Katie Britt says Basel III Endgame proposal ‘undermines proven strength of U.S. banking sector’
On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) warned about what she believes would be the harmful effects of implementing the Basel III Endgame proposed rule recently issued jointly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The “Basel III endgame” is a proposal for stricter bank capital requirements aimed at ensuring the stability of big banks. Proponents believe that the proposal would modify large bank capital requirements to better reflect underlying risks and increase the consistency of how banks measure their risks. The changes would implement the final components of the Basel III agreement. The proposal would apply to banks with $100 billion in assets or more and to smaller firms with “significant” trading activities. Sen. Britt made her remarks as a participant in a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing that featured testimony from the heads of four federal regulators with respective jurisdictions spanning the financial sector. The witnesses were the Vice Chair for Supervision of the Federal Reserve, Michael Barr; the Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Martin Gruenberg; the Chair of the National Credit Union Administration, Todd Harper; and the Acting Comptroller of the Office of Controller of the Currency Michael Hsu. All four witnesses testified to the strength of the U.S. banking sector. Sen. Britt stated her view that the proposed rule, together with other rulemaking proposals – she views as reckless, risks severely weakening the financial sector, making it much harder for Main Street to get the capital that it needs due to the proposed punitive bank capital requirements. Britt noted that American banks regularly pass the Federal Reserve’s “stress tests,” proving these institutions are well-capitalized. In her line of questioning, Senator Britt noted the lack of a thorough justification and economic analysis cited in the proposal, as well as the fact that federal financial regulators have not considered the combined impacts of other concurrent proposals, specifically the long-term debt proposal and debit fee caps. Vice Chair Barr stated he would “welcome public comment” on both proposals and would be “happy to include [the analysis] in improving the rule.” “Since your last appearance before this committee in May, banks of all sizes have yet again proven their strength and ability to withstand unexpected volatility,” Britt asked. “In fact, quickly, I would like to just go down the row, and each of you, please answer with yes or no. Do you believe that the U.S. banking system at large is strong? Vice Chair Barr, we’ll start with you.” “Yes, I do,” Barr answered. “Yes, Senator,” Gruenberg replied. ‘Yes,” said Harper. “Yes,” answered HSU. “Great, thank you,” Britt continued. “So, for the record, all of you believe the U.S. banking sector is strong. Yet, over the last several months, we’ve seen a wholesale attempt to fundamentally alter our banking system. Not only do your agencies’ recent proposed rules undermine the proven strength of our banking sector, but they risk making it weaker, and it is Main Street America that will ultimately be punished. I have spoken directly with dozens of banks and credit unions of all sizes. It is clear that your proposed rules are so wide-reaching that they leave no financial institution untouched.” “Even more concerning, it’s apparent that the lack of effort from you as regulators to engage these institutions is startling,” said Britt. “Along with the absence of any stated rationale for making these key decisions, I want to start with the Basel Endgame rule. Let me follow up on a question that Senator Rounds asked. Vice Chair Barr, how long did your fellow board members have to review the proposed rule prior to it being issued?” “They had an extensive period of time,” Barr answered. “I’ll get you the exact number of days, but it was many, many weeks, I believe…well, anyway, I don’t want to guess. I’ll tell you the exact number of days for the record, but it was many weeks to review.” “Many weeks. So many weeks would be longer than two, then?” Britt asked. “Correct,” Barr replied. “OK, so your colleague, Governor (Lisa) Cook, testified in this committee on July 12 that she had not yet seen the Basel III proposal. … [J]ust two weeks later, the proposal was rolled out,” Britt said. “So, does that mean that your colleagues had less than two weeks to actually review the rule, or was she mistaken in that testimony?” “Each governor can decide how much they want to engage in the process,” Barr answered. “But she had been given the opportunity and then chose not to, I guess?” Britt continued. “I can’t speak specifically to what Governor Cook chose to do, but every governor was given the opportunity to meet with staff and to be briefed on the proposal in detail,” Barr responded. “OK, well, the rule assumes that banks are significantly undercapitalized for operational risk but yet cites no evidence to support this assumption,” Britt queried. “Not only are these risks already accounted for in stress testing, but the new standardized approach is not tailored to the varying business models of various banks. Vice Chair Barr, would you say you’ve done a thorough analysis to understand the impacts of the proposed operational risk requirements and what they would have on availability of mortgages on small businesses, small business loans, and retail credit to consumers?” “Thank you, Senator. The analysis goes into detail on these items,” Barr answered. “As I suggested, with respect to credit risk, whether that’s for mortgages or small businesses or consumers, just the combination of the credit risk proposal and operational risk is very, very small in relation to current rules.” “So, obviously, that is a yes, in the way that I view this, the Basel proposal is over a thousand pages with fewer than 20 pages dedicated to actual economic analysis,” Britt said. “Also absent is a study of the combined impacts of other concurrent proposals, like the long-term debt proposal and debit fee caps, despite the
