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!
Terri Sewell-backed plan to restore Civil Rights-era historic sites funding passes U.S. House
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell ended her week in Congress on a sweet note — the third-term Democrat successfully amended this year’s federal Department of the Interior‘s Appropriations Bill to include an additional $7 million in funding for the department’s Civil Rights Initiative, which funds the restoration and maintenance of historic sites and markers related to the era. “National treasures like the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site tell the story of the struggle for civil rights. It is our obligation to preserve these sites for future generations,” said Sewell, the first African-American woman to represent Alabama in Washington, in a statement. The overall appropriation given to the initiative — $16.5 million including the funds in Sewell’s amendment — still falls considerably short of the $40 million requested by President Barack Obama. “Reduced funding severely limits our ability to protect sites that belong to the National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks,” continued Sewell before enumerating her amendment’s effects. Per a release, her budget amendment: Restores $2.5 million for the rehabilitation and preservation of significant historic properties on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Increases funding by $2.5 million for documenting and preserving civil rights history, and Increases funding by $2 million for competitive grants for underserved communities under the Historic Preservation Fund. Sewell said she was glad of the progress the House made in its budget for Civil Rights sites, but said there was much more to be done. “On the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, we should be investing in National Park Service sites associated with the Civil Rights Movement, not cutting necessary funding,” Sewell concluded. Sewell, was born in Selma, represents Alabama’s 6th Congressional District, including much of the state’s “Black Belt” and parts of Birmingham, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa. She is the state delegation’s sole Democrat.
Alabama reactions to Supreme Court declaring same-sex marriage a right
Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court declared in a 5-4 ruling that same-sex couples have a right to marry in the United States. The AP reports, “Gay and lesbian couples already can marry in 36 states and the District of Columbia. The court’s 5-4 ruling means the remaining 14 states, in the South and Midwest, will have to stop enforcing their bans on same-sex marriage.” Read more here. Here are reactions from elected officials and political groups in Alabama. We will be updating this post as they come in: U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne AL-01: I have always believed that marriage should be defined as the union between one man and one woman. I believe today’s decision threatens what should be exclusive state jurisdiction over matters pertaining to marriage. U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer AL-06: I strongly disagree with the Supreme Court’s decision in this case and believe it represents the height of Judicial activism. Two years ago, in U.S. v Windsor, the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act as unconstitutional because they claimed that it interfered with the right of states to define marriage as each state saw fit. Now that same Court has summarily invalidated the right of every state, such as Alabama, that defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that in a larger sense, neither the Supreme Court nor any government entity can redefine marriage, because the definition of marriage pre-exists government. No one can change the fundamental nature of what marriage is: the union of a man and woman and the formation of family which is the foundation of every civilization. The Court’s ruling cannot change that. Because of this ruling I have grave concerns about the assault against the religious liberties of the millions of Americans for whom marriage is a religious institution and will always remain one. Congress should act to ensure that the religious liberties of all Americans are protected so that no one is ever be forced or coerced into violating their conscience. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell AL-07: There are moments in American history when the trajectory of our nation shifts. Today, the Supreme Court’s ruling affirmed the basic principle that our Constitution affords all Americans the same equal protections under the law, while also acknowledging our First Amendment right to maintain our own religious beliefs. Marriage licenses are an instrument of the state, and every person should have the rights afforded to all unions sanctioned by the state. This decision positively upholds the equal dignity of all Americans to enter and have the same rights afforded to every union of marriage. Gov. Robert Bentley (via a statement): I have always believed in the Biblical definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman. That definition has been deeply rooted in our society for thousands of years. Regardless of today’s ruling by the Supreme Court, I still believe in a one man and one woman definition of marriage. The people of Alabama also voted to define marriage as between a man and woman. I always respect the people’s vote, and I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has disregarded the choice made by the people of Alabama in its decision today. AL Attorney General Luther Strange (via @lyman_brian on Twitter): Disappointed in same-sex marriage ruling, but “I acknowledge that the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling is now the law of the land.” State Rep. Patricia Todd (Via a tweet shortly after decision announced): Court rules love wins Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore: I think it is just the beginning. I think it’s the beginning just like when the court in 1857 declared that black people were property. It had no right to do that and there was a long turmoil there after. There was actually the civil war and there was a constitutional amendment. Alabama Policy Institute (Via its Facebook page): Foundational to the Alabama Policy Institute’s mission is the adherence to an originalist understanding of the Constitution, zeal for the “numerous and indefinite” powers reserved to the states, and lastly, a biblical view of matters affecting the family. Today’s ruling trounces on a strict interpretation of the Constitution by creating an entirely new right and by inexplicably taking the matter out of the hands of the people of each state. This ruling will have far-reaching consequences, particularly for those who maintain sincere religious beliefs on marriage. We call on our state’s delegation in Congress, the Governor of Alabama, and the Alabama Legislature to take proactive steps to ensure that no Alabamian will be forced to relinquish the freedom to live in accordance with their religious convictions on this matter.
