Moving up the ranks: Rep. Gary Palmer elected to House leadership team
House Republicans chose their leadership team for the next Congress on Wednesday and among them is Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer. Palmer, who first joined Congress in 2015, was elected to the position of Republican Policy Committee Chair for the 116th Congress — the fifth highest ranking leadership position among House Republicans. Prior to this, Palmer served as the Vice Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee. “I appreciate the faith that my colleagues have placed in me and am grateful for their support,” Palmer said in a statement. “Throughout my career, I have focused on being a problem solver and developing and promoting sound policies, so I feel like I’m uniquely prepared for this role. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we continue advancing and promoting ideas supported by the American people.” Established in 1949 by the House Republican Conference, the Republican Policy Committee (RPC) is a place for Republicans in the House to generate quality legislative proposals. More specifically, “The RPC serves as an advisory Committee to House Republicans and provides a forum for Republican Members to discuss legislative proposals before the House. The Committee reports its findings and suggestions for consideration to the Republican Conference,” according to the RPC website. In his new role Palmer will tap into the experience and skill sets he developed at the Alabama Policy Institute (API), where he served as president for 24 years. During his tenure, the API became a full-spectrum public policy organization that engaged in virtually all policy issues that affected Alabamians. It is considered the premier conservative think-tank in Alabama. Palmer also sits on the House Budget Committee and the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. His Alabama House colleagues congratulated him following his election to the position. Congratulations to Alabama’s own @USRepGaryPalmer on being elected Policy Chair of @HouseGOP! https://t.co/rP9dFkpwBW — Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) November 14, 2018 A big congratulations to my friend and Alabama delegation colleague @USRepGaryPalmer for being elected House GOP Policy Chair. Proud of you! — Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) November 14, 2018 Your new House GOP leadership pic.twitter.com/UXyU2wrw94 — Elaina Plott (@elainaplott) November 14, 2018 Palmer pictured on the left. Palmer will serve in the GOP’s leadership team alongside: Minority Leader: Rep. Kevin McCarthy Minority Whip: Rep. Steve Scalise Conference Committee Chair: Rep. Liz Cheney Conference Committee Vice Chair: Rep. Mark Walker Conference Committee Secretary: Rep. Jason Smith National Republican Campaign Committee Chair: Rep. Tom Emmer
Failed Democrat candidate Danner Kline takes to social media in search of employment
He may not have seen victory on Election Day, but that’s not stopping one former House candidate from asking his could-have-been constituents for help in finding his next opportunity. Former House candidate Danner Kline, an early leader of Alabama’s craft beer industry, resigned from his position as founder of Free the Hops to run against U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer in Alabama’s 6th District this election cycle. On Tuesday, he lost 69 to 31 percent. But by Thursday, Kline had taken to social media asking for help in finding a job. “Hey y’all. I resigned from my job to put everything I had into my run for Congress, and we could really use my income again,” Kline posted on Facebook. “…But if you know of any opportunities, please let me know. I wasn’t able to put any time into a job search prior to the election because I was entirely focused on the task at hand.” While many candidates wouldn’t think ask for help online, Kline’s no stranger to playing outside of the box. In 2004, his frustration with Alabama’s Prohibition-era regulations on beer prompted him to start Free The Hops, the grassroots organization that successfully lobbied to eliminate those regulations. These efforts allowed the brewing industry to thrive in the Yellowhammer State for the first time in a hundred years. In fact, there were no breweries in the state when Free The Hops began, but there are now over 25 with more on the way. Read his full post below:
Alabama Republican Gary Palmer bests Democrat Danner Kline, wins re-election to House
Republican U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer has won a third term, defeating Democrat and an early leader of Alabama’s craft beer industry Danner Kline in Alabama’s 2nd District. With 99 percent of the precincts reporting, Palmer bested Kline 69.3 to 30.7 percent. Alabama’s 6th Congressional District includes nearly all of Jefferson County outside Birmingham, and the entirety of Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Coosa, and Shelby counties.