Katie Britt votes to fund government and avert a government shutdown
The Senate voted 87 to 11 on Wednesday for legislation that would keep the government funded to the middle of January, avoiding a devastating government shutdown ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. U.S. Senator Katie Britt voted for the package. The passage of the bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) spearheaded by new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) keeps the government funded at current levels, putting off addressing out-of-control federal spending or the border situation until next year. Only 10 Republicans and one Democrat, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colorado), opposed the legislation. “Today, I joined my Senate colleagues in passing a commonsense Continuing Resolution that will prevent a Christmas season omnibus and ensure our men and women in uniform continue to be paid,” said Sen. Britt on X. “This measure, which was drafted by House Republicans, will ensure that Americans don’t see an interruption in critical government services – and our troops, border patrol agents, ICE officers, and Capitol Police will continue to be paid,” Britt continued. “Growing up outside the gates of Fort Rucker in the Wiregrass, I saw firsthand the tremendous sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform and the sacrifice made by their families. Those who give so much in service to our nation should not have to spend Thanksgiving being worried about whether or not their next paycheck will be here or their Christmas season wondering how they’ll put presents under the tree. This Continuing Resolution gives Congress the time to keep working to move all 12 appropriations bills in a transparent, accountable, and responsible manner. Let’s do our job and complete the critical work on behalf of the American people.” Senate and House conservatives pledged to do everything possible to avoid considering another omnibus spending package right before Christmas and New Year’s, which has become a Washington tradition. An amendment by U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) that would have decreased government spending across the board by one percent was rejected in a 32 to 65 vote. Johnson’s CR passed the House with bipartisan support 336 to 95: 209 Democrats and 127 Republicans voting yes. Ninety-three Republicans and two Democrats voted no. The legislation would fund military construction, the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and energy and water programs until January 19. It funds all other programs, including the Department of Defense and many non-defense social programs, until February 2. It also extends the current Farm Bill through September. It does not provide the President’s requested emergency funding for the war in Ukraine, support for Israel, or enhanced border funding. “I have good news for the American people. This Friday night, there will be no government shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York). “I am pleased that Speaker Johnson realized he needed Democratic votes to avoid a shutdown. If the Speaker is willing to work with Democrats and resist the siren song of the hard right in the House, then we can avoid shutdowns in the future.” The President has indicated that he will sign the bipartisan measure. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt warn Biden Administration proposal would limit credit access for Americans
On Monday, Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and Katie Britt (R-Alabama) joined Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) and 36 other Senators in a letter urging the Federal Reserve (Fed), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to withdraw the Basel III Endgame capital rule proposal. Tuberville and colleagues warn that the over one-thousand-page proposed rule setting new capital requirements for borrowers would limit credit access for millions of Americans. The Senate Banking Committee is set to hear testimony from the financial regulators on Tuesday, where Republicans will press the regulators on what they consider to be regulatory overreach that fails to consider downstream impacts on everyday Americans. Tuberville wrote on X, “Biden’s bank capital rule will hurt main street by making it harder for Americans to get loans. The rule undermines economic growth and makes it harder for working folks to get ahead.” “We have serious concerns that, as proposed, Basel III will restrict billions of dollars in capital from those who need it most, resulting in costlier and more limited access to credit for millions of Americans,” the letter states. “This would create severe, adverse impacts on the entire U.S. economy, from everyday American consumers to the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy.” “Ultimately, these large increases in capital have not been shown to be evidentially based as the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and OCC have failed to provide proper analysis or data to justify their merits, particularly around the costs they will impose throughout all sectors of the economy,” the Senators wrote. “In fact, we have heard widespread concerns regarding the negative impacts that Basel III could have not only on affordable housing but on mortgage lending writ large, small business lending, and consumer lending. In addition, it would limit the availability of access to credit cards and home equity lines of credit.” “This proposal will ultimately put U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage globally and could force U.S. companies to search for access to financial services from abroad, rather than here at home,” the Senators continued. “Moreover, the proposal disproportionately harms companies that are not publicly listed, who happen to be middle market, private entities, and our millions of small businesses across the country. Each of these potential consequences would have major ramifications alone, but taken in totality, they pose significant harm throughout the economy, particularly in the face of current economic headwinds and tightening credit conditions.” In their letter to the Fed, FDIC, and OCC, the signers