AL-01 Congressional hopeful Jerry Carl releases first TV ad
Election 2020 is in full-swing in the Yellowhammer State and U.S. House of Representatives hopeful, Republican Jerry Carl released his first TV ad of the season on Thursday. Highlighting his commitment to standing up for President Trump, the ad is backed by a substantial six-figure buy and will run across several mediums across the first district. “Raised by a single mother, Jerry Carl headed to college but left early to start a business. Then another. And another. He married, raised a family, and was saved by grace,” the ad details. “A tough upbringing and business struggles made Jerry the man he is. Like President Trump, Jerry Carl’s got a backbone. He’s tired of political correctness and will fight the ‘The Squad.’ He’s never the loudest, but he’s the toughest. He’s just Jerry.” Watch the ad below:
Bill Hightower ‘praying for God’s guidance’ in potential congressional run
Now that sitting 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, there’s chatter over who will run for his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Among those considering a congressional run is Mobile-Republican, former State Senator Bill Hightower. “Since Congressman Byrne’s U.S. Senate campaign announcement, I have been honored by the many calls I have received urging me to launch a campaign for Congress in Alabama’s 1st District. I believe public service is a high calling and I do not take these encouragements lightly,” Hightower said in a statement on Thursday. “Over the next few weeks, I will be discussing the potential of a congressional campaign with my family and close friends, while praying for God’s guidance as we make a final decision.” About Hightower During his time in Montgomery, Hightower ranked among the most conservative state senators in Alabama. He pushed for smaller government and lower taxes – even sponsoring legislation to change Alabama to a flat tax. Mostly recently he vied for the Republican nomination for Governor, which he ultimately lost to Kay Ivey. Hightower graduated from the University of South Alabama, received an M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University, and has worked with with several Fortune 100 corporations including Emerson Electric, AlliedSignal, Eaton
Bradley Byrne: A week of good news
There was much to celebrate this past week in Washington. That sentence may surprise you if you just go off what you hear from the national news media, but the reality is we continue to get work done here in the People’s House. To be clear, there is still work to be done, and that starts with passing funding necessary to secure the border and protect the American people. That said, I think it is worth pausing for a moment and reviewing the wins from this past week. One of the biggest wins last week was passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. As I have said before, our farmers and foresters are our future. I am pleased to have voted for this bipartisan legislation to better support our farmers in Alabama and throughout the country. The 2018 Farm Bill will allow for improved crop protections and loan options for farmers, incentivize rural development, support animal disease prevention and management, and will continue our nation’s commitment to agriculture and farmers. I am especially pleased to see the substantial resources provided to improve rural broadband access to communities. Providing Internet access to people in rural Alabama is absolutely critical to economic development and the success of these communities in the 21st Century. A few of the other provisions in the bill will greatly benefit the cotton and peanut growers here in Alabama; help maintain access to crop insurance through reduced premiums and waived fees; boost critical funding for feral swine control; and restore funding for trade promotion efforts in an attempt to keep pace with trading competitors around the world. Most importantly, the 2018 Farm Bill will help equip and train the next generation of farmers both here in Alabama and throughout the United States. I was proud to support this bill, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law. Another piece of good news we received this week was the passage of a bill to help drain the Washington swamp. The American people are sick of Congress being able to play under different rules than the rest of the country, and that must change. That is why I am proud to be one of the leaders on the effort to reform the way sexual harassment claims are handled on Capitol Hill to increase transparency and accountability. No longer will members of Congress be able to use taxpayer dollars to pay settlements for their own misconduct when it comes to sexual harassment. No longer will members of Congress be able to cover up their personal wrongdoings at the expense of the American people. It was important for Congress to make this statement. With this legislation, we did the right thing. By doing the right thing, we not only do right by the people who work around us and for us, but we do right by the American people. This has been a tough fight, but with these reforms we will make the Washington swamp a little less swampy and shine light on what is happening in the halls of Congress. With this week of good news, it is also important to remember that the best news of all will be celebrated next week: a small baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger. This good news is the birth of our Savior, bringing God’s light directly into the world through His son. It is easy to lose sight of the meaning of Christmas with all the bustle of daily life and routine. But this week, I challenge you to stop and remember what this season is about in preparation for the good news yet to come. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Bradley Byrne: Down the home stretch