Alabama politicians react to Supreme Court upholding Obamacare tax subsidies
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the nationwide tax subsidies under President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, in a ruling that preserves health insurance for millions of Americans. The Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision on King v. Burwell that the 8.7 million Americans living in states without state based Obamacare exchanges are eligible to receive federal healthcare subsidies. The opinion was written by Chief Justice John Roberts, who also wrote the Obamacare opinion in 2012 upholding the individual mandate in the Affordable Care Act. Here is a compilation of reactions from Alabama’s elected officials and politicians: Gov. Robert Bentley: Today’s decision by the United States Supreme Court is disappointing. As the law is clearly written, subsidies do not apply to states that did not establish a state-based health insurance exchange. With today’s decision, the Supreme Court became an activist court by rewriting the law, clearly overstepping the role of the Judicial Branch to interpret the law. The Supreme Court had an opportunity to repair what I, as a physician, have always believed, that the Affordable Care Act is deeply flawed and does little to help improve the health of our citizens. As a physician and Governor of one of the 34 states that did not establish a state-based healthcare exchange, I agree with Justice Scalia in his dissent that States are clearly not the federal government and that definition of a state shouldn’t be rewritten for the purpose of this law. I believe the ACA is, at its core, enormously expensive for families and businesses and does little to address the health care issues we face in our state and nation. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: Today’s Supreme Court decision does not change the fact that Obamacare is an unworkable, deeply flawed, and damaging law. The problems with Obamacare go far beyond the issue debated in King v. Burwell and continue to harm American families and small businesses. Obamacare’s long list of broken promises has already caused Americans to struggle with higher premiums, to lose their preferred health insurance and doctors, and to be left with fewer choices. Despite this ruling, I remain committed to working with my colleagues to put an end to the negative impacts of this disastrous law. U.S Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01): Today’s ruling does not change the fact that Obamacare is an unworkable law that is hurting far too many families across Southwest Alabama and the United States. I will continue to push for a full repeal of the law and work toward patient-centered health care solutions that aren’t run by the federal government. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02): So many people across the nation and throughout Alabama have been negatively affected by this law. Under Obamacare, many lost the health plans they liked. Many were forced to go to different doctors, to say nothing of the doctors who stopped practicing altogether. Premiums skyrocketed, and many middle class families are now impacted by new taxes, fees and penalties. I have repeatedly voted to repeal Obamacare and replace it with patient-centered health care that isn’t run by the government. This ruling does not change my commitment to working to replace the president’s health care law with policies that make sense. It does show how important it is for us to elect a president who will uphold the rule of law and appoint Supreme Court justices who will do the same. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04): I am extremely disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision today concerning Obamacare subsidies. The Supreme Court continues to see gray when it comes to the black letter of the law as written in Obamacare’s base text in the Affordable Care Act. If you look at the way the Democrats actually wrote the law, it seems to be very clear that subsidies were not available for those in the federal exchanges. This was not a typo. The language was written as it was written. U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06): I’ve long been an advocate for repealing this unworkable and unaffordable law. Today’s decision by SCOTUS makes it even more imperative that Congress work to fully repeal it. As far as the opinion is concerned, I agree with Justice Scalia when he writes in dissent: The Court holds that when the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act says “Exchange established by the State” it means “Exchange established by the State or the Federal Government.” That is of course quite absurd, and the Court’s 21 pages of explanation make it no less so …. This Court, however, concludes that this limitation would prevent the rest of the Act from working as well as hoped. So it rewrites the law to make tax credits available everywhere. We should start calling this law SCOTUScare. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07): Millions of Americans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. An estimated 6.4 million Americans will be able to keep their health insurance, including 17,000 people in my district! Chairman Terry Lathan, Alabama Republican Party: The nightmare continues for America with the United States Supreme Court upholding parts of the wildly unpopular Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. This destructive legislation forced upon Americans pertaining to their health care and health insurance is an abomination and a plight on our nation. America is the most loving country in the world and our citizens should have access to superb health care, but this legislation is an albatross of government intervention and bureaucracy. It has little to do with care and mostly to do with more legislative strangleholds and controlling our daily lives. No American should be forced to sign up or buy health insurance that is not their choice. This alone is enough to remind us all how important the elections of 2016 will be to America. We must reverse this course, starting by removing Democrats from the White House all the way down to our county courthouses. Let us never forget the words of Barack Obama when he and the Democrats forced their will on all of America: ‘If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. If you like your health care plan, you
House approves fast-track trade bill with little Alabama support
The House took the first of many steps toward reviving President Barack Obama‘s trade agenda Thursday, by narrowly passing controversial fast-track trade authority for the President. The 218-208 vote, with three of Alabama’s seven members voting yes, came less than a week after the trade legislation was quashed by the President’s own party. In last week’s vote, House GOP leadership paired the fast-track bill, Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), with a measure known as Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), which gives aid to workers displaced by trade. Both measures needed to be approved in separate votes for the entire package to move forward. Thursday’s vote stripped the fast-track bill of the the worker assistance provisions while still granting the president fast-track authority to negotiate a massive, 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal. The bill now moves on to the Senate, where White House and GOP leaders are standing by, hoping to make a deal with pro-trade Democrats. Here’s a quick look at how the members of the Alabama Delegation voted and statements from their office: Representative Bradley Byrne (R – 01): Did not vote Representative Martha Roby (R – 02): Voted for TPA Representative Mike Rogers (R – 03): Voted for TPA Representative Robert Aderholt (R – 04): Voted against TPA Representative Mo Brooks (R – 05): Voted against TPA Representative Gary Palmer (R – 06): Voted against TPA Representative Terri A. Sewell (D – 07): Voted for TPA Roby: “There’s no question that trade supports jobs in Alabama, and it’s our responsibility to make sure trade agreements we enter into benefit American workers and serve our nation’s strategic global interests,” Rep. Roby said. “That’s why this Trade Promotion bill is important. It puts Congress in a much better position to ratify good multi-lateral trade agreements and to stop bad ones.” Sewell: “I continue to believe that President Obama should be given the same trade promotion authority as past Presidents. I trust that President Obama will do right by the American people, and the people of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. President Obama has our backs, and we should have his. “President Obama has been unwavering in his support for promoting fair trade that protects American jobs and workers. I trust that President Obama will continue to protect the interests of the nation he has been elected to serve, and to uphold the values we hold dear. “I am deeply disappointed that Congress has yet to reauthorize the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). TAA is a vital lifeline for displaced workers that provides the needed resources for training, employment services, and relocation allowances. Globalization and automation — irrespective of trade agreements — have created a need for greater support services for workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. It is my hope that my colleagues will reconsider the TAA vote because I strongly believe that TPA and TAA go hand in hand.”
