Gary Palmer fights racism, discrimination and “woke agenda” of HHS and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Gary Palmer has refiled the Prevent Racism in Medicare Act (PRIMA) a bill he describes as necessary to “prohibit healthcare providers from being forced to adhere to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) racially discriminatory policies.” “All Americans should be treated the same by their doctors, regardless of race, and the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements should not be impacted one way or the other,” said Palmer. “This rule by HHS incentivizes Critical Race Theory if your doctor wants to be reimbursed at a higher rate. Dividing Americans along racial lines in the doctor’s office will continuing eroding confidence in our institutions. My bill will prevent this destructive ideology from being implemented and ensure no patient is discriminated against.” According to a one-pager provided by Palmer’s office, “The Biden Administration’s woke agenda is limiting healthcare access for senior citizens. The CY2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule includes a provision that would provide a financial incentive for doctors to create and implement a so-called anti-racism plan that could actually incentivize discrimination. This rule will further undermine patient confidence in our health care system by incentivizing a form of discrimination that gives preferential treatment based on misguided racial guidelines.” Palmer’s office says that “Congressman Palmer addressed this issue at the April 27th Energy & Commerce Hearing, asking Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra about the recently enacted rule. Under oath, Secretary Becerra claimed the rule did not exist and blamed the confusion on ‘misinformation.’ The rule can be found here (pg 65969 of the register, or pg 974 of the PDF browser) and clearly lays out guidelines for an ‘Anti-Racism Plan’ to ensure that clinics are ‘aligned with a commitment to antiracism and an understanding of race as a political and social construct, not a physiological one.” Co-sponsors include Texas Representative Michael Cloud, Wisconsin Representative Tom Tiffany, and Arizona’s Representative Andy Biggs. PRIMA One Pager
Challenger Gerrick Wilkins criticizes incumbent Gary Palmer over his yes vote on compromise NDAA
Congressional District 6 challenger Gerrick Wilkins released a statement highly critical of incumbent Gary Palmer for voting in favor of the conference version of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The 3,000-page final version of the NDAA sets defense spending at $886 billion for fiscal year 2024 and establishes defense policy for the United States. Wilkins stated that the version of the NDAA that passed the House of Representatives on Thursday incorporates provisions that run counter to conservative values. He pointed out that Congressman Palmer’s support for the NDAA, which included funding for abortion, is a stark departure from the principles upheld by many conservatives. Wilkins firmly believes that taxpayer dollars should not be allocated to procedures that contradict the deeply held beliefs of a significant portion of the electorate. Wilkins also criticized Palmer’s vote in the bill for a short-term reauthorization of FISA Section 702 surveillance provision. The Section 702 reauthorization will be reconsidered in April. Wilkins claimed that this raises concerns about potential infringements on the privacy rights of American citizens. He advocates for robust safeguards to protect individual liberties and questions Palmer’s judgment in supporting legislation that may compromise privacy rights. According to Wilkins, the NDAA also contains provisions indirectly endorsing activities such as drag shows, a stance that he claims stands at odds with traditional conservative values. Wilkins expressed his view that legislation should prioritize aligning with the values and morals of the constituents they represent. “I commend Senator (Tommy) Tuberville and Congressman Barry Moore for their principled stance in resisting the pressure to pass this massive and controversial bill without thorough scrutiny,” said Wilkins, expressing gratitude for those who stand up for the Constitution and freedom. Wilkins emphasized what he describes as stark differences in values and priorities between himself and Congressman Palmer. If elected, Wilkins says he is committed to being a voice for conservative ideals, advocating for limited government, fiscal responsibility, and the protection of individual liberties. The House passed a Republican led version of the NDAA in July. That bill was rejected by the White House and the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate, sparking a five-month delay in passing the final legislation, which was supposed to go into effect on October 1. Speaking to the his vote on the final bill Tuberville said, “I voted for this year’s defense bill for two reasons: because it’s good for Alabama and it’s good for our national security.” Tuberville went on to say, “This bill could have been a lot stronger, but Chuck Schumer rigged the negotiation process to prevent conservatives from getting key wins on issues like taxpayer-funded abortion and DEI. We didn’t get everything we wanted this time, but we got a lot. And my fellow conservatives in Alabama and across America can be sure that I’m determined to get the rest of it in next year’s bill.” “Despite our many policy wins, the reality of a divided government means that Republicans did not get everything we wanted,” Robert Aderholt explained in his statement on the passage of the bill. “I am deeply disappointed that Senate Democrats were able to strip out of a House-passed provision that would overturn President Biden’s unconstitutional policy of reimbursing servicemembers’ abortion travel costs. However, we were able to take an axe to the leftist, woke agenda that Democrats have been