Some of the greatest sporting events in history have come down to the wire. Those bottom of the ninth, fourth and inches, double overtime plays are what stand out in our memories as the greatest successes or the worst defeats in sports history. Similarly, we here in Washington are entering our own home stretch of the 115th Congress. It has been a long year filled with many victories for the people of Alabama, but there is still work to be done. Next year, the game will change completely. With Democrats taking control of the House, things will be different. Where bipartisan progress can be made, we must take advantage of it. Instead of being the “resistance,” we should be the loyal opposition. Loyal to the country but opposing policies and ideas that do not match up with our conservative values and beliefs. I promise you two things that won’t change no matter who is in charge of the House: I will put Alabama’s priorities first, and I will support President Donald Trump and his pro-America agenda. For now, the next two weeks will be like the bottom of the ninth in Washington. We still need to pass a Farm Bill that works for our Alabama farmers and foresters, ensure the national flood insurance program continues, pass a funding bill for the remaining portions of the federal government, and protect our Southern border. As I have said before, our farmers are our future. Without the tireless efforts of farmers all across the nation, life as we know it would not exist. I am hopeful we can pass a strong Farm Bill by the end of the year to provide greater protections for Alabama farmers and ensure benefits for rural America. The flood insurance program is very important for those of us in coastal Alabama, and I want to see the program reformed and strengthened in a way that protects our coastal communities. We cannot let the program expire, so I will be pushing hard to get the program reauthorized. Similarly, we must work to fund the remainder of the federal government. We currently have around three-quarters of the government funded for next year, including the critical funding needed to rebuild our military. This was the first time in a decade that we have been able to reach this point on time and in a bipartisan way. Now, we must address funding for agencies like the Department of Justice, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Homeland Security. I want to see a funding bill that reflects the need to rein in wasteful spending while also supporting programs and projects important to Alabama. It is imperative that any funding bill also help secure our southern border. It is clear that our immigration system is broken, and we must fix it. First, however, we must build President Donald Trump’s border wall and stem the flow of illegal immigration. I have a solution to provide funding for the wall: the 50 Votes for the Wall Act. By using the budget reconciliation process, we can avoid Democrat obstruction in the Senate and secure the funds necessary to complete this task. I hope my colleagues will make the right decision for the country and bring my bill up for a vote. These next two weeks will be the last play of a tough-fought game. As we near the goal line, I am committed to trying to get a few more wins for Alabama and America before the next Congress starts. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Bradley Byrne: Let us give thanks
On October 3rd, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a Proclamation on Thanksgiving establishing the fourth Thursday of November as a national holiday, encouraging every American – at home and abroad – to give pause and give thanks. Thanksgiving had existed before in America. There was the First Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in Massachusetts in 1621, of course, and Presidents George Washington, John Adams, and James Madison also issued proclamations encouraging the celebration of Thanksgiving. It is interesting that during a time as perilous as the height of the Civil War, President Lincoln entrenched this holiday of gratitude and togetherness into the American year. 1863 was a time of divisiveness and uncertainty, and yet people throughout the country could still find things to be thankful for. Only two months after this proclamation, on December 3rd, 1863, the final symbolic decoration was added to the outside of the Capitol Dome in Washington: a 19-foot tall statue known simply as Freedom. The freedoms we enjoy today are some of the greatest things we can be thankful for. For many throughout the world, the freedoms we enjoy do not exist for them. As we gather with friends and family, I hope you will take time to answer this simple question: what are you thankful for