Gary Palmer receives FGA award for health care reform efforts
Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer was honored with the Foundation for Government Accountability’s (FGA) 2017 Congressman of the Year Award for his commitment to reversing the devastating impact of Obamacare. “ObamaCare has devastated Americans who are no longer able to afford skyrocketing premiums and has left state budgets crippled under its weight. Congressman Palmer’s dedication to relieving the pressure of Obamacare on people across the nation with the inclusion of an invisible risk-sharing program should be applauded,” said Tarren Bragdon, CEO and President of FGA. The award recognized Palmer’s diligent work in repealing and replacing Obamacare, particularly his role in drafting the Palmer-Schweikert Amendment to the GOP’s American Health Care Act (AHCA). The Palmer-Schweikert Amendment, which would have created a federal invisible-risk sharing program, was crafted in order to provide relief for Americans struggling with the unsustainable cost of Obamacare. A federal invisible risk-sharing program would result in lower premiums, coverage for those with pre-existing coverage, and fewer uninsured Americans. Bragdon continued, “Congressman Palmer worked tirelessly to develop a solution that would help stabilize state budgets, lower costs for individuals across the country, and protect the truly needy. I am honored to award Congressman Palmer with FGA’s 2017 Congressman of the Year Award for his diligence and hard-work.” Palmer said he’s honored to receive the award. “It is an honor to receive this award from the Foundation for Government Accountability,” said Palmer. “FGA was indispensable in developing the amendment that I introduced on invisible risk sharing. This innovative approach would have driven down the cost of health insurance premiums and helped ensure that those with pre-existing conditions had access to affordable coverage. FGA is a tremendous asset and I look forward to more opportunities to work together to find solutions for major issues”
Gary Palmer introduces bipartisan Puerto Rico Humanitarian Relief Act
In the wake of Hurricane Maria’s devastation — knocking out power, most of its water, and leaving residents waiting for fuel — Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo A. Rosselló said the U.S. territory was on the brink of a “humanitarian crisis” and called on Congress to help the island recover. “Puerto Rico, which is part of the United States, can turn into a humanitarian crisis,” Rosselló said. “To avoid that, recognize that we Puerto Ricans are American citizens; when we speak of a catastrophe, everyone must be treated equally.” On Thursday, Republican and Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer along with his Democratic colleague, New York 7th District U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, answered Rosselló’s plea for help and introduced H.R. 3966: the Puerto Rico Humanitarian Relief Act. The bill provides a five year moratorium of an obscure shipping law — the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, more commonly known as the Jones Act. The century-old law requires any goods shipped to Puerto Rico from a U.S. port be carried in a U.S. owned, U.S. crewed, U.S. built, and U.S. flagged vessel. According to a 2010 study at the University of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico loses $537 million every year due to the Jones Act, a devastating figure for a country which essentially declared bankruptcy earlier this year. The Puerto Rico Humanitarian Relief Act would provide relief from this burdensome regulation and allow Puerto Rico the opportunity to rebuild their island without added costs and delays caused by the requirements of the Jones Act. “The Congress has the responsibility to act when enacted laws prove to be burdensome. This is especially true in a humanitarian crisis,” said Palmer. “Our bill provides Puerto Ricans with extended relief from the Jones Act to help them put their lives back together as they rebuild their homes, their communities and their infrastructure. The cost of goods in Puerto Rico is already substantially higher due to Jones Act related shipping costs, and, especially in a humanitarian crisis, every penny counts.” According to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, it costs $3,063 to ship a twenty-foot container from the East Coast of the United States to Puerto Rico and $1,504 to ship the same container to the nearby Dominican Republic—a destination not subject to the Jones Act. Higher shipping costs could significantly delay efforts to rebuild its economy and rebuild the communities devastated by Hurricane Maria. Velázquez echoed Palmer’s sentiments. “Puerto Rico has a long, difficult road ahead of it and the Jones Act will serve only to impede its physical and economic recovery,”Velázquez explained. As the Island struggles to rebuild, it should not be saddled with the burden of paying significantly more for construction materials and other goods, compared to the mainland.” Velázquez continued, “Moreover, a long term waiver of the Jones Act will stimulate economic activity. I have already called on the President to, at minimum, exempt Puerto Rico from the Jones Act for at least one year and I’m proud to co-author this bipartisan measure seeking a five-year waiver. Importantly, this bill also requires a full study of the Jones Act’s economic impact, so we have the empirical data to end this debate once and for all.”
Gary Palmer to host August town hall meetings in Calera, Hueytown
Many Members of Congress have shied away from town hall meetings altogether in 2017, but not Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer. For the third time this year, the two-term congressman, and member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is hosting a series of town hall events in an effort to hear directly from residents of Alabama’s 6th Congressional District, Palmer announced Wednesday he will hold two town hall meetings next week. “The August work period is upon us and I am happy to be back home meeting with constituents all across the Sixth District. I am hosting two town halls next week in Calera and Hueytown, and I would like to invite you to join in on the conversation at one of them,” Palmer said in a Wednesday email to his constituents. Palmer said attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the important issues facing Congress and ask questions. Details about the town hall meetings can be found below: Calera Town Hall Tuesday, August 15 – 6:30 p.m. Calera City Hall 7901 Highway 31 Calera, AL 35040 Hueytown Town Hall Thursday, August 17 – 6:30 p.m. North Highlands Baptist Church 4851 15th Street Rd Hueytown, AL 35023 Both town halls are free and open to the public. They will be streamed live on the Congressman’s Facebook page for those unable to attend.
