Terri Sewell urges alternative credit score consideration by GSEs
Home ownership is an integral part of the American Dream, but buying a home is a stressful process. Perhaps one of the most stressful components — securing a good, home loan. For millions of Americans the task of being approved for a home loan is daunting, as they know the fate of their future home hinges on one main factor: their FICO credit scores. Which is why, last December, Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell and her colleague Ed Royce from California’s 39th District introduced a bill urging the government-sponsored enterprise (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — which control 90% of the mortgage market and set the underwriting standards for the entire mortgage industry — to consider alternative credit-scoring models beyond the FICO credit score. The bill, H.R. 4211: the Credit Score Competition Act of 2015 aims to abandon FICO for a softer standard in evaluating credit risk making home ownership a greater possibility for more Americans. Last week, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released their 2017 Scorecard and seemed to take heed of Sewell’s and Royce’s bill including stating that the FHFA expects the GSEs to: “Conclude assessment of updated credit score models for underwriting, pricing, and investor disclosures, and, as appropriate, plan for implementation.” Sewell and Royce say the change of policy is a win-win. “Alternative credit score consideration by the GSEs is a win-win: it opens up the market to those looking to buy a home in a responsible manner and fosters healthy competition in the credit scoring field,” said both Reps in a joint press release. “That’s why there is strong bipartisan support in Congress for such a move. We encourage the FHFA to move forward without further delay.” In Royce and Sewell’s view, lower-to-middle income Americans who are qualified to buy a home, but are unable to do so because of their current FICO score or often lack thereof will “specifically benefit from the GSEs using other credit scoring models.”
Alabama delegation shuffles D.C. office locations during biennial office lottery
Following the November elections, Capitol Hill’s version of “The Hunger Games” began in Washington, D.C., where incumbent and incoming Members of Congress battled it out from prime office real estate in the House of Representatives. The “House Office Lottery” takes place every two years before the each new Congress begins in January. During the lottery, lawmakers vie for office spaces in one of the three House Office Buildings (HOB), Cannon, Longworth and Rayburn, where they’ll stay for the entirety of the two-year Congress. Those who end up with a coveted, large corner office may stay put for their entire Congressional careers; while other less lucky Members who end up in no-man’s land on the dimly lit fifth-floor, where elevators and people are scarce may opt to move the first chance the get during the next lottery. The process is simple, numbered black and white discs are placed into a wooden box. By seniority in Congress, then alphabetical order, each Members pulls disc out of the box. The lower the number on the disc, the better the position in line to choose an office. For some Members who have had a bad draw in the past and have been relegated to an extra small office, the a low number literally feels like winning the lottery. While there are no new Members joining the Alabama delegation this January, all of the incumbents won their re-elections, there will be a shuffle of office spaces among the delegation, with only three of the delegation’s seven Members opting to stay put during the 115th Congress. One of those taking advantage of the option to upgrade and move, is Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. Previously situated near the construction zone of oldest office building, Cannon HOB, Rogers was lucky enough to update to a space known for its large offices and superior views in the newest building, Rayburn HOB. “I have always said my door is open to the people of the Third Congressional District,” Rogers said. “I am excited about our new location in Washington and hope local citizens will continue to come by and visit when they are in our nation’s capital.” Here’s where you can find the Yellowhammer State reps should you visit Washington, D.C. next year: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Staying put Office location: 119 Cannon HOB Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Staying put Office location: 442 Cannon HOB Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Moved Office location: 2184 Rayburn HOB Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Staying put Office location: 235 Cannon HOB Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Moved Office location: 2400 Rayburn HOB Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Moved Office location: 330 Cannon HOB Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Moved Office location: 2201 Rayburn HOB
Montgomery makes the short list for F-35s stealth fighter jets
The U.S. Air Force announced Wednesday Montgomery-based 187th Fighter Wing at Dannelly Field Air Guard Station could be the future home to roughly 18 F-35s. The airfield is one of five installations still under consideration. Before the Air Force makes its final decision there will be an Environmental Impact Study along with a public comment period. The entire decision process could take up to two years. If selected, the F-35s might not arrive at Dannelly Field until 2021 or 2022. Alabama 7th District. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell has been among those in Alabama advocating the 187th and Dannelly Field for the F-35 assignment. “I am excited that the 187th Fighter Wing, located at Dannelly Field, has made it through the first round of cuts by the Air Force to receive the coveted new Joint Strike Fighters,” said Sewell. “The 187th Fighter Wing has an unparalleled legacy of excellence worthy of praise and our continued investment.” Sewell continued, “I continue to be a strong advocate for the 187th National Guard unit in my district. As a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that confront our nation. As such, I understand the importance of the 187th being awarded these new fighter jets to our mission of maintaining air-superiority and providing effective air-cover for our men and women deployed in combat zones.” Sewell’s not the only Alabama politician fighting for the the F-35s. 2nd District. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby is also dedicated to bringing the jet fighters to the Yellowhammer State. “Alabama’s 187th Fighter Wing is an excellent candidate for the F-35 program, which is evident by its placement on this short list,” Roby opined. “The F-35’s next-generation capabilities will give American aviators unquestioned air superiority in combat situations around the globe, and I have no doubt the men and women of the 187th will excel in their mission if selected for this program. The 187th Fighter Wing has long been a point of pride for our state, from its impressive combat track record in recent conflicts to its proud history as the legacy unit of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen.” According to Sewell, beyond being a point of pride for the state, the selection of the Dannelly Field would make a positive economic impact on River Region’s economy. “It is also imperative that the 187th remains a viable installation as an economic driver for the River Region,” Sewell explained. “State estimates show that the military footprint in Alabama provides 177,000 direct and indirect jobs and an economic impact totaling $17 billion, 12% of the State’s GDP. Consequently, changes to the force or structure of the military in Alabama are felt across the State, and particularly in areas where installations are located, such as Montgomery, Alabama.” The F-35 is the military’s most cutting-edge war machine that will eventually replace many Cold War-era fighters like the F-16 currently flown by the 187th. The other bases being considered are Jacksonville Air Guard Station in Florida, Gowen Field in Idaho, Truax Field Air Guard Station in Wisconsin and Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan.
21st Century Cures Act heads to Barack Obama’s desk
Congress has approved the first major mental health legislation in nearly a decade Wednesday. The 21st Century Cures Act, which overhauls the development of medical treatments and cures, is likely to be one of the final pieces of legislation President Barack Obama will sign into law before he leaves office next month. The Senate voted 94-5 on Wednesday to approve the bill, following the House’s passage (344-77) just last week. The 21st Century Cures Act improves: Discovery: by providing the NIH with fully offset funding to advance the Precision Medicine Initiative to drive research into the genetic, lifestyle, and environmental variations of disease; speed up cancer research; and invest in the BRAIN initiative to improve our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s. Development: by turning 21st Century scientific advancement and research into FDA-approved treatments and cures through modernizing clinical trials; putting patients at the center of the regulatory review process; streamlining regulations to foster innovation in health care software and mobile medical apps; incentivizing pediatric drug development and empowering the FDA to be more flexible in reviewing medical devices and technologies; and providing the FDA with $500 million for regulatory modernization and enable the agency to recruit the best scientists, doctors, and engineers. Delivery: by ensuring new drugs and devices are given to the right patients at the right time through ensuring that electronic health record systems seamlessly operate for best patient care; facilitating seniors’ access to the latest medical technology; and improving education for health care providers. Mental Health Care: by coordinating mental health programs across the federal government; establishing the National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Lab to drive evidence-based grants to help states combat addiction and abuse; clarifying HIPAA communication rules among providers, families, and patients to improve treatment; and strengthening our nation’s mental health workforce. Here’s how the Alabama delegation voted and what they had to say about the bill: Sen. Richard Shelby: America has long been the world’s leader in medical innovation and it is important that we modernize, personalize, and streamline our health care delivery system to ensure that it meets the demands of today. For the millions of Americans suffering from a serious illness such as cancer or Alzheimer’s, cutting-edge research is the beginning of hope for them and their loved ones. I have always been a strong proponent of ensuring that we appropriately support first-rate medical innovation and research initiatives for the next generation of treatments and cures. The 21st Century Cures Act will not only foster needed changes in our health care infrastructure, but it also takes critical steps to fight our nation’s growing opioid epidemic and strengthen our mental health programs. It is great news for the American people that both the House and Senate have passed this bipartisan legislation. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: I think the 21st Century Cures Act may end up being the most important bill passed by Congress over the last few years. In addition to helping boost medical research, the bill also dedicates resources to mental health reform and fighting our nation’s opioid crisis. I outline why I supported this bold legislation in my column this week. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The 21st Century Cures Act fosters innovation in medical technology and research, eliminates regulations that hinder competition, provides resources to combat the growing opioid epidemic, ensures critical support for those struggling with mental health issues, and rightfully reforms Medicare and Medicaid to reduce overpayments and provide reimbursements. The bill improves medical treatment discovery, development, and delivery for those who need it most. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: No comment given at this time. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: No comment given at this time. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: No comment given at this time. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: No comment given at this time. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: From the biomedical research community in Birmingham to my constituents who live with rare diseases and hospitals who serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients, all Alabamians will benefit from implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act. I am particularly pleased that the bill includes critical support for rural health care, regulatory relief for Long-Term Acute Care and Critical Access Hospitals, and increased funding for cutting-edge biomedical research. In addition, the bill provides substantial relief from readmission penalties to Alabama’s hospitals, the majority of which serve a disproportionate share of low-income patients.
