Alabama members call for longer-term transportation planning after trust fund vote
The U.S. House has passed H.R. 2353 — a bill approving temporary funding for the nation’s federal transportation trust fund for two months beyond an impending statutory cutoff — with the support of U.S. Reps. Bradley Byrne and, somewhat more surprisingly, Terri Sewell. But that didn’t stop either from expressing displeasure at the short-term nature of the bill passed Tuesday, a result of ongoing gridlock over myriad issues in the House. Byrne and Sewell, who respectively represent Alabama’s 1st and 7th Congressional Districts, each issued statements Tuesday evening saying a more predictable and comprehensive approach is required for maximum public good. “It is sometimes hard in Washington for Republicans and Democrats to find common ground, but both sides agree we need a long-term, reliable funding stream for the Highway Trust Fund,” Byrne said in his news release. “While I voted for today’s short term extension, I will not continue to support kicking the can down the road and putting off difficult decisions. Funding our nation’s highway system is a fundamental responsibility of Congress, and it is time we get serious about finding a solution. I intend to be a constructive participant in that process.” Sewell — breaking with most of her caucus, which opposed the measure — echoed those statements after her “yea” vote Tuesday afternoon. “The Highway Trust Fund Extension is nothing more than a Band-Aid. It’s disappointing that Congress is no closer to drafting a long-term solution to invest in our nation’s roads, bridges, and rails than we were this time last year,” Sewell said in her written statement. “Our nation’s investment in infrastructure is woefully inadequate to the detriment of our constituents.” “In Alabama, deteriorating roads cost motorists approximately $1.2 billion a year. Across our country, an estimated one in three fatal traffic accidents is caused by roads that are in poor or mediocre condition, and the American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that one out of every nine bridges in the U.S. is structurally deficient.” Sewell ended, however, on a hopeful note. “By building the infrastructure of tomorrow, we would also create thousands of good-paying jobs that help more hard-working Americans earn a living.”
Bradley Byrne: Police officers deserve prayers and praise
Earlier this month we were all devastated to learn that two police officers had been tragically murdered while conducting a basic traffic stop in Hattiesburg, Miss. Already this year, 42 police officers nationwide have died in the line of duty. In 2014, 117 members of law enforcement died while working to keep our local communities safe. Those numbers are heartbreaking. Last week, we celebrated National Police Week, which serves as a great opportunity to reflect on the hard and dangerous work our nation’s police officers do on a daily basis. More than 25,000 police officers from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., to take part in events and a special ceremony for fallen police officers. I recognized National Police Week by paying a visit to the Mobile Police Department this past Monday to thank the local officers for what they do. I enjoyed shaking the hands of those men and women, looking them in the eye, and telling them just how much we appreciate their service. There is something truly remarkable about choosing to put your life on the line so that others may live. That’s what police officers do each day. From simple tasks such as helping school children cross the street to dangerous tasks such as a high-speed car chase, our law enforcement officers play a critical role in protecting our communities. When most of us leave to go to work, we generally know that we will be coming back home to our families. That is not the case for the men and women of law enforcement who put their life on the line every day to keep us safe. In honor of Police Week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package of bills designed to honor our law enforcement officers. We passed H.R. 606, the Don’t Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act. The bill amends the tax code to make sure death benefits paid to families of a fallen police officer aren’t subject to federal income tax. We also passed H.R. 723, the Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2015, which allows members of Congress to provide a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol and a special certificate to the families of fallen law enforcement and public safety officers. This small token is the least we can do to honor our nation’s fallen heroes. In recent months, events across the country have raised serious questions about the role of law enforcement in our communities. And while there are some obvious reasons for concern, what is almost never mentioned is the consistent good work and dedication 99.9 percent of our nation’s police officers put forward on a daily basis. I can’t imagine what the families of fallen police officers must go through, but I hope they can take great pride in knowing that their son, daughter, husband, wife, mother, or father died in an effort to keep others safe. Vivian Cross, the wife of a police officer who died in the line of duty, said it best: “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes; It is how they lived.” I hope you will join me in thanking the police officers in Southwest Alabama for living a life of service in order to help keep our communities safe. Just as important, as you go to lay your head on your pillow tonight, I hope you will take time to say a special prayer for the safety of our law enforcement officers. Bradley Byrne is a member of the U.S. Congress representing Alabama’s 1st Congressional District.
