Reps. Terri Sewell and Adrian Smith introduce bipartisan legislation to protect access to home health care services
Congressmembers Terri Sewell (D-AL07) and Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska) introduced the Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation would help preserve access to home health services for seniors and Americans with disabilities by preventing proposed cuts to home health payment rates from taking effect. “Home health services are a lifeline for so many Alabama seniors and people with disabilities, allowing patients to receive the treatment they need in the comfort of their own homes,” said Rep. Sewell. “I am very concerned about the impact that proposed cuts to Medicare’s home health program would have on these patients and their families. It is imperative that we prevent such cuts from taking effect, which is why I’m introducing the Preserving Access to Home Health Act in the House of Representatives. I want to thank Rep. Smith for his collaboration in this bipartisan effort, and I urge my colleagues to join us.” “Home health can lower the cost of care for patients and help hospitals to safely transition patients back to home living,” said Rep. Smith. “I have serious concerns these planned cuts to Medicare would result in worse outcomes for seniors and higher costs burdens in the long run. This bill would halt the counterproductive payment cuts and increase transparency in Medicare payment policy calculations. I thank my Senate colleagues and Rep. Sewell for their collaboration on this bill.” Approximately 3.5 million Medicare beneficiaries receive home health care services. This allows them to be treated in the cost-effective setting they prefer most—their homes. Home health services are a lifeline for seniors, people with disabilities, and those with limited mobility, and it became even more essential during the COVID-19 public health emergency. In June, Medicare announced plans to implement 9.36% cuts to its home healthcare program starting in 2024. This follows a 3.9% cut that began going into effect in 2023. These new cuts could total up to $20 billion over the next ten years, making it harder for patients to leave the hospital and go home with care that helps them recover and rehabilitate. The Preserving Access to Home Health Act would address the deep cuts made to home health that began this year and will continue until at least 2028. The legislation: · Restricts CMS from making any cuts to home health. · Requires MedPAC, which advises Congress on payment policy, to gain a full understanding of the economics of the home healthcare system, including how the Medicare program, the Medicaid program, and the Medicare Advantage program all contribute to a system. Joanne Cunningham is the CEO of the Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare. “Patients leaving the hospital need a smooth transition home, but are finding it increasingly difficult to find Medicare home health providers, signaling an immediate need for Congress to intervene and block Medicare from making such strident cuts to home health again this year,” said CEO Cunningham. “Data suggest that Medicare’s continued cuts to home health are restricting patient access to the safest and lowest-cost care setting following a hospital stay.” William A. Dombi is the President of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. “The Medicare home health community strongly supports this legislation and thanks Representatives Sewell and Smith for their leadership on a Medicare issue that truly threatens access to care for the more than 3 million beneficiaries who rely on this care,” said President Dombi. “The home health community calls on Congress to ensure the stability that patients and providers urgently need. Since Medicare has again proposed deep cuts to home health in 2024, Congress must act to protect the care their constituents prefer and want.” Barbara Jacobsmeyer is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Enhabit Home Health & Hospice. “We commend Congresswoman Sewell for her commitment to home health and for leading this bipartisan legislation to help ensure Medicare’s invaluable home health care services are available when patients need them most,” said President Jacobsmeyer. “Congresswoman Sewell has been a true champion for home health issues during her time in Congress, and she understands how home health helps patients and families transition from hospital to home with compassionate, patient-centered care. Whether patients are recovering from surgery or managing a chronic illness or recent injury, Medicare home health is an essential part of the care continuum. We are grateful for the support from the Congresswoman and look forward to working with others in Congress to help protect Medicare’s home health benefit.” Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate on June 22. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) says that home health agency payments have exceeded projections every year since 2020 when it implemented a new home health payment system, the Patient Driven Groupings Model (PDGM). CMS sets home health payment and operational rules annually. The agency says it made the cuts to comply with a federal budget-neutrality mandate. Sewell is in her Seventh term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Congressional Black Caucus Institute coming to Birmingham for “Democracy For the People” Tour
The Congressional Black Caucus Institute (CBCI) is hosting a series of town halls and mobilizer trainings across the nation on the most pressing matters of democracy and racial equity in America. The CBCI tour will be in Birmingham on Friday. There they will be welcomed by Congresswoman Rep Terri Sewell (D-AL07). The CBCI’s Democracy For The People nationwide tour will visit over ten cities. Each two-part event offers a vital town hall with CBC Members and a comprehensive organizer training on pressing matters of democracy and racial equality in America. This program ensures that the voices and concerns of marginalized communities are not only heard but also heeded by decision-makers at the pinnacle of policymaking. Each leg of the tour will also facilitate voter registration and connect the community to newly trained personnel. Visiting Birmingham will be Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairman Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) for the continuation of the CBCI’s “Democracy For The People” nationwide tour. Rep. Sewell will join the CBCI for a comprehensive organizer training and town hall on the most pressing matters of democracy and racial equity in America. The CBCI will host a mobilizer training session Friday morning with community organizers to educate participants on effective community mobilization, grassroots efforts, and impactful communication techniques to drive social change. This is