forcing on our military. We have put a hiring freeze for social justice warriors in the DoD, prohibited the use of federal funds to promote critical race theory, and undone the injustice done to our service members who were wrongfully punished for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.” Congressman Barry Moore was the only member of the Alabama delegation to vote against the conference committee version of the NDAA. “This version of the NDAA forces American taxpayers to fund abortion travel, sex reassignment surgeries, a one-year reauthorization of FISA with no reforms, which allows weaponized government to spy on Americans, and critical race theory initiatives teaching that our nation’s enemies are not abroad, but within our own citizens and military,” said Moore said in a statement. “Earlier this year, I proudly supported the House version of this legislation, which was truly focused on military readiness and service member needs. I am disappointed that divisive policies which hold service members and taxpayers hostage to the Democrats’ radical agenda have been included in this bill, and I cannot support it.” The bipartisan version of the NDAA passed the House in a 310 to 118 vote. Forty-five Democrats and 73 Republicans voted against the final version of the NDAA. It passed the Senate on Wednesday and is now on the President’s desk. He is expected to sign it. Gerrick Wilkins is a businessman with over 24 years in the automotive industry. He is also a husband and father. He has a bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College as well as a degree in theology from Liberty University and a master’s in business administration from Samford University. Wilkins has experience managing large-scale automobile dealerships and helping other community-based dealers grow. Wilkins, Palmer, and insurance agent Ken McFeeters are all running for Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District in the Republican primary on March 5. The eventual Republican nominee will then face Democrat Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5, 2024 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Gary Palmer and Robert Aderholt vote in favor of impeachment inquiry against Joe Biden
On Wednesday, the Alabama House of Representatives voted to formally begin an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden (D). U.S. Representatives Gary Palmer (R-AL06) and Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) released statements following their votes to open the impeachment inquiry. “Today’s vote by House Republicans is a step toward government transparency and accountability, specifically with the office of the President,” said Rep. Gary Palmer. “During the entirety of Congress’ investigation into the Biden family, the White House has been obstructing our ability to get the information we need. The American people should wonder why that is the case. Unlike the impeachment of President Trump which was based on false charges and was a political hack job, we have built a case based on solid evidence. Approving an impeachment inquiry is the next step in this process which will provide access to additional documents and other evidence I believe will provide proof President Biden was involved in what can only be described a family criminal cartel.” “Today, I voted to open a formal impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden,” Rep. Robert Aderholt said. “This resolution is a critically important step to ensure compliance with the law and full transparency of the process. To date, the Biden Administration has impeded the House’s investigation; therefore, the House has voted to reaffirm that the inquiry is authorized and can proceed to its conclusion.” “President Biden has continually lied about his involvement in this growing family enrichment scheme, and, with a formal impeachment inquiry, the House can now lay out the evidence for everyone to see. It is time the President and his family are held accountable,” Palmer concluded. Most of the alleged illicit activities were committed by the President’s son, Hunter Biden, but what Biden knew about his son’s dealings with agents of foreign governments and did he benefit from those activities has been a point of emphasis for the House Judiciary and Oversight Committees who have been conducting the investigations. “While a father should not be punished for the crimes of his son, it appears this President has possibly committed multiple impeachable offenses,” Aderholt continued. “At the top of that list is serving as a possible accomplice (the “Big Guy”) to the business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden.” Hunter Biden refused to testify before Congress on Wednesday but did go to the Capitol complex to hold a press conference in which he attacked the members of Congress conducting the investigation. “Just today, Hunter Biden refused to obey a Congressional subpoena,” Aderholt explained. “No one – not even the President’s family – gets to dictate how and which laws apply to them. Hunter Biden is going to learn that while it may be lucrative to trade off of his father’s name, it does not get him special treatment from the law.” “I’m confident that my colleagues on the appropriate committees will get to the bottom of all of this and Congress will hold the Bidens accountable,” Aderholt concluded. The House voted 221 to 212 along party lines to formally authorize the impeachment probe into President Biden. Hunter Biden is the subject of congressional and legal scrutiny regarding his overseas business dealings and alleged tax evasion. Hunter said that he was willing to testify publicly. House leaders said that they would not be dictated to by Hunter Biden and that they would initiate contempt proceedings against him. Democrats say that Republicans lack any evidence of wrongdoing by Biden. Critics suggest that this potential impeachment is in retaliation for the Democrats’ twice impeaching Donald Trump during his presidency. Palmer disagrees. “Unlike the political persecution of President Trump, this impeachment investigation will be based on facts,” Palmer said on X. “The American people deserve to know the truth- And the truth is long overdue.” Even if the House did eventually vote to impeach President Biden there is little chance that the Democratic-controlled Senate would act on a Biden impeachment. In the history of the United States no President has ever been convicted – much less removed by the U.S. Senate. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Candidate Gerrick Wilkins announces border security plan
