’s organs can be identified and harvested,” the group wrote. The coterie of senators called on the federal health care bureaucracy to aid them in future investigations planned by the Republican-controlled Senate, striking the ominous tone of an upcoming legal showdown. “Congress is taking action to address these questions and we expect the Department of Health to fully cooperate with ensuing investigations — including future requests for information and hearing participation” they wrote. “To that end, we further expect the immediate preservation of any and all Department electronic and paper records that could have any relevance to any ongoing or upcoming lawful investigation.” Shelby and his co-signers also called on the DOH to conduct their internal probe on the basis that Planned Parenthood receives grants from the department. See the full text of the letter here.
Alabama’s congressional delegation reacts to Iran nuclear deal
After ongoing talks that spanned 20 months, a deal aimed at reining in Iran’s nuclear program was announced Tuesday by President Barack Obama. Led by the United States, Iran and a group of six other nations agreed to significantly limit Tehran’s nuclear ability for more than a decade with the goal of easing global fears of a nuclear-armed Iran threatening the Middle East. In return, Iran would get billions of dollars in relief from lifting international oil and financial sanctions. Congress has some say in the future of this deal. The Associated Press reports Congress has a 60-day review period “during which Obama cannot make good on any concessions to the Iranians. U.S. lawmakers could hold a vote of disapproval and take further action.” Here are reactions from the Alabama delegation to the announced nuclear agreement between the United States, Iran, France, China, United Kingdom, Russia. We will be updating this post as they come in: U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: Today’s announced nuclear agreement with Iran is a bad deal for the American people. For the past several months, I have been concerned that President Obama was chasing a deal with Iran just for the sake of reaching an agreement. This deal wrongly prioritizes Iran’s objectives rather than the goal of the United States: to end Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01): From the start of these talks I have warned that President Obama and his negotiating team were desperate for a foreign policy victory, and I fear the safety of Americans and our allies in the Middle East will be at greater risk because of this deal. Iran is no friend of the United States, and we should all be concerned about what they will do with billions of dollars in sanctions relief. Even Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Martin Dempsey has stated that sanctions relief would allow Iran to send more money to terrorist groups in the Middle East. Congress will now have an opportunity to closely scrutinize and vote on this agreement, and I call on my colleagues to look past the short-term rhetoric and instead focus on the long-term implications this deal could have on our national security and the safety of our allies abroad. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02): We’ve known for weeks now that Secretary Kerry and negotiators have been back-peddling, but I had hoped that by speaking out we could encourage them to strengthen their adherence to American interests. Unfortunately, that hasn’t worked. The Obama Administration has insisted for years that Iran does not have a right to enrich uranium and that any lifting of sanctions would come with requiring Iran to acknowledge and dismantle their nuclear weapon program. What was announced today fails to meet even those basic objectives, and Americans should be very disappointed that President Obama and Secretary Kerry abandoned their own goals to strike a deal with Iran. More broadly, I fear this deal will work to aggravate an already dangerous and volatile region. It’s no secret that Iran is the world’s foremost state sponsor of terrorism. I fear this deal will only embolden those efforts with little more than hope that they’ll change their ways. Today, Iran’s decades of hostility and deception has been rewarded with a plum deal that ensures they’ll have a nuclear weapon before long. The message that sends to other rogue nations is dangerous and alarming. Congress has 60 days to review this deal and render its judgment. We must use this time to inspect this agreement carefully and judge it based on what was promised to Congress and to the American people. I believe my colleagues on both sides of the aisle must prepare to stand up and assert our authority to stop a potentially bad deal from going forward on behalf of the American people. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03): I was very disappointed in today’s announcement of the Iran nuclear deal. Iran is a state that cannot be trusted and this deal rewards bad behavior while compromising our national and global security. I am completely opposed to this deal. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04) via Facebook: I am skeptical on the #IranDeal + fear lifted sanctions will fund instability in the Middle East. As the saying goes, the devil will be in the details #transparency #verification U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07): I commend the efforts of President Obama, Secretary Kerry, Secretary Moniz and their team in securing a diplomatic agreement with Iran on its nuclear program. To be sure, it is not in the interest of the United States or its allies for Iran to ever develop a nuclear weapon. I agree with President Obama that no deal is better than a bad deal and it is through that prism that I will thoroughly review and evaluate this agreement. We cannot sign any agreement with Iran based on trust, nor should sanctions be loosed unless Iran meets its obligations and such compliance can be verified. We must remain ever vigilant in our insistence that Iran never reaches nuclear capability.
Alabama Independence Day messages
Today, families across Alabama and the country celebrate the birth of the greatest nation on Earth, the United States of America. 239 years ago our Founding Fathers 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. Senator Richard Shelby: U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01): The 4th of July is an opportunity to reflect on what makes our nation great. Only in America can people like Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, the Wright brothers, and Steve Jobs come from the humblest of beginnings and go on to become Presidents and famous inventors simply by having the vision and working industriously toward their goal. I love America because we are a nation built on the twin principles of freedom and opportunity, and I wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day! U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02): Happy Fourth of July Weekend to you and your family! I hope you’re able to spend time with loved ones and enjoy a long weekend. But, as we celebrate over cookouts, outdoor fun and, of course, fireworks, let’s pause to remember the true meaning of Independence Day and how blessed we are to enjoy the freedoms we have. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03): Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July as we celebrate the birth of our great nation. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04) I hope you all have a safe and blessed 4th of July weekend. U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06): “Why I love America” I love America because it truly is a land of opportunity. I know that, because I grew up in a low-income household in a small rural town and, despite the fact that we had little money, I became the first person on either side of my family to attend college. There are millions of stories just like mine where, through hard work, discipline, and sheer determination, individuals from all kinds of backgrounds have gone on to make great lives for themselves and, in the process, had a great impact on their families, neighborhoods and even the nation. I also love being an American. Being an American has nothing to do with blood or dirt or race or religion. Being an American is all about what we believe, about embracing ideals … that all men are created equal, that our rights are endowed to us by God and that government exists to protect those rights. These are the ideals of free people, independent people, and it is these ideals that we celebrate on Independence Day and that have made us an exceptional nation which I am proud to serve. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07): AL Attorney General Luther Strange: Some Alabamians have already begun celebrating the 4th, as seen in this photo of the fireworks Friday night in Alexander City. Wherever you are this July 4th – on the beach, the lake, the river or in the park – remember to enjoy it SAFELY! From the Tennessee River to the Gulf Beaches, Happy 4th of July!