a closed event by invitation only. From 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CDT, Rep. Sewell and Chairman Horsford will lead a town hall at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute with civic leaders and advocacy groups. Members of the community are encouraged to join the town hall event. Joining Sewell and Horsford at the town hall will be Award-winning journalist Roland Martin, Miles College President Bobbie Knight, President of Lawson State Community College President Cynthia Anthony, President of Alabama A&M University Daniel Wims, Community Organizer Deer Reed, and President and CEO of the Birmingham Urban League William Barnes. “We know that these challenges didn’t begin last year, a generation ago, or even a century past,” said CBCI Executive Director Vanessa Griddine Jones. “2022’s threats to our democracy, our health, our bodies, and our resources are rooted in slavery, colonialism, and racism that were tools of a system designed to stunt our growth and paralyze our progress. And, sadly, that system still works like a well-oiled machine.” “CBCI has partnered with corporations, faith-based and civil rights organizations, NGOs, and other like-minded individuals to identify the issues and seek viable, actionable solutions that are transparent and accountable,” said Executive Director Griddine-Jones. “To this end, CBCI has organized high-level non-partisan, political education training, conducted webinars to address disparities in health, education, financial wealth and as always systemic racism.” The CBCI describes itself as a resolute and transformative force dedicated to empowering and uplifting African Americans and communities of color across the United States. As the 501(c)(4) educational and research arm of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the CBCI embraces the mission of advancing social, economic, and political equality through innovative programs, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Donald Trump to appear in court before his speech in Alabama on Friday
Former President Donald Trump will speak to a packed house of over 2,200 Alabama Republicans in Montgomery on Friday. The former President, however, is scheduled to appear in a Washington, D.C. courtroom on Thursday afternoon to answer charges that he used “unlawful means” in an attempt to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election and maintain power. Trump will be arraigned on an indictment charging him with conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction; and conspiracy against the right to vote and to have one’s vote counted. He is scheduled to appear before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya at the E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse around 3:00 p.m. CDT. The reaction by Alabama leaders to the news was mixed. Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) released a statement slamming the latest indictments. “The latest indictment appears to be an even greater stretch of the law in an effort to destroy Donald Trump,” said Rep. Palmer. “Much of this indictment centers on statements made by President Trump on January 6th that create legal problems for the prosecution in regard to free speech. Regardless of any opinions about President Trump or his statements about the outcome of the 2020 election, President Trump’s statements are protected by the First Amendment right to free speech, especially political speech.” “As some legal experts have already pointed out, this is criminalization of disinformation and misinformation which raises serious concerns about the public’s right to speak openly in opposition to policies they oppose,” Palmer continued. “This is especially troublesome in view of the Biden Administration’s aborted attempt to establish a bureau of disinformation that many believe would have been weaponized against the political opponents of President Biden and the Democratic Party. Consequently, this indictment falls short of the criminal legal standard for charging anyone and has the appearance of indicting political speech.” Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) said that on social media that the indictment shows that no one is above the law. “Today’s indictment shows that no one is above the law,” said Rep. Sewell. “We are seeing the political process play out, and though we do not know the outcome, all parties who are involved in one of the darkest days in our nation’s history must be held accountable.” Former Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL05), who led the floor fight in the House of Representatives to overturn the electoral college results, is more critical of the former President. Brooks said on Twitter, “In early 2022, #DonaldTrump demanded I publicly support: 1. Rescinding 2020 election. 2. Physically removing Biden from White House. 3. Putting Trump back into White House. 4. America conducting a special presidential election. ALL violate Constitution &/or federal statutes.” Brooks said, “@Mike_Pence is right. A candidate who puts self above US Constitution should NEVER be GOP nominee. When #DonaldTrump told me to support violating Constitution & federal statutes, I refused. So Trump “unendorsed” me & endorsed #KatieBritt. So be it.” Brooks lost the 2022 Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate to first-time candidate Katie Britt – who is now Alabama’s junior Senator. Brooks shared a link to a story about former Vice President Mike Pence criticizing Trump and his legal team. This is the third round of indictments against Trump, but likely not the last. The legal woes that have already cost his campaign over $40 million have not hurt him with Republican primary voters. He is dominating Pence and his other GOP rivals in early polling. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Legislators react to Space Command decision, denouncing it as a ‘political move’