On Wednesday, Congressional candidate Gerrick Wilkins announced his “America First Border Security Plan.” Wilkins said that his plan focuses on robust border security, adherence to the rule of law, and the safety of American citizens to solve the pressing crisis at our southern border. “As the crisis at our border escalates into a dire national security risk, it’s imperative for Congress to act decisively,” Wilkins said. “Our ‘America First Border Security Plan’ is a call to action, not just a policy proposal.” The key pillars of the plan are: · Constructing a formidable physical barrier along the entire southern border. Wilkins said this initiative is aimed at deterring illegal entry and symbolizes national resolve. · Significant funding increases for ICE and CBP by reallocating funds from the IRS expansion and Ukraine’s security. · Mobilizing the National Guard to bolster border security. Wilkins seeks the support of the US military to assist Mexico in eradicating drug cartels, highlighting the shared challenges in border security. · Enhanced collaboration with border states to strengthen security programs. · Deploying advanced technology such as drones, satellites, and surveillance tools for border monitoring and security. · Funding to streamline legal processes for asylum, deportation, and enforcement actions by empowering local law enforcement. · Reinstating President Donald Trump’s “Stay in Mexico” policy. · Ending Biden’s catch-and-release program · Stricter regulations and severe penalties for human traffickers · Expanding background checks for all individuals entering the country. · Imposing substantial penalties for visa overstays · Holding foreign governments accountable for facilitating or ignoring illegal immigration into the United States. · Companies will be mandated to verify the immigration status of their employees. · Immigration reforms shifting from family-based to merit-based immigration that aligns with national needs. · Reforming the refugee system to focus on low-risk individuals. · Increased costs of visas, background checks, and the naturalization process, as well as for international money transfers. These adjustments are designed to generate additional revenue to support the funding of enhanced border security measures. 2.76 million illegal immigrants crossed the southern border in fiscal year 2022 alone – that is equal to 55.1% of the population of the state of Alabama. That was followed by a record-breaking 3.2 million in fiscal year 2023 – equivalent to 64.5% of the population of the state of Alabama. The open border is also contributing to the deadly fentanyl epidemic, which is killing 107,000 Americans a year. 69.5% of the deaths are males. Drug overdose is now the leading cause of death for adults aged 18-45. Wilkins is involved in his local church, serving as a deacon and lay leader, engaging in mission work locally and globally, and working with Gideons International. Wilkins says that he is a Christian who loves the Lord. Gerrick also serves on several local advisory boards, including one for Mission Increase and Samford University’s Brock School of Business. Wilkins and his wife of 24 years, Carol, have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to churches, various charities, mission organizations, and educational programs. They have one daughter. They have lived in Alabama since 2006 and in Vestavia Hills since 2014. Wilkins has a bachelor’s degree from Pensacola Christian College. He also has a degree in theology from Liberty University and a master’s in business administration from Samford University. Wilkins has worked for over 24 years in the automotive industry. His experience includes managing large-scale dealerships and helping other community-based dealers grow. While managing car dealerships in Alabama, he has learned firsthand the constant heartaches small businesses must contend with from overregulation and excessive taxes. Wilkins is running against incumbent Gary Palmer (R-AL06) and insurance agent Ken McFeeters in the Republican primary on March 5. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democrat Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Congressional candidate Ken McFeeters opposes proposed ADPH COVID rule
On Wednesday, Republican Congressional candidate Ken McFeeters announced his opposition to a proposed Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) new rule requiring all the healthcare providers in the state to report every positive COVID-19 test in their office to ADPH. The proposed new rule would reportedly even require the doctors to report every suspected COVID-19 case that comes into the office to state authorities. McFeeters condemned the proposed change in COVID-19 reporting requirements. McFeeters is running for the GOP nomination for Congressional District 6. The proposed rule changes would require all positive tests for COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 to be reported to the County or State Health Department within 24 hours. ADPH released the proposed changes on November 20, 2023. The new rules would put positive COVID test results in the same category as Rabies, Polio, Tuberculosis, and Legionairre’s disease. “This is just another example of the idiotic policies of ADPH and Dr. Scott Harris, our State Health Officer,” McFeeters said