Barry Moore said that the human toll of the border crisis ‘continues to escalate’
On Saturday, Congressman Barry Moore discussed the southern border situation with Newsmax’s Lidia Curanaj. A hearing of the House Judiciary Committee revealed the negative side of the border crisis. Moore discussed how the fentanyl epidemic plaguing American communities does not discriminate against race, gender, or party affiliation. Moore also contrasted former President Donald Trump’s $4 billion request to continue the construction of a border wall with President Joe Biden’s spending of $100 billion to defend Ukraine’s border. “President Trump asked for $4 billion to secure our border and finish the wall, and they said, ‘Oh, that’s too much money,’ the Democrats voted no. He was fought every step of the way, and yet we’ve spent $100 billion securing Ukraine’s border against Russia, and we have an invasion on [our] southern border,” said Moore. “The 2,200 pounds of fentanyl we’re seizing on the southern border [per month] is more than we seized in all of 2018, and Sheriff [Mark] Dannels said himself, in four decades of working that border, the most manageable he’s ever seen it was in 2018 under President Trump. He said it’s the worst he’s ever seen it today, and it continues to escalate.” Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels told the Committee that the border situation has never been uglier in his career than it is now. “I work with many border patrol agents, federal agents, and to date, I have never heard one say that it’s working: the morale, the frustration they feel, the frustration we feel,” Sheriff Dannels testified. “We’ve had to step up our game.” Since July, the border patrol and customs officials have averaged seizures of 2,200 pounds a month. U.S. authorities are confiscating more fentanyl in a single month than they did during all of 2018. Rep. Moore also spoke with Newsmax’s Emma Rechenberg and Jon Glasgow about the House Judiciary Committee’s first hearing on the border. “Fifty years ago, we declared a war on drugs with just 6,700 deaths,” Moore said. “Last year, [we had] 107,000 fentanyl deaths, and it’s pouring across our southern border. The Democrats on the other side of the aisle say, ‘Well, it’s coming through the ports of entry,’ but that is not the case, and we talked a great deal to the sheriff about that. We’re finding out now that it’s all along the U.S. southern border. It’s pretty porous, and the drug cartels control in that area of the border.” The Border Patrol apprehended a record number of border crossers in 2022. Biden has overturned a number of Trump-era border policies resulting in a record increase in human migration. Alabama Today recently spoke with a waitress in Leeds who was apprehended at the border. The 21-year-old woman from Guatemala speaks English and Spanish as well as her Native American language, a dialect of old Mayan. She entered the U.S. alone though she has a brother and a sister already here. The young lady said that she had intended to enter the U.S. over land but was intercepted at the border, brought to Alabama, and has been here for a year. Moore is in his second term representing Alabama’s Second Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama Republicans respond to Joe Biden’s State of the Union address
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden delivered his annual State of The Union address to a joint session of Congress. The President touted the achievements of his administration and called for consensus. Alabama Republicans responded to the President’s address with skepticism. Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) said that the “American people don’t believe” Biden. “While President Biden says the state of our union is strong, it is clear that the American people don’t believe him,” Aderholt wrote. “They don’t believe him when they are paying record prices at the grocery store and at the gas pump. They don’t believe him when the crisis at our southern border continues to escalate, with 4.5 million illegal crossings since he took office. They don’t believe him when their children continue to overdose on fentanyl that’s been trafficked across the border. And they don’t believe him when the Chinese Communist Party goes unchecked, and their spy balloons are not shot down before they traverse our entire country.” “The American people deserve better and the Republican majority in the House of Representatives is committed to delivering solutions,” Aderholt added. “We are taking a common-sense conservative approach to these issues, and we encourage the President to work with us as we lead in the 118th Congress.” U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville said, “The divide between President Biden’s big-government view of our country and the conservative