On Monday, President Joe Biden formalized what most political observers already knew when he announced that he was going to block Space Command from coming to Alabama. To Alabama legislators, the decision seems to have been made for political reasons, as the President needs Colorado’s electoral college votes to have any realistic chance of surviving next year’s presidential election. No Democrat has carried the state of Alabama in a presidential race since 1976, and Biden has no chance of being competitive in conservative Alabama. Biden said that U.S. officials believe that keeping the command in Colorado Springs will avoid a disruption in readiness that moving would cause. U.S. officials told The Associated Press that Biden was convinced by the head of Space Command, Gen. James Dickinson, who argued that moving his headquarters now would jeopardize military readiness. A number of Alabama leaders noted their displeasure at Biden’s decision to keep Space Command in Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs was fourth behind Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Nebraska, and San Antonio, Texas. Space Command was formed in 2019. The command was temporarily based in Colorado, and Air Force and Space Force leaders initially recommended it stay there. In the final days of his presidency, Donald Trump decided it should be based in Huntsville. Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) said, “Not only is it outrageous, but also unfortunate for the American people to hear that the Secretary of the Air Force allowed politics to circumvent his, and the Department of Defense’s, own basing selection process that determined Huntsville, Alabama as the preferred location of SPACECOM.” “Over and over again, the legitimate process proved that Alabama was the right choice for SPACECOM HQ,” said Rep. Aderholt. “Unfortunately for this nation this decision is the latest chapter in the long saga of the Biden Administration’s failing national security record, and I know the majority of the American people feel the same way. As a nation, we must do better.” Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) said, “The Administration’s decision to keep Space Command in Colorado bows to the whims of politics over merit. Huntsville won this selection process fair and square based on the merits. In three separate reports, Huntsville reigned victorious, whereas Colorado did not come in second or even third. This reversal is as shameful as it is disappointing.” “I expected more from the Biden Administration,” said Sewell. “A decision of this magnitude should not be about red states versus blue states, but rather what is in the best interest of our national security. To be clear, the Alabama Congressional Delegation stands united in opposition to this decision.” Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) said, “This decision made by the Biden Administration is unacceptable,” said Rep. Palmer. “When making decisions, the administration has continuously put politics over what is best for the nation. The Department of Defense determined that Huntsville, Alabama, was the best location for Space Command long ago. Instead, they are picking Colorado, the fifth best option by their very own report. Not only is this decision another broken promise and the result of political gamesmanship, but it jeopardizes our nation’s national security and sets a dangerous precedent for future decisions made solely based on political preference.” “Over two and a half years ago, the Air Force chose Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville for the headquarters of Space Command over 59 other cities on the basis of 21 different criteria,” explained U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama). “As soon as Joe Biden took office, he paused movement on that decision and inserted politics into what had been a fair and objective competition—not because the facts had changed, but because the political party of the sitting President had changed.” “The Biden Administration has been talking a lot about readiness over the past few months, but no Administration has done more to damage our military readiness in my lifetime,” Sen. Tuberville said. “They’ve politicized our military, destroyed our recruiting, misused our tax dollars for their extremist social agenda, and now they are putting Space Command headquarters in a location that didn’t even make the top three. They are doing this at a time when space is only becoming more important for national security.” Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) said, “Huntsville, Alabama was chosen to be the headquarters of U.S. Space Command because it was the strongest location and investigations by the DoD IG and GAO have upheld this decision. Yet, the Biden administration decided to make Colorado Springs, Colorado, which came in fifth in the Selection Phase, the location of the headquarters for U.S. Space Command. It’s clear that far-left politics, not national security, was the driving force behind this decision.” Both Houses of Congress had just passed their versions of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with the Senate only finishing their version late on Thursday. Congress then left for its August recess. “It is also shameful that the Administration waited until Congress had gone into recess and already passed next year’s defense budget before announcing this decision,” Tuberville said. “The top three choices for Space Command headquarters were all in red states—Alabama, Nebraska, and Texas. Colorado didn’t even come close. This decision to bypass the three most qualified sites looks like blatant patronage politics, and it sets a dangerous precedent that military bases are now to be used as rewards for political supporters rather than for our security.” U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) said, “President Biden has irresponsibly decided to yank a military decision out of the Air Force’s hands in the name of partisan politics. Huntsville finished first in both the Air Force’s Evaluation Phase and Selection Phase, leaving no doubt that the Air Force’s decision to choose Redstone as the preferred basing location was correct purely on the merits. That decision should have remained in the Air Force’s purview. Instead, President Biden is now trying to hand the Gold Medal to the fifth-place finisher. The President’s blatant prioritization of partisan political considerations at the expense of our national security, military modernization, and force readiness is a disservice and a dishonor to his oath of office as our nation’s Commander-in-Chief. Locating the permanent Space Command Headquarters on Redstone Arsenal
Terri Sewell’s 12th annual Job Fair will be in Montgomery on August 2
Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) will host her 12th annual Job Fair in Montgomery on August 2. On Thursday, Rep. Sewell announced the line-up of employers who will be participating in this year’s annual Job Fair. Sewell’s Job Fair will take place this year at the Multiplex at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama, on Thursday, August 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CDT. This year’s event will feature over 80 employers from 10 different industries. This is Rep. Sewell’s largest constituent event of the year. The annual Job Fair connects job-seekers to employers across Alabama and reflects her commitment to bringing opportunities directly to her constituents. The American dream begins with finding a good job. “One of my top priorities in Congress is creating an environment for job growth, wage growth, and a better future for Alabama families,” said Rep. Sewell. “That’s why my annual job fair is one of the most important events we host all year.” “This year, I’m thrilled to be bringing our job fair back to Montgomery, Alabama.” continued