Know a vet getting the government run around?
Soon our nation will be celebrating Memorial Day. More than a three-day weekend marking the beginning of summer, Memorial Day is time to pay tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It’s also a time to say thank you to our nation’s many vets and our current service members who are still manning the front lines to protect this great nation. Often times our nation’s veterans and military have issues with the federal government and need help. Did you know that you your Congressman and Senators are often your best resource when you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly. For those currently in the military, or their families, experiencing difficulties with the U.S. Department of Defense and/or any of its military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the U.S. Merchant Marines), TRICARE, or the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) a Congressional office can often intervene and help you receive a fair and timely response to your problem. For veterans, a Congressional office can assist efforts to obtain military records and medals, in answering questions they have concerning eligibility for benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or those who might be having difficulties with the VA Health Care System or the VA claims and appeals process. Offices are also available to assist with a myriad of other constituent services areas that include, but are not limited to: Citizenship and Immigration Services: dealing with USCIS — relating to the process of becoming a U.S. Citizen, how to renew a Permanent Resident (Green) Card Consumer Complaints: complaints about a product or business General Financial and Emergency Assistance: facing financial difficulties and looking for temporary financial assistance Internal Revenue Service: federal tax-related problems, tax-fraud Medicare: problems with Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Part D Prescription Coverage, a Medicare Advantage Plan (also known as Medicare Part C) or CMS Passports: figuring out where you should submit your application, figuring out which application to use, and deciding when you need to submit application to ensure that you get your Passport prior to your travel date Preventing Identity Theft and Fraud: provide information about steps that individuals may take to as a way to proactively protect themselves from identity theft and what can be done to protect your credit information from use in fraudulent ways Small Business Administration: provide information on any available government financing, counseling, and training programs to individuals who are interested in starting or expanding Alabama-based business Social Security Administration: difficulties with the Social Security Administration with obtaining disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), retirement or other Social Security-related benefits, or if you simply need some help in obtaining documents If you’re facing an issue with the federal government, don’t hesitate to reach out to your respective Representative or one the Senators for assistance. Alabama’s 1st Congressional District: Rep. Bradley Byrne Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District: Rep. Martha Roby Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District: Rep. Mike Rogers Alabama’s 4th Congressional District: Rep. Robert Aderholt Alabama’s 5th Congressional District: Rep. Mo Brooks Alabama’s 6th Congressional District: Rep. Gary Palmer Alabama’s 7th Congressional District: Rep. Terri Sewell Statewide: Sen. Jeff Sessions State-wide: Sen. Richard Shelby Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? You can use this easy service to find out.
Alabama delegation gets behind federal National Defense Authorization Act re-approval
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, funding the Pentagon and related military and intelligence operations through the next fiscal year. The bill was a site for a great deal of activity by Alabama lawmakers, who mostly supported the bill. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, for instance, worked to keep a small fleet of littoral combat ships — in-shore frigates the Navy calls “networked, agile, stealthy surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats” — growing in the face of recent cuts. Byrne told Alabama Today he is happy with Friday’s result. “I am very proud of our efforts to secure authorization for three more Littoral Combat Ships,” Byrne said Friday, “My colleagues in Congress are continuing to realize what our Navy leaders have said all along: The LCS is a critical piece of our naval fleet. I will continue to work tirelessly to support our nation’s Navy and the hardworking men and women at the Austal shipyard in Mobile.” Another member of the House Republican caucus from the Yellowhammer state, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, also voted “yea” on the measure and largely concurred with Byrne’s findings. “The NDAA is critical in providing for our national defense,” Rogers, a six-term congressman from Alabama’s 3rd District. “I was proud of the provisions included under jurisdiction of the Strategic Forces subcommittee I chair. I was also pleased language was included in the legislation to help protect jobs at facilities funded by the Working Capital Fund, like the Anniston Army Depot.” Rogers also offered an amendment to transfer out-of-date firearms to the federal Civilian Marksmanship Program: “[A]s a gun owner and gun rights supporter, I was thrilled my amendment, which would allow the Army to transfer its surplus vintage firearms to the CMP, was also included. I hope the Senate acts soon on this important piece of legislation.” U.S Rep. Gary Palmer also issued a statement Friday about his support of the measure, which now goes to the Senate for final approval before heading to the desk of President Barack