U.S. House of Representatives: June 16-19
The U.S. House of Representatives returned yesterday to consider several minor bills naming post offices and other federal facilities. However the main legislative work begins today, when the House will take action on the Intelligence Authorization Act, which provides the Intelligence Community authorization needed to protect and defend the United States by supporting critical national security programs such as those protecting Americans against terrorism and cyberattacks. The Remainder of the week, the House will focus on a number of health care-related bills, including pieces of legislation that would repeal two contentious provisions of the Affordable Care Act, all the while Congress and the President wait patiently the Supreme Court’s ruling in King v. Burwell, regarding subsidies for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Legislation on the floor for a vote this week includes: H.R. 1190: Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act of 2015 Alabama co-sponsors: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-1), Rep. Martha Roby (AL-2), Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-4),Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-5) H.R. 160: Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2015 Alabama co-sponsors: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-1), Rep. Martha Roby (AL-2), Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-3), Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-4),Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-5), Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-6), Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-7) H. Res. 233: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Iran should immediately release the three United States citizens that it holds, as well as provide all known information on any United States citizens that have disappeared within its borders Alabama co-sponsors: Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-3), Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-5) H.R. 2596: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 H.R. 2505: Medicare Advantage Coverage Transparency Act of 2015 H.R. 2507: Increasing Regulatory Fairness Act of 2015 H.R. 2582: Seniors’ Health Care Plan Protection Act of 2015 H.R. 2570: Strengthening Medicare Advantage through Innovation and Transparency for Seniors Act of 2015 H. Con. Res. 55: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces deployed to Iraq or Syria on or after August 7, 2014, other than Armed Forces required to protect United States diplomatic facilities and personnel, from Iraq and Syria
Alabama delegation supports U.S. House passed fishing reforms, despite Obama veto threat
Disregarding a veto threat from President Barack Obama, the U.S. House of Representatives reauthorized the four-decade-old Magnuson-Stevens Act, the nation’s primary fishing law, on Monday, which sets the policy for fisheries all across the United States. The legislation, H.R. 1335, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act, makes a number of improvements to the MSA in order to ensure a proper balance between the biological needs of fish stocks and the economic needs of fishermen and coastal communities, and includes provisions sponsored by Alabama Rep. Bradley Byrne. Specifically, Congressman Byrne’s provisions would repeal the inflexible quotas for the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery, extend state water boundaries for each Gulf state to nine nautical miles, and remove data collection and stock assessments from federal control. “Tonight was a big win for red snapper fishermen in the Gulf and fishermen all across the country,” Byrne said in a news release Monday. “These provisions were designed to give the Gulf states control over the science and data collection as it relates to red snapper, and I believe that with better data and more flexibility for fisheries managers, we can get back to having a real red snapper season in the Gulf.” The Alabama delegation joined Byrne in his support of the bill, with the exception of Rep. Robert Aderholt who did not vote, and Rep. Terri Sewell who voted no. Fellow U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer also celebrated the passage of the fishing reforms, saying, “Fishing is important in Alabama, both for commerce and for recreation. This bill will provide for more opportunities for Alabamians to have a stronger voice in the process of deciding how our fisheries are managed by replacing the current one-size-fits-all approach to a state managed approach that requires state and local data in decision-making.” U.S. Rep. Martha Roby reiterated the importance of the bill to Alabama. “Fishing is not only a large recreational attraction in Alabama, it’s also an important facet of our state’s economy. The bill … works to increase transparency, empower local experts who have a greater knowledge of regional needs, give states more of a say in decisions affecting them and support job growth- all with no increase in federal spending. “ The measure now goes to the Senate, and is facing a veto threat from the White House should it pass. In a May 19 statement Obama said the House bill would “undermine the use of science-based actions to end and prevent overfishing” and would “interfere with the tremendous success achieved in rebuilding over-fished fisheries by setting rebuilding targets that are not based on sound, credible science, and that unnecessarily extend the time to rebuild fisheries.” Byrne however, is optimistic. “I started working on this issue as soon as I got to Washington last year, and this vote is a big step forward. I will now get to work with my Gulf Coast colleagues in the Senate, including Senators Shelby and Sessions, to keep this legislation moving.”