Sewell. “This event is about bringing opportunities directly to my constituents and empowering them with the tools they need to get ahead. I encourage anyone looking for a job or a new opportunity to join us for an exciting day!” This year’s job fair features over 80 employers from 10 industries. Confirmed employers include: The booming Alabama automotive sector is well represented at this year’s Job Fair by: · Honda Alabama Auto Plant · Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama · Lear Corporation · Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. · Mobis Alabama, LLC. · Seoyon E-Hwa The Alabama banking and finance sector is represented by: · H&R Block The education sector is represented by: · Alabama Community College System · Alabama State University · Aletheia House- Jobs for Veterans · Autauga/Western Elmore Arc · Black Belt Community Foundation · Trenholm State Community College · Wallace Community College Selma · Five Horizons Health Services The food management and hospitality sectors are represented at this year’s Job Fair by: · Gulf Allstate Beverage Company · McDonald’s | Murphy Family Restaurants · Waffle House · Wind Creek · WALMART STORES INC Many governmental agencies are represented at this year’s Job Fair, including the military: · AIDT · AL Dept. of Youth Services · Alabama ABC Board · Alabama Army National Guard · Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources · Alabama Department of Corrections · Alabama Department of Environmental Management · Alabama Department of Human Resources · Alabama Department of Labor · Alabama Department of Revenue · Alabama Forestry Commission · City of Selma Personnel Department · Edmundite Missions · FCI Aliceville · Federal Prison Camp Montgomery · Jefferson County Commission · Montgomery City-County Personnel · Montgomery Job Corps Center · NAVY RECRUITING MONTGOMERY · Personnel Board of Jefferson County · Selma Army Recruiting Station · State of Alabama Personnel Department · The University of Alabama · U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) · United States Air Force Reserve · US Small Business Administration – Alabama District Office · USDA Food and Nutrition Service The Alabama healthcare sector is represented by: · Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama · Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System · Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Montgomery · The Wellness Coalition · UAB Medicine · Vaughan Regional Medical Center · Whitfield Regional Hospital The law enforcement/fire rescue sector is represented at the Job Fair by: · Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) · Legal Services Alabama · Montgomery Police Department · Selma Fire Department · Selma Police Department The production and manufacturing sectors are represented by: · Alabama Catfish LLC · Austal USA · Big Lots Distribution Center · Brasfield & Gorrie · DAS NA · GD Copper USA · Hyundai Power Transformers · Ingalls Shipbuilding · International Paper · Premier Tech · SPM, LLC · US Foods, Inc · Wayne Sanderson Farms, LLC There are also staffing agencies participating in this Job Fair, including: · ATOZ Staffing · GLOBAL TEAM STAFFING, LLC · Onin Staffing The transportation and utilities sector is represented by: · Alabama Power Company · Bradley Plumbing & Heating, Inc. · Buffalo Rock · Coca Cola United · CSX · Hodges Warehouse + Logistics · Norfolk Southern · SDAC · UPS This is an excellent opportunity for young people or persons who have been out of the workforce for a period of time to get back in the workforce. It is also a great opportunity for those who are working to find a better position with improved pay and benefits or for people to find a career in a field they can be more satisfied with. The state of Alabama’s record low unemployment of just 2.2 percent means that this job market greatly favors job seekers finding a career that they can succeed in. Each year, Rep. Sewell alternates between hosting her job fair in urban and rural regions to ensure that the unique needs of each community are met. The Job Fair is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, but not required. On-site registration will be available on the day of the event. Constituents can pre-register at this link or on Rep. Sewell’s website. This is Terri Sewell’s seventh term representing Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
HUD Secretary Fudge announces $50 million grant to revitalize neighborhoods in Birmingham
On Wednesday, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge came to Birmingham to announce a $50 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant to revitalize the Smithfield, College Hills, and Graymont neighborhoods. Fudge made the announcement at a press conference Wednesday morning, where she was joined by Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07), Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) President and CEO Dontrelle Young-Foster, as well as community members. The historic funding will be used to construct nearly one thousand mixed-income affordable housing units. “This is a truly exciting and historic day for the City of Birmingham!” said Rep. Sewell. “With this monumental $50 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, we will be able to revitalize the historic Smithfield, College Hills, and Graymont neighborhoods with new, affordable housing units. Not only will this project allow residents to live more comfortably and affordably, but it will attract millions in new investments. I want to thank Mayor Woodfin, the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District, and the Birmingham City Council for their collaboration on this important project. We are so grateful to Secretary Fudge for traveling to Birmingham and the entire Biden-Harris Administration for continuing to pour into our communities.” “This investment represents HUD’s commitment to creating new housing for Birmingham residents and communities across the country,” said HUD Sec. Fudge. “When we envision the future of public housing investment, we think of programs like Choice Neighborhoods. These awards promote the innovative collaboration needed to tackle the affordable housing crisis. A community-driven, whole-of-government approach to neighborhood revitalization is what leads to impactful changes in the neighborhoods that need it the most.” “This $50 million grant will be transformative for the Smithfield community and its residents,” said Mayor Woodfin on Facebook. “The City of Birmingham will match these grant funds with $35 million over 8 years.” “The City plans to purchase Parker High’s 11 surplus acres of land and make way for the construction of 350 new affordable multi-family units on that land,” Woodfin added. “An estimated 1,100 new affordable housing units will be built across the entire Smithfield community.” Woodfin said the “entire