argue the capital proposal lacks proper economic analysis and will result in costlier and more limited access to credit for Americans, hurting the U.S. economy. The Senators concluded, “As American consumers continue to struggle with persistently high inflation, reduced access to affordable homeownership, and a slowing economy driven by the reckless spending of the Biden administration, any proposed changes to our bank regulatory framework must be based on demonstrable benefits and needs, not pre-determined agendas which will only serve to harm the economy and consumers alike. Accordingly, we urge you to withdraw the Basel III Endgame proposal as written and urge the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and the OCC to operate in a more transparent and justified manner.” The “Basel III endgame” is a proposal for stricter bank capital requirements aimed at ensuring the stability of big banks. Proponents believe that the proposal would modify large bank capital requirements to better reflect underlying risks and increase the consistency of how banks measure their risks. The changes would implement the final components of the Basel III agreement. The proposal would apply to banks with $100 billion in assets or more and to smaller firms with “significant” trading activities. Senator Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and HELP Committees. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville, and Senate colleagues introduce bill to force Administration to make catch-and-release data public
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) recently joined Senators Tommy Tuberville and John Cornyn (R-Texas) in legislation to require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to accurately report how it is handling migrants encountered at the border and ensure the American people have a complete, timely accounting of the number of migrants being released into the United States by the Biden Administration. The three Senators joined over 20 of their Senate Republican colleagues in introducing the Southern Border Transparency Act. “Republicans are offering solution after solution to President [Joe] Biden’s border crisis, which recently shattered a new record of eight million illegal border crossings since this Administration took office,” said Senator Britt. “The American people deserve accurate, timely information on how this Administration is abdicating its obligation to secure our homeland and keep our communities and families safe. This legislation would further expose the fact that President Biden’s reckless catch-and-release policies have manufactured the largest humanitarian and national security crisis at the border in United States history.” “The Biden administration is trying to hide the fact that it’s created the worst border crisis in American history,” said Sen. Tuberville. “For nearly three years, we’ve had record numbers of illegal immigrants and deadly drugs pour across our southern border with no accountability. Some of these illegal entries are on the terrorist watchlist—and we have no idea where they are in the U.S. American lives are at stake. It’s past time for us to know who is coming across our border and why Joe Biden is allowing them to stay here illegally on the taxpayer dime. I’m proud to help support this targeted legislation that ensures Joe Biden can’t hide anymore.” “The Biden administration has gone to great lengths to hide record levels of illegal immigration at the southern border, but Americans deserve to know exactly how many migrants are being released into our country,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would shine a bright light on President Biden’s catch-and-release practices and reveal the devastating consequences of this administration’s unlawful actions.” “This Administration has left our Southern border wide open, our nation is threatened.” Sen. Tuberville said recently. “This Administration’s failure to secure our border is a deep vulnerability that only invites future threats from various terrorist groups.” According to information provided by Sen. Britt’s office, the Biden administration’s strategy for handling the influx of migrants at the border has been to funnel them into unlawful parole programs or other mechanisms that lead to their release into the interior of the United States, including the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan parole program, an expanded Central American Minors program that now includes adults, and the likely widespread use of parole at Ports of Entry (POEs). These migrants are eligible for work authorization, and there is limited visibility into whether they ultimately depart the United States. Right now, there is only limited public data available on the total number of people who have been released into the U.S. under some of these programs, whether they are even making asylum claims before they are released, what screenings are taking place, or whether these migrants ever depart the United States. The Southern Border Transparency Act would require DHS to fully report on how it is handling migrants encountered at the border, including: Earlier this year, the Biden administration acted without Congressional consent to create programs that allow for hundreds of thousands of migrants to be paroled and released into the United States annually. The Biden Administration defends its record on the southern border and maintains that there is no crisis. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt and colleagues want to redesignate Iran-Backed Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization
On Monday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) joined in a letter urging the Biden Administration and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to redesignate Ansarallah, more commonly known as the Houthis, as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Sen. Britt cited their longstanding acts of terrorism, actions to destabilize the Middle East, the security threat they pose to the United States, and most recently, their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Israel, including missile and rocket attacks on Israel last week. The Houthis control a large swath of war-torn Yemen. In 2021, the Trump Administration designated the Houthis as an FTO. However, the Biden Administration inexplicably reversed that following Biden’s inauguration. The Houthis are longtime Iranian clients who, thanks to that relationship, have amassed one of the most sophisticated arsenals of ballistic missiles and drones in the region. This has become apparent in their frequent attacks on Israel as well as U.S. partners and interests. “An ongoing posture of appeasement by the Biden Administration only emboldens the Iranian regime to continue its barbaric proxy attacks on innocent children, women, and men, and this is evidenced in the Houthi’s recent terrorist attacks that have been intercepted by defensive actions by the United States and Saudi Arabia,” said Senator Britt. “It is imperative that America sends a message of complete condemnation of Iran and its proxies’ violence, as well as unwavering support toward our allies in the region. The Houthis are a terrorist organization, and this Administration should treat them as such while reimposing a comprehensive, maximum pressure sanctions campaign on all Iranian terror proxies. In order to achieve peace, now is the time for strength.” Last week Sen. Britt joined Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana) and 12 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act. This legislation would redesignate the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization and impose certain sanctions on the group. The legislation has also been cosponsored by Senators Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), and John Kennedy (R-Louisiana). Katie Britt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Jared Norrell: Creating better access to health care should be top priority for Alabama lawmakers
As an advocate who is helping to foster and build the next generation of strong leaders in our state, it troubles me to see the ever-increasing cost of health care burdening families more and more each year. We must fix our complex, costly health system now, or it will be left to the next generation of young people. Without stronger solutions to repair the system and lower the cost of care for families, Alabamians will be surely hindered from reaching their full potential. We all want a stronger foundation for vibrant and successful communities in Alabama. This is the principal aim of Southern Preparatory Academy, where I serve as president. We are helping our future leaders succeed, grow, and learn how to serve others. But as we all saw very starkly during the COVID-19 pandemic, limited access to affordable health care quickly became an obstacle to growth for countless people in our state. Moving forward, creating better access to health care at an affordable cost should be a top priority for our Alabama lawmakers. When examining our healthcare industry, Alabamians consider access to care as one of their top health concerns, specifically in rural towns and for other populations that are disproportionately held back by a lack of healthcare providers. A lack of providers in certain areas often leads to increased out-of-pocket costs, as well as extra travel expenses and logistics. Alabamians are facing an increasingly fragile, complex, and expensive healthcare system that is becoming more financially overwhelming. Increased consolidation among large hospital systems is one trend that is driving patient prices even higher. There are several negative side effects of hospital consolidation that families and patients should be aware of – namely, a hike in medical costs due to new ownership of certain medical facilities through consolidation. When large hospitals buy up independent practices and small labs or treatment centers, they bump up the prices of regular appointments and treatments, even though the delivery of service itself has not changed. Understandably, patients are confused and frustrated when they see their bills go up unexpectedly after a doctor’s appointment. Alabamians of all ages and backgrounds need access to quality and affordable care options. Not only does our state have a high prevalence of multiple chronic conditions compared to the rest of the country, but our residents also have higher rates of obesity and premature deaths. We also know that our state has higher levels of income inequality. Put together, all these factors are worsening the chasm in public health as thousands of Alabamians cannot afford the quality health care they need. Lack of transparency in hospital billing only intensifies the public health battles we are already grappling with in our state. I am glad to see that there is a solution to address unfair hospital billing in Congress. The Facilitating Accountability in Reimbursements Act (FAIR) in the House and the Site-based Invoicing and Transparency Enhancement Act (SITE) in the Senate would implement fair billing practices that reflect the service received – not the location or ownership of the facility. Remarkably, fair billing policies – which can lead to site-neutral payment reforms like those in the SITE Act – are projected to reduce national health expenditures by as much as $672 billion. It is up to our leaders like Representative Terri Sewell and her fellow Alabama Representatives in Washington to propel the FAIR Act forward in the House, and for Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville to follow suit with the SITE Act. I am a fervent believer in investing in the next generation to build a stronger, more secure future in our state and across the country. This effort needs the support of collective voices – educators, students, veterans, patients, healthcare professionals, and more. Affording health care is imperative for all of us. We must ensure people can utilize our healthcare system to take care of themselves and their families now and in the future. Solutions today to improve our healthcare system are critically important for tomorrow’s success. Jared Norrell is a retired Lt. Colonel from the United States Army and the former President of Southern Preparatory Military Academy in Camp Hill, Alabama.
