Katie Britt, Rick Scott and colleagues urge Biden Administration to address passport delays
On Monday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) announced that she has joined Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) and 12 of their colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to take immediate action to resolve the backlog of passport applications. “Given the sheer number of Alabamians who have recently requested help with a passport issue, I’m concerned that action has not been taken sooner to address this concern, which clearly affects a great number of Alabamians,” said Sen. Britt. “As record levels of Americans continue to book flights across the globe, we request this matter be dealt with immediately and transparently to prevent further backlog.” More Americans are seeking passports, and there are growing delays in obtaining or renewing a passport. According to a recent report, it can take 17 weeks to get a passport renewed. This turnaround time has grown several weeks just since February. In the letter, the Senators note countless reports from Americans in their respective states regarding issues and concerns with delayed wait times, lack of available in-person appointments, and an inability to communicate with passport agencies. The Senators charge that this is an unacceptable failure from a federal government that should be focused on serving American taxpayers and their needs. Joining Senators Britt and Scott were U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska). “As summer begins and families across the nation are finalizing their travel plans, we have heard countless reports from constituents in our states about the massive backlogs in processing passport applications,” the Senators wrote to Sec. Blinken. “While we appreciate the hard work of Passport Agency employees across the nation, this backlog and the unresponsiveness to many passport inquiries is unacceptable.” “Since January 2023, our offices have observed a massive increase in passport-related inquiries from our constituents,” the Senators continued. “We understand that the Department of State is experiencing an unprecedented number of passport applications and renewals, but the strategies put in place to address this unprecedented demand appear to need additional attention.” “These backlogs have resulted in many American families being forced to cancel their travel plans because of increased wait times, a lack of available in-person appointments, and an inability to communicate with passport agencies,” wrote the Sens. “Furthermore, the delay many Americans are experiencing in receiving their passport could potentially be detrimental to their livelihood. The Department of State must address these issues promptly to remedy the situation. As our offices continue to work each and every day to assist constituents with their passport needs.” Many countries require a passport to be valid six months after your trip ends. These include India, Kenya, Morocco, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, Turks and Caicos, and Zimbabwe. All 27 European Union member countries require passports to be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure. Some countries are more visitor-friendly and only require your passport to be valid. These include Argentina, Australia, Dominican Republic, Japan, and the United Kingdom. For travel to Hong Kong, the requirement is one month beyond the trip. Since renewing a passport can take four months, plan accordingly if you have plans to travel or work in a field where foreign travel may be required at some point. Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022 after a career as a lobbyist, attorney, and Sen. Richard Shelby’s chief of staff. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Sen. Katie Britt joins colleagues in introducing bicameral bill to protect American businesses from SEC overreach
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) joined Sen. Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota) and eight of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing legislation to only allow the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to impose future disclosure requirements on publicly traded companies if the information is important for investors’ decisions. “If this Administration continues to try and enforce its radical Green New Deal policies on every corner of America, this reckless, partisan overreach is going to result in fewer American jobs, higher inflation, and more competitive advantages for foreign competitors in the marketplace,” said Sen. Britt. “American companies should not be held hostage by unelected bureaucrats. I’m proud to support this commonsense legislation that would uphold fiscal sanity and free-market values in our economy.” “The heavy hand of government is hampering the growth of our businesses and economy,” said Sen. Rounds. “This legislation would seek to depoliticize the SEC by preventing the agency from requiring reporting of unnecessary information and instead focus on protecting investors, maintaining fair and efficient markets and facilitating capital formation.” In March 2022, the SEC issued a rule requiring any public company to disclose its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, including reporting by downstream suppliers like farmers and ranchers, even if that information is not relevant to investors. This rule would potentially limit access to capital, discourage new companies from going public and result in onerous reporting requirements that will be borne by farmers and small businesses. The Mandatory Materiality Requirement Act would refocus future SEC disclosure requirements on what is important: the information investors need to make smart investment decisions. Specifically, it would amend both the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by inserting statutory language directly into both acts saying an “issuer is only required to disclose information in response to disclosure obligation adopted by the Commission to the extent the issuer has determined that such information is important with respect to a voting or investment decision regarding such issuer.” Sens. Britt and Rounds were joined by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) in introducing this legislation. SEC chair Gary Gensler advanced the SEC rule. Gensler has advocated for the SEC to consider climate-related and social issues in its regulatory policy since he took office in 2021. Gensler said climate reporting rules are a concern for investors and fit in with a tradition of disclosure requirements dating back to the Great Depression. Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Supreme Court rules that Joe Biden’s executive order forgiving student loan debt unconstitutional