plan is estimated to generate $242 million in new economic activity in our community.” “The awarding of this grant has changed the destiny of our community,” Woodfin said. “With the support of the federal government and our local partners, we will wrap our arms around this area to create a new Smithfield, one that honors its rich legacy as well as being a pioneer for innovative neighborhoods for the future.” The $50 million in funding is part of a $370 million nationwide investment by the Biden Administration’s Department of Housing and Urban Development. HABD received the maximum possible award under the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant Program, which helps revitalize and transform distressed public and/or assisted housing and neighborhoods across the country. The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District (HABD) and the City of Birmingham were awarded a $50,000,000 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant for the Smithfield Court public housing property and surrounding Smithfield, College Hill, and Graymont neighborhoods. The City of Birmingham and the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District have led a community-driven effort to change the narrative for the Smithfield, College Hill, and Graymont neighborhoods. The resulting plan for neighborhood investment was written with input from residents and community stakeholders. Their plan aligns with other once-in-a-generation investments, including a $10.8 million Good Jobs Challenge grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, a planned workforce/high-tech library hub, the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Blazer Core’ City as Classroom,’ Live Health Smart Alabama expansion area programs, and 60 new for sale homes. Choice Neighborhoods hopes to build on this local momentum as part of a larger effort to transform these historic neighborhoods into areas of opportunity for generations to come. The Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plan calls for redeveloping the 456 severely distressed public housing units that comprise the 88-year-old Smithfield Court. The new Smithfield Court will include 920 new mixed-income apartments for families and seniors, including a one-for-one replacement of the original public housing units. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Will Ainsworth: Alabama congressional delegation fights Joe Biden’s efforts to corrupt Space Command HQ selection
31 That is the number of months that have elapsed since Alabama was officially announced as the location for U.S. Space Command headquarters. 3 That is the number of independent studies conducted by the Department of Defense Inspector General and the Government Accounting Office that rate Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal as the best place for U.S. Space Command headquarters. 5 That is where President Joe Biden’s preferred state of Colorado ranks on the list of states qualified to house U.S. Space Command. 31…3…5 Those three simple numbers are all the evidence you need to demonstrate that the Biden administration has fully politicized the most important long-term strategic decision that Pentagon officials have made in decades. During his more lucid moments, Biden has made no secret that he prefers to place U.S. Space Command in a blue state like Colorado, which aligns more closely with his own ultra-liberal views, rather than a red state like Alabama that fiercely embraces conservative principles and strongly supported President Donald Trump’s candidacy in both 2016 and 2020. But with space serving as the newest battlefield in potential conflicts with hostile nations like Russia, China, and North Korea, politicizing what should be a decision based solely upon military advantage harms our defensive posture and puts the lives of roughly 335 million residents of the United States at risk. The members of Alabama’s congressional delegation, even those whose districts are located at the opposite extreme of the Tennessee Valley, are currently fighting a tremendous battle against Biden’s politicization in the corridors, committee rooms, and chambers of the U.S. Capitol building. Both U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and Senator Katie Britt recently met with General James Dickinson, the commanding general of U.S. Space Command, and publicly reported they received his assurance that Alabama remains the unequivocal choice for the agency’s headquarters among members of the nation’s military leadership. Congressman Dale Strong, whose district includes Huntsville, received the same affirmation from Dickinson. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, a veteran congressman from the Anniston area with more than two decades of service, has inserted a provision in legislation that bans any construction related to Space Command headquarters from taking place until the Air Force confirms Alabama as the permanent location. The Rogers amendment also freezes half of the Air Force secretary’s travel budget until a permanent announcement is forthcoming. Likewise, Congressman Robert Aderholt of Haleyville and Congressman Jerry Carl of Mobile both serve on the House Appropriations Committee and have also inserted clauses pausing Space Command construction and other military development until an official announcement that is “in alignment” with the independent selection process is made. And after the Air Force leadership obliquely suggested that the criteria for locating Space Command may have secretly “changed” without public notice, Rogers opened an Armed Service Committee investigation into the delay surrounding the headquarters, and every email, memo, letter, note, and other material that touches upon the topic is becoming subject to congressional subpoena. Congressman Gary Palmer of Birmingham, Congressman Barry Moore of Enterprise, and even Congresswoman Terri Sewell of Birmingham, a fellow Democrat with Biden, have also communicated with the Air Force secretary and are equally committed to championing Redstone Arsenal’s cause. With the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, the stench of politics surrounding Space Command becomes exponentially stronger with each day that passes. A final, firm, and committed Pentagon announcement that Redstone Arsenal secured the selection was supposed to occur in December, but openness and accountability have been replaced with silence and stonewalling. Despite Biden’s ongoing efforts to corrupt a fair and independent process, Alabamians can remain secure in the knowledge that our congressional delegation is working hard every day to fight the smoke-and-mirrors approach being pushed by the White House and return honesty and fairness to the Space Command headquarters selection. For that, we can all be thankful. Will Ainsworth has served as lieutenant governor of Alabama since 2019.