Tommy Tuberville applauds NOAA decision rejecting Biden Administration’s 10 knots per hour Gulf of Mexico speed limit
On Monday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) released a statement applauding the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) announcement that it has formally denied a petition from non-government organizations to establish a mandatory 10-knot speed limit and other vessel restrictions on ship traffic in the Gulf of Mexico to protect whales, Sen. Tuberville said that this particular regulation was part of a laundry list of concerns raised by Sen. Tuberville. Most of the others are still being pushed by the Biden Administration, including the controversial Critical Habitat designation of 28,000 square miles of the Gulf of Mexico. Tuberville said these would be burdensome restrictions on the oil and gas industry. The announcement came after Senator Tuberville sent two letters and penned an op-ed column urging that Alabamians write NOAA and ask for denial of the petition. “I was glad to see the NOAA come to their senses and reject this part of the Biden Administration’s overreaching regulatory agenda in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go. Designating a Critical Habitat for the Rice’s whale throughout this expansive area would impose undue burdens and restrictions on all vessel traffic, especially in and out of the Port of Mobile in Mobile, AL. The Port of Mobile covers over 4,000 acres, generates nearly 313,000 jobs, provides approximately $2 billion in state and local tax impacts, and $85 billion in economic value to Alabama as a whole. I will continue to fight back against Joe Biden’s attempts to make us reliant on our enemies for energy when we can be producing it right here in the United States, and especially in Alabama.” Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama) agreed. “I am happy to say that NOAA heard our request and today rejected the nonsensical Rice’s whale petition pushed by far-left activists,” Sen. Britt said. “This proposal would have significantly impeded operations at the Port of Mobile, damaged Alabama’s economy, and harmed commercial and recreational fishing operations off the Gulf Coast.” Scientists in 2021 determined that the Rice’s Whale is a genetically distinct species from the much more common Bryde’s whale. The two species are identical, but the songs sung by the Rice’s whale are distinctly different from the songs sung by the 100,000 Bryde’s whale. This is attributed to a different bone structure in their nasal passages. Scientists also note that there are differences in the two species genetically. According to NOAA, there are approximately 51 Rice’s whales left in existence, deeming them critically endangered and in need of certain protections covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Rice’s whales are located in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico between 100- and 400- meters in depth. Tuberville’s office says the specific locations and habitat of the 51 whales are still unclear, citing the need for more scientific research and analyses on the whales’ existence. Most tend to be in the Gulf, more towards the Florida peninsula. According to the National Marine Fisheries Service website, only “a single Rice’s whale was observed in the western Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Texas.” In September, the Gulf Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease Sale 261) Final Notice of Sale was posted, as required under the Inflation Reduction Act, but with over 6.3 million acres removed from the sale due to the potential presence of the Rice’s whale. Sen. Tuberville was elected to the Senate in 2020, defeating incumbent Sen. Doug Jones (D-Alabama). Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and HELP Committees. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Clay Scofield reported to be leaving Alabama Senate
Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) is expected to resign his position in the Alabama Senate this week – perhaps as early as Monday – sources say. Scofield is expected to leave the State Senate to accept a role with the Business Council of Alabama (BCA). Sources claim that the Alabama Ethics Commission has reportedly approved Scofield’s acceptance of the powerful position most typically associated with the BCA’s lobbying efforts, with the understanding that he will not personally lobby the State Senate until the two-year revolving door period has passed. Scofield, 43, is a poultry farmer with a degree in agricultural economics from Auburn University. The BCA, which represents both small and large businesses, is one of the most influential lobbying forces in Montgomery. Their most recent success, however, comes not from a lobbying win but from the election of their past president, Katie Britt, to the U.S. Senate. After years of supporting failed candidates for the U.S. Senate, Britt’s campaign found its footing running not as the BCA choice but by distancing her from the powerful organization she ran beginning in 2018 and emphasizing her ability to show independence from their moderate agenda. Britt bucked the BCA publically against the COVID Vaccination Mandates. BCA, while often at odds with the pulse and tone of voters, has remained one of the strongest campaign and lobbying powerhouses of the state. Other entities wielding comparable influence include the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), the Alabama Education Association (AEA), and the Alabama Forestry Association. Should Scofield deflect