House passes defense spending bill with Alabama delegation support
On Friday, the annual defense policy bill overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 375 to 34. It now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration next week. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), funds the Pentagon and related military and intelligence operations through the next fiscal year. Specifically, the 2017 NDAA: Contains $619 billion total for national defense Provides $5.8 billion in supplemental funding for operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Europe Supplies an additional $3.2 billion for Readiness Stabilization Funding in an effort to stop additional reductions of the military Includes critical funding for Army helicopters $882 million for 52 AH-64 Apache helicopters $755 million for 36 new UH-60M multi-use Black Hawks for the Army and National Guard $126 million for the Improved Turbine Engine Program – a program essential to the development of a next generation engine for Blackhawk and Apache helicopter platforms Supports the Littoral Combat Ship program (LCS) by providing $1.1 million for two new Littoral Combat Ship Provides a 2.1% pay raise for our troops Maintains the current Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), including for dual military families Improves access to health care for our troops and their families Prohibits the transfer of detainees at Guantanamo Bay to the United States, prohibits closure of the facility, and prohibits the transfer of the naval base to Cuba Provides the resources to combat Islamic extremists and to assist foreign security forces, such as the Kurds and Sunnis, to fight ISIS Supports our European allies to counter Russian aggression and funds the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense programs Delivers improved technology to the warfighter faster While most chamber Democrats backed the legislation, despite the $619 billion price tag coming $3.2 billion dollars over White House requests, Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell chose not to vote. Here’s how the delegation voted and what they had to say about the bill: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: This NDAA stops the drawdown of the military and authorizes critical funding for the operation and maintenance of our military. The bill authorizes important funding for training, helps rebuild outdated infrastructure, and ensures our military men and women have the munitions they need for ongoing operations. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The Fiscal Year 2017 NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense so that our service men and women have the tools and resources necessary to do their jobs. I’m pleased that the House took this critical step to support our troops and keep Americans safe. I look forward to working with the Trump Administration early next year to provide additional resources to fully fund unmet procurement needs, ensuring that our military – from the Generals making strategic decisions at the Pentagon to the warfighter on the front lines – have all that they need to defend our nation. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: I am pleased the NDAA passed the House today with my strong support. This is a critical piece of legislation that helps take care of our brave men and women in uniform. This bill will strengthen our military, provide for vital installations like the Anniston Army Depot and authorize the funding needed to keep America safe. It will also give our service members the pay raise they deserve that they have not gotten in the past four years. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: No comment made at this time. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: In recent years, budget cuts have slashed vital funding for training and equipment, creating a readiness crisis. The FY17 NDAA protects programs critical to ensuring our warfighters have the training and weaponry needed to protect America. Specifically, the legislation increases ground and aviation training and replenishes depleted munitions inventories. In addition, the FY17 NDAA fully fund’s Israel’s missile defense requirements and rejects cuts to TRICARE, Housing Allowances, and Commissary benefits for service members and their families. The FY17 NDAA also includes the largest pay raise for our troops in six years. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell:
Terri Sewell elected Vice-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition
Rep. Terri Sewell on Thursday was elected by her colleagues to serve as Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition in the 115th Congress. In her new role, Alabama’s 7th District. U.S. Congresswoman will be responsible for a specific portfolio, as well as assisting Chair-Elect Rep. Jim Himes with leadership efforts and helping develop specific policy positions to be adopted by the Coalition. “I am beyond grateful to my colleagues for electing me to serve as Vice-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition in the 115th Congress,” said Sewell. “My decision to join the New Democrats when I came to Congress stemmed from the profound relevancy our Coalition has on the health and economic welfare of my constituents in the 7th Congressional District of Alabama. This includes policies that encourage job creation, promote innovation, and provide workers with the necessary tools to compete and thrive in today’s economy.” Dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation, the New Democrat Coalition was founded in 1997. The New Dems believe in the power of American ingenuity and innovation, and are focused on finding ways to foster and harness this creativity to grow America’s economy, create new American jobs, and ensure a safer and more secure future for our country. “America continues to benefit from the leadership of the New Democrat Coalition and the Democratic values of opportunity, fairness, and responsibility,” Sewell continued. “I look forward to the work that lies ahead as I promote the needs of my constituents before the Coalition and advance the pro-growth agenda of the New Democrat