On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that President Joe Biden’s controversial executive order to forgive millions of student loans exceeded the powers of the President as enumerated by the Constitution. The Biden administration had argued before the Court that it had acted lawfully as the COVID-19 global pandemic meant that the President had the unilateral right to cancel student loans as part of its emergency response. They also cited a 2003 law called the HEROES Act, passed during the Iraq War. The Court rejected the administration’s arguments in a 6-to-3 ruling Friday in Biden vs. Nebraska. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, “The HEROES Act allows the secretary to ‘waive or modify’ existing statutory or regulatory provisions applicable to financial assistance programs under the Education Act, but does not allow the secretary to rewrite that statute to the extent of canceling $430 billion of student loan principal.” When President Biden was running for office in 2020, he promised student loan forgiveness to motivate young people to vote for him over then-incumbent President Donald Trump. Even though Democrats controlled both Houses of Congress for his first two years in power, Biden could not pass student loan forgiveness through Congress, so he opted for the legally dubious step of doing it by executive fiat. The Supreme Court, in Friday’s ruling, rejected that effort. Congresswoman Terri Sewell, a Biden loyalist, released a statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision. “Today, the Supreme Court has chosen to side with Republican state officials who would rather score political points against President Biden than help hard-working Americans being crushed by student loan debt. To say that I am disappointed would be an understatement,” Rep. Sewell said. “In light of this terrible decision, I am calling on my colleagues in Congress to take action to combat the student debt crisis and make higher education more affordable for our students.” U.S. Senator Katie Britt voiced her support for the Court’s decision. “Hard work and personal responsibility are at the heart of the American Dream,” Britt said on Twitter. “As we knew all along, the Biden Administration’s student loan debt transfer scheme was unfair, unjust, and unlawful. I was proud to join @SenateGOP colleagues on an amicus brief in this important case.” Congressman Barry Moore also released a statement in support of the Supreme Court ruling. “The Supreme Court just declared Biden’s student loan giveaway unconstitutional,” Rep. Moore said on Twitter. “Huge victory for American taxpayers, who would have been forced to foot the bill of $400 billion over the next 30 years.” To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt votes for agriculture appropriations bill
U.S. Senator Katie Britt recently joined her colleagues in advancing the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which included targeted funding for agricultural programs important to Alabama. “This critical funding would grow opportunities for families in Alabama’s rural communities so that zip code does not define access to the American Dream,” said Sen. Britt. “Food security is economic security and national security, and I am glad to see important programs prioritized in this bill to safeguard commodities and resources vital to our nation. I will continue to fight to ensure that Alabama’s hardworking farmers, ranchers, and cattlemen can feed and clothe our state, country, and world long into the future.” The bill advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee consisted of numerous Alabama priorities supported by Senator Britt, including robust funding to combat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), continue the National Feral Swine Damage Management program, and look to develop new strategies to address this threat. In February, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources confirmed a third case of CWD in Lauderdale County. The disease is a fatal neurological illness affecting cervids that have no known treatment or vaccines currently available. CWD could potentially devastate Alabama’s $1.8 billion hunting industry if allowed to spread. The bill also includes funding for feral swine management. Britt’s office says this is additionally vital to Alabama due to the estimated $50 million in agricultural damage caused in the state each year. The bill provides substantial funding for rural utilities and rural development programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which support infrastructure improvements and economic development in rural communities. The FY2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act now moves to the full Senate for its consideration. Britt is a native of Enterprise. She graduated from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law and was elected to the Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt backs bipartisan legislation to solidify American sanctions on Iran