vision for our potential has never been wider.” “It’s hard for President Biden to address the weakened State of our Union when he doesn’t seem to be living in the difficult reality he’s created,” Sen. Tuberville stated. “Americans can’t afford their utilities or groceries, don’t feel safe in their communities, and are villainized for their views by a president who promised to unite us. Not only did the president fail to offer solutions tonight, he showed he doesn’t even seem to understand the problems. Instead, he just paid lip service to the same progressive priorities that have failed time and time again.” “The divide between President Biden’s big-government view of our country and the conservative vision for our potential has never been wider,” Tuberville continued. “Republicans believe in a union that protects liberty, creates opportunity, and gets people back on their feet. We have a vision to make our country more free, more secure, and more affordable. As we saw tonight, President Biden doesn’t share that vision. However, because I speak with hardworking people every day who want to help turn our country around, I still believe America’s best days lie ahead of her. Those days will come when we elect a president who actually believes in American greatness and is capable of delivering results.” U.S. Representative Mike Rogers released a statement arguing that President Biden has done nothing but “weaken our country.” “Our nation is less safe under President Biden,” Rep. Rogers said in a statement to reporters. “Time and time again – the misguided policies of the Biden-Harris administration have placed our national security at risk. In his speech, President Biden claimed that ‘if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country.’ Is that why President Biden allowed the Chinese Communist Party to spy on our country and tried to hide it from Congress and the American people? The truth is that President Biden has done nothing but weaken our national security.” U.S. Senator Katie Britt said, “President Biden refused to own the border crisis in tonight’s State of the Union.” “Tonight, I’m disappointed to say that the perspective of Alabama parents and families was missing,” Sen. Britt said in a video statement. “The reality of what moms and dads across our state and nation are facing is a stark difference from what we heard tonight from the President. Parents and families are sitting around the kitchen table, worrying about how they’re going to make ends meet in the face of crushing inflation. They’re worried about the price of groceries, from eggs and milk to flour and chicken. They’re worried about the wave of supply chain shortages that have affected their children recently, that’s everything from baby formula to children’s Tylenol.” “I’ve visited the border twice now in my first month in office,” Britt continued. “I listened and learned, visiting with the brave Border Patrol agents, law enforcement officers, survivors of human trafficking, and military personnel who are confronting this disaster on a daily basis. What I can tell you is now, it’s time for action. This week, I’ll be introducing a package of bills to seal and secure the border and to keep hardworking American families safe. My Senate Republican colleagues and I are fighting every day for faith, family, and freedom. There’s no doubt that this issue should be a bipartisan one – the solutions, certainly, but even acknowledging that there’s a problem. President Biden refused to own the border crisis in tonight’s State of the Union, just as he’s done his entire presidency. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to step up and join us in advancing commonsense solutions to secure the border.” Congressman Gary Palmer expressed concerns about the President’s energy policy and how that has led to high gas prices. “Tomorrow, the American people will wake up, and gas prices will still be too high,” Rep. Palmer said on Twitter. “Groceries and household utilities will still be unaffordable for many Americans, and our border will still not be secure. President Biden said nothing tonight to change that reality.” Congressman Dale Strong said on Twitter, “President Biden says that our economy is strong, but for the past two years, American families and small businesses have felt firsthand the impact out-of-control spending as inflation has skyrocketed— costing American families.” Congressman Jerry Carl said he was “very disappointed” by the President’s address. “I’m very disappointed by President Biden’s State of the Union address tonight,” Rep. Carl said on Facebook. “He passed the blame for his failures and offered zero solutions to our border crisis, our inflation crisis, or our energy crisis. He also flat-out lied by saying Republicans want to cut Social Security or Medicare.
