Terri Sewell honors Rosa Parks, urges passage of bill to honor her with federal holiday
Today, Rep. Terri Sewell spoke on the Floor of the House of Representatives to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the arrest of Rosa Parks. Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama when she refused to give up her seat on a city bus to a white man and was charged with violating Montgomery’s segregation law. Her arrest inspired the Montgomery Bus boycott – a significant turning point in the civil rights movement. She was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, and Congress recognized Rosa Parks as the “first lady of civil rights.” On Twitter, Sewell wrote, “On this day in 1955, #RosaParks refused to give up her seat. Her dignified courage sparked the beginning of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and changed the very fabric of our nation. May we never forget the power of ordinary Americans to achieve extraordinary social change.” Rep. Sewell stated, “On this day, December 1st, in 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, taking a bold stand against Montgomery’s segregated bus system. Her dignified courage sparked the beginning of the Montgomery bus boycott and changed the very fabric of our nation.” Sewell urged legislators to pass H.R. 5111, the Rosa Parks Day Act. “As the Representative of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of H.R. 5111, the Rosa Parks Day Act, which would designate today, December 1st, as a federal holiday in her honor. This bill would ensure that her brave sacrifice will live on in American history forever, and I urge my colleagues to sign on,” Sewell said. In 2021, Tennessee Rep. Jim Cooper, along with Reps. Sewell and Joyce Beatty introduced the Rosa Parks Day Act, a bill to honor Parks by designating a new federal holiday. California and Missouri recognize Rosa Parks Day on her birthday, February 4. Ohio and Oregon celebrate the day she was arrested, December 1.
House votes to block a national rail shutdown
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.J. Res 100, legislation to adopt the tentative agreement between railroads and railroad workers reached in September and avert a national rail shutdown that likely would have plunged the economy into recession and worsened inflation and supply chain issues. The bipartisan measure passed the House by a vote of 290 to 137. Rep.Terri Sewell voted for the bill to block the union from striking. She also voted in favor of a separate measure, H. Con. Res. 119, which would add seven days of paid sick leave for railroad workers to the tentative agreement. This measure was a key priority for labor and a value that Sewell shares. Res. 119 passed by a more narrow vote of 221 to 207. “A national rail shutdown would completely devastate our economy, leave shelves empty, and worsen the railroad blockages that we are working hard to fix,” said Rep. Sewell in a press release. “I am thrilled that Congress has acted quickly and decisively to avert this catastrophic outcome, all while securing key advances for rail workers. This agreement will provide peace of mind for families and businesses ahead of the holiday season.” Congressman Jerry Carl voted against H.J. Res. 100, Enforcing the Railway Labor Tentative Agreements. “Today, I voted against enforcing the railway tentative agreement because it is not the job of Congress to bail out President Biden after he failed to negotiate with railroad unions,” Carl said. “The last thing our country needs is Congress getting involved in private businesses by picking winners and losers.” The tentative agreement includes: · A 24 percent pay raise and a $5,000 bonus · No changes in copays, deductibles or coinsurance costs · Time off for routine, preventative and emergency medical care · Requirements protecting the two-man crew Sewell’s office justified the vote to prevent the strike claiming: that as many as 765,000 workers, including many union members, would lose their jobs in just the first two weeks of a strike; millions of families wouldn’t be able to get groceries, medications and other goods; many communities wouldn’t be able to acquire chlorine to keep their water supply clean; businesses wouldn’t be able to get their products to market, and that perishable goods would spoil before reaching consumers. Supporters justified the decision to intervene in the economy by citing the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, which they claim gives Congress both the authority and the responsibility to act. The legislation now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to get the 60 votes necessary to pass the Senate. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Wednesday, “The President believes that a bill averting a rail strike needs to reach his desk by this weekend. He is very clear about that because we need to protect the American families from potentially devastating effects of a real shutdown. And we have talked about that numerous times, and the President was really clear about that when he — when he put out his statement earlier this week.” “Again, he’s a President for all Americans, and he believes that we need to avert a potential — this potential shutdown that would have a devastating effect on our economy, a devastating effect on jobs, a devastating effect in our communities across the country, and our — and our farms, as well,” Jean-Pierre said. “Look, the President, as you know, has been — has been called by union — unions and labor leaders as a pro-union President,” Jean-Pierre continued. “And he takes that very seriously. He is the most pro-union President in history. And he’s worked tirelessly to secure victories for unions and for workers since he was first elected to Sen- — to the Senate.” Jerry Carl was just re-elected to his second term representing Alabama’s First Congressional District. Terri Sewell was just re-elected to her seventh term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Six of the seven House incumbents in Alabama were re-elected in November’s midterms. The seventh, Rep. Mo Brooks, opted not to run for re-election but instead lost in the Republican primary for the open U.S. Senate seat. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Rep. Terri Sewell nominates Hakeem Jeffries to be new House Democratic Leader