Coalition to all Americans.” The Coalition elected Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04) to serve as Chair. Reps. Jared Polis (CO-02), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) were elected to serve as Vice-Chairs alongside Rep. Sewell. Rep. Ron Kind (WI-03) will serve as Chairman Emeritus of the Coalition. “It’s been a pleasure to lead New Dems over the last four years. The New Democrat Coalition has always been full of talent, and I’m excited to see some of our newer Members take the reins,” said outgoing Chair Ron Kind. “Under Rep. Sewell’s leadership, I am confident the New Dems will continue to be strong advocates for policies that grow the economy, increase innovation, and help hard-working Americans.” “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work in this coming Congress with Terri Sewell as Vice-Chair in the New Democrat Coalition,” added Chair-Elect Jim Himes. “Terri represents the leadership, innovation and commitment to her constituents and the American people that are emblematic of the New Dems. Working together, we can overcome challenges, move our country forward and shape policy over the coming Congress.”
Terri Sewell applauds $6M UAB grant to train local young adults for 925 high-paying jobs
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is getting $6 million in federal funding to help train students for in-demand jobs. UAB was one of 23 groups to receive the U.S. Department of Labor‘s America’s Promise grants, a federal program designed to accelerate the development and expansion of regional workforce partnerships committed to providing a pipeline of skilled workers in specific sectors. UAB was the only recipient in Alabama. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell helped UAB secure grant at the maximum allowed amount of nearly $6 million, which will fund Innovate Birmingham, a broad coalition led by UAB of public, community, business and education leaders committed to fostering economic growth for the region and offering better opportunities for young adults. “Innovate Birmingham’s consortium partners are among the most successful corporate, academic, and non-profit citizens in Alabama, all of whom realize that our national and global competitiveness is only as strong as our local workforce pipeline,” said Rep. Sewell. “With this vital funding from the Department of Labor, Innovate Birmingham will be able to meet the demand of the second fastest growing IT workforce in the country by educating and training 925 Birmingham-area disconnected youth for high-wage, high-demand jobs in the industry.” UAB President and Birmingham Business Alliance Board Chairman Ray Watts says UAB is excited to have the opportunity to help lead this important project that combines education, community service and economic development, touching several key priorities of the institution’s multifaceted mission. “The main focus of this effort is to offer new educational opportunities for the young adults in our community to provide them with training and expertise that will enable them to have prosperous, bright futures,” Watts said. “It will positively change their futures and the futures of their families and communities.” The Innovate Birmingham Regional Workforce Partnership’s program will fuel inclusive innovation for local employers by meeting workforce demand in information technology with sustainable, demand-driven education, training and employment opportunities for area young adults who are disconnected from the labor market. “This is a tremendous opportunity,” said Birmingham Mayor William Bell, “and the City of Birmingham leadership is proud to be among the dedicated team who combined their time, expertise and resources to make a compelling plan that truly embodies the spirit of America’s Promise and will have a great impact in our communities.”
Democrat Terri Sewell roffers keen insights on Republican Jeff Sessions as future Attorney General
Alabama’s sole Democratic rep in Congress, Terri Sewell, reached across the aisle on Wednesday and offered her Republican colleague, Sen. Jeff Sessions, encouraging words following President-Elect Donald Trump‘s Friday selection of Sessions as his nominee for attorney general. “Senator Jeff Sessions has been given a tremendous honor and responsibility by the President-Elect to serve as the head of the Department of Justice,” said Sewell. “As a colleague and member of the Alabama delegation, I hope to work productively with him in his new position.” While Sewell was quick to point out she doesn’t agree with Sessions on all of his policy positions, she proffered keen insights to her Democratic colleagues, many of whom are skeptical of Sessions, regarding his willingness to “hear dissenting views.” “While we do not agree on many important social justice issues, Senator Sessions and I have enjoyed a productive working relationship on economic development issues that have benefited my constituents and our state,” Sewell continued. “I am also appreciative that he was the Senate sponsor of the Foot Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Bill that paid tribute to those who sacrificed for the equal right to vote in this country. “Over the past six years in my personal interactions with Senator Sessions, I have known him as someone who is willing to hear dissenting views. It will be imperative now more than ever that he weigh all sides of the crucial issues and make reasoned decisions that will benefit all Americans.” Sessions is arguably the most controversial of Trump’s appointments thus far. In 1986 he was nominated for a federal judgeship but was rejected due to allegations of racist comments. To many, he’s proven he’s not racist, but Sewell says she intends to hold Sessions “accountable for protecting the precious civil and human rights of all Americans” regardless. “As the Representative of Alabama’s 7th Congressional district, I share the serious concerns raised by the national civil rights community, and I stand with my constituents in holding Senator Sessions accountable for protecting the precious civil and human rights of all Americans in his new role as the nation’s top law enforcer,” Sewell concluded.
