Tommy Tuberville and GOP Colleagues urge Joe Biden to negotiate on debt limit
U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt joined U.S. Senator Mike Lee and dozens of Republican colleagues in calling for fiscal responsibility and spending control measures in debt ceiling negotiations. Tuberville joined a GOP letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer declaring broad Republican opposition to any debt ceiling legislation that lacks significant spending control measures. “It is now clear that Senate Republicans aren’t going to bail out Biden and Schumer. They have to negotiate,” said Sen. Lee. “I thank my colleagues for joining my effort to emphasize this point in the clearest possible terms.” “The Senate Republican conference is united behind the House Republican conference in support of spending cuts and structural budget reform as a starting point for negotiations on the debt ceiling,” wrote the senators. “This trajectory must be addressed with fiscal reforms.” The letter emphasizes the GOP senators’ united front with the House Republican conference, advocating for spending cuts and structural budget reforms as prerequisites for any negotiation on raising the debt ceiling. “Dear Leader Schumer, The Senate Republican Conference is united behind the House Republican Conference in support of spending cuts and structural budget reform as a starting point for negotiations on the debt ceiling. Our economy is in free fall due to unsustainable fiscal policies. This trajectory must be addressed with fiscal reforms. Moreover, recent Treasury projections have reinforced the urgency of addressing the debt ceiling. The House has taken a responsible first step in coming to the table with their proposals. It is imperative that the president now do the same. As such, we will not be voting for cloture on any bill that raises the debt ceiling without substantive spending and budget reforms,” the Senators wrote. Senators Tuberville, Britt, and Lee, current signatories include U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Ted Cruz, Mike Crapo, Ted Budd, Mike Braun, James Lankford, Cynthia Lummis, Roger Marshall, M.D., Ron Johnson, James Risch, Eric Schmitt, Rick Scott, John Cornyn, Kevin Cramer, Markwayne Mullin, Roger Wicker, Steve Daines, Lindsey Graham, John Barrasso, Deb Fischer, Tim Scott, John Hoeven, Thom Tillis, and J.D. Vance. The debt limit — commonly called the ‘debt ceiling’ — is the highest amount the government can borrow under federal law. The federal government hit the debt limit in January 2023. Since then, the U.S. Treasury has employed ‘extraordinary measures’ to continue making payments on debt and new expenses. According to the U.S. Treasury, the United States is on track to exhaust those measures and run out of financial liquidity in a matter of weeks, meaning the federal government would no longer be able to make all of its payments. The debt is continuing to rise. The debt ceiling will have to be increased in the coming weeks. Democrats have advocated for an increase in the amount of money the federal government is allowed to borrow without any reduction in federal spending. Republicans say they will not support any debt ceiling increase without significant reductions in spending. President Biden has repeatedly refused to negotiate a debt ceiling deal with Republicans even though the GOP controls the U.S. House of Representatives. The House Republicans passed the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 — a debt ceiling increase paired with spending cuts — on April 26, 2023. In Fiscal Year 2022, federal tax revenue hit a record high of $4.9 trillion. However, in the same year, the federal government had a deficit of more than $1.38 trillion even though the country is not at war and the economy is at full employment. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt cosponsors legislation to protect Supreme Court Justices
On Monday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt joined Senator Marsha Blackburn and a group of nine additional Republican senators in introducing the Protect Our Supreme Court Justices Act, a bill to further protect Supreme Court Justices from intimidation and threats of violence. The legislation is partially in response to threats and intimidation that the Justices received following the leaking of the Dobbs versus Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturning the controversial Roe versus Wade decision. “Protesters attempting to influence judicial decisions through harassment, intimidation, or violence outside the homes of Justices and judges need to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” Sen. Britt stated. “The rule of law cannot be replaced with mob rule in the United States. The integrity and effectiveness of our judicial system hinges on the ability of judges to impartially interpret the law and rule on the legal merits of cases without fearing retribution to themselves or their families. I’m proud to co-sponsor the Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act to ensure we have a strong deterrent that can keep our Justices, judges, and their families safe while safeguarding the rule of law.” “As we saw last summer, the woke liberal mob will go to great lengths to target those they disagree with – even illegally intimidating Supreme Court Justices at their private residences,” said Sen. Blackburn. “It’s extremely concerning that none of these protesters have been arrested for breaking the law, and the DOJ has not issued any guidance on enforcing this statute. The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act will deter intimidation of our Justices and send