U.S. Senator Katie Britt recently joined Presidential candidate U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) and Senators Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) in cosponsoring the Solidify Iran Sanctions Act (SISA) to make permanent the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. “This legislation sends an important bipartisan message to Iran that the United States will not tolerate continued threats to American national security,” said Sen. Britt. “Peace is achieved through strength. We must stand firm against bad actors and ensure that, first and foremost, our homeland is protected against aggression. I will always fight for America’s safety, and this act is a strong step to safeguard our nation’s future.” “As evidenced by the recent Iranian-backed drone strike in Syria that tragically killed South Carolinian Scott Dubis and the recent seizure of a U.S.-bound oil tanker, it is clear that Iran continues to engage in destabilizing activities that threaten the safety of America, Israel, and our other partners in the region,” Sen. Scott said. “Cementing these sanctions will apply pressure on Iran and help restrain this regime from developing weapons that threaten safety and security around the world.” “We must do everything that we can to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon and stop its support of terrorism,” said Sen. Hassan. Cementing these sanctions would advance national security by restraining Iran from engaging in malign activities that threaten the United States and its allies. SISA would also ensure that America’s sanctions regime continues to apply pressure on Iran amid its continuing dangerous nuclear escalation. In 1996, Congress passed the Iran Sanctions Act (ISA), which allowed the president to impose secondary sanctions on Iran’s energy sector. Throughout the years, ISA provisions were expanded to include other Iranian industries. ISA consists of “triggers” that place sanctions on firms or entities that violate U.S. sanctions under this law. As Iran continues its nuclear enrichment towards a weapons-grade level, it is essential that the United States solidifies its pivotal sanctions to apply pressure toward the rogue regime. The Solidify Iran Sanctions Act removes the sunset provision in the ISA and signals that the U.S. remains firmly committed to sanctioning the regime until it changes its malign behavior. A companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Michelle Steel (R-California), Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nevada). There were international sanctions on Iran, but those went away in the Iran nuclear deal negotiated during the Obama administration. President Donald Trump reimposed U.S. sanctions, but the rest of the international community did not follow America’s lead. President Joe Biden has made some overtures towards negotiating a new deal with Iran, but Iran has not been receptive. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday that there was no nuclear deal with Iran on the table. “There is no agreement in the offing, even as we continue to be willing to explore diplomatic paths,” Blinken said at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. “We’ll see by their actions.” Blinken called on Iran to “not take actions that further escalate the tensions” with the United States and the Middle East. 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.
CJ Pearson: Poison Pill PBM Amendment shouldn’t be added to Insulin Cap Bill
The Senate’s long-awaited movement on the critical issue of insulin affordability marks a pivotal step forward for patients. However, lawmakers must thoroughly scrutinize the additional healthcare measures that may be included in the bill. Specifically, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act, currently under consideration, has the potential to exacerbate the very problem the insulin measure seeks to solve by driving up drug prices across the board. Proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, this provision, if enacted, would burden Alabama families with skyrocketing drug costs, undermining the bill’s objective of making essential medications more affordable. Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville are rightly working to address insulin prices, given that the state has the fifth-highest percentage of adults with diabetes, with roughly half a million patients in the state ready to benefit from a cap on insulin prices. But adding the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act to the overall package will do more harm than good, and I urge our senators to firmly oppose the inclusion of this act. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) serve as a crucial pillar of our healthcare system, saving Americans an average of over $1,000 per year on prescription drug costs. Operating as private sector negotiators, they hold pharmaceutical companies accountable and effectively drive down prices through strategic measures such as rebates, specialty pharmacies, and mail-order services, among others. By leveraging their extensive networks, PBMs negotiate to provide employers and insurers with a variety of coverage choices and flexibility, which translates into more affordable and quality prescription coverage for patients. This means that individuals can enjoy the benefits of affordable medications while health plans can allocate their resources more efficiently, creating a win-win situation for all. Without the negotiating power of PBMs, Americans will be left at the mercy of Big Pharma’s relentless mission to increase profits. Alabamians cannot afford to jeopardize the hard-won cost savings and consumer choice that PBMs provide. Equally concerning, this legislation would reduce employer flexibilities, which would have dire consequences. The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act will not only lead to skyrocketing pharmaceutical prices but also pave the way for increased government interference in