Bradley Byrne: Celebrating the nineteenth amendment
Suffragist pressure finally swayed enough votes to get Senate passage in 1919.
Local and state officials react to death of Mobile police officer Sean Tuder
Sean Tuder, a 30 year-old police officer from Mobile, was shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday. AL.com reports that Tuder joined the Mobile Police Department in March 2016 and was named officer of the month in August of 2017 for his exceptional service. MPD Chief Lawrence Battiste spoke about Tuder outside of the emergency room at Providence Hospital saying, “He was one of those guys that certainly resonates in your mind as a true leader, a true commitment to doing his best in this community to keep it safe and to be a role model for others. Officer Tuder was one of those guys that believed in mentoring and help bringing other officers along.” Mobile’s Mayor Sandy Stimpson took to Twitter with a statement. Earlier today, Mobile lost one of our best and finest, Officer Sean Tuder. We send our thoughts and prayers to his friends and family during this tragedy. We mourn together as a community and we love together as a community. pic.twitter.com/PTSSOHqtoj — Mayor Sandy Stimpson (@MayorStimpson) January 21, 2019 Ashley Rich, Mobile District Attorney, posted a tribute to Tuder on Facebook which read “The city of Mobile lost one of its finest officers today. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers that the brave men and women of law enforcement face everyday. I would like everyone to take a moment to remember the man who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our community. Please keep Officer Sean Tuder’s family in your thoughts and prayers.” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey released a statement saying, Less than a day after laying to rest Birmingham Police Sergeant Wytasha Carter, I’m saddened to learn of the death of Mobile Police Officer Sean Tuder, who was killed today in the line of duty. I extend my sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers to Officer Tuder’s wife and family, fellow officers and to the community he served. Officer Tuder was an exceptional young officer, a true leader and was once recognized as ‘Officer of the Month’ for his commitment to serve and protect. This senseless tragedy has sadly taken the life of yet another Mobile police officer, far too soon, and stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who wear the badge. To the Mobile community, know that all of Alabama joins you in mourning this remarkable law enforcement officer. Elected officials in Washington also shared condolences. Horrific news out of Mobile. Our prayers are with Officer Tudor’s family, the @MobileALPolice, and our entire community. https://t.co/fOYWBff9kJ — Archive: Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) January 20, 2019 Praying for @MobileALPolice Officer Sean Tuder’s family following this tragic shooting. https://t.co/jQf0TkcGxP — Richard Shelby (@SenShelby) January 20, 2019
District work week roundup: what’s your representative up to?
The Alabama Congressional delegation was back in the yellowhammer state this week, and members have taken to social media to share the stories of those they have encountered while working within their districts. Here’s what your representative has been up to this week: Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne: Enjoyed speaking at the #SmallBiz “Lunch and Learn” event in Jackson today! Thanks to @SBAgov, @univwestalabama, @ASBDC and Clarke County Economic Development for helping put the #SmallBusinessWeek event together! pic.twitter.com/3OBjF8JJu3 — Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) May 4, 2018 Had an awesome visit of the @LockheedMartin facility in Troy this afternoon. I am so proud that we have Alabamians doing this important work for our national security. pic.twitter.com/AoWiVaIwiC — Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) May 3, 2018 Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: I also got to “fly” the cockpit simulator again, & I’m glad to report that I have improved since my first attempt yesterday! I’d like to extend a very sincere thank you to @LockheedMartin & the @MGMChamber for making this event happen. We have a lot to be excited about. pic.twitter.com/Fwqzl9JfZV — Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) May 3, 2018 Alabama 3rd District U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers: Had a nice visit today with Kelly Morris of UPS in my #Anniston office. #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Apr 30, 2018 at 10:00am PDT Thank you to Viiz Communications Call Center for the tour today! #CalhounCo #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Apr 30, 2018 at 12:02pm PDT Great to visit the new Fort McClellan Credit Union on Golden Springs Road. Thank you to my friend, Kevin Ford, for showing me around! #AL03 #CalhounCo A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on Apr 30, 2018 at 12:44pm PDT A gorgeous day in Lanett! Checking out Streetscape with Mayor McCoy! #ChambersCo #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on May 2, 2018 at 9:01am PDT Presenting a Congressional Record statement to the Sylacauga High School Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team in recognition of them bringing home the AHSAA Class 5A state title! Great work, guys! Go Aggies! #Sylacauga #AL03 #TalladegaCo A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on May 2, 2018 at 10:35am PDT Speaking to Munford High School’s AP Government class this morning! #AL03 A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on May 2, 2018 at 1:15pm PDT Had a wonderful visit this week at Pursell Agri-Tech in #Sylacauga this week! Thanks for having me! #AL03 #TalladegaCo A post shared by Congressman Mike D. Rogers (@repmikerogersal) on May 4, 2018 at 10:32am PDT Alabama 4th District U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt: Tonight on the steps of our Gadsden office, 80 high school students took their military oaths. They are going into the Army, Air Force and Marines. You all make us proud with your commitment to serve our nation. @WBRCnews @WVTM13 @abc3340 @CBS_42 pic.twitter.com/ACA6Ak6N2V — Rep. Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) May 5, 2018 Alabama 5th District U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks: As a strong supporter of Israel, it was my pleasure to meet Mr. Guy Gilady, a Deputy Consul General for Israel, today in my Huntsville office. Thx for visiting! pic.twitter.com/ydVPIxTPmr — Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) April 30, 2018 Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: A big thank you to the Stillman College family, including alumni, the board of trustees, students, faculty, and Dr. Warrick- what a special day!! pic.twitter.com/wmaBhpKutS — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) May 5, 2018 Stillman College represents such an important part of the legacy Alabama’s 7th District. Our HBCUs are truly a national treasure. Please join me in congratulating 2018’s graduating class! pic.twitter.com/bUvMFhFa20 — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) May 5, 2018 Just wrapped up our second town hall today – this town hall in Sumter County. THANK YOU to the constituents who turned out to make their voices heard!!! pic.twitter.com/YrEyPKJYjE — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) May 2, 2018