Only 2 members of Alabama’s congressional delegation hosting town halls during Easter break
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are currently in the middle of a two and half week Easter recess. In the past, during similar breaks from D.C., members would fill their schedules with town hall meetings with constituents. But not this time. As of Wednesday, most members of Alabama’s congressional delegation don’t have any town halls scheduled over their break that began on Monday. Five of Alabama’s seven Congressional members are following a national trend — avoiding town halls altogether. Perhaps to avoid the ire of the failed health care vote, or possible backlash from President Donald Trump‘s decision to airstrike Syria, but regardless of reason 2nd District Rep. Martha Roby, 3rd District Rep. Mike Rogers, 4th District Rep. Robert Aderholt and 5th District Rep. Mo Brooks don’t have any town halls scheduled on their websites this break. But that doesn’t mean they’re not working. Many will spend the break meeting with constituents and visiting local businesses across their districts. 7th District Rep. Terri Sewell is not hosting any events this break as she mourns the loss of her beloved father, legendary Selma High Basketball Coach Andrew A. Sewell. “My father was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, teacher, basketball coach and mentor to thousands of young people during his 36 year career as a coach and teacher,” said Sewell. “As the Head Basketball Coach at Selma High, Coach Sewell led the Selma Saints to Area or State Playoffs 12 out of 19 years including two state runner-up finishes and two third place finishes in the Alabama Class 6-A High School state tournaments. Despite a series of strokes from 1988 to 2003, my father continued to live life with the same strength, grit and determination that he demanded of his players. We are so proud of his extraordinary life of exemplary sportsmanship and we are comforted by the knowledge that his legacy will live on in the many lives that he touched. “ As for those brave enough to host town halls, only 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Bryne and 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer are willing to take on constituent questions and feedback head-on this Easter break. At their respective town hall events, which are free and open to the public, the representatives will take questions and address important issues that face Alabamians. See below for the dates, times and locations: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Bryne is hosting a whopping 11 town halls during the break. “Over the week of April 17th, I will be holding eleven town hall meetings in four days with stops in each of the counties that make up Alabama’s First Congressional District,” said Byrne. Wilmer Town Hall Monday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. Wilmer Senior Citizens Center 13251 Avenue B Wilmer, AL 36587 Stapleton Town Hall Monday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m. Stapleton Volunteer Fire Department 36578 AL-59 Stapleton, AL 36578 Satsuma Town Hall Tuesday, April 18 at 10:00 a.m. Satsuma City Hall 5464 Old Highway 43 Satsuma, AL 36572 Poarch Creek Town Hall Tuesday, April 18 at 2:30 pm. Tribal Council Chambers 5811 Jack Springs Road Atmore, AL 36502 Brewton Town Hall Tuesday, April 18 at 5:15 p.m. Brewton Community Center 1010A Douglas Avenue Brewton, AL 36426 Alabama Port Town Hall Wednesday, April 19 at 9:30 a.m. Alabama Port Volunteer Fire Department 3290 Highway 188 Coden, AL 36523 Daphne Port Town Hall Wednesday, April 19 at 2:00 p.m. Daphne City Hall 1708 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 Foley Town Hall Wednesday, April 19 at 4:00 p.m. Foley City Hall 407 East Laurel Avenue Foley, AL 36535 Excel Town Hall Thursday, April 20 at 11:30 a.m. Excel Town Hall 3199 AL-136 Excel, AL 36439 Grove Hill Town Hall Thursday, April 20 at 2:00 p.m. Grove Hill Senior Center 113 Clark Street Grove Hill, AL 36451 Wagarville Town Hall Thursday, April 20 at 4:00 p.m. Wagarville Nutrition Center 27531 Highway 56 Wagarville, AL 36585 Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Chelsea Town Hall Tuesday, April 18 at 6 p.m. Chelsea Community Center 11101 Highway 47 Chelsea, AL 35043 Gardendale Town Hall Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 p.m. Gardendale Civic Center 857 Main Street Gardendale, AL 35071
Incumbent Gary Palmer defeats challenger David Putman in Alabama’s 6th District
Republican U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer has defeated Democrat David Putman in Alabama’s 6th District. Palmer had 57,642 votes as of 9:30 p.m. CT compared to his opponents’ 17,334. Palmer will continue to represent Jefferson County outside of Birmingham, and the entirety of Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Colbert, Coosa, and Shelby counties in a second term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Gary Palmer clarifies position, he’s still on the Trump train