Barry Moore signs on to bill to reinstate troops fired over COVID vaccine mandate
Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02) joined the Service Restoration Act on Monday. The legislation will permanently end the COVID-19 military vaccine mandate, protect unvaccinated servicemembers, and ensure that those service members who were fired for not complying with President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate can return to serving their country with honor. “Many of those purged from the military are from my district, patriots who were ready to give it all for our freedom, only to have their livelihoods stripped away because of a politically motivated, unscientific mandate,” Rep. Moore said in a press release. “They deserve to be restored to good standing and given full backpay, and that’s what I’m fighting for.” The bill was introduced by Congressman Chip Roy. “Thanks to the hard work of many of my Republican colleagues, the Biden administration’s disastrous COVID-19 vaccine mandate was finally ended,” said Rep. Roy. “But there is more work to be done. Republicans must fight to permanently end these mandates and make whole all the service members harmed by President Biden’s senseless policies. I’ve introduced the Service Restoration Act to do just that.” The DOD’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate was repealed in the FY20323 NDAA that passed in the 117th Congress. This legislation would protect service members who chose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Service Restoration Act prohibits federal funds from being used to require members of the Armed Forces to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It also prohibits the DOD from taking adverse action against unvaccinated service members. It requires the Secretary to reinstate members of the Armed Forces who wish to return to duty at the same rank as when separated. If a service member does elect to be reinstated, their time separated from the military will be counted towards their retirement benefits. It also requires the Secretary to expunge from service members’ record any disciplinary action taken due to refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and ensures those separated from the Armed Forces for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine receive an Honorable discharge. The White House and the Pentagon has opposed efforts to lift the mandates. A spokesperson for the DoD said that the issue is readiness. With Democrats in control of the Senate and the President opposed, it is unlikely that this can pass as stand-alone legislation. The COVID-19 vaccine remains very controversial even to this day – more than two years after it was made available to the public. Moore has been staunchly opposed to the vaccine mandate and has continued calling for the reinstatement with full backpay of members discharged for refusal to submit to the vaccination. Moore is in his second term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He previously served in the Alabama House of Representatives. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Barry Moore appointed to House Judiciary Committee
Congressman Barry Moore was appointed to the House Judiciary Committee. Moore said that it was an “honor” to be appointed to serve on the “prestigious” committee. “It is a great and humbling honor to be appointed to serve on the prestigious House Judiciary Committee and serve alongside my friend and our chairman, Jim Jordan, to defend our foundational American freedoms,” said Rep. Moore. “The Judiciary Committee will be the tip of the spear this Congress fighting to ensure that the American people’s government works to protect their civil liberties, not undermine them to advance a political agenda. With President Biden in the White House, we have a big task ahead, but I’m ready to get to work.” Congressman Jordan is the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. “We’re excited to welcome all new and returning members of the House Judiciary Committee to the 118th Congress,” Chairman Jordan said in a statement. “House Judiciary Republicans are ready to get to work on the important issues facing the American people by passing legislation that will secure the southern border, investigating the weaponization of the federal government against the American people, and reining in Big Tech’s censorship of free speech.” Chairman Jordan sent letters on Tuesday to White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, ATF Director Steve Dettelbach, and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram renewing outstanding requests for communications and documents. Jordan claimed that for two years, the Biden Administration has stonewalled Congress, refused to comply with basic document requests and avoided transparency and accountability for its failures. Jordan said that House Judiciary Republicans are committed to holding each agency accountable under the new majority and will use compulsory processes, if necessary, to get answers for the American people. “Since the beginning of the Biden Administration, we have made several requests for information and documents concerning the operations and actions of the Department of Homeland Security,” Jordan wrote in the letter to Mayorkas. “These requests remain outstanding. As we begin the 118th Congress, we write again to reiterate our outstanding requests and ask that you immediately comply in full.” Mayorkas faces heavy criticism from House Republicans for his handling of the southern border situation and the documented chaos there. “Mayorkas swore an oath to “well and faithfully discharge the duties of [his] office.” Look at the border and the terrible numbers on his watch,” Moore said on social media. “Can anyone make the argument he is discharging the duties of his office well? He has to go, and if Biden won’t hold him accountable, House Republicans must.” Moore was just re-elected to his second term representing Alabama’s Second Congressional District. Moore previously served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018. He was elected to Congress in 2020, after his second run for office. Moore is a veteran. He owns a garbage collection business in Enterprise. He is a graduate of Auburn University. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama leaders survey storm damage