in a statement. “Dr. Harris got everything wrong during the COVID pandemic, and now he wants more power over us? To demand that every positive COVID test be reported to the Health Department within a day is ridiculous.” McFeeters is concerned that the new rule further infringes on Americans’ privacy rights. “The COVID tests are notoriously unreliable,” McFeeters continued. “The number of false positives they give is too high. A positive test in a person with no symptoms doesn’t merit an urgent call to ADPH to give them your age, sex, address, ethnicity, phone number, and birthday.” McFeeters told Alabama Today that the economy never should have shut down in 2020 over COVID. He is also skeptical of the vaccine’s effectiveness and believes that the suspected side effects outweigh the benefits of mass vaccination. “COVID isn’t rabies. It’s not TB. Yes, it’s dangerous for the old and sick, but for most of us, it’s just a cold,” McFeeters continued. “Dr. Harris and ADPH have been either clueless or complicit throughout the COVID pandemic. Scott Harris has been a good little drone, carrying out the orders of Drs. [Anthony] Fauci and [Rochelle] Walensky, pushing lockdowns, mandates, and treatment protocols that left thousands dead. At the same time, he’s touted the Big Pharma party line and worked to marginalize courageous doctors who were treating sick people and saving lives.” McFeeters continued, “We don’t need this hysteric, intrusive level of reporting for COVID tests. What we do need is accountability for Dr. Harris and ADPH for the tens of thousands of Alabamians killed or injured by their COVID mismanagement, their deadly “treatments,” and the toxic jabs they forced on us.” A public hearing on the proposed reporting changes will be held on December 13, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., at the Alabama Department of Public Health, RSA Tower, Training Room 982, 201 Monroe Street in Montgomery. Ken McFeeters co-founded PAC Insurance Agency at age 21, and has worked there for the last 42 years. McFeeters is a father and grandfather. McFeeters said in his statement that he is running for Congress to disrupt Washington’s toxic culture of deceit and corruption and protect everyday Americans. McFeeters will face incumbent Congressman Gary Palmer and businessman Gerrick Wilkins in the Alabama Republican primary on March 5. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic nominee Elizabeth Anderson in the November 5 general election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gary Palmer elections bill passes Committee
On Thursday, Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) announced that the House Committee on Administration has passed his legislation – the Citizen Ballot Protection Act. “Free and fair elections are something the citizens of this nation expect,” Rep. Palmer said. “However, slowly but surely, noncitizens around the country are being given the ability to participate in a process sacredly reserved for citizens. This creates endless opportunities for fraud, which will counteract restoring faith in the American election process,” said Rep. Palmer. “The American people should be certain their vote is not being erased by noncitizens. My bill passing in committee is the first step in amending the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to give states the ability to verify the citizenship status of their voters when they register. I look forward to seeing the Citizen Ballot Protection Act being passed on the House floor.” Democrats across the country want to use the votes of noncitizens to advance their radical agenda. The Citizen Ballot Protection Act is the first step in protecting our elections by allowing states to verify the citizenship of voters when they register.https://t.co/BU6LOYjXjc — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) November 30, 2023 The U.S. Constitution gives states the responsibility of overseeing federal elections. Those state powers have been restricted by the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and, more recently, by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (also known as the “NVRA” or “motor voter law”). That federal legislation sets forth certain voter registration requirements for federal elections. Section 6 of the NVRA requires states to accept and use the U.S. Election Assistance Commission federal mail voter registration application form. It also permits states to create and use their own mail-based form as long as the form meets certain requirements. Section 9(b) of the NVRA lists the requirements for information collected by the federal election voter registration forms. The contents of the mail voter registration form may require information that: · Identifies the applicant, including their signature · Relates to a previous registration · Helps state election officials assess the eligibility of the applicant It also requires that that form shall include a statement that: · Lists each eligibility requirements, including citizenship · Confirms the applicant meets each requirement · Requires the signature of the applicant, under penalty of perjury The NVRA forbids the states to include any requirement for notarization or other formal authentication. All state modifications to the federal mail voter registration form are reviewed by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The EAC and courts have begun interpreting the prohibition of notarized or other formal authentications as justification for denying states the ability to require documentary proof of citizenship with the federal mail voter registration form. Some examples include: In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Arizona could not require documentary proof of citizenship on the federal registration form without EAC approval. In 2021, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that a previous 2016 EAC approval for Alabama, Georgia, and Kansas to include proof of citizenship violated the Administrative Procedures Act. Palmer’s bill – the Citizenship Ballot Protection Act, establishes the option for states to add a proof of citizenship requirement to their mail voter registration form. Palmer said that this: · Respects and upholds the role of states to administer federal elections. · Gives states the option to add more security to their voter registration process. · Helps states that have proof of citizenship requirements, such as Arizona, to streamline their registration process so both their version of the federal mail voter registration form and the state’s regular voter registration form can have the same review process. Palmer is serving his fifth term in the House, representing Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. He is running for reelection. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