Alabama 6th District U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer said Thursday his support for Republican nominee Donald Trump has not wavered, he intends to vote for him Nov. 8. Palmer clarified his position in a news release following assumptions he would not be after his statement last week in which he condemned lewd remarks made by GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump in a 2005 video. He said the choice between voting for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Trump is easy — he will be voting for Trump. “Let me be clear, we are looking at two very imperfect candidates, but supporting the Republican nominee —Donald Trump — over the Democratic nominee — Hillary Clinton — is not a difficult choice,” said Palmer in a statement. “Even in recent days, we have seen more evidence from the emails released by WikiLeaks confirming that Mrs. Clinton is a pathological liar; we know that she is guilty of being extremely careless while mishandling classified information, that her actions caused four Americans to lose their lives in Benghazi, and she and President Obama are principally responsible for the disaster unfolding in the Middle East that has left over a half million people dead and millions more as refugees.” Palmer made sure to again condemn Trump’s remarks, calling the comments, “offensive and inappropriate.” “Last week, it was revealed that 11 years ago, Mr. Trump had made some offensive and inappropriate comments about women,” Palmer continued. “This election is not about comments made 11 years ago or even 11 months ago, but about the policies represented by the two candidates.” Palmer believes Clinton’s policies directly contradict his beliefs. He continued, “Hillary Clinton will continue the assault on the Second Amendment; she will continue to allow the killing of the unborn; she will continue to appoint judges who legislate from the bench; she will continue to issue executive orders not based on law or logic; she will continue to destroy our military and national defense; and she will continue to drive up the national debt and harm economic growth with regulatory burdens.” “When every poll shows that over 75 percent of Americans believe the nation is headed in the wrong direction, it should be evident that we need to change direction. That is why I will support Mr. Trump as the Republican nominee, because Hillary Clinton must not be the next president.” Last week, several other prominent Alabama Republicans pulled their support from Trump following the video release, including Gov. Robert Bentley along with Alabama 1st District U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne, and Alabama 2nd District U.S. Congresswoman Martha Roby.
Email Insights: Gary Palmer emails October newsletter to constituents
On Friday, Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer emailed constituents his monthly newsletter with updates of what he’s been doing throughout the month of September. From hosting a Service Academy Night to releasing a new video highlighting the history and beauty of the six counties in the 6th District, to updates on the ongoing Hillary Clinton investigation — it’s safe to say, Palmer’s had a very busy month. Read Palmer’s full newsletter below: Dear Friend, As October begins, I am looking forward to spending the entire month back in Alabama’s Sixth District. I will be hosting Town Halls throughout the month across the district. These events are important to me because they are a great opportunity for us to have open dialogue about the issues we all face. I look forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming Town Halls. Thanks for reading, Gary Palmer U.S. Service Academy Night In September I hosted a U.S. Service Academy Night for interested high school students and their parents. Representatives from the five service academies — Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines — plus a representative from Marion Military Institute were all present. We were able to explain the nomination and application process, and students had a chance to ask questions about academy life and the opportunities these academies offer. These are the future leaders of our country, and I’m grateful to these young men and women for their sincere desire to serve their country. County Highlight Video Over the next few months I hope to share videos with you highlighting the history and beauty of the six counties in Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. For the first video, I hope you enjoy learning about Bibb County. A Better Way Recently, through six issue-driven task forces made up of Members of Congress, we constructed a plan to strengthen America, foster economic growth, and reform our government. We have labeled the plan A Better Way. I was pleased to work other members on three of the task forces: the economy, the Constitution, and tax reform. My bill, the Stopping the EPA Overreach Act, is included in our economic plan and would protect jobs both in Alabama and across America. To learn more about our plan, go to better.gop. Constitution Week September 17th marked the 229th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. During the month of September, my office spoke with over 600 fifth grade students in area schools about the Constitution and Washington D.C. We encourage all of our schools to teach the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. It is my hope that students and citizens will read and study this great document and require elected officials through the political process to abide by it. This is how we can keep the republic our Founders created. House Oversight Committee Hearing I believe protecting our national security to be of the utmost importance. It is especially concerning that apparently no one has made an effort to recover Hillary Clinton’s missing laptop. Although Clinton’s IT specialist, Bryan Pagliano, failed to attend our House Oversight Committee hearing, three others did attend. Two Platte River Networks employees, Bill Thornton and Paul Combetta, invoked their Fifth Amendment privilege and refused to answer questions. So I appreciate the fact that our fourth witness, Justin Cooper, stayed and answered our questions. Watch more in the video below. Click here to subscribe to Palmer’s newsletter.