Governor Kay Ivey, U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt, and Congressmembers Terri Sewell and Barry Moore surveyed the storm damage in Central Alabama, following Thursday’s devastating tornados. “I surveyed yesterday’s tornado damage in Selma with Mayor [James] Perkins, @SenKatieBritt & @RepTerriSewell, and it is extensive. We are working on the federal, state & local level to ensure we can get those affected as many resources as possible in their recovery,” Gov, Ivey said on Twitter Saturday. Ivey, Sewell. And Britt held a press conference to provide updates on their coordinated response. “I want to thank the many first responders, workers, and volunteers who came together to assist with the recovery effort following Thursday’s devastating storm,” said Rep. Sewell. “While the destruction impacting Selma and the Black Belt is widespread, our community is nothing if not strong and resilient. I’m confident that with the close coordination of federal, state, and local partners, we will be able to secure the necessary resources to build our community back better and stronger than before.” Autauga and Dallas counties were heavily impacted by the tornados on Thursday. “This afternoon, I surveyed yesterday’s storm damage from the air with state and local officials,” Rep. Moore said on Twitter. “The devastation is heartbreaking, and I continue to pray for the families who lost loved ones. I am thankful to all our dedicated first responders and state officials who are already working to put our communities back together. My staff and I are continuing to monitor the situation and will be ready in the days and weeks ahead to help with any federal issues.” “Our prayers continue to be with Alabamians across our state who were impacted by Thursday’s severe weather, especially those who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods,” said Sen. Britt in a statement emailed to reporters. “Today, I joined Governor Kay Ivey, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and local officials to see firsthand the devastation in Dallas and Autauga Counties. We saw damage and destruction, but we also witnessed the best of Alabama – people from all walks of life coming together to help each other. My office is working alongside our partners in Alabama’s congressional delegation to support Governor Ivey’s request for an expedited federal major disaster declaration, and we will continue to work to ensure every possible federal resource is made available to affected Alabamians. Thank you to the courageous law enforcement officers, first responders, and linemen who have been working tirelessly to serve their fellow Alabamians across impacted communities. We are grateful for the incredible volunteers, like those I visited with today, who are already giving their time, talent, and resources to help complete strangers get back on their feet. Autauga and Dallas Counties will need the support of Alabamians in every corner of our state as communities and families look to recover and rebuild, and I am confident that our people will step up to support one another. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you need assistance. We stand ready and willing to help.” President Joe Biden declared Dallas and Autauga Counties a major disaster area Sunday. “Individuals in Autauga and Dallas Counties can apply online with FEMA at https://DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362. My office will continue to work alongside the Governor, local officials, and my Alabama congressional colleagues throughout the recovery process,” Sen. Britt said on Twitter. “I join all Alabamians in praying for the impacted families and mourning the lives lost to the extreme weather in our state this week,” said U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville in a statement. We’re also praying for those whose lives have been put on pause as they find their homes and neighborhoods torn apart. Amid this time of death and destruction, I know the strength and spirit of Alabama’s communities will prevail as we rebuild. “We are blessed to have dedicated first responders and state officials working around the clock to get Alabamians out of harm’s way and put our communities back together,” Tuberville continued. “I strongly support Governor Ivey’s work so far and have full faith in our state’s emergency relief network. I will continue to monitor the situation closely, and my team stands ready to offer any assistance needed by Alabamians during ongoing recovery efforts.” To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Barry Moore supports legislation to abolish IRS, eliminate income tax
Rep. Barry Moore released a statement after co-sponsoring The Fair Tax Act, introduced by Rep. Buddy Carter. This legislation eliminates the tax code, replaces the income tax with a sales tax, and abolishes the abusive Internal Revenue Service (IRS). “Instead of hiring 87,000 IRS agents to take more money from the wallets of hard-working Americans, the new House Republican majority believes in simplifying our tax code,” said Moore. “The current tax code is four times as long as the Bible but contains none of the good news. The Fair Tax is the gold standard for tax law and would turn a convoluted, abusive, and biased system into a straightforward code that works for every American.” According to Moore’s press release, the Fair Tax Act would: Rep. Gary Palmer is also one of the co-sponsors for the bill.