U.S. House passes stopgap spending bill in bipartisan vote, in crucial test for new speaker
Jennifer Shutt, Alabama Reflector WASHINGTON — The U.S. House took a broadly bipartisan vote Tuesday to fund the government into the new year, though the measure must pass the Senate by the end of the week if Congress is going to avoid a partial government shutdown. The 336-95 House vote was the first major legislative test for Speaker Mike Johnson, the Louisiana Republican who took on the role after the former speaker was ousted after passing a similar bipartisan short-term funding bill in late September. A total of 93 House Republicans voted against the bill, but enough Democrats supported it to send the measure to the Senate. In the Alabama delegation, U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville; Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, and Dale Strong, R-Madison, voted for the bill. U.S. Reps. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile; Barry Moore, R-Enterprise; Gary Palmer, R-Hoover and Mike Rogers, R-Saks, voted against it. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said Tuesday that he and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, both agree the Senate needs to pass the bill quickly to avoid a funding lapse. “If the House should pass it, and I hope they do, Leader McConnell and I will figure out the best way to get this done quickly,” Schumer said. During a press conference prior to the vote, Johnson defended his decision to move the short-term spending bill, saying it would prevent Congress from passing an omnibus spending package in mid-December before the holiday break. Republicans have repeatedly said they oppose such massive packages, which wrap together all 12 government spending bills, often on short notice. He rejected criticism from fellow GOP lawmakers that he was making a mistake and taking the wrong approach to funding the government. “We’re not surrendering, we’re fighting. But you have to be wise about choosing the fights,” Johnson said. “You’ve got to fight fights that you can win, and we’re going to, and you’re going to see this House majority stand together on our principles.” Johnson said he was optimistic that Congress would be able to pass the dozen full-year appropriations bills before the new deadlines next year, avoiding the need for another stopgap spending bill. “Part of the reason I’m confident about this is, I’ve been drinking from Niagara Falls for the last three weeks. This will allow everybody to go home for a couple of days for Thanksgiving,” Johnson said. “Everybody can cool off.” During that time, Johnson said he would get a group together to “map out that plan to fight for” conservative principles in the final set of 12 spending bills. The current fiscal year ends on September 30, 2024. “I look forward to rolling that out,” he said. “You’ll see much more of that.” Two deadlines The 32-page short-term spending bill, sometimes called a continuing resolution or CR, would fund part of the federal government through January 19 and the remainder of the annual appropriations bills through February 2. The short-term funding measure is intended to give Congress and the White House more time to negotiate the dozen full-year spending bills. But there are several pitfalls along the way. Former GOP Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted from his leadership role after moving the short-term government funding bill in late September that will keep the federal government up and running through Friday. The decision by eight House Republicans and Democrats to vote to “vacate the chair” plunged the chamber into gridlock for weeks as GOP lawmakers debated who should lead the party. After nominating three Republicans who couldn’t get the votes on the floor to hold the gavel, the party finally coalesced behind Johnson. But some of the especially conservative members became frustrated this week with his decision to put the stopgap spending bill on the floor. The short-term spending bill would give the House and Senate until January 19 to work out an agreement on the Agriculture-FDA, Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD spending bills. The remaining eight spending bills — Commerce-Justice-Science, Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Interior-Environment, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch, and State-Foreign Operations — would have funding until February 2. The House and Senate would need to reach an agreement well before those deadlines on the total amount of spending for the current fiscal year that began back on October 1. The leaders of the Appropriations committees would then determine how much of the money goes to each of the dozen bills. Democrats have said the total spending level should match what Congress and President Joe Biden agreed to in the debt limit law this summer. But some Republicans have pressed for lawmakers to go below that level. Lawmakers sound off on spending Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson, chair of the Interior-Environment spending panel, said that leaders need to clarify the total spending number, though he expects that will ultimately match the debt limit law. “I think it will end up being that, but leadership needs to tell us,” Simpson said. Georgia Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr., the top Democrat on the Agriculture spending panel, said the total spending level for the final slate of bills that the House and Senate will negotiate in the coming weeks and months needs to adhere to the number in the debt limit law. “Some of them, particularly the MAGA Republicans, pretty much don’t agree with it. They want to cut much more drastically than is beneficial for the American people,” Bishop said. “The moderate, reasonable minds of that side think that we probably should do something that is reasonable.” Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, the top Democrat on the Financial Services spending panel, said a key challenge to getting full-year bills agreed to is that “Republicans have been unable for eight or nine months to get their act together on fiscal issues.” “And we’d lost a speaker over that,” Hoyer said. “They were unable to elect speakers for some period of time, and there is still no guarantee that we know what the overall spending levels are.” Ohio Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, ranking member
Rep. Gary Palmer says Mike Johnson is “the right person” to lead the House
On Wednesday, Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) recently updated his constituents on the recent events leading to the selection of a new Speaker of the House. Palmer, who had been a candidate for Speaker himself at one point, said that Mike Johnson is “exactly the right person to lead the House.” “It has been a busy few weeks in Washington, D.C., with most of the activity revolving around selecting a new Speaker of the House,” Rep. Palmer wrote. “I am glad to report we selected Mike Johnson of Louisiana to serve in this role. Mike and I knew each other before either of us were elected to Congress. He is the real deal and, I believe, exactly the right person to lead the House at this very difficult time. He is someone committed to making the changes we desperately need to make. He is also committed to a conservative policy agenda that is long overdue in Washington.” “For the first time in history, the Speaker of the House was removed from their position using the motion to vacate,” Palmer said. “During our search for a new Speaker, several options were considered. I was a strong supporter of Jim Jordan due to his leadership abilities and conservative principles. Unfortunately, not all Republicans were willing to unite around him for Speaker. After this, I put my name in the hat for Speaker. Our party doesn’t need a personality as a leader; we need a plan and steady, conservative leadership. I introduced the ‘Palmer Principles,’ my plan for major changes to our appropriations process to prevent the introduction of big omnibus appropriations bills. Once the remaining candidates committed to similar principles, I removed my name from consideration in efforts to help us find a majority candidate as soon as possible.” “Speaker Mike Johnson is a principled, unwavering conservative who will live out his faith in God as he serves the country,” Palmer concluded. “I am looking forward to working with him to help lead our country forward.” Mike Johnson is 51 years old and was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, the eldest of four children. His father was a firefighter who was disabled on the job. He graduated from Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport, received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from LSU, and then a law degree from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Johnson became a constitutional lawyer and rose to become a senior attorney and partner at Kitchens Law Firm in Minden, Louisiana. He was also a litigator and spokesman for the Alliance Defense Fund (later Alliance Defending Freedom; ADF). From 2004 to 2012, Johnson was a trustee of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Johnson also was a college professor and a conservative talk radio host. In February 2015, Johnson was elected to the lower chamber of the Louisiana legislature. In 2016, Johnson was elected to represent Louisiana’s 4th district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was reelected in 2018, 2020, and 2022. He entered Congress in the same election that elevated Republican Donald Trump to the White House. Johnson soon became a member of the president’s inner circle, regularly joining the entourage that flew with the president on Air Force One. He has a 92 percent rating from the Conservative Political Action Conference (formerly American Conservative Union) and an A” rating from the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America organization. Gary Palmer has qualified for a sixth term in the United States Congress, representing Alabama’s Sixth District. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Robert Aderholt joins letter demanding answers about new gun restrictions