Gary Palmer announces busy October Town Hall schedule
Alabama 6th District U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer announced Wednesday he will host seven Town Hall meetings throughout the district in October. The events are free and open to the public. Palmer will take questions and address important issues that face 6th District Alabamians and the nation at each event. See below for the dates, times and locations: Clay Town Hall Monday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Clay City Hall 2441 Old Springville Road Birmingham, AL 35215 Homewood Town Hall Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. Homewood City Hall 2nd Floor Council Chambers 2850 19th St. S. Homewood, AL 35209 Hoover Town Hall Thursday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Hoover City Hall Council Chambers 100 Municipal Lane Hoover, AL 35216 Columbiana Town Hall Friday, Oct. 14 at 8:30 a.m. Columbiana Senior Center 110 Mildred St. Columbiana, AL 35051 Kimberly Town Hall Monday, October 17 at 6 p.m. Kimberly Senior Center 8013 Warrior Kimberly Road Kimberly, AL 35091 Pelham Town Hall Monday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. Pelham High School 2500 Panther Circle Pelham, AL 35124 Graysville Town Hall Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Graysville Public Library 315 S. Main St. Graysville, AL 35073
In Alabama congressional races, incumbents stay safe
Despite incessant worrying over what Donald Trump-anti-incumbent-fueled voter turnout would mean at the polls, all members of the Alabama congressional delegation managed to hold on to their seats in Tuesday’s primary election. U.S. Senate Republican Richard Shelby, who was first elected to the Senate in 1986, faced challenges from four Republican opponents. With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Shelby won by over 35 points. His closest opponent former Marine Capt. Jonathan McConnell garnered only 28 percent of the vote to Shelby’s 65 percent, with all other challengers taking only about 8 percent of the vote. On the Democratic side, business owner Shadrack McGill, who served in the state Senate from 2010 and 2014, and challengers John Martin, Marcus Bowman and Ron Crumpton faced off also in hopes of unseating Shelby, with Crumpton taking home the Democratic nomination, winning 56 percent of the vote. U.S. House of Representatives AL-01 Former state senator U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne secured his first full term in office after defeating challenger Dean Young. Byrne, first elected to Congress in a special election in 2013, took home 60 percent of the vote, with 100 percent of precincts reporting. AL-02 Former Montgomery City Council member and three-term Congresswoman, U.S. Rep. Martha Roby defeated Wetumpka Tea Party founder Becky Gerritson to represent the 2nd District, which includes much of Montgomery and southeast Alabama. Roby won slightly more than 66 percent of the vote, meanwhile Gerritson took home only 27 percent of the vote, and Bob Rogers just over 5 percent. AL-03 First elected to the House in 2003, former Calhoun County commissioner U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers defeated longtime Auburn public school administrator Larry DiChiara to represent the 3rd District, which covers east-central Alabama. Rogers won 76 percent of the vote to DiChiara 24 percent. Standing between Rogers and his eighth term in Congress is Jesse Smith. Smith, a Phenix City native, was was unchallenged for the Democratic nomination. AL-04 Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) defeated opponent Phil Norris the Republican nomination for representative of Alabama’s 4th Congressional District, moving one step closer to his eleventh term in office. First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, Aderholt received 102,348 votes, 81 percent, with 100 percent of precincts reporting. AL-05 Third term Congressman Rep. Mo Brooks, who represents Alabama’s 5th District — encompassing the counties of Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Morgan and most of Jackson — was un-opposed. AL-06 Co-founder and former longtime president of the Alabama Policy Institute, U.S. Congressman Gary Palmer, was un-opposed. Palmer is Alabama’s newest Congressman and first elected in 2014 to represent portions of Birmingham, nearly all of Jefferson County outside of Birmingham, and the entirety of Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Colbert, Coosa and Shelby counties. AL-07 Alabama’s lone Democratic representative, Terri Sewell, who assumed office in 2011 was un-opposed. Her district encompasses portions of Birmingham,Tuscaloosa and Montgomery.