Black lawmakers say Alabama GOP’s proposed new congressional map insults the Supreme Court
Alabama Republicans advanced new congressional lines Wednesday, a proposed map that Black lawmakers called an insult after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the legislature to redraw districts to give Black voters a greater voice in elections. The House of Representatives voted 74-27 to approve the GOP plan, which does not establish the second majority-Black district sought by plaintiffs who won the Supreme Court case. Instead, the GOP would increase the percentage of Black voters to 42% in the district. That’s enough, GOP lawmakers said, to consider it a political swing district — where either a Republican or Democrat could get elected — in compliance with the court. The bill now moves to the Alabama Senate. “This is really a slap in the face, not only to Black Alabamians, but to the Supreme Court,” Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said during the floor debate. Rep. Prince Chestnut, a Democrat from Selma, said, “Once again, the state decided to be on the wrong side of history.” “We’re fighting the same battles that they were fighting 100 years ago, 50 years ago, 40 years ago, right here today,” Chestnut said. “Once again, the (Republican) super majority decided that the voting rights of Black people are nothing that this state is bound to respect. And it’s offensive. It’s wrong.” State lawmakers face a Friday deadline to adopt new lines after the U.S. Supreme Court in June upheld a finding that the current state map — with one majority-Black district out of seven in a state that is 27% Black — likely violates the federal Voting Rights Act. Republican House Speaker Pro Tempore Chris Pringle argued that the proposed lines satisfy the court requirement to provide greater “opportunity” to Black voters. The GOP-backed House plan would increase the percentage of Black voters in the 2nd Congressional District, now represented by Republican Barry Moore, from about 31% to 42.4%. “We’ve drawn a district that provides an opportunity for the minorities to elect a candidate of their choosing,” Pringle said. “The court said we had to provide an opportunity, and that’s what that district does.” A group of voters who challenged the existing congressional plan said white Republicans drew the map “to maintain power by packing one-third of Black Alabamians” into a single majority-Black district while leaving lopsided white majorities in every other district. Alabama now sends one Black congresswoman to Washington — Rep. Terri Sewell, whose 7th congressional district is majority Black — and six white Republicans. The appellate ruling that struck down the existing congressional map said Alabama should have “either an additional majority-Black congressional district, or an additional district in which Black voters otherwise have an opportunity to elect a representative of their choice.” The language reinforced by the Supreme Court specified that a new map should include two districts in which “Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it.” Black lawmakers said Wednesday that history shows that Black candidates generally don’t win in Alabama unless they run in a majority-Black district. “We’ve been held back too long. We’re human beings. We’re Alabama citizens. We work. We do things, but we don’t have the representation that we need,” said Rep. Pebblin Warren, a Democratic lawmaker from Tuskegee. Republicans hold a lopsided majority in the Alabama Legislature and will control what ultimately passes. Representatives on Wednesday voted down an effort by Democrats to bring up a plan, backed by plaintiffs who won the Supreme Court case, that would create a second majority-Black district. The Alabama Senate planned to vote later Wednesday on a proposal that’s similar but would put even a lower percentage of Black voters in the 2nd congressional district — 38.31%. Once a new GOP map passes, the fight will shift quickly back to the courts. Republicans, who have been resistant to creating a Democratic district, are wagering that they’ll be successful in a second round of appeals. The three-judge panel could step in and draw up its own plan if they deem it unacceptable. “You can save your time. You can save your money because we’re going to have a special master drawing this map,” Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, said. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Mike Bolin wins Jefferson County Commission seat
On Tuesday, voters in Jefferson County Commission District Five went to the polls and elected former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Mike Bolin to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Commissioner Steve Ammons. Bolin, a Republican, replaces Ammons, a Republican. “I’m anxious to get in there and work hard and just get it going,” said Bolin following his election victory. “I’m thrilled and feel blessed that the public has given me one more opportunity to serve them. And I will do everything I can to not drop the ball.” The Jefferson County special election primary, a Jefferson County-specific quirk in Alabama election law, is non-partisan. The five-member Jeffco commission was divided two Republicans to two Democrats, so this election had significant partisan ramifications over who controlled the Commission. It remains up to the Commission which of them will be appointed as Chairman of the County Commission. According to preliminary election returns, Bolin had 59.27% of the vote (5,728 votes) to David Silverstein’s 40.6% (3,924 votes). Jeff Wise had just 13 votes. Wise was still on the ballot, but he had dropped out of the race on Thursday and had endorsed Bolin. Bolin will serve the remainder of Ammons’s term. Mike Bolin was elected to the Alabama Supreme Court in 2004. Bolin was an attorney for 15 years before being elected Probate Judge of Jefferson County, where he served from 1988 to 2004. Justice Bolin received the National “Angels of Adoption” award in 2000 for his service to adoptive families. Justice Bolin has stayed active within the Alabama Probate Judges Association, his community, and his church. He is married to his wife, Rosemary. They have one daughter. Bolin had the official support and endorsement of the Jefferson County Republican Party. Silverstein was running as non-partisan, but he had the backing of key Jefferson County Democratic groups, and Republicans made issue of that as well as his past generous donations to Democratic candidates, including Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) and former U.S. Senator Doug Jones. There is litigation underway by civil rights groups challenging the county commission districting in Jefferson County. While Republicans, until Ammons’s resignation, had enjoyed a 3 to 2 majority on the Commission, Democrats hold every countywide position that has voted increasingly Democratic over recent decades. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Special Session to address congressional redistricting begins today
