Legislators react to Kabul attack, soldier deaths
Two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport Thursday, Associated Press reported. The attacks killed at least 60 Afghans and 13 U.S. troops. 11 Marines and one Navy medic were among those who died. President Joe Biden said in a speech at the White House, “We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay.” He also instructed the U.S. military to develop plans to strike the Islamic State, the group that took responsibility for the attacks. Alabama legislators are reacting to the attacks. In a press release, Rep. Gary Palmer said, “I am heartbroken and infuriated by the reports coming out of Afghanistan. President Biden’s incredibly stupid decision to set August 31st as the evacuation deadline, his failure to maintain control of Bagram Airbase, and his failure to secure exit routes for the safe and orderly evacuation of American citizens and Afghan allies have led to this tragedy. Over the last 18 months, no U.S. military members were killed, but today we have lost at least 12. This tragedy was preventable and unnecessary, and it is time for President Biden and his administration to take full responsibility for it. “Twelve American soldiers are now dead, yet the American people have had to wait hours to hear from the President. Whatever his message of condolences might be, it will ring hollow in the face of such incomprehensible incompetence. With our forces essentially surrounded by ISIS-K and the Taliban, President Biden needs to face the crisis head on and react with swiftness and force to make sure we get our people and our allies safely out.” Congressman Mo Brooks wrote on Twitter, “President Biden has embarrassed America with his botched Afghanistan withdrawal. Now his decisions have led to dead Americans in Kabul. Biden should take responsibility for this disgrace and resign immediately.” Rep. Terri Sewell stated on Twitter, “I’m devastated to learn of the explosions outside the Kabul airport. I’m monitoring the situation closely and sending prayers to any U.S. personnel or Afghan citizens wounded or killed in the attack.” Rep. Barry Moore stated, “Devastating. Praying for our troops and every American still stranded in Afghanistan. We MUST bring them ALL home safely.” Senator Richard Shelby said, “Deeply saddened by the attacks today in Kabul and the many U.S. servicemembers killed while heroically working to protect our citizens and allies. Praying for their families and loved ones during this time of tragedy, and for the safety of our forces still on the ground in Kabul.”
Rep. Gary Palmer and staff get firsthand look at Alabama’s National Carbon Capture Center
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) got a firsthand look at one of Alabama’s premier energy research facilities Wednesday, taking his entire staff for a tour of the National Carbon Capture Center (NCCC) in Wilsonville. The facility is operated by Southern Company at Alabama Power’s Plant E.C. Gaston. Earlier this year, Palmer was the first representative from Alabama in more than 30 years to be appointed to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over a broad range of areas, including energy, interstate and foreign commerce, and environmental policy. In Wilsonville, Palmer learned how Alabama experts at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facility are finding solutions to deliver on President Joe Biden’s ambitious climate change goals, which include cutting America’s carbon emissions in half by 2030 and reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050. “We are happy to have Congressman Palmer and his entire staff at the National Carbon Capture Center here at Alabama Power’s Plant Gaston,” said Alex McCrary, Alabama Power director of Corporate Affairs. “Rep. Palmer understands the importance of our company’s efforts at the NCCC and the role carbon capture will play in the future of energy. We appreciate he and his staff taking the time to learn more and are grateful for the work they do in Washington on behalf of our great state.” Established in 2009 as a neutral test bed for DOE’s National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), the NCCC is nationally and internationally recognized for accelerating the development of next-generation technologies designed to remove carbon dioxide from a power plant’s flue gas stream. Technology developers from seven countries have come to the Alabama facility to learn from its infrastructure and the expertise employees offer. “Rep. Palmer’s support of our work is invaluable as Southern Company seeks to advance technologies that will create an affordable, reliable, net-zero energy future,” said John Northington, NCCC director and director of net-zero technologies for Southern Company R&D. “Achieving decarbonization will take a diverse portfolio of solutions, and our real-world testing of carbon capture is critical in propelling promising technologies toward commercialization.” Palmer and his staff learned how the NCCC is moving into the emerging area of carbon utilization, where carbon emissions are used to manufacture value-added products like cement. A test for Carbon XPRIZE winner CarbonBuilt this spring successfully produced low-carbon concrete. Sectors like cement and steel face a particular challenge in decarbonizing their businesses. Under a collaborative agreement with NETL, renewed in October 2020, the center’s research scope was formally expanded to new areas of technology development. This expansion included carbon capture for natural gas power generation in addition to carbon utilization and negative-emission solutions, such as direct air capture. The project has reduced the cost of carbon capture from power generation by approximately 40%.