Obama. Specifically he trumpeted his work with U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks, who joined him in supporting the bill. “A strong America is vital to our national security, and to that of our allies. The men and women who wear the uniform deserve to be given the equipment and training they need and the pay and benefits they earn. “I am pleased that the Congress passed an amendment I co-sponsored offered by Rep. Mo Brooks. This amendment stripped a provision that would have allowed illegal immigrants granted amnesty under the president’s unconstitutional executive order to join the military. I do not believe Congress should ratify the Administration’s illegal action, nor do I believe that the NDAA is the appropriate place to legislate concerning illegal immigration.” The Senate is expected to take up the bill soon, though no timeline was immediately available at press time. Amid the key provisions of the bill, according to staff analysis, are the following: Reforms the acquisition strategy to make the process less burdensome while maintaining accountability; Lays the foundation for reforming the military compensation system to help recruit and retain the best; Mandates the implementation of the Pentagon’s planned 20 percent reduction in headquarters budgets and personnel; Eliminates more than 460 mandated reports to free up vital manpower; Creates a Job Training and Post-Service Placement Executive Committee to help move members out of military service and into the workforce; Continues oversight and protection of our troops from sexual assault; Reinforces the mission against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL); Provides lethal aid to Ukraine in their fight against Russian-backed separatists; Prohibits the closure of Guantanamo Bay; and Authorizes a 2.3 percent pay raise for troops, compared with the President’s proposed 1 percent pay raise. With full support of the Alabama delegation, the bill passed Friday afternoon by a largely party-line 269-151 vote on the House floor.
Mo Brooks leads U.S. House GOP to strip immigration language from defense bill
U.S. House conservatives on Thursday voted down a nonbinding provision aimed at helping young immigrants without permanent legal status enlist in the military, angering some fellow Republicans and handing Democrats a political issue heading into an election year. The vote was 221-202 to remove the measure from Congress’ annual defense policy bill. Some 20 Republicans voted “no” but couldn’t overcome conservatives who threatened to oppose the overall bill if they didn’t get their way. “This Congress should support and represent Americans by voting to stop military service opportunities from being taken from struggling American families in order to give them to illegal aliens,” GOP Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama, who led the fight, argued on the House floor ahead of the vote. The handful of Republicans on the other side of the issue struggled to round up votes. Their job was made harder because Democrats had already decided to vote against the defense bill for unrelated budgetary issues, giving Brooks and his supporters leverage to bring down the bill if they didn’t prevail. “This is a mistake,” said Rep. Carlos Curbelo, a freshman Republican from Florida. “It sends the wrong message to the country. I assure you that the overwhelming majority of Americans are for allowing young people who were raised in this country, who love this country and want to serve it, to have that opportunity.” Democrats wasted no time in jumping on an issue that could help them mobilize Latino voters heading into a presidential election year. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California and her top lieutenants held a news conference to denounce Republicans over the issue, and presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton also got in on the action. She issued a prepared statement from her political director, Amanda Renteria, saying: “If these courageous young men and women want to serve, they should be honored and celebrated, not discriminated against.” The debate revived the simmering partisan dispute over executive actions President Barack Obama took this past fall to defer deportations for millions of immigrants in this country illegally, including expanding protections for those, known as Dreamers, who arrived in the United States as young children. Many Republicans argued that supporting the provision included in the defense bill would have validated the actions Obama took, which have been challenged in court and are on hold pending a ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. “The House should not take action to legitimize the president’s unconstitutional overreach,” said House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte, a Virginia Republican. Other Republicans argued that the $612 billion defense policy bill, which covers a multitude of military issues, was not the place for a debate on immigration. The measure by Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona would have expressed the House’s view that the Pentagon should study whether military enlistment should be opened to Dreamers. It was added to the defense bill during a marathon committee session last month, with the support of six Republicans. But several Republicans asserted Thursday that it shouldn’t have been included in the first place, suggesting that perhaps it only was because the debate occurred so late at night and people were not fully focusing. “It went for 18 hours, late in the process one of our members offered an amendment to insert the immigration issue into this bill, it was unfortunate and it was inappropriate,” said Alabama Rep. Bradley Byrne. Gallego disputed that argument, saying his amendment was offered about 10:30 p.m., which he asserted was not overly late. Republished with permission from The Associated Press.
U.S. House passes bill to limit late-term abortions
After a long political struggle that began shortly after Republicans took back the House from Democrats and Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2010, the GOP-led chamber Wednesday passed 242-184, along party lines, a significant new restriction on abortion access during the final trimester of pregnancy. The impetus for Wednesday’s action was the anniversary of a controversial abortion doctor, Kermit Gosnell. On this day two years ago, Gosnell was found guilty of killing Baby A, Baby C and Baby D, as they are known in court records, by snipping their necks in a gruesome late-term procedure still legal in the United States. He was also convicted on hundreds of lesser charges ranging from infanticide to running a corrupt organization. Alabama’s delegation was decidedly in favor of Wednesday’s action, also along party lines. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby spoke out emphatically in favor of the bill earlier Wednesday on the House floor. “This is such an important measure on behalf of those who don’t have a voice and can feel pain,” Roby said. “And it’s a shame that such a humane and compassionate measure has opposition at all. Especially since great care has been taken to protect women and babies in this bill. If we won’t stop abortions at five months when unborn babies feel pain, when will we stop it?” “There have to be limits. And even those of us who want to end abortion altogether, in any form, we support this restriction. You know why? Because it protects babies, it saves babies, it protects women, and it assigns a greater value to human life.” U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne was also a strong “yes” vote for the bill. He told Alabama Today that the continued existence of late-term abortions is barbaric. “The United States is one of only seven countries, along with the likes of North Korea and China, who still allow abortions after 20 weeks,” Byrne said Wednesday evening. “Scientific studies show that at 20 weeks babies can feel pain, and it is unconscionable that those kinds of procedures are allowed right here in the United States. It is time we change that. Today, I voted in favor of a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks and ensure that both the mother and the baby receive the care they deserve.” The Alabama delegation was not unanimous: Democratic U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, a well-known pro-choice advocate, voted “no” along with the vast majority of her caucus. Alabama’s Rep. Gary Palmer said in a prepared statement, after voting in favor of the bill, “The right to life is central to everything I believe. Abortions that occur more than halfway through pregnancy are particularly abhorrent, which is when science informs us the unborn child can feel pain. There is widespread agreement that abortions after 20 weeks should be prohibited. “America was horrified by the crimes of Dr. Kermit Gosnell … Whether the child is killed inside or outside of the womb makes little difference, and I am proud to support this measure as well as others to protect the unborn and move our society in a direction of one that respects life.”
5 Alabama delegation members noted for conservative records
The Washington, D.C.-based American Conservative Union, the oldest active conservative lobbying and activism organization in the United States, has released its 44th annual congressional scorecard. It ranks all members of the 114th Congress based on their votes concerning a cross-section of issues important to pro-business, traditionalist influencers. “For 44 years, our ACU Ratings have been considered the gold standard in determining a member of Congress’ courage to stand up to big government liberals and to stand strongly in favor of policy positions important to conservatives,” said ACU Chairman Matt Schlapp, a former aide to the George W. Bush administration and Koch Industries. “Our award-winning senators and congressmen are fighting to protect the rights and freedom of all Americans by honoring President [Ronald] Reagan’s three-legged stool of economic, national security, and cultural conservative issues.” The Alabama delegation scored higher on the ACU’s scale — where 100 is “most conservative” and zero is “most liberal” — than most other states’ by far. Members whose voting records rank in the top 20 percent, a score of 80 and above, were awarded the the ACU Award for Conservative Achievement. Sen. Jeff Sessions was rated the most conservative of all Alabama members with a 96 rating, up from 88 a year ago. Sen. Richard Shelby posted an 88 this year, up from last year’s 76. The House delegation was especially interesting, because it gave a look into the political calculus Alabama members use to legislate while stumping for re-election on a near-constant basis. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne nearly aced the ACU exam on his first try: The freshman scored a delegation-best 88. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers jumped 24 points from last year to achieve an 84, while U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers finished out the top three by holding steady at 84. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby, whose district includes parts of centrist-leaning Montgomery, scored 56, down from last year’s 64; U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholdt scored a 61, slightly down from 67; and U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer as a freshman was not scored. All are Republicans. Democrat Terri Sewell, who largely ignores the group’s advocacy, scored an 8, down from last year’s 12.5. Here’s a list of some of the key votes scored by ACU, according to its website: In favor of HR 7 (Roll Call 30) Taxpayer Funding of Abortion. This bill would have permanently prohibited the use of federal funding, facilities or staff to provide abortion coverage and services with exceptions for rape and incest and to save the life of the mother. Opposing HR 3590 (Roll Call 38) Federal Land Use. The DeFazio amendment would have defeated the purpose of a bill to open more federal land for recreational hunting, fishing and shooting by requiring a lengthy environmental review of each area of land affected. In favor of H Con Res 96 (Roll Call 175) Conservative Budget. The Woodall amendment to the budget bill presented a conservative alternative that would have balanced the budget in four years by freezing domestic spending at $60 billion below current levels, reformed entitlement programs, and eliminated wasteful programs. Brooks/Roby/Sewell voted against it. In favor of HR 4435 (Roll Call 231) Defense Spending. The McKinley amendment to the National Defense Authorization bill bars the use of federal funding to conduct climate change assessments and reports. In favor of HR 4745 (Roll Call 290) Housing Programs. The Schock amendment to the Transportation and Housing Appropriations bill to reduce the power of the HUD Secretary to hand out Section 8 vouchers above the authorized limit, in some cases valued at $4,000 a month, while keeping others on a waiting list for any type of affordable housing. In favor of HR 5016 (Roll Call 425) Second Amendment. The Massie amendment to the Financial Services Appropriations bill that would prohibit the District of Columbia from taking any action to prevent law-abiding citizens from possessing, using or transporting a firearm. Opposing HR 5272 (Roll Call 479) Immigration. This bill reverses President Obama’s executive order deferring action on some illegal immigrants but not others. The full list of scored votes is available here.
Alabama congressional delegation largely supportive of Benghazi Select Committee
In the wake of recent news that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has agreed to testify before a U.S. House Select Committee investigating the 2012 attacks on an American compound in Benghazi, some Republican members of Congress are licking their chops at the prospect of getting a good crack at the 2016 Democratic presidential frontrunner over an issue that remains on the front burner for conservatives. Among them is U.S. Rep. Martha Roby of Alabama’s Wiregrass and Montgomery-based 2nd Congressional District. Roby is one of seven Republican members chosen for the committee. “It doesn’t surprise me that the Clinton lawyers want to limit her testimony,” Roby told Alabama Today on Tuesday, responding to corollary news that Clinton has refused to testify twice as requested by the committee, conceding to only one hotly anticipated appearance. “But, remember, it was her decision, not ours, to set up a secret email system in a calculated attempt to flout government transparency requirements. And there are many legitimate questions that remain unanswered.” She expressed her enthusiasm that South Carolina U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy — who has been vocal in his criticisms of Clinton over Benghazi — may get to oversee a panel devoted to extracting answers from the former New York senator in light of her use of a private email address while serving on President Barack Obama‘s Cabinet. “I know that Chairman Gowdy is taking this offer into consideration and we will see what happens going forward. Chairman Gowdy has been a deliberate, effective leader of this Select Committee and we are behind him 100 percent,” Roby said. U.S. Reps. Bradley Byrne, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt and Mo Brooks — Republicans all — each voted “yea” and co-sponsored the federal legislation that created the committee. Democrat Terri Sewell, for her part, voted against it. Rep. Gary Palmer wasn’t yet elected when the House created the Select Committee. He did tell Birmingham talk radio host Matt Murphy in March he thinks “we should subpoena the server and see what’s on it.” Palmer also told the Birmingham Morning News, “I have zero confidence that this Justice Department will do anything under Obama [concerning Clinton’s emails].”
Alabama’s 2015 Congressional Art Competition winners selected
Each spring, high school students from across the state submit their artwork to the annual Congressional Art Competition for a chance to represent their congressional district in the U.S. Capitol with their artistic talents. Sponsored by the Congressional Institute to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district, more than 650,000 high school students have participated since it began in 1982. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol. Alabama’s 1st Congressional District Winner: Siobhan Johnson Piece: “Brotherhood’s Past” High School: St. Paul’s Episcopal in Mobile, senior “The Congressional Art Competition is a fantastic way to highlight the artistic talents and achievements of our nation’s students,” said U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne. “I am especially proud to sponsor the 1st Congressional District Art Competition, and I am always so impressed by the high quality art that our local students are producing.” Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District Winner: Kaitlyn Tarver Piece: “America” High School: Booker T. Washington Magnet School in Montgomery, senior “I’m proud to celebrate the artistic abilities of students throughout Alabama, and in particular Kaitlyn and Ashton,” U.S. Rep. Martha Roby said. “These young women have displayed impressive talent, and it’s an honor to join their families and friends in commemorating this momentous occasion. I want to also express my sincerest gratitude to Kaitlyn’s and Ashton’s art teachers, Emily Thomas at Booker T. Washington and Anna Beasley at Houston Academy. Their commitment to helping their students experience the arts truly makes a difference, and I am grateful for their efforts.” Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District Winner: Heather Caldwell Piece: “Love At First Sight” High School: Handley High School “Every year, I look forward to being a part of the 3rd Congressional District Art Contest,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers. “We have some really artistic young men and women in East Alabama, and this event is a great way to showcase their talents. I appreciate all the students who participated and the hard work they put in to creating their artwork.” Alabama’s 4th Congressional District Winner: Cadley Jackson Piece: “Reflections on my Childhood” High School: Guntersville High School, senior “This is a great event where we get to recognize art students in our district for their great accomplishments,” U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt said. “Sometimes it is not always well publicized but we hope this brings attention to the great artists who are among us here in our own congressional district.” Alabama’s 5th Congressional District Winner: Julie Davidson Piece: “Waiting for a Cue” High School: James Clemens High School, senior U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks said, “I’m so thankful for the support of our community, particularly the Huntsville Museum of Art, and their work to facilitate the Congressional Art Competition each year. A panel of judges juried the 243 pieces of artwork submitted and selected the winner, Ms. Julie Davidson of James Clemens High School. It was a pleasure to recognize Ms. Davidson’s achievements — I look forward to seeing her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol throughout the next year representing Alabama’s 5th District. Additionally, I was proud to commend the honorable mentions and thank the art educators who empower these students to succeed. Congratulations to Julie and to all of the honorable mentions, I hope you will continue to excel in your artistic pursuits.” Alabama’s 6th Congressional District Winner: Aaron Squires Piece: “I Am Free Now” High School: Pelham High School, junior “I am proud to support education and the young artists that are participating in this competition,” said U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer. “The Birmingham area has a thriving arts community and these young people already are part of it. They will continue to make important contributions in the years to come.” Alabama’s 7th Congressional District Winner: Samantha Bearden Piece: “Discovering Happiness” High School: Minor High School “Each year, this competition reflects the extraordinary talent of the students of the 7th Congressional District and I am proud to support them in exploring their artistic talents,” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said.
Alabama congressional delegates join bipartisan effort to boost HBCUs
A new bipartisan effort will bring 37 members of Congress together to promote and protect the nation’s historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus will be led by Reps. Bradley Byrne of Alabama and Alma Adams of North Carolina; Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama and Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi will be vice chairs. In a press release issued Tuesday, Byrne said, “HBCUs deal with many of the same challenges as other higher education institutions, but they also face unique obstacles that demand special attention. Our nation’s HBCUs are evolving as they adapt to a changing workforce, and through this caucus, I look forward to helping guide the conversation about how we can best support our nation’s HBCUs.” More than 300,000 students attend 100 historically black colleges and universities each year. The institutions produce an estimated 25 percent of African-American graduates in the STEM fields – making them a key factor in meeting workforce demands for more skills in science and technology. However, the effort to bolster those institutions comes at a time when underfunding, institutional mismanagement, and lack of alumni support have taken their toll. Estimates put the six-year graduation rate for HBCUs at about 40 percent; the graduation rate at predominately white colleges is about 60 percent. “HBCUs still play a vital role in educating our youth, and the primary purpose of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus is to help these storied institutions continue to flourish,” said Rep. Sewell in a statement Wednesday. “My district is home to some of the most prominent HBCUs in the country, and I am proud to join the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus as Vice Chair.” The Congressional Black Caucus has criticized President Obama’s relationship with HBCUs, arguing that his education policies would force many of the historic institutions into extinction. That criticism came to a head early this year when the Obama announced a program to provide free community college for any student who desired to attend, a move that some predicted would only undermine black colleges and universities. A prepared statement from Byrne’s office said the caucus members would “work to create a national dialogue, educating other Members of Congress and their staffs about the issues impacting HBCUs. The caucus will also work to draft meaningful bipartisan legislation to address the needs of HBCUs, and to support students and graduates of HBCUs by increasing access and career opportunities.”
Medicaid expansion debate derails up-or-down vote on agencies’ “sunset”
The clock is ticking for several state agencies and the Senate had scheduled to spend much of Tuesday morning deciding whether to let them continue working or to allow their charters to expire. Instead, Senate Democrats continued to slow the process with extended floor speeches after dissent over a resolution by the Republican majority opposing Medicaid expansion. Alabama law builds an expiration date into the charter that governs certain state agencies. The Sunset Committee then conducts reviews of each agency and determines whether it should terminate, continue business as usual, or modify itself toward a new purpose. The issue has taken on national importance as Republican U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne of Alabama introduced legislation last week to submit federal government agencies to a similar standard. His Sunset Inefficient and Unaccountable Government Act would subject agencies to 10-year reviews by Congress, followed by a congressional vote to renew or eliminate them. Among the agencies slated for review in the Senate on Tuesday morning were those responsible for licensing and regulating athletic agents, massage therapists, polygraph examiners, and admission to the State Bar.
Women of Influence: U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell
In the second installment of Alabama Women of Influence is Alabama’s second female congressional representative to be elected in a regular election and Alabama’s first black woman to serve in our congressional delegation – U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell. We could spend an entire day, and then some, talking about the accomplishments and friends of Terri. But before we do that it is important to take a step back together … Selma, Ala., in January 1965, Sewell was born into the prelude of the historic Selma March, a day before Martin Luther King Jr. arrived in Selma. She did not allow the stigma of society to get in her way – becoming the first black valedictorian of her high school and going on to study at Princeton University, Oxford University, and Harvard Law School, and later landing a job on Wall Street. During her journey to Congress she was friends with the future first lady, then Michelle Robinson, at Princeton, was later a Harvard classmate of Barack Obama, and was even an intern for U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, who then was a House Democrat. Terri Sewell became Congresswoman Sewell in January 2011 when she took her oath of office administered by the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Following in her mother’s footsteps — she was the first black woman elected to the city council — Terri is a woman who made her own road. Creating a road that women all over Alabama can be proud to follow on and make their own ways from. Since taking her oath to be a member of Congress, Sewell has taken a strong stand on civil rights. Although the march was 50 years ago, there is still a lot of education to be done and Sewell is doing just that. Earlier this year, the U.S. Senate passed Senate Bill 517, a bipartisan bill Sewell introduced in the House “to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the courageous Foot Soldiers whose perilous journey from Selma to Montgomery led to the passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965.” Known for being a team player in Congress, Sewell has continuously spoken out to ensure there is consistent job creation and development for the workforce, specifically economic development. She consistently reaches across the aisle working with conservative members from the Alabama delegation for bills to strengthen the state. She and Rep. Bradley Byrne recently worked together to file a bill bringing back the Workforce Development Tax Credit Act, H.R. 1781. It would help stimulate employment and increase work-skills development by creating incentives for employers to hire apprentices. We can all say we want to see more jobs but the congresswoman has gone as far as to host job fairs and workshops to ensure there is the connection between the employers and potential employees and also to provide the potential employees with the knowledge they need to get back into the workforce. “I am proud of the work my office is doing to address the challenges posed by systemic unemployment in the 7th Congressional District. Through our Project R.E.A.D.Y workshops and annual Job Fair, we are working to make sure that all in the 7th District have access to meaningful career development,” Sewell says on her official website. While her list of accomplishments continues to grow, Sewell will be the first to tell you, “There is still much work to be done.” She’s a visionary whose steadfast dedication to improving the quality of life in Alabama is apparent in everything she does. Need we really say anymore as to why U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell is an Alabama Woman of Influence?