On Wednesday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell nominated Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY08) to serve as the next Democratic Leader in the House of Representatives. During a Democratic Caucus meeting this morning, Sewell and several of her colleagues placed the name of in nomination and spoke in support of his candidacy to succeed Speaker Nancy Pelosi as the new Democratic Leader. “I have gotten to know Hakeem Jeffries since he came to Congress in 2013, and I am confident that he is the right person to lead our caucus during this season of change,” Sewell stated in a press release. “Hakeem Jeffries is a skillful strategist, a master communicator, a pragmatic progressive, a visionary legislator, a criminal justice reformer, a dogmatic defender of our Democracy, a bodacious bridge builder, and a fierce fighter for our families, children, veterans, dreamers, workers, and our seniors. I was proud to nominate him to be our next Democratic Leader and look forward to seeing him make history as the first African American to ever lead either party in the House!” Jeffries has represented New York’s 8th Congressional District since 2013 and currently serves as Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus. He is poised to become the first African American to lead either party in the House of Representatives in American history. Rep. Jeffries stated on Facebook, “Humbled to be elected incoming House Democratic Leader. Look forward to partnering with Katherine, Pete and the entire House Democratic Caucus. Ready to get to work #ForThePeople.” Because Democrats narrowly lost control of the House of Representatives in the November 8 midterm elections, the next Speaker of the House is likely to be a Republican. Following the election results, Speaker Pelosi announced that she would be stepping down as the Democratic leader rather than accepting the role of minority leader. The number two Democratic Leader in the House Steny Hoyer is also stepping down from his leadership role, creating a power vacuum that Jeffries filled with his election today. Sewell is the only Democrat in the Alabama Congressional Delegation and the only Black woman to represent Alabama in Congress in the state’s history. She was just reelected to her seventh term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email: brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Two dead in severe weather Tuesday night
Severe weather swept across the state late Tuesday night thru the early morning hours. Two people have been reported killed in the Flatwoods community in Montgomery County. There is reported damage across parts of the state, particularly in Montgomery, Greene, Elmore, and Hale Counties. A 39-year-old woman and an eight-year-old boy were killed in the Flatwoods Community in Montgomery County when a tree fell on their mobile home. Other people were injured in the home. “It’s absolutely looking like a small community’s been wiped off the map,” said Christina Thornton – the director of the Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency – speaking of Flatwoods. “It’s really devastating to think about when you look across the field, and you know that there were homes there the day before on your way to work. And when you’re leaving work this morning, they’re not going to be there.” The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department reported that a shelter was being opened at the Union Academy Baptist Church at 4748 Lower Wetumpka Road for the residents who were displaced by the nearby destruction. There are a number of homes destroyed in Montgomery County. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency wrote on Facebook, “On Wednesday, Nov. 30, severe overnight storms and possible tornados have caused several road closures. The following roads within Montgomery County have been reported to have trees and powerlines down, Lower Wetumpka Road, Coosada Ferry Road, and Williams Drive. The following roads within Elmore County have also been reported to have trees and powerlines down Dark Corners Road, Friendship Road and Rifle Range Road.” Crews are on the scene working on getting all the roads reopened today. The Sagewood Apartments complex in Eutaw in Greene County was destroyed by an apparent tornado leaving dozens of residents homeless this morning. ABC 33/40’s Megan Scarano reported on her Facebook feed, “As the sun rises….This is the reality this morning for some families at Sagewood Apartments in Eutaw. Their home was torn to shreds. You can see straight through bedrooms, hallways, and you can see insulation hanging in the wind. Siding, shingles, and wood is laying all over their backyard. You can hear the fire alarms going off in the background as well. “ Eutaw Police Chief Tommy Johnson told Scarano that “they believe no one is injured.” First responders moved the displaced residents to Carver Middle School during the immediate crisis, but they will need to find new housing in the immediate future. Be aware that there will be power crews and highway crews out on the roads today as they work to reopen roads, remove storm damage, and restore power, so expect delays and please slow down for their safety and your own. Congresswoman Terri Sewell wrote on Facebook, “My heart goes out to everyone impacted by last night’s severe storms, especially the families of those who lost their lives or were injured. My team and I are closely monitoring the damage and stand ready to assist. We will get through this together!” Severe weather can strike at any time of the year in moisture-rich Alabama. More people have died in Alabama from tornados since the 1940s, when accurate records first began being kept, than in any other state. Texas is second. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Terri Sewell mourns the passing of Rep. Donald McEachin
Congresswoman Terri Sewell released a statement regarding the passing of Congressman Donald McEachin. “I am heartbroken by the passing of our friend and colleague, Congressman Donald McEachin. I was honored to serve alongside him in the House and on the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Board of Directors,” Sewell said in a statement. “Virginia has lost a dedicated public servant and fighter for justice. I am keeping his wife, family, and staff in my prayers.” “Jill and I are saddened by the death of Congressman Don McEachin of Virginia, following a battle with cancer,” said President Joe Biden. “We send our deepest condolences to Don’s wife, Colette, and their three children.” “I got to know Don after he was elected to Congress in 2016,” Biden continued. “I will always be grateful for his friendship and his early and fierce support when I ran for President. Don was a fighter. He fought for justice, for civil rights, and for communities that are often left behind. Thanks to Don’s leadership and tireless advocacy, we passed historic legislation to combat the climate crisis and advance environmental justice.” “The son of a school teacher and an Army veteran, public service was in Don’s DNA,” the President said. “After practicing law, he served honorably in both chambers of Virginia’s General Assembly before winning election to the United States Congress. Through it all, Don always fought for the working people of Virginia. He never quit in his pursuit of justice. May God bless Don McEachin, Colette, and the entire McEachin family.” Rep. McEachin was first elected to represent the 4th Congressional District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives on November 8, 2016. McEachin served as co-chair of the House Democratic Environmental Message Team, co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Transportation, Infrastructure, Environment and Energy Policy Council, and vice-chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC). McEachin co-founded the United for Climate and Environmental Justice Congressional Task Force and led the task force as a co-chair to his death. McEachin was a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (E&C), the House Committee on Natural Resources, and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. As a member of E&C, Rep. McEachin sat on the Environment and Climate Change, the Communications and Technology, and the Energy subcommittees. As a member of Natural Resources, Rep. McEachin sat on the Energy and Mineral Resources subcommittee. McEachin served as a legislator in both chambers of Virginia’s General Assembly prior to. He started several law firms in the Richmond area during his legal career. McEachin graduated from American University with a degree in Political Science and from the University of Virginia School of Law, as well as a Master of Divinity from The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. McEachin was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the NAACP, as well as the Virginia State Bar and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. McEachin is survived by his wife, Colette, and their three adult children. Sewell was recently reelected to a seventh term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Democrats praise Nancy Pelosi’s leadership
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday that she will step down next year from her position leading the Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pelosi made the announcement the day after election results showing that Republicans will control the lower House of Congress once the new Congress convenes on January 3. Pelosi is stepping down from her top leadership role but will remain in Congress next year. “I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress,” she said. “For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect.” Alabama Democrats praised Pelosi’s leadership. Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley said that the move by Pelosi surprised him. “It really hit me hard,” Kelley told Alabama Today in a phone interview. “She has done a fantastic job. Whomever succeeds her will have big shoes to fill.” Congresswoman Terri Sewell praised Pelosi in a press release. “Speaker Nancy Pelosi is a true public servant whose tenure as Speaker of the House will be remembered as one of the most effective examples of leadership in modern history. For two decades, she has led the Democratic Caucus with dignity and grace, breaking down barriers for women and girls and putting the needs of the American people above all,” stated Sewell. “I have been honored to partner with Speaker Pelosi to advance the needs of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, including our work to pass H.R. 4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act,” Sewell continued. “While she will no longer lead our caucus, I have no doubt that Speaker Pelosi will remain a powerful force for good in our party and our nation. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside her.” Pelosi became Speaker of the House for the first time following the 2006 election. 2008 saw the election of Barack Obama to the presidency – giving Democrats control of both branches of Congress and the Presidency for the first time since 1994. Pelosi helped pass the Obama agenda, including the Affordable Care Act of 2010 – Obamacare. The Tea Party movement that arose to oppose Obamacare gave Republicans control of the House of Representatives in a massive “red wave” election in 2010. Despite the setback, Pelosi remained as the leader of the diminished House Democrats. In 2016 New York City billionaire Donald Trump won the Whitehouse, giving Republicans control of the government again. In 2018 Americans voted blue in large numbers giving Democrats control of the House again. Pelosi made history during the next two and a half years by impeaching Trump, not once but twice. In 2020 voters gave Democrats control of the Senate and elected Joe Biden over Trump. Pelosi helped Biden pass the CARES Act, the infrastructure bill, and the Inflation Reduction act. Despite this, or perhaps because of this legislative success, voters gave the GOP narrow control of the House of Representatives on November 8. Election results by November 16 showed that Republicans would indeed lead the House going forward and that a Republican – likely Rep. Kevin McCarthy – would be the next Speaker of the House. “She has done an exemplary job,” Kelley said. “She helped pass the infrastructure bill and the CARES Act.” The number two Democrat in the House – Rep. Steny Hoyer, is also stepping down from his leadership position, meaning there could be a wide-open contest on who will lead the Democrats moving forward. “I really have not gotten any idea who should fill that role,” Kelley said when asked who he felt should be the Democratic leader going forward. “I won’t get into trouble by naming somebody.” With Republicans now in control of the House, there is speculation that it might become more difficult for Biden to advance his agenda. “I think there is some (Republicans) who have done everything they could to stop his agenda,” Kelly said. “He has been very effective at passing his agenda, though.” Kelly said that the next two years will become essentially one long presidential campaign. “This is basically two years of campaigning for the President’s race in 2024,” Kelly said. “The Republicans will do everything they can to sabotage his presidency. The good news is that the Democrats held onto control of the Senate, and there certainly was no “red wave” as many of the prognosticators had predicted.” Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, is still recovering from a beating by an assailant with a hammer. Stepping down from leadership will allow her to spend more time with him as his recovery continues. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Terri Sewell wins re-election to seventh term
Congresswoman Terri Sewell was re-elected to her seventh term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Sewell cruised to victory even though the Seventh Congressional District became much more diverse after 2021’s redistricting and reapportionment by the Alabama Legislature. “To the great people of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, thank you,” said Rep. Sewell. “Representing you in Congress is my greatest honor, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve another term. This victory belongs to you!” Rep. Sewell won 63.5% percent of the vote (123,060 votes). Republican challenger Beatrice Nichols received 67,353 votes (34.77%).00 Libertarian Party Chairman Gavin Goodman received 3,207 votes (1.66%). “Regardless of how you voted, I pledge to continue listening, learning, and fighting for the values we share. We as a nation face many challenges, but I am confident that working together, we can continue to deliver more resources and better opportunities for our communities. I look forward to the work that lies ahead!” Sewell campaigned tirelessly in this election, traveling all over the district, often bringing checks, emphasizing her ability to bring home money for the district. Sewell is the first Democratic woman elected to Congress from Alabama in state history. She is the only Black woman to ever serve in the Alabama Congressional delegation. Sewell ran for Congress when then-incumbent Congressman Artur Davis ran for Governor. Before her congressional service, Sewell was an attorney in Birmingham. Sewell has held several leadership positions, including Freshman Class President in the 112th Congress. This current term, she was selected by Democratic leadership to serve as a Chief Deputy Whip and sits on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee, which sets the policy direction of the Democratic Caucus. Sewell is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, where she is Co-Chair of the Voting Rights Task Force. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, Co-Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, Vice-Chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, and Co-Chair of the Rural Caucus. Sewell is a native of Selma, where she was the first Black valedictorian of Selma High School. She has degrees from Princeton University and Oxford University in England, as well as a law degree from Harvard Law School. Sewell is the only Democrat in the Alabama Congressional Delegation. Republican incumbents, U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, and Gary Palmer, were re-elected by large margins. Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong, as expected, easily won the open Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District. While all of Alabama’s congressional races went as expected, that could change in the 2024 election as that 2021 redistricting is being challenged in federal court. The U.S. Supreme Court has already heard one of those suits, and a decision is expected this spring. The Court could potentially order the entire congressional redistricting may be redrawn. As of press time on Wednesday, it is still not known whether Democrats have held on to their razor-thin majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. An expected “Red Wave” did not materialize on election day, so whichever party controls Congress will have very low majorities to work with. Sewell is a member of House leadership. The Biden Administration is saying that the better-than-unexpected results are a vindication of Joe Biden’s policies. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Terri Sewell announces over $34 million in USDA funds to expand rural internet access in Lowndes County
Congresswoman Terri Sewell announced on Thursday that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $34,781,800 to increase broadband connectivity and internet services throughout Lowndes County. This funding is a part of USDA’s ReConnect Program and will be used to connect a prospective 4,646 people, 154 farms, 96 businesses, and three public schools to high-speed internet in Lowndes County. “As we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, access to reliable high-speed internet is critical to the success of our communities,” said Rep. Sewell in a statement.“This $34 million investment represents a major step forward in our continued effort to connect rural Alabamians with broadband. I’m proud to partner with USDA Rural Development to ensure that Alabamians everywhere have access to the internet connectivity they need and deserve.” “Communities across rural Alabama need access to high-speed internet in order to participate in the modern digital landscape,” said USDA Rural Development Alabama State Director, Nivory Gordon. “Whether it is for learning, conducting business, connecting with loved ones, or providing services which are not available locally, the lack of high-speed internet access has a direct impact on the quality of life for our rural families. That’s why we here at USDA are working with high-speed internet providers to continue to connect rural Alabama to the world.” Hayneville Telephone Company is receiving a grant of $34,781,800 to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network that will connect residents, farms, businesses, and schools to high-speed internet in Lowndes County, Alabama. The Hayneville Telephone Company Inc. will make high-speed internet affordable by participating in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity and Lifeline programs. This project will be funded with a grant announced from the third funding round of the ReConnect Program. There is strong bipartisan for broadband expansion in both Washington and Montgomery. Expanding the broadband network has economic, healthcare, and education benefits for rural communities. Broadband access also makes rural communities more attractive for young people as they consider their futures and where they want to settle. To be eligible for ReConnect Program funding, an applicant must serve an area that does not have access to service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) (download) and 20 Mbps (upload). The applicant must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet service with speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in its proposed service area. Visit USDA website to learn more about this and other investment resources for rural areas from the USDA. Sewell is in her sixth term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Sewell, a native of Selma and a former attorney for the city of Birmingham, faces Republican nominee Beatrice Nichols and Libertarian nominee Gavin Goodman in the November 8 general election. The 2021 redistricting by the Alabama Legislature made the Seventh Congressional District a much more diverse and competitive district than it was in the past. Polls open on Tuesday at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm. Voters wanting to participate in any Alabama election need to bring a photo ID with them to the polls. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
University of Alabama receives $7.8 million grant to electrify buses
On Thursday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell visited the University of Alabama, where she was joined by University President Stuart Bell, to announce that the federal government has awarded the University a $7.8 award to convert the University’s bus fleet from diesel-powered buses to battery-powered electric buses. “I just stopped by the University of Alabama to deliver a check for $7.8 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade the University’s Crimson Ride bus fleet with new, clean energy electric buses,” Sewell wrote on Facebook. “That means new vehicles and a cleaner, healthier campus community! ” Rep. Sewell was the only member of the Alabama Congressional delegation to vote in favor of President Joe Biden’s controversial infrastructure bill, which included $billions to fight climate change. “Once again, we’re seeing much-needed funding coming to Alabama to improve our infrastructure, connect our communities, and clean up our