Mike Rogers points out “Power-trip” Nancy Pelosi’s “Political Theatre”
GOP leaders have responded with defiance to new masking guidance from public health officials, who advise that even fully vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors if they live in areas with high rates of virus transmission. Office of Attending Physician, Brian Monahan, reinstituted the mask mandate in all House office buildings, meeting areas, and the chamber to prevent the spread of the coronavirus among members and staff, the Washington Post reported. “For all House Office Buildings, the Hall of the House, and House Committee Meetings, wearing of a well-fitted, medical-grade, filtration face mask is required when an individual is in an interior space and other individuals are present,” the memo said. “To be clear, for meetings in an enclosed US House of Representatives controlled space, masks are REQUIRED.” Some GOP leaders criticize Nancy Pelosi, blame her for the mandate, and refuse to wear masks on the floor. When questioned about it, Pelosi stated to reporters, “We always just follow the guidance of the Capitol physician. There is no discussion about should we do it, should we not for one reason or another. It’s the decision of the Capitol physician, who is following the guidance of the CDC about the masks.” Mike Rogers commented on Twitter, “Power-trip Pelosi is making vaccinated folks at the Capitol wear masks – refusal to comply w/ this political theatre could result in arrest. Speaker Pelosi is more focused on D.C. swamp theatre than addressing skyrocketing violence, the crisis at our border, & sky-high inflation.” Rep. Barry Moore posted a video on Twitter. He tweeted, “It’s NOT Pelosi’s House – it’s the PEOPLE’S House.” Rep. Jerry Carl stated, “This is a ridiculous abuse of power by Nancy Pelosi. It’s this People’s house, NOT Pelosi’s House!” Rep. Gary Palmer stated on Twitter, “Remember when they said “two weeks to slow the spread”? That’s now turned into “show me your papers.” While I encourage everyone to get the vaccine, coercion into doing so is unacceptable.” Many Republicans have declined to say whether they have been vaccinated. Some represent areas with the biggest spikes in infections.
Alabama congressional delegation responds to first day of testimony in January 6th hearing
In early July, the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to create a committee to investigate the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. House Resolution 503 passed the House, with most Democrats voting for the resolution and most Republicans voting against it. The committee was approved by a 222-190 vote. In Alabama, Republicans Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Mo Brooks, and Gary Palmer all voted against the resolution. Democrat Terri Sewell voted yes. This is the first hearing to investigate the attack by pro-Trump rioters who attempted to stop the certification of the presidential election, which Donald Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden. As hearings began today for the January 6th investigation, four police officers testified about what they experienced during the riot. According to NPR, Lawmakers on the panel praised the officers’ heroism and criticized leaders who have denied the events of that day. Congressman Jerry Carl released a statement, saying, “As Nancy Pelosi continues wasting time and resources pursuing her partisan investigation into January 6th, I support Leader [Kevin] McCarthy’s decision to boycott this sham process until Pelosi seats all five Republican nominees. Pelosi’s decision to deny the input of members who have served our country in the military and in law enforcement is flat-out wrong and is a complete abuse of power. This is the exact reason why I voted against creating the Select Committee on January 6 – Congress should not waste taxpayer dollars on a partisan witch hunt that will serve no purpose other than demonizing an entire political party and weaponizing the events of January 6.” Terri Sewell tweeted, “I remember #January6th like it was yesterday. I was in the gallery of the House chamber when the breach occurred. I remember lying on the floor huddling with other Members, struggling to fit on a gas mask & hearing a thunderous sound. I trembled and wept for our democracy.” Rep. Barry Moore stated on Twitter, “From soaring inflation to rising crime, Americans are facing real issues across our nation due to Democrats’ failed policies. But instead of finding solutions to these crises, the House is focused on Pelosi’s sham investigation. The American people deserve better.”
Leaders split on vote for January 6 Capitol riot investigation
On Wednesday the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to create a committee to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. House Resolution 503 passed the House with most Democrats voting for the resolution and most Republicans voting against it. The committee was approved by a 222-190 vote. In Alabama, Republicans Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Mo Brooks, and Gary Palmer all voted against the resolution. Democrat Terri Sewell voted yes. Rep. Sewell stated on Twitter, “#January6th was a dark day for our democracy & too many questions still remain. Since @SenateGOP voted down a bipartisan commission, I’m glad that the House is establishing a Select Committee to investigate. We cannot prevent future attacks if we don’t fully understand this one.” #January6th was a dark day for our democracy & too many questions still remain. Since @SenateGOP voted down a bipartisan commission, I'm glad that the House is establishing a Select Committee to investigate. We cannot prevent future attacks if we don't fully understand this one. pic.twitter.com/RKLe9LmhnE — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) June 30, 2021 In a press release, Rep. Moore stated, “During the six months that Speaker Pelosi demanded her committee chairmen sit on their hands while she conducted her political circus, two bipartisan Senate committees concluded exhaustive investigations and the Department of Justice and FBI arrested or charged over 500 people. If Speaker Pelosi was serious about investigating the January 6th riot, she would have already acted instead of pushing her partisan investigation closer and closer to next November’s elections. “Pelosi’s select committee would have a skewed, 8 Democrat and 5 Republican panel of members. The House standing committees have the full authority, jurisdiction, power, and staff to investigate the events of January 6th and are more than capable of conducting such investigations. “This would be a turbo-charged partisan exercise, not an honest fact-finding body that the American people and Capitol Police deserve,” Moore concluded. Rep. Brooks posted on Twitter, “Thanks to @stinchfield1776 for having me on @newsmax to discuss how Nancy Pelosi’s “select” committee on January 6 is for hyperpartisan political gain on the Social Democrats’ part.” Thanks to @stinchfield1776 for having me on @newsmax to discuss how Nancy Pelosi's "select" committee on January 6 is for hyperpartisan political gain on the Socialist Democrats’ part. pic.twitter.com/zmsmvKB0Oa — Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) June 30, 2021
Alabama leaders join colleagues to address current border crisis
Alabama may not have a border crisis of its own, but leaders are actively working with states like Arizona, Texas, and California to keep the issue relevant. President Joe Biden has lifted several sanctions set by former President Donald Trump, but some of those reversals have caused issues along the border. Title 42 was a policy Trump enacted that allowed border agents to turn away migrants without giving them a chance to apply for protection in the U.S., reported The New York Times. However, Biden’s reversal of this policy has caused a huge surge of migrants sending their children to the border alone since he hasn’t been turning away minors. Most single adults and families continue to be immediately turned around. In April, Rep. Gary Palmer and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy sent an open letter to Vice President Kamala Harris to express the ongoing concerns of House Members regarding the humanitarian crisis at the U.S. southern border. “We are witnessing a serious crisis at our border. Facilities are overflowing, conditions are terrible, and children are being left abandoned at the border,” Palmer said. “All of this can be directly linked to this Administration’s easing of necessary border protections and open border rhetoric. The Homeland Security Secretary recently confirmed that the agency is ‘on pace to encounter more individuals at the southwest border than we have in the last 20 years.’ Despite all of this, Vice President Harris has yet to make a visit to the border or comment at length on the crisis there, even though she was tapped by the President to lead efforts in addressing it a month ago. It is time for this Administration to acknowledge the problem that it has created and to work with Congress to resolve it. The testimonies and policy solutions compiled by the Republican Policy Committee offer a commonsense place to start.” This week, Rep. Barry Moore visited the border near El Paso, Texas. He posted a video on Twitter and stated, “If Biden wants to “build back better,” he should start with the border wall.” If Biden wants to “build back better,” he should start with the Border Wall. pic.twitter.com/n2oKFiUQAo — Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) May 25, 2021 HAPPENING NOW: My colleagues and I are in El Paso at our Southern Border giving you a live update. Tune in NOW! https://t.co/myHMel8FMe — Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) May 24, 2021 Earlier this month, Jerry Carl stated on Twitter, “I just spent several days at the border learning directly from law enforcement about what needs to be done to fix the #BidenBorderCrisis.” I just spent several days at the border learning directly from law enforcement about what needs to be done to fix the #BidenBorderCrisis. Read my thoughts here: https://t.co/xhxhqGbmsJ — Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) May 13, 2021 Mo Brooks stated on Twitter, “The Socialists are eerily quiet about the #BidenBorderCrisis, but it’s still a problem that Joe Biden refuses to accept responsibility for creating. Joe Biden’s promise of amnesty and citizenship for illegal aliens enticed the tsunamis of illegal aliens breaking into America.” The Socialists are eerily quiet about the #BidenBorderCrisis, but it’s still a problem that Joe Biden refuses to accept responsibility for creating. Joe Biden’s promise of amnesty and citizenship for illegal aliens enticed the tsunamis of illegal aliens breaking into America. pic.twitter.com/8WvOwKTBnE — Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) May 25, 2021
Mo Brooks and Gary Palmer urge FBI director to call Congressional shooting an ‘act of domestic terrorism’
Mo Brooks and Gary Palmer joined other leaders, sending a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray. The letter urges Wray to call the 2017 shooting on Congress during a baseball game an act of domestic terrorism. Four people were shot during the practice session for the Annual Congressional Baseball game, including Congressman Steve Scalise, Capitol police officer Crystal Griner, congressional aide Zack Barth, and lobbyist Matt Mika. The shooter, James Hodgkinson, was shot and died from his wounds. According to CNN, Hodgkinson was a small business owner in Illinois who was very public on social media about his support of Bernie Sanders and his hatred of conservatives and President Donald Trump. Brooks stated on Twitter, “I joined several GOP colleagues who were targeted in 2017 by a Socialist gunman in sending a letter to @FBI Dir Wray, urging him to call the shooting what it was: an act of domestic terrorism that sought to assassinate Republican members of Congress. It was not “suicide by cop.” I joined several GOP colleagues who were targeted in 2017 by a Socialist gunman in sending a letter to @FBI Dir Wray, urging him to call the shooting what it was: an act of domestic terrorism that sought to assassinate Republican members of Congress. It was not “suicide by cop.” pic.twitter.com/gYj9fwOtLI — Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) May 12, 2021 Other leaders who signed the letter include H. Morgan Griffith, Rodney Davis, Jeff Duncan, Barry Loudermilk, John Moolenaar, Jack Bergman, Roger Williams, Scott DesJarlais, Bill Johnson, Chuck Fleischmann, Kevin Brady, Trent Kelly, and Jim Jordan.
Congressmen Mo Brooks, Robert Aderholt, and Gary Palmer agree: America needs to ‘get back to work’
Tuesday, Congressman Mo Brooks praised states that are rejecting federal government unemployment payouts. On Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that Alabama would end its participation in all federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs in June. Other states like South Carolina and Montana have already announced similar plans as well. Brooks stated, “In America, we believe in working for a living. No able-bodied working age person should be living off the hard work of others. Predictably, paying people more not to work than to work has created an unnecessary worker shortage. Joe Biden’s claim that the abysmal April unemployment report isn’t tied to paying people more not to work than to work is an affront to common sense. Employers and small business owners across America are closing or operating at reduced hours because they cannot afford to compete against the federal government’s increased unemployment payments. As I travel the state, I’ve seen examples on nearly every street corner of employers offering good jobs that they are unable to fill. I’m glad economically responsible states are wising up and ending the asinine policy of paying the takers more taxpayer money to stay home rather than work for a living.” Congressman Gary Palmer also praised Ivey’s unemployment decision as well, stating on Twitter, “I applaud @GovernorKayIvey for taking this step towards allowing business to fully open in Alabama. Continued dependence on federal unemployment benefits will only hinder our economic recovery.” I applaud @GovernorKayIvey for taking this step towards allowing businesses to fully open in Alabama. Continued dependence on federal unemployment benefits will only hinder our economic recovery. My full statement here:https://t.co/Tdr2yWk8cf — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) May 10, 2021 According to CNBC, the unemployment rate rose to 6.1% amid an escalating shortage of available workers. Economist Jason Furman stated to CNBC, “I think this is just as much about a shortage in labor supply as it is about a shortage of labor demand. If you look at April, it appears that there were about 1.1 unemployed workers for every job opening. So there are a lot of jobs out there, there is just still not a lot of labor supply.” Montana Governor Greg Gianforte stated, “I hear from too many employers throughout our state who can’t find workers. Nearly every sector in our economy faces a labor shortage.” Robert Aderholt also agrees with Brooks, Palmer, and Ivey on the move away from increased federal unemployment benefits. Aderholt commented on Twitter, “I applaud @GovernorKayIvey for this decision. With so many jobs available across our state, there is no need for endless unemployment benefits. As the recent jobs report shows, this is hurting our economy, not helping it.” I applaud @GovernorKayIvey for this decision. With so many jobs available across our state, there is no need for endless unemployment benefits. As the recent jobs report shows, this is hurting our economy, not helping it. https://t.co/94CDG5F9Kv — Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) May 10, 2021
Three Alabama congressmen support Right to Work Act
Three Alabama congressmen have co-sponsored a bill called the National Right to Work Act. Mo Brooks, Gary Palmer, and Jerry Carl all support the bill. South Carolina congressman Joe Wilson, along with Rand Paul, reintroduced the bill in February. According to the congressional summary, the bill “repeals those provisions of the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act that permit employers to make an agreement with a labor union to require employees to join such union as a condition of employment.” Wilson stated in a press release, “I, along with over 80 percent of the American people, believe that every worker should have the power to decide whether or not to negotiate for themselves with their employer. This bill is about giving freedom to hard-working Americans. As one of twenty-seven right-to-work states, South Carolina has seen firsthand the job creation when we protect freedoms for American workers, with Michelin, BMW, and Boeing, among many others. I look forward to continuing to protect expanded freedom and promote jobs in the 117th Congress.” Brooks posted on Twitter, “I’ve cosponsored @ReJoeWilson’s National Right to Work Act. As evidenced by last week’s vote against unionization at Amazon, Alabamians understand Alabama’s right to work reputation is a major reason for Alabama’s success in recruiting job creators.” I’ve cosponsored @RepJoeWilson‘s National Right to Work Act. As evidenced by last week’s vote against unionization at Amazon, Alabamians understand Alabama’s Right to Work reputation is a major reason for Alabama’s success in recruiting job creators. https://t.co/4EvrXYnD99 — Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) April 13, 2021 Gary Palmer posted on Twitter in February, stating “I’m proud to support the National #RightToWork Act. No one should be force to pay union fees simply to find a job or keep a job. It’s time for Congress to listen to the 80% of Americans who oppose forced unionization. Thanks @RepJoeWilson for your great work on this issue!” I’m proud to support the National #RightToWork Act. No one should be forced to pay union fees simply to find a job or keep a job. It’s time for Congress to listen to the 80% of Americans who oppose forced unionization. Thanks @RepJoeWilson for your great work on this issue! https://t.co/9ORjinSuMD — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) February 24, 2021 Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Committee (NRTWC), praised the bill. “We’re extremely pleased that Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Joe Wilson have introduced the National Right to Work Act, intensifying a growing debate about Big Labor’s coercive power to keep American workers in chains. This legislation would enshrine the common-sense principle – already enforced in more than half of U.S. states – that no worker should be compelled to join or pay dues to a union just to get or keep a job.”
Gary Palmer will vote against H.R. 1 election bill
Congressman Gary Palmer announced he will vote against H.R. 1, For the People Act of 2021. According to the Congress.gov summary, the bill addresses “voter access, election integrity and security, campaign finance, and ethics for the three branches of government.” The bill aims to expand voter registration, voting access, and limits removing voters from voter rolls. It also addresses election security, campaign finance and requires the President, the Vice President, and candidates for those offices to disclose 10 years of tax returns. Palmer stated in a press release that the bill undermines Americans’ right to self-government and public confidence in the country’s election system. He stated, “This bill puts the hypocrisy of the Democrat majority on full display in two ways. First, there is nothing in the bill to deal with the inaccurate voter registration rolls that have been reported to hold 24 million improper voter registrations. The 1993 National Voter Registration Act, which was passed by Democrat majorities in both houses of Congress, requires that every state and county maintain accurate voter registration files. There are currently 17 Democrat members of Congress who voted for that bill, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. They have done nothing to enforce the law they passed.” Palmer continued, “In addition to allowing millions of improper voter registrations, the Democrats are also putting in place a provision to give millions of dollars to the reelection campaigns of incumbent members of Congress at a match rate of $6 for every dollar raised, for a match of up to $7.2 million per incumbent member. Consider this – just a few weeks ago, the Democrats stripped my colleague, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, of her committee assignments. But now, they seem to believe that though she isn’t allowed to serve on any standing committees, she should receive taxpayer-financed campaign contributions. Based on the formula in the bill and what Representative Greene has raised already, she would receive over $7 million. In an act of rank hypocrisy, every Democrat who voted to strip Representative Greene of her committee assignments turned around and co-sponsored this bill to give her reelection campaign over $7 million dollars.” “No one who truly wants honest and fair elections can vote for H.R. 1,” Palmer concluded. “It takes the power of electing our leaders away from the people and puts more power into the hands of politicians. It disregards state voter I.D. laws and ultimately amounts to a federal takeover of our elections. Perhaps most concerning is that it would force taxpayers to foot the bill for political campaigns, creating a ruling class that undermines representative government. It will be government of, by, and for the politicians who run the government, but not for the people the government is supposed to serve.” Palmer posted on Twitter, “No one who truly wants honest and fair elections would vote for #HR1. It takes the power of electing our leaders away from the people and puts more power into the hands of politicians.” No one who truly wants honest and fair elections would vote for #HR1. It takes the power of electing our leaders away from the people and puts more power into the hands of politicians. My full statement here: https://t.co/CXyw4wTCYZ — Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) March 3, 2021 Congressman Mo Brooks also opposes the bill. He stated on Twitter, “Voting against #HR1 because it undermines America’s Republic and effectively turns our election results into what we so often see in North Korea, the old Soviet Union, Venezuela and other pretend republics. Sure, you can vote. But your votes don’t count.” Voting against #HR1 because it undermines America’s Republic & effectively turns our election results into what we so often see in North Korea, the old Soviet Union, Venezuela & other pretend republics. Sure, you can vote. But your votes don’t count. https://t.co/vfOSjx5Nuy — Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) March 2, 2021
Will Hampson: Biden administration gas tax hike could be a double whammy for Alabamians
In his first few hours in office, Joe Biden took a number of actions, all by executive fiat, that will have negative impacts on the state of Alabama. On day one Biden effectively took away a Congressional seat from Alabama, with an Executive Order that will count illegal aliens towards Congressional apportionment. This will reward California, New York, and other states that have been illegal immigration friendly. More importantly, it will severely hurt the states like ours that have rejected illegal aliens and sanctuary cities. In addition to his executive actions, Biden and his Cabinet nominees have floated other liberal policy ideas that they hope to enact in the coming term. Alabamians are all too familiar with one of these policy proposals. Former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, a Democratic Presidential nominee and now appointed to be Biden’s Secretary of Transportation, floated the idea of a gas tax hike in his confirmation hearing with the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The national gas tax has not been raised since 1993, when Congress approved a 4.3 cent per gallon increase. The idea has been brought up since 1993, even as recently as 2017, but many Republicans in Congress have said raising taxes is a non-starter. Additionally, Buttigieg suggested they may try to tie gas tax raises to inflation, meaning the tax could increase over time without Congress having to approve it again. The political climate is currently well-suited for Democrats to increase taxes on whatever they please. For the first time since 2008, they control the House, Senate, and Presidency. As Republicans are now well-aware, everything floated by Democrats could come to fruition. This puts Alabamians in a difficult, but familiar, position. In 2019, the Alabama legislature, at the behest of Governor Kay Ivey, passed an unpopular ten cent per gallon gas tax throughout the state. The tax was raised six cents per gallon in October 2019, another 2 cents per gallon in October 2020, and is scheduled to be raised a final 2 cents per gallon in October of this year. With this being the case, Alabamians could be particularly hard hit by a gas tax increase by both the federal and state governments. While the exact numbers from the Biden Administration have not yet been discussed, Alabamians could be in store for a double-dipping that could raise gas prices in the neighborhood of 15 cents per gallon from what they were paying in early 2019 before the Rebuild Alabama Act became law. Of course, a global pandemic was nothing that legislators could have seen coming, but nonetheless, it is not a good look for state lawmakers raising taxes during the COVID pandemic, which is exactly what happened, albeit automatically, this past October. The last thing they wanted was the federal government to do the same thing at nearly the same time. To make matters worse for Alabama Republicans, Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate are expected to vehemently oppose the gas tax if it makes it into a bill. The optics of Alabama Republicans raising taxes while their national counterparts refuse to do the same could be devastating and could have major impacts in 2022 when they are up for re-election. It will reignite a hot-button issue that many legislators were hoping would be long forgotten by the time their re-elections rolled around. Having a national debate over this issue will certainly put it fresh in voter’s minds when they go to vote in 2022. But maybe this is a good thing. Maybe this is just what we as voters need. It will be clear as day if Mo Brooks, Robert Aderholt, Mike Rogers, Gary Palmer, Barry Moore, and Jerry Carl vote against a gas tax raise while your local State Rep. or State Senator did not. The voters tried to say back in 2019 that they would not stand for this. That they would remember. Well, now we’ll see. In the meantime, as is usually the case, we the people will be the biggest losers in all of this. The government will try to get their double-dip, and it seems that just like the first time we will have little say in the matter. Start saving your pennies for gas now. You’re going to need them. Will Hampson is a graduate of Alabama A&M. He hosts Will Hampson Weekends on WVNN in Huntsville, Alabama. You can follow and contact him via Twitter @thewillhampson.
What they’re saying: Alabama politicians react to chaos at the U.S. Capitol
Early Wednesday afternoon, chaos ensued on the U.S. Capitol building when a large group of pro-Trump protestors descended on the building. The mob was encouraged by GOP politicians and Donald Trump to meet in Washington D.C. to help “Stop the Steal” and protest the counting of the Electoral College votes that would confirm Joe Biden’s presidential win. In the weeks following the election, Trump has falsely claiming voter fraud, even though none of the dozens of court filings have proven widespread fraud. In a speech to the crowd, Trump encouraged them to “walk to the Capitol.” “If you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore,” Trump said to the crowd. “Let the weak ones get out. This is a time for strength.” His lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, told the crowd, “Let’s have trial by combat.” Just as the lawmakers, led by Mo Brooks and Ted Cruz, began their effort to undo the election results, the proceedings were halted, and legislators were locked down. Dozens of people were arrested, three people died in “emergency medical situations,” and one woman was shot and killed. It was several hours before the Capitol was secured. Late into the night, the lawmakers finally managed to confirm the votes, and Joe Biden was confirmed as the next President of the United States of America. Vice President Mike Pence announced the tally, 306-232. Here’s what Alabama politicians are saying about the incident. Governor Kay Ivey issued a statement. “Tonight, as our elected representatives reconvened in the U.S. Capitol, Vice President Pence reminded us that violence never wins in our great nation — freedom wins. I am pleased to see the people’s work continue and the rule of law upheld. The resiliency of our country will always prevail.” Mo Brooks issued a news release. “Wednesday, Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) gave an impassioned speech supporting honest and accurate elections by echoing Arizona Congressmen Gosar (AZ-04) & Biggs’ (AZ-05) opposition to certification of their own state’s electoral college submittal. Congressman Brooks’ speech focused on Democrat support of voting by noncitizens in American elections.” Rep. Gary Palmer issued a press release. “As a strong defender of the First Amendment, I support the right to peacefully assemble. But what we witnessed on the Capitol grounds yesterday was far from a peaceful assembly, and the nation should have only one response to those activities. They must be strongly condemned,” Palmer said. “The senseless actions of a few led to the unnecessary loss of life and multiple injuries. I commend the Capitol police for restoring peace and for their resolute and courageous efforts to protect the members of Congress and their staff, and everyone else who serves in the Capitol complex. “Violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems, no matter how frustrated we become. We have a nation of laws, not a nation of anarchy. The activities yesterday distort what our nation represents, and those engaging in them prove they have no love for country or respect for the rule of law.” Palmer concluded, “I pray that we have seen the end of this reckless violence and that those responsible will be held accountable.” Tommy Tuberville released a statement on Twitter. Yesterday was a sad day for our great country. I strongly condemn the violence and actions we saw from those who stormed the Capitol. It undermines the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and it has no place in our democracy. — Senator Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) January 7, 2021 Robert Aderholt posted a statement on Twitter. God has brought this nation through many dark days over the past 240 plus years. We have always been able to settle our disputes peaceably. I believe He will continue to guide & protect this nation. However, as a nation we need to see His guidance in peace. He is in full control! — Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) January 6, 2021 Terri Sewell posted this to her Twitter account. Congress won’t be deterred or intimidated by this insurrection and violence. We will carry out our constitutional duty to certify the Electoral College results tonight. On January 20 Joe Biden & Kamala Harris will be sworn in as President & Vice President. My full statement👇🏾 pic.twitter.com/WK6hjyAFV2 — Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) January 7, 2021