Alabama leaders respond to tragic tornados
Tornados struck Dallas, Autauga, and Elmore Counties on Thursday. Severe thunderstorms ripped across the central part of the state bringing with it severe tornado damage in Dallas and Autauga County. At this point, there are six Alabamians known to have died due to Thursday’s severe weather. According to Autauga County EMA, at least six deaths in the Old Kingston and Marbury Communities in Autauga County, and dozens of people are injured. Twelve people are reportedly hospitalized. The search for victims is ongoing. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said, “I am sad to have learned that six Alabamians were lost to the storms that ravaged across our state. My prayers are with their loved ones and communities. We are far too familiar with devastating weather, but our people are resilient. We will get through it and be stronger for it.” Ivey and her staff are working with Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) director Jeff Smitherman and his staff. Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter issued a statement regarding Thursday’s severe weather system. “The weather system that swept across our state today left behind unthinkable damage and loss of life,” Ledbetter said in a statement. “My deepest sympathies go out to those suffering in the wake of this storm. I’m continuing to reach out to our representatives in affected areas to make sure they’re safe and see where they need help. Days like today remind us how precious life is and how dangerous these storms can be.” Speaker Ledbetter and his staff have been in contact with state and local officials on the extent of Thursday’s storm damage. Speaker Ledbetter will travel to Autauga and Dallas counties on Saturday to survey the extent of Thursday’s storm damage. U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt also released a statement regarding the day’s severe weather across Alabama. “Our hearts break seeing multiple Alabama communities devastated by severe weather today,” said Sen. Britt. “I know that Alabamians in every corner of our state join us in praying for the families of those we’ve lost and for speedy recoveries to those who have been injured. Thank you to the first responders and linemen who are courageously serving their fellow Alabamians. My office is in contact with the Governor’s office and local officials in affected communities, and we stand ready to assist. Please continue to follow local alerts and warnings in affected areas.” U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said on Twitter, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by today’s tornado in Selma, and to those who are still sheltering in place waiting out the storms. Thanks to the heroic first responders who are braving adverse conditions on the ground to help victims.” Congresswoman Terri Sewell is a native of Selma. A tornado struck the heart of the town of Selma, and damage is extensive there. “I am devastated and heartbroken by the tornado damage in my hometown of Selma and throughout the Black Belt,” Rep. Sewell said in a statement. “My office has already begun coordinating a federal response. I have spoken with the White House, FEMA, and the Small Business Administration as well as state and local officials including Alabama EMA about securing disaster assistance and expediting all available resources. I will be arriving in Selma tonight to survey the damage myself and assist with recovery efforts.” “I am keeping my constituents and all those affected in my prayers,” Sewell continued. “The people of the Black Belt are strong, and we will get through this together!” “I am heartbroken to hear about the damage and loss of life from today’s severe storms in Elmore and Autauga counties,” Congressman Barry Moore said. “Heather and I are praying for all the families affected. My staff is monitoring the situation and ready to help with any related federal issues – please call us if you need assistance.” “Whenever Alabamians suffer tragedy and find themselves in times of need, their neighbors and communities are quick to respond and embrace them,” said Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth. “It’s what makes our state special. My office and I are working to provide all available help to those affected by today’s tornados, and we stand ready to do whatever is necessary. I ask that you join me in lifting up those who suffered losses with our prayers.” Selma residents are under a curfew until dawn on Friday. Most streets in the city remain closed. Alabama EMA already has people on the ground in the counties affected by the severe weather and will have a more accurate survey of the damage on Friday morning. Alabama Power reports that 40,000 people are without power, but they are working on restoring power to affected communities as quickly as possible. Friday will bring much colder temperatures to the state. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Robert Aderholt votes in favor of Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation requiring that abortion doctors provide emergency care to infants that are born alive during an abortion. Congressman Robert Aderholt voted in favor of the bill and applauded its passage. “I was proud to speak on the House floor today in support of H.R. 26, which would require that babies born during an abortion be given the same medical care and treatment that any other baby born at that stage of development would be given,” Aderholt said in a statement on Facebook. “This bill has passed in the House before and previously received bipartisan support.” The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the nationwide federation of right-to-life organizations, supports the legislation – the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. “National Right to Life believes that it is time for Congress