environment,” Sewell continued. “This law is a true testament to what we can achieve when we put people over politics, and I was proud to support it!” Earlier in the day, Rep. Sewell hosted a town hall at the McDonald Hughes Center in Tuscaloosa to speak with constituents. “Climate change is real,” Sewell said at the press conference. “We have experienced tornados and really bad storms here. The reality is that we need to leave this planet better than we found it, and that is going to take an investment in our infrastructure.” Sewell said that the federal government should invest in infrastructure like charging stations, “To make sure that we are not contributing to the release of greenhouse gases.” Electric battery-powered buses have 70 percent lower global warming emissions than diesel or natural gas buses, according to a recent analysis by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The Biden administration and some environmentalists claim that reducing emissions will have an overall benefit in reducing global warming moving forward. Sewell is in her sixth term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. She faces her most difficult re-election effort to date due to population migration out of the district and 2021 redistricting by the Alabama Legislature that made the district much more Republican than it was in the 2020 election. Sewell is the only Democrat in Alabama’s congressional delegation. She is the only Black woman to represent Alabama in Congress in the history of the State of Alabama. Sewell is a native of Selma and lives in the Hoover area. “It is important that you vote for the people who have your back whether it is the people’s house, the governor’s house, or the state house,” Sewell said. “It is the honor of a lifetime to represent you in Washington, and I can only do that through town halls like this across the district.” Sewell faces Republican Beatrice Nichols and Libertarian Gavin Goodman in the November 8 general election. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Barry Moore endorses Beatrice Nichols for Congress
On Wednesday, the Beatrice Nichols campaign announced that Nichols has received the endorsement of Republican Congressman Barry Moore. Nichols is challenging incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Terri Sewell in Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. Republicans are hopeful that they can win control of the U.S. House of Representatives in this year’s midterms, and Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District is the only district in Alabama represented by a Democrat. “The November 8th election is quite possibly the most important one of my lifetime,” Moore said. “It’s this simple, our country is at a tipping point. We have an opportunity to take back the House and Senate to stop the insanity in Washington DC and start to take our country back. We need every Republican we can get. Alabama is a conservative state. We believe in the value of hard work, the value of life, and the vital importance of freedom from government overreach. We believe our rights are given by God and not government. Because Bea Nichols believes this, too, it is my honor to endorse her for Congress. She will fight for the unborn and for our 2nd Amendment rights. She will fight for Alabama values in Washington. I ask the people of district 7 to please send Bea Nichols to DC to help me and other Republicans fight the progressive agenda. Together we can save our nation.” Nichols is married and a mother of three. She graduated from Hale County High School. She attended community college, where she received a nursing license. After graduating, she worked in Tuscaloosa for a local doctor. She went back to school and graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in elementary and special education. They then taught second grade at a local private school for six years. While teaching and raising children, Nichols earned a master’s degree in special education. After graduation and having a third child, she went to work at a local public school as a self-contained special education teacher. Currently, she is enrolled at the University of Alabama pursuing a doctorate in special education. The Seventh Congressional District is the poorest in Alabama. “Our district is plagued with poverty, unemployment, and crime, especially in places like Perry, Greene, Lowndes, Wilcox, and Dallas counties,” Nichols said on her website. “In some of these counties, children do not have clean drinking water. The schools are closing because people are leaving in search of jobs and good schooling for their children. Throughout the district, our small towns are crumbling before our eyes. There are no opportunities for our young adults, and they are having a very hard time finding work in the area they live. Our current representative for the 7th district comes and speaks at the entrance of a historic bridge about all the good things that are happening in our district – using the Edmond Pettis bridge as a backdrop for publicity when not more than 50 yards away there is unimaginable poverty where living conditions are paralleled to some third world countries.” Nichols also recently received the endorsement of the Americans for Legal Immigration PAC. “Americans for Legal Immigration PAC is endorsing and asking voters to support, volunteer for, and donate to the campaigns of J.R. Majewski (R-OH-9) and Beatrice Nichols (R-AL-7) for US Congress because both candidates have completed ALIPAC’s 2022 federal candidate survey indicating they oppose licenses, in-state tuition, and DACA Amnesty for illegals while supporting the full enforcement of America’s existing