On Tuesday, Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL04) joined a letter by Congressman Mark Green, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, to the Biden Administration demanding answers on restrictions on civilian firearm exports. Chairman Green’s letter to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), an agency of the Department of Commerce, was signed by 86 other lawmakers. “President Biden has made it clear through his actions that he has no desire to uphold the Second Amendment,” said Rep. Aderholt. “He has previously moved to restrict hunting and archery programs in schools, and now he is he is prohibiting law-abiding businesses from selling their firearms overseas.” “First, President [Joe] Biden tried to strip funding from hunting and archery programs in our schools because of his antipathy for the Second Amendment,” said Rep. Green. “Now, he is prohibiting law-abiding businesses from selling their firearms overseas. This administration must explain itself.” In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “As long as evil persists, there will always be a need for good people to defend themselves and their loved ones. The need for the Second Amendment was not limited to the American Revolution nor the American Republic. Every person has a right to self-defense. Not only does BIS’s pause on firearms export licenses leave people even more vulnerable, but it will also push buyers to look elsewhere to meet their customers’ demands.” “Belligerent actors are becoming more aggressive and emboldened; regimes like Iran and China are posturing toward force and increasing their military capabilities,” the members of Congress continued. “The surprise attacks against Israel should dispel any notion that BIS can justly or accurately assess who needs firearms for defense and who does not.” The lawmakers conclude: “We demand that the Department end this ridiculous hypocrisy and continue the issuance of export licenses for firearms, related components, and ammunition. Continuing this pause will only weaken law-abiding civilians and hand criminal actors a monopoly of force. We also urge that BIS’s final assessment not deprive innocent people of the means for self-defense.” Congressmen Mike Rogers (R-AL03), Barry Moore (R-AL02), and Gary Palmer (R-AL06) were also cosigners. This letter was endorsed by The National Rifle Association (NRA), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Gun Owners of America (GOA), American Suppressors Association (ASA), the Firearms & Ammunition Import/Export Roundtable, and Heritage Action. Robert Aderholt has represented Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District since 1996. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gary Palmer votes for aid for Israel, cuts funding to IRS
On Thursday, the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to provide American support for Israel’s defense in its war with Hamas. The stand-alone funding bill also overturns much of President Joe Biden’s increase in new funding for the IRS. Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL06) voted for the package and released a statement afterward. “When Biden Democrats show weakness in foreign policy stances, our friends around the world suffer,” said Rep. Palmer. “Israel has every right to defend itself from the brutal attacks we have been witnessing over the past month. With this piece of legislation, we are helping an ally in need while also cutting funding from Joe Biden’s weaponized IRS. These funds are better used supporting Israel than being used by IRS agents to audit middle-class Americans.” The Hill reported that Democrats criticized the $14.3 billion package because it cuts billions of dollars in aid for Gaza, which President Biden requested, and Biden’s measure to dramatically increase the enforcement arm of the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS funding cuts were part of the Inflation Reduction Plan passed when Democrats controlled the House during the last Congress and would hire 81,000 more IRS agents. It was also separate from the $61.3 billion Biden requested to assist Ukraine in its war with Russia. New Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) said that the House will address the Ukraine aid next in a separate bill. Twelve Democrats voted with almost all Republicans for the Israel aid bill, which passed 226 to 196. The passage of the bill is a win for Speaker Johnson. “It’s imperative that the U.S. sends a message to the world that threats made against Israel and the Jewish people will be met with strong opposition,” Johnson wrote on X. The GOP legislation is unlikely to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate in its current form. Since aid for Israel is a bipartisan priority, some version of an Israeli aid bill will pass the Senate – either as a stand-alone bill or in the form of the next continuing resolution (CR) as it is increasingly unlikely that either House of Congress will pass out a viable budget that the President will sign before the current CR expires. Some more bipartisan version of Israeli aid will likely come back to the House for a vote in the next three weeks. The White House has said President Biden will veto the bill if it comes to his desk in its current form. Palmer is serving in his fifth term representing Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. He announced this week that he will seek a sixth term in next year’s election. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Reps. Gary Palmer, Anthony D’Esposito introduce ‘Bring Americans Home Act’
Following reports that the State Department was forcing American citizens to pay for their flights out of harm’s way in Israel, Congressmen Gary Palmer (AL-06) and Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04) introduced the “Bring Americans Home Act.” Palmer stated, “Americans are currently stuck in a war zone because President [Joe] Biden has displayed weak leadership around the globe. The United States government should be there to help. Instead of helping, the response of the State Department has been to send these stranded Americans a bill.” Palmer continued, “This is unacceptable. The Biden Administration is willing to pay for illegal immigrants to fly anywhere around the country but is unwilling to help Americans in need. We must care for our citizens and help them get home safely in an emergency. This is why Congressman D’Esposito and I introduced the Bring Americans Home Act. We believe Americans should not foot the bill for the misplaced priorities and poor leadership in the White House.” Palmer is the head of the House Republican Policy Committee. He represents Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District and has already announced that he is running for re-election next year.