Alabama delegation honors America’s veterans
On Veterans Day, Americans across the country salute our brave men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Today, in honor of Veterans Day, members of the Alabama congressional delegation are paying tribute to their selfless service and sacrifices. Here’s what the Alabama delegation is saying in honor of Veterans Day: Sen. Richard Shelby: Each year, friends and neighbors across the country pause to honor our nation’s military heroes who selflessly sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Veterans Day is an important time to remember that freedom does not come free, and that we owe a great debt of gratitude to the men and women of our Armed Forces for their extraordinary service. Ala. 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Earlier this week, we held an election to pick our nation’s next leader. That is an honor we all have thanks to the sacrifice and service of our nation’s veterans. These men and women put their lives on the line in order to keep us safe and protect the freedoms we all hold dear. Be sure to take time today to say thank you to a veteran, but let’s not just honor our veterans one day a year. Let’s honor our veterans each and every day. Their service demands nothing less. Ala. 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: All we are as a nation – the freedom and opportunity we enjoy as Americans – we owe to the men and women who have put on the uniform and defended our country in times of conflict. Thank you to all veterans and their families for your service and sacrifice. Ala. 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” – Ronald Reagan Ala. 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: On this #VeteransDay2016 and every day we honor our nation’s military members for their selfless service in defense of America. It’s a privilege to represent #AL05 and support our veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families. Ala. 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: As American citizens, we enjoy and exercise our freedom daily. But such privilege does not come without a steep cost. The valiant men and women of our Armed Services bravely defend our great nation daily from threats against our freedom, and they have thwarted off all enemies for well over 240 years. Without their service and their sacrifice, America would not be the great country it is today. I send my deepest thanks to every member of the Armed Forces, past, present and future. You are what makes America the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. God Bless America and God Bless our veterans. Ala. 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: Today, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who have laid down their lives to keep our country safe. These individuals – men and women, fathers, wives, sons and daughters – have fought and died to protect the values we hold dear as a nation. We owe them a sincere debt of gratitude for their tremendous bravery and selfless sacrifice. That is why it is critically important for Congress to continue to support and provide needed resources to the Veterans Administration (VA) to ensure that our veterans and their spouses or widowers have access to quality health care, good-paying jobs, affordable housing, and other benefits they have rightly earned. We should not deny the very liberties to these American heroes and their families that they have fought to protect.
Alabama delegation split votes for short-term funding bill to avert government shutdown
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a short-term funding bill Wednesday night that averts a looming federal government shutdown on Oct. 1. The bill, H.R. 5325, passed 342-85 with mixed support from the Alabama delegation — only Alabama Reps. Martha Roby (AL-02), Mike Rogers (AL-03), Robert Aderholt (AL-04) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) voting in favor of the legislation. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01), Mo Brooks (AL-05) and Gary Palmer (AL-06) voted against the measure. The bill extends current government funding levels until early December, allowing appropriators time to negotiate 2017 spending priorities. It also provides year-long funding for veterans programs, $1.1 billion to address the Zika virus, and $500 million in emergency flood relief for Louisiana and other states. Lawmakers now have until Dec. 9 to approve longer-term money. Here’s what the Alabama delegation is saying about their votes: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Last night, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution government funding bill that runs through December 9th. I voted against the bill because these short-term spending bills are not the right way to run the government. I am hopeful that when Congress returns after the election, there will be a serious effort to pass a full year funding bill that reflects priorities like a strong national defense and important conservative spending reforms. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: Nothing at this time. Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Nothing at this time. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt: Nothing at this time. Alabama 4th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Nothing at this time. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Nothing at this time. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: While I had hoped for a long-term funding solution, this bill provides vital funding for our military infrastructure, housing, and services for men and women in our armed forces and their families. Additionally, this legislation finally answers the call to address the Zika virus health crisis that has impacted far too many Americans. The funding in the bill will enhance the administration’s efforts to reduce the risk of the virus, particularly in pregnant women, by better controlling the mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus, developing new prevention tools, including vaccines, and better diagnostics to protect Americans from the virus, and conducting crucial research projects needed to better understand the virus’s impact on infants and children.