Five members of Alabama delegation receive award for conservative excellence
The American Conservative Union Foundation (ACUF) on Monday released its 47th Annual Federal Ratings of Congress. Five members of the Alabama delegation were awarded the ACUF’s Award for Conservative Excellence based on their voting records. Annually the ACUF — the sister organization of the American Conservative Union (ACU), the nation’s original conservative organization. For more than fifty years the ACU has educated and activated the conservative movement through its ratings programs, policy centers and educational events such as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the largest annual gathering of conservatives in the nation — produces a scorecard for members of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives based on their voting records. All members of Congress are issued a score while only members who received a score of 80 percent or higher receive an award. Awards were presented to — 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Bryne (92.15%); 4th District U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (83.6%); 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (90.13%); 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (100%); as well as former U.S. Sen. Luther Strange (81.82%) for his brief stint in the U.S. “In the 2017 session, we saw Republicans come together to pass the most important corporate tax reform in decades, confirm a true conservative in Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, and repeal the Obamacare individual mandate,” said ACU Chairman Matt Schlapp. “But conservatives must not rest on their laurels. This is not the time for four corners defense. Congress must pass a rescissions bill to eliminate wasteful spending in the omnibus and finally confirm highly qualified presidential nominees to critical positions.” This year some of the key issues ACU Foundation scored include: confirmation of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court repeal of Obamacare passage of comprehensive tax reform defunding of Planned Parenthood repeal of Dodd-Frank and key presidential nominations to cabinet positions. Widely regarded as the “gold standard” of conservative scoring, the ACU “Ratings of Congress” evaluated 21 key votes in the U.S. Senate and 25 key votes in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bills are selected cover a variety of issues and are designed to reflect how each individual views the role of government in another individual’s life. Some of the bill topics included are social and cultural, fiscal and economic, and national security. This year marks the ACU’s 47th year of rating key votes in Congress. Read each member’s individual score and breakdown below:
Alabama Reactions to National School Walkout
Thousands of schools around the nation participated in The National School Walkout on Wednesday. The walkout was formed to protest current gun laws, and to honor the 17 victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that took place in Parkland, Fla. last month. Several schools in Alabama participated in the walkout by leaving their classes at 10 a.m. to stand outside in silence for 17 minutes to honor the students and faculty members who lost their lives. Huffman High School students added and extra minute of silence in honor of their classmate Courtlin Arrington. Here are some of Alabama’s reaction’s to the National Walkout: WIAT CBS 42 (via Twitter): PHOTOS: Schools in central Alabama participate in National School Walkout Day https://t.co/32TiisICKI — WIAT CBS42 (@WIAT42) March 14, 2018 Nicole Fierro, WPMI NBC 15 (via Twitter): NOW: Students are showing signs, linking arms and wearing black and orange at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Sciences. They are joining thousands across the country participating in a national walk out to protest gun violence. @mynbc15 #Nationalwalkout #WalkoutWednesday pic.twitter.com/sDI5cc7XCw — Nicole Fierro (@FierroNicole) March 14, 2018 Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (via Twitter): In honor of Courtlin Arrington, age 17, of Huffman High School in Birmingham,AL I joined the students for today’s #EnoughIsEnoughDMV event at the Capitol. #NeverAgain #NationalWalkoutDay pic.twitter.com/PE270jby3V — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) March 14, 2018 Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Bryne (via Facebook): Lee County (AL) Dems (via Twitter): Students in Atlanta take a knee to protest gun violence on day of national walkout https://t.co/NbUzYlSUr4 — Lee County (AL) Dems (@LCDCAlabama) March 14, 2018 State House Democratic Leader Anthony Daniels (via statement): “Those students who marched in the streets in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 so their collective voices could be heard helped change the course of history in our state and in our nation. One day we will look back and point to yesterday’s student walk out aimed at bringing attention to the senseless violence gripping our nation as a turning point in our effort to make our country a safer place for our children, our families and all those who live and work here. So I support their cause, their commitment and their rights under the First Amendment to push back against those who want to protect policies and programs that do not work and endanger us all. I pray our elected leadership will listen and respond to these students. They deserve to learn in an environment free from fear and anxiety.”