a message that the Biden administration has refused to send: Justices must be allowed to do their jobs without fearing for the safety of themselves or their families.” The legislation will raise the maximum term of imprisonment for individuals who attempt to unlawfully influence the decision-making of a federal judge from one year to five years, creating a stronger deterrent amid increased threats against the Court. Senators Britt and Blackburn were joined by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), and John Boozman (R-Arkansas) in introducing the bill. “Conservative Supreme Court justices are facing increasing protests from far-left extremists trying to intimidate or punish the justices for their decisions,” said Sen. Cotton. “This legislation will help protect all Supreme Court justices from threats of violence so they can do their jobs as impartial interpreters of the law.” “Justices must be able to rule without fear of retribution or intimidation, and the politicization of our judicial branch is unacceptable and downright dangerous,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By increasing the maximum term of imprisonment for those attempting to influence judicial decision making, we can ensure Supreme Court justices can operate with impartiality and uphold the Constitution without worrying about their safety or that of their family.” “I’ve been a passionate proponent of protecting our Supreme Court justices and their families from the coordinated campaign of harassment and intimidation following the Dobbs decision last year,” said Sen. Cruz. “Not a single one of those protestors have been prosecuted because President Biden’s attorney general disagrees with the Dobbs decision. I’m proud to join Sen. Blackburn and my colleagues in working to expand the consequences of breaking the law and trying to intimidate Supreme Court justices.” “Protesting at the homes of Supreme Court justices and their families is an unlawful and dangerous intimidation tactic, as we’ve witnessed over the last year,” said Sen. Hagerty. “I’m pleased to join Senator Blackburn in working to stop this indefensible conduct.” “The Biden administration has weaponized the judicial system for two years already,” said Sen. Hawley. “Making matters worse, when Republican-appointed Justices are under attack, this Department of Justice won’t defend them. It’s time for Congress to step into the breach.” “Last summer, in an attempt to intimidate U.S. Supreme Court Justices from doing their job, progressive activists protested outside of their homes,” said Sen. Rubio. “We must ensure that Justices are able to carry out their duties without fear for their safety or that of their families. The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act is a necessary step to deter intimidation and ensure that those who seek to influence the decision-making process of our Justices face the full force of the law.” “There is no other way to view the threats and protests we’ve witnessed recently against Supreme Court justices and other federal jurists as anything other than attempts to influence their decisions through fear and intimidation,” said Sen. Hyde-Smith. “This legislation should not be needed to protect the judiciary, but it is. Enacting this bill will make it crystal clear to everyone that these threatening activities are illegal and will be punished.” “Supreme Court justices should be able to carry out their duties without fear of intimidation,” said Sen. Wicker. “This legislation would help ensure their safety and protect our highest court.” “Intimidating members of the judicial branch into ruling a certain way goes against everything our justice system and democracy were founded on,” said Sen. Boozman. “We cannot continue to let this behavior go unchecked or tolerate further targeted acts of violence and harassment. Our legislation prioritizes the safety of Supreme Court justices and their families and ensures accountability for those responsible for adopting such disturbing, lawless tactics.” Federal law already explicitly prohibits protesting at the residence of a judge with the intent of influencing the decision-making process of a judge in a case. The protestors against the Dobbs decision outside of the Justices’ homes could have all been arrested and prosecuted, facing criminal monetary penalties or a maximum of one year of imprisonment, or both. But since they were political allies, the Biden administration ignored the law. The U.S. Department of Justice, under the leadership of Attorney General Merrick Garland, has refused to arrest, charge, or prosecute any individuals who illegally protested outside of the homes of Supreme Court Justices in 2022. The Protecting Our Supreme
Katie Britt: Alabama is expanding the limits of human achievement
On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt highlighted Alabama’s critical contributions to the next era of American space exploration during a recent hearing of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Britt extolled the many contributions to the advancement of space exploration made by the scientists and engineers at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. 