healthcare – a long-time goal of Sen. Sanders. Such proposals further regulating PBMs will give the government increased control over the healthcare system. This heavy-handed approach jeopardizes individual liberty, free market competition, and choice, undermining the foundations of our healthcare system. While the Senate’s focus on insulin affordability is crucial—an issue Sens. Britt and Tuberville made a priority in the upper chamber—they must also assess the negative impact of the addition of the PBM legislation. This amendment could prove to be a poison pill. By avoiding hasty decisions and taking a thoughtful and measured approach, we can achieve meaningful and sustainable healthcare reform that benefits all Americans. It is crucial for Congress to recognize the invaluable role that PBMs play in driving down prices, preserving consumer choice, and ensuring affordable healthcare for all. Otherwise, Alabama patients will find themselves paying more for life-saving medication. CJ Pearson is a conservative activist and University of Alabama graduate.
Tommy Tuberville leads first Alabama delegation prayer breakfast
The Alabama Congressional delegation met for a prayer breakfast in Washington, D.C., this week. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, along with U.S. Senator Katie Britt and U.S. Representatives Robert Aderholt, Terri Sewell, Gary Palmer, Barry Moore, Jerry Carl, and Dale Strong, joined to host an Alabama prayer breakfast. More than 100 Alabamians joined congressional leaders praying for the state and nation. “Our uniting in prayer is more important now than ever because I think we can all agree that we are facing a lot of division and brokenness in our country,” said Senator Tuberville. “And the solutions to these problems aren’t found in the Hall of Congress or the White House—but among God’s people. Our presence here today shows we recognize that God is the only one who can heal and restore. But first, America needs to turn back to God. That begins with you and me.” Honored to host the inaugural Alabama Prayer Breakfast with Alabama legislators, faith leaders, & constituents to pray for our great state & nation. Thank you to all those who joined us in prayer. May we continue to look to the Lord for guidance and remain one nation under God. pic.twitter.com/0sAGzZpznk — Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 21, 2023 Senator Britt said on Twitter, “Blessed to start the day in prayer with my colleagues and constituents. Thankful that we had such a great group of Alabamians join our congressional delegation for this morning’s prayer breakfast. All things are possible through Him!” Congressman Palmer said on Twitter, “It was an honor to join fellow Alabamians in prayer this morning for our state and our nation at the first annual Alabama Prayer Breakfast. Thank you to @SenTuberville for hosting.” The members were joined by faith leaders from Alabama, including University of Alabama President Stuart Bell, Dr. Jim Carter of Monroeville, Pastor Troy Garner of Huntsville, and Birmingham Theological Seminary President Ike Reeder. The leaders read passages from the Bible and took turns praying for our families, education system, churches, economy, and military. More than 100 Alabamians gathered in the Kennedy Caucus Room of the Russell Senate Office Building. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt and colleagues advance bipartisan FEND Off Fentanyl Act
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt joined colleagues on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs in unanimously voting to favorably report the FEND Off Fentanyl Act and send the legislation to the full Senate for consideration. The Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act is a bipartisan bill designed to target the flow of the deadly narcotic into the United States by empowering the U.S. Department of the Treasury to target, sanction, and block the financial assets of transnational criminal organizations trafficking fentanyl. In addition, the proceeds from any seized assets would be used to further law enforcement efforts. Senator Britt is a co-sponsor of the bill alongside Senate Banking Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Senate Committee on Armed Services Chairman Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and a bipartisan group of 50 other senators. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is also a co-sponsor. Sen. Brown wrote on Twitter, “Today, with overwhelming and bipartisan support, the @SenateBanking and Housing Committee passed two bills that will make our communities safer and our economy fairer.” Today, with overwhelming and bipartisan support, the @SenateBanking and Housing Committee passed two bills that will make our communities safer and our economy fairer. pic.twitter.com/NGRFcw79gh — Senate Banking and Housing Democrats (@SenateBanking) June 21, 2023 “Truly stopping the influx of this deadly poison into our communities, schools, and families means that we have to go after the well-financed, well-organized, and well-connected individuals profiting from fentanyl trafficking,” said Senator Britt. “The fact that this legislation passed the committee unanimously shows that the Senate is working on a bipartisan basis to ensure that we empower the Treasury Department with the tools they need to protect Americans and hold bad actors accountable. I urge Senator Schumer to bring this legislation to the Senate floor with the urgency this crisis demands.” Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 45, and more than 150 people die each day from overdoses related to fentanyl. In February, Sen. Britt and colleagues introduced the No Coyote Cash Act, a bill aimed at criminalizing payments made with the intent of financing unlawful entry into the U.S. and penalizing convicted foreign aliens who have violated this law by making them deportable and inadmissible for reentrance.