from the legislature to the BCA, leaving an open position in the State Senate, a special election would have to be called by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. Sources report to Alabama Today that both Rep. Brock Colvin (R-Guntersville) and Rep. Wes Kitchens (R-Boaz) are expected to seek the position. The part-time position in the Alabama Senate pays $53,913 per year. The regular legislative session is a maximum of thirty legislative days. Republicans presently control 28 of the 35 seats in the Alabama Senate. The 27 remaining Republican state Senators will have to select a new Majority Leader. The Majority Leader is second in power in the Senate to only the President Pro Tem. – currently Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper). Scofield was elected in the Republican wave election of 2010 – which saw the GOP gain control of both Houses of the Alabama Legislature for the first time in 135 years. Scofield was unopposed in 2018 and 2022. Scofield has denied reports by 1819 News that he intends to leave the Senate to become a lobbyist. However, it is still possible that this is true. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt leads Alabama delegation in letter opposing expanded critical habitat designation for endangered Rice’s whale
On Thursday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) announced that she led members of the Alabama Congressional delegation in sending a letter to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Richard Spinrad expressing the delegation’s concerns that a recent proposal by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to create a new and expanded critical habitat designation for the Rice’s whale would negatively impact the Port of Mobile. “The lack of justification for this proposal is glaring, and the inevitable, devastating consequences it would have on Alabama’s economy and the Gulf fishing industry are undeniable,” said Sen. Britt. “We implore Administrator Spinrad to reject this harmful petition that relies on unproven research and would significantly hinder operations at the Port of Mobile, which hardworking Americans rely on for goods, supplies, and materials each and every day.” “We also have significant concerns with the seriously damaging ideas in the Rice’s whale petition, which NMFS has noticed,” Britt and the Alabama delegation wrote. “The petitioners seek to stop vessel transits at night, require complete reporting of vessel plans to NMFS, and create onerous requirements for vessels to employ and utilize visual observers on all vessels. Severely curtailing operations at the Port of Mobile and strangling the commercial and recreational fishing operations off the Alabama coast, these illogical burdens would cause irreparable harm to the Alabama economy – all while current science does not demonstrate they will save any Rice’s whales.” In the letter, the Members urged NOAA not to finalize the critical habitat designation because there is a lack of scientifically supported data to adequately justify this action. They also requested that NOAA reject the proposals. “While protecting endangered species is a laudable goal, we are concerned at the lack of adequate scientific justification for NMFS’ proposed designation of additional critical habitat for the Rice’s whale,” Sen Britt and the other members of the Alabama delegation wrote. “NMFS has shown only limited studies offering indefinite scientific support to draw conclusions about the population and range of the Rice’s whale. Until sound, scientifically supported data is available, this designation should not move forward.” “As a coastal state, Alabama relies heavily on commercial activity in and out of the Gulf of Mexico,” Britt and the Congress members wrote. “In 2021 alone, the Port of Mobile generated more than $85 billion in total economic activity and more than $2 billion in tax revenue. The Port handles more than 55 million tons of commercial goods each year, reaching every state in the nation and providing clothing, tools, construction materials, automobiles, and parts that Americans rely on each and every day. In addition, Alabama’s commercial fishing operations provide more than $291 million in economic value, and recreational fishing adds another $452 million in economic value to the region. Combined, these activities directly employ more than 330,000 people in Alabama.” The proposed ten-knot speed limit and the inability to traverse the 28,000-square-mile habitat area at night to avoid hitting any whales would mean greater transit times in and out of the Port of Mobile. Thus, commercial traffic would merely move to another route and avoid Mobile. Sen. Britt was joined in sending the letter by Congressmen Jerry Carl (R-AL01), Barry Moore (R-AL02), Mike Rogers (R-AL03), Robert Aderholt (R-AL04), Dale Strong (R-AL05), and Gary Palmer (R-AL06). Although U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) was not a signatory, he has already publicly expressed his opposition to the critical habitat designation for the Rice’s whale and questioned the validity of the science behind these proposals. “Designating a Critical Habitat for the Rice’s whale throughout this expansive area will impose undue burdens and restrictions on all vessel traffic, especially in and out of the Port of Mobile in Mobile, AL,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The Port of Mobile covers over 4,000 acres, generates nearly 313,000 jobs, provides approximately $2 billion in state and local tax impacts, and $85 billion in economic value to Alabama as a whole.” Katie Britt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt: “We want Hamas to be destroyed”