7,000 Alabamians work at Marshall. “They have created a legacy of excellence,” Britt stated. “The men and women there have put in the work to literally take us to new heights, and we are all better for it.” On November 16, 2022, NASA successfully launched the most powerful rocket in history – the Space Launch System (SLS) – for the first time during Artemis I. Marshall’s engineers designed the SLS, and Marshall is tasked with leading the management of and testing for the SLS program. “Tens of thousands of very talented and smart people throughout the country – including in my home state of Alabama – were responsible for a flawless SLS launch,” Britt continued. “I am deeply proud of what they have accomplished, and I’m very interested in making sure we keep this momentum going.” There have been many astronauts and cosmonauts in the last 50 years, but they have all gone to the same place: low Earth orbit. Not since the Apollo missions has man ventured further out. NASA will return Americans to the Moon as early as 2025. The Artemis II mission next year will take astronauts back to Moon orbit. Artemis III will put an American back on the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. Artemis IV in 2028 will set the stage for NASA to continue missions to the lunar surface annually. The SLS will be used to launch a man to Mars sometime in the late 2030s if all goes well. “NASA has set a bold vision for the future, one defined by innovation and exploration throughout the heavens,” Administrator Nelson said in his testimony before the subcommittee. Sen. Britt questioned Administrator Nelson about the funding needed to keep the Artemis program on schedule and meet NASA’s lofty goals. “We have to take advantage of the progress we have made and the workforce that has been built over the years. We need to be preparing now for a more sustained cadence of launches for Artemis IV, V, and beyond,” Britt said. “There will be a new generation of boys and girls across America who look up to the Moon at night, knowing that walking its surface is not just a dream but a reality. Once again, it will be thanks to the innovation, grit, and determination of Alabamians that our nation not only expands the limits of human achievement – but quite literally grows the imagination of what one day might and will be possible.” Landing on the Moon remains a complex engineering feat. A Japanese corporation, ispace, apparently has failed in its recent effort to land two rovers on the Moon. The mission to land a Japanese-designed rover and a United Arab Emirates-built rover has failed to communicate back that it has successfully landed on the Moon. While engineers are still working on establishing communications with the lander, the assumption is that the landing has failed. Ispace would have been the first private company to successfully land a spacecraft on the Moon. Only NASA, the former Soviet Union, and China have been able to accomplish that to this point in time. Ispace has signed a contract with NASA to deliver unmanned loads of cargo to the Moon in support of NASA’s ambitious plan to return astronauts to the Moon. At this point, it is unknown how this apparent failure will impact those plans. NASA recently released its first Moon to Mars Architecture review. This is the technology that the space agency needs to accomplish its lofty mission goals in the next twenty years. China also has ambitious plans to send its astronauts to the Moon and Mars. Nelson said it is possible that China could attempt to dominate Moon exploration. “It is a fact: we’re in a space race,” Nelson told Politico. “And it is true that we better watch out that they don’t get to a place on the Moon under the guise of scientific research.” Nelson is scheduled to testify before the House Science Committee on Thursday. Katie Britt was elected in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: Alabama has a host of outstanding political leaders under 45
It may appear to you and most casual observers of Alabama politics that our Alabama elected officials are old. That observation is accurate when you observe our current leaders in the highest offices. The governor’s office has been held by mature folks in recent years. Our current Governor, Kay Ivey, is 78 and has been the object of national media humor for appearing to be a pistol-toting great-grandmother. Dr. Robert Bentley, her predecessor, was in his 70’s, but he may have been sprier than he appeared. Bob Riley was no spring chicken while governor at age 65, although he looked younger. Our iconic senator, Richard Shelby, retired in January at 88 after a record-breaking 36 years in the U.S. Senate. Our new Senior Senator, Tommy Tuberville, is 68. This was not always the case in the Heart of Dixie. In the period from 1930 through 1970, we elected the youngest political leaders in the nation, beginning with our legendary tandem of United States Senators Lister Hill and John Sparkman, who served together close to 30 years. Lister Hill was elected to Congress from Montgomery in 1923 at age 29 and was elected to the U.S. Senate at age 44. John Sparkman was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1946 at 46 after serving as the Congressman for the Tennessee Valley. If you think Hill and Sparkman were young when they went to Washington, you have not seen anything like the governors we elected from 1946 -1966. James E. “Big Jim” Folsom was 38 when he was elected in 1946. John Patterson was 37 when he was elected in 1958. Patterson was referred to as the “Boy Governor.” When George Wallace was elected to his first term in 1962, he was only 43. When his wife Lurleen Wallace was elected in 1966, she was 40. She died in office of cancer less than two years later at 41. Lurleen Wallace was succeeded by Lt. Governor Albert Brewer, who had been Speaker of the Alabama House at 34, Lt. Governor at 38, and was 39 when he became governor. Bill Baxley was the youngest Attorney General in America when he was elected Attorney General of Alabama at 29 years old in 1970. He had been a 25-year-old District Attorney in Houston and Henry Counties. Baxley still practices law in