this year? For myself, I am extremely thankful for my family, my friends, and for the opportunity I have to serve you in Washington. I am thankful for the many pieces of landmark legislation we were able to pass this year, including fully funding our military for next year, providing funds for vital water infrastructure projects, and enacting meaningful change to the G.I. Bill and the Veteran’s Choice Program. I am also thankful for all of the positive economic news this year: our thriving economy and jobs market are creating more opportunities for people in Alabama and around the country. With good news there is also bad. The acts of violence we have seen over recent months in Pennsylvania and California demonstrate the amount of evil there is still to combat in this world. The extremely deadly wildfires currently raging in California causes our hearts to ache for all those affected so unexpectedly and so close to the holidays. But even in these tragedies, there are things to be thankful for. The first responders who risk their lives to help those in need; the medical professionals who provide service to the sick and those in pain; and perhaps the thing for which we as Americans can be most thankful is our interminable spirit to come together as one, help our neighbors, and make the world a better place to live through one small act of kindness at a time. More personally, I am thankful to be a child of a loving, forgiving, and all present God. I’m also thankful to call Southwest Alabama home. Of course, I am thankful for my wonderful family; every moment I get to spend with Rebecca, our children, and our grandchildren is a moment I feel truly blessed. Lastly, I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I have again to serve the people of Southwest Alabama over the next Congress. There is a memorable verse from the book of John: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) One of the truths we can hold firmly to this Thanksgiving is this: we in the United States are richly blessed with life, prosperity, and freedom. Knowing that, we can be very thankful indeed. From my entire staff, family, and myself, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Bradley Byrne wins re-election over Robert Kennedy Jr. in Alabama’s 1st District
Incumbent Bradley Byrne has won re-election over challenger Robert Kennedy Jr. in the race for Alabama’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Fairhope Republican defeated the Pritchard Democrat 63.3 to 36.7 percent with 100 percent of precincts reporting. Following his victory Byrne said he is honored to continue to serve the district. “I am honored by the faith the residents of Southwest Alabama have put in me to continue to serve as their voice in Congress. We had so many great supporters throughout this campaign, and Rebecca and I truly appreciate all the hard work that went into the victory,” Byrne said in a statement. “Following the Senate special election in 2017, some thought Democrats had the opportunity to win throughout our state. What we saw on Tuesday night was pretty clear: Alabamians support commonsense, conservative candidates who stand up for the values and priorities of Alabama. We must continue to elect those kind of individuals to represent our great state.” Located in southwestern Alabama, the district includes Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Monroe and Washington counties and a part of Clarke County.
A look at the voting history of Alabama’s 1st Congressional District
For the past decade Alabama’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives has been a solidly red district for over 20 years. Located in southwestern Alabama, the district includes Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Monroe and Washington counties and a part of Clarke County. Currently Rep. Bradley Byrne, a former member of the Alabama State Senate, fills the seat. He was first elected during a special election in December 2013 after 10-year incumbent Jo Bonner announced his retirement to become vice chancellor for the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Byrne has since been re-elected twice, in 2014 and 2016. In the 2018 General Election Byrne faces political newcomer, Democrat Robert Kennedy Jr., a military veteran and and business executive. FiveThirtyEight, a statistics-driven news-and-analysis site, anticipates that Byrne will coast to victory on Election Day, giving Kennedy Jr. only a 0.1 percent chance of winning the seat. Here’s a look at the voting history of the District: U.S. House, Alabama District 1 General Election 2016 Bradley Byrne (R) 96.4 percent 208,083 votes Write-in 3.6 percent 7,810 votes 215,893 total votes General Election 2014 Bradley Byrne (R) 68.2 percent 103,758 votes Burton LeFlore (D) 31.7 percent 48,278 votes Write-in 0.1 percent 198 votes 152,234 total votes General Election 2012 Jo Bonner (R) 97.9 percent 196,374 votes Write-in 2.1 percent 4,302 votes 200,676 total votes General Election 2010 Jo Bonner (R) 83 percent 129,063 votes David Walter (C) 17 percent 26,357 votes 155,420 total votes General Election 2008 Jo Bonner (R) 98.3 percent 210,660 votes Write-in 1.7 percent 3,707 votes 214,367 total votes
Bradley Byrne urges Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation
He may not be able to cast an actual vote for his confirmation, but that’s not stopping Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne from voicing his support for President Donald Trump‘s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. On Friday, Byrne took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives where he took a stand for Kavanaugh saying he’s ashamed of where lawmakers find themselves today as he urged for Kavanaugh’s confirmation in the U.S. Senate. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the Senate to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Judge Kavanaugh has a clear record as a thoughtful jurist who respects and will defend our Constitution. Those who have worked with him over the years and know him best strongly defend his record as a good man who loves his family and our country. I’m ashamed we find ourselves where we are today. It is shameful the way Judge Kavanaugh has had his name smeared, just as it is shameful that Dr. Ford has been used as a pawn in a political game. Frankly, my heart hurts for both of them. Our government is only as good as the people who serve in it, and I am deeply concerned that this whole series of events will encourage fewer good men and women to take up the call of government service. This circus must end. The Senate should vote on Judge Kavanaugh, approve him to serve on the Supreme Court, and allow our great country to move forward. I yield back. Watch Byrne’s floor speech below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBTVmu8dcgE&feature=youtu.be Read Byrne’s speech below:
Bradley Byrne: Hitting the road
Each August, the House of Representatives typically enters a period of recess known as the August District Work Period. This is time set aside for Members of Congress to travel across their home districts visiting with the people they represent. For me, this is incredibly valuable time that I can spend listening to my constituents and gaining a better understanding of the issues impacting our area. Here is just a quick highlight of my August District Work Period so far. As you probably already know, I love to hold town hall meetings throughout the First District to hear directly from the people I represent. This August, I am holding a “Better Off Now” Town Hall Tour with twelve stops in all six counties that make up the First District. So far, we have held town hall meetings in Salipta, Atmore, Brewton, Dauphin Island, Millry, Citronelle, and Mobile. Later this month, we will make stops in Grand Bay, Monroeville, Seminole, Loxley, and Spanish Fort. You can get all the details about the town halls online at Byrne.House.Gov/BetterOffTour. Visiting local businesses and talking with employees is another priority for me in August. For example, I have already visited Olin in McIntosh, the Louisiana Pacific facility in Clarke County, Serda Brewing in Mobile, and Metal Shark Boats and Master Marine in Bayou La Batre, just to name a few. The visits help me learn firsthand how federal issues are directly impacting employers and employees in Southwest Alabama. A really special opportunity was being able to ride along with UPS to help deliver packages on the Eastern Shore. I dressed up in the full UPS uniform, rode in the truck, and personally delivered packages. It really helped to step in the driver’s shoes and see the difficult work they do every day. I am especially grateful to Chris Dorgan for showing me the ropes. Just last week, I hosted Chris Oliver, NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, down on Dauphin Island for a Red Snapper research trip. As one of the leading federal officials responsible for our fisheries, I welcomed the opportunity to show off the health of the Red Snapper stock in the Gulf, as well as the very impressive research being done locally by the University of South Alabama and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Also last week, I traveled to the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in Biloxi to meet with the director and get an update on services for our veterans. As you may know, the Biloxi VA oversees most of our local VA facilities. It was a productive visit as I work to hold the VA accountable and ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve. We had the annual Women’s Forum in downtown Mobile, which is organized by the Community Foundation of South Alabama. We had another outstanding crowd as local women had the opportunity to network and hear from speakers and panelists about issues important to them. I find great value in holding roundtable discussions to hear directly from leaders about specific issues. With this in mind, we held separate roundtables with local school superintendents, economic developers from our area, and community leaders from Chatom. Each of these roundtables were very informative, and we have more scheduled later this month. As you can probably tell, this August District Work Period has already been a huge success. The good news is that we are just getting started! I look forward to spending more time around Southwest Alabama throughout August to help me be the best Congressman possible. • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Two Alabama Congressional Districts rank among highest opioid prescription rates in U.S.
According to a recent study conducted by Harvard University, two Alabama Congressional Districts rank among the top five districts with the highest opioid prescription rates in the U.S. Alabama’s 4th Congressional District has the highest prescription rate in the country. Whereas Alabama’s 1st Congressional District has the 5th highest rate. In the 4th District, an astounding 166 prescriptions were written per 100 people. According to the study, that’s more than two times the national average. Meanwhile in the 1st District, 131 were written per 100 residents. “It is deeply saddening to learn that the 4th Congressional District has such a high opioid prescription rate. I think this crisis, particularly in rural America, corresponds directly to President Trump’s popularity in my district,” said U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt who represents the 4th Congressional District. “People here have felt left behind and have seen their jobs and opportunities disappear. Due to the epidemic of depression, some people have turned to prescription drugs to dull the pain. However, I believe that President Trump’s renewed focus on these areas and increasing jobs has resonated here strongly.” “My colleagues in Congress and I have been working toward that end,” added Aderholt. “In the FY18 funding bill signed into law in March, Congress included $4 billion to directly combat the opioid crisis. This is the largest amount of money ever to address prevention, treatment, and enforcement issues. $130 million was set aside for the Rural Communities Opioid Response program, to reach rural communities that have been hit especially hard by the opioid crisis. And another billion in grants to states and Indian tribes to be used at the local level to target this epidemic. We are currently working on the funding for FY19 and I am confident that we will continue strong funding for these programs. Congressional Districts with highest opioid prescription rates, 2016:
Bradley Byrne to hold 100th town hall meeting tour
Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne will kick-off an eight-stop town hall meeting tour, Monday January 22, marking his 100th town hall meeting since being elected to Congress in 2014. The “100th Town Hall Tour” will hold a full slate of town hall meetings in all six counties that make up the 1st Congressional District as part of a tour celebrating Byrne’s 100th in-person town hall meeting. Byrne chose to have his actual 100th meeting in Bay Minette, Ala. — the site of his first-ever town hall meeting. “Being the most accessible and accountable Congressman has always been my top priority. With this in mind, I have made a habit of hosting town hall meetings in cities, towns, and communities across Southwest Alabama. I am excited to announce I will be holding my 100th Town Hall meeting soon!,” Byrne said in an email to his constituents. “In honor of this special occasion, I will be holding a 100th Town Hall Tour with meetings scheduled all across Southwest Alabama. I hope you will be able to attend one of the meetings!” Check out Byrne’s Town Hall schedule below: Monday January 22 What: Frisco City Town Hall Meeting When: 3:00 p.m. CT Where: Frisco City City Hall; 3861 Bowden Street, Frisco City, Ala. What: Bay Minette Town Hall Meeting When: 5:30 p.m. CT Where: Bay Minette City Hall; 301 D’Olive Street, Bay Minette, Ala. Tuesday, January 23 What: Chickasaw Town Hall Meeting When: Tuesday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m. CT Where: Chickasaw City Hall; 224 North Craft Highway, Chickasaw, Ala. Wednesday, January 24 What: Chatom Town Hall Meeting When: 9:30 a.m. CT Where: Chatom Town Hall; 27 Cochran Avenue, Chatom, Ala. What: Grove Hill Town Hall Meeting When: 12:00 noon CT Where: Grove Hill Town Hall; 111 Church Street, Grove Hill, Ala. What: Jackson Town Hall Meeting When: 1:30 p.m. CT Where: Jackson Senior Center; 1701 College Avenue, Jackson, Ala. What: Creola Town Hall Meeting When: 4:00 p.m. CT Where: Creola City Hall; 9615 Old Highway 43, Creola, Ala. Thursday, January 25 What: East Brewton Town Hall Meeting When: 1:30 p.m. CT Where: East Brewton City Hall; 615 Forrest Avenue, East Brewton, Ala. The town halls are free to attend and open to the public.
Bradley Byrne plans additional August Town Halls across 1st District
Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne is once again putting his constituents front and center. During the annual Congressional August Recess — a month away from Washington, D.C. designed to give members of Congress an opportunity to reconnect with the constituents they represent — Bryne has planned five additional Town Hall meetings to reconnect with 1st District Alabamians. Throughout next week, the congressman will visit Toulminville, Monroeville, Atmore, Crossroads, and Prichard. Earlier this month, he held Town Hall meetings in Fairhope and Gulf Shores. “I look forward to hearing your ideas and addressing your concerns,” Bryne posted on Facebook announcing the additional meetings. By the end of the month, Byrne will have held 94 in-person town hall meetings since being elected to Congress. Below is Bryne’s upcoming Town Hall schedule: Toulminville Town Hall Meeting August 23, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. CT John L. LeFlore Magnet High School 700 Donald Street Mobile, AL 36617 Monroeville Town Hall Meeting August 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. CT Monroeville City Hall 280 Whetstone Street Monroeville, AL 36460 Atmore Town Hall Meeting August 29, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. CT Atmore City Hall 201 East Louisville Street Atmore, AL 36502 Crossroads Town Hall Meeting August 30, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. CT Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department 41761 State Highway 225 Bay Minette, AL 36507 Prichard Town Hall Meeting August 30, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. CT Prichard City Hall 216 E Prichard Avenue Prichard, AL 36610 All of the meetings are free to attend and open to the public.