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
Bradley Byrne moves to overturn OSHA’s ‘unlawful power grab’
In the final weeks of the Obama administration, the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a rule clarifying an employer’s continuing obligation to make and maintain an accurate log of workplace injuries and illnesses for five years after they occur. While OSHA inspectors have long used this information to enhance health and safety protections in America’s jobsites, the law explicitly says that employers can only be cited for record-keeping violations within a six-month time period. Yet the new “Volks” rule, extends the threat of penalty up to five years, which many consider an attempt to make an end-run around a 2012 D.C. Circuit Court decision that previously ended the five-year practice. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Bryrne is working to overturn the new rule, which he calls an “unlawful power grab by the Obama administration.” Chairman of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, Bryne introduced a resolution of disapproval, H. J. Res 83, under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the rule and reject a failed approach to workplace safety on Tuesday. “Every worker deserves safe and healthy working conditions, and bad actors who put hardworking men and women in harm’s way must be held accountable,” said Byrne. “That’s why Republicans have consistently called on OSHA to improve its enforcement efforts and collaborate with employers to address gaps in safety.” Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress may pass a resolution of disapproval to prevent, with the full force of law, a federal agency from implementing a rule or issuing a rule that is substantially the same without congressional authorization. Chairman Byrne’s resolution would block OSHA’s “Volks” rule from taking effect and prevent future administrations from promulgating a similar rule. Bryne continued, “Unfortunately, the Obama administration consistently doubled down on failed, punitive policies that do more to tie small businesses in red tape than protect workers. With this rule, OSHA rewrote federal law while doing nothing to improve worker health and safety. Congress must reject this unlawful power grab and encourage the agency to adopt the responsible, proactive safety approach that America’s workers deserve.” Prior to Byrne’s resolution, two federal appeals courts have rejected the policies reflected in the rule after a Louisiana construction company was cited for paperwork errors occurring nearly five years prior. “We do not believe Congress expressly established a statute of limitations only to implicitly encourage the Secretary to ignore it,” the D.C. Circuit Court noted.
Bradley Byrne introduces bill to give veterans full access to local care
Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne on Tuesday introduced legislation to give veterans full access to private, local medical care. Byrne’s bill, the Full Choice for Veterans Act, expands eligibility of the Veterans Choice Program to any veteran. Under the Veterans Choice Program, veterans receive a card to get care from private doctors or hospitals. Currently, access to the VA Choice Program is limited to those who have waited longer than 30 days for VA care or those who live more than 40 miles from a VA facility. Congressman Byrne’s bill changes that and give every veteran access to health care providers in their community, regardless of a veteran’s situation. “Veterans should not be forced to remain in a VA system that is dysfunctional and broken,” said Bryne. “This is why Congress created the Choice Card program a few years ago to give veterans greater access to private medical care in their local community. Sadly, the VA created roadblocks to limit veteran access to the Choice Card program. Our veterans deserve better. “Under the Full Choice for Veterans Act, we will give veterans the choices they need and access to timely medical care. Even more, I think we can actually save taxpayer money by cutting down on the bloated VA bureaucracy. This is a win-win situation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation.” Byrne introduced similar legislation to expand veteran access to private care in 2015 in the previous Congress. Watch Byrne discuss his new bill below:
This week in the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate: Sept. 19-23, 2016
The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate are moving full steam ahead working to finalize negotiations surrounding a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government running beyond the end of September and into December, through the November election. Many lawmakers are hopeful to strike a deal early, which would allow them to recess ahead of schedule and head back to the campaign trail for the pre-election recess that is scheduled to begin Oct. 1. U.S. House of Representatives On Monday, the House meets in pro forma session. On Tuesday, the House is in session and will consider several bills under Suspension of the Rules. A full list of bills can be found here. On Wednesday, the House will consider several more suspensions as well as H.R. 3438: the Require Evaluation before Implementing Executive Wishlists (REVIEW) Act. The bill would delay the effective date of “high-impact” regulations, or those costing more than $1 billion annually, until all court challenges to the regulation have been settled. Alabama co-sponsor(s): Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05) For the balance of the week, the House is expected to consider the following: H.R. 5461: the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act. The bill