Birmingham at 81. Well, folks, a cursory look at our current top elected officials may appear old. However, we have a generation of young political leaders arriving on the scene in Alabama. We already have superstars on the horizon and already on the scene who are under 45. Our new United States Senator, Katie Britt, is only 40 years old. She has the ability and youthfulness to be one of Alabama’s greatest senators. She has gotten to the Senate at a younger age than Hill, Sparkman, or Shelby. Marshall County has become the hotbed and breeding ground for the next generations of Alabama political leaders. This beautiful pristine lake area of North Alabama lays claim to Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, age 41, State Senate Majority leader Clay Scofield, age 42, and State Representative Wes Kitchens, who is 35 and is Vice Chairman of the House Republican Caucus. Andrew Sorrell, the newly elected State Auditor, is only 37. He has a bright future. The brightest star in the Democratic ranks is Huntsville State Representative Anthony Daniels. At age 40, Daniels is a superstar. He is in his third term in the House from Huntsville. He is the Minority Leader in the House. This gentleman is also a successful high-tech businessman in Rocket City. There are several other stars under 45 in the Alabama House of Representatives besides Daniels and Kitchens, including Kyle South of Fayette, Matt Simpson of Daphne, Joe Lovvorn of Auburn, Ben Robbins of Sylacauga, Scott Stadthagen of Madison, Corey Harbison of Cullman, and very young newcomers James Lomax of Huntsville and Brock Colvin of Albertville. Joining the affable and accomplished 42-year-old Senate Majority Leader, Clay Scofield in the powerful State Senate in the under 45 superstar group are Senator Chris Elliott, 42, of Baldwin, Senator Andrew Jones, 38, of Cherokee, and newly elected Senator Josh Carnley from Coffee County who is 44. Alabama has a host of under 45 political leaders. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column is seen in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Steve served 16 years in the legislature. He may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
Katie Britt expresses her concerns about inflation in confirmation hearing
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) spoke about her concerns with inflation on Tuesday at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Britt questioned Dr. Jared Bernstein, President Joe Biden’s nominee to be the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), on his steadfast support for the Biden Administration’s economic agenda items. Sen. Britt noted previous statements by Dr. Bernstein downplaying inflation by claiming it was merely “transitory.” Responding to Senator Britt’s questioning, Dr. Bernstein asserted that categorizing inflation as “transitory” was “correct” but “too ambiguous.” Bernstein would not say that the term “transitory” should not have been used by the Administration. Britt pressed the case that persistently high inflation has lasted longer than the Administration anticipated when they first used the “transitory.” Senator Britt also made the case that Dr. Bernstein, a current member of the CEA, simply wants to double down on the very policies that have fueled inflation since January 2021. Britt claimed that Dr. Bernstein’s insistence on advising the President to continue pushing an “irresponsible, partisan tax-and-spend agenda” makes him unfit to serve as our nation’s chief economist – a role which traditionally is reserved for a nonpartisan, serious expert. “The last thing the American people need is a continuation of crushing inflation,” said Sen. Britt. “Instead of owning up to this Administration’s failures and committing to a course correction, Dr. Bernstein used his testimony today to deflect blame, shirk responsibility, and even claim that this economy is a success. This is a stark departure from the harsh reality facing hardworking Alabamians around their kitchen table every day. Since President Biden took office, inflation is up 15.4%. As a mom of two school-aged children, I see this firsthand every time I walk the aisles at the grocery store or fill up at the gas pump: grocery prices are up nearly 20%, while energy costs are up 36%. Simply put, the American Dream is slipping further and further out of reach. Dr. Bernstein made it clear today that we can only expect more of the same under his counsel. He should be fired, not promoted.” Real wages, adjusted for inflation, have fallen for 24 consecutive months while rising prices cost the typical household approximately $10,000 in the same period. In 2022 alone, real disposable income fell more than $1 trillion nationwide, the largest drop since 1932. In a recent poll, just 16% of Americans consider economic conditions “excellent” or “good,” while 72% of the population thinks economic conditions are getting worse. White House Press Secretary Karine Jeane-Pierre told reporters on Wednesday, “We have always said it will take some time for inflation to come down. And we may see bumps in the roads, but that’s why lowering costs and fighting inflation remains the President’s top priority.” Katie Britt won a landslide election in November to win her first term as U.S. Senator. She is a former Chief of Staff for Sen. Richard Shelby, an attorney, and formerly the President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt vote to defund abortions at VA facilities