to act decisively to put the entire abortion industry on notice that when they treat a born-alive human person as medical waste or as a non-entity who may be subjected to lethal violence with impunity, they will do so at legal peril,” the group said in a statement. “H.R. 26 would enact an explicit requirement that a baby born alive during an abortion must be afforded “the same degree” of care that would apply “to any other child born alive at the same gestational age,” including transportation to a hospital.” The bill requires that babies born alive during abortions are treated in the same manner as those who are spontaneously born prematurely. The bill also applies the existing penalties of the federal murder statute to anyone who performs “an overt act that kills a child born alive.” It also provides a civil cause of action to women who are harmed by violations of the act. The House of Representatives also adopted Rep. Mike Johnson’s concurrent resolution that would condemn attacks on pro-life organizations. H.R. 26 was sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner. “I have championed this issue for decades, and I have been blessed and honored to lead this legislation since 2019,” Wagner said. “Thanks to our efforts, after dozens of unanimous consent requests, two discharge petitions, and countless hours of advocacy work, the House has finally taken action to ensure that every single baby born in the United States receives lifesaving medical care at their most vulnerable moment. We must remember today that children are not the only victims of born-alive abortions. Women, fathers, and whole families all suffer deeply from the loss of their child. Our communities are weaker because these bright young ones did not grow up to share their wisdom, laughter, and ingenuity with us.” “Every single newborn, regardless the circumstances of their birth, deserves to share the miracle of life and have lifesaving medical care,” Wagner continued. “We must act with compassion to protect these little ones and give women a strong support system as they navigate the miracles and challenges of motherhood. This bill will save real lives, and it will give survivors a precious chance to build a future. Our world is blessed now that we all know the Republican majority is here to fight on behalf of the precious, innocent lives of those who cannot fight for themselves.” Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy said that the House Republicans had promised to pass this legislation if they were given control of the House of Representatives. “House Republicans have been committed to advancing legislation that protects the lives of the unborn and their mothers,” McCarthy said in a statement. “In the very first week, we kept that commitment because strong families are the essence of American life. And in the face of a growing movement to devalue the miracle of life, we must also protect every American fighting for life – including those at pro-life pregnancy centers and churches from violence and threats. We will continue to prioritize the defense of life and all individuals from violence and intimidation.” The U.S. House of Representatives voted 220 to 210 in favor of passing H.R. 26. In addition to Aderholt, Congressmen Dale Strong, Barry Moore, Jerry Carl, Mike Rogers, and Gary Palmer voted in favor. Congresswoman Terri Sewell voted against it. Only one Democrat in the House voted in favor. No Republicans voted against the legislation. “We commend the House of Representatives for passing legislation to protect innocent children from infanticide and urge the Senate to follow suit,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities. “Babies who are born alive during the process of an abortion deserve compassionate care and medical attention – just the same as any other newborn baby.” The legislation now goes to the Senate for its consideration. Aderholt is the dean of the Alabama Congressional delegation. He is serving in his fourteenth term representing Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Barry Moore congratulates Kevin McCarthy
Early on Saturday morning, Congressman Kevin McCarthy was elected as the 55th Speaker of the House in one of the most contentious Speaker fights in American history – narrowly winning on the 15th ballot. Congressman Barry Moore (R-AL02), who had steadfastly supported McCarthy throughout the four days and one long night of voting, issued a statement after Kevin McCarthy was elected by the House of Representatives as its Speaker. Moore said that the intensive months-long negotiations between Republican leadership and the House Freedom Caucus yielded significant reform to the rules governing the operation of the U.S. House of Representatives. “Congratulations to Kevin McCarthy for his election to Speaker of the House,” said Moore. “With this vote complete, House Republicans will get to work using the power of the purse and our Constitutional oversight authority to hold the Biden administration accountable and fight its radical agenda.” “For me and my conservative colleagues, this vote was less about individual personalities than taking advantage of an historic opportunity to negotiate much-needed rules changes to ensure every congressman, regardless of political ideology, can provide more input to the legislative process and therefore more effectively represent the people of their district,” Moore continued. “With the rules changes we negotiated, individual legislators will possess the ability and responsibility to offer and vote on amendments and to write bills in committees. With more direct input into the workings of the House where they serve, elected legislators will be more accountable to the voters, and I am hopeful the House will function more effectively and as our Constitutional framers intended.” After the vote, Moore was sworn into the 118th