Both Houses of the Alabama Legislature will be in session Monday for the second special session of the year. Last month Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a proclamation to call the Legislature for a special session beginning at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 17, 2023, to address congressional redistricting. “It is critical that Alabama be fairly and accurately represented in Washington,” said Gov. Ivey. “That is why I support the Alabama Legislature readdressing our congressional map in a special session beginning July 17. It is of the utmost importance that this special session only address the congressional map and nothing else. The task at hand is too urgent and too important. The Alabama Legislature has one chance to get this done before the July 21 court deadline. Our Legislature knows our state, our people, and our districts better than the federal courts or activist groups do.” The special session is necessary because a special three-judge panel at the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the 2021 Congressional redistricting violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and illegally diluted the political power of African Americans. The Supreme Court had stayed that decision allowing the 2022 elections to proceed with the 2021 redistricting, but after reviewing the case themselves, ruled that the Eleventh Circuit ruling was correct in its initial ruling and referred the issue back to the Atlanta appellate court. The three-judge panel has ordered the state Legislature to prepare a new redistricting plan with two majority-minority districts or something as close to that as possible by July 21. Many questions are swirling around today’s session. The Legislature may advance a plan with two 47-48 percent minority districts, a plan with two 51% minority districts, or a plan with a 47% minority district and a 51% minority district. Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07), Alabama’s lone Democrat in the congressional delegation since 2011, has said that she will not be satisfied unless her district and the second Congressional District are both majority-minority. Alabama is currently represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by six Republican White men and one Democratic Black woman. The new redistricting will go into place for the 2024 congressional elections. Most observers believe that to achieve a second majority-minority district, the Legislature will have to put a large part of Mobile County into one of the majority-minority districts. How much of Mobile County will be left in Republican Jerry Carl’s First Congressional District, and will Carl find himself in the same district as fellow Republican Congressman Barry Moore? Could the Republican Legislature save both Republican congressmen and still be in compliance with the letter of the law in the Supreme Court decision, or does one of the two-term Republican Congressmen have to be sacrificed to satisfy the demands of the federal court? If the plaintiffs in the lawsuit Milligan v. Allen are not happy with the maps drawn by the Legislature, they likely will ask the three-judge panel in Atlanta to reject the second redistricting and order a special master be appointed to draw the districts. If the court complies with that request, this special session could effectively become a waste of time. The court has given the state until July 21 to present them with a map that the judges find acceptable. There were efforts by some to get additional issues, such as gambling or absentee ballot reform, placed in the call. However, Gov. Ivey rejected those efforts and has urged the Legislature to focus strictly on the issue of congressional redistricting. This is the fourth session that the Alabama Legislature has held in 2023. The Alabama Legislature is a part-time legislative body that meets once a year to consider changes to state laws and pass the annual budgets. This year they met for a brief organizational session and used all thirty days of their maximum allotted regular session days. There was also a first special session to appropriate $1,030,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds. This is the second special session of 2023. A court case, Thomas v. Allen, challenging the Alabama Senate district maps under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and challenging both legislative chambers’ district maps under the Fourteenth Amendment, was filed on November 16, 2021. Litigation was paused pending the outcome of Milligan. Since civil rights groups were successful in their challenge of Milligan, there is a possibility that the State of Alabama could be forced by the federal courts to redraw legislative districts as well, which would result in at least one more special session before the end of the year. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
House Republicans amend the NDAA addressing Tommy Tuberville’s concerns
On Thursday, Congressional Republicans added several partisan amendments to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, including one overturning the DoD policy on abortions. The amended NDAA passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday. President Joe Biden said it is “irresponsible” for U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville to block the confirmation of military officers in protest of a Defense Department policy that pays for travel for service members and their dependents to go out of state to get an abortion in state’s that have banned or restricted elective abortions. “He’s jeopardizing U.S. security by what he’s doing,” Biden said of Sen. Tommy Tuberville. “It’s just totally irresponsible, in my view.” Biden had demanded that Republicans address the Tuberville issue. “I expect the Republican Party to stand up — stand up and do something about it,” Biden continued. “The idea that we don’t have a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the idea that we have all these promotions that are in abeyance right now and we don’t know what’s going to happen, the idea they were injecting into fundamental foreign policy decisions what in fact is a domestic social debate on social issues, is bizarre. I don’t ever recall it happening, ever. And it’s just totally irresponsible, in my view.” “I’m confident that the mainstream Republican Party no longer, does not support what he’s doing, but they got to stand up and be counted,” Biden said. “That’s how it ends.” House Republicans responded Thursday by amending the NDAA on the House floor. The House passed an amendment by Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) prohibiting the Secretary of Defense from paying for or reimbursing expenses relating to abortion services 221 – 213. Only two Republicans voted against including Jackson’s abortion amendment. The House also passed several other GOP priorities. The House passed an amendment by Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Montana) that prohibits TRICARE from covering and the Department of Defense from furnishing sex reassignment surgeries and gender hormone treatments for transgender individuals 222 – 211. The House passed an amendment by Rep. Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina) prohibiting the provision of gender transition procedures, including surgery or medication, through the Exceptional Family Member Program 222 to 210. The House passed an amendment to prohibit federal funds from being used to establish a position within the Department of Defense for anything similar to Chief Diversity Officers or Senior Advisors for Diversity and Inclusion 217 – 212. The House passed an amendment by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado) prohibiting the Department of Defense Education Activity schools from purchasing and having pornographic and radical gender ideology books in their libraries. The House passed an amendment by Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) that requires a study and report on health conditions arising in members of the Armed Forces after the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine by a voice vote. Rep. Boebert proposed an amendment prohibiting Defense Department schools from having “pornographic and radical gender ideology books in their libraries.” That passed 222-209. Rep. Norman’s amendment to ban Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the Department of Defense was narrowly adopted 214-213 on the second vote. An amendment from Rep. Eli Crane (R-Arizona) prohibiting the Pentagon from requiring training in certain “race-based concepts” was adopted 214-210. Not all amendments passed. A series of five proposals to limit U.S. involvement in Ukraine failed. An amendment from Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) to prohibit using federal funds for training on diversity, equity, and inclusion was rejected Thursday in a 210-221 vote. The House rejected an amendment from Reps. Davidson and Chip Roy (R-Texas) that “expresses a sense of Congress that the U.S. should not continue subsidizing NATO member countries who choose not to invest in their own defense by meeting” established financial contribution targets. The vote was 212-218, with two Democrats voting to support the measure and eight Republicans voting against it. An amendment to prohibit the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine was rejected 147-276-2. 