Katie Britt joins letter to DOE addressing transformer rule that could result in supply chain issues
Last week, U.S. Senator Katie Britt last week joined U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and a bipartisan group of 45 other colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm expressing their concerns about a proposed rule by the DOE that increases efficiency standards on distribution transformers. The Senators said that the transformers are a critical piece of infrastructure for the nation’s power grid. The new rule, they contend, comes at a time when the availability of essential grid components remains a significant challenge for the electric power industry and while the industry is struggling due to a substantial increase in demand, supply chain issues, and a skilled workforce shortage. “Instead of meeting the challenges of today – grid reliability, national security, and supply chain efficiency – President Biden chooses to regulate to a different reality, one that only serves his reckless Green New Deal priorities,” said Senator Katie Britt. “I urge this Administration to rescind this rule and commit to a solution that supports current steel industry capabilities.” The Sens. wrote, “Currently, the United States only has one domestic producer of amorphous steel. Moving to amorphous steel cores, as proposed by DOE, would require this sole domestic supplier to rapidly scale operations from its current market share of less than five percent to accommodate the entire distribution transformer market. Such a recalibration of the supply chain will further delay manufacturing production timelines – currently estimated to be a minimum of 18 months to two years.” The Senators acknowledged the actions that this and previous administrations have already taken in recognition of the challenges associated with distribution transformer supply chains but warned that this proposed rule would negate these advancements. “By phasing out the primary market for U.S.-produced GOES, the Proposed Rule could jeopardize this progress, putting everyday American families at risk,” the Sens. explained. “Further, we are concerned that requiring the use of amorphous steel for new distribution transformers could put the administration’s electrification goals at risk by exacerbating an existing grid vulnerability. At the same time, we recognize the numerous and often underappreciated benefits of energy efficiency and support the overall goal of reducing wasteful electrical losses in our distribution grid. We believe the most prudent course of action is to let both GOES and amorphous steel cores coexist in the market, as they do today without government mandates, for new installations as we ramp up domestic production and reorient supply chains.” The Sens. urged the DOE to refrain from promulgating the final rule. “We are committed to working with you to identify short and long-term solutions to the supply chain shortage of these critical grid components with a goal of building a robust domestic market and a more efficient and reliable grid for decades to come,” the Senators concluded. The Proposed Rule would require that the power industry stop installing the industry standard grain-oriented electrical steel (GOES) for all distribution transformers and shift to new transformers with amorphous steel cores. “The Biden-Harris Administration continues to use every means available to reduce America’s carbon footprint while strengthening our security posture and lowering energy costs,” said Sec. Granholm. “Efficient distribution transformers enhance the resilience of our nation’s energy grid and make it possible to deliver affordable electrical power to consumers in every corner of America. By modernizing their energy-conservation standards, we’re ensuring that this critical component of our electricity system operates as efficiently and inexpensively as possible.” The Biden DOE estimates that the proposed standards would reduce U.S. CO2 emissions by 340 million metric tons over the next 30 years—an amount roughly equal to the annual emissions of 90 coal-fired power plants. DOE also expects the proposed rule to generate over ten quads of energy savings and approximately $15 billion in savings to the nation from 30 years of shipments. There is only one domestic producer of amorphous steel core transformers. Katie Britt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. She is an attorney, a native of Enterprise, a former Chief of Staff for Sen. Richard Shelby, former President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama, and a graduate of the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt says confirming Jared Bernstein would cause more economic hardship for Americans