requires the Treasury secretary to compile and submit to Congress a report detailing the known assets of Iran’s top political and military leaders, how those assets were acquired, and for what purposes the assets were used. Alabama co-sponsor(s): None H.R. 5931: the Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act. The bill states that it is the policy of the U.S. government not to pay ransom or release prisoners for the purpose of securing the release of U.S. citizens taken hostage abroad, and it generally prohibits the U.S. government from providing to the government of Iran, either directly or indirectly, any cash or other promissory note. It requires the administration to obtain a Treasury foreign assets license before settling any pending financial claims with Iran, and to publicly disclose each such transaction and payment. Alabama co-sponsor(s): None H.R. 5719: the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act. The bill would allow employee stockholders in startup ventures to defer taxes for seven years on stock options in their companies. To qualify, the stock options would have to be offered to at least 80 percent of a company’s workforce, and the benefit would not be available to majority owners, corporate officers, or the highest-paid executives. Alabama co-sponsor(s): None The House may also consider H.R. 1309: the Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act. The bill would eliminate a $50 billion asset threshold, set by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial overhaul, that deems banks of that size or larger to be systemically important financial institutions (SIFI). The SIFI designation brings enhanced federal oversight as well as requirements to maintain certain levels of capital and other assets. Instead, the bill authorizes the Financial Stability Oversight Council to decide whether banks should be subject to enhanced supervision and standards because of financial distress at the bank, or because the nature, scope, size, scale, concentration, interconnectedness or mix of its activities could threaten the financial stability of the United States. Alabama co-sponsor(s): Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy has indicated additional legislative items are also possible this week. U.S. Senate The Senate is in session and may consider a 10-week continuing resolution (CR) as early as Monday. Congress must pass a CR or other funding legislation before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30 in order avert a government shutdown. The pending CR is expected to fund the government through Dec. 9, one week before Congress is currently scheduled to adjourn for the December holidays. Additional legislation is also possible in the Senate this week.
Bradley Byrne: A busy August
Each August, the House of Representatives goes out of session and members of Congress spend time back in their home state for a District Work Period. While these District Work Periods are sometimes known as “recess,” that does not mean members of Congress are on vacation. Instead, some of the most valuable time I have comes in August when I travel throughout Southwest Alabama and engage directly with the people I represent in Congress. I kicked off the District Work Period last week with a “Better Way to Fight Poverty” tour in Mobile and Washington counties. I toured organizations in Fruitdale, Chatom, and Mobile that are leading the way in the fight against poverty. I also held a joint roundtable discussion to talk about what works and what does not work in the war on poverty. In addition to our roundtable on poverty, I will also hold roundtable discussions with economic developers, our local school superintendents, and the leaders of our colleges and universities. These roundtable meetings help me to better understand issues facing our area, but they also allow for the sharing of ideas and collaboration among the other attendees. Another important way I spend the District Work Period is visiting local businesses to listen to their ideas and concerns. It is so helpful to spend time on the production line or behind the scenes to see how businesses operate and learn more about the various challenges facing their industry. August also gives me an opportunity to visit with local organizations and civic clubs. For example, last week I spoke to the Southwest Mobile Chamber of Commerce in Tillman’s Corner. We had a great discussion about the economic progress in our area and ways we can continue to move Southwest Alabama in the right direction. Later in the month, I will be speaking to other groups ranging from farmers to school groups about ways they can be a part of our area’s impressive progress. I also want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to share their concerns with me, so we have scheduled a number of town hall meetings. These meetings give you an opportunity to ask me any questions you may have or to share your concerns. This August, my town hall meetings will be in Citronelle, Grand Bay, Stockton, and Summerdale. We will also have more town hall meetings throughout the year. Later in August, my wife, Rebecca, and I will host our annual “Women’s Forum.” The theme this year is “Charting Your Own Course,” and the event provides networking opportunities for women in our area. I am especially excited this year’s event will include a special appearance by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, the highest ranking woman in Congress. You can get more information about all of these events online at Byrne.House.Gov or by calling my office in Mobile at 251-690-2811. At each of these stops and events, I am talking about the Better Way agenda, which offers an alternative to the big-government policies that have become all-too-common over the last eight years. My hope is to share the ideas of the agenda with you, so I can get your feedback about what you like and what you disagree with. That way, when I head back to Washington in September, I can share your feedback with my House colleagues. You elected me to serve as your voice, and in order to do that, I must hear from you. That is why the August District Work Period is so important. I hope to see you around this month! • • • Bradley Byrne is a member of U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