Katie Britt leads Alabama delegation in letter opposing expanded critical habitat designation for endangered Rice’s whale
On Thursday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) announced that she led members of the Alabama Congressional delegation in sending a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Richard Spinrad expressing the delegation’s concerns that a recent proposal by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to create a new and expanded critical habitat designation for the Rice’s whale would negatively impact the Port of Mobile. “The lack of justification for this proposal is glaring, and the inevitable, devastating consequences it would have on Alabama’s economy and the Gulf fishing industry are undeniable,” said Sen. Britt. “We implore Administrator Spinrad to reject this harmful petition that relies on unproven research and would significantly hinder operations at the Port of Mobile, which hardworking Americans rely on for goods, supplies, and materials each and every day.” “We also have significant concerns with the seriously damaging ideas in the Rice’s whale petition, which NMFS has noticed,” Britt and the Alabama delegation wrote. “The petitioners seek to stop vessel transits at night, require complete reporting of vessel plans to NMFS, and create onerous requirements for vessels to employ and utilize visual observers on all vessels. Severely curtailing operations at the Port of Mobile and strangling the commercial and recreational fishing operations off the Alabama coast, these illogical burdens would cause irreparable harm to the Alabama economy – all while current science does not demonstrate they will save any Rice’s whales.” In the letter, the Members urged NOAA not to finalize the critical habitat designation because there is a lack of scientifically supported data to adequately justify this action. They also requested that NOAA reject the proposals. “While protecting endangered species is a laudable goal, we are concerned at the lack of adequate scientific justification for NMFS’ proposed designation of additional critical habitat for the Rice’s whale,” Sen Britt and the other members of the Alabama delegation wrote. “NMFS has shown only limited studies offering indefinite scientific support to draw conclusions about the population and range of the Rice’s whale. Until sound, scientifically supported data is available, this designation should not move forward.” “As a coastal state, Alabama relies heavily on commercial activity in and out of the Gulf of Mexico,” Britt and the Congress members wrote. “In 2021 alone, the Port of Mobile generated more than $85 billion in total economic activity and more than $2 billion in tax revenue. The Port handles more than 55 million tons of commercial goods each year, reaching every state in the nation and providing clothing, tools, construction materials, automobiles, and parts that Americans rely on each and every day. In addition, Alabama’s commercial fishing operations provide more than $291 million in economic value, and recreational fishing adds another $452 million in economic value to the region. Combined, these activities directly employ more than 330,000 people in Alabama.” The proposed ten-knot speed limit and the inability to traverse the 28,000-square-mile habitat area at night to avoid hitting any whales would mean greater transit times in and out of the Port of Mobile. Thus, commercial traffic would merely move to another route and avoid Mobile. Sen. Britt was joined in sending the letter by Congressmen Jerry Carl (R-AL01), Barry Moore (R-AL02), Mike Rogers (R-AL03), Robert Aderholt (R-AL04), Dale Strong (R-AL05), and Gary Palmer (R-AL06). Although U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) was not a signatory, he has already publicly expressed his opposition to the critical habitat designation for the Rice’s whale and questioned the validity of the science behind these proposals. “Designating a Critical Habitat for the Rice’s whale throughout this expansive area will impose undue burdens and restrictions on all vessel traffic, especially in and out of the Port of Mobile in Mobile, AL,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The Port of Mobile covers over 4,000 acres, generates nearly 313,000 jobs, provides approximately $2 billion in state and local tax impacts, and $85 billion in economic value to Alabama as a whole.” Katie Britt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