immigration laws,” the group wrote on their website. ALIPAC has also endorsed incumbent Republican Congressman Barry Moore in Alabama’s Second Congressional District and incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Rogers in Alabama’s Third Congressional District. Sewell is the only Democrat in the Alabama congressional delegation. Her district is majority-minority, but after 2021’s redistricting and reapportionment by the Alabama Legislature, the Seventh District has become considerably more White and Republican than it was during the 2020 election. Some Republicans are hopeful that a large turnout of Republican voters on November 8 could flip the district to GOP control. Sewell was hosted on Wednesday by former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones for a fundraiser in Huntsville. Nichols, Sewell, and Libertarian nominee Gavin Goodman are all on the November 8 general election ballot for Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Terri Sewell speaks to citizens at Tuscaloosa town hall
Congresswoman Terri Sewell held a town hall in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday, followed by stops where she announced federal funding awards at the University of Alabama and Stillman College. Sewell hosted the town hall at the McDonald Hughes Center in Tuscaloosa, where she was joined by Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, constituents, as well as members of the media. “It is my honor to welcome someone who really makes a difference in our community,” Mayor Maddox said. Maddox thanked Sewell for voting for the American Rescue Plan Act that delivered aid directly to cities and counties, “Let’s not forget that a year and a half ago, we did not know if we would even make payroll,” Maddox said. “Without that help from Congresswoman Sewell’s office, who knows where we would be.” Maddox also thanked Sewell for federal funding that Tuscaloosa has received to extend its riverwalk for another mile. “We could not have done that without that help from Congresswoman Sewell,” Maddox said. “Thank you all for the opportunity to represent you in Congress,” Sewell said. “So many people ask what do you do in Congress. You read a lot of stuff in the news, but I have to tell you most of the legislation, most of the negotiation goes on behind the scenes, and I have to tell you that the state of Alabama has a delegation that seeks to work together. The fact that Alabama’s delegation tries to work together makes a difference for everybody in this room.” Sewell said that despite differences in opinion between herself and the other members of the Alabama Congressional District, “Ultimately, everyone one of us wants what’s best for our districts and the whole state of Alabama.” “My heart is in the blackbelt of Selma, Alabama, and the Seventh Congressional Delegation, which includes Tuscaloosa and Birmingham,” Sewell continued. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the whole community’s nurturing. No one journeys alone.” Sewell praised Mayor Maddox and the Tuscaloosa City Council for their work, stating, “I want to thank you for all that you do to bridge the gap. None of us is proud of the economic disparity. It is a joy to work with the council every day.” Sewell spoke about the student loan debt forgiveness program that President Joe Biden announced recently. “While the fancy schools sound great, and I did get scholarships to go there, I still came out of law school with $140,000 in debt, and I did direct the next seven years of my life until I could pay it off,” Sewell said. “There are so many students who graduate from great schools and are still in homes with mom and dad because the cost of living is so high, but also because they have so much student loan debt. Some of them never graduate from college but still have student loan debt.” Sewell explained that the new program would provide $20,000 of debt forgiveness for Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 for other federal loans. “The site to apply is Studentaid.gov,” Sewell said. “Monday was the first day that it opened up. I know that $20,000 is not a lot of money,” Sewell said. “But I would love to have had that opportunity. Let me just say that I was one of the first around the table to say that we needed to do something about student loan debt.” Sewell said that she was proud to have voted for President Biden’s COVID relief bill. “ARPA, the American Rescue Plan Act, was voted on while we were still in the pandemic, and it came after the CARES Act,” Sewell said. “For the very first time, Congress gave money directly to towns and cities to keep our government functioning during this pandemic.” Sewell also said that she supported Biden’s infrastructure bill. “It is a one trillion-dollar investment in our roads and bridges, but not just our roads and bridges because your Congresswoman understands that water and sewer is essential infrastructure,” Sewell said. “We have not invested in our roads since Eisenhower built the interstates.” Sewell said that the bill also addressed the uneven investment in broadband. “I was proud to work with the Biden Administration to help get Alabama $100 million for broadband alone to make sure that it goes not just the last mile,” Sewell explained. “There are communities in the Seventh Congressional District that have not gotten the first mile yet.” Sewell said that the state will also get $182 million for water and sewer and that she made sure that the Seventh Congressional District gets most of that. Sewell said that she also voted for the “Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed right before we left for our August recess.” “One of