Federal judge Mark Fuller resigns amidst domestic violence allegations
According to various news reports, an Alabama federal court judge accused of domestic violence has delivered his resignation to President Barack Obama. AL.com is reporting that attorneys for U.S. District Court Judge Mark Fuller have confirmed the judge’s resignation effective August 1st. Last summer, Judge Fuller was arrested for alleged battery of his wife, Kerri Fuller. Several members of Congress have urged a thorough investigation of the case, including U.S. Congresswoman Terri Sewell who has called for the federal judge’s impeachment. In a written statement following Judge Fuller’s announcement, the Congresswoman had this to say: “News of Judge Fuller’s impending resignation is a welcome outcome to a very painful breach of the public trust. His resignation will be the culmination of a drawn out process that was woefully unnecessary. The public trust was violated the moment his wife phoned the police. “Justice was not served. We sent the wrong message to victims of domestic violence by allowing a federal judge to collect a paycheck — without managing a caseload — and ultimately having his record expunged. “Fuller failed to uphold our most fundamental values. Perhaps the only consolation is that he has chosen to spare his family and our nation of the expense of a drawn out impeachment process.”
John McMillan: Global trade vital to Alabama ag, industry
As Agriculture & Industries Commissioner, I work closely with the Alabama farming and business communities to grow the economy and create prosperity for our state. This provides firsthand knowledge that one of the most important factors in generating this kind of growth and prosperity is international trade. That’s why Congress needs to take a bold step and pass Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). TPA has been in the national news quite a bit lately, and garnered a fair share of controversy. But much of what one reads or hears about TPA is misleading or misinformed. Heated rhetoric aside, TPA is nothing more than an agreement between Congress and a U.S. president as to how they will work together to negotiate, consider, and vote on international trade agreements. TPA allows both branches of the federal government to participate in trade development and set up an expedited process for trade deals. TPA does not take power away from Congress and give it to President Barack Obama. Presidents can negotiate trade deals any time they want — with or without TPA, they still need Congressional approval of any trade deal they negotiate. In fact, TPA provides for more oversight of and transparency from the administration, and gives Congress a voice in the entirety of the process, instead of just a vote at the end. TPA also makes sure the public has its say by requiring any agreement to be published for public review 60 days before it can be finalized. Why is TPA necessary? Because Congress is Congress, and no matter how beneficial a trade agreement would be for the nation, there will always be one or two legislators who have a political axe to grind who will hold up the process. TPA makes sure the narrow interests of the very few don’t trump the broad interests of the very many. In doing so, it lets our potential trade partners know they can rely on the terms of the agreements they negotiate with a president and that they will not be changed or unduly delayed by a highly politicized Congress. That’s why it is so important to get TPA back on the books for our state. Alabama is a major exporter, and our farms and businesses count on new global markets to grow their businesses and create jobs. Without TPA, we cannot finalize the kinds of deals that open up these markets. TPA is not some abstract federal legislative issue — it has a direct impact on Alabama’s economy and the 90,000 jobs supported by Alabama exports. Recently, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman described Alabama as an “exporting powerhouse,” and said that Alabama “exports are supporting well-paying jobs.” These are not understatements: In 2014, Alabama exported $19.5 billion in goods. In 2013, almost 4,000 companies exported from the state, more than 80 percent of which were small- and medium-sized companies. It’s no surprise, then, that a recent poll found that an overwhelming majority of Alabamians support free trade. Last week the U.S. Senate voted in favor of TPA with a strong, bipartisan majority. I strongly urge Reps. Robert Aderholt, Gary Palmer and Terri Sewell — as well as the rest of Alabama’s congressional delegation — to support TPA as it moves through the U.S. House of Representatives. John McMillan is the Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries for the state of Alabama. You may contact him at john.mcmillan@agi.alabama.gov.