U.S. Senator Katie Britt on Monday released a statement expressing her concerns about confirming the nomination of Dr. Jared Bernstein to serve as Biden’s Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors (CEA). “Make no mistake, Jared Bernstein has been one of the primary architects of the Biden Administration’s disastrous economic policies,” said Sen. Britt. “The last thing that he deserves is a promotion. While hardworking Americans are struggling to make ends meet amid persistent inflation, Dr. Bernstein has pledged to double down on the same reckless tax-and-spend policies that have caused crushing pain around kitchen tables nationwide. The Senate should overwhelmingly reject this nomination and send a message to the White House that it’s past time to restore American energy dominance, slash burdensome regulations, lower taxes, and onshore good-paying jobs.” Britt is a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. During Dr. Bernstein’s appearance before the Banking Committee in April, Senator Britt questioned him about the direction he wanted to take the economy. As she noted in her line of questioning, Dr. Bernstein was satisfied with the direction of the economy and expressed no desire to change course on the current economic policies. Britt claimed that Bernstein’s insistence on advising the President to continue pushing what she called “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 economic expert. Specifically, Britt is concerned with inflation. In response to 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. “The last thing the American people need is a continuation of crushing inflation,” said Sen. Britt immediately following Bernstein’s testimony in April. “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.” It is common in American economic history for deficit spending to be utilized as an economic necessity during times of war or recession. The United States is in neither, but under President Joe Biden, the nation has borrowed trillions of dollars, largely for domestic programs, even though the economy is at full employment. The public sector is competing with both the private sector and even other public sector needs for labor, construction materials, capital, energy, etc. The Biden economic policies have yielded jobs and increased wages. Still, Republicans warn that wages have not kept up with inflation, while rapidly rising interest rates have effectively locked tens of millions of American families out of buying a home. The full Senate will soon vote on confirming Bernstein. 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.
Alabama delegation meets with Commander of Space Command
On Tuesday, the Alabama Congressional Delegation held a meeting today with General James H. Dickinson, Commander of the U.S. Space Command. “General Dickinson just confirmed to us that the headquarters of U.S. Space Command belongs on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama,” said U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama). “This is no surprise, because it’s what the facts clearly support. The White House must keep politics out of this. It’s past time for them to do what’s best for our national security.” News media reports confirm that a U.S. Government Accountability Office report dated May 2022 stated, “Air Force analysis identified Redstone Arsenal as the highest scoring location in the Evaluation Phase, the highest ranked location in the Selection Phase, and the location with the most advantages in the decision matrix. Air Force officials, including the then Secretary of the Air Force, stated that the decision to identify Redstone Arsenal as the preferred location stemmed from Air Force analysis showing it was the strongest candidate location.” “The fact is, Air Force already made the correct decision well over two years ago,” said Congressman Mike Rogers (R-AL03). That decision was affirmed by the GAO and the DoD Inspector General over a year ago. This decision was based on multiple factors, and Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, was the clear winner in the Evaluation and Selection phase. I am deeply concerned that the continued delays in making this move final are politically motivated and damaging to our national security.” “[T]he January 2021 selection of Redstone Arsenal as the preferred location for U.S. Space Command headquarters was consistent with the Air Force’s analysis,” the GAO added. “Multiple senior officials we interviewed stated that they felt the process was unbiased, including the former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy; the former Secretary of the Air Force; the former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; the U.S. Space Command Combatant Commander; and the U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations.” Finally, per the GAO, “[T]he Air Force identified the ability to disperse combatant commands geographically as supporting its decision, and Air Force officials told us that they considered risk related to colocating U.S. Space Command and U.S. Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base as a military judgment issue. The Air Force considered dispersing combatant commands in different geographic areas as a strategic advantage, and a way to avoid placing two combatant commands at risk from the same threat.” The Biden Administration, meanwhile, has delayed moving Space Command to Redstone Arsenal. This decision was made three years ago. Redstone was chosen over Nebraska, which finished number 2 in the evaluation process. San Antonio, Texas, was third. Colorado finished fourth, but according to an NBC News report, the White House is poised to overrule the Air Force on this purely for political reasons. Colorado voted for Joe Biden, while Alabama, Nebraska, and Texas did not. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Katie Britt cosponsors bipartisan bill to suspend the tariff on baby formula
U.S. Senator Katie Britt recently joined U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Bob Menendez (D-New Jersey), and Congressmen Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska) and Don Beyer (D-Virginia) to introduce the Formula 3.0 Act, legislation that would permanently suspend tariffs on baby formula from certain nations, bolstering continued access and affordability for American families. In 2022, families across the U.S. struggled to find formula to feed their infants after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) temporarily shut down one of the country’s two formula producers. Amid the dire shortages, Congress passed legislation to temporarily suspend tariffs on imported baby formula from allied countries, bringing much-needed supply into the marketplace. The tariff suspensions expired in January 2023. With the potential of another possible shortage looming and rising prices, the Formula 3.0 Act would reinstate these tariff suspensions and make them permanent, helping to ensure that parents always have access to affordable baby formula that meets the FDA’s standards. “As a mom of two, I know firsthand how critical it is to be able to find formula for your baby,” said Sen. Katie Britt. “During the formula shortage last year, too many families were forced to confront the unthinkable, often desperately searching and coming up empty-handed. Permanently waiving these tariffs on allied countries gives parents greater access to formula. I’m proud to join my colleagues in bringing forward this bipartisan legislation that would ensure American families are able to provide their children with critical, life-sustaining nutrition.” “The welfare of our families, especially our infants, is of utmost importance. The formula shortage has highlighted the need for long-term solutions that promote accessibility and affordability,” Sen. Lee said. “With the FORMULA 3.0 Act, we take a significant step towards permanently eliminating trade barriers and ensuring a stable supply of infant formula for families across the nation.” “I’m proud to be co-leading this bipartisan effort to permanently waive tariffs on infant formula, which will lower prices and ensure we can protect infants from risks associated with current or future supply shortages,” said Sen. Menendez. “We have a responsibility to care for our families and children, and this common-sense solution will do just that.” Rep. Smith is the Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee. “The baby formula crisis put an additional spotlight on the serious supply chain challenges we face,” said Rep. Smith. “Congress immediately came together in a bipartisan way to waive tariffs on safe, FDA-approved formula, and it alleviated some of the pressures families faced when searching for formula. Now that those tariffs have returned, the availability of formula has become strained once again. That’s why we are working in a bipartisan, bicameral way to permanently lift barriers to safely import formula and give families more options and access to the formula they need.” “The fragility of the domestic infant formula market was put into stark relief last year when a problem at just one company’s facility led to a drastic supply shortage and massive price increases for parents nationwide,” said Rep. Beyer. “Due to high tariffs and other protectionist obstacles preventing high-quality infant formula imports from the global market, parents with small children were left scrambling to find affordable alternatives. With the expiration of temporary emergency measures designed to ease the shortage, the market remains extremely vulnerable to another supply shock. This bill would permanently eliminate trade barriers to encourage the import of FDA-compliant infant formula, bringing prices down for parents in the near term and staving off a potential future crisis.” The tariffs were designed to encourage domestic manufacture of baby formula, but with only two companies in that space domestically, the tariff effectively drives the price up for imported baby formula. Katie Britt was elected to the Senate in 2022. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