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate held a procedural vote on U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s resolution to block the Biden Administration’s rule authorizing abortions at VA healthcare facilities. U.S. Senator Katie Britt is an original cosponsor of Tuberville’s resolution and voted in favor of the resolution on Wednesday. The Congressional Review Act (CRA) gives Congress the authority to review major rules issued by federal agencies before they take effect. If Congress disapproves of a rule via resolution, the rule will have no force or effect under the law. Since this is a resolution rather than formal legislation, it is easier procedurally to bring it to the floor. “We’re going to vote to overturn it because it is illegal, it is wrong, and it abuses taxpayer dollars,” Tuberville said at a press conference prior to the vote. “In September, the VA announced they were going to start performing abortions. The VA had never done abortions before.” “Congress banned abortion at the VA 30 years ago,” Tuberville explained. “It was unanimous. One of the Senators who voted for that bill was Joe Biden. We have never repealed this law. It is still on the books, and the Administration needs to follow it. The Administration doesn’t get to change the law without a vote in Congress.” “This is about taxpayer dollars. The Administration is spending money Congress never authorized and never appropriated,” stated Tuberville. “We’re supposed to have an appropriations process in this city. Yet the Biden Administration seems to think they don’t need to follow the appropriations process.” “The Biden Administration is clearly using the VA to circumvent and erode the longstanding, bipartisan, and lifesaving law of the land that prohibits hard-earned taxpayer dollars from being used for abortions,” said Sen. Britt. “At the end of the day, the VA should be focused on eliminating bureaucratic barriers, clearing backlogs, and ensuring our veterans have access to the world-class health care that they deserve, not funding the far-left’s radical political agenda. I will continue to fight to defend life, support parents, grow opportunities for hardworking families, and preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children.” The measure did not gain the majority threshold needed to advance. In September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) new rule directs VA facilities to perform abortions, even in jurisdictions like Alabama where state law regulates or outlaws abortion in conflict with the federal rule. Tuberville voiced concerns that the rule makes VA healthcare facilities unfriendly workplaces for Christian doctors and nurses and potentially violates their constitutional rights to practice their religion. “We’ve got Christian doctors and nurses at VA facilities worried about getting fired because of who they are,” Tuberville said. “We don’t need to purge medical staff from our VA system right now. We want to attract people to work at the VA, not drive them away.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Senate Committee advances legislation to bar protests at individual residences
On Thursday, the Alabama Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee voted to advance legislation prohibiting protests and picketing outside individual residences. Senate Bill 199 is sponsored by State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur). Orr said that this legislation was inspired by the protests outside of Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s house following the release of a draft opinion overturning the Roe v. Wade decision. Orr said, “Protesters come out to the house and protested on the sidewalk with bullhorns and created a nuisance.” Orr said that he felt that the state of Alabama did not want that, so he drafted legislation to ban such tactics. “I showed it to Judiciary Chairman [Will] Barfoot, and he had some ideas,” Orr said. Sen. Will Barfoot said, “No person at or near a person’s residence. I think that is pretty vague. I think we need to tighten that up.” Sen. Andrew Jones is the Chairman of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. The synopsis states, “This bill would prohibit a person from picketing or protesting at or near the residence of any individual intending to harass or intimidate. This bill would require law enforcement officers to ask a person who is protesting to peacefully leave the premises before placing that person under arrest.” This offense would be a class C misdemeanor. If local law enforcement can’t or won’t enforce this statute, it authorizes the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to do so. This legislation would allow municipalities or counties to adopt ordinances or resolutions to regulate the time and noise level of any picketing or protesting in a residential area and provide criminal penalties for violations.” The committee voted to give SB199 a favorable report. It could be considered by the full Senate as early as Tuesday. While the protests outside of Supreme Court Justices’ homes made national news, there have been instances of protests outside of individual residences in Alabama. Protesters protested outside the home of Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato following the shooting of Emantic “E.J.” Bradford Jr. in the Galleria Mall by a Hoover police officer. In the case of the Supreme Court Justices, legal experts generally agree that targeted, stationary protests outside of a justice’s home are already prohibited under federal law — an effort to protect judges from undue pressures or influence. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and other Republicans maintain that the Biden administration ordered the federal marshals to protect the judges but not to remove the protestors. Tuesday will be day 11 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. The Alabama Constitution limits the Legislature to no more than thirty legislative days during a regular session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