the things that we did was lower prescription drug costs for our seniors who are on Medicare,” Sewell said. “We capped it at $2,000 so that the most that our seniors on Medicare will have to pay out of pocket is $2,000.” Sewell said that Congress capped the cost that seniors on Medicare pay for a vial of insulin at $35. “Insulin was costing twenty times more than in the United Kingdom,” Sewell said. “Now, for all Medicare recipients, it is $35 a vial.” Sewell said she is, “Laser focused on trying to bring down the cost of groceries of prescription drugs, but it won’t happen overnight.” Sewell said she would not tell voters how to vote in the November 8 general election but urged them to vote. “Nothing is more important to the history of our district Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District is civil rights, and voting rights-it is a proud legacy,” Sewell said. “None of us can afford to stay at home.” “Let’s make sure that we do the right thing and vote for the people who have our backs, whether it is Congress, the governor’s house, or the state house,” Sewell said. “It is important that you don’t go to the polls by yourself but that you make sure that you bring someone to the polls with you.” Each year, Rep. Sewell hosts a series of town hall meetings in
Steve Flowers: Congressional delegation reelected in November
Our Alabama Congressional delegation will all be reelected next month, as usual. We are no different than any other state when it comes to the incumbency advantage of being a congressperson. When someone is elected to the U.S. Congress, they are usually there for life unless they run for higher office. They probably would not be defeated unless they killed someone, and that probably would not be enough. It would probably depend on who they killed. The Congress is so divided and acrimonious along party lines that if they killed another member of Congress from a different party, it would probably help them and enshrine them in their seat for life. The reelection rate for members of the U.S. Congress is over 93%. That is similar to the Communist Russian Politburo. Our Congress is more akin to the British parliament, where they quasi-own their seat. Our delegation will have one new member. Dale Strong will take the Republican seat of Mo Brooks in the 5th District, Huntsville-Tennessee Valley area. He started early and stayed late. He began the campaign as the favorite and remained the frontrunner throughout the two-year campaign to capture the open seat. Strong has been a popular chairman of the Madison County Commission. He is a native Huntsvillian and was even educated grade school through college in the Madison County area. He was backed strongly by the Huntsville/Madison business community. They realize the importance of having a pragmatic, pro-business conservative who will be a GOP team player in Washington. It is imperative for the Redstone Arsenal to have a workhorse in that seat. They will miss Richard Shelby, who has done all the heavy lifting for federal growth. They are glad and fortunate to swap Mo Brooks for Dale Strong. Strong is relatively young and will probably be a long-termer. Jerry Carl will be reelected to his first district Mobile/Baldwin GOP Seat next month. He has taken to Congress like a duck to water. He also has long-term workhorse written all over him. Barry Moore will be reelected to his second term as the congressman from the 2nd District, which encompasses the Wiregrass and east Montgomery. It is a very Republican district. Mike Rogers of Anniston will be reelected to his eleventh term in November. He is gaining seniority and power. If the GOP takes over control of the U.S. House, as is expected next month, he is in line to possibly be chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Robert Aderholt of the 4th District is the dean of the delegation, thus under the entrenched seniority system, he is our most powerful Congressman. Aderholt got to Congress at a very early age. He will be reelected to his 14th two-year term. He serves on the important and prestigious Appropriations Committee. Gary Palmer will begin his fourth term representing the Jefferson/Hoover/Shelby GOP district. Gary is a policy and issues guy. The GOP leadership recognized this early, and he has advanced as a policy leader in the House. The lone Democrat in our delegation is Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Birmingham. She will be reelected to her seventh term in the U.S. House in a few weeks. She has emerged as a leader within the Democratic House Caucus. She is very well respected in Washington. She is a native of Selma and holds Ivy League undergraduate and law degrees. Hopefully, for Alabama, she is a long-timer. She has a large, sprawling district that covers most of Birmingham, Montgomery, and all of the Black Belt, including her hometown of Selma. Sewell, being the only African American Democrat in our seven-member Congressional district, is the subject of a case pending in the U.S. Supreme Court. Democratic leaders contend that Alabama could and should have two majority-minority districts in the state rather than one. The argument is that Sewell’s 7th District contains only 14% of the Black voters in the state. Alabama’s African American population is 27%. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, then our delegation may go from six Republicans and one Democrat to five Republicans and two Democrats. The two prominent, powerful, young African American mayors of Birmingham and Montgomery, Randall Woodfin and Steven Reed, would both be eyeing the new Democratic Congressional Seat. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