Congress with his colleagues. “It is truly an honor to begin my second term, and as long as I am in office, I pledge to serve the Alabamians I represent, not a Speaker, not a political party or leadership structure, and not a special interest,” Moore said. “I look forward to continuing my work for Alabama and our nation in this Congress.” On Monday, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed new rules for the body for the 118th Congress 220 to 213. All House Democrats voted against the new rules. Rep. Tony Gonzales was the only Republican to vote in opposition to the new rules, which included many concessions to the Republican holdouts that held up McCarthy’s election for days last week. Moore represents Alabama’s Second Congressional District. He is a veteran and small businessman from Enterprise. Moore served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Kevin McCarthy fails to win House Speakership after 11 votes
On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to choose its next Speaker of the House. Ninety percent of House Republicans, including all of the Congressional Republicans from Alabama, voted to make longtime House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy the Speaker, but that was still far short of the 218 votes needed to elect McCarthy Speaker. The 11:00 am CST Speaker of the House vote was followed by four more votes before the House adjourned until Friday. The four failed Speaker votes on Thursday, followed three votes on Wednesday and three on Tuesday, for a total of 11 failed Speaker elections to this point. The small group of ultra-conservative Republicans in the House that oppose McCarthy are led by Reps. Andy Biggs, Matt Gaetz, and Bob Good. They insist that they can hold out indefinitely and will not be swayed by critics to soften their stand against McCarthy, whom they view as too moderate. Democrats, on the other hand, have voted unanimously for their new leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Congresswoman Terri Sewell has voted for Jeffries. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez has told reporters that House Democrats will not help elect McCarthy. Alabama’s Republican Congressmen Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Dale Strong, and Gary Palmer have all steadfastly supported McCarthy throughout this process. “I am supporting Kevin McCarthy in the House the entire time,” said Barry Moore in a video statement on Facebook. “We have been working on trying to get a consensus on who the Speaker will be.” “I have been with Kevin because I said I would be with Kevin,” Moore said. “I have told Kevin that he has my support.” The House cannot conduct business until it has a Speaker in place, so essentially, the first, second, and third days of the 118th Congress accomplished nothing. House committee staff may not get paid if the House does not pass rules for the 118th Congress – something that it can’t do until after the House has a Speaker. According to a memo released Thursday, the deadline for passing the rules package is next Friday. “Committees need to be aware that should a House Rules package not be adopted by end of business on January 13, no committee will be able to process payroll since the committee’s authority for the new Congress is not yet confirmed,” the memo said. Without a Speaker of the House, House Republicans’ expansive agenda can’t move forward. New members, including Alabama’s Dale Strong, have been unable to even be sworn in. The incoming chairs for the Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs committees are blocked from attending classified national security briefings until the rules are adopted for the 118th Congress, and committee chairs are formally appointed by the Speaker. McCarthy’s inability to even get a vote of support from the squabbling members of his own caucus has called into question whether or not he will be able to effectively lead the majority party moving forward – even if he is chosen as the next Speaker of the House. McCarthy and his allies have shown no sign of bringing forward a new candidate. McCarthy was previously passed over for Speaker in 2015 after ultraconservatives objected. Congressman Paul Ryan was chosen as Speaker then. This is the first time since 1923 that the Speaker of the House was not chosen on the first vote. There has not been this many failed votes on the Speaker since the Civil War. The House of Representatives will convene on Friday at 11:00 am CST to vote for a twelfth time. “I guarantee this much – it will be better than Nancy Pelosi,” Moore said, acknowledging that he was not sure who would ultimately get the Speakership. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Alabama House delegation divided on $1.7 trillion spending bill
On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the $1.7 trillion government funding package avoiding a partial government shutdown. The twelve-bill Consolidated Appropriations Act will fully fund the government through the end of the 2023 fiscal year. The package passed the House 225 to 201. Most House Republicans opposed the bill. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus government funding package citing benefits for Alabama’s Seventh Congressional District, including language from at least six bills that she led or co-led. “The programs that we choose to fund in the annual appropriations package are a direct reflection of the values that we as a nation hold dear,” said Rep. Sewell in an email to Alabama Today. “With this year’s government funding package we’re uplifting working families, creating jobs, strengthening our economy, and protecting democracy at home and abroad. The package also makes key investments critical to the success of Alabama’s 7th District including in health care, broadband, wastewater infrastructure, food and housing assistance, Civil Rights historic preservation, and our cherished HBCUs.” “I’m thrilled that this package includes several of my own bills to strengthen and expand access to health care for Alabama’s rural communities,” continued Sewell. “I know that these bills will make a big difference for our rural Alabamians and the health care providers who serve them.” Congressman Robert Aderholt released a statement after casting a no vote against the $1.7 trillion spending bill. “While there were parts of this omnibus package that I endorsed and fought for, ultimately, Democrats pursued a process that made the package impossible for me to support,” Aderholt said in a press release. “This eleventh hour omnibus continues a reckless spending pattern. It will increase inflation, it fails to address the crisis at the border, and leaves Americans with sky-high energy costs. Going forward, I am hopeful that the new Republican-led Majority in the House will allow us to pass government funding bills on time, that address our nation’s most pressing problems and abide by the conservative principles which constituents in Alabama’s 4th Congressional District hold dear.” U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer also voted against the bill. “Passing a $1.7 trillion spending bill days before Christmas is government at its very worst,” Palmer said in an email sent to Alabama Today. “This over 4,000-page bill fails to address issues that matter most to the American people. Our border is left open during a record wave of illegal immigration. Almost $4 billion is spent on energy assistance programs while Democrats continue to vilify widely available forms of energy and drive-up costs. The $800 billion aimed at non-defense spending is the highest level in the history of the nation while our country is experiencing inflation at 7.1% compared to last year. These are just a few examples of why I cannot support this bill or the broken process that produced it.” U.S. Rep. Barry Moore similarly voted no. “This bill not only continues or increases funding for the Biden administration’s most dangerous policies, but because the vote occurred after the November elections, Democrats were unshackled by accountability from the voters and free to include even more radical programs from their wish list,” said Moore in a statement. “I was encouraged at the overwhelming opposition from the American people to this disastrous legislation, but it was disappointing to watch so many of their elected representatives sign off on whatever was necessary to get home for the holidays. With so many Senate Republicans time and again unwilling to go to the mat for our voters, House Republicans must take the lead in the next Congress fighting for the interests of the American people.” The package includes over $47 billion in support for Ukraine, bringing the total that American taxpayers have spent subsidizing the Eastern European war to over $100 billion. The bill also includes $15 billion in earmarks for individual members’ pet projects. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Barry Moore opposes $1.7 trillion spending bill passed by ‘lame duck’ Congress
Republicans will take control of the U.S. House of Representatives in two weeks, but despite this, Congress is poised to vote on an omnibus spending bill this week – before Christmas. On Thursday, Congressman Barry Moore voted against a one-week continuing resolution (CR) that kept the government funded until Friday while a handful of lawmakers prepare a massive $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill outside of the normal budgeting process. Moore has spoken out against a lame-duck session spending bill since August. “The one-week CR is nothing more than a surrender to Democrats that greases the skids for a wasteful $1.7 trillion spending bill next week – which we still have not seen yet,” said Moore. “Instead of rolling over and submitting to retiring and defeated Democrats, Republicans must insist that funding levels are extended past the lame duck session into the new Congress so that the American people can hold accountable the elected officials spending their tax dollars.” On September 30, a continuing resolution was passed, funding the government through December 16 and postponing the normal budgeting order until after the midterm elections. On Tuesday, Senate Appropriations Chairman Patrick Leahy said that he and Sen. Richard Shelby, the Vice Chair of the Appropriation Committee, have agreed on a framework that should lead to a bipartisan vote on an omnibus spending bill. “Today, Vice Chairman Shelby, Chair DeLauro, and I reached a bipartisan, bicameral framework that should allow us to finish an omnibus appropriations bill that can pass the House and Senate and be signed into law by the president,” Sen. Leahy said in a statement Tuesday. The omnibus spending bill will likely be voted on this week. However, some Republicans would like to do another CR to carry the government over to January, when Republicans will have control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Without some sort of a deal, there could be a partial government shutdown on December 24. A partial government shutdown at Christmas could adversely impact millions of American families – particularly given the inflation Americans have experienced this year. “The pain of inflation is real, and it is being felt across the federal government and by American families right now,” Leahy said. “We cannot delay our work any further, and a two-month continuing resolution does not provide any relief. I look forward to continuing to work with my friend, Vice Chairman Shelby, and Chair [Rosa] DeLauro over the next week to finish the job the American people sent us here to do.” Moore was just reelected to his second term in the House of Representatives. Moore served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