AG Steve Marshall declares victory against Biden Administration’s water rules
Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released a statement after learning that Alabama and a coalition of 23 other states secured a preliminary injunction against the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule. AG Marshall believes the WOTUS Rule represents an unprecedented expansion of federal authority over questions of local land management. The preliminary injunction halts enforcement of the rule in Alabama and the other plaintiff states pending further judicial review. “The Biden Administration’s latest power grab has been brought to a halt with the court’s announced injunction against the WOTUS Rule,” said Attorney General Marshall. “While the Clean Water Act granted the federal government important powers to regulate ‘navigable waters’ like rivers, the Biden Administration seeks to claim authority over even isolated ditches and ponds. But these local matters are reserved to the States, which are best equipped to manage them. Alabama, its farmers, and landowners play a critical role in protecting our dynamic and robust aquatic ecosystems, and managing local waters is their responsibility, not that of a bureaucrat in Washington.” In February, Attorney General Marshall joined a coalition of 24 states in a lawsuit against the EPA, asking a federal court to vacate the newly published final rule redefining WOTUS and declare it unlawful—West Virginia, Georgia, Iowa, and North Dakota were joined in the lawsuit by Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming. In March, U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt voted in favor of a formal challenge to the WOTUS rule through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval. “The Biden administration is using the same playbook as the Obama administration — blatant land grabs and burdensome regulations,” said Sen. Tuberville. “These policies hurt our farmers and landowners and do virtually nothing for our environment or our water resources. Our farmers and landowners need consistency, and for the federal government to get out of the way. Today I voted to block the President’s land grab attempt and stand up for Alabama farmers and producers.”
Katie Britt: Hit the ground running in first 100 days, but just getting started
Today marks my 100th day in office as U.S. Senator for the great state of Alabama. To say that this responsibility is an honor of a lifetime would be an understatement. I continue to be humbled by the people of Alabama’s trust, confidence, and prayers, and as your Senator, I am working to make you proud every single day. Alabama sent a mom to the U.S. Senate to actually get things done, and I am happy to report that I hit the ground running immediately to do just that. From the minute I was sworn into office on January 3, I took the fight for faith, family, and freedom to Washington, D.C., as my team and I have been laser-focused on advocating for our people, our liberties, our values, and our interests. While we are off to a fast start, these past 100 days have also made it crystal clear, we have a lot more work ahead of us. In my first week as your Senator, I traveled to the Del Rio Sector of the U.S.-Mexico border in my first official trip to witness President Joe Biden’s border disaster firsthand. What I witnessed on that trip was gut-wrenching and reaffirmed that we truly have an unprecedented national security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border. This trip was an important opportunity for me to listen to and learn from the people who are facing this every single day, from boots-on-the-ground law enforcement officers to courageous survivors of the cartels’ human and drug trafficking. Following this trip, I joined Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) in introducing the “Stop Taxpayer Funding of Traffickers Act” to ensure human and drug traffickers are not subsidized by hardworking American taxpayers while these criminals await prosecution and conviction. In February, I joined Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and a bicameral congressional delegation to visit the epicenter of fentanyl trafficking in the San Diego Border Sector, where we also met with Border Patrol Council leaders. We then traveled to Mexico City to hear from top leaders in the Mexican military about the latest tactics being used by cartels and other criminals to avoid detection, capture, and prosecution while trafficking lethal drugs through Mexican territory and international waters to the United States. Senator John Cornyn (R-Tex.) also afforded me the opportunity to visit the border for a third time in March in the Rio Grande Valley sector in Texas, where we heard about the 488% annual surge in Chinese nationals attempting to illegally enter our country. Taking what I learned and experienced across my visits, my team and I worked hard to formulate and introduce tangible solutions in a package of four pieces of legislation aimed at sealing and securing our nation’s southern border, keeping American communities and families safe, and ultimately ending the ongoing crisis. This legislation includes the “Keep Our Communities Safe Act” to close Obama-Biden catch-and-release policies, the “Asylum Abuse Reduction Act” to fix America’s broken asylum process, and the “WALL Act” to complete building the wall on the southern border. I have cosponsored nine additional bills related to border security, including Senator Marsha Blackburn’s (R-Tenn.) Stop Taxpayer Funding of Traffickers Act; Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2023 and Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act; Senator Ted Budd’s (R-N.C.) Build the Wall Now Act; Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-Fla.) No Coyote Cash Act and Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act; Senator Mike Lee’s (R-Utah) Stopping Border Surges Act; Senator Tommy Tuberville’s (R-Ala.) Border Safety and Security Act; and Senator John Kennedy’s (R-La.) Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2023. In addition to those nine bills, I have cosponsored 60 pieces of legislation thus far in the 118th Congress. This is the most of any United States Senator in this timeframe, underscoring the urgency with which my team and I have approached this incredible responsibility. These five dozen pieces of legislation span a wide range of pressing issues facing hardworking Alabamians – they would bolster American energy independence, lower taxes, combat inflation and our runaway national debt, slash burdensome red tape, safeguard the sanctity of life, uphold the rule of law, protect the ability of girls and young women to compete in sports, defend the right to work, support our tremendous law enforcement officers, strengthen our supply chains, fortify Americans’ retirement savings, hold elected officials accountable to the people, advance election integrity, stand up for our family farmers, and much more. Already, 13 of these measures passed the Senate, including three that reached President Biden’s desk. One of my top priorities, especially as the ranking member of the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, has been to stand up to the Biden Administration’s dangerously weak national security policies. There is no doubt that the Chinese Communist Party is our greatest geopolitical and national security threat, and everything they do is as our adversary. From stealing our intellectual property and spying on our children through TikTok, to buying up American farmland near military installations and engaging in unfair trade practices that undercut Alabama steelmakers and shrimpers, we must hold the CCP accountable. Defending hardworking Americans and protecting our homeland is not a responsibility I take lightly, which is why I have joined my colleagues in introducing five pieces of legislation holding the Chinese Communist Party accountable for their continued aggression. This includes cosponsoring a bipartisan resolution condemning the unlawful incursion into the United States airspace by the People’s Republic of China high-altitude surveillance balloon, and the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, introduced by Senator Tuberville, which would crack down on the CCP’s growing ownership of U.S. farmland and agricultural companies. I have also cosponsored the Cutting-off Communist Profiteers (CCP) Act, prohibiting any former U.S. presidential appointees from knowingly representing, aiding, or advising the Chinese Communist Party or Chinese military companies, and the Protecting America from Spies Act, targeting Chinese Communist Party spies that are committing espionage toward American technology firms and businesses. Most recently, I joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in introducing the “Not One More Inch or Acre Act,” legislation that would prevent any Chinese national or entity from owning American land. I believe that the
Billy Taylor: Permitting reform needed to advance clean energy, spur economic growth
Expanding clean energy to help reduce energy costs while protecting our natural resources is a win-win for the Alabama business community as well as residents. That’s why we need thoughtful, market-based solutions to address our environmental and energy challenges. Alabama’s congressional delegation—including Senator Katie Britt—should continue to champion smart, conservative policies in Washington that help us achieve these goals back home. Senator Britt should help support an all-of-the-above approach to energy that focuses on improving and upgrading our energy infrastructure while responsibly developing all the energy resources the United States has to offer. Importantly, that must also include reforming the federal permitting process required in order to move new energy and infrastructure projects forward in a timely manner. Unfortunately, the permitting and government review process for energy infrastructure projects has become overly burdensome and abysmally slow, often taking years (sometimes more than a decade) to complete. All that does is delay construction of critical energy projects that could help us make better use of our clean energy resources while creating jobs and spurring economic growth in Alabama communities. In today’s business environment, it only makes sense to embrace a process that makes it easier to review, permit, and build clean energy projects—instead of making it more difficult by forcing projects to go through a convoluted and often duplicative permitting process. This is especially true for businesses like Hometown Lenders that work in the mortgage industry, which is facing serious challenges. Senator Britt and the rest of Alabama’s elected officials in Congress should work to support and pass legislation that speeds up and streamlines government review of energy infrastructure projects to remove regulatory barriers, bring critical clean energy and infrastructure projects to life sooner, and allow American businesses to thrive. Billy Taylor is the Founder and CEO of Hometown Lenders.
Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville, and John Thune lead effort to repeal the death tax
U.S. Senators Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville, John Thune, and 39 of their Senate colleagues reintroduced The Death Tax Repeal Act, which would permanently repeal the federal estate tax, more aptly known as the Death Tax. Sponsors say that The Death Tax Repeal Act would end this purely punitive tax that can potentially kill family farms, ranches, and businesses due to the owner’s death. “Alabama’s incredible farmers and cattlemen work tirelessly throughout their lives to feed and clothe our state, nation, and world while responsibly stewarding their land for future generations,” said Sen. Britt. “The Death Tax effectively forces the next generation of farm families to decide between bankruptcy or selling their farm to a corporation or a foreign entity. No American farm family, already suffering from the loss of their loved one, should be faced with this devastating choice. This is not only a matter of what is just, but also one that affects our food security. Repealing the Death Tax safeguards Alabama’s over 44,000 farms, 97% family-owned. I will continue to fight to protect the ability of Alabama farmers, cattlemen, and small business owners to live the American Dream and pass on their family’s legacy and livelihood to their children.” “The Death Tax destroys American jobs by stifling profitable businesses that employ hardworking Americans,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Our government should be focused on creating an economic environment that preserves small businesses and family farms instead of taxing them out of operation. I will keep pushing for policies that incentivize our next generation of farmers and business owners so that we can continue to rely on their contributions for a strong economy.” “Agriculture is the backbone of South Dakota’s economy,” said Thune. “For years, I have fought to protect farm and ranch families from the onerous and unfair death tax. Family-owned farms and ranches often bear the brunt of this tax, which makes it difficult and costly to pass these businesses down to future generations. I will continue to do everything in my power to remove these roadblocks for family businesses and repeal the death tax once and for all.” The Senators argue that the Death Tax is a form of double taxation, which is inherently unfair. Adding insult to injury, the Death Tax can be more burdensome on people with smaller estates – meaning it predominantly harms working-class landowners, small businesses, and family farmers and cattlemen. The sponsors claim that studies have shown that repealing the Death Tax would spur economic growth, create jobs, and increase wages. Senators Britt and Thune were joined in cosponsoring the legislation by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The bill is supported by members of the Family Business Coalition and the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Associated General Contractors of America, the National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of Manufacturers, and many others. Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022. Tuesday will be day 8 of the 2023 Alabama Regular Legislative Session. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt speaks in support of Alabama coal in subcommittee hearing
Last week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt questioned Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland on economic activity across the country. Britt claims the Biden Administration policies strangle economic activity across the country. Alabama’s Warrior Met Coal has applied to develop 24 million tons of metallurgical coal on federal lands adjacent to its current operations in Tuscaloosa County. However, their application has remained untouched by the Biden Administration since May 2022. “Our nation’s public lands are an amazing resource, and we have a responsibility to manage them effectively. Effective stewardship, however, does not mean simply closing them off from all humanity,” Britt said. “Stewardship of our public lands includes finding appropriate economic development to sustain local businesses and our national economy. Warrior Met Coal is one of our U.S. companies trying to work with the federal government to be a good steward of our public lands. Warrior Met Coal is an important economic driver in the State of Alabama. They employ 1,000 people and are the largest customer of our Port of Mobile.” “The company focuses on mining Met Coal,” Britt continued. “And, as you know, Met Coal is a specific type of coal needed to make specialty steel used for roads, bridges, automobiles, renewable energy components, and a wide array of other critical uses. Mining coal underground on federal land results in an 8% royalty payment to the federal government, which is projected to amount to more than $500 million in currently untapped federal proceeds in this case. Some of that total would be returned to the State of Alabama for use. The beneficiaries would also include millions in state severance taxes and more than $100 million in economic benefit to the Port of Mobile.” “The Department currently has a moratorium on the mining of thermal coal, which is used for energy production,” Britt explained. “However, we know that met coal is not the same as thermal coal, and the Department of Justice has stated that met coal is not subject to the reinstatement of the federal coal moratorium.” Warrior Met Coal exports coal to 35 countries. Warrior Met Coal is among the top ten percent highest paying companies in Alabama, with the average worker making over $100,000 annually. The United States has over a century of oil and natural gas reserves, and an estimate of the nation’s coal reserves may exceed even that. Much of those natural resources are on federal lands. The unwillingness to tap those reserves by the Biden administration and the slow pace of approving mine permits means that there are artificial shortages of energy resources. Environmentalists are concerned that utilizing those fossil fuel resources increases pollution and contributes to manmade global warming and sea level rise. Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022 and sworn in in January. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