AL congressional delegation disagrees with new EPA Clean Water Rule
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rolled out a new plan Wednesday to expand the Clean Water Act to include more bodies of water. According to EPA, the 297-page “Waters of the United Sates” (WOTUS) rule ensures that waters protected under the existing Clean Water Act are “more precisely defined, more predictably determined, and easier for businesses and industry to understand,” as two Supreme Court rulings in 2001 and 2006 have left the current scope of the law uncertain. “Today’s rule marks the beginning of a new era in the history of the Clean Water Act,” Assistant Secretary for the Army Jo-Ellen Darcy said. “This rule responds to the public’s demand for greater clarity, consistency, and predictability when making jurisdictional determinations.” However, that’s not the way the Alabama delegation and critics across the country see it, calling it a massive federal government power grab. “For decades, water quality regulation has been primarily the responsibility of state governments, but this rule would significantly shift that responsibility to the federal government,” U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne told Alabama Today. “This rule would have an especially harmful impact on our farmers and foresters, who could face new compliance requirements and costs.” U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer also expressed his disdain for the rule. “This expansive rule would allow the EPA to place onerous regulations on almost any body of water. While the EPA claimed to listen to the extensive public outcry over this proposal by making cosmetic changes, the rule is still well beyond EPA’s rightful authority,” Palmer said in a statement issued Wednesday evening. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers joins in the disapproval. According to the congressman’s press secretary, “Congressman Rogers was extremely disappointed the overreaching EPA chose to go forward with the ‘Definition of “Waters of the United States” Under the Clean Water Act,’ despite House passage of H.R. 1732, which Congressman Rogers strongly supported. This rule includes EPA control of puddles and ditches and could hurt family farms and landowners.” H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act designed to block the implementation of the new EPA rule, was voted on in the U.S. House of Representatives this month with support of all of Alabama’s representatives excluding Rep. Terri Sewell who did not vote. It passed the House on May 11 by a vote of 261-155. The bill was received in the Senate on May 13, but has yet to be considered. But there’s hope for the legislation, as Alabama’s House members aren’t the only ones concerned with the new EPA Clean Water rule. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby told Alabama Today that he thinks the EPA is overreaching. “The EPA’s final rule redefining ‘waters of the United States’ is yet another example of the Obama Administration’s overreach. The rule will place thousands of streams, creeks, wetlands, ponds, and ditches throughout the country under the control of Washington bureaucrats instead of private property owners. I have supported legislation in the Senate to prohibit this harmful rule, and I will continue to fight against it as well as other burdensome rules and regulations from the EPA.” U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions joined seven of his Republican colleagues on the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee last April sent a letter to President Barack Obama regarding the then proposed WOTUS rule. “The scope of CWA jurisdiction is one of the most important regulatory issues facing landowners, businesses, and municipalities today,” the senators wrote. “The proposed ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule will exponentially impede economic recovery and is a significant step in the wrong direction. Mr. President, the decision to move forward would be a clear breach of your promise to cut through red tape.”