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) held a bipartisan press conference in Israel, which is entering its third week of war with Hamas. The Sens., led by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), discussed what they saw and heard while on the ground in Israel Sunday. The delegation of Senators visited Israel as part of an official trip to the Middle East to meet with key leaders, advocate for regional stability and long-term sustainable peace, and emphasize the United States’ unequivocal support for Israel in the wake of the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7. Britt said, “I want to start by thanking Senator Graham. Thank you for getting this group together. You and Senator Cardin put together a group of bipartisan senators – each of us set foot in this country not as a Democrat or a Republican. We set foot here united as Americans, standing shoulder to shoulder with Israel.” The Senators met with the families of Israelis who were taken hostage by Hamas and are being held in Gaza. Israeli authorities say that Hamas has taken 222 hostages. “When we walked in the room today and talked to the families of these hostages, I listened as a mom, I listened as a wife, as a daughter, as a sister,” Sen. Britt said. “Thinking what these families are going through, thinking what each individual hostage is going through is absolutely unbearable.” Over 1,100 people were killed and 2,800 wounded when Hamas fighters came across the Gaza border on a murderous rampage October 7. “When we watched the videos and heard the stories today, the things that happened were unthinkable,” Britt said. “The loss of life – kids having to watch their parents be murdered. Parents having to watch their children be burned to death, women having to be raped, kids decapitated. It’s disgusting, it’s despicable, and it is pure evil.” Britt said that Israel has a right to defend herself. “Make no mistake, I believe that people of all faiths can coexist in peace and prosperity,” said Britt. “But I do not believe that good can coexist with evil. And when evil rears its head, we must look it in the eyes, and we must take it down – and Hamas is pure evil. Israel has every right to defend herself – and not only the right – they have the obligation, the obligation to their children and their children’s children. They have an obligation to the innocent. They have an obligation to the peace-loving people of this world. And that is ultimately what we want. We want Hamas to be destroyed, and we want peace to be restored.” “President Reagan said that ‘evil cannot exist if the good are unafraid,” said Britt. “Iran, Hamas – we stand here today to tell you that we are unafraid. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel. We will take you down.” In addition to Senators Britt, Graham, and Cardin, the delegation included Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-South Dakota), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), and Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Chris Coons (D-Delaware), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut). “Thank you all. Ten percent of the United States Senate is in Israel,” said Sen. Graham. “Ten percent of the United States Senate is in Israel because we care. Five Republicans and five Democrats. If I had a bigger plane, we probably would have brought the entire Senate.” “The goal going forward is to take from this horror and try to make this a better world,” Graham said. “I saw things today that I didn’t think were possible in 2023. I’ve seen grown men who’ve been fighting wars all of their lives be stunned by what they saw. The level of barbaric behavior here is beyond my ability to explain it.” Hamas released two American women, a mother and daughter. Hamas had taken hostages just before the Senators arrived in the war-torn country. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Katie Britt traveling to Middle East to advance regional stability as tensions increase
On Friday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) announced that she is en route to the Middle East with a bipartisan delegation of Senate colleagues led by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina). The Senators will be seeing the situation on the ground firsthand, meeting with leaders across the region, and emphasizing the United States’ unequivocal support for Israel in light of the brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas. “Today, I’m headed to the Middle East with a bipartisan group of my Senate colleagues led by Senator Lindsey Graham,” Sen. Britt said in a statement. “This trip signifies our continued, unequivocal, and resounding support for Israel and the right to defend herself against the barbaric attacks on innocent children, women, and men by Hamas terrorists. As a mom, as an American, and as a Christian, I am absolutely horrified by what we’ve seen. On our trip, my colleagues and I will advocate for stability in the Middle East as we work towards long-term sustainable peace that keeps Americans safe at home and abroad. I will continue to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the days and weeks and months ahead to ensure that Israel has everything it needs. Peace will only come through strength. The stability of the world, the region, the security of our own homeland, and the safety of our communities and families depend on it. Please pray for us in the coming days. Please pray for our