Terri Sewell joins civil rights pioneer in voting rights roundtable discussion
With Election Day less than 50 days away, Alabama 7th District. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell joined her House and Senate colleagues along with civil rights experts from across the country in a roundtable discussion on voting rights in America. Set in the LBJ Room in the U.S. Capitol Building, Alabama-native and current U.S. Congressman from Georgia, John Lewis lead the open-press discussion, which underscored the importance of having a fully functioning Supreme Court to hearing voting rights cases. Lewis, who worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr.He was the first speaker during the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery march last year, called on the Obama Administration to install federal election observers in polling stations across the United States. “We should ask for federal protection,” Lewis said. “The election can be stolen on Election Day at polling places.” In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, which required certain states to obtain permission from federal authorities before changing their voting laws. Lewis continued, “This is our time to speak up and speak out to say that we want to see fair and open elections where everyone can participate.” Also participating in the roundtable was: Rep. G.K. Butterfield, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Rep. Jim Clyburn Rep. Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) Nancy Zirkin, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Kristen Clarke, National Lawyers Committee Terry Ao Minnis, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Andrea Senteno, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
This week in the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate: Sept. 19-23, 2016
The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate are moving full steam ahead working to finalize negotiations surrounding a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government running beyond the end of September and into December, through the November election. Many lawmakers are hopeful to strike a deal early, which would allow them to recess ahead of schedule and head back to the campaign trail for the pre-election recess that is scheduled to begin Oct. 1. U.S. House of Representatives On Monday, the House meets in pro forma session. On Tuesday, the House is in session and will consider several bills under Suspension of the Rules. A full list of bills can be found here. On Wednesday, the House will consider several more suspensions as well as H.R. 3438: the Require Evaluation before Implementing Executive Wishlists (REVIEW) Act. The bill would delay the effective date of “high-impact” regulations, or those costing more than $1 billion annually, until all court challenges to the regulation have been settled. Alabama co-sponsor(s): Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) For the balance of the week, the House is expected to consider the following: H.R. 5461: the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act. The bill requires the Treasury secretary to compile and submit to Congress a report detailing the known assets of Iran’s top political and military leaders, how those assets were acquired, and for what purposes the assets were used. Alabama co-sponsor(s): None H.R. 5931: the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act. The bill states that it is the policy of the U.S. government not to pay ransom or release prisoners for the purpose of securing the release of U.S. citizens taken hostage abroad, and it generally prohibits the U.S. government from providing to the government of Iran, either directly or indirectly, any cash or other promissory note. It requires the administration to obtain a Treasury foreign assets license before settling any pending financial claims with Iran, and to publicly disclose each such transaction and payment. Alabama co-sponsor(s): None H.R. 5719: the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act. The bill would allow employee stockholders in startup ventures to defer taxes for seven years on stock options in their companies. To qualify, the stock options would have to be offered to at least 80 percent of a company’s workforce, and the benefit would not be available to majority owners, corporate officers, or the highest-paid executives. Alabama co-sponsor(s): None The House may also consider H.R. 1309: the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act. The bill would eliminate a $50 billion asset threshold, set by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul, that deems banks of that size or larger to be systemically important financial institutions (SIFI). The SIFI designation brings enhanced federal oversight as well as requirements to maintain certain levels of capital and other assets. Instead, the bill authorizes the Financial Stability Oversight Council to decide whether banks should be subject to enhanced supervision and standards because of financial distress at the bank, or because the nature, scope, size, scale, concentration, interconnectedness or mix of its activities could threaten the financial stability of the United States. Alabama co-sponsor(s): Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy has indicated additional legislative items are also possible this week. U.S. Senate The Senate is in session and may consider a 10-week continuing resolution (CR) as early as Monday. Congress must pass a CR or other funding legislation before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30 in order avert a government shutdown. The pending CR is expected to fund the government through Dec. 9, one week before Congress is currently scheduled to adjourn for the December holidays. Additional legislation is also possible in the Senate this week.