Alabama members call for longer-term transportation planning after trust fund vote
The U.S. House has passed H.R. 2353 — a bill approving temporary funding for the nation’s federal transportation trust fund for two months beyond an impending statutory cutoff — with the support of U.S. Reps. Bradley Byrne and, somewhat more surprisingly, Terri Sewell. But that didn’t stop either from expressing displeasure at the short-term nature of the bill passed Tuesday, a result of ongoing gridlock over myriad issues in the House. Byrne and Sewell, who respectively represent Alabama’s 1st and 7th Congressional Districts, each issued statements Tuesday evening saying a more predictable and comprehensive approach is required for maximum public good. “It is sometimes hard in Washington for Republicans and Democrats to find common ground, but both sides agree we need a long-term, reliable funding stream for the Highway Trust Fund,” Byrne said in his news release. “While I voted for today’s short term extension, I will not continue to support kicking the can down the road and putting off difficult decisions. Funding our nation’s highway system is a fundamental responsibility of Congress, and it is time we get serious about finding a solution. I intend to be a constructive participant in that process.” Sewell — breaking with most of her caucus, which opposed the measure — echoed those statements after her “yea” vote Tuesday afternoon. “The Highway Trust Fund Extension is nothing more than a Band-Aid. It’s disappointing that Congress is no closer to drafting a long-term solution to invest in our nation’s roads, bridges, and rails than we were this time last year,” Sewell said in her written statement. “Our nation’s investment in infrastructure is woefully inadequate to the detriment of our constituents.” “In Alabama, deteriorating roads cost motorists approximately $1.2 billion a year. Across our country, an estimated one in three fatal traffic accidents is caused by roads that are in poor or mediocre condition, and the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that one out of every nine bridges in the U.S. is structurally deficient.” Sewell ended, however, on a hopeful note. “By building the infrastructure of tomorrow, we would also create thousands of good-paying jobs that help more hard-working Americans earn a living.”
Know a vet getting the government run around?
Soon our nation will be celebrating Memorial Day. More than a three-day weekend marking the beginning of summer, Memorial Day is time to pay tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It’s also a time to say thank you to our nation’s many vets and our current service members who are still manning the front lines to protect this great nation. Often times our nation’s veterans and military have issues with the federal government and need help. Did you know that you your Congressman and Senators are often your best resource when you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly. For those currently in the military, or their families, experiencing difficulties with the U.S. Department of Defense and/or any of its military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the U.S. Merchant Marines), TRICARE, or the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) a Congressional office can often intervene and help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem. For veterans, a Congressional office can assist efforts to obtain military records and medals, in answering questions they have concerning eligibility for benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or those who might be having difficulties with the VA Health Care System or the VA claims and appeals process. Offices are also available to assist with a myriad of other constituent services areas that include, but are not limited to: Citizenship and Immigration Services: dealing with USCIS — relating to the process of becoming a U.S. Citizen, how to renew a Permanent Resident (Green) Card Consumer Complaints: complaints about a product or business General Financial and Emergency Assistance: facing financial difficulties and looking for temporary financial assistance Internal Revenue Service: federal tax-related problems, tax-fraud Medicare: problems with Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D Prescription Coverage, a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C) or CMS Passports: figuring out where you should submit your application, figuring out which application to use, and deciding when you need to submit application to ensure that you get your Passport prior to your travel date Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud: provide information about steps that individuals may take to as a way to proactively protect themselves from identity theft and what can be done to protect your credit information from use in fraudulent ways Small Business Administration: provide information on any available government financing, counseling, and training programs to individuals who are interested in starting or expanding Alabama-based business Social Security Administration: difficulties with the Social Security Administration with obtaining disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), retirement or other Social Security-related benefits, or if you simply need some help in obtaining documents If you’re facing an issue with the federal government, don’t hesitate to reach out to your respective Representative or one the Senators for assistance. Alabama’s 1st Congressional District: Rep. Bradley Byrne Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District: Rep. Martha Roby Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District: Rep. Mike Rogers Alabama’s 4th Congressional District: Rep. Robert Aderholt Alabama’s 5th Congressional District: Rep. Mo Brooks Alabama’s 6th Congressional District: Rep. Gary Palmer Alabama’s 7th Congressional District: Rep. Terri Sewell Statewide: Sen. Jeff Sessions State-wide: Sen. Richard Shelby Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? You can use this easy service to find out.