great nation, and please continue to pray for Israel. Thank you, and God Bless.” Due to security concerns, additional details are not being shared with the public. More information will be shared throughout the trip and when the delegation returns to the United States. The official congressional delegation trip follows a trip by President Joe Biden to the Middle East. Israeli officials did meet with the President, but a planned trip to Jordan to meet with Jordanian, Egyptian, and Palestinian Authority Leaders was canceled after an Islamic Jihad rocket misfired, killing over 500 Palestinians in a hospital. Hamas initially reported that the hospital accident resulted from an Israeli air strike, enflaming tensions on the Arab streets. Israeli Intelligence then released captured telephone conversations between Palestinian commanders, acknowledging that an errant rocket struck the hospital. A United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas but ordering an immediate cease-fire by both sides – including Israeli operations against Hamas in Gaza – was vetoed by the United States. Sen. Britt has denounced the attacks by Hamas on Israel – and to this point – has been a strong supporter of the Israeli response. “We cannot turn a blind eye to evil,” Britt said. “We must stand firm with Israel, and I am hopeful that the Biden Administration will do much more than just refreezing the $6 billion that is headed to Iran. We know what to do. We’ve got to squeeze out any type of financial resources they’re getting through that. Through also working with our G7 colleagues to make sure that we return to a posture of maximum pressure, bone-crushing sanctions drying up each and every dollar that is headed to their hands. We know that Iran is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorists. We know that. We know, they have told us, that their goal is to wipe Israel off the face of this earth. We need our leaders to stand firm and [hold] them accountable. And then knowing that Hamas not only wants to wipe out Israel but has said that they want to wipe out the Jewish people. To all of the people here in America, to those suffering and hurting in Israel, we want you to know we stand with you, and we stand ready to do everything possible to not only hold these people accountable but ensure your safety and prosperity moving forward.” Katie Britt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com
Katie Britt urges women to get cancer screenings
On Monday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) recognized that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, Britt encouraged women to talk to their healthcare providers, get screened, and learn more about the benefits of regular screening and potential risk factors for the disease. “This month is not only important to raise awareness of breast cancer across America, but it is also a time to recommit ourselves to doing the critical work to provide women and their families with the support and evidence-based solutions needed to get diagnosed and then face their diagnosis head-on,” said Sen. Britt. “We know that early detection saves lives, and the importance of giving women the widest variety of treatment options and the best chance to defeat this disease cannot be understated. I want to encourage every woman to talk to their healthcare provider this month – getting screened is the best way to detect breast cancer early. I will continue to support breast cancer research, education, and prevention efforts as we work towards a cure for this disease.” Katie Britt is a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. In this capacity, she is working to provide women across Alabama and America with greater access to diagnostic testing. Last month, Britt and Sen. Jean Shaheen (D-New Hampshire) reintroduced the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would eliminate copays and other out-of-pocket expenses for breast cancer diagnostic tests, making them more accessible and affordable. In May of this year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released a recommendation statement that all women should begin screening for breast cancer every other year beginning at age 40. Previously, the USPSTF recommended starting tests a decade later, but given the rise in invasive breast cancer among younger women, the agency updated its recommendation to increase the likelihood of early detection. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama states that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during their lifetime, including an estimated 4,500 women in Alabama in 2023. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the breast cancer rate for Alabama women is 122.0 per 100,000. 3,959 cases were reported in 2020 alone. Nationally, breast cancer is by far the most common cancer among women and the second most common killer – trailing only lung cancer. Breast cancer accounts for Breast cancer accounts for 31 percent of all cancers in women, according to the American Cancer Society. Nearly 300,000 women will likely be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. It will likely kill about 43,000 of them. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer rates have increased by about 0.5 percent per year since the mid-2000s. A study published in JAMA Network Open in August showed all cancers are on the rise for younger women, particularly those younger than 50. If detected early, breast cancer has a 96% survival rate. Katie Brit was elected to the Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