98 Republicans and 49 Democrats voted in favor, and 121 Republicans and 155 Democrats voted against. The House rejected an amendment prohibiting using federal funds to rename military bases. The Republican changes to the NDAA meant that it lost Democratic support in the final vote. Democrats denounced the amendment as a cruel, harmful amendment to roll back a DoD policy helping service women travel to get the reproductive health care they need, putting the health and lives of over 230,000 women in uniform at risk. Democrats also denounced amendments that strip medically-necessary care for LGBTQ+ service members. Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) voted against the NDAA due to the Republican changes on the floor. “For the past 62 years, Republicans and Democrats have come together to craft bipartisan defense authorization bills that would support our troops and strengthen our national security,” said Rep. Sewell. “But this year, rather than continuing that essential tradition, Speaker [Kevin] McCarthy has caved to the most extreme members of his party and allowed the radical right wing to poison the defense bill with culture war provisions that would undermine our military readiness and harm our service members.” “I did not take this vote lightly,” continued Sewell. “I have proudly voted in favor of the annual defense bill every year since coming to Congress. But I cannot and will not support a bill that would rip basic health care away from our service members and make bigotry and discrimination a centerpiece of our defense policy. Republicans need to stop playing politics with our national security.” The NDAA authorizes funding levels for the Department of Defense (DoD) and allows the Armed Forces to pay, train, and equip U.S. service members, support America’s allies worldwide, and carry out essential national security operations. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Massachusetts), and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-California) released a joint statement after the chamber approved a number of conservative amendments to the NDAA. “Extreme MAGA Republicans have chosen to hijack the historically bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act to continue attacking reproductive freedom and jamming their right-wing ideology down the throats of the American people,” the Democratic trio wrote in a joint statement. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Wood pellet factory has groundbreaking in Epes
Enviva Inc. held a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its new wood pellet-making factory in Epes, Alabama – in Sumter County. Enviva is the world’s leading producer of sustainably sourced woody biomass. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, as well as other state and local government officials, joined Enviva’s corporate leadership for the groundbreaking. “The fact that the world’s largest wood pellet producer is building its largest production facility to date here, in Sweet Home Alabama, is yet another testament to our nation-leading business climate and world-class workforce,” said Gov. Ivey. “Enviva’s significant commitment at the Port of Epes will undoubtedly breathe life into a community and region eager for new, long-term opportunities. It truly is an exciting day for West Alabama, and I sincerely appreciate Enviva’s decision to plant roots here in our great state.” Thomas Meth is the President and CEO of Enviva. “It is an honor to be here in Sumter County with Governor Ivey and local officials to celebrate this momentous occasion of breaking ground on a fully contracted, state-of-the-art wood pellet production facility in West Alabama,” said President Meth. “We are excited to grow with Alabama as we remain committed to being a long-term source of green jobs and green investment across the state. We have been humbled by the strong support we have received from the local community over the last few years, and we look forward to formally being a part of the community and to being a good neighbor for many years to come.” The Epes site will be the 11th factory for the company. A 12th factory is planned in Bond, Mississippi. Enviva has been actively involved in Sumter County since 2018. In 2020, Enviva acquired over 300 acres on the Tombigbee River in the Epes Industrial Park. There the company is building its largest wood pellet production plant. In July 2022, the company began construction of its fully contracted Epes plant, which will have a nameplate capacity of 1.1 million metric tons per year. Enviva hopes that the Epes plant will be operational by the middle of next year, with production fully ramped by 2025. Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) said Enviva’s investment project represents great news for Sumter County. “It is imperative for the prosperity of Alabama that we continue to deliver more resources and opportunities directly to the people that need them most,” Rep. Sewell said. “I am thrilled to see Enviva is doing just that by providing even more jobs to our rural communities through this expansion.” “Team Sewell was in Sumter County for the @Enviva groundbreaking!” Sewell said on Twitter. “This expansion is set to create 300 jobs. Proud to see more economic development in our rural communities!” “I’m proud that Alabama is continuing to invest in our small towns and make our state the best place to work, live and raise a family,” Ivey said. “As some of you probably know, I’m a proud daughter of Alabama’s Blackbelt and was born and raised just two counties over in Camden. So, believe me when I say that projects like this are truly close to my heart. Getting them done and providing for the people of West Alabama is personal to me.” “It was great to be in Epes this afternoon to break ground on @Enviva’s 11th and largest wood pellet plant,” Gov. Ivey said on Twitter. “This is an exciting day for West Alabama, and I appreciate Enviva’s decision to plant roots in our great state!” Brenda Tuck is the Rural Development Manager for the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Thanks to its significant investment, Enviva’s project will create quality jobs for West Alabama’s citizens while also improving timber markets for local landowners and enhancing economic activity for the entire region,” Tuck said. Once operational, Enviva’s Alabama plant is expected to support approximately 350 direct and indirect jobs, including positions in industries such as logging and trucking. Enviva plans to invest, on average, $375 million for each newly constructed plant going forward, including the Epes plant. The facility will sustainably and responsibly source wood from areas within approximately 75 miles of the plant. Pellets produced at the Epes plant will be exported to international markets, mainly in Europe and Asia, and will help to fill international demand for secure sources of renewable energy. This is necessary as the world moves away from fossil fuels to produce electricity. During the ceremony, Enviva recognized the following organizations for their invaluable contribution in making the project possible and for, in turn, bringing economic development to Sumter County: MuniStrategies, LLC, PB Community Impact Fund, LLC, UB Community Development, LLC, National Impact Fund, LLC, Capital One – National Association, and United Bank. Enviva owns and operates ten plants with a combined production capacity of approximately 6.2 million metric tons per year in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and now Alabama. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