August Recess agenda: Alabama 1st District Rep. Bradley Byrne
It’s August, and that means the Alabama Delegation has put business on hold in Washington, D.C. until after Labor Day and members have made their way back to the Yellowhammer state for August Recess. This year’s recess is an unprecedented seven-weeks, with Congress taking additional time off to attend the presidential conventions. While all of this sounds like vacation, the “recess” is actually designed to give members of Congress an opportunity to reconnect with the constituents they represent, and travel to places across the globe relevant to legislation in Congress, and to strengthen U.S. relations in those countries. Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Bryne has his plate full this August. He began his time away from D.C. visiting Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) — the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise — in Hawaii to see the Mobile-built Littoral Combat Ship in action. He next took part in a ride-along with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s office, where he had the opportunity to see firsthand some of the challenges law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. Yesterday, Byrne embarked on his “Better Way to Fight Poverty Tour” where he continued to spread the Better Way agenda that brings a plan to end poverty to the people of Southwest Alabama. Byrne host a bevy of Town Hall meetings, where he’ll answer questions and hear from constituents about issues concerning them. Below is his upcoming Town Hall schedule: Citronelle: 11:30 a.m., Aug. 8 at Citronelle City Hall (19135 S. Main St.) Grand Bay: 3 p.m., Aug. 9 at Grand Bay Senior and Community Center (11610 U.S. Highway 90) Stockton: Noon, Aug. 22 at Stagecoach Cafe (52860 Alabama Highway 59) Summerdale: 2:30 p.m., Aug. 22 at Summerdale Municipal Complex (502 W. Lee Ave.) Byrne’s also holding annual roundtable meetings with school superintendents, local economic development leaders, and college/university presidents. He’s also scheduled several speaking engagements with local organizations, school visits, and business tours. Another large event he has planned is the “Women’s Forum 2016: Charting Your Own Course” in downtown Mobile. Featuring keynote speaker Washington-state U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the forum will seek to empower women to think with a different perspective for incredible personal and professional results. The forum will also feature a panel discussion of local women leaders who will address securing the healthiest possible future through methods of community, finance, cyber security and personal protection. The forum will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 26.
Bradley Bryne blocks Obama from using offshore drilling revenue to implement climate program
The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted an amendment to block the Obama administration’s proposal to transfer money away from Alabama and other Gulf states to help fund the president’s “Coastal Climate Resilience” program that would help communities “prepare for and adapt to climate change.” The amendment, introduced by Alabama 1st District U.S. Rep. Bradley Bryne, prohibits any efforts to redirect funds allocated under the Gulf of Mexico Security Act (GOMESA) of 2006. GOMESA allows four Gulf states — Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas — to receive 37.5 percent of federal oil revenue from drilling off their coasts, capped at $500 million a year, beginning in 2017. In February, President Barack Obama proposed transferring GOMESA money away from the Gulf States to pay for the Coastal Climate Resilience program by redirecting the funds toward climate projects, including $400 million to help Native American tribes in Alaska deal with climate change. Calling the GOMESA payments “unnecessary and costly” the Obama administration has complained they go to only a “handful of States under current law.” Meanwhile, GOMESA states argue they have long received a lower percentage of revenue than interior states for federal drilling within their borders, explaining the money will help offset damage to the environment and infrastructure caused by oil drilling. Prior to the amendment’s passage, Byrne spoke on the House floor in support of it. “These Gulf States not only provide a significant share of the infrastructure and workforce for the industry in the Gulf, but they also have inherent environmental and economic risks,” said Byrne. “Unfortunately, in his budget proposal this year, President Obama recommended that the money be taken away from the Gulf States and instead be spread around the country to implement his radical climate agenda.” Byrne continued, “Not only does this proposal directly contradict the current federal statute, it vastly undermines the purpose of the law — to keep revenues from these lease sales in the states that supply the workforce and have the inherent risk of a potential environmental disaster.” The amendment passed by unanimous voice vote. Watch Byrne’s floor speech on the amendment below:
