Jeff Sessions certainly makes Donald Trump’s slightly-less-short VP list
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich make up Donald Trump’s short list for the VP nod, but Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions certainly makes the slightly less-short list. Sessions was the first senator to back Trump’s White House bid, and in many ways he has been on board the Trump platform since before Trump decided what it was. Long before he donned a “Make America Great Again” hat at a February rally in Alabama, Sessions espoused some of the same outsider views that Trump’s candidacy have turned into the new normal in the GOP. When it comes to immigration, possibly Trump’s biggest selling point to voters, Sessions made it clear long ago he wouldn’t support any bill with amnesty for illegal immigrants. When it comes to trade, Trump’s foothold with Rust Belt voters, Sessions was one of the first lawmakers to speak out against the Trade Promotion Authority and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, though the four-term senator has voted for other trade deals in the past. Christie can’t say the same about his immigration stance, and Gingrich certainly isn’t as pure when it comes to Trump’s anti-trade platform — the former House Speaker just change his position in July. Whether he would add anything to the Trump ticket, however, appears to be the biggest argument against Sessions as VP. He’s Trump’s ideological doppelgänger, sure, but it’s not like the GOP nominee needs a lot of help in Alabama, and the 69-year-old wouldn’t exactly drive any youth to the voting booth. Still, Sessions seems to be on the bleeding edge of the shift in GOP politics toward Trump and has said he would be “honored” to run with Trump in the fall.
Jeff Sessions could be a good choice for Donald Trump’s VP
Who presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump will pick as his running mate has been a focal point since the 2016 presidential shifted toward the general election. Campaign insiders say the businessman is likely to pick Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie or former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, but Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions said this week he would answer the call to be Trump’s running mate if asked. But would Trump pick Sessions? The 20-year U.S. Senate veteran has been one of Trump’s most vocal supporters, especially on his plan to build a wall across the U.S.-Mexico border and on trade issues, but it’s hard to see what the Alabama Republican could bring to the ticket, especially with Trump needing to woo Rust Belt voters in his campaign against Hillary Clinton. Sessions was the first senator to back Trump’s bid for the GOP nomination, and he even donned a “Make America Great Again” hat during a Trump rally in Mobile, but he doesn’t have near the name recognition as Christie or Gingrich, nor the Midwest ties of Pence. Trump likely doesn’t need help winning over Deep South voters, either. Of course, Sessions also doesn’t have a black mark like “bridge-gate” or passing anti-LGBTQ rights legislation in the recent past. Trump is expected to pick his running mate Friday, though those close to the campaign say he could make the announcement anytime this week — perhaps after a planned public rally with Pence set for Tuesday.
Alabama Senators Jeff Sessions, Richard Shelby slam Obama proposal to house illegal minors in Baldwin County
A flood of 38,566 illegal alien juveniles who have entered into the United States from Mexico have been apprehended through May — a 69 percent increase from 2015, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The stat was quoted Wednesday by Alabama’s U.S. Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby in a joint letter to three senior federal officials, stating “only a small fraction have been removed from the United States.” The letter, sent to Secretary Jeh Johnson of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Sylvia Burwell of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Attorney General Loretta Lynch of the U.S. Justice Department, states the Senators’ opposition to the Obama administration’s proposal to use two outlying airfields at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Baldwin County as a potential location to house purportedly unaccompanied illegal alien juveniles. It also expresses their concerns about the administration’s handling of the increasing number of illegal juveniles crossing our southern border. “Transporting some of these juveniles more than 900 miles away from our southern border to the state of Alabama, instead of expeditiously and humanely sending them back to their homes, will only make the situation worse,” the letter reads. “It rewards illegal conduct, and arguably renders the United States complicit in criminal conspiracies to violate our immigration laws.” To make matters worse, they said roughly 91 percent of the illegal youths are released to their family members, many of whom are also in the United States illegally. “According to the Government Accountability Office, between January 7, 2014, and April 17, 2015, ORR released illegal alien juveniles from its custody to a parent in 60 percent of all cases, an aunt or uncle in 13 percent, a sibling in 12 percent, an ‘other relative’ in 3 percent, a first cousin in 2 percent, and a grandparent in 1 percent of all cases. Thus, in roughly 91 percent of all cases, these juveniles are eventually released to the custody of a family member located in the United States,” said the letter. They continued, “However, this administration has failed to take any enforcement action against these family members — most of whom had some role to play in the juveniles’ illegal entry into the United States. And many of those family members are present in the United States unlawfully.” Both senators have been longtime critics of President Barack Obama‘s immigration policies “Strong leadership and a commitment to the faithful execution of the laws on the books would convey a clear message to the world that if you come to the United States illegally, you will be removed. Rather than improve the current situation, administration policies have only made the situation worse,” they added. Read the full text of their letter below: Dear Secretary Johnson, Secretary Burwell, and Attorney General Lynch: We write to express our opposition to the evaluation by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) of two outlying airfields at Naval Air Station Whiting Field as a potential location to house purportedly unaccompanied illegal alien juveniles, and to express our concerns about this Administration’s handling of the increasing number crossing our southern border. Just two years ago, President Obama sent a letter to Congress outlining his plans to handle the surge at our southern border. Two years later, it is clear that President Obama’s plans for handling the situation have failed. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 38,566 illegal alien juveniles have been apprehended through May – a 69 percent increase over last year, and a number surpassed only by the record number apprehended in FY 2014. Since the beginning of FY 2014, 147,077 have been apprehended, yet only a small fraction have been removed from the United States. Transporting some of these juveniles more than 900 miles away from our southern border to the State of Alabama, instead of expeditiously and humanely sending them back to their homes, will only make the situation worse. It rewards illegal conduct, and arguably renders the United States complicit in criminal conspiracies to violate our immigration laws. According to the Government Accountability Office, between January 7, 2014, and April 17, 2015, ORR released illegal alien juveniles from its custody to a parent in 60 percent of all cases, an aunt or uncle in 13 percent, a sibling in 12 percent, an “other relative” in 3 percent, a first cousin in 2 percent, and a grandparent in 1 percent of all cases. Thus, in roughly 91 percent of all cases, these juveniles are eventually released to the custody of a family member located in the United States. However, this Administration has failed to take any enforcement action against these family members – most of whom had some role to play in the juveniles’ illegal entry into the United States. And many of those family members are present in the United States unlawfully. The Administration continues to prevent the use of any of a number of commonsense tools to protect the integrity of our immigration system and the sovereignty of this nation. Moreover, the need for additional housing facilities is far from clear. Indeed, there seems to be some confusion on the part of the Administration as to whom the special processing procedures in the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) apply. Indeed, under a plain reading of the Act, many of the illegal alien juveniles apprehended could be expeditiously and humanely sent back to their homes – because they do not meet the definition of an “unaccompanied alien child.” Pursuant to the TVPRA, an “unaccompanied alien child” who is apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security must be transferred to the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services, which is then responsible for their care and custody. However, the TVPRA defines an “unaccompanied alien child” by cross-referencing section 462(g) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. § 279(g)), which defines an “unaccompanied alien child” as an individual who has no lawful immigration status in the United States, who is under 18, and with respect to whom “there is no parent or legal guardian in the
Guns, immigration and Zika top agenda as Congress returns
Gun control, immigration and money to combat the Zika virus top the congressional agenda as lawmakers sprint toward the political conventions this month and a seven-week summer recess. Amid all that, Republicans plan to squeeze in a meeting with Donald Trump on Thursday. The House and Senate have just eight legislative days before their break, and lawmakers have scheduled a handful of politically charged votes with implications for incumbents in November’s election. In the House, legislation to fight terrorism and a gun control measure that already failed in the Senate are planned for this week. House Speaker Paul Ryan said a GOP plan to keep suspected terrorists from obtaining firearms would do so “without compromising a citizen’s basic bill of rights,” including the rights to bear arms and receive due process under the law. In the Senate, immigration bills and legislation to impose labeling on genetically modified food are on tap. Unclear is whether Republicans and Democrats can resolve the dispute over funds for the mosquito-borne Zika virus now that summer is in full swing, or whether the matter will have to wait until September when Congress returns. A look at the issues: ___ ZIKA Back in February, President Barack Obama requested $1.9 billion in emergency money to fight Zika, which causes grave birth defects and has infected 287 pregnant women in the United States and 250 in U.S. territories, according to the most recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control. Congress has failed to fund the request as the issue has been caught up in partisan fights and the typical dysfunction. House Republicans rammed through a bill that would provide $1.1 billion by cutting money from other government agencies. The legislation, to the anger of Democrats, would bar new funding for Planned Parenthood clinics in Puerto Rico and allow pesticide spraying that environmentalists argue would be harmful. Senate Democrats have blocked the bill and another vote is expected this week, although progress is unlikely. ___ GUN CONTROL Bowing to election-year pressure from Democrats, Ryan, R-Wis., says the House will vote on a GOP proposal aimed at keeping suspected terrorists from obtaining firearms, a measure backed by the National Rifle Association. Democrats want to vote on their own gun control bills, and they haven’t ruled out a return to disruptive tactics if they’re rebuffed. Ryan indicated on Tuesday that Democrats are unlikely to get a vote. Democrats staged a sit-in on the House floor that lasted nearly 26 hours last month to call attention to their demand for gun-control votes. The sit-in followed the June 12 mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people and heightened attention on the national toll taken by firearms. The GOP bill would let the government block firearms purchases for suspected terrorists, but only if prosecutors can prove in court that the buyer is involved in terrorism. It would also establish a new office within the Department of Homeland Security to focus on preventing extremist groups from recruiting followers. Democrats say the Republican bill is too weak. They want votes on one measure expanding background check requirements for gun buyers, and a second banning firearms sales to terror suspects without requiring prosecutors to first prove the buyer was embarking on terrorism. ___ FAA REAUTHORIZATION Key House and Senate lawmakers are close to a deal on a bill to extend the Federal Aviation Administration’s programs and policies, which are due to expire on July 15. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Pa., chairman of the House Transportation Committee, has agreed to temporarily drop his contentious plan to privatize the nation’s air traffic control system in order to allow a bill to move forward. Negotiations have focused on what policy provisions to include in the extension. There is strong support in both chambers to include an array of proposals to enhance airports security in light of recent airport attacks in Istanbul and Brussels. Proposals to extend new protections to airline consumers, relax medical requirements for private pilots and lift some restrictions on commercial drone flights are also under discussion. ___ TRUMP House and Senate Republicans are slated to meet with the GOP’s presumptive presidential nominee less than two weeks before the party convention in Cleveland. Among those expected to attend the separate sessions are Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee, Jeff Sessions of Alabama and Joni Ernst of Iowa, all of whom have been mentioned as possible running mates for the blustery billionaire. Trump’s short list of possible vice presidential candidates is heavy with Washington insiders who could help usher his agenda through Congress. ____ IMMIGRATION Senate Democrats are expected to block a GOP bill that would withhold congressional funding from so-called sanctuary cities that shield residents from federal immigration authorities. Republicans also are proposing a bill to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for any person who illegally re-enters the country after being removed. Republicans have pushed for action since last year when 32-year-old Kathryn Steinle was shot in San Francisco. The man charged in the killing was in the country illegally despite a long criminal record and multiple prior deportations. He had been released by San Francisco authorities despite a request from federal immigration authorities to keep him detained. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Yeas and Nays – How Alabama delegation voted this week: 6/24/16
Here’s a look at how the Alabama delegation voted on major issues in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate this week: House votes Much of the U.S. House of Representative’s legislative schedule was postponed due to the House Democrats’ “sit-in” protest. A vote on overriding the president’s veto of H. J. Res. 88, a resolution that disapproves the rule issued by the Labor Department on April 8, 2016, commonly known as the fiduciary rule on retirement investment advice, which subjects broker-dealers who oversee retirement investments to the fiduciary standard under which they must provide investment advice that is in the best interest of the investor “without regard to the financial or other interests” of the financial institution, adviser or other party. A two-thirds vote of both chambers is needed to override a veto; the House originally passed the measure by a 234-183 vote, while the Senate originally cleared it by a 56-41 vote. The president vetoed the measure June 8. Passed House 239-180, but the vote failed to override a presidential veto. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) Nay: Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Conference Report to H.R.2577, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for 2017. The conference report would provide $82.5 billion in discretionary funding in fiscal 2017 for the Veterans Affairs Department, military construction and military housing. It also would provide $1.1 billion in funding to combat the Zika virus, with roughly $750 million in offsets. Passed House 239-171. Yea: Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01); Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02); Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03); Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04); Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05); Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) Nay: Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) Next week the House is in recess and will be back in session on Tuesday, July 5. Senate votes The Senate only voted on amendments this week and passed no legislation. The Senate is scheduled to be in session next week.
Senate passes $602 billion defense authorization bill, defies White House veto threat
Defying a White House veto threat, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a sweeping $602 billion defense bill. Among its many Pentagon reforms it bars shuttering the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, includes 1.6 percent pay raise for military troops as well as a historic provision that would mandate young women to register for a potential draft, and denies the Pentagon’s bid to start a new round of military base closings. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2017 passed the Senate 85-13, with support from both of Alabama ‘s U.S. senators, Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions. “From the lack of a comprehensive, coherent, bi-partisan strategy to deal with Islamic terrorists, to the purpose for the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, to policies about who is eligible for combat, the current Administration continues to make illogical choices for ideological and political reasons that are counter to common sense,” said Sessions, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, in a news release. “While this bill is not perfect, I supported it because it provides needed resources for our national defense, for our service men and women fighting overseas, and for Alabama’s military assets that are so crucial to our national defense.” Sen. Shelby had a personal victory by ensuring an amendment, which will allow the U.S. Air Force to continue to use the RD-180 rocket engine for critical national security launches until a domestic alternative is available, was included in the final bill. “The inclusion of this amendment in the NDAA is a significant victory for national security and reflects what Congress has heard time and again from every senior official currently serving in the Air Force, Pentagon, and Intelligence Community,” said Shelby in a news release. “The NDAA now safeguards the U.S. Air Force’s authority to maintain competition for the most vital national security and intelligence launches. Not only is this authority critical to ensuring America’s assured access to space, but it is also positive news for American taxpayers.” The amendment safeguards roughly 1,000 jobs in Decatur, Ala., where the rockets are produced by United Launch Alliance – a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed-Martin. The House passed a version of the NDAA last month, but significant changes by the Senate mean lawmakers must meet to negotiate a final bill. “For this defense bill to become law, the Senate must go to conference with the House of Representatives and get the President’s signature,” Sessions continued. “As our country faces increased threats abroad and at home, I hope this legislation can be improved and made final. I continue to work to make sure Alabama’s contributions to our national defense are properly recognized and protected, and that our men and women overseas have the resources, support and policies in place that will allow them to succeed.”
Donald Trump to wary Republicans: Trust me. Really.
Call it Donald Trump‘s trust-me tour of the Republican establishment. The lone political survivor of a riotous GOP primary is embarking on another campaign, this time to convince wary Republican leaders to sign on to his improbable turn as their presidential nominee. Trump is seeking to show – not just tell – that he’s a conservative who will unite the party and help the GOP hang on to its congressional majorities. Trump’s branding effort is showing signs of working: He’s collected some key endorsements on Capitol Hill. And some critics, such as Sen. Lindsey Graham, have muted their nastygrams. But he’s working in what could be a very short window, while likely Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton labors to vanquish Sen. Bernie Sanders‘ stubborn challenge. And it’s far from clear how long Trump and top Republicans can remain on their best, most unified behavior. Here’s a look at Trump’s drive for buy-in from the GOP establishment: —- TRUST ME: I’M A CONSERVATIVE It’s one of the top GOP concerns about Trump: He wasn’t a Republican for most of his public life, so how conservative could he be? Who Trump would nominate to the Supreme Court, which now has one vacancy and almost surely will have more in the coming years, has lingered as a key question. House Speaker Paul Ryan discussed the issue with Trump at their meeting last week; the billionaire assured Ryan he’d release a list of potential nominees, “soon.” He demonstrated follow-through: On Wednesday, Trump named 11 federal and state court judges he’d consider as potential replacements for the late Justice Antonin Scalia, any of whom would restore conservative control of the court lost with his death. The group was widely praised as a conservative dream team. — TRUST ME: I’M A LOYAL REPUBLICAN Trump has said for weeks that he wants to unite the party and help it raise always-welcome political cash. On Thursday in New Jersey, he demonstrated one way how. Trump attended fundraisers designed to help former rival Chris Christie and the state Republican Party pay down debt they incurred during the governor’s presidential campaign and the party’s legal bills from the George Washington Bridge scandal. Christie, who folded his presidential campaign and endorsed Trump, took a huge risk earlier this year to endorse the billionaire. The pair attended a $25,000-per-person fundraiser for the state GOP to help it pay off about $500,000 incurred in legal fees, an event that could go a long way toward making that debt disappear. Trump and Christie headlined a separate, $200 per-person fundraiser to pay down Christie’s roughly $250,000 presidential campaign debt. — TRUST ME: THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE DOES Trump and the RNC this week signed a joint fundraising agreement that will allow donors to write checks of up to $449,400. The agreement will allow the Trump campaign to raise cash that the national party can spend on both his campaign and other Republican efforts. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said it will go toward expanding ground, data and digital operations to elect Republicans “up and down the ballot.” — TRUST ME: I’M RUNNING A PROFESSIONAL CAMPAIGN NOW The early iteration of Trump and a few inexperienced aides running the campaign has morphed into a more professional operation as Trump has brought in seasoned political operatives. Political veteran Paul Manafort is running the convention operation; RNC Finance Chairman Lew Eisenberg will head up the joint fundraising project. And after suggesting that pollsters are a waste of money, Trump hired pollster Tony Fabrizio, who’s worked for GOP presidential candidates going back decades. — TRUST ME: I’VE GIVEN POLICY SOME THOUGHT Trump caused much indigestion among Republican leaders in March when he said on MSNBC that women who have abortions should be punished – then changed positions and settled on leaving the law the way it is. Then-rival Ted Cruz groused that Trump clearly hasn’t given “serious thought” to policy. Trump has sought to refute that impression, giving a foreign policy speech to the National Press Club earlier this month, an address to the National Rifle Association on Friday, an energy speech next week and beyond that, an address on economic policy. — TRUST ME: I’M LISTENING Across the Sunday news shows last weekend, key Republicans described party unity as the education of Donald Trump. Even his chief Senate ally, U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, who sits on the armed services committee, said Trump is “going to need to learn. He’s going to need to understand really completely … how complex this world is.” Also on ABC’s “This Week,” U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., called him “a work in progress.” And Ryan has refused so far to endorse Trump. But Trump is meeting with lawmakers and taking their calls. And his aides, including Manafort, are shuttling between meetings with members of Congress and policy think tanks taking suggestions for policy papers. For all of this stated open-mindedness, though, Trump was quoted by The New York Times last weekend: “Just what I need is more advice. The (Republicans) I beat are still giving me advice.” Republished with permission of The Associated Press.
Jeff Sessions: Paul Ryan made ‘big mistake’ not backing Donald Trump
Republican Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) took to the airwaves Thursday night to weigh-in on House Speaker Paul Ryan‘s (R-WI) refusal to back presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. During a TV interview on Fox Business Network’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight,” Alabama’s junior senator, who was the first sitting U.S. Senator to endorse Trump, said there are some members of the establishment that are having “difficulty dealing with [Trump’s] big victory so far.” Ryan said Thursday he will not yet back Trump’s presidential bid, despite the fact that he is the party’s presumptive nominee. Dobbs weighed-in saying it was “shocking” to hear Ryan’s claim he was “not ready” to support Trump. “I think this was a big mistake. I really do. And I’m really surprised, frankly, since he’d indicated he’d support whoever the nominee was,” responded Sessions. Sessions said someone in Ryan’s position of influence needs to set the tone for all Republican lawmakers. “Well, the Speaker of the House is a big leader, and an important figure in the Republican Party,” said Sessions. “He calls on house members every day to stand with him in unity and needs to set a good example for Republicans. Sessions went on to explain that Trump’s message has resonated with the American people, which is why he’s gotten more votes than any other Republican primary candidate in history. “Well, he has certainly appealed to the American people,” Sessions continued. “And I think certain Republican leaders and establishment figures need to ask themselves how it is with the process not even over, he’s gotten more votes than any other Republican primary candidate in history, who is talking directly to the American people — their concerns about trade, about immigration, about a foreign policy that was restrained. All of those are conservative values, Lou. It’s conservative to want a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest. It’s conservative to favor a trade policy that defends American manufacturing and workers’ jobs and wages, and to have a foreign policy that’s restrained. “Trump has been strong and clear. He’s had the courage to take on the establishment. Some of them are having difficulty dealing with his big victories so far.” Watch the interview below:
UTC Aerospace Systems expands in southwest Alabama, adding 260 jobs
UTC Aerospace Systems announced Tuesday that it is expanding its existing footprint in Foley, Alabama by adding a new manufacturing facility. Slated to open in second-quarter of 2017, the $30 million facility is estimated to bring 260 new jobs to southwest Alabama’s Baldwin County. The new 80,000 square-foot building will house the assembly of nacelle components and propulsion system integration. “This expansion is a great opportunity to expand our ability to apply our innovative nacelle technology to one of the world’s most popular airplanes,” Marc Duvall, president of UTC Aerospace Systems’ Aerostructures business, said in a statement. “We chose Foley to expand because of its proven track record of performance, our desire to be near a key customer, and the tremendous cooperation we’ve had from the state, county and the city.” The Foley facility is a leader in UTC Aerospace Systems’ drive to operate the most efficient factories in the industry through its relentless application of continuous improvement principles. UTC Aerospace Systems’ Aerostructures business currently operates two collocated facilities in Foley: a 220,000-square foot original equipment plant employing approximately 600 people and an adjacent 210,000-square foot maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility employing about 200 people. Gov. Robert Bentley praised the news in a statement “The UTC Aerospace Systems facility in Foley is one of the company’s most innovative and productive operations, and I welcome this significant expansion, which will add new capabilities and expand its Alabama workforce,” Bentley said. “Creating new jobs remains my top priority, especially in the aerospace industry which we identified as strategic in our Accelerate Alabama growth plan. I commend the leaders at UTC Aerospace Systems for their investment in our state and confidence in the Alabama workforce.” Other Alabama politicians were quick to echo their support. “Today’s announcement that UTC Aerospace Systems plans an expansion of its facilities in Foley reaffirms UTC’s commitment to Southwest Alabama and serves to further demonstrate the excellence of the region as a home for high-tech manufacturers,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions. “UTC’s expansion will add 260 Alabamians to its employment rolls to produce aerospace components for nearby Airbus and other aerospace manufacturers. The workforce and environment for manufacturing in Alabama are second to none, and our partnerships with UTC, Airbus, and other global manufacturing leaders will continue to reap benefits to our communities and provide good jobs for Alabamians.” “I want to commend UTC Aerospace for reaffirming and expanding their commitment to Baldwin County and their operations in Foley,” Congressman Bradley Byrne weighed in. “Today’s news is an important reminder that the economic impact of the Airbus manufacturing facility is not just limited to Mobile. I truly believe Southwest Alabama is on the path to becoming one of the major aviation hubs in the United States, and it is a testament to the great people who make up our workforce.” With an increased workforce of more than 1,000 employees at the Foley site, the expansion will help the company support multiple airplane platforms including the Airbus A320, the Bombardier CSeries, the Embraer E2 and Mitsubishi Regional Jet, though its primary mission will be to service the Airbus final assembly line in Mobile. “UTC’s expansion project is more evidence that Alabama is primed for aerospace growth as Airbus ramps up production in Mobile,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “By adding new capabilities at its Baldwin County facility, UTC is solidifying its position as a pillar in an expanding aerospace corridor.” The current UTC facility in Foley employs around 800 people, making it one of the largest aerospace companies operating in the state.
How popular are Alabama’s senators?
It’s no surprise, Congress’ public approval rating is abysmal — a vast majority of Americans continue to disapprove of the job they’re doing. According to Gallup polling the rating has been stuck in the mid-teens for over year, and has not exceeded 20 percent since October of 2012. Nevertheless some Americans actually really like particular members of Congress. A new survey by Morning Consult polled 62,000 registered voters in all 50 states as to what they thought about the job their senators are doing. The results: despite the overall Congressional approval rating, some senators rate highly in their home states among constituents. The top five most popular senators in America: Bernie Sanders (I-VT) Susan Collins (R-ME) John Hoeven (R-ND) Angus King (I-ME) Patrick Leahy (D-VT) The five least popular senators in America: Mitch McConnell (R-KY) Pat Roberts (R-KS) John McCain (R-AZ) Orrin Hatch (R-UT) Harry Reid (D-NV) As for Alabama’s senators, long-time Republican Senator Richard Shelby ranks as the 16th most liked senator with a 59% approval rating. Perhaps more surprisingly is that Tea Party darling Sen. Jeff Sessions is solidly in the middle of the pack ranked 33rd overall with a 54% approval rating.
5 years later, Alabama politicians reflect on the 2011 tornado outbreak
Wednesday marks the 5th anniversary of the second largest, most deadly tornado outbreaks in Alabama’s history. On April 27, 2011 a series of 62 tornadoes tore through 35 counties and 80 cities across northern and central Alabama, leaving devastation in its wake — killing more than 250 people, amassing more than a billion dollars in damages. Five years later, the vortex’s destruction still lingers across the Yellowhammer State as the reality of lost loved ones, friends, businesses and belongings hits a little too close to home for all too many Alabamians. Today, Alabama politicians from across the state look back on that fateful day: Gov. Robert Bentley: Alabama will never forget the more than 250 people who lost their lives on April 27, 2011. Today, five years later, Alabama is better prepared to face the next natural disaster due to the lessons learned in how we prepare and respond. I am proud of the efforts state agencies made to help communities recover. U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions: Today we remember the lives tragically claimed by the storms of April 27, 2011. The tornadoes which ripped through the Southeast five years ago did unprecedented damage in Alabama, tearing apart not just our homes and businesses but countless families. However, in those darkest of days, the people of our state united in a common purpose to reveal their true nature. The love and service shown in the following days and weeks through the giving of time, aid, and prayer brought our communities together like never before. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: Five years ago today, the most powerful long-track tornado in Alabama history struck Tuscaloosa and surrounding communities. Please join me in remembering the lives that were tragically lost on that day as well as the generosity, strength, and resilience of the people of Alabama. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne (AL-01): April 27th, 2011 is a day that forever changed our state. Over 250 Alabamians lost their lives that day as tornado after tornado tore through the state. In difficult times like this, I always try to think about the positive things. We learned a lot about Alabama on that day and the weeks that followed. The resiliency of our state and the caring spirit of our people were on full display. So on this anniversary, let us remember those we lost while also taking great pride in how far we have come. U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02): Today marks five years since an unprecedented outbreak of tornadoes ripped through the State of Alabama killing 252 people and leveling whole communities. We can all remember where we were that day and how time stood still as we realized just how devastating these storms were and how Alabama would never be the same. There are countless stories from that day and its aftermath: stories of loss and devastation, but also stories of heroism and hope. People in our state came together in a very special way to help their neighbors in need, protect people they had never met, and serve each other as never before. We remember the those we lost that awful day. We ask prayers of comfort for their families on what must be a difficult anniversary for them. And, we recommit ourselves to serving and looking out for our neighbors just as we did after April 27, 2011. God bless you and God bless our state. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03): Today marks the fifth anniversary since a super storm of tornadoes swept through the Southeast. These tornadoes were some of the deadliest in U.S. history and Alabama was hit the hardest. Over 200 lives were lost and thousands were changed forever. As a community, we rebuilt or homes, schools and businesses. It is that strength and resilience that we prayed for to keep us moving forward. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-04): It is hard to imagine that is has already been five years since that dark day in our state’s history. Having been traveling in the 4th District that day, I was able to see first-hand the destruction that took place. Quite honestly, I didn’t know where the next tornado was going to touchdown. … Five years later, while many of the physical scars have healed, homes have been rebuilt and businesses have reopened, the emotional scars remain. 249 people died across Alabama with half of those deaths occurring inside the 4th District. I encourage everyone to continue to pray for those who lost loved ones and to remember them on this anniversary. U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (AL-05): Five years ago today, North Alabama faced one of the worst natural disasters in our history. In the wake of a seemingly unending string of tornado trails, I saw firsthand the compassion and resilient spirit of neighbors, churches, family members, emergency personnel, and local law enforcement as they came together to help and comfort those in need. Shortly after the tornadoes struck, my family and friends joined hundreds of other volunteers in the severely damaged Anderson Hills neighborhood to help cut and haul destroyed trees and other debris to the streets for removal. I will never forget how our spirits were uplifted when Alabama’s Governor and numerous other elected officials unexpectedly appeared and promised to help people recover from the widespread destruction. While the Tennessee Valley has largely recovered from the physical destruction and most homes have been rebuilt or replaced, many of our friends and neighbors lost loved ones who will never come back. Today, please take a moment and keep them in our thoughts and prayers. U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06): Today we remember the 252 people who lost their lives 5 years ago when 62 tornados ripped through Alabama destroying homes, communities, and families. The tornados severely damaged my hometown of Hackleburg, and our community lost 18 friends and neighbors that day. In one of our state’s darkest hours, we saw neighbors come together to rebuild the place they call home, not because they had to but because that’s who the people of Alabama are. As we look back,
In Donald Trump, Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions finds political kindred spirit
Donald Trump and Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions would seem to have little in common. Sessions is a polite Southerner from small-town Alabama, while Trump is a brash New Yorker and creature of the big-city spotlight. Sessions likes to spend weekends out of cellphone range in a rural corner of his home state. Trump retreats to his lavish Mar-a-Lago compound where he’s easily accessible on social media or for a television appearance. Yet the two have become kindred political spirits in the 2016 election, drawn together by a shared belief that some of their Republican Party leaders are selling out their own voters on immigration, as well as on trade. It’s an argument Sessions has made for years in relative obscurity and one Trump has ridden to the top of the Republican presidential primary field. “I do think the Republican Party needs to recognize that it is in danger of promoting an agenda that’s contrary to the wishes of its own voters,” Sessions said. “This can be a death blow.” As the first – and to this point, only – senator to endorse Trump, Sessions has taken on the role as Washington gatekeeper for the GOP front-runner. He’s assembled the candidate’s foreign policy leadership team and sends other experts Trump’s way. When Trump name-drops Sessions on the campaign trail, it elicits cheers from crowds who have come to see his endorsement as affirmation of their candidate’s hard line on immigration. “When it came to immigration, which is a very big issue for me, and trade, which is an enormous issue for me, I felt he’s the most respected person in Washington,” Trump said of Sessions during an interview with The Associated Press. It’s an unlikely turn in the political spotlight for the 69-year-old Sessions, who has hardly been viewed as a man of significant political influence during his nearly 20 years representing Alabama in the Senate. He’s the longest-serving Republican in the Senate without a committee chairmanship or leadership post. And he’s increasingly been out of step with his party’s leaders on major issues, including his staunch opposition to the sweeping Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. If Sessions has been known for anything outside of his home state in recent years, it’s been as the target of immigration advocates, who have branded him a nativist for his support of tough enforcement policies and limiting legal immigration. He was instrumental in derailing President George W. Bush‘s attempts at immigration overhauls and was a leading opponent of the 2013 “Gang of Eight” bill that passed in the Senate but was blocked in the House. “He’s the most ardent, anti-immigrant restrictionist that you can find,” said Frank Sharry, executive director of the pro-immigration group America’s Voice. “He comes from the kick-them-out-and-keep-them-out camp.” Sessions sees Trump’s rise as validation of his belief that Republicans’ political success depends not on expanding its appeal with the fast-growing Hispanic voting bloc, but on siding with working-class voters who view job competition from immigrants and trade agreements as a threat to their own economic security. The senator dismisses the notion that he and Trump’s views are geared only toward white voters, saying he’s “morally” confident that he’s aligned with Hispanics and African-Americans as much as anyone else. “You bring in more labor, you’re competing directly with them,” Sessions said of minorities. Despite their shared political philosophy, the senator’s endorsement didn’t come easy for Trump. Sessions had met the billionaire only once, when the real estate mogul testified at a 2005 Senate hearing on funding for a United Nations renovation project. But shortly after announcing his candidacy, Trump began courting Sessions’ support and seeking policy guidance from the senator’s staff. The two men also began speaking by phone. In September, they held a 90-minute meeting at Session’s hideaway office on Capitol Hill, where Trump told the senator flatly that he was in the race to win it. In January, trusted Sessions’ aide Stephen Miller left Capitol Hill to serve as a senior policy adviser to Trump. Sessions grew fond of Trump but resisted endorsing him. Sessions had never publicly backed a candidate in a GOP primary before and preferred to make the case for his views through data-driven policy papers. It’s not unusual for his aides to distribute lengthy documents to Senate offices, or for Sessions himself to push materials into a colleague’s hand. A turning point came in January, when the senator joined other lawmakers and prominent conservatives at a private retreat in Sea Island, Georgia. The exclusive gathering was held just a few weeks before primary voting began, as the reality that Trump’s candidacy wasn’t fading began to set in with many Republicans. Sessions became incensed as one high-profile speaker in particular railed against Trump, warning that he would be destructive for the party. Though Sessions wasn’t scheduled to speak, he stood up unexpectedly and berated his colleagues for being the ones putting the party’s future at risk by failing to fully understand their voters’ economic concerns. “I just felt like, we’ve got to battle for the heart and soul for the Republican Party,” Sessions said. “Are we going to reattach with the middle class, working Americans or are we going to continue to kowtow to the donor class?” About a month later, Sessions joined Trump on stage at a rally in Madison, Alabama, and announced his endorsement. Two days later, Trump won Sessions’ home state by more than 20 points. Sessions’ endorsement stunned some conservatives, who assumed that if he did back a candidate, it would be Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. But Sessions suggested he didn’t see his Senate colleague as a viable nominee, noting that his endorsement came after Trump defeated Cruz in the South Carolina primary. Trump often brags that legions of lawmakers and Washington powerbrokers are constantly reaching out to him. But he conceded that Sessions made him work for his support and needed to be sure the first-time politician was a true-believer on immigration and trade. “It wasn’t easy,” Trump said. “I put
